Search results for ""Open University Press""

Children like to play. They get all sorts of benefits from playing. They get the most benefit from play when they are in control of what they are doing. Yet there are lots of circumstances today that mean children are not able to control their own play and that's where playwork comes in, where the role of the playworker is to create environments that enable children to take control of their playing. This book aims to explore the similarities, differences and tensions that exist between play and playwork including appropriate definitions and the conflict around the role of the adult. Fraser Brown proposes a play to playwork continuum, where playing can be considered a 'developmental and evolutionary' activity and playwork a 'compensatory' activity. Helpfully structured around the aspects considered by the author as most important for playwork, this book uses 101 fascinating stories of children playing to illuminate a range of play and playwork theories. The rich array of powerful stories - drawn from the casebooks of eminent and experienced playworkers - speak for themselves whilst at the same time triggering theoretical explorations that are interwoven with the stories in each chapter.Mesmerizing, absorbing and original, this is essential reading for playwork students and practitioners, as well as for students and practitioners of early years, childhood, children's health and wellbeing, and children’s social care.

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How can practice be understood and developed? What part can action research play in that process? What principles lie at the heart of action research and how can they be adopted? How can action research bring about democratic and collaborative changes to practice? These and other questions are answered in this book which offers both a practical step-by-step guide to action research and an examination of the underlying principles and challenges. Action research as an approach aims to generate knowledge and achieve principled change. This book explores the overarching features and a variety of models of action research to provide advice, guidance, and support on its conduct and to identify challenges that may arise, with a focus on understanding and changing practice as a result. Throughout the book examples of action research illustrate each of the stages of action research so that you can see how action research has been conducted and applied in practice, and how this relates to the principles and practices of action research discussed in the book. Conducting action research can present a number of challenges. This book includes reflection points on the challenges posed, as well as advice on how these challenges may be addressed in order to achieve embedded and sustainable change. “The book to recommend to your students to help them understand how action research has developed as a form of inquiry and support them to plan their own studies.”Professor Mark Hadfield, Director, Centre for Developmental and Applied Research in Education, University of Wolverhampton, UK “This book fully embraces the ‘glorious and challenging diversity of action research’ and is essential reading for anyone interested in undertaking any form of educational research.”Ian Abbott, Director, Institute of Education, University of Warwick, UK “This refreshing new book will prove invaluable to teachers embarking on Masters-level Action Research studies. It will help teachers to redefine their practices and to confidently establish themselves as principled andprofessional teacher-researchers.”Dr Andy Convery, University of Sunderland, UK “This book is a rich and useful text both for those wanting to explore the practice of action research and the key ideas underpinning it as an approach. Andrew Townsend brings much experience as a researcher, thinker and developer of action research in educational settings to this book.”Professor Colleen McLaughlin, University of Cambridge (moving to Sussex) “I have recommended this book for practitioners on the action research programme we carry out. It is much more than a how to guide; it raises the fundamental questions about the nature of action research”Mick Hammond, University of Warwick, UK

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This ground-breaking and accessible book is the ideal resource for trainee and qualified mental health nurses looking for a guide to the main psychological therapies and interventions available in practice. Framed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (2010) standards for pre-registration nursing education and written by experts in the field, the book explains which interventions are most effective for each of the most common mental health disorders. It also shows you how these interventions work in practice and illustrates the skills required to use them in your own practice. The book also: Provides a practical and pragmatic approach to the delivery of psychological interventions Promotes collaboration, effective risk management and consideration of the value-base of mental health nursing practice Encourages critically reflective learning through use of scenarios and interactive quizzes Considers the influence of policies and guidelines Particular attention is paid to the ethical context of psychological interventions and to the use of psychological interventions by newly qualified mental health nurses. The book challenges you to question your underlying beliefs, values and assumptions.Bursting with examples based on real practitioners’ experiences, this is a must have book for pre-registration mental health nursing students and qualified mental health nurses looking to develop their therapeutic skills and understanding.Contributors: Denise Aspinall, May Baker, Ged Carney, John Harrison, Paula Kennedy, Deborah Knott, Denise Parker, Karen Rea, James Ridley, Rebecca Rylance, Peter Simpson and Lisa Woods.“This book provides excellent foundations in common psychological interventions that are used in mental health and other fields of nursing.”Paul Barber, Senior Lecturer, University of Chester, UK“This accessible scenario based text gets to the heart of how to effectively integrate psychological values and emotional intelligence with professional, ethical and cognitive skills to develop a meaningful collaborative therapeutic relationship with mental health service users and their families."Linda Cooper, Professional Head Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disability and Psychosocial Care, Cardiff University, UK (former Chair Mental Health Nurse Academics UK“This is an ideal text for student nurses and qualified practitioners ... and is particularly rewarding given the balance of authors from a clinical, academic and research background.”Dr Joy A Duxbury, Head of Centre of Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, UK“Whether you struggle with mental health as a service user, or a student embarking on a career in mental health nursing, you will find this book accessible and useful … It provides students and health professionals from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills, and offers a developing and innovative approach that will place them at the forefront of mental health practice.”Robert Walker, Fellow Member of the Institute of Mental Health and Associate Expert for the School of Inclusion and Communities, UK

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"An excellent and accessible text that will help all students and scholars to develop a strong review and enable them to outline and analyse the key ideas for their study. The structure of the book is really well thought out and the chapters are written in a way which readers will find helpful and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book to research students."Professor Mark Brundrett, Liverpool John Moores University, UKThis step-by-step handbook provides comprehensive and practical guidance on the process of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, as well as planning and writing a literature review. The book takes a student friendly approach to offer complete novices a simple review of a process which is often central to producing a research study. Succeeding with your Literature Review will enable you to: Design a literature review which is related to the main facets of a research project Conduct a logically-planned search for relevant literature Determine which literature is most suited to inclusion in your study Analyse the literature, drawing comparisons and connections where appropriate Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of relevant literature Write logically and rationally about the key features of literature Write a literature review in a sound academic style Understand how to relate a literature review to other elements of your study or dissertation Written by an author with extensive experience of supervising and examining undergraduate, Masters and doctoral dissertations, this book covers the latest trends, such as: RSS feeds, wikis, grey literature, blogs and forms of open access publishing. The book also includes examples of common pitfalls, good practice, key terms and questions to reinforce student learning and reflection. Succeeding with your Literature Review is relevant in all subject areas and is essential reading for third year undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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This bestselling undergraduate level book is an ideal resource for student paramedics looking for an excellent introduction to the main theoretical subjects studied in paramedic courses, and links practice issues to the all-important theory base.The chapters bring to life a wide variety of academic subjects, making complex subjects easily readable and encouraging reflection on how theory fits with practice. This third edition has been expanded throughout and includes five new chapters on research and evidence-based practice, human factors affecting paramedic practice, developing resilience, caring for people with dementia, and public health perspectives. This new edition also covers:• Ethics and law for the paramedic• Reflective practice and communication• Professional issues, including clinical audit and governance and anti-discriminatory practice• Psychological perspectives on health and ill health• Social factors• Care of vulnerable adults and end of life care• Safeguarding children• Managing change, decision making and leadership theoryWritten by a team of experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors from across the UK, the book includes numerous links to practice, a wide selection of case studies and examples which encourage you to ‘stop and think’ and reflect upon your practice experience.Blaber’s Foundations for Paramedic Practice: A Theoretical Perspective, Third Edition is a core text for student paramedics and a valuable resource for students of all allied health professions.'This book should be considered essential reading material for student paramedics endeavouring to understand the vital core concepts that underpin paramedic science. This clear, concise and user-friendly text is also invaluable for newly qualified paramedics, experienced paramedics looking to continue their own professional development and those acting as Practice Educators'.Sarah Christopher, PGC LTHE, BSc (Hons), MA Ed, FHEA, MC Para, Programme Lead for Paramedic Science, The University of Lincoln, UK

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Over the last 15 years the Primary National Strategy and the standards-driven curriculum in teacher education have demonstrably improved the primary education of children in the UK. Yet there has been a growing awareness that creativity has been neglected. To address this, a range of initiatives have been launched to offer support for creativity in the primary curriculum. This book will provide teachers with a set of teaching strategies to provide children with a tool-kit of creative skills. This book suggests that a child, who might dislike a lesson on the correct use of grammar, will become excited by a lesson that involves using his or her own talents and experiences to create a story. Throughout the process of composing the story the child will attend to aspects of grammar in order to share their work with others. Results from the classroom research conducted using the exercises in this book suggest that the book has the power to enable teachers to engage pupils in writing lessons, who are often uninterested in classroom writing lessons. The book also includes: 20 creative writing templates for classroom activities A variety of exercises to help develop creative writing skills and build pupil confidence Detailed curriculum links Teaching Creative Writing in the Primary School is essential reading for all primary school teachers.

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“This is a modern multi-disciplinary text confronting a complex age and journey into recovery. It is a roadmap for every student of mental health who wants to put the most up-to-date practice fuel into their tank. The case study approach offers an authentic insight into life experiences of service users and allows the reader to re-think the relationship they have with vulnerable people in the middle of sensitive life challenges.”Dr Dean-David Holyoake, University of Wolverhampton, UKThis engaging book consists of 27 case studies which offer a realistic and insightful view into the experience of mental ill-health. A range of mental health problems are considered for people at different stages of the lifespan, from common problems such as anxiety or depression, through to severe and enduring conditions such as schizophrenia.Part of a new Case Book series, the book is written in an informative and clear style and utilises the latest evidence-based interventions and resources. The approach adopted: Incorporates recovery based principles Emphasizes the importance of collaborative working Values the person’s perspective Actively empowers and advocates for the person to make their own decisions and choices Written and edited by academic experts and experienced clinicians, the cases all take a positive, person-centred approach focusing on recovery outcomes. The book addresses the biological, psychological, social and physical aspects in scenarios and includes areas of mental health which are often overlooked, such as alcohol and substance misuse amongst older adults.Mental health nurse training involves focusing on working with individuals one-to-one in a range of settings, and this case book will reflect and complement the skills and situations students face while training and on placement.Contributors: Geoffrey Amoateng, Jean-Louis Ayivor, May Baker, Alison Coad, Hilary Ford, Sally Goldspink, John Harrison, Mark McGrath, Michael Nash, Cliff Riordan, Heather Rugg, Noel Sawyer, Vanessa Skinner, Steve Wood.

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"I am delighted to endorse this practical and accessible guide to writing and developing a portfolio for nurses. Unlike many 'how-to-do' approaches to portfolio compilation, this book acknowledges the complexity involved in learning from practice, and recording that learning in a meaningful way. The book respectfully guides the reader through essential elements to be considered if a portfolio is to be more than a depository of paper, yet avoids prescription in acknowledging the individual nature of the portfolio and its necessity to reflect the nurse's own journey through their career."Professor Melanie Jasper, Head of College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, UK"The compilation of a nursing portfolio is a task, which is often neglected in the busy student nurse's life between long shifts and assignments. Timmins & Duffy encourage one to take on the challenge and guide one through the process systematically ... Examples of structured reflections and of portfolio layouts make the realisation of one's own well presented portfolio easier than one might think. Any student or qualified nurse will thus benefit from Timmins & Duffy's encouraging book."Karin Schirmaier, Student, University of the West of England, UK"This book is intended for nurses at all stages of their careers and offers a much needed step-by-step guide to planning, writing and maintaining a portfolio. I was particularly pleased to see a strong emphasis on refl ection and education, as a means of encouraging nurses to think critically and learn from their own practice. All in all, this is a very well-constructed book which I highly recommend."Professor Gary Rolfe, Swansea University, UKThis handy guide, co-published with the Nursing Standard, is perfect for nurses who need to put together a portfolio and don't know where to start. Written as a step-by-step guide it answers all the common questions about how to compile and write a good nursing portfolio. Each chapter includes different tasks so you can create your portfolio as you work through the book. The book assumes no prior knowledge of portfolio building and includes: Examples of good and challenging portfolio pieces Tools and techniques for reflection and critical thinking Guidance on the NMC competency frameworks Writing your Nursing Portfolio is indispensable reading for all nursing students looking for a clear and accessible guide to creating and developing a portfolio. The book describes how the nursing portfolio fits into clinical practice and how it can make a positive difference to the nurse, patient and others.

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Becoming a Reflective English Teacher builds firm bridges between theory and practice, exploring how these can be brought together to create powerful contexts for teaching and learning across the broad spectrum of elements of the English secondary curriculum. By combining both theoretical and practical dimensions, the book enables you to reflect meaningfully on the processes and impact of your teaching. In a structured and practical way this book introduces you to the paradigmatic and theoretical issues underpinning English teaching. Through its focus on the significant aspects of the role of the English teacher, the book enables you to consider not just the practice of English, but also a range of historical, social policy and theoretical perspectives relating to the development and formulation of English as a subject. Overall the book provides a detailed understanding of the major foundations of English as an academic discipline, as well as what this means for your teaching. Key features include: Professional reflection –targeted reflective activities M level tasks –designed to help develop strong and meaningful connections between academic and practical components of the teacher’s role Into Practice –opportunities to think about the practical application of material in the book This book supports students training to teach English in secondary schools, as well as the professional development of teachers of English early in their careers.Contributors: Angella Cooze, Robert Fisher, Jenny Grahame, Bethan Marshall, Jo McIntyre, Debra Myhill, Vicky Obied, Maggie Pitfield, Richard Quarshie, Gary Snapper, Linda Varley, Annabel Watson, Paula Zwozdiak-Myers

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This book tells the story of how one primary school community worked to build a learning environment that is inclusive, humane and enabling for everybody, a place free from the damaging effects of fixed ability thinking and practices. Drawing on compelling accounts of everyday life in the school, it describes how, in just a few years, the school (once in special measures) grew into a thriving community, with distinctive views of learning, curriculum and pedagogy, monitoring and accountability that found expression in every aspect of school life.The work of the school community was guided by the findings of a previous project, 'Learning without Limits' (Hart, Dixon, Drummond and McIntyre 2004), an empirical study of the classroom practice of individual teachers who had rejected the concept of fixed ability. 'Creating Learning without Limits' explores what becomes possible when the same ideas and principles are used creatively to guide and inspire whole school improvement. This book is not simply a celebration of the success of the school; it engages with the struggles and difficulties encountered by the staff as they set about learning to reshape pedagogy and curriculum by reference to their shared values of inclusion, social justice and human educability. It gives a detailed analysis of how the headteacher harnessed the power of collective action.The insights generated by this study have enduring relevance and applicability to people in other contexts - for staff groups craving for more equitable school improvement; for individual teachers wondering how best to foster children's learning capacity; for school leaders and teacher educators who find their values increasingly compromised."'Creating Learning without Limits' takes on one of the most important issues in education today... This is a must-read for educators, policy makers and parents alike."Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University, California. Formerly a teacher and researcher at the Universities of London and Sussex."This will undoubtedly turn out to be amongst the most important educational books of the decade...If you want to know why 'the standards agenda' must inevitably fail and what we might do instead, read this book."Professor Michael Fielding, Institute of Education, University of London, UK"This is an inspiring and reviving book."Anne Watson, Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Oxford, UK"This book provides a grounded demonstration of the importance of educational principles, the most important of which is the understanding that each child's potential for learning is limitless... I urge you to let it influence your thinking too!"Professor Andrew Pollard, Institute of Education, University of London, UK"The book deserves a really wide readership."Professor Clyde Chitty, Institute of Education, University of London, UK"This book is slim in size but hefty in significance."Barry Hymer, Professor of Psychology in Education, Education Faculty, University of Cumbria, UK"A classic for our time, it should be read by all who seek approaches to teaching and learning that are free from externally imposed views of ability and potential.”Professor Lani Florian, School of Education, University of Aberdeen, UK"This book could be the catalyst for the educational change that we are all praying for."Julie Lilly, Head Teacher, UK

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Interpretation is an integral part of all qualitative research, yet relatively little has been written about its process. In her new book, Carla Willig, author of international bestseller Introducing Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology, sheds light on the role of interpretation in qualitative research in psychology and describes the different approaches for practice.Packed with case studies, two full interview transcripts and worked examples from psychology, health sciences and the arts, Willig skilfully guides you to conduct qualitative research which is interpretative and based upon a clear rationale and interpretative position. You will also learn how to evaluate interpretative research and to acquire an understanding of what constitutes best ethical practice. Carla’s transcribed conversations with Stephen Frosh, Christine Griffin and Jonathan Smith about the meaning and practice of interpretation provide a fascinating insight into the ways in which highly experienced researchers engage with the challenge of interpreting qualitative data. This book will be valuable reading for all psychology students, researchers and practitioners and a useful reference for students across the social sciences and related health disciplines.“This new book by Carla Willig closes a gap in qualitative research in psychology and beyond.”Uwe Flick, Alice Salomon University, Berlin and Vienna Universities“In this work Carla Willig takes on one of the most pressing challenges in qualitative inquiry: how are we to confront multiplicity in interpretation? I began reading with great curiosity; I came away feeling that this is the best treatment of this complex subject I have yet encountered.”Kenneth Gergen, Senior Research Professor, Swarthmore College, USA“This book offers a distinctively human and affective vision of interpretative work. There is much here for both dedicated qualitative researchers and curious empiricists of every stripe. Students of psychology, read on: you have nothing to lose but your prejudices.”Steven Brown, Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology, University of Leicester, UK“At last! This is the book that qualitative researchers in psychology have required for some time, and it fills a significant gap for the field.”Kerry Chamberlain, Professor of Social and Health Psychology, Massey University, New Zealand

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"Melanie Parris provides an excellent introduction to social work, dealing with important aspects of social work values, basic areas of knowledge and vital key skills. Her writing is clear and student-friendly with many examples from practice and encouragement for the reader to develop understanding using active learning."Robert Adams, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Teesside University, UK"This practice focused text clearly draws upon the many years of experience the author has of social work education ... It will be of great help to students who need to integrate theoretical understanding with practical experience and develop core skills. The structure is inclusive and the language accessible. Each chapter has clear learning objectives enabling time pressed learners to focus on particular aspects of professional practice they will encounter in placement." Madeleine Howe, Faculty Head of Quality and Standards, University of Gloucestershire, UK"A very practical and accessible introduction to some of the key concepts and notions which are needed by practitioners in social work. This book helpfully explores the relationship between social work and social care, setting social work in a broader context ... It addresses a spectrum of relevant issues such as communication, collaboration and working with service users whilst encouraging more critical and analytical thinking with a wealth of 'Pause for Thought' exercises."Georgina Koubel, Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University, UKThis practical workbook is written for social work students and includes both theory and a range of exercises, providing a good foundation for the knowledge and skills you will need for successful practice learning. A variety of active learning features are integrated throughout the book. These are designed to be worked through in sequence, so that the knowledge and skills gained are steadily developed and consolidated. The four key sections cover: Skills for learning and studying in social work - including setting up study groups, developing a creative approach to learning, making the best use of time and key concepts such as reflection and critical thinking. Social work values - includes a unique personal narrative linking the experiences of disability with developments in the way society views disabled people, the development of the social model of disability and relevant legislation. Key social work values and codes of practice are also explored along with meaningful service user and carer participation. Communication and interpersonal skills - why they are important, what communication skills are and different forms of communication – with a look at the skills required for specific situations with service users. Professionalism in social work - explores the meaning of professionalism and how it applies to social work, plus the key elements of professional behaviour including how to behave professionally and handle emotions including stress. Importantly, the book also looks at working in teams and with other professions, how to use supervision effectively to enhance professional development, keeping safe and strategies for managing risk to self. An appreciation of the needs and views of service users is integrated throughout the book, with contributions from a carer, a student and a social work practitioner.

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"With its diversity throughout including almost 40 authors from different therapeutic modalities, continents and professional fields the book indeed is both an ‘invitation and challenge’ and a means ‘to aid transcultural therapists in conducting their work in a sensitive and informed manner’. It brings to mind a colourful and well stocked market comprising two parts. The first provides nourishing food for practitioners such as contributions to theory, use of interpreters, training, supervision, research and case studies. The second offers an outstanding exploration of the impact of different cultural backgrounds orchestrated by the editor, whose compilation from a UK perspective might be a useful example for other cultural and language areas. The involved reader will be delighted to have this inspiring handbook to hand."Gerhard Stumm, Ph.D., psychotherapy trainer, Vienna "Therapists pride themselves on cherishing the uniqueness of every client. This book offers a powerful challenge for it plainly demonstrates that a commitment to honouring uniqueness cannot be divorced from a sensitivity to the cultural, racial, spiritual and ethnic differences that clients present in an increasingly multicultural society. Here is an impressive compendium that illuminates the many clinical, training, relational and supervisory issues involved together with the widest range of contributions from diverse cultures that I have ever encountered in one volume. Colin Lago is to be congratulated on editing an invaluable resource which is both stimulating and disturbing in its implications."Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of East Anglia and Co-founder of The Norwich CentreThis fascinating book examines recent critical thinking and contemporary research findings in the field of transcultural counselling and psychotherapy. It also explores the effects of different cultural heritages upon potential clients and therapists.The first part of the book reflects the curriculum, context and content of counselling and psychotherapy training courses, with regards to sensitivity to diversity. It covers key issues such as: Implications of identity development for therapeutic work Ethnic matching of clients and therapists Working with interpreters and bi-cultural workers Overcoming racism, discrimination and oppression within the counselling process An overview of current research within this field In the second part, the authors give personal accounts that explore the impact of cultural heritage on people who have moved from their countries of origin to ‘Western’ countries,, such as the UK or the USA.The Handbook of Transcultural Counselling and Psychotherapy will be of immense value to a wide range of readers, including counselling and therapy practitioners, supervisors, trainees, agency managers and colleagues in other therapy-related services. Contributors: Aileen Alleyne, Alison Barty, Anita Chakraborty, Divine Charura, Riccardo Draghi-Lorenz, Patricia Eschoe, Farkhondeh Farsimadan, Tiane Corso Graziottin, Delroy Hall, Fiona Hall, Addila Khan, Indu Khurana, Colin Lago, Courtland C. Lee, Yair Maman, Susan McGinnis, Isha Mckenzie-Mavinga, Roy Moodley, Renate Motschnig, Sheila Mudadi-Billings, GoEun Na, Seamus Nash, Bernie Neville, Yuko Nippoda, Ladislav Nykl, Simon du Plock, Judy Ryde, Antony Sigalas, Harbrinder Dhillon Stevens, Patsy Sutherland, Rachel Tribe, Andrea Uphoff, Valerie Watson, Tony Wright, Jin Wu and Neelam Zahid.

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With its spread of chapters covering key issues across the life cycle this text has established itself as the foundational primer for those studying the lived experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families, and outcomes achieved through services and support systems. Recognising learning disability as a lifelong disability, this accessible book is structured around the life cycle. The second edition is refreshed and expanded to include seven new chapters, covering: Aetiology Breaking news (about disability) and early intervention Transition to adulthood The sexual lives of women Employment Personalisation People with hidden identities With contributions from respected figures from a range of disciplines, the book draws heavily upon multidisciplinary perspectives and is based on the latest research and evidence for practice. The text is informed by medical, social and legal models of learning disability, exploring how "learning disability" is produced, reproduced and understood. Extensive use is made of real-life case studies, designed to bring theory, values, policy and practice to life. Narrative chapters describe, in the words of people with learning disabilities themselves, their lives and aspirations. They helpfully show readers the kinds of roles played by families, advocates and services in supporting people with learning disabilities. New exercises and questions have been added to encourage discussion and reflection on practice.Learning Disability is core reading for students entering health and social care professions to work with people with learning disabilities. It is a compelling reference text for practitioners as it squarely addresses the challenges facing people with learning disability, their loved ones and the people supporting them.Contributors Dawn Adams, Kathryn Almack, Dorothy Atkinson, Nigel Beail, Christine Bigby, Alison Brammer, Jacqui Brewster, Hilary Brown, Jennifer Clegg, Lesley Cogher, Helen Combes, Clare Connors, Bronach Crawley, Eric Emerson, Margaret Flynn, Linda Gething, Dan Goodley, Peter Goward, Gordon Grant, Chris Hatton, Sheila Hollins, Jane Hubert, Kelley Johnson, Gwynnyth Llewellyn, Heather McAlister, Michelle McCarthy, Alex McClimens, Roy McConkey, David McConnell, Keith McKinstrie, Fiona Mackenzie, Ghazala Mir, Ada Montgomery, Lesley Montisci, Elizabeth Murphy, Chris Oliver, Richard Parrott, Paul Ramcharan, Malcolm Richardson, Bronwyn Roberts, Philippa Russell, Kirsten Stalker, Martin Stevens, John Taylor, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, Sally Twist, Jan Walmsley, Kate Woodcock"The editors and contributors are to be congratulated on the production of a relevant and contemporary text that I have no hesitation in both endorsing and recommending to all involved in supporting and or caring for people with learning disabilities."Professor Bob Gates, Project Leader - Learning Disabilities Workforce Development, NHS Education South Central, UK"This is a seminal text for students and practitioners, researchers and policy makers."Associate Professor Keith R. McVilly, Deakin University, Australia"If I were to personally recommend any book for budding or current learning disability professionals then this would be it."James Grainger, Student Nurse/Social Worker, Sheffield Hallam University, UK"The book gives a true wealth of good practice scenarios that can only help practitioners be good at what they do and aspire to be."Lee Marshall, Student Nurse, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

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This book questions some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many in early childhood education. For many early childhood professionals play is viewed as the essential aspect of children¿s development and learning and play is often promoted as a universal and almost magical `fix¿ in the early years. Although play does have many benefits for children, there are other sides to play that are not so romantic, natural, or even particularly educational. 'The Trouble with Play' challenges such taken-for-granted understandings of play in early childhood education and shows how play is not always innocent or fun, that it can be unfair and unjust in the interactions children have with each other and with staff in early childhood settings.In addition to encouraging early years professionals to have new ways of seeing and thinking about play, the book also explores new approaches to pedagogy and the role for the teacher, including the use of 'play' as a powerful strategy for teaching and learning, as well as practical and productive strategies for bringing a critical perspective to issues around play.

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This book considers and interrogates a range of new and critical issues in contemporary early childhood education. It discusses both fundamental and emerging topics in the field, and presents them in the context of reflective and contemporary frameworks.Bringing together leading experts whose work is at the cutting edge of contemporary early childhood education theory and research across the world, this book considers the care and education of young children from a global perspective and deals with issues and groups of children or families that are often marginalized.The contributing authors challenge traditional views and maintain that new ways of thinking and doing are required in these new times. The chapters in this book highlight some of the most important issues as catalysts for discussion and critique.Central to the discussions is the notion that these are complex issues that warrant debate and that there are often no simple solutions to them. These theoretical perspectives are situated in practice with the use of engaging case studies.This edited collection is essential reading for anyone studying or working in early childhood education.Contributors: Marina Umaschi Bers, Erica Burman, Judith Duncan, Anne Haas Dyson, Karen Gallas, Rachael Holmes, Elizabeth Jones, Michelle Leiminer, Hillevi Lenz Taguchi, Maggie MacLure, Christina MacRae, Joanna McPake, Veronica Pacini Ketchabaw, Alan Pence, Helen Penn, Lydia Plowman, Valerie Polakow, Christine Stephen, Gail Yuen. "This innovative and challenging book offers a refreshing and vigorous response to those who seek to create childhoods that are standardized, over-regulated and framed within a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. It demonstrates how childhoods are multiple, complex and multi-faceted in a global context and outlines approaches to policy and practice that celebrate diversity and address contemporary concerns such as poverty, children's rights and quality in early childhood education. This is a book that should be read by researchers, practitioners, students and policy-makers alike: each will find important material that will change their thinking about early childhood education in the 21st century."Professor Jackie Marsh, University of Sheffield, UK"An important addition to the growing body of literature contesting mainstream and standardising early childhood education, offering a rich, diverse and critical menu of work about both policy and practice."Professor Peter Moss, Institute of Education University of London, UK

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Are you teaching or training to teach literacy to adult learners?Do you want to update and deepen your practice?Yes! Then this is the essential book for you!In this book, the authors offer friendly guidance on how to work with adult learners to develop their literacy skills and practices. They challenge the negative view of adult literacy learners as social 'problems', often described in terms of their deficits. They promote an alternative view of people who have rich resources and skills in many areas of their lives which they can bring to the learning process.The contributing authors have a wealth of experience as practitioners and researchers in the field. They pull together a wide range of current theory and research on adult literacy, offering new perspectives on theory and applications to everyday practice. Key features include: Case studies of real student experiences Samples of learners’ writing with commentary and analysis Application of linguistic theory to literacy teaching Practical suggestions for teaching, planning and assessment Guidance on supporting learners with dyslexia and global learning difficulties Reflective tasks, encouraging readers to develop and apply their knowledge This book is an invaluable resource for trainee teachers studying on literacy specialist courses leading to teaching qualifications, as well as for experienced practitioners wishing to update and deepen their practice.

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Despite good intentions for formative assessment to enhance the quality of students' learning and motivation, it is widely misunderstood. Throughout the education system, it has become little more than a way of coaching students to meet the demands of summative assessment.This unique book combines theory, research and practical insights to demonstrate how teachers might enhance their understanding of formative assessment, particularly in vocational and adult education settings that are under pressure to meet targets for inclusion, retention and achievement. Drawing on recent research, the book includes six case studies that draw out the implications of the research findings to suggest ways in which teachers might change their assessment practice, despite the pressures in their own contexts.It considers: What is formative assessment, and what is it not? What impact do political and social factors have on assessment practices? Why do similar assessment practices have different effects in different 'learning cultures'? What role does subject knowledge play in educationally-worthwhile formative assessment? How can teachers, lecturers and other education professionals improve formative assessment? This book is essential reading for teachers, trainee teachers, staff development officers, researchers and those running training courses throughout the lifelong learning sector. It is ideal for those studying for PTLLS, CTLLS and DTLLS qualifications and for Cert Ed and PGCE awards related to the Lifelong Learning Sector. It is also relevant to various stakeholders involved in the design of qualifications, including awarding bodies, and to researchers interested in assessment and the impact of education policy on practice in all sectors of the education system, and particularly in lifelong learning.The book is authored with Jennie Davies, Visiting Research Fellow, University of Exeter, UK; Jay Derrick, Adult Education Consultant/Visiting Lecturer, Institute of Education, London, UK; and Judith Gawn, Regional Programme Director (LLN), NIACE London, UK.

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"This is an impressively cogent account of the complex, shifting media landscape in France, agreeably written by an acknowledged expert in the field ... finding a workable balance between research expertise and usefulness for teaching is never easy, but this volume comes as close as possible to getting it right."Journal of European Studies 2012 42: 94"Thanks to his intimate knowledge of French politics and culture, Kuhn has brilliantly captured what makes the uniqueness of the French media system."Thierry Vedel, Senior Research Fellow at Sciences Po in Paris"This book achieves the remarkable and all too rare combination of offering an extremely clear, accessible and well organised introduction for students of the French Media and providing a host of new perspectives to those well versed in the field."Dr David Levy, Director, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford, UK"A necessary tool to understand a very particular mass media system such as the French one. After a detailed historical reconstruction Raymond Kuhn offers an interesting interpretation of the present mass media problems under the Sarkozy Presidency."Paolo Mancini, Università di Perugia, ItalyThe Media in Contemporary France analyses the role of the main news media - press, radio, television and the internet - in one of the world's major democracies. Written by a leading specialist in the field, it covers media policy, news management and image projection during the mediatized 'hyperpresidency' of Nicolas Sarkozy.Raymond Kuhn outlines the historical development of the media in France before providing a critical evaluation of today's digital media landscape, that has seen both the entry of new online actors (such as Google, Facebook and Twitter) and the destabilization of many traditional outlets in both press and broadcasting sectors (for instance, Le Monde and France Télévisions).Key aspects of the structures and functioning of the contemporary media - including ownership, political partisanship, content regulation and policy-making - are covered in depth. The author also looks at the contribution of the French media on the world stage, with the launch of the international rolling news channel, France 24, serving as a case study of France's global media activities.This book will appeal to students in the fields of media and communication studies, political communication, journalism, French politics and society and European Studies.

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"The book provides a well written guide that adeptly captures the sensitivities and complex implications of both research process and dissemination within the ever changing and highly regulated world of social work."Victoria Foster,Research Associate, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work,University of Manchester, UK, in British Journal of Social Work June 2010"This book offers many practical examples of research projects taken from the author's own experience as a researcher. These examples illustrate the usually complex concepts of research methodology by showing how they are practised in the real world of social work, so the title is apt. Especially useful are the common features of social work research discussed at length in the final chapter, as a way of finding common ground in the disputed terrain of social work as a profession, and in social work research in particular."Heather D'Cruz, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Australia"Smith clearly highlights the parallels between the values of social work and the values that underpin research in this area, and in so doing, demonstrates the emancipatory potential of social work research...this is a valuable text that will help to allay many of the fears associated with conducting social work research."Caroline Andow, Senior Research Fellow, University of Southampton, Social Sciences Department, UK"As a third year social work student I found this book a good consolidation of what I have been learning this semester in my research and evaluation module. It has helped me with my end of module assignment, to demonstrate my understanding of social work research through a detailed literature search ... I found the practical examples of actual pieces of research particularly useful in getting an idea of how particular methods are used. I have found this book very useful as it has helped clarify the meaning of the research terminology and given me a good understanding of the overall process."Sally Biskin, Social Work Student, Bangor University, UKThis accessible book is based on the author's extensive practical experience of carrying out and teaching research in the social work field. Social work research is shown to be both a distinctive academic enterprise and a task that can be accomplished effectively in line with the values and ethical principles that lie at the discipline's core.Doing Social Work Research helps intending researchers to relate 'methodology' to 'method', so that they can make authoritative decisions about how to turn initial research questions into valid and feasible investigative strategies. In doing so, it introduces and evaluates a wide range of approaches across the spectrum of social work research.Building on this, the book provides detailed guidance on how to organize the research task, paying close attention to the practicalities of planning, preparation, implementation and management of investigations. Doing Social Work Research features: A comprehensive overview of social work research methods Detailed guidance on ‘how to’ carry out research in social work Illustrative examples of research practice from personal experience Effective links between core social work values, purposes, methodologies and research practices This book is a valuable resource for social work students and practitioners carrying out research projects as well as practicing researchers and research educators in the discipline.

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There is a comforting tale that heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) like to tell each other. "Go around your university or college," they say, "and ask the first ten people who you meet how their morale is. The response will always be 'rock-bottom.' Then ask them what they are working on. The responses will be full of life, of optimism and of enthusiasm for the task in hand." The moral of the story is that the two sets of responses don't compute; that the first is somehow unthinking and ideological, and the second unguarded and sincere.The thesis of this book is that the contradictory answers may well compute more effectively than is acknowledged: that the culture of higher education and the mesh of psychological contracts, or "deals," that make it up make much of the current discourse about happiness and unhappiness in contemporary life look simplistic and banal. In particular, the much-vaunted "science of happiness" may not have much to say to us. There is also a potential link between the Manichean discourse about morale and our wider culture's approach to happiness. Both normally deal in extremes, and much more rarely in graduations.Why is so much discourse about contemporary higher education structured around (real and imagined) unhappiness? How does this connect with the realities of life within (and just outside) the institutions? Does it matter, and, if so, what should we be doing about it? Based on historical, sociological and philosophical analysis, this book offers some answers to these questions.

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Higher education is a particularly complex site for enhancement initiatives. This book offers those involved in change a coherent conceptual overview of enhancement approaches, of the change context, and of the probable interactions between them. The book sets enhancement within a particular type of change dynamic which focuses on social practices. The aim is to base innovation and change on the probabilities of desired outcomes materializing, rather than on the romanticism of policies that underestimate the sheer difficulty of making a difference. Following a theoretical introduction to these ideas, there are case studies (from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Norway) at the national, institutional, departmental and individual levels, illustrating the argument that enhancement is best achieved when it works with social practices in real institutional and organizational settings.In a final section, the authors link the case examples and theoretical frameworks, inviting readers to consider their own enhancement situations and apply the 'frameworks for action' offered in earlier sections of the book. The book doesn’t offer quick-fix solutions but aims to support change with practical examples, conceptual tools and reflexive questions for those involved in change at all levels. It is key reading for higher education lecturers, managers, educational developers and policy makers.

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"Just as the title says this book is an essential 'must have' for any student healthcare professional or even those who are qualified and want to refresh their calculation skills."Cheryl McCullough, Student Nurse, Queens University Belfast, UK "This book has been an enormous help throughout revision time. It is a simple guide to learning a variety of calculations such as division, multiplications, ratios, and percentages; all of which are in constant use in healthcare settings." Erin Tierney, Nursing Student, Swansea University, UK"This book is suitable for those preparing for entry to healthcare programmes as well as those undertaking pre-registration programmes, post-registration courses and those just needing to make a 'quick check' whilst in practice.." Nicci Whiteing, Lecturer in Adult Nursing, School of Community & Health Sciences, City University, London, UK"Designed for use by students of all branches of nursing and midwifery, this book covers the calculations they need to know with remarkable clarity. Written to engage with students' learning in both theory and practice, it is ideal for all those entering the nursing or midwifery register."Philip Scullion, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care, Coventry University, UK"I would recommend this book to anyone undertaking a pre registration nursing or midwifery course, I found it extremely useful in helping me to prepare for my recent drug calculations exam."Nina Griffiths, Nursing Student, Swansea University, UKWorried about your calculation skills?Looking for some help to make sure you are up to scratch? As a healthcare practitioner, you need to be confident that you can deal competently with any numerical situation you may come across. This handy book provides a guide to common numerical calculations found in healthcare practice and uses everyday examples to enable you to apply numerical principles correctly in your own practice.This user-friendly book is: Suitable for a wide variety of healthcare practitioners, including all nurses and midwives Full of authentic worked examples Features core clinical charts, prescription models, labels and diagrams Types of calculation covered include: Decimals Fractions Percentages and ratios Ratios and proportion The book shows you how to calculate doses correctly for tablets, capsules, fluids and injections.Meriel Hutton encourages you to find a method which suits you personally – with the emphasis always on patient safety. The increasing complexity of problems throughout the book builds as you progress, helping you calculate with confidence!

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This popular introductory book provides a clear introduction to the key ideas within media studies. The friendly writing style and everyday examples, which made the first edition a favourite with students and lecturers alike, has been retained and updated in this new edition. This comprehensive text provides a wide-ranging perspective on the Media and: Uses examples and case studies from the real world Shows how key concepts can help us understand the relationship between the Media and society Provides a clear explanation of how critical perspectives on the Media construct thinking about media businesses, texts and audiences The fully updated new edition features new boxed summaries of critical approaches and key thinkers. Chapters cover the main topics that students are likely to encounter in their studies, including advertising, media and violence, news, politics, young audiences, globalization, sport, popular music and new technology. This book is essential reading for students in Media Studies, Cultural Studies and courses with a media interest, such as Sociology and English. Please visit our supporting website for two additional chapters on Approaches to Film and Gendered Magazines: www.openup.co.uk/burton

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"Journalism is often said to be the first rough draft of history. The most interesting aspect of this book is that Anna Arutunyan, an American-trained journalist working in Moscow, provides an insider’s view of Russian journalism from a valuable perspective. As a result, the book gives a level of detail and anecdote about media personalities and outlets that is both informative and interesting."Sarah Oates, Slavonic and East European Review April 2011.This book introduces readers to the Russian media, its current landscape, and its history by outlining the chief challenges faced by Russian journalists on their quest for media freedom. Focusing on how the Government has traditionally controlled the media through censorship, financial involvement, and relations between media moguls and the State, the book analyses to what extent the Russian media has become 'free' since the fall of Communism. The author questions whether freedom is possible at all in a society where the media has traditionally been so closely linked to the State.There are chapters on different forms of media including print, television, radio and the Internet. Each chapter identifies the main hurdles faced by the particular medium and considers the potential it has for becoming truly independent. Key features include: Vivid examples and case studies of the power play between television and the State during the tumultuous 1990s Clear outline of various different forms of media Comprehensive historical overview supported with examples from relevant publications Drawing on her own experience as a professional journalist, the author, provides a first hand account of what journalists in Russia are encountering today. This position allows the author to frankly discuss the tangible issues that impact those involved in the media and their audiences.By providing both a description of the current situation and an overview of Russian media history, The Media in Russia offers a unique introduction to the field and is key reading for students across various disciplines including Russian studies, media studies and politics.

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How do I find relevant information for my thesis, dissertation or report? How do I evaluate the relevance and quality of the information I find? How do I find the most up to date information in my subject area? Anyone setting out to research a topic, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, needs to find information to inform their work and support their arguments. This book enables researchers to become expert in finding, accessing and evaluating information for dissertations, projects or reports.The book works systematically through the information-seeking process, from planning the search to evaluating and managing the end results. It suggests how to do this efficiently and effectively whilst using a range of sources including online bibliographic databases and the internet.This edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the use of new technologies in research by offering the most contemporary information on:Online researchCritical evaluation of resourcesIntellectual property rightsResearch communitiesThe changing landscape of research informationSubject-specific resourcesWritten by an academic librarian, this book provides key reading, not only for academic researchers, but for anyone working for commercial, public or government bodies who has to contribute to research projects.

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It is time to take stock, to promote and support our articulate and strategic thinkers, and to let them shine! This inspiring book is a wake-up call to nurses and allied health professionals to develop their leadership skills and to make a real difference to global health and social development. Veronica Bishop uses high profile historical case studies to illustrate the concept of leadership and put it into a context that is easily understood.The book demystifies the key elements of leadership, highlights the difference between leadership and management and identifies the essential components for successful leadership amongst health care professionals. The book incorporates: A new research based theory of leadership that embraces clinical excellence Educational and practice based concepts to support key leadership skills Case examples of real experiences Exercises for developing your own leadership skills at the end of each chapter Contributions from experts from a wide range of countries and with diverse knowledge bases make a topic that is often presented as highly complex and 'out of reach' readily accessible. Leadership for Nursing and Allied Health Care Professions is key reading for all nurses and allied health care professionals aspiring to be leaders. Contributors: Sue Antrobus, Mary Lovegrove, Annie Macleod, Abigail Masterson, Dawn Freshwater, Iain Graham, Philip Esterhuizen, David Stanley, Mike Saks, Veronica Bishop, Tyrone Goh. With a foreword by Tony Butterworth."Wherever you are in your career - this book offers a great deal to inspire and to provoke thought. We could all learn from it."Nursing Standard"This book is timely. This highly readable and informative book, written by experts in the field, will be of interest to all nursing and allied health professionals, particularly those aspiring and emerging leaders."Professor David R Thompson, University of Leicester, UK"This is a book that all students studying leadership in health care have been waiting for. It is inspirational, exciting to read with its many different case studies, exercises to bring about reflection and should result in a more empowered and enlightened work force."Phil Halligan, University College Dublin, Ireland"With the increased focus on clinical leadership this book is a welcome addition to the vast array of leadership books currently available and will appeal to a wide range of practising clinicians looking for an introduction to the subject."Mark Sewell, Postgraduate Student, University of Birmingham/University of Manchester, UK

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This book explores the principles behind successful mentoring-coaching in education. As well as highlighting the many benefits of mentoring-coaching, it addresses highly practical issues such as: Can anyone learn to be a mentor-coach? What behaviour counts as mentoring-coaching? How do I know what to do, in what order and how? What are the potential benefits? What pitfalls might there be and how might these be avoided? What is the support structure for the process? The book features a model which helps to create successful mentoring-coaching activity in education and sets out a clear path along which to proceed. It describes appropriate behaviours and includes examples of questions that might be used. The authors examine specific techniques and raise the kinds of questions that practitioners themselves need to consider at each stage of the simple and easy-to-memorise model. Arranged in two parts, the first part of the book encourages you to practise the skills and stages of the model that it describes and the second part explores your developing practice in greater depth. Mentoring-Coaching is valuable reading for leaders, managers and practitioners at all levels in education.

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How can we understand the educational disengagement of urban, working-class young people? What role do schools and education policies play in these young people’s difficult relationships with education? How might schools help to support and engage urban youth? This book critically engages with contemporary notions of 'at risk' youth. It explores the complexity of urban young people's relationships with education and schooling and discusses strategies for addressing these issues. Drawing on a two year study of urban 14-16 year olds, educational professionals and parents, the book focuses in depth on the views and experiences of ethnically diverse young Londoners who had been identified by their schools as 'at risk of dropping out of education' and as 'unlikely to progress into post-16 education'. It provides an informative and accessible overview of the key issues, debates and theoretical frameworks. It is important reading for school leaders, teachers and learning support assistants as well as trainee teachers and educational researchers.

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Where do I start? How do I know if I’m asking the right questions? How do I analyze the data once I have it? How do I report the results? When will I ever understand the process? If you are new to using the Stata software, and concerned about applying it to a project, help is at hand. David Pevalin and Karen Robson offer you a step by step introduction to the basics of the software, before gently helping you develop a more sophisticated understanding of Stata and its capabilities. The book will guide you through the research process offering further reading where more complex decisions need to be made and giving 'real world' examples from a wide range of disciplines and anecdotes that clarify issues for readers. The book will help with: Manipulating and organizing data Generating statistics Interpreting results Presenting outputs The Stata Survival Manual is a lifesaver for both students and professionals who are using the Stata software!

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"This is an ideal introductory book for budding researchers who are embarking on the development and then analysis of data, and in this case, more specifically questionnaires using partly or exclusively closed questions amenable to statistical analysis."Primary Health Care Research and Development"The text is a welcome addition for nursing students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level research. Having reviewed the text I can only inform you how a student described a chapter in the book recently when she borrowed it. 'The language is clear and unambiguous'. I will be strongly encouraging students to either purchase the text ... with the purpose of giving them a foundation in statistics."William Evans, Institute of Technology Tralee, IrelandThis accessible book is essential reading for those looking for a short and simple guide to basic data analysis. Written for the complete beginner, the book is the ideal companion when undertaking quantitative data analysis for the first time using SPSS. The book uses a simple example of quantitative data analysis that would be typical to the health field to take you through the process of data analysis step by step. The example used is a doctor who conducts a questionnaire survey of 30 patients to assess a specific service. The data from these questionnaires is given to you for analysis, and the book leads you through the process required to analyse this data. Handy screenshots illustrate each step of the process so you can try out the analysis for yourself, and apply it to your own research with ease.Topics covered include: Questionnaires and how to analyse them Coding the data for SPSS, setting up an SPSS database and entering the data Descriptive statistics and illustrating the data using graphs Cross-tabulation and the Chi-square statistic Correlation: examining relationships between interval data Examining differences between two sets of scores Reporting the results and presenting the data Quantitative Data Analysis Using SPSS is helpful for any students in health and social sciences with little or no experience of quantitative data analysis and statistics.

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This timely new book is based on the precepts of the Quality Assurance Agency's recent Code of Practice for the management of Postgraduate Research Programmes. It presents practical information on the QAA Code of Practice, to serve both as a ready reference source for supervisors and as a manual for research supervisor training. Examples of problems and suggested solutions, reflecting both supervisor and student perspectives, guide supervisors through issues they may face. There are also recommendations for further reading. Key areas the book explores include: Selection and admission of students Supervision arrangements Training in research and generic skills Monitoring and review arrangements Feedback Examination practice Complaints and appeals procedures How to be an Effective Supervisor is essential reading for all postgraduate research supervisors including those involved in supervising Professional Doctorates and Masters degrees, plus Graduate Deans and Associate Deans, together with programme managers and postgraduate administrative staff. Case studies also make this a key text for supervisor development programmes.

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IF YOU'RE ENCOUNTERING STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND WANT A READABLE, SUPPORTIVE INTRODUCTION, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.There are plenty of excellent stats books in the world, but very few of them are entertaining reading. One result is that many students are deterred by stats. But this book is different.Written in an informal style, it guides the reader gently through the field from the simplest descriptive statistics to multidimensional approaches. It's written in an accessible way, with few calculations and fewer equations, for readers from a broad set of academic disciplines ranging from archaeology to zoology.There are numerous illustrative examples that guide the reader through: How to answer various types of research question How to use different forms of analysis The strengths and weaknesses of particular methods Methods that may be useful but that don't usually appear in statistics books In this way, the book's emphasis is on understanding how statistics can be used to help answer research questions, rather than on the minute details of particular statistical tests.Using Statistics is key reading for students who are looking for help with quantitative projects, but would like a qualitative introduction that takes them gently through the process.

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"Though accessible in style, this book is not an easy read. Chapters brim with information and analysis. A lesser author could have written an entire book from the information Robertson squeezes into a single chapter. So insightful is his analysis that he leaves the mind racing with thoughts and ideas."Nursing Standard"Men's health texts are hard to find - delighted this text addresses issues like access to health services."Margaret McLoone, Sligo Institute of Technology, Ireland "Steve Robertson has written a valuable book that will serve as an excellent introduction to social science perspectives on the links between masculinities and men’s health … The book is clearly written and the coverage of existing literature is excellent. I have no hesitation in recommending it to all those wishing to extend their understanding of masculinities and health."Professor Lesley Doyal, Journal of Men's Health"This book offers something very different; it is easy to read and is set out in a logical order. The chapters have sub-headings, which enable the reader to either read the book by subject, or from cover to cover depending on reading style. The book offers an excellent description and analysis of concepts and issues relating to gender and its effect on engagement with health services. Each chapter is drawn together with a summary, key points and also additional suggestions for improving practice ... This book is a useful resource and a timely reminder to view each patient or client holistically and in a humane way."Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing How do men understand ‘health’? What do men consider to be the role of health services in helping them stay well? What inhibits or facilitates men’s engagement with health services? Notions about men’s health are wide ranging and much is said about the role masculinity plays in creating health outcomes for men. Based on empirical research and data, this book provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the links between men, health policy, gender and masculinity. It also offers explicit guidance for practice for those working in the health field looking to better understand and improve men’s health.Importantly the book: Incorporates the views of disabled and gay men to highlight issues of diversity Draws out key implications for health promotion work with men Includes ‘key points for practice’ within each chapter The book uses interviews with men and health professionals, to explore the key aspects of men’s health and healthcare delivery. Although set within the UK context, it also has wider resonance as it considers how men conceptualize health, how this becomes embodied, the importance of relationships and emotions in men’s preventative health practices, and the socially contingent nature of men’s engagement with preventative health care services.Understanding Men and Health will be of particular interest to academics, students and researchers in nursing, health, sociology and gender studies as well as to pre- registration and post-registration health professionals with an interest in men and health.

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A must read for all research students!“The core material in Professor Cryer’s previous editions is classic. I welcome this new edition setting it into current contexts.” – PhD supervisor“When I was doing my own PhD, Pat Cryer’s book was my constant reference companion. Now I am recommending her latest edition to my own students.” – PhD supervisorInsightful, wide-ranging and accessible, this is an invaluable tool for postgraduate research students and for students at all levels working on research projects, irrespective of their field of study.This edition has been thoroughly revised to accommodate the changes in postgraduate education over recent years. Additional material and new emphases take into account: the QAA Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Programmes recommendations of the Roberts Review the needs of the growing number of ‘overseas’ research students employment issues (including undergraduate teaching) the Internet as a resource for research. There are new chapters on: developing the research proposal succeeding as an ‘overseas’ research student ethics in research personal development planning (PDP)

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"The book provides an excellent combination of broad theoretical background with a generous helping of vocational guidance on the practice of health promotion."scotregen"A very welcome addition to the practical side of health promotion! Laverack’s brief and simply-worded text weaves together just the right balance of theory, evidence, tips and case studies to satisfy the new learner looking to gain a grasp of health promotion’s empowering whole, while still offering new insights to the more seasoned practitioner."Ronald Labonté, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa How can health promotion practitioners help communities to become more empowered? How do you encourage different communities to work together towards a shared goal? How can you focus your resources to be most effective in building empowered communities? How do you evaluate your success (and failures) in building empowered communities? Power and empowerment are two complex concepts that are central to health promotion practice. People experience empowerment in many different ways and this book explains an approach that has been used by health promoters to intentionally build and evaluate empowerment. The book provides a special focus on communities and is illustrated throughout with useful field experiences in the United Kingdom, Asia, North America, the Pacific region and Africa.The book aims to provide the reader with: An understanding of the key concepts of power and empowerment and the link to improved health outcomes in the context of health promotion programmes An understanding of practical approaches that can be used in health promotion programming to build and evaluate empowered communities Case study examples of how communities can be empowered in practice This unique book offers sound theoretical principles to underpin the practical approaches used to build empowered communities and brings together new and innovative approaches in health promotion practice.Health Promotion Practice is essential reading for health promotion students and practitioners who want to learn more about innovative approaches to build empowered communities in their everyday work. It will inspire them to work in more empowering ways in health promotion practice and to carefully contemplate how they can influence the way others gain power.

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The accompanying Analysing Media Texts DVD-ROM is the winner of the 2006 British Universities Film and Video Council 'Learning on Screen Award' for Interactive Media (Course and Curriculum related content). More about the awards and the shortlist can be found at www.bufvc.ac.uk/conferences/learningonscreen/losawards.htmlVisit the Understanding Media series microsite. This book provides an engaging introduction to analysing media texts. Students learn how to do semiotic, genre and narrative analysis, content and discourse analysis, and engage with debates about the politics of representation. Each chapter provides readings and worked examples, from the classic 1959 film melodrama by Douglas Sirk, Imitation of Life, to contemporary television ads. The book has an accompanying DVD-ROM for PC users. “Another exemplary volume from the OU presents a wide range of questions that cab be asked about mediated texts and the complexity of providing adequate answers to such questions. An enjoyable interactive DVD-ROM offers exercises that allow the reader to make the critical language their own." Professor Annabelle Sreberny, Centre for Media and Film Studies, SOAS. "This is an impressive resource, accessible and user-friendly, but authoritative in its development of established theories of textual analysis. The DVD-ROM offers a series of excellent exercises making this a 'must-have' for all undergraduate media studies courses." Professor Richard Paterson, British Film Institute. "An excellent introduction to the theory and practice of media analysis [and] a much-needed ‘toolkit’... The DVD-ROM, with its 'cool' design, clips gallery and innovative narrative sequence builder, allows students to put into practice skills acquired throughout the text and offers an important tool for bringing concepts to life… A wonderful addition to a first-rate series." Alison Griffiths, Associate Professor, Communication Studies, Baruch College, The City University of New York.

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"This is a well-organised book. The layout is clear, with references at the end of each chapter, and there are activities and questions for reflection, as well as good use of tables. The editors’ foreword at the beginning of each chapter provides a useful link from the previous material, and gives a sense of continuity."It will…be a useful addition to a reading list for public health students and anyone interested in promoting mental health in their clients. It will provide a useful platform for debate, and a summary of mental health needs at different points in the life span."Critical Public Health"This text provides an excellent overview for anyone new to mental health promotion or wanting to refresh their learning....the book provides a concise argument that mental health promotion has a strong theory base, evidence base and value base for anyone wishing to learn, advocate for or develop its practice."mentalhealth today“This book is a useful overview for mental health promotion and will stimulate practitioners and researchers to delve more into this important topic"The Internet Journal of Mental HealthMental Health Promotion is the first textbook to provide an accessible guide to applied mental health promotion across all age groups, and demonstrates how both principles and theory can be used to underpin mental health promotion. Cross cutting themes at each stage of the lifespan are addressed, including: reduction of inequalities; theory and evidence based practice and culturally sensitive approaches to practice. Key features of the book include: A recognition of the ‘uniqueness’ of different age groups in terms of specific mental health issues A lifespan approach; identifying different health promotion interventions for different age groups Illustrations of how to apply health promotion theory and principles to practice Inclusion of up to date evidence based examples of good practice for different age groups Use of international, national and local examples Mental Health Promotion is essential reading for those working in or studying public health, mental health promotion, social work, nursing, youth and community or community care.

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"Summerhill remains unique and different ... its underlying principles and its founding beliefs have informed and influenced generations of teachers in both sectors. It will continue to do so." - Professor Tim Brighouse, Commissioner for London SchoolsSummerhill is a world-renowned school in England where pupils decide when and what they will learn. The school was established in 1921 by A. S. Neill, who was named by the Times Educational Supplement in 1999 as one of the twelve most influential educators of the 20th Century. Known as 'the oldest children's democracy in the world', Summerhill allows pupils to air their views, propose new school rules and construct future plans for life at the school at the regular school meeting. This unique book contains key extracts from Neill’s classic text Summerhill, a worldwide bestseller since its publication in 1962, and features contributions from A. S. Neill's daughter, Zoe Neill Readhead, who is the current Principal. She updates the story of the school - larger and more vibrant than ever before - from Neill's death in 1973 to the present day. In his contribution, Tim Brighouse discusses some of the ways in which the influence of Summerhill and A.S. Neill still extends throughout the world today. Ian Stronach, who acted as expert witness during the infamous court case, tells the story of the British Government's attempt to force untenable changes or close down the school in 2001, and the school's subsequent landmark victory in the Royal Courts of Justice. The book offers a truly inspiring account of a remarkable school, which promotes progressive change in the way pupils are taught and shows how real experiences of democracy can be created for young people. It is essential reading for teachers and trainee teachers, headteachers and school leaders, local education authorities and parents.

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Health care systems are highly complex and dynamic. Different systems around the world vary in the way services are managed yet, regardless of these differences, the need for effective managers and managerial leaders is essential in allowing organizations or professionals to achieve specific goals. This book provides an understanding of the concepts of management, managerial leadership and governance within health care systems. It provides a thorough introduction to, and conceptual framework for, the analysis of health systems management and goes on to examine fundamental management tasks, including: Managing income and finances Managing people Managing strategy and change Managing results Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood.

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"Key Themes in Media Theory is wonderfully wide-ranging and deservedly destined to become a key text for students of Media Studies." Professor John Storey, University of Sunderland, UK"The very best text books are not just summaries of complex ideas for a student audience or an introduction to a critical canon; the very best add something to the canon they reflect upon, and Dan Laughey’s Key Themes in Media Theory is one such book. [It] is not a means to an end, as many such books can be. Rather it is a motivational primer, and one that should send both students and teachers heading to the library toread the theorists presented here again, for the first time." Richard Berger, Art, Design, Media; The Higher Education Academy, UK What is media theory? How do media affect our actions, opinions and beliefs? In what ways do media serve powerful political and economic interests? Is media consumerism unhealthy or is it empowering? Key Themes in Media Theory provides a thorough and critical introduction to the key theories of media studies. It is unique in bringing together different schools of media theory into a single, comprehensive text, examining in depth the ideas of key media theorists such as Lasswell, McLuhan, Hall, Williams, Barthes, Adorno, Baudrillard and Bourdieu. Using up-to-date case studies the book embraces media in their everyday cultural forms – music, internet, film, television, radio, newspapers and magazines – to enable a clearer view of the ‘big picture’ of media theory.In ten succinct chapters Dan Laughey discusses a broad range of themes, issues and perspectives that inform our contemporary understanding of media production and consumption. These include: Behaviourism and media effects Feminist media theory Postmodernity and information society Political economy Media consumerism With images and diagrams to illustrate chapter themes, examples that apply media theory to media practice, recommended reading at the end of every chapter, and a useful glossary of key terms, this book is the definitive guide to understanding media theory.

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There are so many ways in which health might be improved today and, as technology improves, the opportunities will increase. However, there are limits to budgets as well as other resources so choices have to be made about what to spend money and time on. Economic evaluation can help set out the value of the costs and benefits from competing choices. This book examines how to undertake economic evaluation of health care interventions in low, middle and high income countries. It covers: Ways in which economic evaluations might be structured Approaches to measuring and valuing costs and effects Interpreting and presenting evidence Appraising the quality and usefulness of economic evaluations Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood.

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This book surveys and evaluates the sociological contribution to the study of sexuality. It not only maps major theoretical shifts and debates, but also offers a unique examination of the topic that emphasises the sociality of sexuality. In particular, it considers the institutional, biographical and interactional contexts of our sexual lives as well as the cultural significance and everyday practice of sexuality.The authors contest not only popular understandings of sexuality as natural, but also psychoanalytic explanations and forms of analysis that privilege the cultural construction of sexuality over its everyday social accomplishment. In particular, they challenge the 'specialness' of sexuality within contemporary culture, arguing that sexuality is better understood as a routine part of everyday social life. The book confronts the anxieties associated with sexuality in the late modern, western world and engages with wider debates on social transformations in late modernity. As such, it provides both an overview of the field of sexuality as well as setting an agenda. Theorizing Sexuality is key reading for students, researchers and academics interested in theories of sexuality, gender and intimacy and anyone concerned with the social conditions that inform our sexual identities.

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Review of the first edition“All the major areas of early childhood maths teaching and learning are covered in this powerful book… The book is also full of delightful stories… [It] would be eminently suitable for beginning and trainee teachers but would also be helpful to all those concerned in early years settings. All the relevant information is here, based on a wealth of knowledge and experience.” TESSupporting Mathematical Development in the Early Years provides practical guidance for parents, teachers and other early years workers who want to give children a good start in mathematical development. Showing how competent children are as mathematicians from an early age, the book offers an overview of young children’s mathematical behaviour at home and in early years settings. The book defines the content and the learning curriculum required to promote mathematical thinking, including an examination of the relationship between mathematics and language learning, and the role of other cross-curricular aspects such as information and communications technology (ICT). It explores the role of staff in observing, planning for and supporting children’s learning by using a variety of strategies, and makes suggestions for promoting effective partnerships between the parents or principal carers and early years staff. The book also considers the importance of play and imagination to the development of abstract thought.The second edition is comprehensively updated throughout and includes new material on Special Educational Needs, the very early years, the role of play, the role of ICT, and examples of outdoor play. It is essential reading for early years teachers and students, as well as parents who want to understand and develop their children’s early mathematical learning.

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FIRST PRIZE WINNER of the SOCIETY FOR EDUCATIONAL STUDIES book award 2006 "As a practising youth worker and researcher, I found this book a fascinating and engaging read…It provides a useful analysis and exploration of the classed and gendered ‘anti-school’ ethic in place presently within many schools, and it will provide a meaningful analysis for academics, policymakers and practitioners and anyone with an interest in gender, education and young people." Fin Cullen, Goldsmiths College, Review in Gender and Education"I would [therefore] urge everyone concerned with what is happening in schools to read this book, with its fascinating data and nuanced arguments."Heather Mendick, London Metropolitan University - Review in British Journal of Educational StudiesThis innovative book looks at how and why girls and boys adopt ‘laddish’ behaviours in schools. It examines the ways in which students negotiate pressures to be popular and ‘cool’ in school alongside pressures to perform academically. It also deals with the fears of academic and social failure that influence pupils’ school lives and experiences. Drawing extensively on the voices of students in secondary schools, it explores key questions about laddish behaviours, such as: Are girls becoming more laddish – and if so, which girls? Do boys and girls have distinctive versions of laddishness? What motivates laddish behaviours? What are the consequences of laddish behaviours for pupils? What are the implications for teachers and schools? The author weaves together key contemporary theories and research on masculinities and femininities with social psychological theories and research on academic motives and goals, in order to understand the complexities of girls’ and boys’ behaviours.This topical book is key reading for students, academics and researchers in education, sociology and psychology, as well as school teachers and education policy makers.

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Can therapy involving a therapist and client from differing cultural, ethnic and racial origins work? What are the main barriers to this relationship working well? What knowledge, skill and attitudes are required by therapists to enhance their work with “different” clients? Therapists are inevitably affected by their own backgrounds, experiences and prejudices, which may manifest negatively within therapeutic relationships with clients of different cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds to their own. This book strives to explore these areas of challenge to successful therapy and to raise awareness of the many facets that may impact upon the relationship. This substantially revised edition builds upon the foundations laid down in the first edition (which addressed, amongst other subjects, issues of race and power, cultures and their impact upon communication, and a review of the dominant theoretical discourses influencing counselling and psychotherapy and how these might impact upon mixed identity therapeutic relationships,) and includes the following additions: New chapters by black and white writers working within British, American and Canadian contexts Updated information on recent changes and challenges in the field New approaches to the issues of whiteness and power, multiple identities and identity development Race, Culture and Counselling provides key reading for students, therapists, supervisors and teachers of therapists as well as students and professionals in allied professions such as social work, nursing, medicine and teaching. Contributors: Courtland Lee; Roy Moodley; Gill Tuckwell; Val Watson

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"With freshness, humour and originality, Sue Gifford demonstrates the interactive strategies that are required to teach mathematics to young children. The text is both refreshingly free from conventional wisdom and solidly grounded in recent research on learning and teaching early mathematics.At the same time, it is unfailing in its accuracy in uncovering children's own humour and instinct for subverting 'teacherly' overtures. Given the demonstrated lack of spontaneous mathematics in early childhood setting, this assembled collage of children's own observations, activities and comments is in itself a work of art."Professor Carol Aubrey, Institute of Education, University of Warwick, UK. What are the most important aspects of mathematics for young children to learn? How do children learn mathematics? How can adults best ‘teach’ mathematics to children so young? The book informs practitioners, students and parents about how three– to five-year-olds learn mathematics, and shows them how best to develop enjoyable mathematical learning in early years settings. The book includes a summary of relevant research and considers issues relating to current practice. This book: Establishes principles for teaching mathematics to young children Takes into account the way children learn, including social, emotional, physical and cognitive aspects Helps practitioners find the middle ground between not initiating enough mathematical activity and being too directive Suggests principles and frameworks for planning and assessment. The book places particular emphasis on adult-initiated, number-focused activities and playful, challenging and sensitive teaching strategies to engage younger children. The strategies are based on research and work with practitioners, and are illustrated by children’s own responses, such as making number jokes. It covers key areas of mathematics, including number, shape and space, measures and problem solving, with appropriate expectations and common difficulties as well as suggested activities.Essential reading for those teaching or preparing to teach mathematics to young children, as well as parents interested in the mathematical education of their children.

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Praise for the first edition: "An excellent textbook which is well planned, well written, and pitched at the correct level for psychology students. I would not hesitate to recommend Greene and d'Oliveira to all psychology students looking for an introductory text on statistical methodology." Bulletin of the British Psychological SocietyLearning to Use Statistical Tests in Psychology third edition has been updated throughout. It continues to be a key text in helping students to understand and conduct statistical tests in psychology without panic! It takes students from the most basic elements of statistics teaching them: How psychologists plan experiments and statistical tests Which considerations must be made when planning experiments How to analyze and comprehend test results Like the previous editions, this book provides students with a step-by-step guide to the simplest non-parametric tests through to more complex analysis of variance designs. There are clear summaries in progress boxes and questions for the student to answer in order to be sure that they have understood what they have read.The new edition is divided into four discrete sections and within this structure each test covered is illustrated through a chapter of its own. The sections cover: The principles of psychological research and psychological statistics Statistical tests for experiments with two or three conditions Statistical tests based on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) conditions as well as tests for multiple comparisons between individual conditions Statistical tests to analyze relationships between variables Presented in a student-friendly textbook format, Learning to Use Psychological Tests in Psychology enables readers to select and use the most appropriate statistical tests to evaluate the significance of data obtained from psychological experiments. An errata sheet detailing the Decision Chart which is referred to can be downloaded by clicking here

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