Maria Brown, Maria N. Gravani, Bonnie Slade and Larissa Jōgi
This chapter discusses findings from a multiple case study of language learning programmes offered to adult migrant learners in Cyprus, Scotland, Malta and Estonia. First, using a…
Abstract
This chapter discusses findings from a multiple case study of language learning programmes offered to adult migrant learners in Cyprus, Scotland, Malta and Estonia. First, using a cross-comparative policy analysis, the discussion synthesizes indicators of integration embedded in education policies and provisions for adult migrant learners. This analysis brings to light an overall inclusive approach: providers and programmes emerged as comparable in terms of type of programmes (formal, informal and nonformal; academic, vocational and interest-based); options available (academic, vocational and interest-based) and providers (state and civil society). However, policy analysis also illuminates restrictive indicators, such as traits of monocultural, generalizing policymaking that lacks consideration of sociodemographic differences between adult migrant learners. Secondly, the discussion validates the synthesized indicators by means of an analysis of qualitative data concerning the language programmes and related micro classroom-based practices, retrieved using qualitative research with adult migrant learners, their educators and related policy executives. Validated indicators include an inclusive approach to learners' entitlement to educational provision, as testified by educators' and policy executives' values and pedagogical approaches. Indeed, despite traits of monoculturalism and generalizing or homogenizing approaches identified at policy level, micro context data illuminated stakeholders' critical acknowledgement of the need of differentiated teaching and learning. Research-based recommendations include increased cooperation between state entities (e.g., inter-ministerial collaboration) and between state and civil societies, as well as professional development for adult educators that elicits their agency in proactively resisting and changing restrictive aspects of existent policies and practices.
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This paper aims to examine the professional learning of rural police officers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the professional learning of rural police officers.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative case study involved interviews and focus groups with 34 police officers in Northern Scotland. The interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analysed, drawing on practice‐based and sociomaterial learning theories, by members of the research team.
Findings
The two key skills for effective rural policing were mobilising available human and material resources in the moment, and learning how to police and live in a rural community. The professional learning of rural police is spatial, emergent, embodied and deeply enmeshed in specificities, and is developed through interactions between human and non‐human actors.
Practical implications
This paper argues that, in order to understand professional learning, it is imperative to examine how work practices are fully entangled in social and material relations.
Originality/value
Applying sociomaterial approaches to issues of professional learning can illuminate previously obscured actors and gives a fuller picture of how professional practice is developed, sustained and modified. Learning is conceived as attuning to available knowledge resources and drawing on the knowledge strategies that are the most productive in the moment. The issues raised in this paper pertain to other professionals working in rural areas, and more generally to the theoretical framing of professional practice.
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Emma Wolverson, Leanne Hague, Juniper West, Bonnie Teague, Christopher Fox, Linda Birt, Ruth Mills, Tom Rhodes, Kathryn Sams and Esme Moniz-Cook
Recovery Colleges were developed to support the recovery of people with mental health difficulties through courses co-produced by professionals and people with lived experience…
Abstract
Purpose
Recovery Colleges were developed to support the recovery of people with mental health difficulties through courses co-produced by professionals and people with lived experience. This study aims to examine the use of Recovery Colleges to support people with dementia.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was circulated to UK Recovery College and memory service staff, exploring provision, delivery and attendance of dementia courses. Open responses provided insight into participant views about recovery in post-diagnostic support and the practicalities of running dementia courses.
Findings
A total of 51 Recovery College staff and 210 memory service staff completed the survey. Twelve Recovery College dementia courses were identified across the UK. Three categories emerged from the qualitative data: post-diagnostic support, recovery in the context of dementia, challenges and areas of innovation.
Originality/value
This study highlights the benefits and practicalities of running Recovery College courses with people with dementia. Peer-to-peer learning was seen as valuable in post-diagnostic support but opinions were divided about the term recovery in dementia.
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THERE are, believe it or not, more public libraries in New York than there are poolrooms. To point this statement a little, it must be said that the libraries only just have the…
Abstract
THERE are, believe it or not, more public libraries in New York than there are poolrooms. To point this statement a little, it must be said that the libraries only just have the edge. It has always been implied, particularly by evangelical politicians and librarians alike, that libraries were or would be an improvement on gin‐shops, poolrooms or public houses. “Build a library” they proclaim, “and the indolent workers will leave the dens of iniquity”. There is, of course, not a jot of evidence that public libraries have had any effect on the sobriety or inebriety of the British, the Americans or the Swedes (three communities which have most felt the extended activities of librarianship). The licensing laws of this country and the (?) pro bona publica magistrates have effectively reduced public intake if not private surfeit. Our public houses are not reeling from the blows of dynamic librarianship, but from those of television.
Aino Heiskanen and Toni Ryynänen
It is suggested that the detrimental externalities of intensive livestock production can be reduced by manufacturing animal proteins with cellular agriculture technologies. This…
Abstract
Purpose
It is suggested that the detrimental externalities of intensive livestock production can be reduced by manufacturing animal proteins with cellular agriculture technologies. This study explores consumer attitudes towards cultured proteins based on representative Finnish survey data (n = 1,452).
Design/methodology/approach
Sum variables from the principal component analysis were utilized in the cluster analysis to identify potential consumer groups of cultured proteins in Finland. A regression analysis was used to find out the explanatory factors of positive first reaction, willingness to taste, willingness to use and support for the establishment of a national cultured meat sector.
Findings
Most of the respondents (72%) would taste cultured products, but attitudes of optimists (n = 516), moderates (n = 479) and sceptics (n = 457) differ in terms of the environment, livestock farming and cultured proteins. Most optimists (77%), almost quarter (23%) of moderates and less than a fifth (18%) of sceptics support cultured proteins. The environmental concerns are shared by optimists and moderates, whereas moderates and sceptics tend to be more suspicious. Positive attitudes are significantly influenced by social norms and respondents' beliefs regarding their global and national benefits. Major concerns pertain to anticipated dictation force of big companies, negative effects on Finnish agriculture, product attributes, use of genetically modified organisms and experienced (un)naturalness of cultured foods.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of Finnish consumers' attitudes towards cultured proteins. The identification of potential consumer segments and the elucidation of their attitudes are relevant, given the anticipated acceleration in the development of cultured foods.
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Juhui Chen, Meng Zhang and Junfei Bai
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of providing information on Chinese consumers' attitudes toward and willingness to pay (WTP) for cultured meat, and to further…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of providing information on Chinese consumers' attitudes toward and willingness to pay (WTP) for cultured meat, and to further focus on the heterogeneous effect of prior awareness.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected by interviewing 1,004 consumers through a face-to-face survey conducted in 2019. Repeated measures ANOVA, ordinary least squares and maximum likelihood estimation were employed for data analysis.
Findings
Whether consumers have heard of cultured meat before is not an important determinant for their attitude, but whether they know it well is. Consumers' attitudes and WTP all improved after the provision of information, but knowledgeable consumers' attitudes were less influenced by information than those without prior knowledge. Unlike attitude, prior awareness does not affect the effect of information on WTP.
Originality/value
Despite extensive studies on the impact of information on the acceptance of cultured meat, few have analyzed the heterogeneous effect of prior awareness. In the research on prior awareness of cultured meat, firstly, no consistent conclusions about the effect of prior awareness on attitude; secondly, previous studies only considered heterogeneous effects of prior awareness on attitude toward cultured meat, while ignored WTP. This paper provides new insights in these areas. Further, this paper provides the first evidence on the heterogeneous impact of prior awareness in developing countries; most previous research has focused on consumers in developed countries.
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Kimberly Horn, Geri Dino, Xin Gao and Aiman Momani
Presents a feasibility study on the American Lung Association’s new teenage smoking cessation programme, Not On Tobacco (N‐O‐T). Examines participant and facilitator reactions to…
Abstract
Presents a feasibility study on the American Lung Association’s new teenage smoking cessation programme, Not On Tobacco (N‐O‐T). Examines participant and facilitator reactions to N‐O‐T, facilitator training, recruitment, participant attendance and retention, and immediate post‐programme efficacy. Programme efficacy was assessed by comparing the quit rates and mean cigarette reduction of high school smokers who received N‐O‐T with those receiving a brief intervention. Findings regarding programme acceptability, facilitator training, recruitment, and attendance and retention were consistently positive. Evaluation data suggested that N‐O‐T is “user friendly” and acceptable for use in school settings. The programme had a significant impact on both quitting and smoking reduction, and furthermore, appeared to be effective for males and females and for young people from different geographic areas.