title: Mangrove (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica) litter production and decomposition in a temperate estuary

authors: Gladstone-Gallagher, Rebecca

subjects: detritus

abstract: Mangrove forests can provide important cross-boundary subsidies of organic matter to adjacent habitats through the production, export, decomposition and assimilation of litter. We quantified two of these components in a temperate mangrove forest in Whangamata Harbour, New Zealand: 1) litter production; and 2) decomposition rates as a function of tidal elevation, sediment type and burial depth. Litter traps sampled monthly for a year measured an annual detrital input of 3.24–5.38 t DW ha−1, of which 77% occurred in summer. Decomposition rates depended on litter type, with leaves decomposing faster (63 d to decay by 50%) than pneumatophore and wood material (316 and 460 d, respectively). Buried leaf and wood litter decomposed 1.3–1.4 times slower than litter on the sediment surface; however, tidal elevation and sediment type (mud vs. sand) had no effect. The slow decay of litter (an order of magnitude slower than tropical mangrove litter) suggests that its incorporation into temperate marine food webs may be relatively slow.

text: Mangrove (Avicennia marina subsp. australasica) litter production and decomposition in a temperate estuary Mangrove forests can provide important cross-boundary subsidies of organic matter to adjacent habitats through the production, export, decomposition and assimilation of litter. We quantified two of these components in a temperate mangrove forest in Whangamata Harbour, New Zealand: 1) litter production; and 2) decomposition rates as a function of tidal elevation, sediment type and burial depth. Litter traps sampled monthly for a year measured an annual detrital input of 3.24–5.38 t DW ha−1, of which 77% occurred in summer. Decomposition rates depended on litter type, with leaves decomposing faster (63 d to decay by 50%) than pneumatophore and wood material (316 and 460 d, respectively). Buried leaf and wood litter decomposed 1.3–1.4 times slower than litter on the sediment surface; however, tidal elevation and sediment type (mud vs. sand) had no effect. The slow decay of litter (an order of magnitude slower than tropical mangrove litter) suggests that its incorporation into temperate marine food webs may be relatively slow.

year: 2013

title: Early childhood student teachers’ beliefs about the role of the teacher and how young children learn

authors: Mitchell, Jill Winifred

abstract: The purpose of this research was, firstly, to explore early childhood student teachers’ beliefs about the role of the teacher and how young children learn. Secondly, it was to examine formative influences on participants’ beliefs and, thirdly, to ascertain any changes or modifications over a three-year period. Seventeen students completed five questionnaires and of these seven, who were the case study students, were interviewed and observed on teaching practice. Stories were written with each of these seven participants and their case studies prepared. Data were coded, analysed and grouped into themes. Changes or modifications to beliefs were charted for group and individual data for all 17 students. The results indicated that the beliefs student teachers’ construct are powerfully informed by experiences prior to the teacher education programme and that the family is perceived as particularly influential.
Beliefs were dynamic; they developed and changed over a three-year period. Some of these beliefs were reflected in practice. To demonstrate the dynamic nature of beliefs, a taxonomy was developed to explain the status of the different beliefs held by students. It is argued that it is simplistic to speak of student beliefs as though they all have the same degree of tenacity, power and influence over how a student teacher thinks and acts. Implications for teacher education and further research were discussed.

text: Early childhood student teachers’ beliefs about the role of the teacher and how young children learn The purpose of this research was, firstly, to explore early childhood student teachers’ beliefs about the role of the teacher and how young children learn. Secondly, it was to examine formative influences on participants’ beliefs and, thirdly, to ascertain any changes or modifications over a three-year period. Seventeen students completed five questionnaires and of these seven, who were the case study students, were interviewed and observed on teaching practice. Stories were written with each of these seven participants and their case studies prepared. Data were coded, analysed and grouped into themes. Changes or modifications to beliefs were charted for group and individual data for all 17 students. The results indicated that the beliefs student teachers’ construct are powerfully informed by experiences prior to the teacher education programme and that the family is perceived as particularly influential.
Beliefs were dynamic; they developed and changed over a three-year period. Some of these beliefs were reflected in practice. To demonstrate the dynamic nature of beliefs, a taxonomy was developed to explain the status of the different beliefs held by students. It is argued that it is simplistic to speak of student beliefs as though they all have the same degree of tenacity, power and influence over how a student teacher thinks and acts. Implications for teacher education and further research were discussed.

year: 2001

title: Taking quality work to a new brilliance: Tama Ma on tour [Review]

authors: Crawford, Terri Ripeka

subjects: Tama Ma

abstract: Choreographers: Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete; Douglas Wright; Michael Parmenter  Okareka Dance Company at Telecom Playhouse Theatre, WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, Hamilton
From 17 Jun 2009 to 20 Jun 2009 

Reviewed by Terri Ripeka Crawford, 22 Jun 2009.

text: Taking quality work to a new brilliance: Tama Ma on tour [Review] Choreographers: Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete; Douglas Wright; Michael Parmenter  Okareka Dance Company at Telecom Playhouse Theatre, WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, Hamilton
From 17 Jun 2009 to 20 Jun 2009 

Reviewed by Terri Ripeka Crawford, 22 Jun 2009.

year: 2009