A Critical Analysis of African-Centered Psychology: From Ism to Praxis

The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate what is perceived as shortcomings in the scholarly field of African-centered psychology and mode of transcendence, specifically in terms of the existence of an African identity. A great number of scholars advocate a total embrace of a universal African identity that unites Africans in the diaspora and those on the continent and that can be used as a remedy to a Eurocentric domination of psychology at the detriment of Black communities’ specific needs. Another group of scholars argue for a relative African identity, emphasizing diversity and differences among African people both on the continent and in the diaspora. Considering that the earlier works in the field focused on laying its ideological foundation, this paper suggests that African-centered psychology and mode of transcendence should: (a) move beyond discussions on ideologies and identities, (b) concentrate on developing practical applications of its guiding principles, and (c) reclaim the relevance of an African history, memory, and past. In other words, having reclaimed African history, memory, and past, African-centered psychology can move away from ism and advance toward more praxis

Discourse techniques in African poetry

The study of discourse techniques in African written literature not just limited to poetry is a crucial and important area of study in the fields of academic as literature is becoming more indigenized and localized to suit author’s environment, language and culture and world view in multi-language society. The purpose of this study is to perform a detailed analysis of discourse techniques used in African poetry specifically examining the techniques used in two African literary works: Chants of Despair authored by Ngozi’s Chuma Udeh (2010) and Omeile Vol. one authored by Asika Ikechukwu (2011). The study examines the use of language, proverbs, code mixing and code switching, and even nature names used. Furthermore, the findings will highlight some hidden and unfamiliar meaning as well as providing a clear-cut and detailed discussion of some of the discourse techniques that might enable individuals to understand and interpret the message in African poetry and other genres of literature. Generally, this study will provide techniques for analysis of some hidden thematic issues, critical and scholarly review of literature as well as paving way for future studies.Keywords: African, Discourse Techniques, Literature, Poe

The impact of student organizations on the development of core competencies

Higher education has a significant impact on the development of critical skills that improve students’ academic outcomes. However, academic institutions have not adequately focused more on the role of student organizations in supporting and improving student outcomes. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate students’ perception of the development of core competencies during their experiences at a comprehensive Midwestern university, specifically examining the differences of those involved in student organizations to those not involved. The impact of student organizations on the development of core competencies was assessed using a survey that was designed around the core competencies outlined by Derek Bok. Bok’s framework accentuates the major competency areas including learning to communicate effectively; the ability to think critically; building character; preparing for citizenship; living with diversity; preparing for a global society; acquiring broader interests; preparing for a career and vocational development. Regarding the development of Bok’s core competencies, the present research study found that there is no statistically significant difference comparing students who are involved in student organizations to those who are not involved. Although there were statistically significant difference when comparing males vs. females, and leaders vs. members in student organizations The findings of this study have implications regarding the broad application of Bok’s framework of core competencies across all student organizations in the university. The result suggests that a general set of competencies cannot serve as a model for all student organizations in assessing how students grow and develop through participation in student organizations. Therefore, each student organization should either adopt Bok’s framework of core competencies and align their activities to it or develop their own set of competencies that parallels with the activities and programs offered. In addition, colleges and universities should rethink how the outcomes of being involved in student organizations are being measured

Stanley Ebede - Boys and Girls Club of the Cedar Valley

I was assigned to conduct the Passport to Manhood program for 10-12 years old boys. The program was a success because I conducted and completed the 14 sessions of the Passport to Manhood program.https://scholarworks.uni.edu/koob_recipients/1038/thumbnail.jp

Student engagement in higher education: Measuring the differences in community engagement

In U.S. education system, the growing gap in the engagement of various groups and types of students is wider than ever (Darling-Hammond, 2015). Therefore, there is a need to bridge the gap in engagement by ensuring that either personal or social circumstances such as gender, student status, ethnic groups etc. are not obstacles to achieving educational potential in higher education (Williams & Whiting, 2016; Greene, Marti, & McClenney, 2008; McClenney & Marti, 2006). Using both longitudinal and cross-sectional perspectives advocated by Fuller, Wilson and Tobin (2011); Gordon, Ludlum, and Hoey (2008); and Astin and Lee (2003), this study examined students’ level of engagement during their freshman year and senior year to understand the changes in engagement over time. This study further examined the difference in student engagement comparing male and female students, white and non-white students, international and domestic students, traditional and nontraditional students, first-generation and non-firstgeneration students, and academic majors by college (College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Social Sciences). The difference in student engagement was studied using data from 2013 to 2016 administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) survey in a comprehensive Midwestern university. This study adopted two of Kuh’s (2008) highimpact practices (community-based learning and diversity experiences) and one of NSSE’s benchmarks of effective educational practices (student-faculty interaction) which served as the measures of student of engagement. These measures provided a representation of the dimensions of students’ experiences in association with engagement. Ninety-seven students participated in the longitudinal aspect of this study and 4,773 students participated in the cross-sectional study. The findings of the longitudinal perspective of this study highlight the importance of ensuring that there is no decline in the engagement of students in educational activities from admission through graduation. Furthermore, the findings of the cross-sectional perspective provide insight into the extent to which different types of students are engaged in colleges and universities. Holistically, the findings of this study illuminate the need to bridge the gap in engagement. Findings could be used to improve the engagement and overall satisfaction of students in higher education

Exploring Mars Glass Tube Anomalies

This practical article provides information regarding the use of Edward de Bono CoRT thinking skills to broaden and enhance critical and creative thinking skills in twice exceptional students using the Mars Glass Tube Mystery as a vehicle to explore possibilities and spark creative thinking. The exceptionalities addressed in this lesson plan are gifted learners who have one or more additional exceptionalities of slow processing speed and / or poor fine motor skills. Throughout the lesson, the Mars Mystery photos leveraged both prior knowledge and student curiosity to create an engaging activity for the participants. CoRT thinking skills provided a robust structure for guiding meaningful discussions, a means of encouraging deeper thought, and facilitating productive group discourse. The mystery-focused lesson encouraged imagination, allowing students to not only stretch independent thought but to actively participate in sharing and validating each other’s ideas and to explore creativity as a way to express ideas and generate conclusions

Civic Learning Outcomes: Measuring Students\u27 Experiences in Higher Education

Many colleges and universities have re-embraced the public purpose of higher education. As such, identifying and measuring civic learning outcomes for students as well as evaluating the efficacy of civic engagement programs and teaching strategies are important (Steinberg, Hatcher & Bringle, 2011). The primary purpose of this study is to assess the civic-mindedness in students by comparing students that participate in Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) student association to non –NLA students at a comprehensive Midwestern university. The development of civic-mindedness in students was assessed using a survey designed around the Civic Minded Graduate (CMG) Scale. The CMG scale accentuates the following domains: (a) knowledge (volunteer opportunities, academic knowledge and technical skills, and contemporary social issues); (b) skills (listening, diversity, and consensus-building); (c) dispositions (valuing community engagement, self-efficacy, and social trustee of knowledge); and (d) behavioral intentions. The findings of this study highlight the extent to which students perceive themselves to have the capacity and desire to work with others in a democratic way to improve their community or to achieve public goods. In addition, this study provides information that will help academic institutions improve their educational opportunities that will enhance students\u27 personal and professional development

Impact of Student Organizations on the Development of Core Competencies

Higher education has a significant impact on the development of critical skills that improve students’ academic outcomes. However, academic institutions have not adequately focused more on the role of student organizations in supporting and improving student outcomes. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate students\u27 perception of the development of core competencies during their experiences at comprehensive Midwestern university, specifically examining the differences of those involved in student organizations to those not involved. The impact of student organizations on the development of core competencies will be assessed using a survey that was designed around the core competencies outlined by Derek Bok. Bok’s framework accentuates the major competency areas including learning to communicate effectively; the ability to think critically; building character; preparing for citizenship; living with diversity; preparing for a global society; acquiring broader interests; preparing for a career and vocational development. The statistical data analysis phase of the study aims to determine if students who are involved in student organizations improve less or more competencies than those who are not involved. Findings might have potential implications for colleges and universities relating to what students learn from their involvement in student organizations. This will help in evaluating and justifying the effectiveness of programs and services offered. In addition, colleges and universities should rethink how the outcomes of being involved in student organizations, is being measured

Employees’ Perception of Diversity Management Practices: Scale Development and Validation

Scholars and practitioners are paying increasing attention to diversity management (DM). Despite this increase and an expanding literature, there exists a lack of psychometrically sound scales to measure DM practices and none that capture employees’ perception of DM practices (EPDMP). This dearth in literature has thus hindered DM research. To fill the gap, in the present paper, using a qualitative study and 3 quantitative studies in a sample of 590 employees across various sectors in the UK, a 9-item uni-dimensional EPDMP scale is developed and validated. Results from content adequacy, reliability, convergent, discriminant, nomological and incremental predictive validity assessments provide support for the measures use in diagnostic and theory testing efforts. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for theory, management practice and future research

Design optimal de réseau multipoint survivable

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal