Israel Program Research Articles

Through the lens of teachers in two bilingual programmes: a look at early bilingual education

ABSTRACTEducators and researchers increasingly recognise the impact of language policies on bilingual education. The present study examined the similarities and differences in how the teachers and principals in two different contexts, a Mandarin–English bilingual programme in a Canadian kindergarten and elementary school and a Russian–Hebrew bilingual preschool programme in Israel, understood their language programmes and made curriculum decisions with respect to instructional time for each language. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five teachers, two principals and a programme manager from the two programmes. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) experiences in the search for an ideal language programme, (2) challenges arising in realising the bilingual programmes; (3) looking ahead and (4) a flexible and creative approach towards a language separation model. Despite differences in programme ideology and student demographics, findings showed that staff in both contexts faced similar challenges. Educational implications are discussed in relation to the findings.

Deliberating through the radio: a preliminary assessment

ABSTRACTThe article explores whether and how the radio can be used as a medium for deliberative discussion, a process that includes exposure to information and arguments, and weighing of pros and cons of various opinions and values until reaching informed decisions. The article presents an initial assessment of the radio as a deliberative medium, based on a case study of a national radio program in Israel, Let's Talk about It, whose goals were to provide listeners with information, illuminate issues from diverse and opposing perspectives, and create a respectful discursive experience. The article reviews the theoretical underpinnings of the radio program, and demonstrates how these foundations were manifest in the program, for example in the choice of topic, its framing, the selection of participants, and the ground which were adopted. According to the interviews with panelists and students who assisted in preparing the program, the program's ‘added value’ was not information gain, but rather the discourse experience it provided, and the radio was useful particularly in ‘liberation of imagination’, sense of relaxation, and inspiration it enabled. The paper concludes with insights for similar deliberative radio programs in the region and elsewhere.

Reflexivity, Conformity, and Israeli Big Brother

This article examines how regular viewers of the reality program Big Brother interpret the program in Israel. The findings of the study reveal that viewers emphasize the formal characteristics of the program stimulate them in a way that other reality programs do not. The interviewees report the program influences them in three ways: excessive preoccupation about personal reflexivity (talking with the televisual other), an experience of inundation, and the development of a new desire: “the desire to be discovered.” These three influences connect personal reflexivity to, inter alia, actions aligned with social control and the ideal-cultural self, which are at the foundation of psychological and neoliberal discourses.

Hospitalization for varicella in Israel in the pre vaccination era

Although varicella is considered a common benign childhood infection, it accounts for significant morbidity and, in rare cases, may cause death. During the last years, a live attenuated vaccine is available, but has not been routinely incorporated into the vaccination program in Israel. In order to determine the magnitude of varicella complications and the epidemiology of the disease, we retrospectively studied records of 304 children with varicella hospitalized in a single medical center in Israel over a six-year period. Mean age of the patients was 2 years and 9 months (range: 2 weeks-21 years), and mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Two hundred thirty-three patients (77%) were otherwise healthy and 71 (23%) had an underlying disease. The majority of children (n = 252, 83%) were hospitalized because of complications, mainly skin and soft tissue bacterial infections (n = 142, 47%), followed by pneumonia or pneumonitis (n = 56, 18%), gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 44, 14%), and central nervous system complications (n = 40, 13%), including febrile seizures (n = 25, 8%). Thirty-four children (11%) were immunocompromised and were hospitalized mainly for intravenous acyclovir treatment. There were no varicella-related deaths. Varicella continues to cause substantial morbidity and poses a significant economic burden in Israel. Further studies are needed to examine the cost-effectiveness of varicella vaccination in Israel.

Stop griping, start complaining: how public discontent can trigger a change in broadcast entertainment content

This study examines the conditions under which public manifestation of discontent can lead to changes in the broadcasting of offensive media content. Our analysis is based on ethnographic research within the ombudsman at a regulatory institution in Israel, on content analysis of 2142 complaints regarding perceived inappropriate broadcasted content between the years 2005 and 2010, and on an examination of public discourse surrounding controversial programs in Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our analysis indicates that successful complaints share three conditions that collectively lead media organizations to amend broadcasted contents: the complaints name a socially sensitive identity within a specific broadcasting culture, the complaints are numerous and represent diversified public sectors, and the complaints are accompanied by a heated public debate around the perceived offence. We elaborate on each of these conditions and conclude by discussing the effectiveness of public complaints as a discursive device in participatory culture.

State-offered ethnically targeted reproductive genetic testing.

report on a program that involves state-offered carrier screening for cystic fibrosis, spinal mus-cular atrophy, and fragile X for the entire population of Israel, with screening for a wide array of additional diseases selected based on a combination of ethnicity, religious affiliation, and locality of origin. To their credit, Zlotogora et al.

Evaluation in the Branco Weiss Institute: From Social Vision to Educational Practice

AbstractThis article presents the unique development of the evaluation unit at the Branco Weiss Institute (BWI) in Jerusalem, an educational nongovernmental organization designed to enhance individual and social growth and to reduce educational gaps in Israeli society. The Institute, which operates a network of schools for at‐risk students along with comprehensive high schools, develops and implements educational and social programs in Israel's social and geographic periphery. The article describes the evaluation unit at the Institute as a democratic and culturally responsive mechanism that promotes social justice through the participation of all stakeholders in an ongoing dialogue that generates new knowledge for the organization and its programs. The article includes an illustration of the implementation of the model in a school program for pupils of Ethiopian origin.

Managing Diabetes Mellitus: A Survey of Attitudes and Practices Among Family Physicians.

Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the shortage of endocrinologists, family physicians have an important role in diabetes management. The purpose of this study was to examine the sources of knowledge, attitudes and practices of family physicians regarding the management of type 2 diabetes. Attendees at continuous medical education (CME) programs in Israel were requested to respond anonymously to written questions about their sources of knowledge about diabetes, the methods of diabetes management they advise their patients, their knowledge of diabetes medication treatments, and their attitudes toward people with type 2 diabetes. Questionnaires were completed by 362 family physicians (79 % response rate). Of them, 329 (91 %) reported that they usually manage their patients’ diabetes care, including that of patients with concomitant risk factors. Their most common recommendations for diabetes control were: to increase physical activity, decrease total calorie intake, consult with a dietitian and undergo weight loss counseling. Almost all physicians (97 %) reported providing lifestyle change counseling. Sixty percent reported lacking knowledge about nutritional issues. Only 58 % answered correctly regarding the effect of the anti-diabetic drug, GLP1 analog. Board certified family physicians and their residents exhibited more knowledge about diabetes practice than did non-board certified family physicians. The great majority of family physicians surveyed usually manage their patients’ diabetes themselves, and do not refer them to diabetes specialists. The implementation of strategies that will enhance the competencies and confidence of family physicians in diabetes management are important for achieving successful treatment.

In memory of Prof Yehiel (Chilik) Ziv

Yehiel (Chilik) Ziv passed away on December 2014, after approximately 3 months of courageous battle with a malignant disease. Dr. Yehiel Ziv, or as we all called him: ‘‘Chilik,’’ was born in Israel in June 1951, to a family of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel. He earned his medical degree from the Hebrew University—Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem, in a program of pre-military medical training, and served his country as a physician. Following his service, Dr. Ziv did his residency in general surgery at the Beilinson Medical Center, one of the top training programs in Israel. Following completion of his residency, he showed special interest in colorectal surgery, and had spent, in 1989, approximately 3 months at St. Marks hospital in London, enhancing his knowledge and capabilities in colorectal surgery. Between 1992 and 1994, he completed 2 years of colorectal surgery fellowship at the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, headed by Dr. Victor Fazio. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Ziv has made a significant effort to enhance the Ileoanal pouch registry of the Cleveland Clinic and published landmark papers on this topic. Upon return from his fellowship, Dr. Ziv served as the colorectal surgeon and head of colorectal surgery at the ‘‘Assaf Harofeh’’ Medical Center in Israel, where he rapidly established himself as a leader in this field. He was a renowned physician, especially known for his humane care of his patients and their families. Dr. Ziv has served as the president of the Israeli Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery for two consecutive terms and was a member of the editorial board of Techniques in Coloproctology and a member of the scientific committee of the ESCP. On November 2013, he was elected as the president of ECTA, a position he had held at the time of his death. Dr. Ziv was a teacher in nature, served as an associate professor at the Tel Aviv University faculty of medicine, and founded the Israeli fellowship program in colorectal surgery. No doubt that his professional achievements are remarkable. But above all, Chilik was a friend. A friend personally to me, and a friend to so many colorectal surgeons in Israel, Europe, Asia and the USA. We grieve his loss. Our minds are with his family and many friends. He will be cherished in our souls forever. Yehiel (Chilik) Ziv—1951–2014

Primary mental health prevention themes in published research and academic programs in Israel.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan (CMHAP) 2013–2020 proposes the implementation of primary prevention strategies to reduce the mental health burden of disease. The extent to which Israeli academic programs and published research adhere to the principles spelled out by the CMHAP is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the presence of mental health primary prevention themes in published research and academic programs in Israel.MethodsWe searched for mental health primary prevention themes in: (1) three major journals of psychiatry and social sciences during the years 2001–2012; (2) university graduate programs in psychology, social work and medicine in leading universities for the academic year of 2011–2012; and (3) doctoral and master's theses approved in psychology and social work departments in five universities between the years 2007–2012.We used a liberal definition of primary prevention to guide the above identification of themes, including those related to theory, methods or research information of direct or indirect application in practice.ResultsOf the 934 articles published in the three journals, 7.2%, n = 67, addressed primary prevention. Of the 899 courses in the 19 graduate programs 5.2%, n = 47, elective courses addressed primary prevention. Of the 1960 approved doctoral and master's theses 6.2%, n = 123, addressed primary prevention. Only 11 (4.7%) articles, 5 (0.6%) courses, and 5 (0.3%) doctoral and master's theses addressed primary prevention directly.ConclusionsThe psychiatric reform currently implemented in Israel and WHO CMHAP call for novel policies and course of action in all levels of prevention, including primary prevention. Yet, the latter is rarely a component of mental health education and research activities. The baseline we drew could serve to evaluate future progress in the field.

Lights, Cameras, Action Research!—Moviemaking as a Pedagogy for Constructivist Israel Education

In this article we analyze moviemaking as a unique pedagogy that is used in a preservice semester in Israel program for the preparation of Israel educators: Students create their own short films about an aspect of Israeli society and/or their relationship with it. We analyze the students’ movies, together with students’ reflective papers about the process of making them, and show how this pedagogy exhibits the major characteristics of progressive constructivist education. We also show how the pedagogy enables students to grapple with difficult aspects of Israel in a personally compelling fashion.

IMMIGRANT FAMILY IN DISTRESS: ASSISTING IMMIGRANT PARENTS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

This exploratory and descriptive paper depicts a unique pilot program in Israel aimed at assisting and supporting immigrant families from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) whose children have been involved in criminal behavior after the immigration. The program is a joint venture of the Immigrant Parents Forum association, the Welfare Services Department at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (MIA), and the Juvenile Probation Service (JPS) at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Services. It provides structured help to the families of these youngsters, including mediation with the JPS and other officials and public bodies in the community, parental training, guidance, and emotional support. The program description, including case illustrations, is based on the program's internal documents and interviews with the following key figures: the chairwoman of the Immigrant Parents Forum, two program coordinators, the program supervisor, the director of the JPS, the deputy head of the regional JPS office in charge of implementing the program on a trial basis, and the regional social worker at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. Although the program is implemented in a particular social and political context, it may offer ideas about assisting immigrant parents regardless of origin, ethnicity, and specific social circumstances.

Greening the Curriculum: Current Trends in Environmental Education in Israel's Public Schools

The importance of environmental education as part of national strategies for sustainability is recognized throughout the world. In recent years, substantial efforts and many millions of shekels have been invested in developing environmental education programs in Israel’s schools. Unfortunately, outcomes in terms of pupils’ environmental literacy are far from satisfying. This article reviews the origins of environmental education in Israel, considers its evolution, describes the present situation within Israel’s educational system, as well as the major educational programs that are active in Israel today. Israel’s educational goals remain centered on security, economics, and industrial needs, without internalizing the significance of environment quality as a critical factor for healthy global and national futures as well as a prerequisite for a sustainable prosperity. The article reviews ideas for improving existing levels of environmental education and increasing the commitment of teachers and schools to inculcating related knowledge and values.

The Contribution of a “Supportive Community” Program for Older Persons in Israel to Their Offspring Who Are Primary Caregivers

The “supportive community” programs in Israel provide a basket of services for older persons living in their own homes. This study examined the differences between caregiver burden and quality of life of 55 offspring who were the primary caregivers of their older parents who were members of a supportive community, compared to 64 offspring whose parents were nonmembers. The findings showed that the role stress factor of caregiving burden was lower, and the psychological health domain of quality of life was higher among offspring whose parents were members of supportive communities. Some of the predictor variables of burden were income status of caregiver, sharing with others in caregiving, and membership of the parent in a supportive community. The primary predictor variable of the quality of life was caregiving burden. The practical conclusion of this study is to further develop and market supportive community programs in various communities.

Development of Arithmetical Thinking: Evaluation of Subject Matter Knowledge of Pre-Service Teachers in Order to Design the Appropriate Course

One of the key courses in the mathematics teacher education program in Israel is arithmetic, which engages in contents which these pre-service mathematics teachers (PMTs) will later teach at school. Teaching arithmetic involves knowledge about the essence of the concept of “number” and the development thereof, calculation methods and strategies. properties of operations on different sets of numbers, as well as the properties of the numbers themselves. Hence, the question arises: how to educate PMTs in order to supplement their mathematical knowledge with the required components? The present study explored the development of arithmetic thinking among pre-service teachers intending to teach mathematics at elementary school. This was done by matching the van Hiele theory of the development of geometric thinking to arithmetic. Analysis of findings obtained both in the present study and in many studies of geometry teaching indicates that this approach to considering the learners’ level of thinking development might lead to meaningful learning in arithmetic course for PMTs.

The national mentoring program in Israel – Challenges and achievements

The National Mentoring Program was created in 2009 by the Division for Gifted and Outstanding Students in the Ministry of Education and is implemented by the Szold Institute. The program aims to cultivate future leaders in Israel. Highly gifted 10th and 11th graders are matched with top rate professionals in students’ areas of interest. They work for a year on a project of mutual interest. Forty-four per cent of students live in geographical or social periphery. The article details program rationale and phases, and presents results of qualitative program evaluation. Each of the 50 students who completed the first three cohorts of the program produced high quality university level work. Some students also received significant recognition by the professional community, publishing their work and presenting it in professional conferences.

Incidence and risk factors for intussusception among children in northern Israel from 1992 to 2009: a retrospective study.

BackgroundDetermining the background incidence of intussusception is important in countries implementing rotavirus immunization. Rotavirus immunization was introduced into the routine infant immunization program in Israel during late 2010. Incidence and risk factors for intussusception were examined in children aged less than five years between 1992 and 2009.MethodsData were collected from medical records of children hospitalized due to intussusception (N = 190), and from control children (N = 295), at Carmel and Hillel Yaffe hospitals in northern Israel.ResultsThe average annual incidence of intussusception in Jewish and Arab children aged less than five years was estimated at 36.1 (95% CI 17.0-76.5) vs. 23.2 per 100,000 (95% CI 9.3-57.9); for infants less than 12 months of age- 128.1 (95% CI 53.0-309.6) vs. 80.1 (95% CI 29.1-242.6) per 100,000. The risk of intussusception was higher in infants aged 3–5 months: OR 5.30 (95% CI 2.11-13.31) and 6–11 months: OR 2.53 (95% CI 1.13-5.62) when compared to infants aged less than 3 months; in those living in low vs high socioeconomic communities: OR 2.81 (95% CI 1.45-5.43), and in children with recent gastroenteritis: OR 19.90 (95% CI 2.35-168.32) vs children without recent gastroenteritis. Surgical reduction was required in 23.2%. The likelihood of surgery was significantly increased in patients presenting with bloody stool, in Arabs and those who were admitted to Hillel Yaffe Hospital.ConclusionsThe incidence of intussusception prior to universal rotavirus immunization was documented in northern Israel. Despite the lower incidence, Arab patients underwent surgery more often, suggesting delayed hospital admission of Arab as opposed to Jewish patients.

Factors affecting preparedness and capacity to manage pandemic influenza: perceptions of healthcare managers

ObjectivesNumerous interventions seeking to increase preparedness for pandemic influenza have been implemented, but low compliance of healthcare providers has been reported in many instances. The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect preparedness for pandemic influenza by examining: hospital managers' perceptions of measures implemented to promote preparedness for pandemic influenza; hospital managers' assessments of the readiness and capability of their hospitals to manage pandemic influenza; and the effectiveness of a national pandemic preparedness programme in Israel over time. Study designA quasi-experiment was conducted following implementation of a national pandemic preparedness programme in Israel. A survey assessed hospital managers' perceptions of the effectiveness of the programme, and the preparedness and capacity of their hospitals to manage pandemic influenza. Two independent evaluations of preparedness for biological threats were conducted, based on a validated tool that included 60 objective parameters. MethodsCorrelations between perceived preparedness and capacity and components of the preparedness programme were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 17. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the components that influence preparedness and capability to manage pandemic influenza. ResultsAll general hospital managers in Israel were approached twice (first and second evaluations). Ninety-one percent rated themselves as highly/very highly prepared for pandemic influenza, and 87% rated themselves as highly/very highly capable of dealing with pandemic influenza. Strong correlation was found between hospital managers' perceived preparedness and capacity to manage pandemic influenza (rho = 0.761, P = 0.000), and between perceived preparedness and familiarity with the disease (rho = 0.605, P = 0.003). Familiarity with guidelines accounted for 35% of the variance in perceived capability (adjusted R2 = 0.346, P = 0.002). Inclusion of preparedness evaluations explained an additional 15% of the variance (R2 change = 0.146, P = 0.026). An increase in mean total score for emergency preparedness was found in the second evaluation compared with the first evaluation. ConclusionsFamiliarity with guidelines and preparedness evaluations affect the perceptions of healthcare managers regarding preparedness and capability to manage pandemic influenza.

Travelling Far—Drawing Closer: Journeys That Shape Identity

This article presents findings from a qualitative narrative research study conducted during a journey to Ethiopia undertaken by graduates of an academic program in Israel in 2005. The study focuses on the significance of the journey as a process that helped reconstruct their identity. During the journey, twelve Ethiopian education graduates were interviewed about the experience of returning to their country of origin. Content analysis was applied to the interviews, which were conducted in the research field and in which the participants spoke spontaneously about their identity exploration process. Three content categories of identity—personal, cultural, and professional—were obtained. The findings of the research also indicate that the personal stories gave rise to an additional stratum in the construction of field experience, namely, the comparison, confrontation, and questioning of their belonging as mechanisms whereby the participants shape their identities.

Awareness and Use of Non Chemical Prevention and Control of Storage Pests of Grains: An International Audience Perpspective

The study examines the awareness and use of non-chemical methods of prevention and control of storage pests of grains from an international audience perspective. A total of 21 experts that participated in the International research and development course on Food security and grain storage technologies and Management technology training programme in Israel was utilized for the study, while a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from them. Frequency counts and percentages were used in data analysis, and pie chart was employed in result presentation. Findings confirmed a very high rate of grain loss to storage pests across the globe with most farmers utilizing the chemical control measures only. The use of probe traps is the most common non chemical prevention/ control measures people are aware/ conversant with, followed by the use of light and pheromones while the awareness of the use of food, carton and water are still very low among the respondents. Perception of the applicability of the use of food, pheromones, light and cartons as non-chemical methods of storage pests’ prevention and control was very high among the respondents. The study established the relative advantages of the non-chemical control methods over the chemical methods as being cheap, readily available, easily applicable and affordable. It recommends the extensive spread of information on the use of non-chemical control method of storage pests among farmers; capacity building of extension agents and farmers, local manufacture of Probe traps and improved electricity supply to enhance effective utilization of light. Demonstrations of these methods should be made to farmers via multi-media to ensure their adoption. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n15p150