What is the impact of better play training on trainees’ ability to; provide and facilitate better play experiences, understand and respond to the behaviour of the child and be aware of their own responses and reactions?

The study introduces the ‘Better Play Training’ programme and describes how an evaluation of the programme is carried out with a group of staff working in a variety of education settings. The evaluation of the programme is presented, demonstrating the impact on the personal and professional development of the trainees. The training considers the latest research and literature on the neuroscience of attachment and play, as well as considering the burgeoning interest in the dynamics of relationships in the classroom, and the impact of those dynamics on learning and emotional well-being. The study looked at three main areas, the impact of the training on the trainees’ ability to provide and facilitate better play experiences; understand and respond to the behaviour of the child; and be aware of their own responses and reactions. Trainees perceptions of the impact of the training are presented through quantitative responses to a ‘before and after’ questionnaire, while qualitative feedback from open-ended questioning adds considerably to the understanding of the training’s outcomes for participants. The training is set in context of current practice and implications for development and further study are considered. The results of the trainees’ responses to the evaluations are presented. The graphs representing the collated information illustrate increases in all three areas the study considered. Additional comments on the training experience are also included, providing further evidence of the benefits gained. The findings indicate that the programme is a valuable training tool for developing skills and understanding and, crucially, increasing self-awareness in staff

Biochar as a Soil Amendment: A Review of the Environmental Implications

The term 'biochar' refers to black carbon formed by the pyrolysis of biomass i.e. by heating biomass in an oxygen-free or low oxygen environment such that it does not (or only partially) combusts. Traditional charcoal is one example of biochar produced from wood. The term 'biochar' is much broader than this however, encompassing black carbon produced from any biomass feedstock. The use of biochar as a soil additive has been proposed as a means to simultaneously mitigate anthropogenic climate change whilst improving agricultural soil fertility. This paper provides a review of what is known about both of these claims and also about the wider environmental implications of the adoption of this process. The intention of this review is not just to summarise current knowledge of the subject, but also to identify gaps in knowledge that require further research

Reasons for leaving bedside nursing

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University, 1963

Lunar interferometric astronomy: Some basic questions

The author examines some basic questions as to why there should be astronomical facilities on the far side of the moon. The questions are ones of appropriateness, i.e., is this a proper use for human resources, what the real goals are, and are the present concepts the best match for the goals