What can co-speech gestures in aphasia tell us about the relationship between language and gesture?: A single case study of a participant with Conduction Aphasia

Cross-linguistic evidence suggests that language typology influences how people gesture when using ‘manner-of-motion’ verbs (Kita 2000; Kita & Özyürek 2003) and that this is due to ‘online’ lexical and syntactic choices made at the time of speaking (Kita, Özyürek, Allen, Brown, Furman & Ishizuka, 2007). This paper attempts to relate these findings to the co-speech iconic gesture used by an English speaker with conduction aphasia (LT) and five controls describing a Sylvester and Tweety1 cartoon. LT produced co-speech gesture which showed distinct patterns which we relate to different aspects of her language impairment, and the lexical and syntactic choices she made during her narrative

A discussion on research and appraisal within comparative perioperative professions: the potential contribution to ODP professional development

In October 2004, operating department practice (ODP) was the first additional profession to be included in the newly formed Health Professions Council (HPC). This final step towards formal regulation, established ODPs as professionals, and yet there still remains a disputed boundary with the Nursing profession, within the bounds of peri-operative care. A literature review showed instances of ODPs and theatre-based nurses who expressed unfounded and critical views, regarding the others profession. Much of the criticism of ODP followed the premise that Nursing was the caring profession, whilst that of ODP, was of a more technical nature. The considerable established history of the Nursing profession has leant to a significantly more developed framework of research and evidence-based practice that has helped to shape the way Nursing is perceived as a profession, from both within and without. There is however, comparatively little available research, generated by the ODP profession. Given that the governing bodies of both professions advocate continued professional development, evidence-based practice and the sharing of knowledge, research and appraisal has a vital role to play in the development of peri-operative practice. This article proposes that active utilisation of research, and the development of demonstrable evidence-based practice, would serve to benefit all peri-operative practitioners and improve clinical effectiveness across a wide spectrum. In addition to personal and professional development; transparency and the sharing of knowledge may help to unite the two professions, and perhaps dispel the unfounded judgements that are often present in the workplace

Higher education and work-based learning. Look after the learning and the 'facts' will look after themselves: transition from a didactic approach to workforce development

The credentials of higher education are increasingly valued by society, and yet the appreciation of the academic institution is in decline. Employers and students in programmes that commonly utilise work-based learning, often experience difficulty in relating the theory of higher education to practical skills assessment in the workplace setting. Partnership working is central to professional development at all levels, with key stakeholders including students, institutions and regulating authorities. Yet there is often a mutual incomprehension that detracts from effective workplace learning and achievement. Roles and responsibilities are often unclear, resulting in an inconsistent approach to learning and teaching. In turn, this slows the progression of workforce development with considerable implications regarding cost, time commitment and final outcome. These factors in themselves have a negative feedback upon the partnership working process. By means of literature review, this article aims to highlight key factors that support effective practice assessment, and to identify areas for improvement and consideration. Emergent issues centre upon three specific themes: 1) partnership working 2) communication and comprehension 3) the assessment process Notably, there is significant coverage of factors that detract from an effective learning process. Clear communication and early exploration of conceptive objectives may be of greater benefit than a more specific didactic/instructional model of learning. This may further enable independent learning and development across a broader range, and release the academic and professional potential of those involved

The Future of Japan

My subject for today is The Future of Japan. Although many questions can be raised about it, it is hardly a controversial topic as are so many others

Taiwan - Problems and Prospects

Taiwan, with its problems and prospects, now has come to be so important an clement in national policy that it is important for us to realize, at least at the outset of any consideration of it, just how weak our fact basis is for public opinion in the United States regarding this matter