Critical Incident Research Articles

The meaning of social cohesion in preventive family support: a practitioners’ perspective

ABSTRACT Promoting social cohesion through early childhood services has become a priority on the political agenda. Despite joint academic and political attention, a consensus on what social cohesion is, is lacking. While child and family social work is framed as ideal to foster social cohesion, there is little knowledge on what this may mean. The aim of the current study is to analyse the meaning making of child and family social work practitioners regarding social cohesion in Flanders (Belgium). An explorative multiple case study was performed in child and family social work in three neighbourhoods in Flanders. The Critical Incident Technique was used with practitioners (N = 28) to understand how they conceptualise social cohesion and viewed their role in promoting this community-oriented outcome of early childhood services. The results suggest that practitioners focus on the inter-individual and relational components of social cohesion rather than on the socio-political components, which contrasts with the politicising function that child and family social work is supposed to fulfil.

Improving quality through simulation; developing guidance to design simulation interventions following key events in healthcare

Simulation educators are often requested to provide multidisciplinary and/or interprofessional simulation training in response to critical incidents. Current perspectives on patient safety focus on learning from failure, success and everyday variation. An international collaboration has led to the development of an accessible and practical framework to guide the implementation of appropriate simulation-based responses to clinical events, integrating quality improvement, simulation and patient safety methodologies to design appropriate and impactful responses. In this article, we describe a novel five-step approach to planning simulation-based interventions after any events that might prompt simulation-based learning in healthcare environments. This approach guides teams to identify pertinent events in healthcare, involve relevant stakeholders, agree on appropriate change interventions, elicit how simulation can contribute to them and share the learning without aggravating the second victim phenomenon. The framework is underpinned by Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge, the Model for Improvement and translational simulation. It aligns with contemporary socio-technical models in healthcare, by emphasising the role of clinical teams in designing adaptation and change for improvement, as well as encouraging collaborations to enhance patient safety in healthcare. For teams to achieve this adaptive capacity that realises organisational goals of continuous learning and improvement requires the breaking down of historical silos through the creation of an infrastructure that formalises relationships between service delivery, safety management, quality improvement and education. This creates opportunities to learn by design, rather than chance, whilst striving to close gaps between work as imagined and work as done.

Possible criticality scenario and its mechanism of the Windscale Works criticality accident in 1970 analyzed by computational fluid dynamics and Monte Carlo neutron transport

The Windscale Works criticality accident in 1970 resulted from mixing an aqueous solution with an organic solvent with different plutonium concentrations and densities. Although this accident has been studied using improved computer capabilities in recent years, a precise criticality scenario has not yet been identified. This study aims to clarify a possible criticality scenario of the accident—the time variation of reactivity and its mechanism. The accident was simulated by combining the multiphase computational fluid dynamics solver of OpenFOAM and the delta-tracking-based Monte Carlo neutron transport code Serpent2. Consequently, the periodic uneven arrangement of fluids might have caused oscillations in neutron leakage and absorption, resulting in periodic wavy reactivity changes. Furthermore, the emulsion, which was thought to be the primary cause, might not be the dominant mechanism for reactivity change, although it contributed to the criticality of the accident.

A Virtual Reality Simulation to Examine the Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Decision-Making in First Responders

ABSTRACT First responders (FRs) are continuously exposed to critical incidents, considered traumatic events (TEs). This cumulative exposure increases the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is no evidence about the relationship between PTSD symptoms and emergency decision-making (EDM). The objective of this study was to examine the EDM of FRs during a virtual reality through the simulation of two emergency scenarios to collect data on the reaction time and the number of incorrect decisions. We also assessed PTSD symptoms, TE, and sociodemographics. The sample included 368 Portuguese FRs, were 295 (80.20%) males and 73 (19.80%) females, with a mean age of 33.96 (SD = 9.38). Considering the probable PTSD diagnosis according to the DSM-5, 85 (23.10%) of the FRs met the criteria. These individuals who meet the criteria exhibited higher EDM scores (M = 19.60, SD = 5.99) compared to those without probable PTSD (M = 17.87, SD = .5.66) (F(1, 360) = 5.32, p = .02, partial η 2 = .015). We found that TEs had a direct effect on EDM, β = −.16, Z = −3.74, p < .001), and the pathway of trauma-PTSD symptoms-decision-making an indirect effect, β = .02, Z = 3.10, p = .002). Individuals exposed to more TEs demonstrated faster and more accurate decision-making in the context of EDM. However, when these individuals developed PTSD symptoms, their decision-making became slower and less accurate. The inclusion of a trauma-informed approach for FRs to prevent individual and job-related consequences is discussed.

Drones can be used to provide dispatch centres with on-site photos before arrival of EMS in time critical incidents

BackgroundDrones are able to deliver automated external defibrillators in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) but can be deployed for other purposes. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of sending live photos to dispatch centres before arrival of other units during time-critical incidents. MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, the regional dispatch centre implemented a new service using five existing AED-drone systems covering an estimated 200000 inhabitants in Sweden. Drones were deployed automatically over a 4-month study period (December 2022–April 2023) in emergency calls involving suspected OHCAs, traffic accidents and fires in buildings. Upon arrival at the scene, an overhead photo was taken and transmitted to the dispatch centre. Feasibility of providing photos in real time, and time delays intervals were examined. ResultsOverall, drones were deployed in 59/440 (13%) of all emergency calls: 26/59 (44%) of suspected OHCAs, 20/59 (34%) of traffic accidents, and 13/59 (22%) of fires in buildings.The main reasons for non-deployment were closed airspace and unfavourable weather conditions (68%). Drones arrived safely at the exact location in 58/59 cases (98%). Their overall median response time was 3:49 min, (IQR 3:18–4:26) vs. emergency medical services (EMS), 05:51 (IQR: 04:29–08:04) p-value for time difference between drone and EMS = 0,05. Drones arrived first on scene in 47/52 cases (90%) and the largest median time difference was found in suspected OHCAs 4:10 min, (IQR: 02:57–05:28). The time difference in the 5/52 (10%) cases when EMS arrived first the time difference was 5:18 min (IQR 2:19–7:38), p = NA. Photos were transmitted correctly in all 59 alerts. No adverse events occurred. ConclusionIn a newly implemented drone dispatch service, drones were dispatched to 13% of relevant EMS calls. When drones were dispatched, they arrived at scene earlier than EMS services in 90% of cases. Drones were able to relay photos to the dispatch centre in all cases.Although severely affected by closed airspace and weather conditions, this novel method may facilitate additional decision-making information during time-critical incidents.

Unlocking the secrets of daily app switching: a comprehensive guide to mastering both intra-app and inter-app search strategies

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide insights into the daily search strategies of users, which can inform the enhancement of search experiences across multiple applications. By understanding how users navigate and interact with different apps during their search processes, the study seeks to contribute to the design of more intuitive and user-friendly app systems.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a mixed-methods approach to analyze users' daily search strategies in a natural cross-app interactive environment. Data collection was conducted using the Critical Incident Technique and the Micro-Moment Time Line, involving 204 participants to capture their real-time search experiences. Open coding techniques were utilized to categorize sequential search tactics, while the PrefixSpan algorithm was applied to identify patterns in frequently applied search strategies.FindingsThe study findings unveil a comprehensive framework that includes a variety of intra-app search tactics and inter-app switching tactics. Five predominant search strategies were identified: Iterative querying, Selective results adoption, Share-related, Recommended browsing, and Organizational results strategies. These strategies reflect the nuanced ways in which users engage with apps to fulfill their information needs.Originality/valueThis research represents a pioneering effort in systematically identifying and categorizing daily search strategies within a natural cross-app interaction context. It offers original contributions to the field by combining intra-app and inter-app tactics, providing a holistic view of user behavior. The implications of these findings are significant for app developers and designers, as they can leverage this knowledge to improve app functionality and user manuals, ultimately enhancing the overall search experience for users.

A close look into students’ perception of teamwork in a humanities course: integrating Brookfield’s Critical Incident Questionnaire and a revised Tuckman’s small group development model

ABSTRACT This case study combines Stephen Brookfield’s Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ) and Tuckman’s phases of small group development to study students’ perception of teamwork within a humanities course. As the semester progressed and students’ experiences within the team cycle evolved, their reliance towards direct teaching decreased and their degree of satisfaction with group dynamics and productivity increased. An exit survey, more specifically focused on skills learned through teamwork, revealed that adjourning and transforming are two distinct phases in succession. These findings diverge from existing literature, which often refers to adjourning and transforming either as the same phase, or as alternative directions. Tuckman’s model was slightly modified to take these discoveries into account.

Power, youth, and temporality: capitalising on the symbolic in resourcing social entrepreneurship

PurposeUsing elements of Bourdieu’s (1986) capitals framework as an underpinning conceptual architecture, this paper theorises the role of symbolic capital in resourcing a specific example of socially entrepreneurial behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis paper relies on data collected via a qualitative variant of the critical incident technique.FindingsThe analysis resulted in three focal themes: power (a dynamic of cooperation rather than domination), age (youth as a means of legitimation) and temporality (as both lever and conduit).Research limitations/implicationsThese themes further current understanding of socially entrepreneurial behaviour and potentially catalyse additional questioning and investigation specific to the construct of symbolic capital in this context.Practical implicationsThe insights offered in the paper may assist those tasked with supporting success (policymakers and practitioners) in the social entrepreneurship domain.Originality/valueRelatively little is known about the operationalisation of capitals in the context of social entrepreneurship, and even less about symbolic capital specifically. Particular emphasis is given to moving beyond a focus on the simple mechanics of capital exchange and conversion.

Good team players? The impact of team member knowledge, skills and abilities on sourcing teamwork and sourcing task-work effectiveness

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to enhance understanding of the use of sourcing teams (STs) by organisations in their procurement and supply chain management. The paper achieves this by exploring, within the context of the supply chain directorate of a global aerospace manufacturing company (GAMC), both the relationship between sourcing teamwork effectiveness (TE) and sourcing task-work effectiveness (TA) and the relationship between individual team member knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) and TE.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a theoretical model positing positive links between both KSAs and TE and TE and TA. The model is empirically validated using partial least squares structural equation modelling in a survey of 108 ST members from a GAMC.FindingsThe authors identify that, within GAMC, four of five KSAs drive TE and further discover the direct effects of TE on improved TA. Additionally, the authors observe within GAMC the indirect effects of KSAs on TA cascading through TE.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include the use of a single firm and self-report measures for data collection. In spite of this, the paper has numerous research implications. Previous research on STs has combined factors related to TE and TA. In this paper, TE and TA were disaggregated, and the relationships between them were explored. The relationships were found to be positive within GAMC, a finding that strengthens the evidence base supporting the use of STs by organisations in their procurement and supply chain management. In addition, the paper also strengthened the evidence base regarding the importance of KSAs to TE, which complements existing research highlighting the importance of team-level factors and individual technical attributes.Practical implicationsThe findings from GAMC suggest that executives/managers should take an individual as well as a team-level perspective when developing STs and should consider KSAs as well as technical knowledge when judging individuals’ suitability for inclusion within an ST. There are established KSA tests in the literature that could be used by managers for this task. The findings also inform executives/managers that TE matters for TA and needs attention and investment, especially where sourcing tasks concern high-value areas and/or critical incidents within supply chains.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explore the relationship between TE and TA. Establishing that this relationship is a positive one provides critically important evidence regarding the efficacy of STs, which are widely used within procurement and supply chain management. It is also a rare study looking at TE from the perspective of individual team member KSAs, with further positive relationships revealed. Both findings enhance what is a very limited literature on a widely used practice within procurement and supply chain management.

Pupillary Light Reflex Reveals Melanopsin System Alteration in the Background of Myopia-26, the Female Limited Form of Early-Onset High Myopia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pupillary light reflex (PLR) to chromatic flashes in patients with early-onset high-myopia (eoHM) without (myopic controls = M-CTRL) and with (female-limited myopia-26 = MYP-26) genetic mutations in the ARR3 gene encoding the cone arrestin. Participants were 26 female subjects divided into 3 groups: emmetropic controls (E-CTRL, N = 12, mean age = 28.6 ± 7.8years) and 2 myopic (M-CTRL, N = 7, mean age = 25.7 ± 11.5years and MYP-26, N = 7, mean age = 28.3 ± 15.4years) groups. In addition, one hemizygous carrier and one control male subject were examined. Direct PLRs were recorded after 10-minute dark adaptation. Stimuli were 1-second red (peak wavelength = 621nm) and blue (peak wavelength = 470nm) flashes at photopic luminance of 250 cd/m². A 2-minute interval between the flashes was introduced. Baseline pupil diameter (BPD), peak pupil constriction (PPC), and postillumination pupillary response (PIPR) were extracted from the PLR. Group comparisons were performed with ANOVAs. Dark-adapted BPD was comparable among the groups, whereas PPC to the red light was slightly reduced in patients with myopia (P = 0.02). PIPR at 6 seconds elicited by the blue flash was significantly weaker (P < 0.01) in female patients with MYP-26, whereas it was normal in the M-CTRL group and the asymptomatic male carrier. L/M-cone abnormalities due to ARR3 gene mutation is currently claimed to underlie the pathological eye growth in MYP-26. Our results suggest that malfunction of the melanopsin system of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) is specific to patients with symptomatic MYP-26, and may therefore play an additional role in the pathological eye growth of MYP-26.

Police mental health in small and rural areas of Pennsylvania

PurposeThe nature of policework is uniquely challenging to officers’ mental health, producing detrimental outcomes such as higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and divorce compared to other occupations. This is especially true in small and rural police departments, where officers often have broader responsibilities and cover a larger geographic area than their counterparts who work in large urban departments. Given the limited resources available to small and rural police, the purpose of this study is to explore the mental health services available to officers in small and rural police departments.Design/methodology/approachWe used a mixed methods approach. First, we surveyed 349 small and rural Pennsylvania police chiefs about the mental health services in their department. Of these chiefs, 53 participated in subsequent in-depth qualitative interviews about officer awareness of the mental health services available to them, what resources they thought would be helpful to officers and what barriers exist to prevent officers from seeking help.FindingsQuantitative results indicated that 22% of small and rural police departments had no mental health programs available to officers; Critical Incident Stress Management and Employee Assistance Programs were most commonly available. Budget size and the presence of a union influenced whether a department had mental health programs available to officers. Qualitative interviews found that although most departments provided some mental health services, officers were unlikely to use them. Chiefs expressed a need for improved services that officers might be more likely to use.Practical implicationsGiven the lack of resources available in small and rural police departments and the lack of adoption of some resources, we recommend peer assistance, general wellness programs and telehealth as feasible options for officer mental health.Originality/valueSmall and rural police comprise the bulk of policing in the USA, yet remain understudied. This study focuses on small and rural police.

The Impact of Mentoring Youth Placed At-Risk on the Socialization of Preservice Physical Educators

Purpose: Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mentoring underserved youth on the socialization of preservice teachers within a community-engaged after-school program. Methods: Data consisted of semistructured interviews, critical incident accounts, and field notes. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed inductively using elements of grounded theory and constant comparison. Findings: Four themes were developed. First, each participant entered teacher training to provide positive experiences for students. Second, the practical experience supported preservice teachers in feeling more comfortable in their roles as educators. Third, preservice teachers developed personal relationships with the students in the after-school program. Fourth, preservice teachers internalized the obligation to model healthy social–emotional behaviors. Conclusions: Findings indicate the benefits of mentoring in a community-engaged learning project. Interacting with a diverse population of students can positively impact teacher socialization and feelings toward students and teaching.

Impact of Positive Relationships on Learners’ Achievement

Purpose: This study is primarily pivoted on the Behaviour for Learning Framework exploring a learner’s connection with self, others, and eventually with the curriculum. Behaviour for Learning (B4L) establishes the link between learner’s social behaviour employing the critical incident technique (CIT) for this study. Method: The modus operandi of this technique involves identifying and investigating critical incidences that occurred during the teaching practice to obtain qualitative information about significant incidents with firsthand experience. Hence, this observational research involves systematically observing and documenting phenomena, behaviours, or events to gather data and gain insights The obtained data is further analysed to develop understanding and devise action plans for people, systems and modified frameworks. A detailed literature review of reflective models is carried out to organise observations during and after occurrences of these multiple incidents which led the way to ponder over and look for solutions through analysis and synthesis. For instance, Schon’s ‘Reflection in Action’ and ‘Reflection on Action’ imply taking a deeper insight into what we do in the classroom, contemplating why we do it - a cycle of self-perception and self-assessment. Brookfield’s Model of Four Lenses uses the lens of a Colleague’s opinion endorsing the co-teaching Models. The lens of literature review can be a true companion in the research to validate or revoke assumptions and observations. Tripp’s (1993) method involved a concept of “Critical Incidents” that emerge out of observations of what occurs inside the rooms of our institutes and further explained that a critical incident does not necessarily have to be something extremely bad or risky; rather “important”. This study borrowed Gibbs Reflective Model to examine and record critical incidents. It enabled the researcher to spot strengths, areas for development and actions that need to be taken based on the conclusion Results: This section further led to develop the main body of this work: Reflective Analysis of three Critical Incidents (CI s) where a detailed analysis is conducted in light of Powel &amp;Todd’s (2014) theoretical framework of Behaviour for Learning. Conclusion: The conclusion was drawn in the last part to evaluate the study and set future directions. It can be predicted that there are great prospects for the enhancement of students’ learning by utilizing the Behaviour for Learning Framework and Reflective teaching as the study coupled with the framework itself puts forward recommendations to consume larger portions of National Policies.

Exploring Medical Student Experiences of Trauma in the Emergency Department: Opportunities for Trauma-informed Medical Education.

During the third-year emergency medicine (EM) clerkship, medical students are immersed in traumatic incidents with their patients and clinical teams. Trauma-informed medical education (TIME) applies trauma-informed care (TIC) principles to help students manage trauma. We aimed to qualitatively describe the extent to which students perceived the six TIME domains as they navigated critical incidents during their EM clerkship. We employed a constructivist, modified grounded theory approach to explore medical students' experiences. We used the critical incident technique to elicit narratives to better understand the six TIME domains as they naturally appear in the clerkship. Participants were asked to describe a traumatic incident they experienced during the clerkship, followed by the clerkship's role in helping them manage the incident. Using the framework method, transcripts were analyzed 1) deductively by matching transcript excerpts to relevant TIME domains and 2) inductively by generating de novo themes to capture factors that affected students' handling of trauma during critical incidents. Twelve participants were enrolled and interviewed in July 2022. "Safety" was the most frequently described TIME domain, whereas "Gender, Cultural, and Historical issues" and "Peer Support" were discussed least. Inductive analysis revealed themes that hindered or supported their ability to manage traumatic experiences, which were grouped into three categories: 1) student interactions with the learning environment: complex social determinants of health, inequalities in care, and overt discrimination; 2) student interactions with patients: ethically ambiguous care, witnessing acute patient presentations, and reactivation of past trauma; and 3) student interactions with supervisors: power dynamics, invalidation of contributions, role-modeling, and student empowerment. The six TIME domains are represented in students' perceptions of immediate, stressful critical incidents during their EM clerkship, with "Safety" being the most commonly described; however, the degree to which these domains are supported in students' experiences of the EM clerkship differ, and instances of inadequately experienced domains may contribute to student distress. Understanding the EM clerkship through the specific lens of students' experiences of trauma may be an effective strategy to guide curricular changes that promote a supportive learning environment for students in the emergency department.

Factors associated with a history of critical wandering among Medic-Alert subscribers

BackgroundCritical wandering occurs when an individual living with dementia leaves a location and is unaware of place or time. Critical wandering incidents are expected to increase with the growing prevalence of persons living with dementia worldwide. We investigated the association between demographic, psychopathological, and environmental factors and a history of critical wandering among Medic-Alert subscribers, both with and without dementia.MethodsOur retrospective study included data of 25,785 Canadian Medic-Alert subscribers who were aged 40 years or older. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between a history of critical wandering and dementia status as psychopathological independent variable, controlled by demographic (age, ethnic background, sex at birth, Canadian languages spoken) and environmental (living arrangement, population density) factors.ResultsThe overall study sample comprised of mainly older adults (77.4%). Medic-Alert subscribers who were older, male sex at birth, living with dementia, of a minority ethnic group and who did not have proficiency in an official Canadian language had a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering. Residing in an urban environment, in an institution or with a family member, were environmental factors associated with a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering.ConclusionsPeople living with dementia experience a higher likelihood of a history of critical wandering compared to those without dementia. Medic-Alert and similar organizations can develop algorithms based on the associated factors that can be used to flag risks of critical wandering. This can inform preventative strategies at the individual and community levels.

Using critical incidents as a tool for promoting prospective teachers’ noticing during reflective discussions in a fieldwork-based university course

Using critical incidents as a tool for promoting prospective teachers’ noticing during reflective discussions in a fieldwork-based university course

The role of human agency in nurses' hopeful career state

AbstractThis study explores the role of human agency in shaping the hopeful career state (HCS) of nurses in Oman during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Utilizing the enhanced critical incident technique (ECIT) and integrating Albert Bandura's three modes of agency (i.e., personal, proxy, and collective), this study aimed to identify helping and hindering factors affecting Omani nurses' HCS during the pandemic, while uncovering their wishes. Sixteen nurses from Oman's public healthcare sector were interviewed. The top three helping factors were family support (81.3%), support from leaders and senior colleagues (56.3%), and multidisciplinary team collaboration (43.8%). The most frequently reported hindering factors were lack of equipment, supplies, and infrastructure (100%), shortage of nurses (56.3%), and increased workload (50%). The top three wish‐list items included specialized hospitals for infectious diseases (62.5%), training and staff development (43.8%), and more nurses (31.3%). Through force‐field analysis, we delineated the agents and modes of agency at play, offering insights for targeted Human Resource Development (HRD) interventions. This study contributes to the HRD literature by illustrating the dynamic interplay of agency factors in crisis conditions. The findings highlight the need for HRD practitioners to develop multilevel interventions that foster personal, proxy, and collective agency to support healthcare workers' HCS during crises, providing a foundation for future strategies in healthcare and beyond.

The feasibility, appropriateness, and usability of mobile neuro clinics in addressing the neurosurgical and neurological demand in Uganda.

Uganda has a high demand for neurosurgical and neurological care. 78% of the over 50 million population reside in rural and remote communities where access to neurosurgical and neurological services is lacking. This study aimed to determine the feasibility, appropriateness, and usability of mobile neuro clinics (MNCs) in providing neurological care to rural and remote Ugandan populations. Neurosurgery, neurology, and mobile health clinic providers participated in an education and interview session to assess the feasibility, appropriateness, and usability of the MNC intervention. A qualitative analysis of the interview responses using the constructs in the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was performed. Providers' opinions were weighted using average sentiment scores on a novel sentiment-weighted scale adapted from the CFIR. A stakeholder analysis was also performed to assess the power and interest of the actors described by the participants. Twenty-one healthcare providers completed the study. Participants discussed the potential benefits and concerns of MNCs as well as potential barriers and critical incidents that could jeopardize the intervention. Of the five CFIR domains evaluated, variables in the implementation process domain showed the highest average sentiment scores, followed by the implementation climate constructs, inner setting, innovation, and outer setting domains. Furthermore, many interested stakeholders were identified with diverse roles and responsibilities for implementing MNCs. These findings demonstrate that MNC innovation is feasible, appropriate, and usable. The findings of this study support the feasibility, appropriateness, and usability of MNCs in Uganda. However, integration of this innovation requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement at all levels to ensure the best possible outcomes.

COVID-19 information spaces, boundaries, and information sharing: an interview study

Introduction. The goal of this paper is to understand who shares information used by the general public about COVID-19 and how they decided what information to share. Method. Our qualitative work is based on semi-structured interviews conducted from April 2022 through December 2023 with 23 people who have provided COVID- 19 information through paid and volunteer roles. We used the critical incident technique. We also asked participants about their information gathering and credibility checking processes; their role in spreading information; and their typical audience for sharing. Analysis. We transcribed interviews and conducted thematic analysis in MAXQDA software. Results. We conceptualise the information space as consisting of the audience, communities, sharers, and experts. We illustrate three distinct exemplars of sharers. We describe how personal and historical experiences create boundaries around individuals (sharers and audience), which determine what sources of information are trustworthy, and how our participants share the information with their audience. Conclusion. For COVID-19 information, the audience may be identified first or the information service may be formed first. Fact-checkers and science journalists’ job is to report truthful and verified information, and they do not tailor it to a specific community as much as people-centered sharers, such as patient advocates.

Turkish EFL teachers’ professional learning: reflections on critical incidents

ABSTRACT Although there are many disagreements about its definition and how it should be applied, reflection is an important professional development tool in teacher education. If in-service teachers think in-depth about critical incidents and reflect on them, they can develop new understandings of the teaching and learning process. The study investigated a group of Turkish EFL teachers’ reflections on their pedagogical practices through the use of critical incidents. It also outlined how this reflection process contributed to the professional competence of the participants. Over the course of six weeks, all participants were asked to write reflections based on questions within a critical incident framework. Individual interviews followed this process. The findings showed that the participants mostly identified the ‘self-assessment’ category. Examination of frequency and category data showed that writing reflections on critical incidents increased in-service teachers’ awareness of development and research orientation. Participants were more engaged in professional development and became more aware of their ability to learn from personal experiences. Additionally, the teachers stated that they used the knowledge of these experiences to change their classroom practices.