Observation of self-produced hand movements through a mirror, creating an illusion of the opposite hand moving, was recently reported to induce ipsilateral motor cortex activation, that is, motor cortex activation for the hand in rest. The reported work goes far beyond earlier work on motor cortex activation induced by action observation, by implying a complete reversal of contralateral and ipsilateral motor cortex activation under mirror view conditions. Such a reversal would represent an unprecedented degree of neural plasticity. We considered such a reversal physiologically implausible and conducted a study with an improved design. The results refute the reversal of contralateral and ipsilateral motor cortex activation under mirrored viewing conditions as methodologically unsound. The investigation confirmed, however, more subtle expressions of motor cortical activity induced by self-produced movements observed through a mirror.
Enquiry-based learning (EBL) is an approach to education that generally involves students working in groups, forming their own questions and solving scenarios formulated from an initial ‘trigger’ presented by tutors. EBL entails specific demands but is believed to effectively apply theory to practice and enhance deep learning. In 2012, the midwifery programme at the University of Worcester was reapproved to run as an EBL curriculum. The research summarised here is an evaluation of students' perceptions and experiences of the first year of the new curriculum. A mixed-methods design was employed, using questionnaires and interviews. The students were most likely to perceive the benefits of EBL as increasing critical thinking (73%), problem-solving (68%), and leadership skills (66%). Concerns were voiced about the teaching of anatomy and physiology, and consistency of approach among tutors. All the students stated that their perceptions of EBL and its outcomes became increasingly positive over time. This evaluation suggests that EBL has potential to enhance the key skills of students who will be required to practise within increasingly complex maternity services. Further research is needed to explore the views of mentors as key stakeholders in midwifery education.
An online questionnaire was undertaken to evaluate the involvement of service users and carers in the student selection process and to identify how the pre-registration process might be enhanced. Respondents comprised 34 students, all of whom had been selected for the pre-registration nursing education programme following this process, and 22 others, including service users and carers, practitioners, and lecturers, who had been involved in the selection process. A positive attitude to the involvement of service users and carers was evident in all groups, although there were some concerns and suggestions about how and when involvement of service users and carers should occur. The main findings were that service users could have an important role in contextualising mental health in people's lives.
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