Context at the Crossroads of Language Learning and Mobile Learning

Contextual learning is the next step in the development of pedagogy in relation to mobile and ubiquitous technologies. The question addressed in this paper is whether research on 'context' within second language learning, and in the language sciences more broadly, can inform the development of the notion of context in research on technology-enhanced learning and mobile learning. As researchers in mobile assisted language learning, we stand at the crossroads of these disciplines. In this paper, we indicate the main sources and research directions that inform our work; we share our observations and propose some tentative conclusions

Poverty Dynamics: Measurement and Understanding from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

This paper introduces a significant new multi-disciplinary collection of studies of poverty dynamics, presenting the reader with the latest thinking by a group of researchers who are leaders in their respective disciplines. It argues that there are three main fronts on which progress must be made if we are to dramatically deepen the understanding of why poverty occurs, and significantly improve the effectiveness of poverty reduction policies. First, poverty research needs to focus on poverty dynamics — over the life-course, across generations and between different social groups. Second, there is a need to move efforts to measure poverty dynamics beyond mere income and consumption to more multidimensional concepts and measures of poverty. This is increasingly common in static analyses but is rare in work on poverty dynamics. Third, at the same time there is a growing consensus that a thorough understanding of poverty and poverty reduction requires bridging the gap between disciplines through interdisciplinary approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative methods in measurement and analysis.poverty dynamics, multidimensional concepts and measures, interdisciplinary approaches, Food Security and Poverty, International Development, Political Economy, Public Economics,

Assessing the insurance role of microsavings

The paper contends that more attention should be paid to micro savings in view of multiple ways in which it can help poor to deal with economic insecurity. The paper presents information to show that while microsaving programs have spread, their full potential is far from being realized. It presents a detailed analysis on the basis of data from a selection of micro savings programs to show how savings help the poor to smooth consumption and undertake investment. The paper urges for a strong campaign to popularise micro saving programs.Economic insecurity, Micro credit, Micro insurance, Micro savings, Micro finance institutions, Poverty

Poverty in Development Thought: Symptom or Cause

Abstract This paper examines how the concept of poverty has waxed and waned within development thought and how these fluctuations have shaped development policy and action toward, or away from, direct goals of poverty reduction or eradication. It provides an overview of poverty in social thought; examines the contestations over how poverty analysis is positioned in development theory; charts the conceptual contestations around poverty; presents a brief history of poverty in development thought and action; looks at the contrasting geographies of contemporary poverty; and concludes by considering whether a synthesis is emerging from structuralist and liberal understandings of poverty at present, or merely an uneasy compromise, while each "side" looks for a way to regain a dominant position

The role and politics of evidence in development

In this summary of their presentation at our ‘Evidence and Power in Development Policy’ conference, David Hulme and Pablo Yanguas of the Effective States and Inclusive Development Research Centre argue that the role of evidence in policy-making depends on the the nature of the politics surrounding it, and suggest ways in which we can contribute to more robust evidence-based policy-making and better dissemination and use of knowledge

Social protection in sub-Saharan Africa: Will the green shoots blossom?

This paper provides an overview of the recent extension of social protection in sub-Saharan Africa. It identifies two main ‘models’ of social protection in the region: the Southern Africa and Middle Africa models. It then assesses the contrasting policy processes behind these models and examines the major challenges they face as regards financing, institutional capacity and political support. It concludes that, for an effective institutional framework for social protection to evolve in sub-Saharan African countries, the present focus on the technical design of social protection programmes needs to be accompanied by analyses that contribute to also ‘getting the politics right’social protection, poverty, transfer programmes, sub-Saharan Africa

Finance Against Poverty: Volume 2

Over the last decade, the theory that poverty in the world's poorest regions could be alleviated by providing small loans to micro-entrepreneurs has become increasingly popular. This volume examines the effectiveness of this theory when put into practice. The book presents empirical evidence drawn from comparative experiences in seven developing countries and produces some startling conclusions. This work should be essential reading for all those interested in development, poverty-reduction, social welfare and finance. Volume One provides a detailed analysis of this theory and offers policy recommendations for practitioners in the field