title: Teachers of English in Taiwanese primary schools reflect on their in-service training

authors: Wang, Wei Pei

subjects: Taiwan

abstract: We report here on the responses of a sample of ten teachers in primary/ elementary schools in Taiwan to that part of a survey (based on a written questionnaire and semi-structured interview) that related to their experiences of in-service training provision in the teaching of English. Most of the in-service training that this sample of teachers had been exposed to was in the form of one-off workshops (offered by textbook publishers, local government and cram schools). Responses to these workshops were mixed. The most negative responses related to workshops provided by publishers and those provided by local government that focused on policy issues. The most positive responses related to workshops taught by practicing teachers, workshops that sometimes covered areas that appear to have been neglected in pre-service training.

text: Teachers of English in Taiwanese primary schools reflect on their in-service training We report here on the responses of a sample of ten teachers in primary/ elementary schools in Taiwan to that part of a survey (based on a written questionnaire and semi-structured interview) that related to their experiences of in-service training provision in the teaching of English. Most of the in-service training that this sample of teachers had been exposed to was in the form of one-off workshops (offered by textbook publishers, local government and cram schools). Responses to these workshops were mixed. The most negative responses related to workshops provided by publishers and those provided by local government that focused on policy issues. The most positive responses related to workshops taught by practicing teachers, workshops that sometimes covered areas that appear to have been neglected in pre-service training.

year: 2008

title: Prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income informal settlements of Dhaka - A community approach

authors: Rahman, Sowmen

abstract: This thesis focuses on the prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city. Numerous research findings show that low-income communities of Dhaka are living in the hazard prone areas with poor housing, sanitation and drainage facilities. These communities are at high risk of predicted climate change impacts and may be unable to avoid the direct and indirect impacts of climatic disasters. Most of the houses are below the ground level of Dhaka city and remain inundated after heavy rainfall or flood. In this context, this research undertook a community approach to explore the required measures for building climate resilience in the infrastructures of low-income settlements. Special attention was given on the impacts of heavy rainfall and storms and how they affect the infrastructure system.

This study selected Beguntila slum and New Purba Kurmitola Camp as a sample after carefully evaluating the selection criteria for this research.  To derive information from the field, this study applied qualitative data collection techniques. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on both slums to get a primary idea about the vulnerabilities of these slums. In this study, separate male and female focus group discussions were conducted in both slums. Ten key community experts were also selected for the key informant interviews. Drawing on qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, this study examines the infrastructural vulnerabilities of these slums due to climate change impacts. It then identifies the root causes for these vulnerabilities. Finally, it outlines the required measures for establishing climate resilient infrastructure in these settlements. 

The findings demonstrate that the key reason for these vulnerabilities on infrastructure due to heavy rainfall is inefficiency of current drainage system in the slum areas. This situation becomes even worse in absence of a functioning sewerage system. The tin-shed houses were found to be very weak and unable to withstand strong winds during storms. It was also found that electric poles could collapse on tin-shed houses and roads causing injuries to slum dwellers. The analysis finds that poverty is the most impeding factor for the advancement of the slum infrastructure. To conclude, the study urges the need for collective effort by government and NGOs to address the issues and take a range of structural and non-structural measures to build climate resilience in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city.

text: Prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income informal settlements of Dhaka - A community approach This thesis focuses on the prospects of climate resilient infrastructure in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city. Numerous research findings show that low-income communities of Dhaka are living in the hazard prone areas with poor housing, sanitation and drainage facilities. These communities are at high risk of predicted climate change impacts and may be unable to avoid the direct and indirect impacts of climatic disasters. Most of the houses are below the ground level of Dhaka city and remain inundated after heavy rainfall or flood. In this context, this research undertook a community approach to explore the required measures for building climate resilience in the infrastructures of low-income settlements. Special attention was given on the impacts of heavy rainfall and storms and how they affect the infrastructure system.

This study selected Beguntila slum and New Purba Kurmitola Camp as a sample after carefully evaluating the selection criteria for this research.  To derive information from the field, this study applied qualitative data collection techniques. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on both slums to get a primary idea about the vulnerabilities of these slums. In this study, separate male and female focus group discussions were conducted in both slums. Ten key community experts were also selected for the key informant interviews. Drawing on qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, this study examines the infrastructural vulnerabilities of these slums due to climate change impacts. It then identifies the root causes for these vulnerabilities. Finally, it outlines the required measures for establishing climate resilient infrastructure in these settlements. 

The findings demonstrate that the key reason for these vulnerabilities on infrastructure due to heavy rainfall is inefficiency of current drainage system in the slum areas. This situation becomes even worse in absence of a functioning sewerage system. The tin-shed houses were found to be very weak and unable to withstand strong winds during storms. It was also found that electric poles could collapse on tin-shed houses and roads causing injuries to slum dwellers. The analysis finds that poverty is the most impeding factor for the advancement of the slum infrastructure. To conclude, the study urges the need for collective effort by government and NGOs to address the issues and take a range of structural and non-structural measures to build climate resilience in the low-income settlements of Dhaka city.

year: 2018

title: The intergenerational perpetuation of achievement messages in whānau

authors: Southey, Kim Marie

subjects: Maori

abstract: The current research is an open exploration of achievement messages that are carried from generation to generation in whānau, in relation to the mainstream education system of Aotearoa. Participant groups comprised of two to three generations within each whānau. A maximum of eight whānau will be asked to participate. A series of continuous conversations will be held with each member of the whānau, reminiscent of the narrative approach, but most recently described as a methodology that allows for ensuring that data is collected in its fullest form.
Differing views about achievement and how it is negotiated within whānau will be explored; along with issues on what, and who, within whānau are the most predominant indicators of achievement views. Detracting from an ethnocentric view of scholastic ability (a common marker for achievement) is done through abandoning mainstream ideals. This research favours an open exploration approach allowing for differing values about what constitutes achievement, and what context achievement is based in. Outcomes of the research are intended to show patterns within whānau and among Māori on the mainstream school system, and how this system has contributed to achievement messages. The positive or negative nature of the contribution from mainstream education is highly important and relevant to further research goals, including the ability to use outcomes to suggest social change in education provision for Māori.

text: The intergenerational perpetuation of achievement messages in whānau The current research is an open exploration of achievement messages that are carried from generation to generation in whānau, in relation to the mainstream education system of Aotearoa. Participant groups comprised of two to three generations within each whānau. A maximum of eight whānau will be asked to participate. A series of continuous conversations will be held with each member of the whānau, reminiscent of the narrative approach, but most recently described as a methodology that allows for ensuring that data is collected in its fullest form.
Differing views about achievement and how it is negotiated within whānau will be explored; along with issues on what, and who, within whānau are the most predominant indicators of achievement views. Detracting from an ethnocentric view of scholastic ability (a common marker for achievement) is done through abandoning mainstream ideals. This research favours an open exploration approach allowing for differing values about what constitutes achievement, and what context achievement is based in. Outcomes of the research are intended to show patterns within whānau and among Māori on the mainstream school system, and how this system has contributed to achievement messages. The positive or negative nature of the contribution from mainstream education is highly important and relevant to further research goals, including the ability to use outcomes to suggest social change in education provision for Māori.

year: 2003