title: Exploring Timorese family funds of knowledge and their use in education

authors: Soares Pinto, Zulmira Da Cruz

subjects: Timorese families

abstract: There are many factors that contribute to children’s development, including their social and cultural background. Families play a significant role in children’s development and the funds of knowledge that reside within a family and the wider community can be utilised in a preschool setting to make strong connections for children between their home and the preschool. Research suggests that including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool curriculum can enhance a child’s engagement in the learning environment and lead to positive educational outcomes. Drawing on Moll and Amanti’s concept of funds of knowledge and using a qualitative methodology, this thesis examines notions of funds of knowledge in preschool settings in Timor Leste. Through the exploration of what funds of knowledge are held by Timorese families and how these may be used in a preschool classroom by teachers, the thesis argues that there is a need for further understanding and acceptance by teachers of the importance of recognising and including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool classroom. The findings indicate that traditional attitudes about teachers being the authority in learning tend to prevail and this limits parents’ ability to contribute knowledge and assistance to the preschool classroom. There is clear evidence of family and communities’ holding a range of funds of knowledge that could be beneficial for children’s learning if included in classroom practices by teachers. The thesis calls for extensive professional opportunities for teachers to develop understanding about funds of knowledge and how they might make preschools more welcoming for parents.

text: Exploring Timorese family funds of knowledge and their use in education There are many factors that contribute to children’s development, including their social and cultural background. Families play a significant role in children’s development and the funds of knowledge that reside within a family and the wider community can be utilised in a preschool setting to make strong connections for children between their home and the preschool. Research suggests that including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool curriculum can enhance a child’s engagement in the learning environment and lead to positive educational outcomes. Drawing on Moll and Amanti’s concept of funds of knowledge and using a qualitative methodology, this thesis examines notions of funds of knowledge in preschool settings in Timor Leste. Through the exploration of what funds of knowledge are held by Timorese families and how these may be used in a preschool classroom by teachers, the thesis argues that there is a need for further understanding and acceptance by teachers of the importance of recognising and including families’ funds of knowledge in the preschool classroom. The findings indicate that traditional attitudes about teachers being the authority in learning tend to prevail and this limits parents’ ability to contribute knowledge and assistance to the preschool classroom. There is clear evidence of family and communities’ holding a range of funds of knowledge that could be beneficial for children’s learning if included in classroom practices by teachers. The thesis calls for extensive professional opportunities for teachers to develop understanding about funds of knowledge and how they might make preschools more welcoming for parents.

year: 2018

title: Neutron frequency windows and the protein dynamical transition

authors: Becker, Torsten

abstract: Proteins undergo an apparent dynamical transition on temperature variation that has been correlated with the onset of function. The transition in the mean-square displacement, ∆r2 , that is observed using a spectrometer or computer simulation, depends on the relationship between the timescales of the relaxation processes activated and the timescale accessible to the instrument or simulation. Models are described of two extreme situations—an "equilibrium" model, in which the long-time dynamics changes with temperature and all motions are resolved by the instrument used; and a "frequency window" model, in which there is no change in the long-time dynamics but as the temperature increases, the relaxation frequencies move into the instrumental range. Here we demonstrate that the latter, frequency-window model can describe the temperature and timescale dependences of both the intermediate neutron scattering function and  ∆r2  derived from molecular dynamics simulations of a small protein in a cryosolution. The frequency-window model also describes the energy-resolution and temperature-dependences of  ∆r2  obtained from experimental neutron scattering on glutamate dehydrogenase in the same solvent. Although equilibrium effects should also contribute to dynamical transitions in proteins, the present results suggests that frequency-window effects can play a role in the simulations and experiments examined. Finally, misquotations of previous findings are discussed in the context of solvent activation of protein dynamics and the possible relationship of this to activity.

text: Neutron frequency windows and the protein dynamical transition Proteins undergo an apparent dynamical transition on temperature variation that has been correlated with the onset of function. The transition in the mean-square displacement, ∆r2 , that is observed using a spectrometer or computer simulation, depends on the relationship between the timescales of the relaxation processes activated and the timescale accessible to the instrument or simulation. Models are described of two extreme situations—an "equilibrium" model, in which the long-time dynamics changes with temperature and all motions are resolved by the instrument used; and a "frequency window" model, in which there is no change in the long-time dynamics but as the temperature increases, the relaxation frequencies move into the instrumental range. Here we demonstrate that the latter, frequency-window model can describe the temperature and timescale dependences of both the intermediate neutron scattering function and  ∆r2  derived from molecular dynamics simulations of a small protein in a cryosolution. The frequency-window model also describes the energy-resolution and temperature-dependences of  ∆r2  obtained from experimental neutron scattering on glutamate dehydrogenase in the same solvent. Although equilibrium effects should also contribute to dynamical transitions in proteins, the present results suggests that frequency-window effects can play a role in the simulations and experiments examined. Finally, misquotations of previous findings are discussed in the context of solvent activation of protein dynamics and the possible relationship of this to activity.

year: 2004-09

title: Tūrangawaewae mō te Kīngitanga

authors: Takerei, Mamae Rangiaroha Tuānewa

subjects: Tūrangawaewae

abstract: Tūrangawaewae is an iconic marae located at the heart of the Kīngitanga. Established by Te Pūea Hērangi and other whānau, this marae has come to represent the struggles, successes and history of the Kīngitanga movement. Tūrangawaewae is therefore the embodiment of the Kīngitanga and the people of Waikato.
From very humble beginnings, and forged on the tireless efforts of Te Pūea and her followers, this marae has hosted world leaders, monarchs and aristocracy from across the world. All have come to Tūrangawaewae to forge relationships with the Kīngitanga, with Māori and with the New Zealand government. It has become a hallowed place when histories are shared and futures are created.
This thesis looks at how Tūrangawaewae encapsulates the Kīngitanga and all that it means. It explores this history of its establishment and highlight the central figures and the motivations behind the building of this marae and complex. In addition, this thesis will show how the different building and features of the marae showcase the ideology of the Kīngitanga movement and its leaders. Based on a traditional approach to Waikato knowledge, and founded on firsthand experience, this thesis reveals an insides perspective of the kīngitanga, the people, various events and the marae of Tūrangawaewae.

text: Tūrangawaewae mō te Kīngitanga Tūrangawaewae is an iconic marae located at the heart of the Kīngitanga. Established by Te Pūea Hērangi and other whānau, this marae has come to represent the struggles, successes and history of the Kīngitanga movement. Tūrangawaewae is therefore the embodiment of the Kīngitanga and the people of Waikato.
From very humble beginnings, and forged on the tireless efforts of Te Pūea and her followers, this marae has hosted world leaders, monarchs and aristocracy from across the world. All have come to Tūrangawaewae to forge relationships with the Kīngitanga, with Māori and with the New Zealand government. It has become a hallowed place when histories are shared and futures are created.
This thesis looks at how Tūrangawaewae encapsulates the Kīngitanga and all that it means. It explores this history of its establishment and highlight the central figures and the motivations behind the building of this marae and complex. In addition, this thesis will show how the different building and features of the marae showcase the ideology of the Kīngitanga movement and its leaders. Based on a traditional approach to Waikato knowledge, and founded on firsthand experience, this thesis reveals an insides perspective of the kīngitanga, the people, various events and the marae of Tūrangawaewae.

year: 2019