Western Connecticut State University
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Press Conference
No full textUniversity Provost, Dr. Linda Rinker speaks at the August 25, 2010 press conference. Seated from left to right are: Western Connecticut State University President, Dr. James Schmotter; Danbury schools superintendent, Dr. Sal Pascarella; and, Danbury Public Library Director, Mark Hasskarl
Arlin's Watch
No full textThis thesis project contains four chapters of the science-fiction novel, Arlin's Watch, as well as a chapter outline of the rest of the novel. The novel follows the journey of a man, along with his uninvited canine companion as he travels across different worlds by the use of a mysterious device known as the watch. Arlin longs to find a place to call home, but in every unique world he visits, from the viciously primitive to the unimaginably high-tech, there is only one person left
COMPARISON OF THE LEARNING STYLES OF STUDENTS WITH AUTISM VERSUS TYPICAL ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS
No full textDeveloping successful educational opportunities for students with autism has long been a challenge for educators. Although medical research is making great strides in the treatment and etiology of autism, as more and more students with autism are learning alongside their peers in the general education classroom the struggle to find effective teaching methods increases. This challenge may well be due to the fact that students with autism have unusual intellectual and academic skills profiles making it difficult for teachers to accurately assess students and align curriculum. Educators must develop proficiency in carefully evaluating profiles of ability for children with autism as their unique strengths and weaknesses may not always be supported within the general education classroom. Once teachers have a rich understanding of how their students learn best, instructional plans can be developed which allow for their unique preferences.
All learners have a preferred learning style. Educators must become more proficient in assessing learning styles as they strive to differentiate instruction based on their students’ needs. This paradigm neither classifies learners based on ability nor disabilities but, rather, on their individual preferences and therefore bodes well for students with unique skill sets such as those seen in students with autism.
Based on the knowledge that individual instructional preferences exist and can be measured reliably, this study examined whether or not the presence of autism influences those preferences. A sample of 52 students whose academic performance is at an elementary level and who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) self reported their preferred learning styles using the Elementary Learning Style Assessment (ELSA). Results were analyzed and compared with ELSA scores of typical students to determine differences or similarities in the preferred learning styles of the two groups.
The data analyzed in this study revealed that students with autism have commonalities in learning-style preferences. Twenty four elements had significance at the .025 level in how they preferred to learn. Additionally, this study examined the commonalities or differences in students with autism and their typical peers. In four of the 25 learning-style elements, students with autism’s learning-style preferences differed significantly from their typical peers. Findings are presented and discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.Doctor of Education (EdD)Education & Educational Psycholog
Endemism in Neotropical Podostemaceae
No full textPodostemaceae, a family of plants restricted to river rapids and waterfalls, are widely reported to have a high degree of local species endemism. We tested this idea for Neotropical members of the family using historical records, herbarium holdings, personal field collections, and geographic information systems analyses. In contrast to estimates of endemism based on the landmark studies of P. van Royen (66%), we report 15%–37% based on current taxonomy. Examples of regional endemism, based on extent of occurence and longest geographic axis measures, are discussed for a subset of species. Major hydrographic regions (Amazon River System, Paraná River System) and major areas (eastern Brazil) are shown to possess largely unique podostemad floras. We propose rivers and river systems as the most appropriate units to assess endemism for Podostemaceae, and consider one-river and two-river endemics as narrowly distributed. Limitations in the current taxonomy are discussed relative to establishment of meaningful estimates of local species endemism. We provisionally apply IUCN assessment categories to Neotropical Podostemaceae and report that approximately one third of the species fall into one of three categories: Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC), and Vulnerable (VU). Ten species are Critically Endangered (CR). Species of Podostemaceae are restricted to an environment that has experienced major human impacts—tropical rivers. Large dams make long reaches of rivers inhospitable. Expanded use of hydropower in Latin America will exacerbate the problem
Live on, The Champion
No full textThis thesis project is a short story entitled "Live on, The Champion." It recounts the tale of Big Lowell, a screenwriter and film director, who is looking to redeem his name after making a "stinker" of a film. He resolves to film his magnum opus in Harpman's Brook, a town at which he used to vacation when he was younger. He and George, his meek and antsy assistant, travel to Harpman's Brook to scout out scene locations for the film. But there's trouble: Harpman's Brook has changed since Big Lowell's last visit, and some of the images and scenery he wants to film are no longer there. What follows is a journey that compels Big Lowell and George to face and reconsider their perceptions of reality, life, and the world.Western Connecticut State Universit
Cargo
No full textThis thesis project is a short fiction story, written as a third person narrative. An unmarried couple in their late twenties goes on a weekend getaway off the Californian coast and encounters paranormal events and beings that reveal insight into their relationship. Mark is childish and unappreciative whereas Stacy is kind, giving and loving. Mark and Stacy's relationship begins unraveling as the events on board the vessel begin to take their toll on them
Press Conference
No full textUniversity Provost, Dr. Linda Rinker, speaks at the August 25, 2010 press conference
Going Green: Who's Committed and Who's Faking their Commitment?
No full textMaking false claims about eco-friendly products is a concept called "green washing". Green washing misleads green supporters when they unknowingly buy into these invalid claims. This thesis provides information so that those who want to better the environment can be more aware of these deceitful advertising techniques