Doncaster College

Psychoanalysis is not a mainstream framework in the field of educational psychology. It is rarely discussed, and then often summarily dismissed as entirely speculative and therefore of no relevance...

This article explores Octavia Butler’s 1993 novel <em>Parable of the Sower</em> and its 2020 graphic novel adaptation by Damian Duffy and John Jennings. It analyzes the medium-specificity of the adaptation by applying a combined theoretical approach that incorporates cognitive narratology and narrative empathy. A discursive dialogue between the two media facilitates a critical evaluation of the potential for <em>Parable </em>to evoke character empathy leading to prosocial action. The prescient themes in Parable, and the timing of the adaptation’s publication facilitates informed ongoing dialogue around change.

This article examines whether there is an association between engaging in environmental volunteering activities and pro-environmental behavioural change. Utilising self-reported surveys, the article explores the potential impact that environmental volunteering has on people’s pro-environmental behaviours over time, using The Conservation Volunteers’ two volunteering programmes – Green Gyms® and Action Teams – as a comparative case study. The findings show a positive association between environmental volunteering activities and a person’s self-reported pro-environmental behaviours over time. Further, volunteers presented improved impact across almost all of the eight pro-environmental behaviours measured, with differences observed between the two volunteering programmes as well as sociodemographic groupings.

BackgroundThe role that the ankle's physiological characteristics play in maintaining balance during quiet stance has been well documented. However, the role of the ankle in maintaining balance during more challenging conditions is questionable. As such, the objectives of this study were to identify any significant relationships between the physiological characteristics of the ankle joint and the ability to maintain more challenging unilateral stance. Participants21 healthy, adult athletes (age=24.67±5.42 years; height=175.34±7.48cms; weight=79.09±14.07kg). ProceduresPassive resistance and joint position sense in the sagittal plane of the ankle, and active dorsiflexion range of motion of each subject was assessed, in addition to centre of pressure parameters during 20s unilateral stance. ResultsPearson's product moment correlation coefficient found significant positive correlations between Dpeaktorque and sway area (r=.554); Ax range (r=.449); and Ay range (r=.471). Significant negative correlations were found between Ppeaktorque angle and sway area (r=−.538, p=.012), Ax range (r=−.590, p=.005) and Ay range (r=−.439, p=.046). DiscussionThe results highlighted limited relationships between unilateral stance balance control and the ankle characteristics commonly associated with quiet stance balance control and has, thus, further questioned the role that the ankle plays during more challenging stance conditions. The majority of balance training protocols in the athletic community focuses on the distal joints, however, this needs re-addressing in order to maximise performance.

This article draws on previous empirical studies that have used methodological strategies such as think-alouds (verbal protocol analysis), computer-based digital data collection and video observations to explore the process of music composition in real-time. A paradigm of music composition as a form of problem solving was assumed. Three higher education students composed short pieces and, using the above data collection methods, outputs were mapped against theoretical models of creative thinking and a hypothetical model deriving from a previous longitudinal, four-year single-case study. The real-time tracking of the music composition process in the present study observed a linear cycle of problem-solving strategies and nonlinear, recursive musical structuring. The study indicates that the real-time data collection tools were useful in eliciting added understandings of cognition in music composition and further insight into the act of musical structuring at a macro and micro level.

PurposeThis paper aims to identify what motivates young people to play video games, and the extent to which video games are perceived as facilitating learning and information literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative approach, interviewing a convenience sample of 28 young people who enjoy playing video games. They were aged between 12 and 19, and all resident in Northern England. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically.FindingsEntertainment and challenge were key reasons for playing video games. Of the respondents 89 per cent said they had learned something from gaming, including skills with real‐world application. Respondents used a variety of texts to solve gaming problems and to choose new games. Analysis of respondents' reported information behaviour showed that they were carrying out activities (e.g. searching, evaluating) that corresponded to models of information literacy, and these activities are mapped to the SCONUL Seven Pillars model. The interviewees showed determination in working out game problems and puzzles, rather than opting straight for an easy solution.Practical implicationsLibrarians and other educators should design information literacy games, which challenge learners, using a problem‐solving approach. They also need to take account of learners' varying preferences for game genres.Originality/valueThere have been relatively few empirical studies into information literacy in videogaming (the focus is more usually on digital literacy, or literacy in reading and interpreting text). The paper identifies gamer preferences and behaviours that should influence design of information literacy games, and extend the information literacy model to include an attitudinal focus, fostering persistence and determination to solve information problems.

I have just read that the government is considering plans to allow Trusts to become completely run by private companies (Hospitals should be run by the private sector, News, April 21). What a disgrace.