title: Constructing Sobol' sequences with better two-dimensional projections

authors: Joe, Stephen

subjects: Sobol' sequences

abstract: Direction numbers for generating Sobol' sequences that satisfy the so-called Property A in up to 1111 dimensions have previously been given in Joe and Kuo [ACM Trans. Math. Software, 29 (2003), pp. 49–57]. However, these Sobol' sequences may have poor two-dimensional projections. Here we provide a new set of direction numbers alleviating this problem. These are obtained by treating Sobol' sequences in d dimensions as (t, d)-sequences and then optimizing the t-values of the two-dimensional projections. Our target dimension is 21201.

text: Constructing Sobol' sequences with better two-dimensional projections Direction numbers for generating Sobol' sequences that satisfy the so-called Property A in up to 1111 dimensions have previously been given in Joe and Kuo [ACM Trans. Math. Software, 29 (2003), pp. 49–57]. However, these Sobol' sequences may have poor two-dimensional projections. Here we provide a new set of direction numbers alleviating this problem. These are obtained by treating Sobol' sequences in d dimensions as (t, d)-sequences and then optimizing the t-values of the two-dimensional projections. Our target dimension is 21201.

year: 2008-08

title: The Effectiveness of Precision Teaching when Working with Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

authors: George, Veronica Anne

subjects: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

abstract: A two-dyad multiple baseline design was used to determine if Precision Teaching (PT) was effective in improving the target skills of sight word recognition for two boys aged six and eight (Group A) and multiplication for a 12-year old boy and a 10-year old girl (Group B). The participants were all diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and attended the Kauri Centre. SAFMEDS (Say All Fast Minute Each Day Shuffled) cards containing words or sums were used. Correct and incorrect responses were recorded on a Standard Celeration Chart. Group A also read from a reader, recalled facts about books previously read to them, and copied a passage of writing, while Group B answered sums on multiplication, division, and word problem worksheets. These measures were used to see if PT in a target skill had any effect on other classroom activities. Furthermore, aggressive behaviour, off-task behaviour, and responses to instructions were observed to determine if any changes occurred following the implementation of PT. The arrival of a new teacher, however, confounded these results. PT is a very effective method for teaching target skills to ADHD children, however there is limited application of this skill to other classroom activities and no new behaviours emerged as a result of the PT process. Future research could look at teaching this population other skills using PT and/or using PT to help other children experiencing reading or maths difficulties.

text: The Effectiveness of Precision Teaching when Working with Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder A two-dyad multiple baseline design was used to determine if Precision Teaching (PT) was effective in improving the target skills of sight word recognition for two boys aged six and eight (Group A) and multiplication for a 12-year old boy and a 10-year old girl (Group B). The participants were all diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and attended the Kauri Centre. SAFMEDS (Say All Fast Minute Each Day Shuffled) cards containing words or sums were used. Correct and incorrect responses were recorded on a Standard Celeration Chart. Group A also read from a reader, recalled facts about books previously read to them, and copied a passage of writing, while Group B answered sums on multiplication, division, and word problem worksheets. These measures were used to see if PT in a target skill had any effect on other classroom activities. Furthermore, aggressive behaviour, off-task behaviour, and responses to instructions were observed to determine if any changes occurred following the implementation of PT. The arrival of a new teacher, however, confounded these results. PT is a very effective method for teaching target skills to ADHD children, however there is limited application of this skill to other classroom activities and no new behaviours emerged as a result of the PT process. Future research could look at teaching this population other skills using PT and/or using PT to help other children experiencing reading or maths difficulties.

year: 2010

title: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes

authors: Herbert, Averil May Lloyd

subjects: Whanau Whakapakari

abstract: The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

text: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

year: 2001