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Mary Pettenger Interview 2020
Get PDFDr. Mary Pettenger discusses what her day looks like as a Division Chair and professor at Western Oregon university. She talks about her daily routine, her favorite memories at Western, and her goals for the future
Career Development: Activities that Enhance the Skills of High School Students to Young Professionals
No full textThere are many obstacles on the journey of obtaining a high school diploma. In addition to taking various core and elective classes, high school students also need essential skills such as public speaking, writing a professional email, talking on the phone, writing resumes and cover letters, creating a LinkedIn, dressing professionally, networking, filling in applications, to become young professionals in the workforce. In the Oregonian, Betsy Hammond reports that “nearly 40 percent of Oregon high school grads don\u27t go to college”. Then creating 40 percent of the Oregon population that will need help in building their professional profile for themselves sooner than many other high school students. According to the literature, one thing teachers can do to enhance their students’ transitions into the workforce is to implement the aforementioned activities in their curriculum. Along with building the stronger intrinsic motivation to learn how to apply the course material in their future endeavors. This will counteract the “extrinsically motivated students [that] may exert only the minimal behavioral and cognitive effort they need to execute a task successfully” (Ormond, 2015, p. 425). The objective of the current study is to review research studies on the topic, and make suggestions for teachers regarding what they can do to improve the next generation’s workforce by providing different ways to instill intrinsic motivation to help in their transition of becoming young professionals. A comprehensive review of the transition from High School students to young professionals will be conducted. Other relevant topics such as high school graduation rates and young adults in the workforce will also be examined
The Genesis of Law: Changing Oregon\u27s Marijuana Employment Policies
No full textThis video presentation explores the development of a research project aimed at finding a solution to an ongoing issue in Oregon, the lack of employment protections for legal consumption of both recreational and medicinal marijuana. The research dives into the problems caused by current marijuana employment law, steps other states are taking to address similar issues and steps previously taken by Oregon legislators to address this issue. Finally, the research illustrates the process and challenges of creating a comprehensive legislative report that clearly defines the problems rooted within the lack of employment protections and offers practical solutions that reflect legislative action taken in other states. The development of this project provides insight into the preliminary stages of the legislative process where the genesis of law, beginning as an idea, makes its transition towards becoming a sponsored piece of legislation
Predictors of Leader Effectiveness for College Undergraduates
No full textVery little research has examined factors associated with leader effectiveness within the college student population. Consequently, this study sought to identify predictors of leader effectiveness in college students. Data were collected from 154 students from a mid-sized college in the Pacific Northwest who were enrolled in one of nine different sections of a Psychology of Leadership course offered between the spring term of 2017 and the winter term of 2020. Students completed self-assessment questionnaires assessing both leader characteristics such as traits, strengths, values, philosophy as well as leader behaviors such as leadership style and conflict management. Some self-assessments were made both at the beginning and the end of the course to allow students to reflect on changes in their leadership in their final paper. Students evaluated their teammates effectiveness as a leader based on their performance on a community service project. The results showed that, with the exception of leadership philosophy, no self-reported leader characteristics were associated with leader effectiveness. In contrast, the trait of confidence as rated by others was positively correlated with leader effectiveness. Furthermore, variability in others ratings of confidence, persistence, dependability, and conscientiousness were all negatively correlated with leader effectiveness. Finally, leader behaviors related to developing an appropriate team climate, accomplishing the team’s task, and developing and maintaining good relations among team members were all positively correlated with leader effectiveness. Based on the findings, college students should focus their energies on becoming more proficient at key leadership behaviors as well as reducing stress to minimize variability in their behavior
Art & Design Senior Portfolio Presentation: Sophia Selleck
No full textArt & Design Senior Portfolio Presentation Sophie Sellec
Assessing Tsunami Hazards and Developing Strategies to Minimize Risk
Get PDFTsunamis occur when infrastructure is at its most vulnerable, after an earthquake. One example that demonstrates this is the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami event. Many reinforced concrete (RC) buildings failed during the event and were lifted off their foundations. This occurred because entrapped air within these buildings allowed them to be more susceptible to buoyancy forces. In addition, soil liquefaction appears to have destabilized their foundations allowing them to be transported by the waves. Seawalls also failed, possibly due to suction pressure near the crown of the wall. The return flow of the tsunami caused further damage because roads and foundations had been undermined by soil liquefaction. Beyond the damage to buildings, nearly 16,000 people lost their lives. The staggering loss of life and massive amount of damage occurred in a country that was thought to have “invulnerable” buildings and other structures built specifically for tsunamis. The 2011 Japan event illustrates the scale of destruction that can occur from an earthquake and tsunami of this magnitude. Even so, there are ways to minimize damage and prevent loss of life. For example, in Japan, breakaway walls, windows, and doors allowed water to flow into buildings, keeping them from being lifted from their foundation. Shadow zones behind RC buildings, protected weaker structures from being destroyed. New strategies are currently being developed to help minimize death and destruction from tsunamis. Studies of tree distribution are being used to lessen the forces associated with tsunami waves. Stricter building codes, improved infrastructure design and planning, and other mitigation efforts can save lives and promote resiliency for communities that may face an earthquake and tsunami of the size and scope of the Japan 2011 event
Education Strategies that Promote Community Awareness about Geologic Hazards
Get PDFEducating communities about geologic hazards saves lives while also reducing the fear and stress of living in hazardous areas and is an important tool within hazard mitigation frameworks. This study focuses on ways that local communities educate the populace about hazards that may impact their lives. By concentrating on two case studies representing different locales, one of the goals of this project is to compare educational strategies and gauge public perception of geologic hazards facing the community. One case study focuses on the towns that surround Merapi Volcano in Indonesia, while the other focuses on tsunami and earthquake preparedness in Seaside, Oregon.
According to studies conducted around Merapi Volcano, many school children in the region have directly experienced hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. However, when asked questions about what to do in certain situations involving hazards, many students showed confusion and uncertainty. The information that they were taught on geologic hazards was surficial, because the teachers had only been provided with minimal training on the subject. Feedback from both the students and teachers about the teaching and training they are receiving shows that the curriculum is somewhat effective, but there is still room for improvement. Teacher training programs should be guided by the most up-to-date scientific knowledge through coursework at universities and workshops led by professional organizations. While content about geologic hazards can be embedded throughout the curriculum and be taught as a recurring theme through a student’s grade school journey, there should also be focused content delivery taught specifically by science teachers in the school.
The second case study focused on strategies for educating a variety of different demographics in Oregon coastal communities about earthquake and tsunami preparation. This study showed that there are many different approaches towards promoting hazard awareness, and factors such as age, language, educational level, and disabilities should be taken into consideration. The emphasis in many coastal communities in Oregon is on educating residents through community meetings. However, there is a lack of focus on educating tourists in the coastal areas in the Pacific Northwest. If a geological hazard occurs, tourists need to know where to go and simple signs directing towards safe zones would increase the hazard preparedness. Along with signs, coastal communities can deploy warning systems that notify people about an impending hazard and provide evacuation information. More widespread use of these types of education strategies and warning systems would be beneficial towards the safety of everyone in coastal areas.
While many communities are being educated about the dangers that they could face from natural disaster events, the methods by which they are being informed can only prepare them to a certain extent. Geologic hazards are natural events that will always present risks for human communities, so it is best that we normalize conversations about these hazards so that when they do occur, fear does not overcome the training and preparation that can save lives
Swimming Towards Change
No full textThrough semiotics, framing and marxist methods of analysis, this essay examines the heroic framing of Ernesto “Che” Guevara presented in the film Diarios de Motocicleta. The plot of the film follows the road trip Guevara takes with his friend Alberto Granado on an old motorcycle through South America. As they witness poverty and inequality across the continent, there are many instances where it would seem that Ernesto is beginning to form the communist ideologies which eventually guide him to be the face of revolution. The film downplays these ideologies by only commenting on classism through the use of material signs, which Ernesto overcomes physically rather than philosophically. This depiction of material problems with physical solutions creates a simpler situation for the audience to comprehend; one in which the morality of Ernesto is unquestionable, and his selflessness is emphasized through physical sacrifice
Spring Dance on Pause
No full textThis 20 min documentary features raw rehearsal footage and interviews with several of the choreographers from this year\u27s Spring Dance Concert.
For over 40 years the Dance Program at Western Oregon University has produced a performance of faculty, guest artist, and student choreography. This culminating event is called the Spring Dance Concert. Unfortunately, this year the dance concert was canceled due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. This film was directed and edited by the new head of the dance program, Timothy Cowart. It is dedicated to the talented dance majors, minors, and dance faculty members who worked for several months pouring their time, effort, and artistry into the endeavor. It serves as a window into their creative process and a testimony to their efforts