A study exploring learners' informal learning space behaviors, attitudes, and preferences

What makes a successful informal learning space is a topic in need of further research. The body of discourse on informal space design is drawn from learning theory, placemaking and architecture, with a need for understanding of the synergy between the three. Findings from a longitudinal, quantitative and qualitative study at Sheffield Hallam University, explore learners' behaviours, attitudes and preferences towards informal learning spaces in higher education, within and outside of the context of the academic library. The learning spaces study contributes to the discourse on informal learning spaces design by producing a typology of nine learning space preference attributes which address aspects of learning theory, placemaking and architecture. The typology can be used to evaluate existing spaces and inform redevelopment of informal learning spaces in higher education institutions. Implementing the typology will be subject to localised conditions, but at Sheffield Hallam University the key conclusions have included developing a portfolio of discrete, interrelated learning environments, offering spaces with a clear identity and encouraging students to translate their learning preferences into space selection

WorkChoices, imageChoices and the marketing of new industrial relations legislation

This article takes a critical discourse approach to one aspect of the Australian WorkChoices industrial relations legislation: the government’s major advertisement published in national newspapers in late 2005 and released simultaneously as a 16-page booklet. This strategic move was the initial stage of one of the largest ‘information’ campaigns ever mounted by an Australian government, costing more than $AUD137 million. This article analyse the semiotic (visual and graphic) elements of the advertisement to uncover what these elements contribute to the message, particularly through their construction of both an image of the legislation and a portrayal of the Australian worker. We argue for the need to fuse approaches from critical discourse studies and social semiotics to deepen understanding of industrial relations phenomena such as the ‘hard sell’ to win the hearts and minds of citizens regarding unpopular new legislation

Flavonoid constituents of the mature fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera schum. Et Thonn.)

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extract of the mature fruit of Tetrapheura tetraptera led to the isolation of three flavonoid constituents namely 2', 4, 4'-trihydroxychalcone, 2', 3, 4, 4'- tetrahydroxychalcone and 4', 5, 7-trihydroxyflavanone. The structures were established from 1D and 2D NMR experiments. This is the first isolation of flavonoid constituents in the genus Tetrapleura. Keywords: tetrapheura tetraptera, flavonoid, chalcone, flavanone, 1D and 2D NMR. Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 26(1) 2006: 47-5