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Coming to Voice: An Analysis of Social Justice and Transformative Learning Approaches in English Language Curriculum Design
Get PDFLanguage is a tool for communication and an expression of cultural values, norms and beliefs. Teaching the English language is a global profession that carries social justice and ethical implications. The School of English for Engaged Social Service (SENS), a program of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) offers an alternative and transformative English learning opportunity, which emphasizes self-reflection and strengthening interpersonal relationships to live a life of greater integrity and work towards social change. Yet, there are still social justice implications to consider in any program or initiative. This Training Course Linked Capstone (CLC) is an analysis of the reflective practitioner’s exploration of relevant literature regarding language and social justice and her integration of these theories into her design work for SENS. The reflective practitioner asks: How am I as a trainer navigating social justice challenges in English language curriculum design? This question will be examined through critical pedagogy, social justice education, participatory language learning approaches, research of language oppression, and analysis of the practitioner’s design work along with the overall SENS curriculum. Along with a personal account of the impact of design work on the reflective practitioner, the CLC identifies areas of growth and opportunities for strengthening transformative language learning programs.
Keywords: English language teaching, language, social justice education, engaged pedagog
Perception and Prejudice: Sino-Ghanaian Relations within the Service Sector and the Wavering Perception of China on the Global Stage
Get PDFOpinions on the impacts of China in Africa differ from one observer to the next, be it in media, academic, or elsewhere. While most general discourses have been nuanced and coherent, there is nevertheless a prevailing sentiment of unbridled fear and Sinophobia, or anti-Chinese populism. Based on a two-sided study in Ghana, this research uses Chinese-Ghanaian employment relations as a way of entry to analyze and explore cross-cultural understandings, or lack thereof, that leads to conflict. From there, this paper examines the style of politicized media in broadcasting Sino-Ghanaian (Chinese-Ghanaian) engagements and its role in creating the anti-Chinese populism on the continent. Central to the culturally-grounded conflict is the lack of mutual understanding in socio-cultural interactions experienced by both parties in each of their distinct ways: punctuality, language, foreignness, vulnerability, and risk. This research fulfills previous research gap and sheds light particularly on Chinese employers\u27 existence in a foreign environment and their financial and social risks, as well as vulnerability powered by the rising anti-Chinese sentiment. As past studies on Sino-African engagement have often been limited to large-scale aid, infrastructure, or manufacturing projects involving state-owned enterprises, this research complements the ongoing academic conversation by investigating Chinese migrants working as employers in the service and catering sector of Ghana and their interactions with Ghanaian employees and the general public as it is the most common and prominent way of social interactions between people of both cultures
Waste Is Not Just Waste Anymore : Deconstructing the Relationship between Sustainable Waste Prevention and Individual Socio-Demographic Characteristics (The Juxtaposition of Ushongo Mtoni Village and Moshi Urban, Tanzania)
Get PDFI am going to tell you a story about humans — their lives, livelihoods, environments, and their individual relationships to sustainable waste prevention. As developing countries, such as Tanzania experience economic growth, waste overflow and proper waste disposal become even more arduous challenges. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to explore sustainable solutions such as waste prevention. Through conducting semi-structured interviews in two distinctly unique locations, Moshi Urban of the Kilimanjaro Region and Ushongo Village on the coast of Tanga Region, Tanzania, I explored how levels of awareness and involvement in sustainable waste prevention practices, specifically reducing, reusing, and recycling, contrasted in these sites. Drawing from these interviews, I wrote short narratives through various socio-demographic characteristics of individuals, such as gender, age, education, and profession, to evaluate the importance of each variable in influencing awareness and involvement levels in waste prevention. By speaking with each individual, I hoped to uncover a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and sustainable waste prevention based on their socio-demographic backgrounds and residency, and in reaction to larger environmental issues such as waste pollution and climate change. In completing this study, I found that waste prevention may be a possibility for the affordable and easy introduction of sustainability into developing communities, such as those I immersed myself in for this project, which may not have the resources for supporting large-scale sustainable development initiatives. Nevertheless, there is still a long, long way to go if implementation and use of these methods are to be successful. To effectively help mitigate waste pollution, and thus climate change on a larger scale, education, specifically education regarding each waste prevention method and the importance of the environment, is needed. Although there is a long way to go, my findings also illustrated the power human decision and effort has to motivate greater change for a sustainable future. Whether on a government or individual, global, national, or local level, people hold the greatest power for change
The Ecology of the Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus)
Get PDFThe ecology of the endemic Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus) was investigated in the surrounding areas of and within Mazumbai Forest Reserve in the Lushoto District of Tanzania. As there is little known concerning the ecology of the species, this study sought to illuminate multiple aspects of their behavior and interactions. Over fourteen days (November 2nd-November 21st), the abundance of the species, their nesting behavior, their habitat preferences, their vocalizations, their diet, and their aggressive behaviors were observed and then analyzed. It was determined the species’ activity likely peaks in the early morning, their nesting is similar to other species of equatorial sunbirds, their diet consisted of majority non-native plants, the majority of acts of aggression involved other sunbirds and that the species is found mainly in areas with limited crown cover. The results of this study suggest that the species may be able to adapt better than most to habitat changes in the area, like exotic plant infiltration and deforestation. However, the species limited range puts it at risk of suffering if habitat degradation destroys its food resources and nesting sites
Demography and behavior of critically endangered Alouatta coibensis trabeata troops in forest fragments in and around Mata Oscura, Veraguas on the Azuero Peninsula of Panamá
Get PDFThe endemic Azuero howler monkey, Alouatta coibensis trabeata, was studied in three sites in and around the Mata Oscura community in Veraguas, Panamá in the western region of the Azuero Peninsula. A. coibensis trabeata is a critically endangered subspecies of A. coibensis that is threatened by continued habitat destruction and human encroachment throughout its entire distribution on the Azuero Peninsula. Sites included the Mata Oscura community (site 1), the Arenas community periphery (site 2), and the Cerro Hoya National Park (site 3). Demography, behavior, and habitat were assessed over 9 days of study in November. Troops were encountered in sites 1 and 2, but not in site 3. Troops had an average size of 9.43 individuals, with an average distribution of 4 females, 2.57 males, and 2.86 juveniles. The population density of the immediate study area was estimated at 0.15 individuals per hectare, which is fairly consistent with previous approximations of the subspecies’ distribution. The majority of behaviors that were observed fell into the categories of either foraging or rearing young (or both). Adult females spent significantly more time interacting with juveniles than did adult males. Time spent foraging was consistent across the sexes within troops, but varied significantly across sites 1 and 2. Size of forest fragments also varied considerably between sites 1 and 2. Further research is needed into the habitat fragmentation that continues on the Azuero Peninsula and the inevitable impact it has on the demography, behavior, and population of Alouatta coibensis trabeata
La asociación entre la contaminación del agua y la salud en los niños menores de cinco años en Villa Garrote, partido de Tigre / The association between water pollution and health in children under five in Villa Garrote, Tigre party
No full textLa intersección entre el medio ambiente y la salud es un tema central en el estudio de la salud pública porque el acceso a un medio ambiente seguro es esencial para los resultados positivos en la salud. Este tema es particularmente relevante al considerar a Villa Garrote, una pequeña villa situada en el río Reconquista en el municipio de Tigre. Para abordar este tema dentro de esta villa, esta investigación pretende explorar la asociación entre la contaminación del agua y la salud de los niños. Además, los objetivos específicos de este estudio incluyen: investigar los principales elementos que contaminan el agua en el delta del Tigre; registrar los riesgos sanitarios implícitos para los residentes de Villa Garrote, particularmente para los niños; considerar las asociaciones externas e indirectas, además de la contaminación del agua, que contribuyen a un ambiente toxico y a resultados negativos de la salud; y conocer las percepciones de la gente de Villa Garrote sobre la relación entre el medio ambiente y la salud. Para explorar estos objetivos, se recolectaron datos cuantitativos y cualitativos en conjunción con el local Centro de Atención Familiar y de Salud y la ONG Projectar. Se tomaron muestras de agua del río y del agua potable para probar científicamente la seguridad y el nivel de riesgo de las fuentes de agua, junto con una serie de entrevistas con profesionales médicos que trabajan en la villa, residentes locales, agentes sanitarios y ONG trabajadores en el barrio. Para asegurar el respeto y la confidencialidad de estas entrevistas, se firmó un formulario de consentimiento informado con cada entrevista, y se respetó el anonimato si se pedía. Teniendo en cuenta toda esta información, esta investigación ha concluido que existe una serie de modelos de exposición a la enfermedad que crean asociaciones indirectas y directas entre la salud y la contaminación del agua. Debido a los agentes microbiológicos y químicos nocivos presentes en el agua, es evidente que simplemente viviendo en un ambiente tóxico con fuentes de agua contaminadas pone a los niños en riesgo a graves implicaciones para la salud.
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The intersection between the environment and health is a central topic in the study of public health because access to a safe and secure environment is essential for positive health outcomes. This topic is particularly relevant when considering Villa Garrote, a small villa located along the Reconquista River in the municipal of Tigre. To address this issue within this villa, this investigation aims to explore the association between water contamination and children’s health. More specifically, this investigation aims to investigate the principle elements that contaminate the delta of Tigre; identify the health risks for residents, particularly children; consider both direct and indirect associations between water contamination and health that contribute to disease exposure; and understand the perceptions of the residents on the relationship between health and the environment. To explore this topic, quantitative and qualitative data was collected in tandem with work with the local Family Care Center in Garrote and the NGO Projectar. Water samples were taken from the river and the home drinking water in order to scientifically test the safety and risk level of water sources, along with a series of interviews with medical professionals working in the villa, local residents, sanitary agents, and NGO workers in the neighborhood. In order to ensure respect and confidentiality of these interviews, an informed consent form was signed with each interview, and anonymity was respected if requested. Taking all this information into consideration, this investigation has concluded that there exists a range of disease exposure models that create indirect and direct associations between health and water contamination. Due to harmful microbiological and chemical agents present in the water, it is clear that by simply living in a toxic environment with contaminated water sources puts children at risk to serious health implications
Mortality rate trends of Australian fur seal pups, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, and possible factors affecting pup mortality in the Bass Strait of Australia
Get PDFAustralian fur seals (AFS), Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, are upper trophic predators endemic to the Bass Strait of south-eastern Australia. Their populations have been monitored since the mid-1900s to assess ecosystem health and the continual recovery of the species from extensive hunting in the early 19th century. The best way to track the environmental conditions and recovery of AFS populations is by monitoring the pups that are confined to the breeding colonies. This study looked particularly at the mortality rates of AFS pups because mortality of the young is a good indicator of population dynamics. The aim of this study was to determine unusual versus usual mortality rates and the factors affecting them for AFS pups. Mortality and total pup population data was obtained from the pup database which contains all the AFS pup data collected since the 1980s up to the 2017-2018 breeding season. Two pup estimates, Capture-Mark-Resight (CMR) and Direct count total, were used in conjunction with the dead pup count for Deen Maar Island, Seal Rocks, The Skerries, and Cape Bridgewater breeding colonies. Data were analyzed in RStudio. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was developed to determine differences between breeding site and season on pup mortality rates. Body condition of live pups was also studied to examine whether health of the AFS pups provide insight into mortality rates. This was investigated by calculating a Body Condition Index (BCI) and developing a GLM to determine whether breeding season, site, and pup sex affect this variable. Pup mortality rates generally fell under 15%. Although Cape Bridgewater and the 2013-2014 season at Seal Rocks showed unusually high mortality rates than other locations and seasons, there were no significant differences between breeding locations nor seasons. However, due to the limited data on dead pup numbers, these results were not entirely conclusive. Furthermore, the calculated BCI did not align well with veterinarian observed body conditions of pups and the GLM results were highly variable. For this reason, the BCI results could not provide insight on mortality rate trends. Given the results of this study, it will be necessary in the future to use more accurate 4 and frequent methods for acquiring dead and live AFS pup numbers to better understand ecosystem health and population recovery
Integrated Mental Health Care in Education for Syrian Refugees: An Exploratory Study
Get PDFTrauma-inducing experiences during conflict can significantly impede the ability to function and effectively learn in the classroom; thus, it is essential to integrate mental health services into the school setting for refugee populations. This study investigated the state of integrated mental healthcare for Syrian refugees in Jordan by surveying Syrian students on their attitudes towards seeking mental health and interviewing educators on their classroom practices. The scope of the study was extremely limited, as data was collected on only 21 students and 5 educators in one school and a number of biases could have skewed the results. It was found that among students, there is a substantial but not debilitating stigma against seeking professional help for mental health issues, yet older students have more positive attitudes. Meanwhile, teachers reported multiple student behaviors that indicate trauma and impede classroom functioning. Teachers coped by developing close relationships with students, providing academic and emotional support, intervening in classroom conflict, and drawing on religious and cultural ethics to inspire hope. Despite positive attitudes and strategies, teachers lacked formalized training
Comprehending Climate Change in the Himalayas: An exercise in digital storytelling
Get PDFThis study was completed as an attempt to visualize, contextualize, and humanize the effects of climate change in the Himalayan orogen through the lens of digital storytelling. The ArcGIS software application, Story Maps, was used to create a highly visual “storytelling” webpage. It combines spatial and empirical data from across the whole Himalayan range with stories and case studies collected in eight villages of Lower Mustang, Nepal. This project is thus a union of climatologic and ethnographic research. As climate change continues to charge ahead in an incredibly vulnerable part of the world, the people of the region face the challenges of natural disasters, season unpredictability, undependable water resources, and the uncertain future of these resources. 27 interviews were conducted in eight villages of the Lower Mustang region of Nepal: Lupra, Kagbeni, Phalyak, Dhagarjun, Pigling, Tiri, Jharkot, and Chongur. The final Story Map website presents these experiences in a highly visual and interactive manner; thus, the dissemination of the resulting discussion is much more accessible and engaging than a traditional academic journal entry. The ultimate goal of this project is to act as a call to action, encouraging those who are more cushioned from the effects of climate change to be inspired to make drastic lifestyle changes on behalf of the people of Mustang and beyond
Boys’ Sex Education in Rural Maharashtra: Context, Community, and Trust
Get PDFThe primary research question of this study is: do alumni of CRHP’s Adolescent Boy’s Program (ABP) and parents of alumni of the ABP report that the boys have changed after completing the program, and if yes, in what ways? Beyond that, the study is also concerned with examining potential reasons behind the results of the primary research question. The researcher conducted interviews with 3 ABP alumni and 3 parents of ABP alumni, in addition to attending information sessions and observing the workings of CRHP. The primary findings were that yes, the respondents reported a change. The change was described as positive, and primarily related to helpfulness and respect for others, especially women. The study concludes that possible causes for these positive results are the comprehensive curriculum and the nature of CRHP as an organization. These results could aid in future attempts to enact sex education programs for boys in rural areas