Contemplative Qualitative Inquiry: A Review

The following is a review of the book Contemplative Qualitative Inquiry: Practicing the Zen of Research by Valerie J. Janesick and published in 2015. This review aims to highlight the book’s unique features, primarily focusing on the ways in which Janesick appropriately weaves essential aspects of qualitative research and Zen alongside one another. Janesick offers readers, novice or experienced researchers, a unique way of understanding and approaching the practice of qualitative inquiry. The review highlights features of each chapter and concludes with how instructors of qualitative research methods may benefit from Janesick’s many suggestions for pedagogy and practice

“Nothing is ever easy”: Parent Perceptions of Intensity in Their Gifted Adolescent Children

Due to asynchronous development, gifted children often experience the world differently than their same-aged peers. Some experience unique intensities, or overexcitabilities, that render modifications in teaching and parenting. These intensities typically take on characteristics of emotional, intellectual, imagination, psychomotor, or sensual overexcitability. In this in-depth interview study, I explored parent perceptions of intensity in their gifted adolescent children. Three mothers participated and completed the Overexcitability Inventory for Parents-Two (OIP-II) prior to each interview. The parent responses to the OIP-II served as an elicitation device to begin our conversations. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes among the participants’ perceptions: (1) challenging behaviors of intense gifted children, (2) consequences of intensity, and (3) a parent’s search for understanding. These findings inform the understanding of intensity and overexcitability from parents’ points of view and provide insight into how intense gifted children behave outside of the classroom. I conclude the article with questions to consider regarding how to better support parents of young gifted children

Incorporating Arts-Based Pedagogy: Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches to Teaching Qualitative Research

Arts-based pedagogy has the potential to reimagine “traditional” research to engage learners in expanded and innovative methods, while also creating space for student voices. Grounded in a Deweyan experiential framework informed by arts-based pedagogy, this reflective dialogue revolves around a pedagogical reframing of a data analysis unit in a qualitative research course with specific focus on the incorporation of creative analysis. We came together as three participants (instructor, student, and scholar) within this experience to collaboratively share insights on the pedagogical approach, particularly as experienced through the eyes of the learner. Implications include how arts-based experiential inquiry can empower novice researchers to explore new avenues for sense-making while also extending across disciplines to support the inclusion of arts-based reflective practices in higher education. Click here to read the corresponding ISSOTL blog post

Resort Recreation Programs for Conference Groups: Programs and Pricing

The increase in recreation programs for conference participants occurs at the intersection of three trends: 1 ) an increase in the number and frequency of business or association related meetings, 2) a corresponding increase in conferees accompanied by spouses and children, and 3) a growing interest, by the resort sector, in the business traveler. The data reported in this study examine the types of recreation programs provided by resorts when the primary purpose of visiting the resort is to attend a meeting or conference. Recreation programming and pricing data from resort recreation directors at 43 Resort and Commercial Recreation member properties are presented in this paper. General programming policies and patterns are presented as well as the most popular activities, recreation programs, conference theme parties and conference spouse programs arranged by recreation departments. Selected data about policy documents is presented with implications for resort recreation directors

Teenage pregnancy and reproductive health: summary review

Teenage pregnancy, by and large unplanned, has become one of the major public health issues of our time. Despite the widespread and improved availability of contraception, the problem is unresolved and in some areas is increasing. Both live births and abortions in teenagers in England are among the highest in Europe. The circumstances of teenage pregnancy in the UK, including medical, social and public health implications have been examined by the RCOG Study Group and their findings are given in a comprehensive volume of proceedings, of which this is a summary. Recent headlines point to a teenage sex health crisis fuelled by drink and drugs, as well as confused messages from role models, and the lack of a coordinated national approach. Yet there is some hope of a way forward. The Study Group reveals the factors associated with success, including locally coordinated strategies, comprehensive education programmes, accessible contraceptive services, as well as wider social issues such as workforce training and recognition of vulnerable groups. I recommend this Summary Review to all concerned about this issue, and this must surely include all of us. I want to thank and congratulate the organisers and contributors to the Study Group for a fine piece of work and for sound advice. Allan Templeton President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist