25,685 research outputs found
âLivingâ theory: a pedagogical framework for process support in networked learning
This paper focuses on the broad outcome of an action research project in which practical theory was developed in the field of networked learning through caseâstudy analysis of learnersâ experiences and critical evaluation of educational practice. It begins by briefly discussing the pedagogical approach adopted for the caseâstudy course and the action research methodology. It then identifies key dimensions of four interconnected developmental processesâorientation, communication, socialisation and organisationâthat were associated with âlearning to learnâ in the courseâs networked environment, and offers a flavour of participantsâ experiences in relation to these processes. A number of key evaluation issues that arose are highlighted. Finally, the paper presents the broad conceptual framework for the design and facilitation of process support in networked learning that was derived from this research. The framework proposes a strong, explicit focus on support for process as well as domain learning, and progression from tighter to looser design and facilitation structures for processâfocused (as well as domainâfocused) learning tasks
Evaluation of Sheffield City Council's Community Justice Panels Project
This report is the output of an evaluation commissioned by Sheffield City Council and undertaken by the Hallam Centre for Community Justice at Sheffield Hallam University. The evaluation was undertaken during October and November 2009 with the objectives of assessing the effectiveness of the Community Justice Panels project so far and providing recommendations for future development.
The evaluation used an action research methodology and included documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews with strategic partners and stakeholders, wrongdoers and harmed persons, facilitator focus group and observation of the Panels
Reflections on practice-centred curricula in teaching entrepreneurship in Malaysia
This paper discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship education in a regional Malaysian context and provides the design details of entrepreneurship modules providing a practical experience. It is argued that an active, experience-centred module delivery helps to revitalise student curiosity in entrepreneurial activities. The paper utilises the phenomenological approach to explore the contemporary challenges of entrepreneurship education and to gain a deeper insight into its contemporary complexity. The material for the phenomenological analysis is obtained by means of focus groups which are contrasted with the studentsâ written reflections and staff observations on teaching and learning activities in entrepreneurship modules. The findings indicate that two months timescale for studying entrepreneurship is too short because of competing priorities within the programme of study and an eclectic essence of entrepreneurship. It was also found that students believe that being supported by tutors having practical experience is motivating and reassures them about further learning. The concerns about the applicability of Western concepts of entrepreneurship education to the Malaysian context were not corroborated. It has been argued that practice-centred learning opportunities are often associated with off-campus education and take place in the âreal worldâ. The suggested design for standalone entrepreneurship modules evidently ensures a rich experience for students and provides an effective springboard for developing entrepreneurial aspirations
Architectural Membranes for improving the functional performance of buildings
A well designed envelope separates the interior from the exterior so that the internal conditions are maintained with the minimum energy consumption. Due to its reduced weight, architectural membrane solutions may present some functional problems, namely acoustic and hygrothermal, when compared to conventional, heavier solutions. However, they also have potential and ecological advantages that can be exploited to enable the functional optimization of existing buildings in a sustainable way, due to the minimal use of material and the fact
that they are dry assembling, easily reusable and recyclable solutions. This paper presents some emergent technologies for applying architectural membranes in building envelope, revealing ways to overcome the limitations for that they are recognized. Current trends include: hybrid membranes and coatings resulting from
nanotechnology solutions; membranes with embedded smart technologies (batteries, LEDs, sensors), membranes incorporating Phase Change Materials and membranes for the purification and regulation of indoor air quality. Technological innovation in this field has advanced at an extraordinary pace in the last decades and has generated solutions that in some cases present functional performance equivalent to conventional
solutions, but with less environmental impact.Erasmus+. SFRH/BD/104891/201
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