Digital Commons Network^™

Guided By The Spirits: The Meanings Of Life, Death And Youth Suicide In An Ojibwa Community, Seth Allard

Masters Theses

Suicide is a leading cause of death amongst indigenous North American youth. The majority of studies on indigenous youth suicide focus on quantitative data collection and analysis. Qualitative and collaborative methods provide the cultural and historical contexts necessary for a critical understanding of youth suicide in indigenous communities. Through classic ethnographic methods (structured interviews, participant observation) and descriptive analysis, this work highlights the value of qualitative data. Medical anthropology informs an ethnomedical approach toward youth suicide, death, life, health and related concepts. Analyzing the semantics of prevention and intervention aids a critical-interpretive approach to current research and prevention-intervention frameworks and …

Engagement Of Early College Students In The Graphic Design Classroom, Kelly Ann Vander Kley

Masters Theses

This thesis creates recommendations for methods to increase classroom engagement, specifically in classrooms consisting of art/design students within a dual enrollment setting. The recommendations follow the investigation of literature and the examination of studies related to engagement features of young college students who are studying graphic design. This thesis examines factors that potentially reduce classroom connectivity, and looks deeper into how those factors play a role in the engagement levels of students. I begin with a focus on overall classroom engagement followed by a closer look at engagement of early college students in the graphic design classroom. After an examination …

Middle Level Multicultural/Social Justice Art Education Curriculum, Meghan E. G. Andrews

Masters Theses

The way in which children are taught matters a great deal and influences not only their worldview, but also how they view themselves with that world. Through my experiences as an art teacher, I have witnessed a growing need for teaching students in a way that focuses on multicultural and social justices issues in order to help students gain a more well-rounded world view. The art classroom has to power to serve as a safe and effective place to explore these issues. Determining why there is a growing need for a multicultural and social justice oriented art curriculum was important …

Eudemonic Care: A Future Path For Occupational Therapy?, Charlotte L. Royeen, Franklin Stein, Alivia Murtha, Julie Stambaugh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The core tenets of occupational therapy date to ancient Greece. Philosophers and physicians alike promulgated that quality of life, or “eudemonia,” is at the center of both ethical and medical concern and can be attained through healthful engagement in meaningful occupation. In more recent times, there has been a strong call to return to the powerful implementation of the eudemonic moral philosophy in health care practice, especially in occupational therapy. Searches of recent occupational therapy research show that integration of wellness initiatives into rehabilitative treatment sessions can have a profound impact on the physical and emotional healthfulness of people with …

How Society’S Philosophy Has Shaped Occupational Therapy Practice For The Past 100 Years, Jim Hinojosa

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Anne Cronin Mosey lecture seeks to stimulate provocative thinking about issues important to occupational therapy. The speaker is asked to raise a controversial issue and provide a perspective that may challenge many in the audience. In this paper, I examine occupational therapy practice in the context of the dominant philosophical movement of American society. The first part presents the influence of America’s dominant philosophical movements on the profession: pragmatism (1917), modernism (1940), and, currently, postmodernism. I propose that occupational therapy’s acceptance of modernism has resulted in two major opposing viewpoints, prompting polarization and fragmentation in the profession. I argue …

Awareness And Use Of Electronic Health Records In Entry-Level Occupational Therapy And Occupational Therapy Assistant Curricula, Louis F. Dmytryk, Tina M. Deangelis

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) requires programs to instruct entry-level occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students in technology that may include electronic documentation systems, distance communication, virtual environments, and telehealth (standard B1.8). At this time, there are no publications describing if and how electronic health record (EHR) instruction is implemented in entry-level OT and OTA programs. The purpose of this study is to investigate awareness and use of EHRs in entry-level OT and OTA curricula. Respondents from 76 nationally accredited entry-level programs (two OT doctoral, 24 OT masters, two OT combined bachelors/masters, and 48 …

Using Reflective Learning Opportunities To Reveal And Transform Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, And Skills Related To The Occupation Of Sexual Engagement Impaired By Disability, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Wendy W. Fox

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Sexuality is one area of human occupation that spans across the lifespan and is identified as an activity of daily living. Barriers to engagement in this occupation fall under the occupational therapists’ scope of practice. Teaching that fosters self-reflection about attitudes and perceptions has the power to shape the practice methodology of future practitioners. This paper presents a curriculum module that aims to go beyond basic delivery of content related to human sexuality to instead show how the teaching methodology developed competency in practitioners, changed perceptions that would serve as barriers to empathetic care, and followed the guidelines of best …

A Service Delivery Model For Addressing Activity And Social Participation Needs Of People Living With Hiv, Gayle Restall, Theresa Sullivan, Tara Carnochan, Emily Etcheverry, Kerstin Roger, Pumulo Roddy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy can contribute to the health and well-being of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are experiencing health consequences of living long term with this disease. However, there are no comprehensive rehabilitation service delivery models to guide this emerging area of practice. The purpose of this study was to obtain critical feedback about a service delivery model to address the activity and social participation needs of people living with HIV.

Method: We developed a service delivery model from a synthesis of the literature. Using a qualitative research design, we conducted individual and focus group interviews with 35 …

Presidential Scholars Convocation, John M. Dunn

WMU President John Dunn

No abstract provided.

Grandparenting In Selected West African Countries: Implications For Health And Hygiene Behaviours In The Household, Joshua Oyeniyi Aransiola Dr, Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi Dr, Ambrose Akinlo Dr, Funmi Togonu-Bickesteeth Prof.

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This is a descriptive study of the health and hygiene behaviors of grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren in four West African countries, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The article utilizes data from each country’s most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The study identified 20,841 households where grandparents were primary caregivers. As expected, most of these households are in Nigeria given their population exceeds the collective population of the other three West African countries. However, the number of grandfamilies in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia is still worrisome for their population size. In each country, …

Grandparents Of The Community: Lakota Elders’ View Of Intergenerational Care, Mary Kate Dennis, Nancy J. Kepple, Joseph Brewer Ii

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This exploratory, qualitative study provides insight into the traditional concept of tiospaye (extended family and kinship to these relations) by Oglala Lakota elders in the modern context of the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. The authors reframe the modern implementation of these traditional practices of kinship as community grandparenting, in which the elders extend the role and responsibilities of grandparenting behaviors to all youths in the community. This study employed Indigenous methodologies, which allowed the 25 elders to share their stories in a culturally tailored, relational manner. The study uses thematic analysis to identify three themes associated …

Western News, March 16, 2017, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Tickets will go fast for April 7 Dunn event, EUP launches Collegiate Pathways program in G.R, See the world on a budget at International Festival, Southwest Michigan schedules annual Chávez awards dinner, Farewell bus tour carries Dunns to 14 cities, meetings with alumni, WMUK; university relations bring home awards, Former astronaut; first woman of color in space to visit, On Campus with Carmen Rivera, National Public Radio airs charter schools debate

Implementation Of Common Core–Based Curriculum In A Fourth-Grade Literacy Classroom: An Exploratory Study, Elizabeth Jaeger

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were adopted by most states by 2010. Yet, many teachers still lack confidence in their ability to integrate these standards into their classroom instruction and this uncertainty undermines their effectiveness. This article presents findings from a study of a fourth grade literacy curriculum informed by the CCSS. The study mobilized the Vygotskian notion of mediation as it applies in a literacy learning context and addresses the following research questions: (a) What were fourth grade student English language arts achievement levels and beliefs about literacy prior to and following the implementation of a CCSS-based curriculum? …

Popular Culture And Academic Literacies Situated In A Pedagogical Third Space, Stephanie Buelow

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This critical participatory action research study sought to understand what happens when students’ interest and experiences with popular culture are integrated into a standards-based sixth grade English language arts curriculum. Multiple data sources were analyzed using the theoretical concept of third space. Findings showed that (a) a democratic, collaborative learning zone was established for all members of the classroom community, (b) students were successful in a curriculum that was situated in academic literacies and their popular culture interests and literacies, and (c) this experience resulted in a transformation of teacher practice. Given the current educational climate, these findings suggest the …

School Of Social Work, March 2017, College Of Health And Human Services

Social Work Newsletter

• Upcoming Events
• Seven social work graduate students are published in prestigious Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare.
• Register for this upcoming interprofessional training - March 30 from 5-7 p.m.
• Join us April 10 from 12-3 at WMU - Southwest

Connections, 03/2017, College Of Health And Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter

• Seven CHHS programs in U.S. News & World Report top 100
• Ph.D. alumna finds success in Detroit, DC and Seattle
• HDReAM aids Kalamazoo County in fight against STDs
• Interprofessional Education on display at 2017 IPE Expo
• Ph.D. student receives prestigious award
• WMU Fostering Success program saluted as a 'beacon' for college access
• Several CHHS programs expand to Florida

Haworth College Of Business News (03/2017), Haworth College Of Business

Haworth College of Business News

• ANNUAL CONFERENCE SET
• INNOVATION FELLOW NAMED
• EXPLORING CAREER CHOICES

Western News, February 23, 2017, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU hailed as top U.S. Fulbright producer, Professor wins prestigious Japanese literary prize, Faculty; staff members to discuss student success at summit, Sports media students getting real-world experience with ESPN3, New precollege programs office is up and running, On Campus with Greg Youtzy, Variety of exciting camps offered on campus this summer for young people

Western News, February 9, 2017, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Join Dunn on leg of five-day; 14-city farewell tour, Local exec named to serve out trustee term, WMU’s supply chain program ranks No. 2 in world, WMU celebrates research; diversity and global engagement, Safety communication changes enacted, Learner support program self-study reports available for review by faculty; staff, On Campus with Michelle Loedeman

Connections, 02/2017, College Of Health And Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter

• Burian Lecture kicks off community conversation
• Nursing students simulation with WMed students
• Interprofessional Education Expo to be held March 17
• 2017 Diversity and Inclusion Conference focuses on caretakers
• OT student to attend summer institute
• Students in Michigan and Ohio retire to new homes
• Candidates for leadership positions to present in March

February 2017 News Items, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• WMU celebrates research, diversity and global engagement
• Professor wins prestigious Japanese literary prize for poetry

15-07 App-Based Crowd Sourcing Of Bicycle And Pedestrian Conflict Data, Stephen Mattingly, Colleen Casey, Taylor Johnson

Transportation Research Center Reports

Most agencies and decision-makers rely on crash and crash severity (property damage only, injury or fatality) data to assess transportation safety; however, in the context of public health where perceptions of safety may influence the willingness to adopt active transportation modes (e.g. bicycling and walking), pedestrian-vehicle and other similar conflicts may represent a better performance measure for safety assessment. For transportation safety, a clear conflict occurs when two parties’ paths cross and one of the parties must undertake an evasive maneuver (e.g. change direction or stop) to avoid a crash. Other less severe conflicts where paths cross but no evasive …

Loiza Pa', Milan Bird-Riacoko

The Hilltop Review

No abstract provided.

The Uncatchable Crook: Pursuing Effective State Crime Control, Daniel J. Patten

The Hilltop Review

This article investigates an interesting conundrum of addressing crime when the state commits a crime itself, and most often is the primary apparatus of crime control. Even more difficult in pursuing state crime control, the state typically plays a major role in defining crime. Criminologists commonly suggest state sanctions to address crime, and states to sanctions other states for their crimes. However, such an approach struggles when faced with the punishment of a powerful state’s criminal actions such as the United States. After laying out the controversy at the heart of controlling state crimes, several criminological theories traditionally employed to …

The International Business Risk Of Terrorism: A Pragmatic Framework For Assessing Its Impact On The U.S.-Based, Small- To Medium-Sized Enterprise’S Supply Chain Operations, Scott A. Lemons

The Hilltop Review

Purpose - Subject paper examines the international business risk of terrorism’s impact on the focal firm’s supply chain operations, as proliferated by the acceleration of globalization, via a fundamental review of pertinent country- and firm-level considerations shaped by global environmental factors. Subsequently, a managerial risk assessment and mitigation planning framework is presented for the supply chain executive’s pragmatic use.

Design/methodology/approach – Broad evaluation of contemporary viewpoints precedes a risk assessment and mitigation planning framework from the supply chain executive’s point-of-view.

Findings – While observed research found the probability of the risk of terrorism to be low, the severity (impact) of …

The Hilltop Review, Vol 9, No 1. Fall 2016

The Hilltop Review

No abstract provided.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Art And Occupational Therapy Practice, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Susan Burwash, Ph.D., OTR/L, an occupational therapy professor and artist based in Washington State, provided the cover art for the Winter 2017 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The featured piece contains Professor Burwash’s signature fauxpals, lampwork glass beads made from molten glass and pure silver foil. Art creates balance between traditional medicine and personal medicine, those meaningful activities that give life purpose. Professor Burwash’s personal medicine is making beautiful things that can be given away.

Changes In Knowledge, Skills, And Confidence In Fieldwork Educators After An Evidence-Based Practice Short Course, Alison Nichols

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It is critical that fieldwork educators demonstrate effective use of evidence for clinical decision making so that occupational therapy (OT) students learn to apply concepts from the classroom to everyday practice.

Method: OT fieldwork educators completed a 3-hour short course designed to provide instruction on the first three steps of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process: developing a clinical question, searching the literature, and assessing the evidence. The participants completed a pretest on site and posttest 3 weeks after the course to assess their knowledge, skills, and confidence when using EBP. The Adapted Fresno Test was used to …

Generation Y Health Professional Students’ Preferred Teaching And Learning Approaches: A Systematic Review, Caroline Mary Hills, Tracy Levett-Jones, Samuel Lapkin, Helen Warren-Forward

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Generation Y or Millennials are descriptors for those born between 1982 and 2000. This cohort has grown up in the digital age and is purported to have different learning preferences from previous generations. Students are important stakeholders in identifying their preferred teaching and learning approaches in health professional programs. This study aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize the best available evidence regarding the teaching and learning preferences of Generation Y health professional students. The review considered any objectively measured or self-reported outcomes of teaching and learning reported from Generation Y health professional student perspectives. In accordance with a previously published …

International Service Learning: Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Their Experiences In Guatemala, Jason C. Lawson, Myrna R. Olson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The U.S. is fast becoming more culturally diverse, creating a greater need for entry-level occupational therapists to be culturally competent. In order to increase students’ cultural competence, there is a growing support for international service learning (ISL). The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners who engaged in ISL as occupational therapy students. Interviews were conducted with nine practicing occupational therapists, all of whom graduated from the same occupational therapy program in the U.S. and participated in an ISL experience in Guatemala. Phenomenological methods were used to analyze the transcribed interviews for …