Minnesota State University, Mankato
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Environment and Belief: Investigating the Dakota Archeological Record
Get PDFThe oral traditions and histories of a people’s belief systems are one means by which the relationships between a people and their environment are embodied. Environmental aspects of a people’s belief system are reflected in their use of their habited space(s) because beliefs help structure actions. Ergo, an examination of a people’s oral traditions and histories has the potential to provide valuable insight to the archeological record of the places potentially occupied by their ancestors or close relatives. Investigation of this aspect of archeology is a relatively new pursuit and is almost completely unexplored in Minnesota. The relationship between the natural environment and the cultural environment, that is, the belief systems, of Dakota peoples may be analyzed and further understood through the dual analysis of published ethnographic works and known archeological sites in Minnesota. As the behaviors of a people are directed in part by their belief systems, and the natural environment contributes in part to the structure of a peoples’ belief systems, it should be possible to use Dakota oral traditions and histories and associated toponyms to elucidate environmentally derived influences on Dakota belief systems which may be reflected in the archeological record. Therefore, it is suggested that an ethnoarcheological approach may be used to investigate and further contribute to Dakota archeology in Minnesota. In this thesis, a survey of published ethnographic works detailing aspects of Dakota belief systems relevant to the environment is used in conjunction with an adapted historical map – based on oral interviews, published ethnographic sources, and historic records and maps – to construct a tentative interpretive framework against which to compare known site locations and site contents – both with and without, or suspected, documented Eastern Dakota components – in an effort to ascertain whether or not Dakota beliefs about the natural environment are reflected in known site data
How Marital Stress May Affect the Onset of Dementia in Older Adults
Get PDFMarital stress has been identified as a significant factor influencing the cognitive health of older adults, with emerging evidence suggesting a potential link between marital discord and the risk of developing dementia. This study will review the existing literature on the relationship between chronic stress, depression, marital discord, and the development of cognitive impairment which can increase the risk of developing dementia in older adults. However, the purpose of studying how marital stress affects the onset of dementia is to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and cognitive health in older adults, with the ultimate goal of improving prevention, intervention, and support strategies.
Numerous studies have highlighted the adverse effects of chronic marital stress on cognitive function, neurobiological processes, and brain health. Marital conflicts, lack of social support, and emotional distress within spousal relationships have been associated with increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage over time.
Moreover, there is a higher chance of cognitive decline and dementia among individuals experiencing long-term marital dissatisfaction or conflict. Mechanisms underlying this association include depression, impaired cardiovascular health, disrupted sleep patterns, and heightened psychological distress, all of which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of dementia.
Furthermore, the impact of marital stress on dementia risk extends beyond psychological factors, encompassing physiological changes, lifestyle behaviors, social engagement, and access to healthcare. Older adults experiencing persistent marital strain may be less likely to engage in protective health behaviors, such as regular exercise, healthy diet maintenance, and seeking 8 timely medical interventions, thereby amplifying their vulnerability to cognitive impairment and dementia.
However, there are a number of well-establish risk factors for developing dementia such as age, family history and genetics, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, head injuries, poor lifestyle, low levels of education, sleep disorders, and exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants. Another of these risk factors is depression, which often results in experiencing stressful life events and it is one significant stressor for many individuals suffering from marital stress. There is very little empirical research on the association between marital stress and the development of dementia hence, future research is needed to study on the impact of marital stress on dementia risk in older adults and understand that long-term marital stress can severely impact cognitive functions.
Conclusion: Further research, including longitudinal studies and neurobiological investigations, are needed to elucidate the complex interplay between marital stress, neurobiological processes, and dementia risk, leading to a better understanding of preventive strategies and targeted interventions
Online Meetings
Get PDFScreenshot of Online Meetings, a website at Minnesota State University, Mankato that talks about the online services provided by the University for meetings. https://www.mnsu.edu/it-solutions/locations/instructional-design-academic-technology-services/technology-tools-for-teaching-and-learning/online-meetings
Teaching with D2L Brightspace
Get PDFScreenshot of Teaching with D2L Brightspace, a website for Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty and staff that has tips, videos, and help with working with D2L Brightspace. https://www.mnsu.edu/it-solutions/locations/instructional-design-academic-technology-services/technology-tools-for-teaching-and-learning/d2l-brightspace/teaching-with-d2l-brightspace
Developing an Ethics Credential for Undergraduate STEM Majors
No full textSTEM faculty are encouraged to incorporate ethical, social, and historical content into their undergraduate STEM courses. This is a challenge, for there is more than enough foundational material, and interdisciplinary content can introduce a steep learning curve for students and faculty. As part of the NSF-funded Fall 2020 STEM Futures Education Project (https://serc.carleton.edu/stemfutures/about.html), we presented a plan for developing 1–2-day ethics modules that STEM faculty can easily incorporate into their courses and that STEM departments can use to craft ethics credentials that suit their purposes. Each module would have a materials list with readings, videos, and podcasts; a series of discussion questions; 2–3 interactive small group activities; and a list of prompts for an essay assignment. Some modules would have suggestions for community-based and project-based learning, and all would employ learner-centered and inclusive pedagogies to create a more inclusive and ethical culture in STEM undergraduate education. The modules empower STEM faculty with limited expertise in the humanities to deliver this new content responsibly, especially at 2- and 4-year institutions that need more resources to support team teaching
Addressing Aggressive Behaviors in Long Term Care Settings: How Do Caregivers Feel Supported?
Get PDFCaregivers are faced with great challenges when it comes to handling aggressive behaviors among long term care residents and, therefore, need support in managing resident aggression. Qualitative in depth interviews will be cond ucted with a convenience sample of caregivers on the occurrence and management of aggressive behaviors in long term care settings. The findings of the research will show that caregivers have difficulties handling aggressive situations which sometimes leads to caregiver stress and high turnover. Long term care facilities give inadequate support in managing aggressive behaviors leading to challenges in staffing. Findings will help fill the gap in the published research on what makes caregivers feel supported and provide evidence based recommendations to help facilities support and train caregivers on effective interventions in managing aggressive behavior
The Five-Step Writing Process
Get PDFThis is an excerpt from my book, Johnson, A. (2024). Being and becoming teachers of writing: A meaning-based approach. Routledge. It should be out in March.April of 2024.
https://www.routledge.com/Being-and-Becoming-Teachers-of-Writing-A-Meaning-Based-Approach-to-Authentic/Johnson/p/book/978103235572
Fundamentals of Engineering Dianostic Test (FEDT)
No full textThis paper presents a D2L module is prepared for ME/CIVE Department to provide a custom design Fundamental Engineering Diagnostic Test (FEDT) to juniors of both programs that only had questions from 1XX and 2XX level courses. FEDT will be used as both an assessment tool for programs on the teaching efficiency of 1XX and 2XX courses. It will also act as an early alert to students who have essential knowledge deficiency in fundamental courses.
NOTE: Video for this presentation starts at 22:33
Perfect World [book review]
Get PDFA young woman discovers that her high school crush is in a wheelchair and she sets out to be his white knight in the name of ableist love
Translating Human Rights in Education [book review]
Get PDFThis book compares the primary and secondary education of students with disabilities in Germany and Nigeria, focusing on policy analysis and implementation