19 research outputs found

    The Distinctive Affordances of Close to Practice Research: An Argument for its Deployment within Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education

    Get PDF
    The purpose of this chapter is to explore whether undertaking a scaffolded form of classroom-based research could support postgraduate university–school initial teacher education partnership programmes. Our design for supporting student teachers to execute a Close-to-Practice (CtP) based empirical study is described including methodological and philosophical underpinnings. Close-to-practice (CtP) research is defined as research that ‘focusses on defined by practitioners as relevant to their practice, and involves collaboration between people whose main expertise is research, practice, or both.’ (BERA, 2018). In the case of this study, issues were decided in collaboration between student teachers and schools. In terms of evaluation of the efficacy of such an approach, a qualitative methodology was undertaken, comprising of a critical discourse analysis of student teacher written research reports. Discourse analysis revealed that several sociocognitive processes took place during, and as a result of, student teachers engaging in CtP research, including explorations of identity, polarisation to collective groups, articulation and examination of beliefs and values and negotiation of existing power relationships and structures. In addition, the data showed that many aspects of undertaking a small-scale research study supported student teacher pedagogical knowledge acquisition and professional development. Student teacher testimony also revealed they valued this mode of learning and developed positive attitudes to educational research in the widest sense. This study has clear implications for the design of initial teacher education programs and the continued professional development of teachers, in England and potentially further afield

    Close to practice research as a means of rethinking elements of student–teacher's classroom practice

    Get PDF
    This article explores a form of classroom inquiry linked to postgraduate primary student–teachers’ education, whilst on practicum in England. The inquiry model is congruent with Stenhouse's’ notions of ‘teachers as researchers’ undertaking ‘systematic’ inquiry in a ‘naturalistic’ environment. Feldman further develops Stenhouse's conception into a definition of action research, where teachers come to a better understanding of their practice. The inquiry bases itself on the central tenants of close to practice (CtP), which is defined as research that: focuses on issues defined by practitioners as relevant to their practice and involves collaboration between people whose main expertise is research, practice, or both. As teacher educators, we evaluated the potential of CtP inquiry, by undertaking a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of sixteen student–teacher research reports. CDA revealed that several socio-cognitive processes took place as a result of, student–teachers engaging in CtP research, including explorations of identity, beliefs and values and negotiation of power relationships and structures. Further analysis provided insights into Stenhouses' conceptualisation, firstly, how student–teachers committed to developing their understanding of the curriculum with respect to teaching design. Secondly, the findings resonate with student–teachers rejecting acting as ‘docile agents’ within existing structures and developing ‘pathways to emancipation and autonomy’. Thirdly, testimony revealed that student–teachers valued this mode of learning and developed critical attitudes to educational research. This study has clear implications for the design of initial teacher education programs and the continued professional development of teachers in England and potentially further afield

    Effect of an Internet-Based Program on Weight Loss for Low-Income Postpartum Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    Get PDF
    Does an internet-based weight loss program promote long-term weight loss in low-income postpartum women in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program)

    The effect of self-efficacy on behavior and weight in a behavioral weight-loss intervention.

    Get PDF
    To determine whether eating self-efficacy and physical activity self-efficacy are predictive of dietary intake, physical activity, and weight change within a behavioral weight loss intervention, and whether dietary intake and physical activity mediate relationships between self-efficacy and weight change

    The Gestational Diabetes Management System (GooDMomS): development, feasibility and lessons learned from a patient-informed, web-based pregnancy and postpartum lifestyle intervention

    Get PDF
    Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) contributes to the epidemic of diabetes and obesity in mothers and their offspring. The primary objective of this pilot study was to: 1) refine the GDM Management System (GooDMomS), a web-based pregnancy and postpartum behavioral intervention and 2) assess the feasibility of the intervention. Methods In phase 1, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with women experiencing current or recent GDM mellitus GDM to garner pilot data on the web based intervention interface, content, and to solicit recommendations from women about refinements to enhance the GooDMomS intervention site. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and independently reviewed to identify major themes with Atlas.ti v7.0. In phase 2, a single-arm feasibility study was conducted and 23 participants were enrolled in the GooDMomS program. Participants received web lessons, self-tracking of weight and glucose, automated feedback and access to a message board for peer support. The primary outcome was feasibility, including recruitment and retention and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of women whose gestational weight gain (GWG) was within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and who were able to return to their pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. Results Comments from semi-structured interviews focused on: 1) usability of the on-line self-monitoring diary and tracking system, 2) access to a safe, reliable social network for peer support and 3) ability of prenatal clinicians to access the on-line diary for clinical management. Overall, 21 (91 %) completed the pregnancy phase. 15/21 (71 %) of participants were within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for GWG. Sixteen (70 %) completed the postpartum phase. 7/16 (43 %) and 9/16 (56 %) of participants returned to their pre-pregnancy weight at 6 and 30 weeks postpartum, respectively. Conclusions This study documents the feasibility of the GooDMomS program. The results can have implications for web technology in perinatal care and inform the current care paradigm for women with GDM. Findings are supportive of further research with recruitment of a larger sample of participants and comparison of the outcomes with the intervention and standard care. Trial registration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May 15, 2012 under protocol no. NCT01600534

    Randomized trial comparing group size of periodic in-person sessions in a remotely delivered weight loss intervention

    Get PDF
    Abstract Background Few randomized studies have examined differential effects of group size in behavioral weight control, especially in hybrid programs that include Internet treatment approaches. Methods Randomized controlled trial (n = 195) comparing a 4 month hybrid internet weight loss program coupled with monthly face to face groups of 100 persons (Large Group, LG; 1 group) or to the same approach with monthly groups of 20 persons (Small Group, SG; 4 groups). Repeated-measures mixed-model analysis with age and race as covariates were used to estimate primary (weight) and secondary outcomes, and to test group differences in change over time. Results The sample was 46.3 years old ±10.4, 90.3% female, and 51.9% non-white, with BMI 37.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2. Participants in the LG were more likely to return for the 4-month assessment visit than those in the SG (p = 0.04). Participants randomized to both the LG and SG conditions experienced significant WL over time (no between group difference: −4.1 kg and −3.7 kg, respectively) and weight loss was positively associated with attendance at monthly meetings and logins to the website. Satisfaction with the program was high and similar in both groups (94.4% reported that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied”). Conclusions Using a hybrid approach of in-person and online weight loss interventions may be an effective way to reach larger and more diverse populations. Delivering the face to face component of the intervention in groups larger than those traditionally delivered (20–25 people) could increase the cost-effectiveness of group-based behavioral weight loss interventions. Clinical trials registration number NCT01615471 . Registered June 6, 2012. Registered retrospectively

    Dietary outcomes within the study of novel approaches to weight gain prevention (SNAP) randomized controlled trial

    Get PDF
    Abstract Background Young adults (YA) are at high-risk for unhealthy dietary behaviors and weight gain. The Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Trial demonstrated that two self-regulation approaches were effective in reducing weight gain over 2 years compared with control. The goal of this analysis was to examine effects of intervention on dietary outcomes and the association of diet changes with weight change. Methods Participants were 599 YA, age 18–35 years, BMI 21.0–30.0 kg/m2 (27.4 ± 4.4 years; 25.4 ± 2.6 kg/m2; 22% men; 73% non-Hispanic White), who were recruited in Providence, RI and Chapel Hill, NC and randomized to self-regulation with Small Changes (SC), self-regulation with Large Changes (LC) or Control (C). SC and LC emphasized frequent self-weighing to cue behavior changes (small daily changes vs. periodic large changes) and targeted high-risk dietary behaviors. Diet and weight were assessed at baseline, 4 months and 2 years. Results LC and SC had greater decreases in energy intake than C at 4 months but not 2 years. LC had the greatest changes in percent calories from fat at 4 months, but differences were attenuated at 2 years. No differences in diet quality were observed. Across conditions, increased total energy consumption, fast food, meals away from home, and binge drinking, and decreased dietary quality and breakfast consumption were all associated with weight gain at 2 years. Conclusions This study suggests the need to strengthen interventions to produce longer term changes in dietary intake and helps to identify specific behaviors associated with weight gain over time in young adults. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01183689 , registered August 18, 2010
    corecore