Historically, many faith-based hunger relief efforts address food insecurity through the emergency food system, but they often do not challenge the systemic causes of the need, which according to some, are poverty and inequality. As a promising alternative, community food work is a radical approach to food system change that imbues values of justice, sustainability, and equity into the food system to reduce the pervasiveness of poverty and inequality in society. I used narrative inquiry as methodology in a faith-based context to explore the role of criticality in community food work. Additionally, I explored the treatment of hegemony in these practitioners' critically reflective practice. I engaged six practitioners in narrative-based interviews and subsequently asked them to read and analyze their own interview. I then gathered all participants for a collective reflection session where we reflected on excerpts from the interviews and used them as a foundation for further dialogue and reflection. Each practitioner used their faith to varying degrees in the performance of their work. I found significant notions of feeling called to serve, and bringing God's kingdom to earth, but an avoidance to use this work to evangelize. The narratives reflected community food work as a community development effort and extended beyond the context of food. Affirming, trusting relationships serve as a foundation to how this group of practitioners approach their work, and provide the space to interact with their work in radical ways and raise critical consciousness. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:39:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissDCS.pdf: 920735 bytes, checksum: ddaaf317eda9092fd41918255310ba29 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-02-25 / This research, with qualitative characteristics, involves an autobiographic study inserted into a perspective of continuous formation of the teacher, by means of reflexive practice. It aims at identifying and analyzing: i) the knowledge base which was recognized,transformed and produced by the teacher as researcher; and, ii) the contributions offered by certain interlocutors linked to the educational universe, to consolidate part of this knowledge and to promote reflexive processes. The main theory references which orientated this research were the works of Zeichner (1992, 1993, 1998); Schön (2000), Tardif (1991, 2000, 2002) and Nóvoa (2000). On the other hand, the method used was based on an autobiographic proposal and on interpretative theories of documents of the teacher as researcher. The main activities and procedures include filming the classes, day-by-day written records, and audio record of the reflexive meetings with the interlocutors. During the work, it was possible to observe that the teachers knowledge under development mostly derivate from the background influence generated by family, school and university lives, by the personal/professional experiences in schools, and by the interactions of the teacher and a number of interlocutors she met while working, both in formal training activities and during the research. The teacher developed her practice by creatively exploring the traditional teaching places, bringing up contents of attitude, procedures and concepts, valorizing the discussion and stimulating the interactions and the collective work of the students. The conduction and sustenance of the teachinglearning process is characterized by an articulated sequence of activities, by the development of the didactic contract and by the evaluation of the discipline and progression of learning. Some dilemmas are typical of her professional life, such as the handling of the subject in school time and the development of a teaching technique which consider the reality of the students. The division of the teaching experience allowed the objectivity of several implicit theories. The unbalancing situations caused by the interlocutors created an intense involvement of the teacher with the reflexive process about practice, leading to some discoveries and to the revision of the understanding of teaching. Moreover, they motivated the overcome of some pedagogical illusions and of an individualist perspective of the teaching activity. The teacher-researcher could understand that many of her dilemmas are especially constituted of institutional problems of the Brazilian educational system, which needs more than just the personal reflection of the teachers. This work may offer some clues that the promotion of researches by high school teachers contribute to an increase of the professional development, to the appropriation and improvement of their knowledge base, to a perception of the gaps to be reviewed in a continued process, and to the refining of the decision about becoming a teacher. / Esta pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa, envolve um estudo de cunho autobiográfico inserida numa perspectiva de formação continuada do/a professor/a, pela prática reflexiva. Teve como objetivos identificar e analisar: i) os saberes mobilizados, transformados e produzidos pela professora-pesquisadora e, ii) as contribuições oferecidas por determinados/as interlocutores/as vinculados ao universo escolar ou universitário, para a consolidação de parte destes saberes e para a promoção de processos reflexivos. As principais referências teóricas que iluminaram a pesquisa foram os trabalhos de Zeichner (1992, 1993, 1998); Schön (2000), Tardif (1991, 2000, 2002) e Nóvoa (2000): Por sua vez, o método construído baseou-se na proposta de autobiografia e em teorias interpretativas de documentos da professora-pesquisadora. As principais atividades e procedimentos incluem: registro de aulas por meio de gravações audiovisuais; registros em diário de bordo e anotações e gravação em áudio dos encontros reflexivos com os/as interlocutores/as. No trabalho, foi possível observar que os saberes docentes em construção, em grande parte, decorrem das influências geradas pela história de formação familiar, escolar e universitária, pelas experiências pessoais/profissionais vividas nas escolas e pelas interações da professora com os mais diversos interlocutores(as) que ela encontra no exercício profissional, em atividades formais de capacitação em serviço e durante a realização da pesquisa. A professora desenvolve sua prática procurando explorar com criatividade os espaços tradicionais de ensino; abarcando conteúdos atitudinais, procedimentais e conceituais; valorizando o diálogo e estimulando as interações e o trabalho coletivo dos/as alunos/as. A condução e sustentação do processo de ensino e aprendizagem caracteriza-se por uma seqüência articulada de atividades, pelo desenvolvimento do contrato didático e da avaliação da disciplina e da progressão das aprendizagens. Alguns dilemas são característicos de seu percurso profissional, como a gestão da matéria no tempo escolar e o desenvolvimento de um ensino que considere a realidade dos/as alunos/as. A partilha da própria prática possibilitou a objetivação de muitas teorias implícitas. As situações desequilibradoras provocadas pelos/as interlocutores geraram um envolvimento intenso da professora com o processo reflexivo sobre a prática, levando-a a algumas descobertas e a revisão de compreensões sobre o ensino. Ainda motivaram a superaração de algumas ilusões pedagógicas e de uma certa perspectiva individualista da atuação docente. A professora-pesquisadora pode compreender que muitos dos seus dilemas se constituem, principalmente, em problemas institucionais do sistema de ensino brasileiro, cujo enfrentamento requer mais do que a reflexão pessoal dos docentes. Este trabalho pode oferecer alguns sinais de que a promoção de pesquisas por professores/as do ensino médio contribui para um maior desenvolvimento profissional, a apropriação e aperfeiçoamento de seus saberes, uma percepção das lacunas a serem revistas num processo continuado e o refinamento no entendimento quanto a tornar-se professor/a.

Service integration is central to current government strategy for promoting positive outcomes for young people with educational and additional needs, yet evidence to support the efficacy of this strategy remains elusive. A review of the literature finds that many of the facilitators of successful multi-agency working are at the intra-group level. These barriers and facilitating factors are organised into an Eco-systemic Model of Multi-Agency Working (EMMA) which addresses leadership processes, group-level interactions and problem-solving processes. The first stage of the study generates data for intervention materials to be used in the second stage. This is achieved by comparing the purposes and practices of each group at different systemic levels. This stage of the study also provides baseline questionnaire data for the second stage of the study. Consideration is given to the sources of conflict within each group, the strategies used to resolve these conflicts and the levels of hierarchical and systemic thinking within the participating multi-agency groups. The resulting analysis is found to fit well within the EMMA model and the distinctiveness of each of the systemic levels as well as their interdependence is discussed. Suggestions are made for improved multi-agency practices and new directions for the educational psychologist in facilitating improved practice are explored. Paper II Abstract In the first phase of this two-stage study, self-organised learning principles were proposed as a useful knowledge base upon which to draw when facilitating change in multi-agency groups. In this second phase, this hypothesis is put to the test. Data from the first phase is used in combination with wider research findings to design feedback materials for participating groups. Evidence gathered from ensuing meeting transcripts, interviews and questionnaire data is compared with baseline data gathered in the first phase to assess the impact of this intervention on group functioning. Evidence is presented of improved clarity of purpose, improved group functioning and early signs of improved outcomes, though results are highly variable between groups. Different levels of group functioning were found to be inter-dependent, lending support to an eco-systemic model of multi-agency working. Trait-based models of leadership and conflict resolution are challenged. It is argued that improving outcomes for young people is dependent upon the healthy functioning of multi-agency groups and that investing resources in reflective learning in multi-agency groups is a worthwhile step towards securing better outcomes for young people.

This thesis examines the reflection skills of student English teachers at the Faculty of Education at Charles University in Prague during their teaching practice. The theoretical part introduces the reflective teaching model and looks into the phenomena of the teacher as reflective practitioner. The empirical part deals with the trainee teacher's reflection and methods, topics, depth and frequency. A significant part of the research also examines the influence of university employees (teacher mentors, supervisors, methodologists) as incentive supporters of the students' professional development regarding reflection. Key words: reflection, reflective cycle, reflective practitioner, trainee teacher, teaching practice, teacher mentor, supervisor, teacher education

This thesis focuses on the ways in which theoretical models based in rhetorical studies can be used to enhance both the understanding and the practice of communication. In particular, my project shows that rhetoric and communication theory can provide a foundation for improving communication practice. <p>Every communicative act takes place within a context, as Lloyd F. Bitzer established. This same understanding of the centrality of situation to communicative effectiveness permeates the work of several other theorists whose work is discussed in this thesis, among them Wayne C. Booth, Kenneth Burke, George L. Dillon, Barnett Baskerville, and Donald Schon. <p>Using Bitzers conception of the rhetorical situation as the theoretical focus, two main concerns are addressed in the thesis: the relationship between rhetoric and the practice of technical communication, and the integration of theory and practice as the foundation of rhetorical understanding. The first three chapters present a series of theoretical models, and the practical use of this theory is tested by an exercise in writing a public speaking handbook for engineering undergraduates (presented as Chapter Four of the thesis). The audience for this handbook is specific and the purpose is narrow to give advice on preparing, practising, and presenting design presentations to professors and clients. This experiment is then followed by a reflection on the writing process and some conclusions about the relationship between rhetorical theory and communicative practice.<p> The key result of this research and case study is a deepened understanding of how rhetoric operates or how it should be studied. As a rhetorician, I found it discouraging even at times humiliating to discover how much difficulty I had in adapting my discourse to a specific audience. This research makes clear that an understanding of theory without a solid grounding in practice is insufficient for rhetorical mastery. While my original goal was to demonstrate the usefulness of theory to improving practice, this thesis shows as well the extent to which rhetorical theory also depends on an understanding of the demands and constraints of actual practice.

This thesis focuses on the ways in which theoretical models based in rhetorical studies can be used to enhance both the understanding and the practice of communication. In particular, my project shows that rhetoric and communication theory can provide a foundation for improving communication practice. <p>Every communicative act takes place within a context, as Lloyd F. Bitzer established. This same understanding of the centrality of situation to communicative effectiveness permeates the work of several other theorists whose work is discussed in this thesis, among them Wayne C. Booth, Kenneth Burke, George L. Dillon, Barnett Baskerville, and Donald Schon. <p>Using Bitzers conception of the rhetorical situation as the theoretical focus, two main concerns are addressed in the thesis: the relationship between rhetoric and the practice of technical communication, and the integration of theory and practice as the foundation of rhetorical understanding. The first three chapters present a series of theoretical models, and the practical use of this theory is tested by an exercise in writing a public speaking handbook for engineering undergraduates (presented as Chapter Four of the thesis). The audience for this handbook is specific and the purpose is narrow to give advice on preparing, practising, and presenting design presentations to professors and clients. This experiment is then followed by a reflection on the writing process and some conclusions about the relationship between rhetorical theory and communicative practice.<p> The key result of this research and case study is a deepened understanding of how rhetoric operates or how it should be studied. As a rhetorician, I found it discouraging even at times humiliating to discover how much difficulty I had in adapting my discourse to a specific audience. This research makes clear that an understanding of theory without a solid grounding in practice is insufficient for rhetorical mastery. While my original goal was to demonstrate the usefulness of theory to improving practice, this thesis shows as well the extent to which rhetorical theory also depends on an understanding of the demands and constraints of actual practice.

Over the course of the 2007/2008 school year, I visited three classrooms to investigate the effectiveness of Augusto Boal’s drama method, Image Theatre, with elementary-aged students. In Image Theatre, the practitioners and students use their bodies to create frozen images, which in turn become the focus of collaborative meaning- making. I applied the reflective practitioner methodology in my work as it allowed me to adapt to the rapidly altering situations that arise in elementary classrooms. Through reflecting on my interactions with students, I refined a set of teaching techniques that worked best to integrate Image Theatre into the classroom and ultimately into the curriculum. My research provides a qualitative analysis of the power of Image Theatre to foster student dialogue, develop empathic learning, and introduce conflict awareness techniques. My thesis highlights some specific exercises and theoretical frameworks that guided my work and produced the most effective results. The effects of applying Image Theatre to elementary-aged classrooms has not been extensively studied in the past and my research attempts to address this academic gap. It is my hope that future researchers will adapt my activities and further demonstrate the capacities of this theatre technique. Ultimately, I hope that Image Theatre methods can find a place in standard curricula.

The purpose of my study is to examine why five primary school teachers chose to start using the method ”Learning reading by writing on computer” in their teaching. How do they perceive that the method works in their classroom and do they perceive that the method affect the children’s literacy? The study consists of a qualitative method in form of interviews with five primary school teachers and also some observations made by me in the classrooms. I will use the findings I made during the interviews and observations and contrast these to relevant literature and research that I have collected. The result of my study shows that all of the interviewed teachers had a self-interest in working with the method ”Learning reading by writing on computers” and that they also worked closely with colleagues. The majority of the pupils could talk about their texts and the structure of the language already in grade one and many had learned to read faster than former pupils.

Over the course of the 2007/2008 school year, I visited three classrooms to investigate the effectiveness of Augusto Boal’s drama method, Image Theatre, with elementary-aged students. In Image Theatre, the practitioners and students use their bodies to create frozen images, which in turn become the focus of collaborative meaning- making. I applied the reflective practitioner methodology in my work as it allowed me to adapt to the rapidly altering situations that arise in elementary classrooms. Through reflecting on my interactions with students, I refined a set of teaching techniques that worked best to integrate Image Theatre into the classroom and ultimately into the curriculum. My research provides a qualitative analysis of the power of Image Theatre to foster student dialogue, develop empathic learning, and introduce conflict awareness techniques. My thesis highlights some specific exercises and theoretical frameworks that guided my work and produced the most effective results. The effects of applying Image Theatre to elementary-aged classrooms has not been extensively studied in the past and my research attempts to address this academic gap. It is my hope that future researchers will adapt my activities and further demonstrate the capacities of this theatre technique. Ultimately, I hope that Image Theatre methods can find a place in standard curricula.

This exegesis traces a path through the production of an animated work, and discusses the evolution of an individual production workflow that refigures the industrial animation process of prototyping. By incorporating spontaneity within the animation workflow, the creative output of the project focusses on the development of a series of non-narrative, process-driven temporal constructions that fuse form and process. The creative work occupies 75% of this Masters project, and the exegesis 25% (7500 Words)