– The purpose of this paper is to convey the importance of scheduling dedicated research days.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to convey the importance of scheduling dedicated research days.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a poetic exposition.
Findings
This paper highlights the necessity for reflective research days in suitably creative off-campus locations.
Research limitations/implications
The paper emphasises the importance of research to academics and the need to allocate dedicated time in a school ' s curriculum.
Originality/value
The paper is a reflective piece written during a research day inspired by the proceedings.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to convey the importance of improvements to Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to convey the importance of improvements to Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a poetic exposition.
Findings
This paper highlights the necessity for alignment of research activity to ERA indicators of quality.
Research limitations/implications
The paper emphasises the importance of research to academics and the need to allocate dedicated time in a school's curriculum.
Originality/value
The paper is a reflective piece written during a research day inspired by proceedings.
This paper aims to discuss current issues and provide suggestions for solutions. Today’s classrooms across schools in the USA are increasingly diverse. This diversity encompasses…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss current issues and provide suggestions for solutions. Today’s classrooms across schools in the USA are increasingly diverse. This diversity encompasses students from a myriad of cultural and linguistic and backgrounds’ academic performance levels. Teacher training programs and schools are making efforts to enhance teacher knowledge in regards to this cultural and functional diversity. Problems continue to exist because it is challenging to clearly perceive the connections between the two and identify cultural basis for school performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This article provides suggestions for teachers to enhance their own understanding of how cultural and ethnic diversity affects student performance and improve classroom practice in inclusive settings.
Findings
The author argues there is a need for a systemic effort that encourages an ongoing debate over cultural and functional diversity, improves teacher knowledge in the area of best practices in teaching children from diverse cultural and functional backgrounds and fosters collaboration among schools and families.
Originality/value
This article is an original look at teacher training for cultural and functional classroom diversity in the USA.
Details
Keywords
Julie Barrett, Simon Evans and Neil Mapes
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent evidence relating to green (nature-based) dementia care for people living with dementia in long-term accommodation and care…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent evidence relating to green (nature-based) dementia care for people living with dementia in long-term accommodation and care settings (housing for older people that provides both accommodation and care, such as residential care homes, nursing homes and extra care housing schemes). The review formed part of a pilot study exploring interaction with nature for people living with dementia in care homes and extra care housing schemes in the UK. Rather than a comprehensive systematic or critical literature review, the intention was to increase understanding of green dementia care to support the pilot study.
Design/methodology/approach
The review draws together the published and grey literature on the impacts of green (nature-based) dementia care, the barriers and enablers and good practice in provision. People living with dementia in accommodation and care settings are the focus of this review, due to the research study of which the review is part. Evidence relating to the impacts of engaging with nature on people in general, older people and residents in accommodation and care is also briefly examined as it has a bearing on people living with dementia.
Findings
Although interaction with the natural environment may not guarantee sustained wellbeing for all people living with dementia, there is some compelling evidence for a number of health and wellbeing benefits for many. However, there is a clear need for more large-scale rigorous research in this area, particularly with reference to health and wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia in accommodation and care settings for which the evidence is limited. There is a stronger evidence base on barriers and enablers to accessing nature for people living with dementia in such settings.
Research limitations/implications
The literature review was conducted to support a pilot study exploring green (nature-based) dementia care in care homes and extra care housing schemes in the UK. Consequently, the focus of the review was on green dementia care in accommodation and care settings. The study, and thus the review, also focussed on direct contact with nature (whether that occurs outdoors or indoors) rather than indirect contact (e.g. viewing nature in a photograph, on a TV screen or through a window) or simulated nature (e.g. robot pets). Therefore, this paper is not a full review of all aspects of green dementia care.
Originality/value
This paper presents an up-to-date review of literature relating to green dementia care in accommodation and care settings. It was successful in increasing understanding to support a pilot study exploring opportunities, benefits, barriers and enablers to interaction with nature for people living with dementia in care homes and extra care housing schemes in the UK. It demonstrated the impacts, value and accessibility of nature engagement in these settings and identified gaps in the evidence base. This review and subsequent pilot study provide a strong platform from which to conduct future research exploring green dementia care in accommodation and care settings.