11,798,645 results on '"UNITED Kingdom"'
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2. Taking Teaching Further Financial Incentive: Impact Evaluation Feasibility Study. Research Report
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Department for Education (DfE) (United Kingdom) and Verian
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The Further Education (FE) sector has documented difficulties with recruitment and retention of teaching staff, as many FE colleges report having 'hard-to-fill' vacancies and high levels of churn amongst new starters. Taking Teaching Further (TTF) is a programme designed to address these issues by providing support for FE providers to recruit and train those with relevant knowledge and experience as FE teachers. Taking Teaching Further (TTF) supports further education (FE) providers to recruit those with relevant knowledge and industry experience to retrain as FE teachers. Previous rounds have given funding to support providers, constituting the 'core' TTF offer. In the sixth round (launched in April 2023), in addition to the 'core' TTF offer, a pilot of a new financial incentive (FI) was introduced for TTF recruits in some of the most hard-to-fill subject areas. The FI gives recruits £3,000 at the end of each year of the TTF programme. The 'FI subjects' are: digital; construction and the built environment; engineering and manufacturing; and maths. The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned Verian to assess the feasibility of an impact evaluation of the FI, which would answer the following three key research questions: (1) Does the introduction of the FI significantly increase teacher recruitment in FE settings?; (2) Does the introduction of the FI significantly increase teacher retention in FE settings?; and (3) What, if any, are the unintended outcomes and negative impacts of introducing the FI?
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- 2024
3. Donor Support to Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities: Who Does What in GPE Partner Countries?
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Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Stuart Cameron, Sophia D’Angelo, Daniela Gamboa Zapatel, and Maria Qureshi
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Children with disabilities remain among the most excluded from education in Global Partnership for Education (GPE) partner countries and other lower-income countries. Despite considerable activity funded both through GPE and by other donors, as well as by partner countries themselves, the level of international support to inclusive education remains too low and patchy for countries to transform their education systems so they are fully inclusive of children with disabilities. Development partners need to coordinate; help to build a stronger evidence base at global, regional and national levels; and go beyond isolated interventions to support reforms that have the potential to make the whole system more inclusive. To do this, development partners need to share knowledge on their activities globally and at the country level. This paper, and the underlying mapping exercise, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing in the sector by analyzing thematic and geographic focus areas of major development partners supporting inclusive education.
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- 2024
4. Pupil Premium Plus Post-16 Evaluation. Interim Report
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Department for Education (DfE) (United Kingdom), Georgia Hyde-Dryden, Emma Andersen, Bethan Peach, Nikki Luke, Bonnie Butler, Alice McDowell, Alun Rees, Andrew Brown, Judy Sebba, and Leon Feinstein
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From October 2021, the government introduced a pilot in 30 local authorities to support 16 to 18-year-old children looked-after (CLA) and care leavers (CLs) in general further education (FE) colleges through the extension of Pupil Premium Plus funding to post-16 (PP+ Post-16). The 6-month pilot was completed between autumn 2021 and spring 20221 , before funding was extended to a further 28 local authorities in autumn 2022 and subsequently extended to all local authorities in England in autumn 2023. The purpose of PP+ Post-16 was also extended in 2023/24 to provide funding to support all CLA and CLs at post-16, rather than focusing on support for CLA and CLs in general FE colleges. This mixed methods evaluation is formative in intention and involves an exploratory study of the use of the funding by virtual schools (VS). It also considers early evidence about progress towards the outcomes in the Theory of Change (ToC), developed during the pilot evaluation and updated at the start of this evaluation through a series of ToC workshops with VSHs. The outcomes are arranged in the ToC under 3 headings, which are outcomes relating to young people, post-16 settings and joint working. This interim report presents findings from year 1 of the evaluation (2023/24) based on a national online survey of VSHs, case study interviews in 6 local authorities involving interviews with a range of stakeholders, and documentary analysis. [This report was produced with support from the Cordis Bright and the Rees Centre, University of Oxford.]
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- 2024
5. Genomics: Implications for Education. A Futures Report
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Department for Education (DfE) (United Kingdom), Ipsos, Joel Hooper, Marzieh Azarbadegan, Evie Cogley, Michelle Mackie, and Nathan Bransden
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In January 2024, building on the Genomics Beyond Health report, the Department for Education (DfE), with co-funding from the Government Office for Science (GO-Science), commissioned Ipsos UK through the Futures Procurement Framework to understand the potential future risks and opportunities of the use of genomics in education. The Government Office for Science's Beyond Health report (Government Office for Science, 2022) highlighted two potential issues to be explored. Firstly, the potential expansion of an unregulated commercial market in genomic testing in education-related fields. Secondly, the potential use of genomic screening at birth to identify additional educational needs before other data is available; for example, to identify children at higher risk of developing conditions associated with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). As part of this project, Ipsos reviewed the most relevant literature, held a workshop with key relevant stakeholders in the field, and discussed findings with relevant policy teams in DfE to discuss emerging themes and concerns. This summary paper explores the policy implications of the two potential future scenarios and makes recommendations to the DfE for next steps. [Funding for this report was provided by the Government Office for Science (United Kingdom).]
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- 2024
6. Teachers' Use of Generative AI to Support Literacy in 2024
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom), Irene Picton, and Christina Clark
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Recent developments in technology have accelerated the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives. The ability of generative-AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to both 'write' (generate new texts) and 'read' (e.g. summarise texts) in a human-like manner means they are set to play an increasingly important role in the literacy lives of children, young people and adults. Anticipating this, the National Literacy Trust is exploring how such platforms might influence, and even redefine, what it means to be literate in the digital age. Based on data from the National Literacy Trust's Annual Literacy Survey, this report explores teachers' attitudes, behaviour and confidence around using AI to support literacy, as well as complementing similar research with children and young people carried out in 2023 and 2024.
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- 2024
7. Children, Young People and Teachers' Use of Generative AI to Support Literacy in 2024. Summary Report
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom), Irene Picton, and Christina Clark
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Recent developments in technology have accelerated the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives. The ability of generative-AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to both 'write' and 'read' texts in a human-like manner means they are set to play an increasingly important role in the literacy lives of children, young people and adults. The National Literacy Trust is interested in exploring how such platforms might influence, and potentially redefine, what it means to be literate in the digital age. This summary report explores children, young people's and teachers' attitudes, behaviour and confidence around using generative AI to support literacy and learning. Findings are based on data from more than 50,000 children and young people taking part in the Annual Literacy Survey, with a focus on more than 15,000 young people aged 13 to 18 and 1,228 teachers from primary and secondary schools across the UK.
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- 2024
8. Children and Young People's Use of Generative AI to Support Literacy in 2024
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom), Irene Picton, and Christina Clark
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Recent developments in technology have accelerated the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives. The National Literacy Trust is interested in exploring how such platforms might influence, and potentially redefine, what it means to be literate in the digital age. Based on data from more than 50,000 children and young people taking part in the National Literacy Trust's Annual Literacy Survey, and with a focus on more than 15,000 young people aged 13 to 18, this report explores young people's attitudes, behaviour and confidence around using generative AI to support literacy and learning. Primarily, findings show that awareness and use of these tools by children and young people has increased rapidly in the last year, with 3 in 4 young people aged 13 to 18 saying they'd used them in 2024. The survey also provides evidence that many young people are using generative AI to support literacy.
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- 2024
9. Children and Young People's Writing in 2024
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom), Christina Clark, Irene Picton, Aimee Cole, and Francesca Bonafede
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This report builds on National Literacy Trust's previous research from the 2024 Annual Literacy Survey to investigate how children and young people felt about writing in early 2024. It includes findings on how many enjoyed writing and how often they wrote in their free time, what motivated them to write, and what they wrote. This report is based on 76,131 responses from children and young people aged 5 to 18 in schools across the UK in early 2024 and explores responses by age, gender, socioeconomic background, and geographical region. Findings show that children and young people's enjoyment of writing, and frequency of writing in their free time, is at an unprecedented low. Increasing evidence of a long-term downward trend calls for urgent action to reconnect children and young people with writing that promotes connection with creativity, self-expression and mental wellbeing.
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- 2024
10. Six Global Lessons on How Family, School, and Community Engagement Can Transform Education
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Brookings Institution, Center for Universal Education, Emily Markovich Morris, Laura Nóra, Richaa Hoysala, Contributor, Max Lieblich, Contributor, Sophie Partington, Contributor, and Rebecca Winthrop, Contributor
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This report is the result of the participation of hundreds of students, families, school educators, and researchers who dedicated their time and energy to investigating the critical role that families and communities play in ensuring students and schools can flourish. It is a culmination of over two years of collaborative research and hundreds of conversations on six continents. While there were unique findings in each school, district, and country, six powerful lessons stand out across geographies and contexts. This research report delves into these lessons and how to build greater family, school, and community partnerships as seen through the eyes of families, educators, and students who shared their beliefs on, experiences with, and trust in schools. After venturing into government schools across rural and urban districts in Sierra Leone to facilitate conversations with families and communities, one of the lead researchers noted that there is a crucial and symbiotic relationship between schools, families, and communities that are often overlook.
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- 2024
11. Teachers and Reading in 2023
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom) and Emily Best
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In 2022, for the first time since 2015, as part of the Annual Literacy Survey, the National Literacy Trust ran a survey for teachers and other school staff, asking about their attitudes to literacy as a whole, as well as reading, writing and speaking and listening. They received responses from 1,535 teachers from across primary, secondary and other settings. The survey was anonymous, and asked teachers to tell about the sorts of provision they had in their schools, and also about their own attitudes to literacy and what they saw their role to be. The authors were particularly interested in how this would differ across primary and secondary settings, as well as by different roles and levels of seniority. Children and young people's reading for enjoyment was at an all-time low in 2023, with just 2 in 5 (43.4%) 8- to 18-year-olds saying that they enjoyed reading (Clark, Picton & Galway, 2023). As the release of the new Reading Framework (DfE, 2023) signposted, teachers have a key role to play in addressing this, both as reading role models and through explicit teaching of reading strategies. To achieve this, teachers should consider themselves as readers (Cremin et al, 2009) as well as receiving training on reading instruction. With this in mind, the survey asked teachers about their own reading habits and enjoyment, as well as looking at the training they had received and what whole-school reading approaches might be in place. This report forms part of a series, alongside writing and whole-school literacy, that outline the findings in relation to these specific areas.
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- 2024
12. Teachers and Whole-School Literacy in 2023
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom) and Emily Best
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In 2022, for the first time since 2015, as part of the Annual Literacy Survey, the National Literacy Trust ran a survey for teachers and other school staff, asking about their attitudes to literacy as a whole, as well as reading, writing and speaking and listening. They received responses from 1,535 teachers from across primary, secondary and other settings. The survey was anonymous, and asked teachers to tell about the sorts of provision they had in their schools, and also about their own attitudes to literacy and what they saw their role to be. The authors were particularly interested in how this would differ across primary and secondary settings, as well as by different roles and levels of seniority. The below findings outline how teachers feel about and interact with a range of literacy issues. The hope is that these findings will help inform literacy provision and practice, providing support and inspiration for teachers and other educators. This report forms part of a series, alongside reading and writing, that outline the findings in relation to these specific areas.
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- 2024
13. Teachers and Writing in 2023
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National Literacy Trust (United Kingdom) and Emily Best
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The Annual Literacy Survey is a survey for teachers and other school staff, asking about their attitudes to literacy as a whole, as well as reading, writing and speaking and listening. There were responses from 1,535 teachers from across primary, secondary and other settings. As outlined in report, the survey particularly interested in how this would differ across primary and secondary settings, as well as by different roles and levels of seniority. Teaching writing, as suggested by the report on children and young people's writing in 2023, plays a key role in supporting writing enjoyment (Clark, Bonafede, Picton & Cole, 2023). In this report, open-ended comments showed appreciation of prescriptive structures and support provided by teachers.
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- 2024
14. An Assessment of Market Dependency Risk in the International Student Industry
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Sanjay Krishnapratap Pawar
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Literature suggests that the international student industry faces increasing risk, given the substantial dependence on a few source countries. Inbound international student mobility (ISM) data of leading higher education (HE) destination countries were examined, with China and India as the source countries. This study classifies Australia, Canada, and the USA as host countries with a high international student source country dependency risk; the UK as a host country with a moderate dependency risk. By exploring the issue from a dependency risk mitigation perspective, this study identifies an elaborate two-step market diversification approach involving international market selection and marketing strategy.
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- 2025
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15. Supporting Students Who Are Parents to Succeed in Australian Higher Education
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Giovanna Szalkowicz and Lisa Andrewartha
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Students who are parents are largely invisible within the Australian higher education sector. We know little about the particular views and experiences of this group at university. This article explores the Potivations perceived challenges to success and self-identified strengths of students who are parents. Our analysis is based on eighteen semi-structured interviews conducted with students who are parents at one multi-campus Australian university. The article contributes new insights to identify university strategies to better support under-represented groups to succeed at university.
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- 2024
16. Year in Industry: Who Gets Access and What Difference Does It Make? Access and Awarding Gaps in UK University Undergraduate Placement Programmes
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Kerry Traynor, Kate Evans, Chris Barlow, Amy Gerrard, Stefan Melgaard, Steph Kehoe, and Selina Churchill
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This article explores the extent to which students of different ethnicities, (dis)abilities, sexes, POLAR groups, and academic abilities undertake Year in Industry (YINI) placements and realise post-placement academic improvements, in comparison with non-YINI students. The benefits of work placements on student employability and graduate prospects are well-documented but less is known about which student groups gain access to placements. The study analyses secondary data relating to the sex, ethnicity, disability, POLAR group, grades, and degree classifications of 31,159 undergraduates graduating from a UK Russell Group university between 2016 and 2023, representing the largest study of its kind to date. The study found that students completing YINI programmes are significantly more likely to achieve first class (70.1% YINI, 28.5% non-YINI) and good degrees (97.7% YINI, 83.6% non-YINI). Importantly, the study found that YINI completion narrows awarding gaps found in the non-YINI population in relation to sex, disability, ethnicity, and POLAR group. The potential gains are greatest for male students, students with disabilities, Asian, Black and mixed ethnicity students, and students from low POLAR groups. However, access to placements is not proportionately distributed. Female students, students with disabilities, students from all ethnic minority groups and those of unknown ethnicity, and students from low POLAR groups are under-represented within the YINI population, suggesting placement access gaps in relation to sex, disability, ethnicity, and POLAR group. The paper concludes with strategies to encourage YINI participation amongst diverse student groups and calls for further research into lived experiences of YINI and non-YINI students.
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- 2024
17. Essay X-Ray: Using an In-House Academic Writing Tool to Scaffold Academic Skills Support
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Laura Key, Chris Till, and Joe Maxwell
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This paper introduces a project to develop a digital academic writing tool at Leeds Beckett University (LBU). Essay X-ray is an interactive online tool designed to help students get to grips with the structure and style of academic writing and was developed using the Articulate Storyline 360 platform. The aim was to expand LBU's academic skills support for students tasked with essay assignments, especially at Level 4 (first year, undergraduate), enabling independent learning using a self-paced format available open access and 24/7. This would complement existing academic skills provision (one-to-ones, workshops, drop-ins, static online resources), with the interactive element facilitating active, hands-on learning (Lumpkin, Achen and Dodd, 2015). Following a successful development, review and rollout process, the utility of Essay X-ray as an independent learning tool but also as a classroom resource was reported by students and colleagues. Tentative talks about additional versions (Dissertation X-ray, Report X-ray) have taken place, indicating its potential for rollout to other subject areas and assessment types. Finally, in-house digital academic skills tools like Essay X-ray are posited as a potential response to the recent upsurge in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools. Essay X-ray requires users to think critically about essay structure, style and content to create their own original pieces of writing, thus responding to questions about the maintenance of academic integrity in a digital world. These features enable users to develop their essay writing skills, in contrast to passive engagement with a GenAI programme that merely writes an answer for them.
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- 2024
18. Half-Baked Essays: The Embedded Use of Writing Exemplars to Encourage Active Learning for Radiography Students
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James Elliott
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This paper discusses the implementation of exemplar essays within an undergraduate first-year diagnostic radiography module to encourage active learning and the development of academic literacies. Nine essays ([approximately]400 words each) were provided over six sessions, using lecturer-guided discussion to explore the academic virtues and pitfalls demonstrated alongside assessment criteria. Exemplars were based upon a fictitious baking profession to illicit student interest and eliminate the risk of imitation or plagiarism. The quality of essays varied, with overt examples of common mistakes in spelling, essay structure and selection of appropriate literature. Upon completion of the sessions, and prior to summative assessment, students were surveyed with regard to their opinion of the teaching intervention. Feedback was obtained from 65% of the cohort (n=31/48), who reported an improvement in essay writing confidence. Students found the marking of the essays in class useful and the baking analogy was well received. Not all students found the classroom activities engaging though, with some wishing greater interactivity due to boredom and repetition. Furthermore, there was a slight reduction in pass rates and average marks across the cohort when compared to the previous module delivery. Nevertheless, there was a substantial increase in students attaining marks of 80% or more. This study highlights exemplar essays as a low-tech, low-cost option to increase assessment literacy but accepts the wide diversity in student learning preferences and experience. The efficacy of exemplar essays cannot be guaranteed, and teaching staff must be cognisant of individual student learning needs.
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- 2024
19. Exploring the Changing Modes of Learning and Teaching in Campus-Based Curricula during and Post-COVID-19
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Aisling Keane, Kathyrn McFerran, Blaise Acton, Samantha Taylor, and Declan McLaughlin
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The rise in technology-rich learning environments is reflective of a global trend in higher education (HE), recently accelerated because of necessary digital teaching and assessment practices embraced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study facilitated through focus groups and an interview explores the teaching and learning experiences of tertiary level students in the COVID-19 era. Data from 24 students based within a UK Higher Education Institution highlights how an expanded digital environment can optimise conditions for some students to independently practise and apply what they are learning at their own pace. Digitally enhanced opportunities to interact with teaching staff and learning resources also increased the options for these students to experience themselves as competent members of the HE community. This was particularly relevant for first-year students new to the processes and practices of tertiary education. In contrast, third year students with more experience of HE appeared less reliant on the provision of online learning resources. Participants also identified some potential problems associated with the enhanced flexibility of online teaching and learning resources in relation to students' ability to be self-regulated. This paper rationalises the need for educators and educational and learning developers who teach and undertake scholarship in teaching and learning to consider the sociocultural context of the student and their learning environment when designing teaching activities and curricula. The data presented here highlight the need for a clearly defined framework to underpin the integration of digital technologies with on-campus activities.
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- 2024
20. Chemical Science Research, Elementary School Children and Their Teachers Are More Closely Related than You May Imagine: The 'I Bet You Did Not Know' Project
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Alison J. Trew, Craig Early, Rebecca Ellis, Julia Nash, Katharine Pemberton, Paul Tyler, Timothy G. Harrison, and Dudley E. Shallcross
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Topics associated with the chemical sciences form a significant part of the curriculum in science at the primary school level in the U.K. In this methodology paper, we demonstrate how a wide range of research articles associated with the chemical sciences can be disseminated to an elementary school audience and how children can carry out investigations associated with cutting-edge research in the classroom. We discuss how the Primary Science Teaching Trust's (PSTT's) "I bet you did not know" (IBYDK) articles and their accompanying Teacher Guides benefit children, primary (elementary) school teachers, and other stakeholders including the researchers themselves. We define three types of research articles; ones describing how children can reproduce the research themselves without much adaptation, others where children can mirror the research using similar methods, and some where an analogy can be used to explain the research. We provide exemplars of each type and some preliminary feedback on articles written.
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- 2024
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21. Progression from GCSE to A Level, 2020-2022. Statistics Report Series No. 139
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Cambridge University Press & Assessment (United Kingdom), Joanna Williamson, and Carmen Vidal Rodeiro
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This report investigates the progression of students from GCSE to A level in the same (or related) subject. That is, for a range of subjects, the proportion of GCSE students who continue to study the subject at A level is calculated. To understand possible sources of variation progression rates are broken down by GCSE grade and student gender. Finally, the report considers relationships between GCSE and A level grades for those students who do progress. To evaluate whether there have been any changes in progression over time, references are made to previous versions of this analysis.
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- 2024
22. Comparing Policies, Participation and Inequalities across UK Post-16 Education and Training Landscapes
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University of Oxford (United Kingdom), Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE), Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) (United Kingdom), James Robson, Luke Sibieta, Shruti Khandekar, Mariela Neagu, David Robinson, and Susan James Relly
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This interim report shares emerging findings and recommendations from a collaborative project. The project examines post-16 Education and Training (E&T) in the UK. It is focused on analysing the divergent approaches to E&T policy across the four devolved nations to understand more deeply the key policy issues and challenges facing E&T and the kinds of structures that support young people's transitions from education to employment and help them live fulfilling lives. The authors, therefore, focus on the interplay between policies, participation, and outcomes across the four nations, particularly examining issues of inequality for young people. Through the combination of detailed comparative policy analysis and comparative quantitative analysis of a range of nation-specific datasets, the authors aim to address the following key questions: (1) Mapping the UK E&T policy contexts: In what key areas is post-16 E&T policy in the four nations converging and diverging?; (2) Comparing routes and choices: How are differences in post-16 institutions and policies reflected in participation and pathways for learners?; and (3) Outcomes and inequalities: How are differences in post-16 institutions and policies reflected in learner outcomes?
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- 2024
23. 'I Kept Telling Myself I Have to Learn; It Is Good for Me and My Children': Motherhood, Motivation and Learning English amongst a Group of Pakistani British Women
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Zanib Rasool and Abigail Hackett
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This article uses an Islamic lens to explore the question, "What are the identities, aspirations, and motivations for Pakistani and Muslim women learning English?" As Muslim women, the research participants had a strong allegiance to motherhood, with children being a motivating factor in learning English. This study explores how motherhood identities and the Islamic faith intersect in powerful ways for Pakistani British women learning English in the United Kingdom. The way that motherhood identity is conceptualised through the Islamic faith for these learners can be invisible to educational institutions and policymakers. The article offers an alternative narrative by directly engaging with women's lived experiences as language learners, as Muslim women and as mothers, thus contributing knowledge from the perspective of the learners, whose voices are often not heard in TESOL debates.
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- 2024
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24. A Self-Reported Instrument to Measure and Foster Students' Science Connection to Life with the CARE-KNOW-DO Model and Open Schooling for Sustainability
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Alexandra Okada
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National governments are concerned about the disconnection of young people from science, which hampers the development of a scientifically literate society promoting sustainable development, wellbeing, equity, and a green economy. Introduced in 2015 alongside Agenda 2030, the "open schooling" approach aims at enhancing students' science connections through real-life problem solving with families and scientists, necessitating solid evidence for scalability and sustainability. This study conceptualizes "science connection," a term yet underexplored, as the integration of science's meaning and purpose into personal, social, and global actions informed by socioscientific thinking. It details a novel 32-item self-report questionnaire developed and validated from insights of 85 teachers into "science connection"-enhanced learning. A new consensual qualitative analysis method with visual and textual snapshots enabled developing quantitative measures from the qualitative findings with rigor. The multilanguage instrument provided just-in-time actionable data, enhancing the immediacy and applicability of the feedback to 2082 underserved students aged 11-18 across five countries participating in open schooling activities using the CARE-KNOW-DO model. This innovative feature supports open science and responsible open research, offering real-time insights and fostering immediate educational impact. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed five components of science connection: Confidence and aspiration in science; Fun participatory science with teachers, family, and experts; Active learning approaches; Involvement in-and-outside school science activities; and Valuing science's role to life-and-society. Many students felt connected to science--Brazil: 80%, Spain: 79%, Romania: 73%, Greece: 70%, UK: 57%--with boys: 75%, girls: 73%, nonbinary students: 56%. These differences need in-depth research. Results suggest that science connections decline from the primary to secondary education, but the CARE-KNOW-DO model may reengage older students. A robust science connection enhances scientific literacy and builds science capital. This instrument aids policymakers, educators, and learners in identifying factors that facilitate or impede students' engagement with science for sustainable development efforts.
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- 2024
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25. Giving Voice to Educators: Primary School Teachers Explain How They Promote Values to Their Pupils
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Anna K. Döring, Emma Jones, Thomas P. Oeschger, and Elena Makarova
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Values are the trans-situational goals guiding human attitudes and behavior (Schwartz, 1992). As early socialization agents, teachers have a responsibility to promote democratic values of citizenship to create an inclusive, fair, and sustainable society, necessary for individual and collective well-being (OECD, 2019). By facilitating social and cognitive development through social interactions, the school setting helps spark curiosity, leading to reflection and adaptation. Across the curriculum, teachers use strategies like imitation, modelling, priming, and discussion to help children make sense of the world (Makarova et al., 2024; Oeschger et al., 2022). Yet little empirical evidence exists to support how teachers achieve this. The present study gives voice to educators through the personal experiences of ten UK primary school teachers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, lasting between 50 and 90 min. Data was analyzed in two stages: First, a deductive structuring content analysis identified how values of self-transcendence versus self-enhancement and openness to change versus conservation, as defined in Schwartz's (1992) model, were reflected in the interview data. Second, an inductive thematic analysis yielded the following themes: mechanisms of value transmission; implicit vs explicit instruction of values; values that are most difficult to teach; value transmission through taught lessons; the role of collective worship and cultural days; opportunities for value transmission in the wider school environment; and the role that a school culture and ethos play in the transmission of values. This study supports the view that values are promoted through a variety of methods and across all areas of the school environment.
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- 2024
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26. Primary and Secondary School Students' Career Aspirations and Job Automation-Related Risks
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Stephen Sowa, Julie Smith, and Andrew Manches
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To explore the differential impact of job automation for different groups of primary and secondary school students, an analysis of variance was conducted using survey data on the occupational aspirations of British school students (aged 7-18) and probability statistics derived from a model of job automation. Results indicated that students aged 13 years old and above were more than twice as likely to express an occupational aspiration associated with a high risk of automation, along with a higher proportion of male students, lower socio-economic groups, and respondents knowing someone (particularly a parent) holding their desired occupation (P < 0.05).
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- 2024
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27. 'So the Child Feels Loved': Mothers with Learning Disabilities' Experiences of Attachment and Emotional Relationships with Their Children
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Rowan Hevesi and Kate Theodore
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Background: Mothers with learning disabilities are at higher risk of child removal and mental health difficulties and may face more barriers to developing attachment relationships with their children. Mothers with learning disabilities' voices are still underrepresented in research, with less known about those who are actively parenting their children. This study aimed to explore mothers' perceptions of developing emotional relationships with their children. Methods: Mothers with learning disabilities who were actively parenting were recruited via advocacy groups across the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews with 10 mothers who self-identified as having learning disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three key themes were generated: (1) Understanding and Facilitating Attachment Relationships, (2) Barriers to the Attachment Relationship and (3) Bidirectional Nature of Relationships: Child Needs Mother, Mother Needs Child. Overarching experiences of powerlessness, autonomy and resilience were prominent across mothers' experiences. Conclusions: Mothers acknowledged the importance of close emotional relationships with their children. Subthemes highlighted that mothers recognised the importance of behaviours that mirrored attachment theory, including reciprocity and proximity seeking. Mother-child relationships faced varying challenges including separation and conflict between the mother's and the child's needs. Findings indicate the need to support mothers through a trauma-informed attachment perspective, especially in the context of maternal mental health needs and where children may also have additional needs.
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- 2024
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28. A Bibliometric Analysis on Academic Integrity
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Muammer Maral
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This research aimed to identify patterns, intellectual structure, contributions, social interactions, gaps, and future research directions in the field of academic integrity (AI). A bibliometric analysis was conducted with 1406 publications covering the period 1966-2023. The results indicate that there has been significant growth in AI literature over the last decade. The most influential publications focused on academic integrity violations such as cheating, plagiarism, and academic misconduct. The largest contribution to the field has come from journals that publish specifically on ethics and academic integrity. Studies in the historical origins of the field have focused on students' cheating behavior. The thematic structure of the field has focused on academic integrity and its violations, cheating, academic dishonesty, academic integrity in the context of online education, research ethics, and research on the detection of academic violations. The trending topics in the field are academic dishonesty, especially plagiarism and cheating, and online education. The UK, USA, Canada, and Australia have been the most collaborative and productive. More research is needed to address the AI field in the context of new developments.
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- 2024
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29. Umbrella Review of Hospital Passports: Their Use and Improvements
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Jennifer Jackson, Jessica Sinyor, and Hayley Trower
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Background: The hospital or health passport is widely acknowledged as a central element in making reasonable adjustments for patients with intellectual disabilities. Historically, the health passport has been used exclusively for patients with intellectual disabilities; however, it has wider applications for any patient requiring additional support. Commonly, it documents past medical history, communication needs and a person's means of expressing pain. There are, however, significant barriers to their use, meaning patients are unable to access adjustments to improve their experiences in a healthcare system that already marginalises and discriminates against people with intellectual disabilities. This umbrella review aims to establish whether the passport is an effective reasonable adjustment, identify barriers to its use and make recommendations to alleviate these barriers. Methods: Database and citation searches informed a synthesis of international evidence to address these aims. Following the removal of duplicates and screening, nine review papers originating from the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland were identified for inclusion. Seven focus on the use of passports for patients with intellectual disabilities, one on the use of passports for autistic people, and one exploring the use of passports for patients with dementia. Findings: The results demonstrated that the passports are effective in improving care for patients with intellectual disabilities. However, there are barriers to its routine use. We identified three main issues with the current use of the hospital passport. First, there is a need for greater managerial support to implement reasonable adjustments. Second, standardisation of the passports at a national level will make them more accessible to healthcare professionals and will ensure that information is not 'buried'; the development of a standardised passport must involve consultation of patients, carers and staff to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Finally, education for all healthcare staff to raise awareness of the passport and ensure it is utilised appropriately will ultimately pave the way for positive, long-lasting change. Conclusions: Passports can be an effective means of communicating reasonable adjustments. Addressing a lack of awareness of its utility, ensuring managerial commitment to implementing reasonable adjustments and making the passport accessible through a standardised format will empower patients to engage with their own care.
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- 2024
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30. Harsh Parenting and Trajectories of Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Autistic Children
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Georgia Cronshaw and Emily Midouhas
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Autistic children show higher rates of co-occurring emotional and behavioural difficulties compared to other children in the general population. However, the environmental factors which contribute to the development of emotional (internalising) and behavioural (externalising) difficulties in autistic individuals are poorly understood. This study sought to investigate the association between harsh parenting (smacking, shouting, telling off) and the trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties in autistic children from ages 3 to 7. A sample comprising of 349 autistic children participated from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study. Associations between harsh parenting and child emotional and behavioural difficulties were modelled using multilevel growth curve models. In autistic children, harsh parenting was associated with total emotional and behavioural difficulties and behavioural (but not emotional) problems concurrently. Moreover, harsh parenting was not associated with changes in emotional and behavioural difficulties over time. Harsh parenting may have an important role in externalising problems in young autistic children indicating the need for public health strategies which educate parents on its effects.
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- 2024
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31. Longitudinal Associations between Autistic Traits, Self-Compassion, Anxiety and Depression in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults without Intellectual Disability
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John Galvin, Abby Howes, and Gareth Richards
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Purpose: Previous cross-sectional research suggests self-compassion may mediate associations between autistic traits and mental health in autistic and non-autistic adults. However, no research to date has examined these relationships longitudinally. In this study, we used a cross-lagged panel analysis to examine correlations over time between autistic traits, self-compassion, and anxiety/depression. Methods: Participants were from the UK and included autistic (n = 228 at T1, n = 156 at T2, and n = 165 at T3) and non-autistic adults (n = 228 at T1, n = 122 at T2, and n = 124 at T3) without intellectual disability. Participants were recruited through an online participation platform and completed demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3). Results: In the autistic sample, negative correlations were observed between self-compassion and subsequent anxiety/depression across all models and timepoints, and these relationships were not reciprocal (i.e., earlier depression and anxiety did not predict future self-compassion). In the non-autistic sample, the findings generally suggested bi-directional relationships between self-compassion and anxiety/depression. In both groups, an indirect pathway between T1 autistic traits and T3 anxiety/depression via T2 self-compassion was confirmed. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among autistic people, and that self-compassion can be cultivated through practice, these findings suggest that self-compassion could be a useful therapeutic target to promote mental health in the autistic population.
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- 2024
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32. 'May All Be Well': The Links between Compassion, Psychological Distress, and Mindfulness in Teaching in Early Years
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Rebecca Y. M. Cheung and Maria Kambouri
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This study investigated the relationship between compassion and mindfulness in teaching among early years practitioners, with low levels of psychological distress as a mediator. A total of 81 early years practitioners were recruited from the United Kingdom via mass emails and announcements on social media platforms. Findings based on path analysis indicated that lower psychological distress mediated the positive relation between compassion and intrapersonal mindfulness in teaching, after controlling for level of education, years of practice, and role of practitioner. More specifically, compassion was related to psychological distress, intrapersonal mindfulness, and interpersonal mindfulness in teaching, whereas psychological distress was related to intrapersonal mindfulness, but not interpersonal mindfulness in teaching. The present findings inform early years practitioners and researchers of a differential chain of processes between compassion, psychological distress, and mindfulness in teaching.
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- 2024
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33. The Post-Racial Myth: Rethinking Chinese University Students' Experiences and Perceptions of Racialised Microaggressions in the UK
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Jingran Yu, Rohini Rai, Miguel Antonio Lim, and Hanwei Li
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As the world recovers from the pandemic and anti-Asian hate crimes have been gradually disappearing from the headlines, this article offers a timely reflection on Chinese international students' experiences and perceptions of racialised microaggressions during the pandemic, and, more importantly, takes the discussion further by deconstructing and challenging the underlying post-racial discourse. Based on 54 interviews with Chinese students from 13 universities across the UK, this article examines four phrases used by Chinese international students in making sense of their racialised experiences, in terms of the denial of racism ('it is not racism'), the justification of racism ('it is normal'), taking the blame of racism ('it is my fault') and in some rare cases, their reflections on anti-Asian racism in the so-called post-racial universities in the UK ('we are invisible'). It argues that such expressions are induced by and reflects neo-racism, neo-orientalism and everyday racism embedded within the wider post-racial discourse in the UK, which affirms the relevance of anti-Asian racism in the post-pandemic era rather than negates it. We thus make recommendations to UK universities to better support international students and combat anti-Asian particularly anti-Chinese racism.
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- 2024
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34. Making Sense of Big Questions That Require Multiple Subjects: Preliminary Theorisation of an Integrative Philosophy of Knowledge and Empirical Indications of a Lack of Subject Connection within School Curricula
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Robert A. Bowie, Rosanne Aantjes, Mary Woolley, Sabina Hulbert, Lynn Revell, Caroline Thomas, and John-Paul Riordan
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This paper provides theorisation about a novel concept for education: an integrative philosophy of knowledge (IPK). This is proposed for school curricula to relate multiple subjects to big questions of personal and existential importance. Critical contemporary issues such as climate change education require multiple subject contributions but there is little clarity in the English education guidance on this drawing together, beyond the encouragement to do so in priority areas. Leading British thinkers have engaged the idea of the unity of knowledge, not without difficulty and criticism. The paper identifies reasons for a practical approach to consilience in school curricula. In addition to preliminary theorisation, in methodological 'harmony', this paper adds tentative empirical findings from a related research project that provides quantitative indications that such multi-subject connection is likely not happening. The findings are not definitive, but the perceptions of three groups of beginning and experienced teachers (secondary Religious Education (RE), secondary science and primary teachers) indicate that school curricula do not reflect an integrative approach to climate change education, and sex and relationships education, despite policy priority. A significant national survey could not detect many signs of connection. The paper speculates that RE could have a key epistemic role for the curriculum as a whole in this regard.
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- 2024
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35. Evidence, Policy, Education, and Neuroscience--The State of Play in the UK
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Michael S. C. Thomas, Paul Howard-Jones, Jeremy Dudman-Jones, Lucy R. J. Palmer, Astrid E. J. Bowen, and Roisin C. Perry
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In this article, we give an overview of translational educational neuroscience (mind, brain, and education) in the United Kingdom. We consider the state of "translation," describing respectively the state of the dialogue between researchers and educators, the state of evaluation of approaches to improve educational outcomes, and the state of innovation in research translation. We consider "the teacher perspective." What do UK teachers think about educational neuroscience and its potential for informing classroom practice, and how do ideas about pedagogical approaches feature among their everyday concerns? We describe the results of a recent survey from a representative sample of over 1,000 UK teachers, and a case study of a UK high school teacher who employs educational neuroscience in his practice and what this entails. Lastly, we consider the "policy perspective" and assess the recent move by the UK government to introduce knowledge of cognitive science into initial and early-career teacher training.
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- 2024
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36. The Experiences of Home-Domiciled and International Ethnic Minority Students on a Pre-Registration Speech and Language Therapy Training Programme: A Qualitative Study
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Rachel Rees, Christina Smith, Asher Loke, and Ruth Nightingale
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Background: Attainment inequalities exist for ethnic minority students graduating from higher education institutes (HEIs) in the UK. Previous research has investigated the outcomes and experiences of students from ethnic minority backgrounds on health and social care programmes. However, studies exploring ethnic minority speech and language therapy (SLT) students' experiences have only focused on international students and were conducted in Australia. No known studies exploring the experiences of both home-domiciled and international SLT students from ethnic minority backgrounds have been conducted in the UK. Aims: To explore the experiences of home-domiciled and international ethnic minority students on a SLT training programme and to identify ways to improve these experiences. Methods & Procedures: All SLT students attending a pre-registration postgraduate course who identified as being from an ethnic minority background were invited to participate. Two focus groups, one for three international students and one for six home students, were conducted. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes & Results: Three themes were identified that illustrated students' current experiences and how experiences could be improved: (1) "feeling an outsider," explores students' sense of belonging in SLT education; (2) "finding ways to manage," describes the strategies used by students to cope with their experiences of marginalization, and how adopting these strategies impact on their well-being; and (3) "promoting inclusion," explains how the training programme could be modified to improve the experience of ethnic minority students. Conclusions & Implications: A better understanding of the experiences of ethnic minority SLT students can help others to support them more effectively. The findings suggest that making changes to SLT training programmes could improve ethnic minority students' outcomes and experiences. These include: more training for staff and students, support groups for ethnic minority students, sharing lived experiences of students and experienced SLTs from ethnic minority backgrounds, and clearer ways of reporting racist incidents. International students would benefit from receiving more information on HEI support services and cultural practices in the UK.
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- 2024
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37. How Differences in Anatomy and Physiology and Other Aetiology Affect the Way We Label and Describe Speech in Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate
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Valerie J. Pereira and Debbie Sell
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Background: Speech in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a complex myriad of presenting symptoms. It is uniquely associated with the structural difference of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), together with a wide and heterogeneous range of other aetiologies which often co-occur. The nature of the speech sound disorder (SSD) including VPI may also change over the course of an individual's care pathway. Differences in terminology and approaches to analysis are currently used, resulting in confusion internationally. Additionally, current diagnostic labels and classification systems in SSD do not capture the complexity and full nature of speech characteristics in CLP. Aims: This paper aims to explore the different aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech and to relate aetiology with speech characteristic(s). In so doing, it attempts to unravel the different terminology used in the field, describing commonalities and differences, and identifying overlaps with the speech summary patterns used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The paper also aims to explore the applicability of current diagnostic labels and classification systems in the non-cleft SSD literature and illustrate certain implications for speech intervention in CLP. Methods and Procedures: The different aetiologies were identified from the literature and mapped onto cleft palate/VPI speech characteristics. Different terminology and approaches to analysis are defined and overlaps described. The applicability of current classification systems in SSD is discussed including additional diagnostic labels proposed in the field. Outcomes and Results: Aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech identified include developmental (cognitive-linguistic), middle ear disease and fluctuating hearing loss, altered oral structure, abnormal facial growth, VPI-structural (abnormal palate muscle) and VPI-iatrogenic (maxillary advancement surgery). There are four main terminologies used to describe cleft palate/VPI speech: active/passive and compensatory/obligatory, which overlap with the four categories used in the UK speech summary patterns: anterior oral cleft speech characteristics (CSCs), posterior oral CSCs, non-oral CSCs and passive CSCs, although not directly comparable. Current classification systems in non-cleft SSD do not sufficiently capture the full nature and complexity of cleft palate/VPI speech. Conclusions and Implications: Our attempt at identifying the heterogeneous range of aetiologies provides clinicians with a better understanding of cleft palate/VPI speech to inform the management pathway and the nature and type of speech intervention required. We hope that the unravelling of the different terminology in relation to the UK speech summary patterns, and those used elsewhere, reduces confusion and provides more clarity for clinicians in the field. Diagnostic labels and classification require international agreement.
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- 2024
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38. Intervention Studies with Group Design Targeting Expressive Phonology for Children with Developmental Speech and Language Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Sari Kunnari, Susana Sanduvete-Chaves, Salvador Chacon-Moscoso, Dina Caetano Alves, Martina Ozbic, Kakia Petinou, Anna-Kaisa Tolonen, Krisztina Zajdó, Pauline Frizelle, Carol-Anne Murphy, David Saldana, and Marja Laasonen
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Background: Phonological difficulties are prevalent in children with speech and/or language disorders and may hamper their later language outcomes and academic achievements. These children often form a significant proportion of speech and language therapists' caseloads. There is a shortage of information on evidence-based interventions for improving phonological skills in children and adolescents with speech and language disorder. Aims: The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to systematically examine the effects of different intervention approaches on speech production accuracy and phonological representation skills in children with speech and language disorders. Methods: A preregistered systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID: CRD42017076075) adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was completed. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ERIC, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts) were searched for studies related to oral language interventions with children with developmental speech and/or language disorder (mean age ranging from 3-18 years) published between January 2006 and August 2022. The included articles reported intervention studies with a group design in which speech production accuracy was the outcome measure. Studies were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and individual effect sizes were calculated using standardised means differences when enough data was available. A meta-analysis was conducted obtaining the average standardised mean difference d. Heterogeneity, influence of possible moderator variables and publication bias were explored. Results: The 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria presented low-medium risk of bias. Nine effect sizes were obtained from seven of these studies that presented a pre-post-test with a control group design. Medium-high average effect sizes were found in phonological accuracy. Heterogeneity was found between individual effect sizes. Significant moderator variables and publication bias were not detected. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis indicate positive effects on speech production accuracy. Based on this review, further improvements in the quality of reporting for intervention research are required in developing the evidence base for practice.
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- 2024
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39. Speech Sound Disorder or DLD (Phonology)? Towards a Consensus Agreement on Terminology
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Helen Stringer, Joanne Cleland, Yvonne Wren, Rachel Rees, and Pam Williams
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Background: The publication of phase 2 of the CATALISE project in 2017 clarified terminology for children with developmental language disorder (DLD) or delay but unintentionally muddied the water for children with unintelligible speech. A diagnostic label of DLD (phonology) indicates poor prognosis and phonological disorder that persists into middle childhood. However, in contrast to other diagnostic labels that fall under the overarching term of speech sound disorder (SSD), DLD (phonology) does not elucidate the characteristics of the child's speech nor does it point us in the direction of appropriate intervention. Aims: The aim of this paper is to discuss terminology in SSD leading to an evidence-based model which builds on the model of DLD developed in CATALISE, supports descriptive diagnosis and signposts intervention. Methods: Following a focused review of literature proposing or describing terminology for SSD, an expert group of researchers in developmental SSD proposed a revised model of existing terminology. Groups of UK speech and language therapists (SLTs) who provide services for children with SSD were asked to comment on its acceptability and feasibility. Discussion: A three-level terminology model was developed. This comprised an overarching Level 1 term; Level 2 terms that differentiated SSD of unknown origin from SSD with associated or underlying conditions; and specific diagnostic terms at Level 3 to support further assessment and intervention decisions. Consulted SLTs generally expressed agreement with the proposed terminology and a willingness to adopt it in practice. Conclusions: Existing terminology for childhood SSD provides a good basis for clinical decision-making. A modified version of Dodd's (2005) terminology was found to be acceptable to UK SLTs. There is an evident overlap of SSD with CATALISE terminology. However more detailed and specialist terminology than 'DLD (phonology)' is required to support clinical decision-making. It is proposed that endorsement by the UK Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists would obviate the need for a Delphi process.
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- 2024
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40. A Systematic Review of Authentic Leadership Literature in Educational Research from 1997 to 2021
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Eman I. Ahm
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Given the recent upsurge in publications investigating authentic leadership in education since 1997, this study was carried out to review scholarly publications on authentic leadership in educational research, drawing on a database of 91 studies published between 1997 and 2021. Descriptive methods were employed to identify the features of the related literature with respect to the volume of publication, journal and geographic distribution of the literature, types of studies, authorship trends, citation impact, measurement instruments, research methods, identified antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes of authentic leadership in educational research. The results revealed that the published research consisted mostly of empirical studies. The analysis also revealed that more qualitative methods have been employed in recent years. Significant relationships were also found between authentic leadership and different outcomes (e.g. performance, satisfaction, trust in the leader). Recommendations were provided to improve the quality of the authentic leadership literature.
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- 2024
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41. Preschool Children's Adherence to the 24-Hour Physical Activity Guidelines: A Systematic Review Comparing the Sexes
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Markel Rico-González, Ricardo Martín-Moya, María Mendoza-Muñoz, and Jorge Carlos-Vivas
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Objective: Physical activity (PA) is essential to promote both optimal physical and emotional health in preschool children. Hence, well-founded PA guidelines are essential. 24-hour Movement Guidelines (which include PA, recreational screen time and sleep) have been established. Thus, this study aimed to explore preschool-aged children's adherence to the 24-hour PA guidelines assessed using microelectromechanical systems, and whether sex was a determining factor for meeting the guidelines. Method: A systematic review of relevant published articles was carried out using four databases (PubMed, ProQuest, SCOPUS, FECYT) up until April, 2023. Results: From a total of 519 studies initially located, 48 were included in our synthesis. Of the studies analysed for this review, 7 showed results below 30% compliance with the PA guidelines, 19 below 70%, and 22 from 70% to 100%. In terms of sex differences, the studies analysed in the review suggested that boys are more likely to meet PA guidelines than girls. There exists controversy about adherence to PA levels as age increases. Several studies have shown an increase in the early years (1-5) while others, although to a lesser extent, have found that total PA remained stable or decreased from 3 to 5 years. Conclusion: In the light of these findings, more research is needed to better understand trends in PA during the preschool years and the factors that influence them. In the meantime, promoting regular PA and reducing recreational screen time remain key priorities for the health and development of preschool-aged children.
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- 2024
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42. Poor Face Recognition Predicts Social Anxiety in Autism: A Short Report
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Bayparvah Kaur Gehdu, Katie L. H. Gray, and Richard Cook
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In the present study, we sought to examine whether face recognition problems impact the social anxiety experienced by autistic people. Many autistic people -- perhaps between 15% and 30% -- exhibit severe face recognition problems that closely resemble developmental prosopagnosia. At present, however, little is known about the psychosocial consequences of these difficulties. Autistic participants (N = 60) with varying degrees of face recognition ability completed two measures of face recognition (the original and Australian variants of the Cambridge Face Memory test), a measure of social anxiety (the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale) and a bespoke survey that enquired about individuals' experiences of face recognition and social interaction. Relative to autistic individuals with average or above-average face recognition, autistic individuals with poor face recognition described significantly higher levels of social anxiety. Moreover, more than half our participants felt that poor face recognition hampered their social interaction, while more than a third thought that poor face recognition had undermined their efforts to make friends. These initial results suggest that poor face recognition may be an important determinant of social anxiety in autism.
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- 2024
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43. 'It's Not Always Textbook Social Anxiety': A Survey-Based Study Investigating the Nature of Social Anxiety and Experiences of Therapy in Autistic People
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Alexander C. Wilson and Fiona Gullon-Scott
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Little is known about the nature of social anxiety in autistic people: What is similar and different about factors contributing to social anxiety in autistic and non-autistic people? There is also very limited research about autistic people's experiences of therapy for social anxiety in current routine clinical practice. This study investigated these issues by analysing responses to an online questionnaire for 308 adults with elevated social anxiety (232 autistic people and 76 non-autistic people) using mixed-methods approaches. Distinct factors influenced social anxiety in autistic participants, including individual and environmental factors relating to autistic experiences in the social world. We propose a 'distinct' model of social anxiety in autism. In addition, many participants had not had helpful experiences in therapy, especially cognitive behaviour therapy, for social anxiety: They thought therapists did not always acknowledge the basis of their social fears, did not adapt the therapy process in an individualised way and did not understand neurodiversity or recognise neurodivergence. Our results suggest that social anxiety needs to be understood specifically in the context of autism, and if this is neglected, therapy is unlikely to be helpful. Based on participants' comments, this article makes some practical recommendations for therapists supporting autistic adults with social anxiety.
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- 2024
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44. Camouflaging, Not Sensory Processing or Autistic Identity, Predicts Eating Disorder Symptoms in Autistic Adults
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Siofra Bradley, Fhionna Moore, Fiona Duffy, Lili Clark, Tasha Suratwala, Pooky Knightsmith, and Karri Gillespie-Smith
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The objective of this study was to explore the role that Autistic identity, sensory processing and camouflaging behaviours have on eating disorder symptomology in Autistic adults. Previous research has focused on cognitive and sensory factors to explain the association between autism and eating disorders, but the roles of social identity and camouflaging are yet to be explored. Autistic participants (N = 180) were recruited from NHS settings and community groups. The participants completed online questionnaires measuring autistic identity, camouflaging behaviours, sensory processing, autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms. Multiple regression revealed that camouflaging significantly predicted eating disorder symptoms. Although sensory processing was related, it did not significantly predict eating disorder symptom severity. In addition, there was no significant relationship between autistic identity and eating disorder symptom severity. This study highlights the impact that camouflaging behaviours and sensory processing can have on eating disorder symptomatology in autism and may indicate important considerations for the treatment of eating disorders in Autistic people.
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- 2024
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45. Easy Read Health Information for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Linguistic Discourse Analysis. What Happens to Language When It Is Simplified?
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Susan Buell, Gabrina Pounds, Peter Langdon, and Karen Bunning
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Introduction: Easy Read health documents prepared for people with intellectual disabilities are often generated from Standard Texts. Language in Easy Read versions is typically assumed to be simpler. However, simplification of language may have unintended consequences. This study aimed to explore the differences in language used between Easy Read health material and the Standard Text versions of the same material produced for the general population. Methods: Five Easy Read/Standard Text pairs were sampled and analysed using Systemic Functional Linguistics. This addressed: how people with intellectual disabilities and others were represented by language, the author stance in relation to the reader and the overall organisation of the text. Results: The Easy Read versions often used language that was less empowering and inclusive. Conclusion: Increased awareness of author power and better knowledge of the impact of language choice could help to redress these issues.
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- 2024
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46. Including Significant Others in Psychological Therapy with People with Intellectual Disabilities: A National Survey of the Practice of UK Psychologists
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Laura Surley, Dave Dagnan, Kate Lawson, and Andrew Jahoda
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Background: Talking therapy for people with intellectual disabilities is often specifically adapted. One adaptation is the involvement of significant others in therapy, however, there is no systematic description of the use of this adaptation in routine clinical practice. Method: An online survey of UK psychologists regarding the inclusion of significant others in individual therapy with people with intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Ninety-five psychologists who work with people with intellectual disabilities provided responses to questions regarding the decision to include significant others in therapy, factors that make including significant others more or less likely and how the role of significant others is explained to them. Conclusions: Psychologists consider a range of factors in deciding the involvement of significant others. We discuss implications for training of therapists working with people with intellectual disabilities, issues of consent and how the roles of significant others are understood.
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- 2024
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47. (Not) Going out and Barriers to Leaving the House for People with Intellectual Disabilities through the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK
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Sue Caton, Chris Hatton, Jill Bradshaw, Andrew Jahoda, Rosemary Kelly, Roseann Maguire, Edward Oloidi, Laurence Taggart, Stuart Todd, Richard P. Hastings, and the Coronavirus and People with Learning Disabilities Study Team
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Background: People with intellectual disabilities commonly experience multiple barriers to 'going out'. Aims: This paper explores what barriers prevented people from going out, and if the extent and nature of going out changed over time for people with intellectual disabilities as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed. Methods: Data are drawn from a wider study that explored, at four time points, the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities through the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Findings: The number of people leaving the house for almost all reasons increased over time through the pandemic, except for some outdoor participation and exercise. However, there was a significant decrease in outdoor exercise at the final time point of the study. Reliance on other people and a lack of availability of support were identified as barriers. Conclusion: A combination of factors restricted the extent to which people were going out even after COVID-19 protections were lifted.
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- 2024
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48. The Stenhouse Legacy and the Development of an Applied Research in Education Tradition
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John Elliott
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This paper focuses on the nature of the legacy that Lawrence Stenhouse bequeathed in the field of curriculum development and research, particularly in relation to his idea of 'the teacher as researcher'. In the process, it explores the contemporary relevance of this legacy to those who are currently attempting to rethink and re-enact the relationship between teachers and the school curriculum in a policy context. It also explores the impact of Stenhouse's work on the development of a collaborative action research movement within the United Kingdom and beyond. The author distinguishes a particular strand of collaborative action research which he depicts as the "neo-Stenhouse tradition" of applied research in education and distinguishes from the "Stenhouse legacy" as such. This distinction is based on a recognition that Stenhouse's legacy and idea of 'the teacher as researcher' was a "work in progress," which he himself acknowledged. Drawing on ambiguities in Stenhouse's thinking about the relationships between educational theory and practice and between teachers and researchers, the author argues that there are strong conceptual links between Stenhouse's idea of 'the teacher as researcher' and his account of case study as a method of applied research in education. The paper concludes with an argument for the contemporary relevance of Stenhouse's work, and the tradition of applied research in education he wanted to establish, in policy contexts where curriculum development and research is dominated by a performative model of rationality.
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- 2024
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49. A Pilot Randomised Control Trial Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering a Personalised Modular Psychological Intervention for Anxiety Experienced by Autistic Adults: Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A)
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Jacqui Rodgers, Samuel Brice, Patrick Welsh, Barry Ingham, Colin Wilson, Gemma Evans, Katie Steele, Emily Cropper, Ann Le Couteur, Mark Freeston, and Jeremy R. Parr
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Anxiety is commonly experienced by autistic people and impacts on quality of life and social participation. New anxiety interventions are required to effectively meet the needs of autistic people. Personalised Anxiety Treatment-Autism (PAT-A©) is a bespoke, modular approach to treating anxiety in up to 12 sessions. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of delivering PAT-A© in the UK National Health Service (NHS). A single-blind randomised controlled trial design. Thirty-four autistic adults were recruited via clinical services and randomised to receive either PAT-A© or enhanced treatment as usual (CCSP). Outcome assessments relating to anxiety, quality of life and related constructs were completed at baseline, immediately post intervention; and at 3 and 12 months. Seventy-one percent of the PAT-A© group and 65% of the CCSP met diagnostic threshold for at least three anxiety disorders. Retention was good across both groups, with 82% (N = 14/17) completing the full course of PAT-A© and 71% (N = 12/17) attending both psychoeducational sessions in CCSP. 94% in PAT-A© and 82% in CCSP completed some follow up assessment 3 months post-intervention. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed that many participants valued the personalised approach, developed transferable skills and experienced positive changes to their anxiety. Participants were willing to be recruited and randomised, PAT-A© was feasible to deliver in the NHS and the trial methods and materials were acceptable. Our findings indicate that a fully powered clinical and cost-effectiveness trial of PAT-A© is warranted.
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- 2024
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50. A Holistic Understanding of Inclusion in STEM: Systemic Challenges and Support for Women and LGBT+ Academics and PhD Students
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Marco Reggiani, Jessica Dawn Gagnon, and Rebecca Jane Lunn
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Barriers to equity, diversity, and inclusion remain in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for historically underrepresented and marginalized individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women and LGBT+ academics and PhD students in the United Kingdom. Specifically, this article examines systemic challenges and support that 82 participants who identified as women and/or LGBT+ academics and PhD students have experienced in their STEM environments and throughout their careers. In this qualitative study, we employed intersectionality theory to frame a thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups. Our findings indicate that the experiences of participants are characterized more by inequities than by support from colleagues, peers, and higher education institutions. Inequities are widespread and intersectional, and have a cumulative impact whenever individuals endure multiple and potentially escalating challenges--which include hard-to-spot disadvantages, stereotypes, prejudice, as well as harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Participants' accounts illustrate the benefits of different support mechanisms but also the limitations of initiatives to support marginalized individuals and groups in STEM that are not systematically embedded across institutions. Based on our findings, we present two conceptual models to better understand systemic challenges and their consequences for women and LGBT+ academics and PhD students in STEM, as well as to inform more holistic support mechanisms to create more inclusive STEM environments. Implications from the study highlight institutional accountability as key to improving climates and transformative change.
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- 2024
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