title: Discussion as a core tool for facilitating critical thinking and learning

authors: Schoenberger-Orgad, Michèle Anne

abstract: Critical thinking is at the heart of tertiary teaching and confirms the university‘s role as “critic and conscience of society” (NZ Education Act, 1989). In my teaching I aim to contribute to the development of society by discussing issues of social justice and what it means to safeguard our democracy. To this end, I encourage students to think critically about their world, the knowledge they are gaining in the university and about themselves (Barnett, 1997). I also realise that the impact I have on my students will impact on society and future generations. Therefore, my teaching for learning takes place within a framework of responsibility for students, their needs and the needs of society.

text: Discussion as a core tool for facilitating critical thinking and learning Critical thinking is at the heart of tertiary teaching and confirms the university‘s role as “critic and conscience of society” (NZ Education Act, 1989). In my teaching I aim to contribute to the development of society by discussing issues of social justice and what it means to safeguard our democracy. To this end, I encourage students to think critically about their world, the knowledge they are gaining in the university and about themselves (Barnett, 1997). I also realise that the impact I have on my students will impact on society and future generations. Therefore, my teaching for learning takes place within a framework of responsibility for students, their needs and the needs of society.

year: 2011

title: A multi-phase assessment for selecting an augmentative and alternative communication modality

authors: Carnett, Amarie

abstract: Children with autism, who have limited speech, are often candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities to learn basic mands. However, few studies have evaluated the assessment of AAC modalities. We report on the results of an evidenced-based multi-phase assessment, with a focus on choice as a foundational element, to evaluate modality selection, comparison, and acquisition for six children with autism. Assessment procedures involved using an indirect assessment that evaluated environments and the caregiver’s preference as a listener. The results of the indirect assessment informed the experimental evaluation of learner acquisition and preference for a modality. Findings indicate that the assessment process is relatively quick, the child participants did demonstrate a preference for a mand modality, and the child participants were able to meet mastery criteria for the use of the initial mand. Results point to a potentially useful approach for assessing AAC modalities for young children with autism.

text: A multi-phase assessment for selecting an augmentative and alternative communication modality Children with autism, who have limited speech, are often candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities to learn basic mands. However, few studies have evaluated the assessment of AAC modalities. We report on the results of an evidenced-based multi-phase assessment, with a focus on choice as a foundational element, to evaluate modality selection, comparison, and acquisition for six children with autism. Assessment procedures involved using an indirect assessment that evaluated environments and the caregiver’s preference as a listener. The results of the indirect assessment informed the experimental evaluation of learner acquisition and preference for a modality. Findings indicate that the assessment process is relatively quick, the child participants did demonstrate a preference for a mand modality, and the child participants were able to meet mastery criteria for the use of the initial mand. Results point to a potentially useful approach for assessing AAC modalities for young children with autism.

year: 2025

title: What do New Zealand picturebooks tell us about New Zealand national identity?

authors: Daly, Nicola

abstract: Jeffries (2004, p. 4) defines national identity as ' ... a shared sense of belonging of a group of people that depends on a common area of named place, a common set of beliefs and values, and positive feelings for a specific named geographical area'. In her examination of how New Zealand culture is portrayed in picturebooks published between 2000 and 2005, McNeur (2006) suggests that the visual and textual messages in children's picturebooks are an important contributor to the development of children's national identity. This paper describes the process of choosing a collection of 22 New Zealand children's picturebooks (known as the New Zealand PictureBook Collection) to reflect and represent diversity in New Zealand national identity, and analyses what these books tell us about the New Zealand national identity.

text: What do New Zealand picturebooks tell us about New Zealand national identity? Jeffries (2004, p. 4) defines national identity as ' ... a shared sense of belonging of a group of people that depends on a common area of named place, a common set of beliefs and values, and positive feelings for a specific named geographical area'. In her examination of how New Zealand culture is portrayed in picturebooks published between 2000 and 2005, McNeur (2006) suggests that the visual and textual messages in children's picturebooks are an important contributor to the development of children's national identity. This paper describes the process of choosing a collection of 22 New Zealand children's picturebooks (known as the New Zealand PictureBook Collection) to reflect and represent diversity in New Zealand national identity, and analyses what these books tell us about the New Zealand national identity.

year: 2016