8411 research outputs found
Sort by
Community-Based Organization (CBO) Partnerships and their Role in the Postsecondary Education Experiences of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Students from one Public School District
Get PDFThis qualitative case study explored the partnerships of the Public Education Foundation, a community-based organization (CBO), and how the CBO’s educational public private partnerships (ePPPs) affected the postsecondary education experiences of socio-economically disadvantaged students from a local public school district in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The research took a critical approach to understand the CBO’s role through partnerships and programs focused on creating access and opportunity to postsecondary education.
My study, informed by the neo-Marxist, socio-cultural reproduction, theory of fields, and cultural production theories, situates the CBO in a pivotal space in ePPPs to explore students’ postsecondary education experiences and demonstrates the ways in which students use their agency and identities to navigate postsecondary education pathways. Derived from individual interviews with students, educators, and CBO staff, observations, and critical discourse analysis, this study’s findings revealed the importance of critical relationships in CBO partnerships and programs. Students highlighted familial relationships and mentor relationships with CBO staff, and educators noted the crucial role CBO staff played in supporting educators’ work on postsecondary pathways. Findings also uncovered the necessity of exploring the equity gaps in students’ high school experiences as part of the discussion on CBO partnerships in postsecondary education. Additionally, findings highlighted system-level supports such as college and career advisor staffing, along with technical assistance that included data sharing and wrap-around services. CBO weaknesses such as high CBO staff turnover and a lack of advocacy work were challenges noted and areas for growth in the context of ePPPs, postsecondary education, and socio-economically disadvantaged students
Living Dead Forests: Assessing Detrital Services in Puget Sound Pseudotsuga menziesii Ecosystems
Get PDFCoarse woody debris (CWD), the detrital result of down wood recruitment, contributes to wildlife habitat, nutrient cycling, morphological processes like soil formation, and each forest’s sense of place but if undermanaged can fuel wildfires or obstruct stakeholder use. Despite its ubiquity in Puget Sound Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests in Washington, USA, few studies quantify the exact ecosystem services which down wood provides. This study seeks to understand how forest managers can estimate the ecosystem services of down wood and how human communities perceive down wood management between community, public, and private Douglas fir (P. menziesii) forests of the Puget Sound region. This study drew one hundred and fifty CWD samples in thirty down wood systems across those three management scenarios, then dehydrated the cores to determine the biomass, carbon, and moisture components. The researcher surveyed biodiversity, decomposition, and landscape properties of each system. Interviews conducted with managers and stakeholders gauged ecosystem service understanding and valuation. Species richness per log was significantly higher in the community forest management scenario than in public or private forests, though the private forest had higher species richness per m3 of CWD. Biomass and carbon content correlated negatively with more advanced decomposition stages. Water content and slope were not significantly affected by management scenarios or decay class. Managers tended to promote wildlife, decomposition, and wildfire dynamics within down wood, while stakeholders perceived biodiversity and decomposition alongside aesthetic values and detriments. All participants expressed generally positive attitudes toward most CWD instances. The findings in this study contribute to the evolving landscape of literature surrounding detrital services, finding support for ecological forestry objectives in down wood management across the Puget Sound region’s Douglas fir (P. menziesii) forests
ANALYZING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS AND THEIR IMPACT IN URBAN AND RURAL LIBERIA
Get PDFAbstract
This study analyzes youth empowerment programs and their impact in urban and rural Liberia. It is motivated by the need to address the socio-economic challenges faced by young people in these settings. The research aims to understand how these programs can be tailored to suit diverse geographical contexts, thereby maximizing their effectiveness and relevance. Liberia\u27s socio-economic landscape, significantly shaped by the civil war and the Ebola crisis, presents distinct challenges for youth empowerment. High unemployment, inadequate educational access, and limited social services are pressing issues for the country\u27s youth. There is a noticeable gap in understanding how the implementation and effectiveness of youth empowerment programs vary between urban and rural contexts.
A qualitative research design was employed, involving four focus group discussions (FGDs) and six key informant interviews (KIIs). Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods, ensuring diverse representation from individual community members and youth empowerment officials or NGO workers who have had direct experience participating in and implementing youth empowerment programs respectively. The data collected were analyzed thematically to uncover how functionaries and beneficiaries view core challenges, successes, and disparities. Key findings highlight significant differences and disparities between urban and rural settings. Rural programs prioritize agricultural training, vocational skills, and health awareness, leading to increased yields and income for participants. For instance, the TAT program taught effective agricultural practices, while vocational training enabled rural youth to start small businesses. Urban programs focus on educational support, financial literacy, and technical vocational education and training (TVET). The YMCA vocational training program in urban areas helped participants establish successful enterprises like a money transfer business. The study also revealed disparities in government support, with rural programs often suffering from inadequate funding and logistical challenges.
This research underscores the importance of tailoring youth empowerment programs to the specific needs of urban and rural settings. Culturally sensitive implementation strategies and community engagement are crucial for the success of these initiatives. The study highlights the need for capacity building in local organizations to sustain operations and the critical role of health education in youth empowerment. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders can enhance program effectiveness. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers in designing and implementing effective youth empowerment strategies in Liberia and similar contexts
Reflecting on, Resetting, and Reimagining Schools in the Post-Pandemic Context: A Case Study in Rural Vermont
Get PDFThis qualitative study examines the experiences of public elementary teachers and school leaders to better understand the shifting of educational priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants share ideas and practices while taking action steps and making recommendations to improve teaching and learning. The research incorporates both case study and action research approaches through a critical inquiry process that centers the voices of those on the front lines of education. This study contributes to the field of Comparative and International Education (CIE) using the original conceptual framework of Institutional Border Theory of Education (IBTE). IBTE draws on pre-existing foundational theories of education, including Human Capital and Dewey’s and Freire’s theories on education and emerging alternative paradigms based on decolonial theories, Indigenous Knowledges, and the role of education for liberation. IBTE amplifies possibilities rather than focuses on limitations. This framing adds to the narrative of learning gains as juxtaposed to learning losses during pandemic times. Derived from individual and focus group interviews, the findings from this study illuminate educators’ experiences and include: the growing breadth of responsibilities, the challenges with staffing, and the competing and conflicting demands on educators’ time and attention. Participants’ recommendations to improve teaching and learning include: the need to improve communication within schools, with families and the community, celebrate successes and support innovative educational approaches, and build stronger connections with the wider community. Other recommendations involve the recentering of alternative educational approaches (AEAs), a process for clarifying and redefining roles and responsibilities of school-based personnel, the need to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs), and the importance of creating a unifying vision that draws together schools, families, and the community
Exploring Diasporic and Local Perspectives: Overseas Vietnamese’s Relationship With Their Homeland’s Culture, People, and Development
Get PDFGiven its global presence and decades-long history of migration, the Vietnamese diaspora is a unique cultural, social, and economic phenomenon. Thus, examining the nuances of Vietnam’s diaspora-homeland connections can contribute to broader knowledge about transnational relationships. While past research has delved into the diaspora’s historical contexts, cultural ties, and contributions to Vietnam\u27s development, contemporary studies often overlook the personal interactions and perspectives that are formed between diaspora members and locals. This study compares perceptions from both Vietnamese locals and Overseas Vietnamese on diasporic engagement with Vietnamese culture, people, and development. A mixed-method study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods: surveys, interviews, and autoethnography. Participants were adults of Vietnamese heritage residing in Vietnam or the United States. 67 Overseas Vietnamese and 54 Vietnamese locals were surveyed, and 9 survey respondents were interviewed. Additionally, an autoethnography was conducted based on the researcher’s study abroad experience and personal narratives as an Overseas Vietnamese. Initial findings reveal mutual respect between local and overseas Vietnamese, with slight differences in perceptions of cultural ties and respect for diaspora members. Meanwhile, language barriers, financial misconceptions, generational divides, and cultural differences were perceived to be the main barriers to strengthening transnational relationships. Moreover, divergent views on the necessity of Overseas Vietnamese involvement in Vietnam\u27s development may indicate potential adjustments needed in engagement strategies. In general, the findings can inform effective methods for improving diaspora-homeland relations through culture and respect. This is crucial for Vietnam\u27s continued development and global engagement
10 Meters to Disaster: The Challenges of Premature Application of Circular Economy Strategies in Jakarta’s Waste Management Structure
Get PDFJakarta\u27s complex issue of waste management encompasses a multitude of challenges that include inefficiencies in infrastructure, a lack of public awareness of the consequences of an inadequate waste system, socioeconomic disparities, and a deficiency in intersectoral collaboration. The urgency for holistic and sustainable solutions that prioritize proactive waste collection is underscored by the complexities of these dynamics. This field study paper argues that the attention that is being drawn towards trending waste management innovations, which are reactive strategies, could bring the waste crisis in Jakarta to an even more critical state. The sections will critically examine current waste management efforts and argue for concerted action to implement systematic solutions that can effectively tackle Jakarta’s mounting waste management challenges. By redirecting attention towards proactive strategies that address underlying issues and develop community engagement, the paper advocates for a transformative shift in current waste management paradigms
The Influences, Experiences, and Sentiments that Create Indonesian Identity
Get PDFThis research delves into the multifaceted and complex concept of Indonesian identity. Indonesia is a large archipelago nation with a populace who employ a varied and diverse collection of associations with their Indonesian identity. The notion of cultural pride, its expression across different backgrounds within the Indonesian populace, and the experiences that help create this sense of Identity are the main inquiries of this research. Through focusing on these questions, this paper seeks to understand what it means for individuals to take pride in their Indonesian identity and how this sentiment varies among Indonesians of diverse backgrounds, encompassing distinctions such as geographical location, religious affiliations, linguistic diversity, and more.
The significance of this research stems from the power of identity to empower individuals and foster unity among communities. By analyzing the factors of influence of Indonesian identity and pride, this research aims to facilitate a deeper appreciation of the rich history and cultural tapestry of the Indonesian archipelago while uncovering the distinctions that respective islands, religions, languages contribute to one’s sense of Indonesian identity. Furthermore, the paper seeks to illuminate the processes through which identity and pride are nurtured, manifested, and maintained within separate Indonesian contexts.
Finally, the hope of this study is to contextualize its findings within a broader framework of comparative analysis, thereby enriching social scientists’ understanding of identity dynamics across cultural landscapes. Through qualitative exploration and comparative analysis, this research aspires to contribute valuable insights to the discourse surrounding identity formation and expression, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse mosaic of human experiences
Percepciones de las Tecnologías en los Centros de Rehabilitación y el Efecto en el Bienestar de los Usuarios, Según los Profesionales de la Salud en Arica, Chile
No full textPhysical disability is a prominent problem throughout Chile, affecting 17% of the total population (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Familia, 2022). In Chile, the health system has two main sectors: public and private. Each sector has different physical rehabilitation centers, which often have large differences in the resources available, such as medical technologies, which could possibly affect the quality of care their respective users receive. The objective of this study is to learn the perceptions of different medical professionals, such as kinesiologists, occupational therapists, and nurses, about the impact of these medical technologies and how it may affect their patients. To achieve these objectives, it was decided to use semi-structured interviews to take a deep dive into the professionals\u27 perceptions of technology. The interview was adapted to each health professional, but the guiding questions remained very similar. The audio for each interview was recorded and transcribed for easy analysis in the program Nvivo. Every interview was treated in the same manner. After in-depth analysis, five main categories were identified. The first two categories, technology facilitates a quicker rehabilitation and the use of technology can facilitate a rise in quality of life for its users encompass many of the benefits. The next category, titled it is important to consider technology as a complement also considers many benefits and how technology can be best used in treatment, but warns against over reliance. The last two categories, “barriers exist in the acquisition and use of technology” and “the user can feel fear of using the technology” describing some of the challenges and drawbacks the medical professionals described throughout the interviews. Overall, the medical professionals tended to have largely positive thoughts and perceptions about the inclusion of technology in the rehabilitation process and its effect on their patients. However, everything does have some drawbacks. Technological devices will continue to be researched and implemented to improve care in Chile.
La discapacidad física es un problema fundamental a lo largo de Chile, afectando a 17% de la población (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Familia, 2022). En Chile, el sistema de salud tiene dos sectores principales; el público y privado. Cada sector tiene diferentes centros de rehabilitación física, lo cual tengan gran diferencias en sus recursos disponibles, como las tecnologías médicas. Es posible que afecte la calidad de atención a los usuarios. El objetivo de esta investigación es aprender y conocer las percepciones de diferentes profesionales de la salud, como kinesiólogos, terapeutas ocupacionales y enfermeras, sobre el impacto de estas tecnologías y cómo puede afectar a sus usuarios. Para lograr estos objetivos, se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para profundizar en las percepciones de los profesionales sobre la tecnología. Las entrevistas fueron adaptadas a cada profesional de salud, pero las preguntas orientadoras se mantuvieron similares. El audio de cada entrevista fue grabado y transcrito para un análisis más fácil en el programa Nvivo. Cada entrevista fue tratada de la misma manera. Después de un análisis profundo, cinco categorías principales fueron identificadas. Las primeras dos categorías las tecnologías facilitan un rehabilitación más rápida y el uso de tecnologías puede facilitar un aumento en calidad de vida de los usuarios abarcan muchos de los beneficios. En la siguiente categoría es importante considerar el uso de tecnología como un complemento, también se consideran los beneficios y cómo la tecnología se puede utilizar mejor en el tratamiento, pero advierte contra la dependencia excesiva. En las dos últimas categorías “existen barreras en la adquisición y el uso de la tecnología” y “el usuario puede tener temor del uso de las tecnologías” describen algunos de los desafíos e inconvenientes que los profesionales de la salud describieron a lo largo de las entrevistas. En general, los profesionales de la salud tenían percepciones y pensamientos positivos sobre la inclusión de tecnología en los procesos de rehabilitación y los efectos en sus usuarios, sin embargo, todos tienen algún inconveniente. Los dispositivos tecnológicos continuarán siendo investigados e implementados para mejorar la atención de la salud en Chile
Exploring Self-Efficacy: Key Influences Shaping First Year Students’ Self Belief During Their First Semester Abroad
Get PDFGuided by Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this research explores the four primary sources of self-efficacy—mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological and emotional states—and their impact on first-year students’ belief in their ability to navigate the challenges of studying and living in an international context. By examining the sources of self-efficacy, the study provides an understanding of the factors that support or hinder students’ self-efficacy during their transition and experience in a new environment.
Using a mixed methods approach, self-efficacy levels were assessed through the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE), followed by semi-structured interviews that provided qualitative insights into students\u27 experiences. The findings reveal both alignments and discrepancies between self-efficacy scores and personal narratives, highlighting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of self-efficacy in the study abroad context. While students identified specific sources of self-efficacy as most influential, the data suggest that these sources often interact and reinforce one another in complex ways.
The study underscores the importance of personalized and flexible support systems within first-year study abroad programs. By addressing students’ unique needs and fostering opportunities across all four self-efficacy domains, programs can enhance students\u27 resilience, adaptability, and overall success. This research contributes to the field of international education by offering practical recommendations for designing programs that maintain and strengthen self-efficacy in diverse student populations navigating the challenges of studying abroad
Drones and AI in Modern Warfare: A Security AnalysisT
Get PDFAbstract
Artificial intelligence’s (AI) rapid development and integration into drone systems is reshaping modern warfare, with significant implications for international security. As seen in the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian and the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, AI-enabled drones are increasingly employed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), loitering munitions, and swarm formations. The use of AI for autonomous target identification and decision-making raises both operational advantages and ethical concerns, particularly concerning accountability and the potential for unintended escalation. This paper explores the capabilities of AI drones, focusing on their implication for global security and stability and the growing challenge of regulating such systems. The proliferation of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) poses a security dilemma, particularly with the competition between states to acquire these weapons.
Furthermore, the advent of humans out of the loop systems challenges traditional deterrence theories, as these weapons lower the cost of conflict and decision-making while raising the risks of catastrophic errors. As states and non-state actors continue to develop and deploy these technologies, international law, and governance mechanisms struggle to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements. This paper argues that autonomous drones present serious security concerns and require urgent and comprehensive international regulation to prevent the destabilizing effects of AI-driven drone warfare, as well as to mitigate the ethical, legal, and strategic challenges posed by their proliferation