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Full-Text Articles in Education

Social Privilege And International Volunteering, Stephanie Sisson May 2015

Social Privilege And International Volunteering, Stephanie Sisson

Scholars Week

I explore the awareness of social privilege revealed in the discourse among international volunteers. I conducted 10 semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The participants were university students who completed international service learning programs in Cambodia and Thailand. I analyzed the data using the grounded theory, specifically the constant comparison method. Findings revealed that international service learning alone proved ineffective in challenging institutionalized, self-mediated, and internalized social privilege. Implications of the study portray the need for universities to invest in follow-up programs that promote the sharing of volunteer experiences, guided critical reflection, and community out-reach based in solidarity. Taken together, this study suggests …


The Critique Of Uncertainty Reduction, Riley Beard May 2015

The Critique Of Uncertainty Reduction, Riley Beard

Scholars Week

I sought to critique the theoretical implications and practical applications of the uncertainty reduction theory (URT) as utilized in the computer-mediated communication (CMC) context. In general, the URT is heuristic. It has been tested in multiple contexts, and provides valuable insights and predictions about interpersonal relationships. After almost four decades, despite cultural shifts, the URT is still widely used in the communication field. However, my analysis of the testing of the theory reveals its weaknesses. Particularly, the URT was generated within a Eurocentric framework, and it reinforces the practices of the dominant culture. The applications of the theory were mostly …


Phytoplankton Ecology: Algal Assemblages In Correlation With Water Quality In High Elevation Lakes, North Cascades, Wa, Anna Nakae May 2015

Phytoplankton Ecology: Algal Assemblages In Correlation With Water Quality In High Elevation Lakes, North Cascades, Wa, Anna Nakae

Scholars Week

High- elevation lakes are unique ecosystems that are exposed to extreme environmental conditions and, as a result, are relatively simple systems in which changes can be detected. Phytoplankton communities within these systems are of interest because can be greatly influenced by the chemical components of the surrounding environment. This relationship allows phytoplankton assemblages to act as bioindicators that can give a greater insight into the water characteristics of lakes and vice versa. For this research, seven lakes were studied: Terminal, Upper Bagley, Lower Bagley, Heather Meadows Pond, Sunrise , Picture and Highwood. All seven are located in the headwaters watershed …


A Survey Analysis Of The Relationship Between Interdisciplinary Experiences And Well-Rounded Individuals, Diane Pérez May 2015

A Survey Analysis Of The Relationship Between Interdisciplinary Experiences And Well-Rounded Individuals, Diane Pérez

Scholars Week

As a university with an emphasis on the liberal arts, Western Washington University creates an interdisciplinary environment in which students, faculty, and staff can develop a diverse set of skills. Within this context, this project analyzes the relationship between well-rounded individuals and interdisciplinary experiences, as well as the measurable personal or professional benefits that come from this relationship. For the purposes of this analysis, a well-rounded individual is described as someone who can encounter many challenges not specifically related to their field of specialization and solve them efficiently using a diverse set of skills. Interdisciplinary experience is defined as the …