title: Problem solving in physics: an interactive computer-assisted environment

authors: Singh, Amarjit

abstract: The thesis reports the development and trial of an interactive computer-assisted environment program. A rotational dynamics problem of considerable difficulty was chosen for program development involving a selection process using students and lecturers. Six year one undergraduates, 6 graduates, and a lecturer from the Physics department performed think-aloud problem solving. A high school Physics teacher and 7 year one undergraduates took part in pen and paper problem solving. Data collected focussed on: activities performed at commencement; question clarification and assistance sought; examples referred to for help; general mistakes made; conceptions portrayed; major difficulties encountered; and knowledge used. The problem solving has been categorised into 14 groups. These show the differences between expert and novice styles, highlight the strategies used, and depict the complexity of the problem-solving task through individual flow charts.

The problem-solving was performed in an idiosyncratic manner. This has informed the program development to represent knowledge so that it can be accessed at various stages of problem solving when needed. This suggests a constructivist environment with the provision of information through transmission as appropriate. 

Solutions by the lecturer and the 4 high school teachers were used to determine the knowledge and explanations normally presented. A general solution using the fundamental physical quantities was developed to highlight the complexity of the solution and the vast amount of related knowledge required. This knowledge is usually assumed and normally not presented to students.

The findings informed the development of a problem-solving program. The program has been used by 18 and 14 students respectively to solve the problem for which it was developed and a related problem. Data collected highlighted the assistance students seek, the extent of student control allowed, program features used and limitations encountered. Data was also examined to ascertain transfer of learning, and the effectiveness of the program in compiling student conceptions, knowledge and problem-solving styles.

Analysis indicates students will use a program if it is helpful in serving their needs and is easy to use. Students were not very effective in transforming knowledge to a new situation. Data collected by the program showed its effectiveness in documenting information and features used, but it was less useful in compiling alternative conceptions.

text: Problem solving in physics: an interactive computer-assisted environment The thesis reports the development and trial of an interactive computer-assisted environment program. A rotational dynamics problem of considerable difficulty was chosen for program development involving a selection process using students and lecturers. Six year one undergraduates, 6 graduates, and a lecturer from the Physics department performed think-aloud problem solving. A high school Physics teacher and 7 year one undergraduates took part in pen and paper problem solving. Data collected focussed on: activities performed at commencement; question clarification and assistance sought; examples referred to for help; general mistakes made; conceptions portrayed; major difficulties encountered; and knowledge used. The problem solving has been categorised into 14 groups. These show the differences between expert and novice styles, highlight the strategies used, and depict the complexity of the problem-solving task through individual flow charts.

The problem-solving was performed in an idiosyncratic manner. This has informed the program development to represent knowledge so that it can be accessed at various stages of problem solving when needed. This suggests a constructivist environment with the provision of information through transmission as appropriate. 

Solutions by the lecturer and the 4 high school teachers were used to determine the knowledge and explanations normally presented. A general solution using the fundamental physical quantities was developed to highlight the complexity of the solution and the vast amount of related knowledge required. This knowledge is usually assumed and normally not presented to students.

The findings informed the development of a problem-solving program. The program has been used by 18 and 14 students respectively to solve the problem for which it was developed and a related problem. Data collected highlighted the assistance students seek, the extent of student control allowed, program features used and limitations encountered. Data was also examined to ascertain transfer of learning, and the effectiveness of the program in compiling student conceptions, knowledge and problem-solving styles.

Analysis indicates students will use a program if it is helpful in serving their needs and is easy to use. Students were not very effective in transforming knowledge to a new situation. Data collected by the program showed its effectiveness in documenting information and features used, but it was less useful in compiling alternative conceptions.

year: 1993

title: Vot Long Pati Ia! (Your vote, our
party)

authors: Goldsmith, Michael

subjects: Wan Smolbag Theatre

abstract: Review of the film "Vot Long Pati Ia!" The film is made by Wan Smolbag Theatre in Vanuatu and is a fascinating dramatization of political and developmental dilemmas in the South Pacific.

text: Vot Long Pati Ia! (Your vote, our
party) Review of the film "Vot Long Pati Ia!" The film is made by Wan Smolbag Theatre in Vanuatu and is a fascinating dramatization of political and developmental dilemmas in the South Pacific.

year: 2001

title: Hā Ora: Reflecting on a Kaupapa Māori community engaged co-design approach to lung cancer research

authors: Kidd, Jacquie

abstract: Co-designed research is gaining prominence within the health care space. Community engagement is a key premise of co-design and is also particularly vital when carrying out kaupapa Māori research. Kaupapa Māori describes a “by Māori, for Māori” approach to research in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This article discusses the research process of Hā Ora: a co-design project underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach. The objective was to explore the barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer, barriers identified by Māori. The team worked with four rural Māori communities, with whom we aimed to co-design local interventions that would promote earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. This article highlights and unpacks the complexities of carrying out community- engaged co-design with Māori who live in rural communities. In particular, we draw attention to the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the research process. We highlight issues pertaining to timelines and budgets, and also the intricacies of involving co-governance and advisory groups. Overall, through this article, we argue that health researchers need to prioritise working with and for participants, rather than on them, especially when working with Māori communities.

text: Hā Ora: Reflecting on a Kaupapa Māori community engaged co-design approach to lung cancer research Co-designed research is gaining prominence within the health care space. Community engagement is a key premise of co-design and is also particularly vital when carrying out kaupapa Māori research. Kaupapa Māori describes a “by Māori, for Māori” approach to research in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This article discusses the research process of Hā Ora: a co-design project underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach. The objective was to explore the barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer, barriers identified by Māori. The team worked with four rural Māori communities, with whom we aimed to co-design local interventions that would promote earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. This article highlights and unpacks the complexities of carrying out community- engaged co-design with Māori who live in rural communities. In particular, we draw attention to the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the research process. We highlight issues pertaining to timelines and budgets, and also the intricacies of involving co-governance and advisory groups. Overall, through this article, we argue that health researchers need to prioritise working with and for participants, rather than on them, especially when working with Māori communities.

year: 2021