Knowledge and writing in school mathematics : a communicational approach

This thesis is about young students’ writing in school mathematics and the ways in which this writing is designed, interpreted and understood. Students’ communication can act as a source from which teachers can make inferences regarding students’ mathematical knowledge and understanding. In mathematics education previous research indicates that teachers assume that the process of interpreting and judging students’ writing is unproblematic. The relationship between what students’ write, and what they know or understand, is theoretical as well as empirical. In an era of increased focus on assessment and measurement in education it is necessary for teachers to know more about the relationship between communication and achievement. To add to this knowledge, the thesis has adopted a broad approach, and the thesis consists of four studies. The aim of these studies is to reach a deep understanding of writing in school mathematics. Such an understanding is dependent on examining different aspects of writing. The four studies together examine how the concept of communication is described in authoritative texts, how students’ writing is viewed by teachers and how students make use of different communicational resources in their writing. The results of the four studies indicate that students’ writing is more complex than is acknowledged by teachers and authoritative texts in mathematics education. Results point to a sophistication in students’ approach to the merging of the two functions of writing, writing for oneself and writing for others. Results also suggest that students attend, to various extents, to questions regarding how, what and for whom they are writing in school mathematics. The relationship between writing and achievement is dependent on students’ ability to have their writing reflect their knowledge and on teachers’ thorough knowledge of the different features of writing and their awareness of its complexity. From a communicational perspective the ability to communicate [in writing] in mathematics can and should be distinguished from other mathematical abilities. By acknowledging that mathematical communication integrates mathematical language and natural language, teachers have an opportunity to turn writing in mathematics into an object of learning. This offers teachers the potential to add to their assessment literacy and offers students the potential to develop their communicational ability in order to write in a way that better reflects their mathematical knowledge.

Sexual Violence in Private Residences: Whose, How and Why?

The purpose of this project was to a provide a better understanding of where sexual violence in private residences occurred and how the victims and offenders involved in sexual violence came to be at those places. These findings combined to paint a quite different picture than some might expect. Rather than being a situation where force is used to take victims to a location, or the victims' homes are invaded by force, the circumstances surrounding how sexual violence victims and offenders come to be at the offense location seem to be much more subtle. Victimization where victims and offenders shared a residence accounted for a substantial portion of sexual violence reported in private residences, rendering questions as to how the offender gained entry or why the victim was there, moot under those circumstances. In cases where the offense location was not a mutual residence, victims most often went to the site voluntarily and offenders most frequently gained entry with permission rather than through force or deception.

Palavrões ou palavras: um estudo com educadoras/es sobre sinônimos usados na denominação de temas relacionados ao sexo

Pós-graduação em Educação Escolar - FCLAR

Autoerotismo em sala de aula: o que pensam, como reagem e dizem fazer os professores?

Realizing the need for a discussion on the topic of sexuality in schools, and especially teachers training, this qualitativ e study investigated the teachers' reports about autoeroticism of their students in the cl assroom: what they thin k, how they react, say and do in their teaching prac tice. Nine teachers participated of bot h sex, who were interviewed for further projective content ana lysis. The results show that teachers, although they consider this an important work with their stud ents they expr ess difficulty talking about it, even de parting from indicating his own views and not based on theories, thus evidencing the deficiency in thei r training to deal with sexual education in school. We conclude that teachers still perceive sexuality from myths and taboos, especially on autoeroticism, and in that sens e, it is important to invest in academic training teachers to develop in a pedagogical way, continuous and systematic sexual education projects in school.

Knowledge and perceptions regarding sexual and reproductive health among high school students in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Nepal recently began teaching sexual education in the school system and has established youth friendly services in order to meet the need of increased sexual and reproductive knowledge among the youth. Objective: To examine the sexual and reproductive knowledge and perceptions among young people attending schools in Kathmandu. Method: A written questionnaire was distributed to 160 students, in a classroom environment, in four schools in Kathmandu. Results: Two thirds of the females and nearly 60% of the males knew that it was possible to get sexually transmitted infection (STI) during one sexual encounter and more than half of the students knew when in the menstrual cycle conception was more likely to occur . One third of the participants did not know that it was possible to become pregnant after having intercourse once. The males demonstrated less knowledge than the females regarding every aspect of sex and reproduction, with the exception of pregnancy prevention. Conclusion and clinical implications: For the youths in this study, it was more important to prevent unwanted pregnancies than to protect oneself from STIs. Establishment of a hotline on the internet, where personalized and confidential counselling can be offered may complement the comprehensive sexual education in schools.

Performing better? A focus on sexual health services in England: Summary

This summary identifies the issues, presents some findings from our pilot review, and highlights the key policies, guidance and initiatives aimed at improving sexual health services and sexual health in England. A more detailed analysis is in the full report.

Uso del preservativo en estudiantes de secundaria de Mozambique. Diferencias en razón del género y del tipo de pareja = Condom use amongst high school students in Mozambique differences by gender and kind of partners

La mayor parte de las nuevas infecciones con el VIH en el mundo se producen por transmisión sexual entre adultos jóvenes y se aprecia una mayor vulnerabilidad en las mujeres (Gregson et al., 2002). Los principales objetivos de este trabajo son: estudiar la prevalencia del uso auto informado del preservativo durante la última relación sexual en los estudiantes de secundaria de Mozambique y la intención de emplearlo en las futuras relaciones, sea con la pareja actual o con una ocasional. Los resultados muestran que: 1) el 47% de los va rones y el 62% de las mujeres no utilizaron el preservativo, 2) tanto ellos como ellas están más seguros de que lo utilizarán con una pareja ocasional que con la actual y 3) los que emplearon el preservativo en su última relación sexual tienen más intención de volver a usarlo que aquellos que no lo emplearon

Traumatic symptoms in sexually abused children : implications for school counselors

School counselors have a duty to formulate strategies that aid in the detection and prevention of child sexual abuse (American School Counselor Association, 2003). School counselors are charged with helping sexually abused children by recognizing sexual abuse indicators based on a child's symptomology and/or behavior, and understanding how this trauma may affect children in the school setting. Mandated reporting issues, talking with children and adolescents about sexual abuse suspicions, and understanding trauma symptoms and their contribution to the difficulties that sexually abused children have in school are highlighted. In addition, how school counselors can collaborate with clinicians treating sexually abused children through role-appropriate advocacy, intervention, and aftercare strategies is described.

Uso del preservativo en estudiantes de secundaria de Mozambique. Diferencias en razón del género y del tipo de pareja = Condom use amongst high school students in Mozambique differences by gender and kind of partners

La mayor parte de las nuevas infecciones con el VIH en el mundo se producen por transmisión sexual entre adultos jóvenes y se aprecia una mayor vulnerabilidad en las mujeres (Gregson et al., 2002). Los principales objetivos de este trabajo son: estudiar la prevalencia del uso auto informado del preservativo durante la última relación sexual en los estudiantes de secundaria de Mozambique y la intención de emplearlo en las futuras relaciones, sea con la pareja actual o con una ocasional. Los resultados muestran que: 1) el 47% de los va rones y el 62% de las mujeres no utilizaron el preservativo, 2) tanto ellos como ellas están más seguros de que lo utilizarán con una pareja ocasional que con la actual y 3) los que emplearon el preservativo en su última relación sexual tienen más intención de volver a usarlo que aquellos que no lo emplearon

Violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes: a participação das escolas públicas municipais da cidade de Imperatriz do Maranhão na rede de enfrentamento

A presente dissertação elegeu como objeto de estudo a análise da participação das escolas públicas de ensino fundamental do município de Imperatriz-MA na rede de enfrentamento da violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes. A questão problema que moveu esta pesquisa foi: como vem ocorrendo a participação das escolas públicas municipais de ensino fundamental da cidade de Imperatriz-MA na rede de enfrentamento da violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes? As categorias principais desta pesquisa foram: escola, enfrentamento da violência, abuso e exploração sexual, crianças e adolescentes, políticas públicas, currículo e formação de educadores. Objetivou-se analisar a participação das escolas públicas municipais de ensino fundamental da cidade de Imperatriz-MA na rede de enfrentamento da violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes no período de 2006 a 2012. O tipo de estudo mais adequado encontrado foi o estudo de caso. A metodologia utilizada consistiu nas pesquisas bibliográfica, documental e empírica. Todas as seções iniciaram-se com a discussão teórica e encerram-se com a análise e interpretação dos dados empíricos. Foram utilizados como instrumento de coleta de dados questionários com questões fechadas e abertas, entrevistas abertas e semiestruturadas. De um universo de 119 escolas de ensino fundamental foram selecionadas três como escolas que fizeram a inclusão da temática da violência sexual nos seus respectivos currículos. A análise do material obtido nas entrevistas foi feita mediante o instrumental teórico-metodológico possibilitado pela análise de conteúdo tendo como fundamentação o materialismo histórico-dialético marxista dentro de uma vertente crítica que produz uma visão de mundo não determinista, permitindo chances de movimento e transformação, valorizando os fenômenos e os sujeitos neles envolvidos em sua totalidade. Os resultados permitiram concluir que os currículos das três escolas investigadas contemplam as temáticas do abuso e exploração sexual de forma disciplinar, por meio de projetos, planos de ensino e de aula, dentre outros. A formação dos educadores para o enfrentamento da violência sexual não chegou a todas as escolas. Considerou-se que os educadores, se tiverem condição de trabalho, tempo e espaço, apoio, orientações, formação continuada, terão possibilidades de aprender a lidar com as diversas situações da violência sexual. Nessa perspectiva, algumas escolas da rede municipal de Imperatriz são orientadas no sentido de trabalhar com a prevenção por intermédio dos encaminhamentos de dois projetos da Secretaria Municipal de Educação (SEMED).

A Coordinated and Systematic Model for Adopting, Implementing and Maintaining Effective Sexual Health Education Programs in Schools

Getting evidence-based sexual health education activities into schools can be a complicated process. Working models that assist our educational system in the selection, implementation, and maintenance of effective school-based adolescent health programs are needed. Replicating sexual health programs in school-based settings: A model for schools provides a comprehensive and applied approach that engages all of the important stakeholders within a school district. The results from this study hold much potential to inform Texas and the nation about how a coordinated and practical model can assist school districts to increase the use of evidence-based programs addressing teen pregnancy prevention and sexual health issues.

Association of part-time employment and sexual risk-taking behaviors among middle school students

Background. Previous research shows inconsistent results as to the association between part-time employment and sexual behavior among younger teens. Studies of older teens cannot be generalized to younger teens because of the wide differences in types of work performed, nature of work environments, and work intensity. Objective. Examine the relationship between part-time employment and sexual behavior in a cross-sectional sample of public middle school students in Houston, Texas. Methods . The study presents a secondary analysis of data from the It’s Your Game…Keep it Real baseline data collection (11/2004–1/2005). It’s Your Game… is an intervention program for middle school students designed to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections. Statistical analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between part-time employment and vaginal intercourse: (a) ever had sex; and (b) current sexual activity. Results. Overall, 13.2% of students worked for pay; male students were 1.5 times as likely as females to be working. Of all the students, 11.0% had had sexual intercourse; students who worked were 3 times more likely to be sexually experienced than those who did not. Among students who were sexually experienced, 67.0% were currently sexually active. After adjusting for the other covariates, Hispanic students were almost 3.6 times more likely to report current sexual activity compared to students in other racial/ethnic groups. In univariate analysis, students who worked 1-5 hrs/week were more likely to be sexually experienced than those not currently employed, and the likelihood increased with number of hours worked. There is a similar pattern in the multivariate model, but the odds ratios are too close for the evidence to be more than suggestive. Of sexually experienced students, students working 1-5 hrs/week were 2.7 times more likely to report current sexual intercourse than those not working; those working >5 hrs/week were 4.7 times more likely. The multivariate model showed a similar increase in likelihood, and adjustment for covariates increased these associations: students who worked 1-5 hrs/week were 3.6 times more likely to report current sexual intercourse, and students who worked >5 hrs/week were 4.5 times more likely, than students not currently employed.^

Proceedings of the Illinois Oral Health Summit and the Illinois Oral Health Plan : Illinois' response to the U.S. Surgeon General's report : Oral Health in America, convened by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health and held at the University of Illinois at Chicago's School of Public Health, Chicago Illinois on September 11, 2001.

Introduction: The major findings and suggested framework for action put forth by the U.S. Surgeon General form the basis for Illinois' plan. Augmenting this foundation is the collective wisdom of citizens, stakeholders and policy makers. The result is a comprehensive vision that can be embraced by all involved in the process. The plan articulates goals, priorities and strategies to improve the oral health of all Illinoisans. Its five policy goals reflect specific priorities and its recommended strategies and action steps suggest how to address each of them. The plan concludes with a call for the establishment of a select committee to monitor and provide guidance in the implementation of the plan.

Education in Human Rights: Reflections on Power, Violence and Authority in the School

This article explores human rights and education based on an intervention experience conducted in three schools located in Sao Paulo City, which had as its main goal a substantial reduction in violence (2004-2005). The guideline was that education should be considered a basic human right, taking into consideration the power and authority relations that exist within this institution. What are the problems that we face, nowadays, to consider education as a human right, in the difficult Brazilian history? Is it possible to think about some kind of democratic authority within the school, when our vision of authority is linked to despotic leaders, or even when there is no space for any authority? How does this discussion associate with the violence in our daily life in school? These are some of the questions included in the debate proposed by this article.

Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in 6-year-old school children: a normative study

Great potential has recently been demonstrated for the application of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) in screening the hearing of school-aged children. The present study aimed to describe the range of TEOAE values obtained from a large cohort of 6-year-old children in school settings. Results indicated significant sex and ear asymmetry effects on signal-to-noise ratio, response, whole wave reproducibility, band reproducibility and noise levels. A prior history of ear infections was also shown to influence response level, whole wave reproducibility and band reproducibility. The sex, ear and history specific normative data tables derived may contribute to future improvements in the accuracy of hearing screening for 6-year-old school children.