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A Mathematical Analysis of American-style Crossword Puzzles with 90○ Symmetry
Full text linkThis paper explores one avenue that will contribute to the known information on crossword puzzles. In order to do this, we consider only crossword puzzles with 90° symmetry. In this paper, we provide lists of 5x5, 7x7, and 9x9 crossword puzzles, and prove these lists are complete. Finally, using those results, we determine the maximum number of voids, or black squares, in an 11x11 puzzle. i
Soft Skills: Adding the Human Component to Curricula
Full text linkThe purpose of this research is to explore whether there are skills professionals need in addition to their academic program courses. Specifically, this research examines if interpreters need more than linguistic competency to be successful. The literature across various professions states that recent graduates have gaps in their education, those gaps are “soft skills.” A survey was developed to explore what recent interpreting graduates needed in addition to language skills. 116 different interpreting entities participated. The survey results parallel those of the literature review: soft skills are a requirement for success. Linguistic competency is not enough to be a holistic interpreter. There is a call to action across professions to inculcate soft skills into hard skill course curriculums. This can be achieved through student-centered classrooms and soft skills can be assessed using portfolios instead of standard rubrics
Effects of Exercise on an American Sign Language Interpreter: Work Production, Mental Health and Physical Health
Full text linkMental burnout and physical fatigue are common in American Sign Language interpreters. In this action research project, I studied the relationship between exercise and one interpreter’s mental and physical strain and job performance. Exercise has always been my main source of self-care. I wanted to take a deeper look at the scientific reasoning behind why a regular exercise routine can lead to a clearer working mind. I conducted research on myself over 20 weeks using a log of my daily workouts, weekly work samples, and weekly journal entries, focusing on how I was feeling mentally and physically. This study allowed me to see how my weekly exercise routine has had a direct positive impact on my work and my mental and physical health
Students Without Documentation: Context and Solutions to Navigating Systemic Barriers in Higher Education
Full text linkThis professional project includes five chapters, with the fourth chapter being a draft of an article, which is the culmination of this professional project. This professional project identified gaps in past literature and examined institutional barriers that impact access to higher education institutions for students without documentation (SWD) at the state and federal levels. The draft of the article for this project will explore the policy and sociopolitical context that impacts SWD as they navigate higher education. Further, the article draft suggests ways to support SWD informed by past literature. The social factors that impact SWD and will be discussed are the following: social capital, mental health, misconceptions, and invisibility. Lastly, the draft of the article concludes with an action plan for educational professionals and relevant ways to advocate for SWD to help them thrive in higher education and life. The importance of a long-term solution at the federal level for immigration reform to increase access to higher education institutions for SWD will be emphasized.
Keywords: immigration, students without documentation, DACA, DREAMers, higher education
2022-01-12 (Western Howl)
Full text linkStudent newspaper includes campus, local and national news stories and photographs. For additional information about this collection see: http://digitalcommons.wou.edu/studentnewspapers
Demonstrating the Proximal Need for Interpreter Education
Full text linkThis professional project is an assessment for the greater Chattanooga area on the need for an interpreter education program. Surveys were sent to stakeholders within a two-hour radius of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This includes American Sign Language students, working interpreters, interpreting agencies/organizations, and the Deaf community. The data collected from these surveys will be used to assess the need for an interpreter education program since the closing of Tennessee Temple University, the main source of interpreter education in the greater Chattanooga area. Should the surveys show a need in the deaf community and in interpreting agencies for more qualified interpreters, as well as a desire of interpreting students to have a local option for schooling, establishing an interpreter education program in this area could increase the pool of qualified interpreters in the greater Chattanooga area and offer better service to the deaf communities we serve
Increasing LGBT+ Inclusivity in Rural Schools
Full text linkA recent study based in California surveyed 800,000 middle and high schools students and found that students who identify as LGBT+ are at higher risk for bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation, as well as lower academic performance (Hansen et al., 2019). This gap in the social experience and academic performance between LGBT+ students and their straight and non-transgender counterparts may be related to the study’s findings that they have access to fewer supports from their teachers and schools (Hansen et al., 2019). Closing the achievement gap for these traditionally marginalized students may therefore be as easy as reducing the disparities in their access to inclusive curriculum, welcoming classroom environments, leadership opportunities, and organizations that provide them with community and support.
For this review I explored the relevant literature on methods other teachers have used to increase LGBT+ inclusivity before attempting strategies in my own rural school. After conducting my research, I created lessons that were LGBT+ inclusive or challenged heteronormativity, and facilitated the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance in my school. My hope is that my observations and experiences will help to identify which strategies are best suited to small, rural schools
Aggressing and Backpedaling: A Journalistic Examination of the Proud Boys
Full text linkThe Proud Boys are a right-wing political organization set in opposition to immigration, political correctness, multiculturalism, and feminism. The group has been active in public right-wing demonstrations and counter-protests, and were present at both the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville as well as the January 6th Insurrection. After public acknowledgement from their symbolic figurehead, former president Donald Trump, the group saw an increase in both membership and media attention. This research paper seeks to compile various pieces of data concerning the Proud Boys to create an accurate and well-rounded picture of the organization. This data consists of political science research, news articles, and material created by members of the Proud Boys in order to investigate the claim that the group is a danger to both public safety and discourse. The group’s reputation for violence is earned. Their members have been brought up on assault charges in numerous cases, thanks in part to the aggressive rhetoric and goals of prominent Proud Boys. Additionally, two conditions for full group membership involve acts of violence– both enduring and perpetrating it. The Proud Boys are also a political danger. Their tenets are largely crypto-facistic in nature. While they allow non-whites into the group, the Proud Boys provide an effective starting point for their members to branch out into more overtly-racist vi organizations and hate groups. As such, this paper argues that the Proud Boys are an insidious threat that, despite their public image, supports political violence and fascist ideologies