Middle Tennessee State University: Journals@MTSU
Not a member yet
1268 research outputs found
Sort by
The Male Gaze and Masochism: The Construction and Penetration of the Phantom Automaton in Jane Eyre and Villette
Full text linkMany Victorian classics have been read within the vein of approaching the “Woman Question” of the time period. That is to say, Victorian authors were concerned with the idea of women\u27s economic, social, and political liberation. More than this, I would suggest that Victorian reflections on women’s issues, identities, and changing social roles in fact prefigured some of the questions and concerns that contemporary fiction takes up today in relation to posthumanism and the broader question of “being human.” The Victorian woman was one of the key and most important figures in the early discourses of posthumanism. Victorian literature uncovers the embodiment of what it is to be a human-like subject who is somehow less than, inferior, or objectified (disassembled) into various parts and sensations for the use and pleasure of others
Powerful Words: Wealhtheow’s Use of Imperatives in Beowulf
Full text link How powerful were the women in Old English poetry, particularly in the well-known poem Beowulf? There are few female characters within the poem, and only one of them has a speaking role. Wealhtheow, queen of the Scyldings, is a peace-weaving wife to Hrothgar, one of the primary characters alongside Beowulf. Discussions of the specifics of her role as peace-weaver between her home nation and that of Hrothgar are mired in gender role assumptions on the parts of critics throughout the ages. Some have viewed this title as one denoting property: Wealhtheow is traded to Hrothgar as a gift to create peace between nations. Others acknowledge that peace-weaving is more of an active position, wherein Wealhtheow is a diplomat between nations, weaving peace herself. I argue that her power as a leader is best exemplified by her use of the imperative case. By examining the frequency of this case and the choice of imperative verbs within Wealhtheow’s speeches, I demonstrate that she issues commands more often than any other speaker, often with long-standing expectations on those to whom she speaks
Introduction
Full text linkThis Spring issue provides readers with a variety of topics that include nature-based learning, the implications of screen time, how STEM experiences impact cognitive development, and how coaches can impact the mental health of youth athletes. There is also information on student questioning, strategies to empower independent learners, and the utilization of in-class simulations as an effective pedagogy. The International Journal of the Whole Child continues to be committed to promoting holistic learning and the development of the whole child
Creativity Crisis: Awakening the Creative Classroom Environment
Full text linkThis narrative acknowledges a creativity crisis enabled by a regulated curriculum and then provides a clear path for teachers to incorporate creativity into the classroom environment to nurture creative thinkers. In order to frame a creative mindset, it is critical to implement active engagement, instructional flexibility and differentiated goals during all aspects of the learning process for both children and teachers. Eight attributes have been compiled to provide teachers with a scaffold to implement a creative classroom environment with innovative opportunities, critical thinking experiences, and problem-solving instruction
A Playground Mystery: What Happened?
Full text linkIs this simple metal frame supposed to be a landscaping border? Is this simple metal frame left over from one of the playground buildings? Is this simple metal frame lacking other important features? Did the playground managers make a mistake
Say ‘Ahhh!’: Looking into Open Educational Resources at Middle Tennessee State University
Full text linkThis essay delves into the role and potential future impact of Open Education Resources (OER) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) amidst the changing landscape of U.S. higher education. The discussion highlights national examples of engagement with OER, emphasizing its importance in creating accessible and equitable educational experiences. This sheds light on the practicalities of OER projects at MTSU and suggests ideas for institutional change.
The author uses an ecological framework to examine how OER integrates within the educational ecosystem, emphasizing the need for robust support structures for sustainability. The advantages of OER are also addressed, such as cost reduction and more customized teaching materials, while acknowledging challenges like maintaining resource quality.
Tennessee, MTSU, and the local student body would benefit from stronger institutional and statewide commitments to supporting OER, an initiative that is crucial to making education more inclusive and responsive to future needs, thus contributing to a moreequitable learning environment
Vampires, Werewolves, and the Racialized Other
Full text link
The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer captured the attention of millions when the first book was released in 2005. The series has long been criticized for an array of issues, but this essay analyzes the representation of race within the books and how Meyer contributes to Othering, particularly racial Othering. The paper begins with an introduction to Othering and the different ways in which the process unfolds and then goes into an exploration of Othering in the fantasy genre, particularly in low fantasy, before shifting into the main focus of the essay of racial Othering within the Twilight series. This article combines previous scholarship on the topic with literary analysis to argue that Othering within the Twilight series contributes to racial Othering in the real world. As a solution, fantasy authors should strive for belongingness in their stories so that, in the real world, society is one step closer to achieving it
Teacher Perceptions of Elasticity in Student Questioning
Full text linkElasticity, the capacity for students to explore or investigate their own questions of interest during or after teacher-directed events in the classroom, is highly beneficial for students in terms of their retention and deeper understanding of the content. An elastic environment is childcentered and inquiry-based. An inelastic environment (teacher-directed) results in students refraining from asking, investigating, or exploring their interests/curiosities. Teachers’ perceptions of their classroom environments become an important consideration when evaluating their ability to enact elastic explorations. In this pilot study, teachers (two separate public-school districts) completed surveys describing perceptions of elasticity in their classrooms. Results indicate teachers’ high value for elasticity in learning, inquiry-based investigating, and authentic student questioning. However, most teachers describe their environments as highly inelastic due to multiple barriers including time, standards, testing, stress, and a lack of training. The authors discuss potential pathways for increasing elastic environments including teacher training, professional development, and administrative support. The authors also discuss the relationshipbetween teachers’ beliefs and developing an elastic classroom environment
Growing Up is a Playful Way to Go!
Full text linkThrough a playful behavior, children imitate, rehearse and practice a variety of different life roles. During play, children challenge and extend their abilities as well as explore their personal comforts and interests. Remember, play belongs to the children. As adults, consider what materials, opportunities, and models we provide
Updates
Full text linkThank you for your continued support of the International Journal of the Whole Child and our commitment to holistic learning and to the development of the whole child. The submission deadline for the Fall 2024 is September 30th. The Fall 2024 issue will be published in December 2024. Thank you again for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in Fall 2024