title: The challenge of paediatric obesity: More rhetoric than action

authors: Grant, Bevan C.

subjects: obesity

abstract: A growing body of knowledge clearly shows a rapid increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity. But in spite of the many empirically-driven research projects and more laissez-faire initiatives intent on finding ways to ensure the healthy development of our young people, translating what we know into appropriate behaviour in the home, school, and community is more difficult than it sounds. It is, therefore, not surprising this concern is attracting the attention of politicians, health professionals, and educators. This article reflects on the paediatric obesity research and argues for a more coordinated effort in addressing what could (but need not) become a major public health issue.

text: The challenge of paediatric obesity: More rhetoric than action A growing body of knowledge clearly shows a rapid increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity. But in spite of the many empirically-driven research projects and more laissez-faire initiatives intent on finding ways to ensure the healthy development of our young people, translating what we know into appropriate behaviour in the home, school, and community is more difficult than it sounds. It is, therefore, not surprising this concern is attracting the attention of politicians, health professionals, and educators. This article reflects on the paediatric obesity research and argues for a more coordinated effort in addressing what could (but need not) become a major public health issue.

year: 2007-08

title: He ara hou ka tū mai: New Zealand institutions of higher learning unpacking demands and facilitating change

authors: Hearns, Merle

subjects: virtual worlds

abstract: The Virtual Worlds Working Group began with the DEHub research consortium in November 2009. In December 2010, New Zealand joined the VWWG. This paper highlights the current work of the NZ based members of the group and presents the work of 23 authors at 11 institutes of higher education in New Zealand. The scope of the work covered is diverse, and a number of platforms have been used. Virtual worlds enable educators to provide realistic simulations, engaging role-plays, immersive and genuine tasks, and social interaction that encourages group collaboration, and highlights the ability that virtual worlds have to transform both teaching and learning.

text: He ara hou ka tū mai: New Zealand institutions of higher learning unpacking demands and facilitating change The Virtual Worlds Working Group began with the DEHub research consortium in November 2009. In December 2010, New Zealand joined the VWWG. This paper highlights the current work of the NZ based members of the group and presents the work of 23 authors at 11 institutes of higher education in New Zealand. The scope of the work covered is diverse, and a number of platforms have been used. Virtual worlds enable educators to provide realistic simulations, engaging role-plays, immersive and genuine tasks, and social interaction that encourages group collaboration, and highlights the ability that virtual worlds have to transform both teaching and learning.

year: 2011

title: A Journey Beyond the Bars: Participants' Experiences of Psychological Treatment in a Prison Setting

authors: Terrill, Damian James

subjects: Prison

abstract: This study explored the experiences of high-risk male offenders at varying stages of a prison-based residential rehabilitation programme. Information was elicited by means of 1:1 semi-structured interviews with three adult offenders: one programme completer, one approaching completion and one non-completer. The opinions of three members of unit staff (two programme facilitators and one custodial officer) were also included. Having identified a lack of process-focused qualitative research in the criminological literature, this thesis has attempted to provide an insight into the lived experiences of offenders undergoing a residential rehabilitative intervention. The results are presented through a combined postmodernist, social constructionist discourse. They identify a series of coherent themes which emphasise the importance of numerous contextual, linguistic and communicative variables in dictating the participants’ self-perspectives and engagement with treatment. I will examine in particular, the role of motivation, the importance of the therapeutic bond established between participants and therapists, the relevance of the therapeutic environment, and the impact of both bi-cultural therapy and notions of individual stigmatisation. The overall findings are related to the broader penological literature in order to inspire further experiential analyses of offenders undergoing treatment, and to offer points for consideration in the application of prison-based rehabilitative interventions.

text: A Journey Beyond the Bars: Participants' Experiences of Psychological Treatment in a Prison Setting This study explored the experiences of high-risk male offenders at varying stages of a prison-based residential rehabilitation programme. Information was elicited by means of 1:1 semi-structured interviews with three adult offenders: one programme completer, one approaching completion and one non-completer. The opinions of three members of unit staff (two programme facilitators and one custodial officer) were also included. Having identified a lack of process-focused qualitative research in the criminological literature, this thesis has attempted to provide an insight into the lived experiences of offenders undergoing a residential rehabilitative intervention. The results are presented through a combined postmodernist, social constructionist discourse. They identify a series of coherent themes which emphasise the importance of numerous contextual, linguistic and communicative variables in dictating the participants’ self-perspectives and engagement with treatment. I will examine in particular, the role of motivation, the importance of the therapeutic bond established between participants and therapists, the relevance of the therapeutic environment, and the impact of both bi-cultural therapy and notions of individual stigmatisation. The overall findings are related to the broader penological literature in order to inspire further experiential analyses of offenders undergoing treatment, and to offer points for consideration in the application of prison-based rehabilitative interventions.

year: 2010