New publications

Published annually, the report offers government, industry and the community an overview of trends and issues in employment and training in the Northern Territory. Topics covered include labour demands and shortages, regional labour markets and economic activity, supply and demand of labour, Indigenous employment, disadvantaged groups and wage trends. Findings show that tourism is a significant industry for all Northern Territory regions, with increases in visitor numbers and jobs expected in future. Many businesses highlighted difficulties in finding suitably skilled, trained or experienced staff, particularly in trades and related areas. The number of apprentices or trainees undertaking training increased 41 per cent between 1999 and 2004, while there was also a significant increase in the number of people with a disability undertaking VET. (Adapted from report and review in inform, September 2006, p 7.)

The author aims to show how to help children develop cooperative behaviour, acquire social skills and solve problems collaboratively, and achieve better results in school and life as a result. The book focuses on children between three and seven years. Clinically trialled techniques for developing a range of social skills are outlined, including cooperation in positive social behaviours such as listening, sharing and taking turns. The book is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on the causes of problem behaviour, while the following sections discuss basic and more advanced life skills. Strategies to help children become more assertive, relax, reduce anxiety, handle conflict and learn about their own feelings are also suggested. (Adapted from distributor’s description.)

A collection of scientific reviews and studies are presented in this book. They argue that genius or talent is not solely the result of innate ability, but a mix of inspiration, good instruction, encouragement and practice. The book explores the development, training, thinking and support networks of experts across 15 domains of expertise such as music, sports, medicine and software design. Contributors compare the experiences and actions of ‘experts’ and ‘non experts’, showing that ‘experts’ invest about five times the effort, and almost always have a mentor. Topics such as brain activity, self-regulated learning, deliberate practice, general and practical intelligence, ageing, knowledge management and creativity are considered through retrospective interviews, diary entries, IQ comparisons, memory tests and brain scan results. An overview of historical theories on expertise is included, along with methods for studying the nature, acquisition and maintenance of expertise. (Adapted from review by David Dodds in New Scientist, 16 September 2006 and publisher's description.)

In conjunction with the National Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse at Monash University, the publishers undertook a nationwide survey to identify children’s and young people’s attitudes and concerns as they grow up in Australia. The researchers aimed to identify how families and communities can best assist children and young people in their growth and development, and to use this information to inform public policy. A total of 986 young people were surveyed from across Australia, with an equal division of 10–13 year olds and 1–17 year olds. The report outlines a series of critical findings, and offers an analysis. It found that children are ‘growing up too fast’ and frequently experience anger or anxiety. Ten per cent of those surveyed could not recall feeling happy in the previous month. According to the report, children’s worries are no longer concentrated solely on immediate issues such as friends and school, but encompass external threats such as terrorism, war, cancer and crime. The research highlights a need for parents and other adults to protect, reassure and care for children, to help them feel safe in today’s constantly changing family, social and economic environments. (Adapted from report.)