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Gaining Interpretive Competence Through Cross-Cultural Dialogue Among Teachers And Researchers, Michelle Boone, Elaine Chan

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

We examined the complexities of developing and implementing school curricula that reflect the goals for equality for students outlined in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Stories of teaching and learning experiences were presented to teacher-researchers as a means of generating discussion about differences in perspective pertaining to the curricular needs of an ethnically diverse student population. We articulate this ongoing inquiry about how best to meet the needs of a diverse society in terms of enhancing a sense of ‘interpretive competence’ (Conle, 1997b, Conle et al., 2000, Conle, 2000).

ACQUÉRIR LA COMPÉTENCE INTERPRÉTATIVE GRÂCE AU DIALOGUE INTERCULTUREL ENTRE ENSEIGNANTS ET CHERCHEURS--Nous …

Explicit Reflective Nature Of Science Instruction: Evolution, Intelligent Design, And Umbrellaology, Lawrence C. Scharmann, Mike U. Smith, Mark C. James, Murray Jensen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

The investigators sought to design an instructional unit to enhance an understanding of the nature of science (NOS) by taking into account both instructional best practices and suggestions made by noted science philosopher Thomas Kuhn. Preservice secondary science teachers enrolled in a course “Laboratory Techniques in the Teaching of Science” served as participants in action research. Sources of data used to inform instructional decisions included students’ written reaction papers to the assigned readings, transcribed verbal comments made during class discussions and other in-class activities, and final reflection essays. Three iterative implementations of the instructional unit were attempted. The objectives of …

Use Of Authentic Language Materials To Teach Foreign Languages, Jose' Villavicencio

Perspectives In Learning

Based on these standards that require that instruction be proficiency-oriented, the teacher must plan activities that develop the students’ ability to communicate in the target language. To become proficient in the target language, the students must use the language in meaningful exchanges and in activities that promote moving up the proficiency scale as defined by the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelinesfor K-12 Learners (1999). These guidelines specify what the students should be able to know and do in the target language. With these standards in mind, the teacher should design lessons that facilitate the interaction in the target language in culturally authentic …

Recognition And Treatment Of Adolescent Substance Abuse: Who Are The Substance Abusers?, Lori Beckwith, Shea Bailey

Perspectives In Learning

There is a serious threat to the health and well being of America today: the threat of substance abuse. It affects everyone on some level: the friend’s child who is always in trouble with the law, the family member whose activities are kept secret, or the work colleague who habitually calls in sick. For many, the abuser lives in their own home. The problem of abuse is not discriminating; it can even start in early adolescence. When the individual who is using is an adolescent, it affects their parents, peers, school, and community. In a study by the U.S. Department …

Collaboration Between Universities And Public Schools For Improved Student Achievement: A Report On The Progress Of A Developing Partnership, Paul T. Hackett, James E. Witte, Maria Martinez Witte, Iris Saltiel, Mike Johnson, Kathy Hesler

Perspectives In Learning

This article reports the progress of one project aimed at bringing together professionals from post-secondary and K-12 environments. The project is being implemented at Richards Middle (RMS) in Columbus, Georgia and involves a collaborative partnership between several universities and RMS, resulting in a school-based evaluation initiative with direct implications for strengthening leadership, training, and instructional practices in schools. Faculty researchers from three universities from two states, Troy University, Columbus State University, and Auburn University are working collaboratively with faculty and staff of Richards Middle School on an inquiry with a three-fold purpose. The primary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness …

Child And Adolescent Depression And Suicide: The Role Of The School Counselor In Assessment And Treatment, Naomi M. Hitchcock, Leigh Lovelette

Perspectives In Learning

Suicide is the third leading cause of adolescent death in the United States. This alarming statistic has been widely studied and debated for years. It has become a consensus that because adolescents spend more than a third of their time in school, suicide intervention strategies must be put into place school-wide. There has also been “heightened awareness of the need for effective crisis intervention in public schools” (Allen et al., 2002, p. 96) nationwide. Kennedy (1999) feels that teaching students about violence and prevention is just as important as teaching them to read and write. More of the responsibility for …

Colby College Catalogue 2005 - 2006, Colby College

Colby Catalogues

Colby College Catalogue: September 2005 - August 2006

School Transitions: The Impact On Middle School And High School Students, Nikki Earl, Kristy Adkin

Perspectives In Learning

Making the transition to a higher grade or new school is one of the most exciting and frightening experiences of an adolescent’s life. Many sixth and eighth grade students are full of hope and enthusiasm at the thought of going to a new school. Making a transition to a new school offers a multitude of opportunities such as creating a whole new identity, making new friends, being involved in new activities, starting over academically, continuing his/her academic success, and gaining independence from one’s parents. On the other end of the spectrum, many students enter a higher grade or a new …

Building A Framework For Change, Janet Lafortune, Carol Ann Wood

Perspectives In Learning

Change is never easy. Sustained change in education is particularly difficult. To get the desired results, all of the stakeholders must have a shared vision for learning. It is a process not a destination. Brewer Elementary School has been in the process of change in the past several years. Brewer is in the heart of Columbus, Georgia. The school opened in 1991. The building itself is a welcome focal point in a community of apartments, low rent housing, trailer parks and businesses. It is a safe, clean, happy place for children to learn. The school currently has approximately 520 students …

Ec05-838 Alternative Crop Budgets And Decision Making, Paul Burgener, David D. Baltensperger, Dillon M. Feuz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Nebraska Panhandle presents many unique opportunities for agricultural producers interested in alternative crops. Traditional crops grown in the area are sugarbeets, dry edible beans, alfalfa hay, and corn on irrigated acres and wheat on dryland acres. The goal of this publication is to provide producers with information that can be used to estimate the production costs for alternative crops.

Nf05-625 Communicating With Families: Communicating With Families Of Infants, Debra E. Schroeder, Mary K. Warner, Mary Nelson, Eileen Krumbach, Sarah Effken Purcell, Janet S. Hanna, Kathy Bosch, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Families have many adjustments to make as they transition to parenthood. Parenting is a lonely endeavor sometimes. Often families rely more on outside child care, and with that comes the need, particularly for families of infants, to keep the communication lines open between themselves and their child-care providers. A variety of techniques can be used to help families and child-care providers communicate effectively.

Nf05-629 Helping Children Resolve Conflict Pitfalls To Avoid During Conflict Mediation, Marjorie Kostelnik, Mary Nelson, Sarah Effken Purcell, Eileen Krumbach, Janet S. Hanna, Debra E. Schroeder, Kathy Bosch, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

When using conflict mediation, children learn skills necessary to reach peaceful solutions. These skills include: communication, compromise, the ability to see how different aspects of a dispute are related, and the ability to consider their own perspective as well as that of another person. As children learn problem-solving procedures and words, they become increasingly capable of solving problems by themselves. There is evidence that these childhood learnings are maintained through the adult years.

Nf05-628 Helping Children Resolve Conflict Conflict Mediation Model, Marjorie Kostelnik, Debra E. Schroeder, Sarah Effken Purcell, Mary Nelson, Eileen Krumbach, Janet S. Hanna, Kathy Bosch, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

During conflict mediation children learn the skills necessary to reach peaceful resolutions. These skills involve communication, compromise, the ability to see how different aspects of a dispute are related and the ability to consider their own perspective as well as that of another person.

Adults play an important role in the socialization of children. They help children develop social skills. This NebFact discusses how to teach children to resolve conflicts.

Nf05-626 Communicating With Families: Building Relationships, Mary K. Warner, Debra E. Schroeder, Mary Nelson, Eileen Krumbach, Sarah Effken Purcell, Kathy Bosch, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Successful child-care providers, preschool teachers and elementary teachers begin to establish positive relationships with the children in their care or classrooms as soon as possible. Here are some guidelines for making closer contact with the children's families.

Nf05-644 Relationships: The Heart Of Language And Literacy, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Infants and toddlers learn early language and literacy skills in the context of their relationships with the adults around them as if they are putting together a puzzle. Most of the puzzle pieces involve taking turns with the baby — your turn, my turn, your turn, my turn. The turns might be with actions or with talking. The turns might be very quick or rather slow.

This NebFact discusses turn-taking; what it involves and the strategies used.

Nf05-643 Infants Develop Language Naturally, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Did you know?

• Infants are mastering language simply by listening to us talk.

• Babies begin learning about language in the first months of life. They can hear the difference between all the consonants and vowels used in any language.

• By the age of 6 months, infants have trained their ears to the sounds of their native language and they have learned to distinguish these sounds before actually learning words.

Baby talk, or "Parentese," makes it easier for the baby to learn a language because the sounds are greatly exaggerated.

This NebFact discusses how to communicate with children, …

Nf05-642 Symbols Of Literacy Development, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Early environments matter and nurturing relationships are essential for literacy development of young children. Infants and toddlers who have secure relationships with their caregivers are more involved in literacy activities.

This NebFacts covers the interaction with symbols, physical and social features of symbols, and the use of words, symbols and print.

Nf95-641 Car — A Strategy For Learning, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Language and literacy development starts at the very beginning of a child's life and is one of the main developmental events of early childhood. This process if facilitated by early adult-child interactions in which the adult guides and supports the child's learning by building on what the child already knows. Following the child's lead, a key strategy presented in Language Is the Key is one of the defining aspects of developmentally appropriate practice. It has been shown to successfuly facilitate early language development for children with and without disabilities.

Ec05-473 Functional Foods, Theresa Herring, Julie A. Albrecht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Just as consumers grew weary of hearing about the bombardment of foods that contain unhealthy, disease-causing components, researchers and nutrition educators have shifted their focus to the study and promotion of functional foods. Foods that have physiologically active components, which can improve one's health and prevent disease beyond that of one's essential daily nutritional requirements, are called functional foods.

This Extension Circular defines functional foods. It reviews food label rules for functional foods, their physiologically active components, and their specific health benefits. Examples are provided of the advantages of whole food consumption compared to one isolated component. Key definitions are …

G05-1574 Developing A Vision For The Community Or Organization, Anita Hall, Laverne Barrett, Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Developing a vision for a community and organization is an integral component of the strategic planning process. This NebGuide defines what a vision is and the role that the vision plays in helping participants work toward future goals. A visioning process for leading a community group is also outline.

Nf05-592 Both Partners Are Responsible For The Relationship, Kathy Bosch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Both partners in a marriage are equally responsible for nurturing the relationship and "keeping the spark alive." Too often society has placed this responsibility on the woman when it should be equally shared. Women often have accepted the "caretaker" role partially because of their connectedness with children and family; however, both partners have a great stake in the well-being of the marriage and should care deeply about keeping the relationship viable and healthy. One person cannot strengthen the relationship alone. It takes two working together to strengthen the partner relationship.

Nf05-651 Learning From Children About Severe Weather, Leanne Manning, Dianne Swanson, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How children perceive severe weather and what adults can do to help them deal with their fears became the focus of this extension study.

Inclusion: Where We've Been, Where We Are, Where We're Going, Marie S. Farmer Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

In 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was enacted and its pressure to have all students achieve academically has caused many teachers and administrators to reconsider whether mentally retarded children should be included in regular classes. The purpose of this study was to survey experienced professionals in the field of special education to get their insight about the future role of inclusion for students with mild intellectual disabilities. Members of the Georgia Council on Exceptional Children members were surveyed to find out their expectations for the future of the education of mentally retarded children in the next ten years. While …

Jaepl, Vol. 11, Winter 2005-2006, Kristie S. Fleckenstein, Linda T. Calendrillo

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Essays

Kami Day. We Learn More Than Just Writing.

In a composition class, students learn a great deal more, for good or ill, than just strategies for writing. This article shows that, as students and teachers learn to recognize and value their own inner teachers, they can also develop relationships with each other that nourish their spirits as well as their intellects.

Gina DeBlase. 'I Have a New Understanding': Critical Narrative Inquiry as Transformation in the English-History Classroom.

This case study highlights what roles classroom discussion and activity around literature, history, and society play in developing one student’s …

Headstands, Writing, And The Rhetoric Of Radical Self-Acceptance, Geraldine Deluca

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

By emphasizing the importance of patient practice as an end in itself, yoga offers a model teaching and learning writing that can help students move forward in a context of self-acceptance and find the sources of their own talents and values.

Front Matter

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Editors' Message

Inner Work: Teaching and Learning (from) Within

”There lives the dearest freshness deep down things,” Gerald Manley Hopkins writes in God’s Grandeur, capturing in this line, as he sought to reveal through the marvelously unique sounds and rhythms of his poetry, the “inscape” or the unique inner essence of all natural things. “The dearest freshness deep down things” is also Parker Palmer’s focus in The Courage to Teach, where he argues for a teacher’s and a learner’s inner work: exploring “the inner landscape of the teaching self” because “[t]he more familiar we are with our inner …

What Happens When We Read: Picturing A Reader’S Responsibilities, Laurence Musgrove

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

A graphic representation of reading as a process enables students to respond more fully and responsibly to literature by attending to what they contribute to the act of reading, what the world to the text can offer, what kinds of responses are available to them, and what they can do to make sure they have responded as thoughtfully as possible.

Reviews, Edward J. Sullivan, Gabriele Rico, Megan Brown, Kim Mccollum-Clark

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Reviews

Edward J. Sullivan. Ken Wilber: Thought as Passion. (Frank Visser, 2003).

Gabriele Rico. A Way to Move: Rhetorics of Emotion and Composition Studies. (Ed. Dale Jacobs and Laura R. Micciche, 2003).

Megan Brown. Living the Narrative Life: Stories as a Tool for Meaning Making. (Gian S. Pagnucci, 2004).

Kim McCollum-Clark. Personally Speaking: Experience as Evidence in Academic Discourse. (Candace Spigelman, 2004).

We Learn More Than Just Writing, Kami Day

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

In a composition class, students learn a great deal more, for good or ill, than just strategies for writing. This article shows that, as students and teachers learn to recognize and value their own inner teachers, they can also develop relationships with each other that nourish their spirits as well as their intellects.

Idioms As Cultural Commonplaces: Corporeal Lessons From Hokkien Idioms, Sue Hum

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

This essay uses idioms, especially Hokkien idioms, to counter the western predisposition of separating mind and body, arguing that they underscore the mind-body shift that occurs with the acquisition of academic discourses.