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Using design-based research to develop the learning outcomes of a curriculum-based environmental citizen science project
No full textThis article was originally published as: Simms, W., DeMattia, E., Watson, J., McClelland, E., Parker, E., & Dudas, S. (2024). Using design-based research to develop the learning outcomes of a curriculum-based environmental citizen science project. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 9(1), Article 21. https://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.730The Intertidal Monitoring Project (IMP) is a local, curriculum-based citizen science project intentionally designed to support the development of science competencies in elementary students. The focus of the IMP is the Research Days, where students follow an established scientific protocol to collect monitoring data on an introduced species of clam in British Columbia, Canada. The IMP represents a unique program to study because the school district funds transportation and programming costs so that all grade five students can engage in authentic place-based scientific research. A design-based research (DBR) approach was used to develop and refine the IMP activities between 2014 and 2023. This research is focused on a DBR Evaluation/Reflection phase that qualitatively assessed learning outcomes during the beta testing of a supplementary classroom activity. Student- and teacher-generated data were collected to understand the process of a class “coming to know” science and its community of practice during the IMP activities. This included student learning artefacts and a teacher interview. The findings show that participation in IMP activities: i) fostered the development of science competencies in a grade five learning community; ii) did not promote science identities; and indicated that iii) the Nature of Science (NOS) required more explicit instruction. Student-teacher-scientist partnerships (STSPs) emerged as a critical design element of curriculum-based citizen science.This project had funding support from the Vancouver Island University Research Awards Committee
Unapologetic voices: understanding identity and disability through mixed-media collage
No full textThere is a considerable wealth of knowledge to be drawn from within the literature of disability studies; however, much of this existing research has been informed by everyone but the individuals themselves. Driven by the overarching question, “What insights can art-making reveal about young adults' disability identity-making experiences?” this study sets out to convey a story voiced by the experience-holders themselves. Using an Art-Based Research approach, a safe and creative space was designed for participants to share their knowledge, experiences, and attitudes regarding disability identity using a variety of mediums. Membership for this study was acquired through an organization that serves and advocates for adults with disabilities. This study features a group of 19–30-year-olds with disabilities who have had some relatively recent experience in special education. Consent was obtained either directly or, through third-party assent. The procedure involved two workshop-based art-making sessions, reflection opportunities, and a final optional semi-structured interview, all oriented around identity and disability. Using a process of thematic analysis, all data was coded and examined for common themes. Key themes discerned in this process included the broad domains of identity, community, and self-advocacy. Mixed-media art, both the product and process, served as the blank canvas to shape the participants’ individual stories, facilitate a unique representation of disability, and illustrate the resources that influence a positive view of identity. In summary, this research intends to complement the work before it and perhaps further inform educational practices related to inclusion and contribute to the empowerment of disability culture
Exploring retrospective place attachment toward foster homes
No full textThis version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-024-00983-yPlace attachment is the cognitive-emotional bond individuals develop for physical locations. It can develop toward residential settings and is often associated with positive emotions and psychological and physical comfort. Literature in social work, and other social sciences, lack an exploration of the physical features that contribute to the development of place attachment toward residences for children in foster care. Using a retrospective mixed-methods design, this study examines the physical attributes of North American foster care environments that did—or did not—encourage place attachment in foster children between the ages of 7–12. Participants recalled a low level of place attachment toward their foster residences; place attachment and participants’ ease of recall of a foster residence were positively correlated. Perceived impact of the physical environment on sense of comfort in a foster home was neutral. Three open-ended items revealed themes concerned with "furniture,” “entertainment,” specific “structural features,” and “outdoor attributes” contributed to the development of place attachment toward past residences, while “inadequate space,” “aesthetics and ambience,” and “lack of cleanliness and organization” did not contribute to place attachment. “Outdoor attributes,” “adequate space,” and “entertainment” were noted as desirable in foster residences to facilitate the development of place attachment. This study may guide social workers and government administrators in understanding links between the physical attributes of foster homes and children’s psychoemotional responses. It adds to a small but growing number of studies at the intersection of social work and environmental psychology that may improve quality of life for children in foster care.This research was funded by Vancouver Island University’s REACH Award.Accepted manuscript versio
A phenomenological study of the behavioural management of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
No full textThis qualitative phenomenological study aimed to recommend behavioural and emotional regulation management strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that are gleaned from the participants’ professional and personal experiences with ASD. The participant group consisted of four professionals who work with children with ASD and two adults who have ASD. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling method. Data was collected through in-person and online semi-structured interviews that were 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. Data was analysed using content analysis and inductive coding methods. As a result, the behavioural management strategies were clustered into the themes “getting to know the child”, “using strategies to help build cognitive flexibility”, “using behavioural management tools” and “adjusting the adult’s attitude”. This study revealed that it is crucial to know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in managing behaviours of children with ASD as each child is unique. Thus, effective behavioural management requires taking the child’s individual needs and expectations into consideration, which involves tailoring the selected tools and techniques specific to each case
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on airport planning in Western Canada
Get PDFThis thesis provides academic research on the economic, personnel and policy effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on airports in Western Canada, with a focus on airport and emergency planning, and how airports are recovering from the pandemic. The goal of this research is to seek clarity on how the pandemic impacted our airports in terms of personnel, economic decline, and most notably the ways in which airport planning and operation will change because of these drastic events. This thesis incorporates seven semi-structured interviews with eight airport industry professionals who provide examples of first-hand, professional experience in the Western Canadian Airport Industry during the pandemic. As a result, this research intends to bring to light current emerging airport recovery plans, and lessons learned for airport and emergency planning in Western Canada. Through literature review and an analysis of interview responses, this thesis recommends that airports establish Strategic and Emergency Plans that allow airports to not only recover from the effects of the pandemic, but ensure that there are proactive emergency plans in place for airports to follow in the event of another emergency situation.Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Experiential learning in Science 10: the many ways of learning by doing
Get PDFWhile in academic circles, the concept of experiential learning has been around for nearly a century—with Kolb being the most recent scholar to overtly state it as a theory and adding a component of reflection; the practice of passing down knowledge from one generation to the next through learned individuals has been a way of teaching and learning since time immemorial. The revised British Columbia curriculum (2018) included experiences in learning in two of the Curricular Competencies, which therefore mandates teachers to engage in some practices that provide authentic experiences for their students. This thesis identified two areas, one academic and one identified by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC)—Traditional Ways of Knowing and Learning—that show that both methods, one ‘new’ and one ancient, which validate passing information from one person to another through means of experience. The companion MEd Major Project provides eighteen experiences, with worksheets provided written in English and in French, that Science 10 teachers can download from a resource website for free. Descriptions of the experiences can be read, or are described, in short videos to provide context for the visiting teacher
"The mushroom was more alive and vibrant": Patient reports of synthetic versus organic forms of psilocybin
No full textThis article was originally published as: Kryskow, P., Stamets, P., La Torre, J., Sattler, K., Tsang, V.W.L., & Williams, M. (2024). "The mushroom was more alive and vibrant": Patient reports of synthetic versus organic forms of psilocybin. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 8(3), 303-312. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00379Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin. To date, few clinical trials have utilized whole mushroom/plant material like Psilocybe mushrooms, Iboga, or Ayahuasca. Individuals participating in the Roots To Thrive Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for End of Life Distress program were administered synthetic psilocybin, whole Psilocybe cubensis, and mycological extract on separate occasions and post-treatment interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to discern themes and patterns. There was broad consensus that all three forms were helpful and similar, all generating visual and perceptual distortions, emotional and cognitive insight, and mystical experiences. However, synthetic psilocybin was said to feel less natural compared to organic forms, and the overall quality of experience of synthetic psilocybin was inferior to the organic forms. Research should be conducted with whole psychedelic mushrooms and extract in addition to synthetic psilocybin given this preliminary data, especially when considering that medicine keepers around the world have utilized whole mushrooms and plant material for millennia
Framing Alberta’s NDP: How is the AbNDP, a Vehicle for Leftist Politics, Framed in a Conservative Canadian Province?
Get PDF2024Alberta’s identity as Canada’s most conservative province is reinforced by the fact that conservative parties maintained majority governments for over fifty years. However, when the Alberta NDP (hereafter AbNDP), led by Rachel Notley, was elected in 2015, conservative parties during the 2015 and 2019 elections were presented with a history-making disruption of their governance. As a vehicle for centre-left or progressive politics, the AbNDP represents a competitor to and foil for conservative parties, as well as a scapegoat for Alberta’s woes, which conservative parties highlighted through framing within social media. This paper uses frame analysis to determine how framing was used in the election campaigns by conservative parties, how progressives are represented by conservatives, and the implications this may have for progressive politics. This paper points to the overall need for more research attention on social media frames in academic literature, while further demonstrating frame theory’s fractured nature
Food sovereignty on Vancouver Island: Farmland access, climate change and cooperatives
No full textThis paper delves into agricultural production on Vancouver Island, and the lack of farmland access for new farmers. It investigates the role of agricultural cooperatives in increasing both access to land and local food production. The methodology was semi-structured interviews with planners, small-scale farmers, and a regional agrologist. These participants provided qualitative data that fed into the recommendations for reducing barriers and providing opportunities for small-scale farmers and agricultural cooperatives on the Island.Thesis/major project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Restoration of Inclusive Leadership in Somalia
No full text2024Somalia is rebuilding but is confronted by the lingering effects of a prolonged civil war that has resulted in instability, civil unrest, a weakened economy, recurring droughts leading to famine and death, and widespread insecurity. In addition, the attainment of an inclusive Somalia is also thwarted by a lack of a cohesive national vision that has created internal divisions. Despite ongoing local and international efforts to build an inclusive society and promote national healing, the inability of emerging leadership to embrace diversity, disassemble obstacles, and foster collaboration has foiled meaningful reconciliation and sustainable stability efforts.Therefore, this study explores the potential for restoring inclusive leadership in Somalia. It suggests that a period existed when Somali governance was more inclusive, with all stakeholders considered, valued, and actively participating in decision-making processes. Therefore, to clarify what needs to be restored, the study will thoroughly describe the history of leadership in Somalia, highlighting governance, policies, and social dynamics that exemplified inclusivity and contrast these with the present situation to underscore the changes and their impacts. Hence, to generate the desired results and provide recommendations, a qualitative single-case study method with content analysis was used, informed by an extensive review of scholarly work, policy documents, reports, and news articles relevant to the research questions.
The theory change of this study is that if Somali leaders adopt principles of inclusive leadership, such as valuing diversity, promoting equality, and ensuring inclusion, Somalia will experience stability and development. It also suggests practical recommendations that leaders can learn and internalize these inclusive practices, potentially through exposure to successful models from similar post-conflict contexts or targeted leadership development programs. While acknowledging limitations such as the chosen research method and the complex challenges facing Somalia, this study provides valuable insights into advancing inclusivity for Somali stakeholders. It offers policymakers informed options and calls upon the international community to support interventions that promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in Somalia