Recent surveys have shown that between 20 per cent to 40 per cent of teachers experience considerable stress when working in schools. Following a summary of research into the…
Abstract
Recent surveys have shown that between 20 per cent to 40 per cent of teachers experience considerable stress when working in schools. Following a summary of research into the sources and correlates of reported teacher stress, this paper proposes a definition and a model of work‐related stress in school that incorporates current concepts and research findings. Examples of tactics and strategies for coping with and reducing the build‐up of environmental stressors are developed from the model. These aim to provide pointers for the multi‐level management of stress throughout schools.
Frederick J. Brigham, Christopher Claude, Jason Chow, Colleen Lloyd Eddy, Nicholas Gage and John William McKenna
Four reputed leaders for the coming years in the field of special education for individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) each with a slightly different…
Abstract
Four reputed leaders for the coming years in the field of special education for individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) each with a slightly different perspective on the field were asked to respond independently to a prompt asking what does special education mean for students with EBD and what is being done and how do we maintain tradition? The contributors' responses to the prompt are presented and then summarized across the essays. A remarkable consistency emerges across the independent essays. In addition to the tradition of providing a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment, the contributors identify needs to support teachers serving this population. Needs in teacher training and the expertise required to meet the needs of individuals with EBD are outlined as well as potential contributions of technology to carry out specific tasks. We conclude with a call for increased advocacy for use of the knowledge that we currently possess and that which will soon be discovered to support students with EBD as well as their teachers. We also note that the contributors' names are listed alphabetically to acknowledge the equality of each person to the final product.
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MIKE MILSTEIN and JAMES FARKAS
The main body of literature that has developed about educator stress indicates ours is a profession marked by high levels of distressful encounters and that educators are not…
Abstract
The main body of literature that has developed about educator stress indicates ours is a profession marked by high levels of distressful encounters and that educators are not faring well in this environment. The authors believe this case is over‐stated and that education, as a field, is not nearly so marked by the littered casualties of distress that the literature would have us believe exist. This conclusion is founded on both a small literature base which holds a contrary point of view, and on three studies of administrators and teachers which consistently indicate educators are much more adaptable and consequently, less stressed, than we have been led to believe. The purpose of the first study was to identify the levels of stress school principals experience on the job and to investigate the impact of perceived locus of control and powerlessness on their stress levels. The second study examined the extent to which school principals' perceived level of stress is related to their role relationship with groups internal and external to the school organization. The goals of the third study were to establish the levels of teachers' perceived stress, the organizationally‐based factors that are most stress‐inducing, and the predominant ways in which teachers manifest stress. The results of these studies, with great consistency, indicate low educator stress. These findings have important implications for the development of new approaches to stress research and for policy decisions concerning allocation of organizational resources to stress management design and staff development.
Helen Chester, Paul Clarkson, Linda Davies, Caroline Sutcliffe, Brenda Roe, Jane Hughes and David Challis
The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study to test the applicability of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method to assess the preferences of carers of people with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study to test the applicability of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method to assess the preferences of carers of people with dementia. The focus of enquiry was home care provision.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-method approach was adopted for this pilot study. A literature review identified key characteristics of home care for dementia. This informed consultations with lay representatives. Key attributes of home care for the DCE were identified and formed the basis for the schedule. In all, 28 carers were recruited by two voluntary organisations to complete the DCE. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyse the data.
Findings
Seven attributes of home care for people with dementia were identified from the consultation. The use of the DCE approach permitted the identification of those most important to carers. Despite the modest sample, statistically significant findings were reported in relation to five of the attributes indicating their relevance. A lay involvement in the identification of attributes contributed to the ease of administration of the schedule and relevance of the findings.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated the utility of a DCE to capture the preferences of carers of people with dementia and thereby gather information from carers to inform policy, practice and service development. Their involvement in the design of the schedule was critical to this process.
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Robert Solman and Melinda Feld
A large sample (n = 437) of teachers in Catholic schools inNew South Wales, Australia, completed a questionnaire on perceptions ofjob‐related stress. Six stress factors were…
Abstract
A large sample (n = 437) of teachers in Catholic schools in New South Wales, Australia, completed a questionnaire on perceptions of job‐related stress. Six stress factors were isolated (namely poor school tone, pupil recalcitrance, curriculum demands, community antagonism, time demands and poor working environment). The pattern of responses was similar to that previously obtained from samples of teachers in state schools, but the levels of reported stress were generally lower. This was particularly obvious in the case of pupil recalcitrance, and the Catholic school teachers also reported lower absenteeism than their state school colleagues. As in the state schools, one in three teachers reported high levels of minor neurotic disturbance, and poor school tone contributed significantly both to this measure of well‐being and to the reported number of days absent. It was concluded that occupational stress is prevalent in both Catholic and state schools.
R. Morgan, C.J. Sutcliffe and W. O’Neill
Describes the effects of the major process variables (Q‐switch pulse frequency, laser power, scan speed, scan spacing and scan length) on the production of single layer coupons…
Abstract
Describes the effects of the major process variables (Q‐switch pulse frequency, laser power, scan speed, scan spacing and scan length) on the production of single layer coupons. Results are compiled as a list of qualitative effects on the samples, such as degree of melting, shock compression effects, thermal stress cracking, etc. The results show that at certain pulse frequencies, evaporation recoil forces overcome the surface tension forces acting on the melt, improving cohesion compared to continuous wave (CW) lasing regime. The advantages lie in greater scan spacing and scan speeds enabling faster processing times for metallic objects built in this manner. The results also show the effect of power, scan speed, scan spacing and scan length on the morphology of the samples.
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Joseph Henry Robinson, Ian Robert Thomas Ashton, Eric Jones, Peter Fox and Chris Sutcliffe
This paper aims to present an investigation into the variation of scan vector hatch rotation strategies in selective laser melting (SLM), focussing on how it effects density…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an investigation into the variation of scan vector hatch rotation strategies in selective laser melting (SLM), focussing on how it effects density, surface roughness, tensile strength and residual stress.
Design/methodology/approach
First the optimum angle of hatch vector rotation is proposed by analysing the effect of different increment angles on distribution of scan vectors. Sectioning methods are then used to determine the effect that the chosen strategies have on the density of the parts. The top surface roughness was analysed using optical metrology, and the tensile properties were determined using uni-axial tensile testing. Finally, a novel multi-support deflection geometry was used to quantify the effects of rotation angles on residual stress.
Findings
The results of this research showed that the hatch rotation angle had little effect on the density, top surface roughness and strength of the parts. The greatest residual stress deflection was measured parallel to unidirectional scan vectors. The use of hatch rotations other than alternating 90° showed little benefit in lowering the magnitude of residual stresses. However, the use of rotation angles with a good suitability measure distributes stresses in all directions more evenly for certain part geometries.
Research limitations/implications
All samples produced in this work were made from commercially pure titanium, therefore care must be taken when applying these results to other materials.
Originality/value
This paper serves to increase the understanding of SLM scanning strategies and their effect on the properties of the material.
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S.R. Pogson, P. Fox, C.J. Sutcliffe and W. O’Neill
The relationship between the major process variables (laser power, laser scan speed, scan length, beam overlap and Q‐switch pulse frequency) of direct metal laser re‐melting and…
Abstract
The relationship between the major process variables (laser power, laser scan speed, scan length, beam overlap and Q‐switch pulse frequency) of direct metal laser re‐melting and their effect on the structure of single‐ and multi‐layer copper coupons has been investigated. The work successfully produced selectively fused copper powder layers and simple three‐dimensional copper structures with suitable laser parameters being identified for the production of parts, including thin‐walled cubic structures. It was shown that the specific energy density needed to melt thick powder beds was less than that to melt multi‐layer builds and that the type of substrate material used significantly affected the process parameters. Thus, the substrate and its thermal properties have a significant effect on the melt pool size and freezing rate.
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Aisel Akhmedova, Jennifer Sutcliffe, Christine Greenhow, Marisa H. Fisher and Connie Sung
Social media have been associated with social benefits and enhanced psychological well-being among non-disabled individuals; the purpose of this study is to examine whether social…
Abstract
Purpose
Social media have been associated with social benefits and enhanced psychological well-being among non-disabled individuals; the purpose of this study is to examine whether social media may have similar benefits for young neurodivergent adults with autism, anxiety, or attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder who may experience communication differences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this first-of-its kind study explores the nature of social media use and related psychological well-being among neurodivergent college undergraduates.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study is part of a larger effort. The authors surveyed undergraduates with and without disabilities at U.S. higher education institutions on their social media use and psychological well-being. A total of 131 students responded, including 24 neurodivergent individuals, the results of which are reported elsewhere. Participants were 18–25 years old, of varied genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds; for neurodivergent adults, questions focused on social challenges. From the survey, a sample of five neurodivergent individuals was drawn for this small-scale, exploratory interview study.
Findings
This paper reports descriptive statistics from survey results to contextualize analysis of students’ social media use (e.g. purposes, practices, benefits and harms). Students used mainly Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to promote well-being primarily through engaging positive relationships and positive emotions. Students reported several benefits of using social media to develop their disability identity and few harms.
Originality/value
Understanding the impact of social media use on undergraduates with disabilities could help us not only improve services as teachers, counselors and other helping professionals who support young adults to leverage their everyday technologies-in-use but also address digital equity issues.
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Michele Abendstern, Rowan Jasper, Nik Loynes, Jane Hughes, Caroline Sutcliffe and David Challis
The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the contribution and experiences of non-statutory sector (voluntary) services delivering care coordination.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the contribution and experiences of non-statutory sector (voluntary) services delivering care coordination.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study, based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 17 managers from a range of non-statutory sector services, used thematic data analysis supported by a framework approach.
Findings
Four themes emerged: commissioning arrangements undermined non-statutory sector development; working relationships between statutory and non-statutory services required time and energy to navigate and sustain; the establishment of a niche role in the larger network of provision; and tensions relating to future developments. The non-statutory sector was found to provide a mix of services, including specialist provision targeting specific communities that complemented or substituted for those provided by the state. Managers wanted their services to be recognised by the statutory sector as equal partners in the delivery of care coordination and were also keen to retain their independence.
Practical implications
Findings provide information for service commissioners and managers from statutory and non-statutory sectors indicating a complex set of experiences and views regarding the role of the latter. This is particularly salient in a political landscape which has increasing expectations of their involvement in the provision of care coordination.
Originality/value
This study considers the work of the non-statutory sector in the delivery of care coordination to adults and older people, an area under-reported to date. It suggests that there are opportunities available for these services to become embedded within a wider social care system and to excel by retaining or developing specialist roles and services.