<p>Gifted elementary students in a congregated educational program (n = 165) were compared to gifted peers in regular programming (n = 49) in an urban, Western-Canadian, public, school division. Mean scores on measures of self-concept (Multidimensional Self Concept Scale), classroom environment (Classroom Environment Scale), and student life satisfaction (Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale) were analyzed. MANOVAs revealed main effects of educational programming and no mediating effects of gender or grade level. Students in the congregated program had lower academic self-concept than students in regular programming, replicating the commonly found Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect (Marsh, 1987). There was also some weak indication that students in the specialized program had lower satisfaction with "self" than those in the regular program. In contrast, students in the specialized program thought their programming to be more innovative relative to how the other group perceived theirs was. However, all differences were of small-to-moderate magnitude (.5 SDs). Moreover, all scores for all measures were at, or slightly above, levels typically found in normally developing peers. </p>

<p>Gifted elementary students in a congregated educational program (n = 165) were compared to gifted peers in regular programming (n = 49) in an urban, Western-Canadian, public, school division. Mean scores on measures of self-concept (Multidimensional Self Concept Scale), classroom environment (Classroom Environment Scale), and student life satisfaction (Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale) were analyzed. MANOVAs revealed main effects of educational programming and no mediating effects of gender or grade level. Students in the congregated program had lower academic self-concept than students in regular programming, replicating the commonly found Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect (Marsh, 1987). There was also some weak indication that students in the specialized program had lower satisfaction with "self" than those in the regular program. In contrast, students in the specialized program thought their programming to be more innovative relative to how the other group perceived theirs was. However, all differences were of small-to-moderate magnitude (.5 SDs). Moreover, all scores for all measures were at, or slightly above, levels typically found in normally developing peers. </p>

This thesis explores how scientists within the controversial scientific field of gene  transfer make their research doable. Based on in-depth interviews with gene transfer scientists and key individuals from different regulatory agencies and advisory boards in Sweden and the U.S.A., the study focuses on how scientists describe and reason about how they handle the various problems that confront them as they work in a technically advanced and highly controversial field of research. Drawing upon Clarke and Fujimura’s concepts of situatedness and doability, Latour’s concepts of enrollment and translation, Strauss’concepts of articulation work and alignment as well as Gieryn’s concept of boundary-work, the study analyzes how doable problems are constructed within gene transfer, from basic science to clinical application on human subjects. Doable problems were constructed by enrolling allies on different levels, translating interests and creating alignment of interests and activities of the allies enrolled. The study covers how scientists handle questions of funding, research cooperation and choice of scientific material as well as the ethical complications involved in gene transfer research and its applications. For the U.S. scientists an essential part of creating doable problems consisted of boundary-work in relation to regulatory demands and interventions, something that did not concern the Swedish scientists to the same extent. Gene transfer, due to its controversial character, has raised public fears and concerns. Using Goffman’s concept of frames, the study also analyzes how gene transfer scientists attempt to gain public acceptance by framing gene transfer as an ordinary kind of therapy, while simultaneously heralding it as a revolutionary new technology, in order to obtain the external funding necessary for an expensive and extensive research. / Avhandlingen undersöker hur forskare inom det kontroversiella forskningsfältet genterapi gör sin forskning möjlig. Utifrån djupintervjuer med genterapiforskare samt med nyckelpersoner inom  regleringsmyndigheter och rådgivande organ i Sverige och USA visas i avhandlingen hur forskare beskriver och resonerar kring hur de hanterar olika problem som uppstår i deras arbete inom ett vetenskapligt avancerat och mycket kontroversiellt forskningsfält. Med hjälp av Clarke och Fujimura’s begrepp situatedness och doability, Latour’s begrepp enrollering och översättning, Strauss’ begrepp articulation work och alignment samt Gieryn’s begrepp gränsarbete analyserar avhandlingen forskarnas arbete med att konstruera utförbara problem inom genterapiforskning, från grundforskning till klinisk tillämpning på människor. Detta sker genom enrollering av allierade på olika nivåer, genom översättning av olika aktörers intressen samt genom att dessa enrollerade allierades verksamheter och intressen läggs i linje med forskarnas egna. Avhandlingen tar upp hur forskarna hanterar olika praktiska problem, som finansiering, forskningssamarbete och val av forskningsmaterial, samt hur de bemöter de olika etiska problem som genterapiforskningen och dess tillämpning innebär. Avhandlingen visar även på en viktig skillnad mellan de intervjuade amerikanska och svenska forskarna. I USA måste forskarna hantera en stark reglering av deras arbete, något som inte berör de svenska forskarna på samma sätt; de amerikanska forskarna måste därvid använda olika former av gränsarbete i sina relationer till reglerande myndigheter. Genterapins osäkra och kontroversiella karaktär har orsakat rädsla och oro hos allmänheten. Avhandlingen analyserar genterapiforskarnas försök att skapa samhällelig acceptans för sin forskning genom att ge den en inramning som en etablerad form av medicinsk behandling. Detta sker i viss motsättning till en parallell inramning av genterapi som en ny och revolutionerande teknologi, något som sker i syfte att erhålla den nödvändiga finansieringen för en kostnadskrävande och omfattande forskning.

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Afrikaans text / Met hierdie studie is beoog om leerders se persepsies van skool vas te stel en om riglyne vir ouers daar te stel om leerders met negatiewe persepsies van skool te hanteer. Daar is beoog om hierdie riglyne deur middel van praktiese modelle en werksvelle te implementeer sodat ouers begrip vir kinders se persepsies kan verkry en dat konflik opgelos kan word deur middel van positiewe kommunikasie. In die literatuurstudie word ondersoek ingestel na persepsievorming en die oorsake vir die vorming van negatiewe persepsies van skool. ‘n Persepsie word gevorm deurdat betekenis aan ‘n ervaring, op grond van die persoon se verwysingsraamwerk gegee word. Interne- sowel as eksterne faktore speel ‘n rol wanneer persepsies gevorm word. Eksterne faktore behels die verhouding met rolspelers soos: die ouers, die skool en onderwysers, die portuurgroep en die leerder se verhouding met homself. Interne faktore wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, behels: lokus van kontrole, motivering, emosionele probleme, kognitiewe probleme en gedragsprobleme.Die navorsingsprobleem is verken met behulp van ‘n loodsondersoek as ‘n voortoets en diagnostiese vraelys wat deur die navorsingsgroep van 50 leerders voltooi is. Onderhoude is met vyf leerders gevoer oor hulle ervaringe en behoeftes met betrekking tot hulle persepsies van skool. Bevindinge dui aan dat ongeveer ‘n vyfde van die skool se leerders oor ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool beskik. In die vraelys is leerders se persepsies ten opsigte van verskeie rolspelers vasgestel. Daar bestaan behoefte by leerders dat ouers betrokke en ondersteunend sal wees en dat ouers begrip vir hulle persepsies sal toon. Deur middel van praktiese diagramme en werksvelle is begrip en positiewe kommunikasie tussen ouer en kind bewerkstellig. In Hoofstuk 6 word praktiese riglyne aan ouers gegee oor hoe om sy kind, met ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool, te hanteer. Op hierdie wyse is gepoog dat leerders positiewe ervaringe sal geniet; ‘n positiewe verwysingsraamwerk sal vorm en sodoende positiewe persepsies van skool sal vorm. ‘n Bydrae is ten opsigte van ouerleiding gelewer. Ouers word toegerus om ‘n kind met negatiewe persepsies van skool met begrip te hanteer. / The aim of this study was to determine learners’ perceptions of school and to provide guidelines for parents to deal with negative perceptions of school. These guidelines were implemented using practical models as well as work sheets. These were specifically aimed at enhancing parents’ understanding of the negative perceptions and resolving conflict through positive communication. In the literary study, the constitution of perceptions as well as the causes of the constitution of negative perceptions was investigated. A perception is established when a person gives meaning to an experience based on that person’s frame of reference. Internal and external factors play a part when perceptions are constituted. External factors in this study entail the relationship with parents, school and teachers, peer group and the learner's relationship with himself. Internal factors referred to in this study are locus of control, motivation, emotional problems, cognitive problems and behavioural problems. vii The research problem was explored using a pilot investigation as pre-test. A diagnostic questionnaire was also completed by 50 learners. Five learners were interviewed about their experiences and needs specifically in relation to their perceptions of school. Findings show that approximately one fifth of the learners of the school have negative perceptions of school. In the questionnaire, the learners’ perceptions with respect to a variety of role players were determined. There is a definite need for parents to be involved and supportive. Learners also need them to show understanding for their perceptions. Positive communication and understanding between parents and learners were established through practical diagrams and work sheets. In Chapter 6 practical guidelines are given to equip parents to understand how to handle the child with negative perceptions. The aim of this was to encourage learners to enjoy positive experiences, to form a positive frame of reference and therefore develop positive perceptions of school. A contribution towards parental guidance was made. Parents are left equipped to deal with a child with negative perceptions of school. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The present work is concerned with projective prepositions, which express the relation between two objects by referring to a direction in three-dimensional space. The projective prepositions have been regarded as expressing simple schematic relations of a geometric nature. A theory of the apprehension of projective relations can account for their meanings when they express strictly geometric relations. However, many studies have shown that the appropriateness of the prepositions also depends on the functional relation between the objects and that a number of functional factors influence the comprehension of English prepositions. This experimental study investigates if the acceptability of the Swedish prepositions över, under, ovanför and nedanför are influenced by functional factors as well, and whether acceptability judgments about över and under are more sensitive to functional influences than judgments about ovanför and nedanför, as has been shown for the corresponding English prepositions over and under, and above and below, respectively. It also investigates how the shapes and the parts of the related objects influence their functional interaction, and how the acceptability of the prepositions is in consequence influenced by the shapes of the objects. It was found that the theory of apprehension can indeed account for the acceptability of the prepositions when the relation between the objects is strictly geometric. It was further found that acceptability judgments about them are influenced by functional factors in a similar manner to the corresponding English prepositions when the objects are functionally related, although judgments about under and nedanför are not differentially influenced by these factors. Furthermore, the shapes and the parts of both of the related objects influence acceptability judgments about the prepositions in predictable manners. An extension of the theory of apprehension is suggested which can account for the functional influences indicated in the present study.

Höstterminen 2014 Today’s students show great divergences in incentives for commencing studies at an Upper Secondary Dance Educational School in Sweden. The level of the individual`s motivation both during the prelusive and pending stages of the education, shows great variance. The aim of the study is to find a correlation between the individual’s motivation level and the individual´s conceiving of enhancement or deprivation of inner needs. To which extent is the comprehension and consideration towards these needs, a direct agency in effecting the desire for self- engaged and lifelong learning? In which manner can a deeper and wider understanding of the needs for self- actualization, ensure a more sturdy and coherent motivation towards the experience of learning? Through motivation psychology as an angel of approach, the study incorporates the three methods; observation, projective testing and literary studies. Conscious and unconscious personality traits and states are chartered. The conjunction with various sources of stimuli subsequently indicates the deriving of behavior. The study indicates the need of educational practitioner’s insight and understanding towards the individual pupil’s apperception of the social world. Also the study indicates the importance of implementing this knowledge, in ensuring cohesiveness and sustainability of motivation for self- engaged lifelong learning.

The general view of educators at all levels of education as well as trainers in industry, that learners do not have the ability to use their knowledge inter-curricular and holistically in their lives prompted the study. A very superficial study that was done in 2000, regarding the same problem, acted as the starting point for this study. The main purpose of the study was to determine the reasons for the general perception by educators that learners do not use their embedded knowledge in an inter-curricular manner. It also aimed to determine the most effective facilitating styles and methods that would help the learners to develop the skills to learn with the main aim to achieve learning that lasts and not just learning to pass. The use of deconstruction as a learning activity forms the biggest part of this qualitative action research project which was based on the main principles of the hermeneutic approach namely, communication followed by interpretation in order to reach understanding. The principles of narrative therapy were also used in the project. The hermeneutic approach followed in this study also allows the reader to walk the road with the participants as a narrative, first person reporting style provides rich background information regarding all the participants of the study as well as the contexts in which the actions took place. The reader will also be able to feel the closeness that existed between the educator and the learners who were part of this study. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Didactics)

Summaries in Afrikaans and Engish / There is at present a lack of consensus in the Educational Psychological domain to a universal point of departure of a uniform approach for Educational Psychologists. Educational Psychologists have become increasingly aware that the therapy and theories that they use for diagnoses and therapy are not based on educational theories. They frequently fall back on existing psychological schools of thought with the result that very few of the educational theories feature there in. The purpose of this dissertation is therefore: • To devise an accountable educational psychological theory which will lead to the integrating of psychological and educational insights. • To devise diagnostic and research models to create an accountable design in practice. • To utilize the essence of educational psychology educational psychologists for diagnoses and therapy. / Daar bestaan tans in die Opvoedkundige Sielkundige vakgebied 'n gebrek aan konsensus ten opsigte van 'n gemeenskaplike vertrekpunt vir 'n eenheidsbenadering vir opvoedkundige sielkundiges. Opvoedkundige sielkundiges het toenemend daarvan bewus geword dat die terapie en teoriee wat hulle gebruik vir diagnose en terapie nie gebaseer is op opvoedkundige teoriee nie, maar gewoonlik terugval op bestaande sielkundige skole en denkrigtings met die gevolg dat baie min van die opvoedkundige teoriee daarin voorkom. Die doel van die proefskrif is gevolglik om: • 'n Verantwoordbare opvoedkundige sielkundige teorie: "Die Relasieterapieteorie" daar te stel wat sal lei tot die integrering van sielkundige- en opvoedkundige insigte. • Diagnoserings- en navorsingsmodelle daar te stel ten einde 'n verantwoordbare praktykontwerp te skep. • Die Relasieterapieteorie in praktyk te veroperasionaliseer om die opvoedkundige sielkundige essensies in die praktyk in te dra en aan opvoedkundige sielkundiges 'n gemeenskaplike vertrekpunt te gee vir diagnose en terapie. / Psychology of Education / D.Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The postmodern organisation and its leaders are faced with relentless turbulence and change and a compelling economic drive for success. The recent exponential rise in the popularity of coaching can be ascribed to the business need for the development of leadership bench-strength. Appreciative inquiry (AI) claims to be a source of untapped strength for organisations in the postmodern world and a source of sustainable solutions and genesis for energy. However, the scarcity of evidence of coaching linked to a postmodern stance, incorporating AI principles, as well as using group-based coaching methods, provided an opportunity for this study to respond to the challenges and contribute to the theory and practice of leadership coaching in the organisational setting by investigating the transformative effects of a postmodern group-based leadership coaching programme (LCP) on leaders’ personal and professional perspectives. The premises suggest that postmodern group-based coaching is a practical and cost-effective methodology in multi-cultural international organisations. Furthermore, postmodern coaching in groups can transform the personal and professional perspectives of leaders, specifically in transforming future plans, goal-directedness, confidence, resilience, hope, subjective well-being and empowerment as a leader, as well as broadening life outlooks. Key transformative themes were identified: self-knowledge, appreciation of others, broader vision, self-control and work-life integration. This applied study has made a valuable contribution to the body of research in the area of postmodern and group-based coaching. Replication of the study in other industries, setting and with different levels of leadership, training of postmodern coaches and robust follow-up coaching were identified as opportunities for further exploration. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / D.Lit. et Phil. (Industrial Psychology)