title: Helping Families Change Childhood Obesity

authors: Thomson, Alison

subjects: childhood obesity

abstract: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and is implicated in the onset of serious and life threatening health problems of both a physical and psychological nature.  The current research comprised of three main components.  Firstly, the reliability of a readiness to change questionnaire was examined, which had been completed by parents of obese children enrolled in the Bodywise childhood obesity programme.  Secondly, an analysis of outcome data from 36 families who completed the above programme was also undertaken in order to determine if the data identified their stage of change, as defined by the questionnaire  Thirdly, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with families involved with the Bodywise programme.  These parents provided information related to their experiences of lifestyle change, including what initiated change, what assisted change, and what barriers to change they had encountered.  Findings revealed that in accordance with the transtheoretical model the readiness to change questionnaire was a reasonably reliable instrument for indentifying parents' readiness to change their child's eating patterns and physical activity levels.  Analysis of the outcome data from the 36 families revealed individuals in the action stage of change for both eating and physical activity made more rapid change at the outset of the programme than individuals in earlier stages of change.  In addition, information derived from the interviews with families identified several promoters and barriers to change, many of which were similar across families.  Until now no studies have examined the application of the transtheoretical model to an intervention for childhood obesity.  Previous research has shown support for the model's use with other health problems.  Overall this study lends support for the utility of the transtheoretical model in childhood obesity intervention.

text: Helping Families Change Childhood Obesity The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and is implicated in the onset of serious and life threatening health problems of both a physical and psychological nature.  The current research comprised of three main components.  Firstly, the reliability of a readiness to change questionnaire was examined, which had been completed by parents of obese children enrolled in the Bodywise childhood obesity programme.  Secondly, an analysis of outcome data from 36 families who completed the above programme was also undertaken in order to determine if the data identified their stage of change, as defined by the questionnaire  Thirdly, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with families involved with the Bodywise programme.  These parents provided information related to their experiences of lifestyle change, including what initiated change, what assisted change, and what barriers to change they had encountered.  Findings revealed that in accordance with the transtheoretical model the readiness to change questionnaire was a reasonably reliable instrument for indentifying parents' readiness to change their child's eating patterns and physical activity levels.  Analysis of the outcome data from the 36 families revealed individuals in the action stage of change for both eating and physical activity made more rapid change at the outset of the programme than individuals in earlier stages of change.  In addition, information derived from the interviews with families identified several promoters and barriers to change, many of which were similar across families.  Until now no studies have examined the application of the transtheoretical model to an intervention for childhood obesity.  Previous research has shown support for the model's use with other health problems.  Overall this study lends support for the utility of the transtheoretical model in childhood obesity intervention.

year: 2008

title: Teacher appraisal - its relationship to motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change in an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Shorter, Tanya

subjects: teacher appraisal

abstract: A continuing challenge for organisations, management and teachers in early childhood centres in Aotearoa New Zealand is the development, implementation, and sustainability of teacher appraisal systems as mechanisms for supporting learning opportunities for all participants.

The Ministry of Education (1998) states that “an effective appraisal system is a positive means of improving the performance of a service’s management and educators and, ultimately, the quality of the service itself” (p. 76). This raises an important question for early childhood leaders to contemplate: What characteristics of appraisal systems support learning opportunities for both teachers and children within an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand?

The research project presented in this thesis examines two different systems of teacher appraisal and their relationship to teacher motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change in an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand. This qualitative inquiry was conducted within a socio constructionist framework, and used an interview approach to explore teachers’ experiences of two differing teacher appraisal systems. Data included interviews from four head teachers and five teachers, and their appraisal data over several years.

The literature reviewed highlighted that bureaucratic systems of teacher appraisal are likely to have been contrived from a political era where government reform significantly shaped an era of distrust. Approaches to appraisal systems tend to be defined as either ‘professional’ or ‘bureaucratic’ depending on their philosophical differences, and the way in which summative and formative evaluation are used within them. A range of signposts were identified which suggest, that when combined, they contribute to effective appraisal systems.

The findings indicate that appraisal systems can have a significant impact on the personal and professional lives of teachers. The ways in which teachers are positioned and valued in relation to their capacity to make professional judgements and evaluate their own teaching can generate negative or positive attitudes to teacher appraisal systems, creating high or low levels of motivation. A system of appraisal using predominantly summative assessment to measure teachers’ competency contributed to the deterioration of collegial relationships, feelings of mistrust, fear, nervousness, and tension around ‘periods’ of appraisal. A system with an emphasis on teacher development, rather than judgement, supported a culture of teacher collaboration, professional dialogue, interpersonal security, and trust. Analysis identified a series of themes and factors within a responsive system of appraisal which contributed to teacher motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change.

This study offers stimulus for reflection and dialogue amongst early childhood leaders who aim to improve the performance of teachers, and the service itself. This study does, however, indicate that further investigation into teacher appraisal systems within a range of early childhood organisations and centres is required in order to provide a more extensive examination of ways in which teacher appraisal can be utilized as a means of inspiring teacher professional growth.

text: Teacher appraisal - its relationship to motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change in an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand A continuing challenge for organisations, management and teachers in early childhood centres in Aotearoa New Zealand is the development, implementation, and sustainability of teacher appraisal systems as mechanisms for supporting learning opportunities for all participants.

The Ministry of Education (1998) states that “an effective appraisal system is a positive means of improving the performance of a service’s management and educators and, ultimately, the quality of the service itself” (p. 76). This raises an important question for early childhood leaders to contemplate: What characteristics of appraisal systems support learning opportunities for both teachers and children within an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand?

The research project presented in this thesis examines two different systems of teacher appraisal and their relationship to teacher motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change in an early childhood context in Aotearoa New Zealand. This qualitative inquiry was conducted within a socio constructionist framework, and used an interview approach to explore teachers’ experiences of two differing teacher appraisal systems. Data included interviews from four head teachers and five teachers, and their appraisal data over several years.

The literature reviewed highlighted that bureaucratic systems of teacher appraisal are likely to have been contrived from a political era where government reform significantly shaped an era of distrust. Approaches to appraisal systems tend to be defined as either ‘professional’ or ‘bureaucratic’ depending on their philosophical differences, and the way in which summative and formative evaluation are used within them. A range of signposts were identified which suggest, that when combined, they contribute to effective appraisal systems.

The findings indicate that appraisal systems can have a significant impact on the personal and professional lives of teachers. The ways in which teachers are positioned and valued in relation to their capacity to make professional judgements and evaluate their own teaching can generate negative or positive attitudes to teacher appraisal systems, creating high or low levels of motivation. A system of appraisal using predominantly summative assessment to measure teachers’ competency contributed to the deterioration of collegial relationships, feelings of mistrust, fear, nervousness, and tension around ‘periods’ of appraisal. A system with an emphasis on teacher development, rather than judgement, supported a culture of teacher collaboration, professional dialogue, interpersonal security, and trust. Analysis identified a series of themes and factors within a responsive system of appraisal which contributed to teacher motivation, collegial relationships, and pedagogical change.

This study offers stimulus for reflection and dialogue amongst early childhood leaders who aim to improve the performance of teachers, and the service itself. This study does, however, indicate that further investigation into teacher appraisal systems within a range of early childhood organisations and centres is required in order to provide a more extensive examination of ways in which teacher appraisal can be utilized as a means of inspiring teacher professional growth.

year: 2013

title: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach

authors: Cleaver,  Deanne Lesley

subjects: Decolonisation

abstract: The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

text: Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study Approach The bicultural nature of Aotearoa (New Zealand) creates a strong foundation for the unique environment that supports the weaving of indigenous knowledge throughout midwifery education, and in turn creating a platform for decolonisation. Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi serves to inform the direction that midwifery education and midwifery practice must take by underpinning these frameworks.
The revised midwifery curriculum and reaccreditation that supported the immersion of Indigenous knowledge throughout the midwifery degree at Wintec is currently in its fifth year. It was identified that there needed to be a more explicit focus of cultural safety and responsiveness, therefore in support of this Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) was carefully embedded and linked to learning outcomes. This is in direct support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a move towards a Te Tiriti honouring programme. Topics that relate to tikanga Māori (customs), Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview) and Te Reo Māori (language) are respectfully taught, providing opportunities for understanding and growing competencies for midwifery tauira.  
Understanding colonisation in its global context alongside its role in the history of Aotearoa supported by Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge, is vital in the process of decolonisation. Tauira are encouraged to explore and reflect on these factors throughout their degree, supporting their growing cultural safety and awareness of relationships.  An anti-racism workshop in the final year of the degree adds another layer to the work of decolonisation and equips tauira with tools to be active in their allyship.
This personal and curricula journey empowers tauira to become culturally safe and responsive midwives, positively impacting the health of whānau Māori.
Through a case study approach the effectiveness of the interweaving of indigenous knowledge, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Anti-Racism praxis will be explored, with the purpose of unpacking the learnings as a tool for social transformation within the process of decolonisation.
These changes promote the professional development of educators and the empowerment of tauira to uphold Indigenous rights, while providing care in partnership that is respectful. Decolonising Midwifery Education in Aotearoa: A Case Study approach’ will be explored and unpacked.

year: 2023