Student Debates in Policy Courses

This article examines the use of student debates to promote substantive knowledge and policy practice skills. The authors present a pedagogical rationale for student debates, describe the incorporation of debates into a child welfare policy course, and report the results of an evaluation. Students demonstrated significantly greater increases in self-reported knowledge of course topics when they participated in debates than when they observed debates or learned through standard forms of instruction. The majority of students reported satisfaction with the debates, reported that participation improved their policy skills and knowledge, and rated the educational value of debates higher than traditional assignments.     

Book reviews

Abstract

Social Policy, Public Policy Meredith Edwards, Cosmo Howard, Robin Miller (2001), Allen & Unwin, Sydney ISBN 1 86448 9480 $35.00 RRP.

Spirituality in social work practice: Narratives for professional helping Sonia Abels (Ed) (2000), Love Publishing Company, Denver, Colorado 131 pp. $56.90 (paperback)

Family — centered policies and practices: International implications Katharine Briar-Lawson, Hal A. Lawson, Charles B. Hennon and Alan R. Jones, Columbia University Press, New York Chichester, West Sussex ISBN 0 231 12106 7 462 pp. (soft cover)

Lookin' after our own: Supporting Aboriginal families through the hospital experience Angela Clarke, Shawana Andrews and Neville Austin (2000), A report sponsored by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

Making stepfamilies work A course for couples Irene Gerrard & Margaret Howden (1998), Stepfamily Association of Victoria Inc. ISBN 0 646 3622 4 (spiral bound)

The empowerment approach to social work practice: Building the beloved community Judith AS Lee (2001), Columbia University Press, New York, ISBN 0 231 11548 2 517 pp. (hardback)     

Testing for zero-inflation in count series: application to occupational health

Count data series with extra zeros relative to a Poisson distribution are common in many biomedical applications. A score test is presented to assess whether the zero-inflation problem is significant to warrant the analysis by the more complex zero-inflated Poisson autoregression model. The score test is implemented as a computer program in the Splus platform. For illustration, the test procedure is applied to a workplace injury series where many zero counts are observed due to the heterogeneity in injury risk and the dynamic population involved.     

Competences and the practicum: Experiences on one social work course

In 1991 Hull University introduced the practicum to social work placement experiences. The Hull MA/DipSW programme is briefly outlined and locates the practicum before providing the results of evaluating evidence from the first 101 students to return a placement questionnaire. Student responses were largely favourable concerning their experience of being tested on six core competences. This evaluation of the practicum is placed in the context of the CCETSW review of Paper 30 (1995). Issues for practice are raised concerning competences indicators, integration of theory and practice, academic assignments, the relevance of specialist areas to practicum, and client work and simulation exercises. It is suggested that the practicum represents a successful experiment in social work field education and is developing interesting initiatives in professional training, not least of which is a University based practice agency (FASU).     

Nonprofit Service Organizations: Fidelity with Strategic Plans for Financial Survival—Critical Roles for Chief Executive Officers

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on two nonprofit health education-advocacy organizations and the impetus and goals for initiating and implementing a strategic plan for financial survival. The study addressed the similarities and differences in implementation processes and the degree of fidelity (adherence) to the plan once implemented. On-site interviews in two different geographic areas were conducted. Content analysis revealed a sense of optimism about the future tempered by sharpened awareness of the need for following a strategic plan for survival driven by the difficulties of fund raising in today's increasingly financially competitive environment. Findings of the study indicate that poststrategic plan fidelity after implementation did exist. Communication between and among chief executive officers and volunteer board members reflects an area for further exploration. The study has important applied implications for the small, financially challenged nonprofit organization.     

Metabolic Syndrome,Obesity, and Related Risk Factors Among College Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome (MbS) and its criteria, and nutrient intakes of college-age men and women via a large-scale screening. Participants and Methods: From August 2005 to July 2008, 2,722 subjects were recruited for the ongoing, cross-sectional Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative project. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Results: Approximately one-half of men and more than one-quarter of women were overweight or obese. MbS was identified in 9.9% of men and 3.0% of women; 77% of men and 54% of women had at least 1 MbS criterion. Intakes of saturated fat, magnesium, and fiber, as well as body mass index and reported physical activity levels were related to MbS. Conclusions: Because of high rates of overweight/obesity and MbS, college-age adults are at risk for developing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease     

“Without Porn … I Wouldn't Know Half the Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Study of Pornography Use Among a Sample of Urban,Low-Income,Black and Hispanic Youth

Information about the pornography-viewing habits of urban, low-income youth of color in the United States is lacking. This study was designed to answer the following using a sample of 16- to 18-year-old urban-residing, low-income Black or Hispanic youth: (1) What types of pornography do youth report watching; where and for what purpose? (2) Do youth feel that pornography exposure has an impact on their own sexual behaviors? and (3) How do parents react to their pornography use? The following themes emerged from interviews with 23 youth: (1) Youth primarily reported watching pornography that featured one-on-one sexual intercourse but also reported having seen extreme pornography (e.g., public humiliation, incest); (2) youth reported watching pornography on home computers or smartphones, and that pornography was frequently watched in school; (3) youth reported watching for entertainment, for sexual stimulation, instructional purposes, and to alleviate boredom; many copied what they saw in pornography during their own sexual encounters; (4) pressure to make or to imitate pornography was an element of some unhealthy dating relationships; and (5) parents were generally described as unsupportive of youth's use of pornography but underequipped to discuss it. Approximately one-fifth expressed a preference for pornography featuring actors of their same race/ethnicity.