The psychological contracts of experienced college instructors

The purpose of this study was to determine the contents and nature of the psychological contracts of experienced college instructors, taking into account the passage of time and context, in order to further understand the employment relationships that existed between instructors and the employing college system. The experienced college instructor, for the purposes of this study, was identified as one who was 45 years of age or older, with 15 or more years of teaching experience in the college system. The majority of these experienced instructors were members of the baby boom generation and, as such, demanded a certain amount of attention, particularly with respect to their sheer numbers and their consequential impending exit from the system. The study utilized a five-part framework, including the identification of the employer, the contents, the passage of time, the context, and the nature of the psychological contract. Data collection consisted of the use of interviews, focus group sessions, and a survey, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. The data were treated descriptively through frequency analysis and inferentially through principal component analysis, identifying various dimensions of the psychological contract with respect to contents, passage of time, context, and nature of obligations. Dimensions drawn from the principal component analysis did not differ significantly from those derived from the descriptive treatment of the data. The analysis of variance procedure used indicated that female instructors perceived the dimensions of the psychological contract significantly different, as did instructors with 20-24 years of experience or over 25 years of experience in the organization. Also, instructors between the ages of 50 and 54 years perceived the dimensions of the psychological contract different, as did instructors with a mix of technical/vocational and academic levels of education. Conclusions drawn from the study included (1) there were at least two types of psychological contracts at work, such as the organizational one and the agential one, (2) as the duration of the employment relationship increased, the psychological contract became more complex and sophisticated, (3) a dynamic was occurring in the organization that indicated instructors experienced a facelessness and depersonalizing of the organization, resulting in an employment relationship that was perceived to be impersonal, detached, self-centered, work-oriented, and less-than-reciprocal, and (4) the concepts of both organization identity theory and identity theory would be useful to use in the measurement and conceptualization of the psychological contract concept. Implications drawn from the study indicated that it may be irrelevant to ask the identity of the employer. A more sophisticated measure, other than the use of typologies for example, is required in order to comprehend the psychological contracts of the long-term employee, working in a public service capacity, performing emotional labour, being in close proximity with clients for extended periods of time, as educators and role models. Implications exist for the employer and instructor alike, as identified in this study, in order to increase the organizational effectiveness of the college system. The apparent usefulness in considering context and the passage of time in the examination of the psychological contract in education, in particular, is this study's contribution to the research area. Further research, in collaboration with psychological contract research, involving the concepts of organizational learning, organizational memory, and institutional professionalism are compelling areas of interest, particularly in reference to not only the large and influential members of the baby boom generation but to other generational groups within the organization

A case analysis : making choices in teaching and learning centre homepage design

The purpose of this study was to determine what choices directors of selected teaching and learning centres in universities made with respect to the design of the homepages of their centre Websites. This was a study to explore how selected directors approach the use and design of their sites, a study to specifically examine what design elements these directors consider in conceptualizing the homepage. The themes of visibility, engagement, and sustainability were used as a framework for the study. The study used the case study research methodology, examining the perspectives of four directors who were responsible for managing the teaching and learning centres in their respective universities. The study was an opportunity to explore how directors conceptualized the design of the homepages of their centre Websites and what design elements were used. It was clear that the directors regarded the scholarship of teaching and learning in their own specific ways and that each particular view guided choices regarding homepage design. The directors interviewed regarded the homepage as an important and powerful communication tool and each dedicated resources to its development and ongoing scrutiny. Directors recognized the variety of user needs they faced and they admitted that the homepage design choices they made was a balancing of constituent needs, institutional priorities, and their professional stance within the scholarship of teaching and learning field. Directors were keen on building internal and external communities. Directors continually asked themselves the question, “What is the user looking for?” Directors spoke of the increasing use they made of technology in the choices regarding the use and design of the homepage. They recognized that building momentum and advocacy within the scholarship of teaching and learning using the homepage was a difficult task. Directors demonstrated a heightened level of commitment to the scholarship of teaching and learning and to the development and enhancement of teaching practice. They were aware that they made decisions about the tone of the homepage through their management of the use and demand of homepage space. They were continually challenged to stay abreast of the evolving scholarship of the teaching and learning landscape and their style of decision-making was flexible. Directors play many roles in the administration and management of teaching and learning centres (Cook & Sorcinelli, 2005; Wright, 1999). As a result of this study and the use of the case study method, it is apparent, in the examination of the four cases, that the design of the homepage evolved from the director role as design researcher (Laurel, 2003). Directors epitomized the type of self-reflection that characterizes scholarship generally (Kreber, 2007); these directors were reflective practitioners and researchers in the design of their homepages. Directors identified the need for increased interactivity on the site and the prominence they believed the site will have in the role of desktop professional training and development of faculty. Examining the implications for future homepage design as the critical mass of scholars in teaching and learning moves through the professional education ranks within and among universities would be an intriguing research topic

Density, depth distribution and richness of emerging insects (Diptera: Chironomidae) before and after experimental watershed deforestation

The primary objective o f this study was to document changes in Chironomidae density, depth distribution, and taxon richness, associated with experimental upland and riparian deforestation of L42, a small boreal forest lake, 250 km northwest of Thunder Bay Ontario. Insects were collected in floating emergence traps (0.28 m[squared]) in July and August 1995 before logging, and in May to September 1997 and 1998 following 74 % and 61 % clearcut logging o f the upland catchment and riparian zone. A total of 738 traps set over twenty-three days collected 4,013 insects from 10 families emerging from lake benthos, with the Chironomidae comprising > 95 % each year. Chironomid density declined after logging. Mean chironomid density (no. individuals - 0.28 m[squared] • d* ± S.E.) was higher in 1995 at the pre-logging sites (12.1 ± 1.2) than in 1997 and 1998 (one and two years following clearcut logging, 7.0 ± 0.7 and 5.4 ± 0.5 respectively). Density also differed between sites among years. Mean May through September emergence was lowest in 1998 at the clearcut with riparian buffer strip treatment (west site) (3.3 ± 0.3) and highest during July and August 1995 at the west site (16.2 ± 2.9). No change in non-chironomid aquatic insect density was detected between timber harvest treatments and years. Chironomid depth distribution was variable among sites, between years and may have been affected by logging. Chironomid density declined after cutting at littoral depths (0.5 and 1.0 m) and increased at sublittoral depths (3.0 and 4.5 m), possibly due to a documented increase in littoral zone aeolian sediment deposition which peaked in 1997. Chironomidae taxon richness decreased after watershed deforestation (21 genera (41spp.) vs. 19 (36) and 16 (32)), 1995,1997 and 1998 respectively. Chironominae was the most abundant subfamily in each year. After logging, the density of Tanypodinae increased and Ofthocladiinae decreased. The ratio of male to female emergence was approximately 1:1 each year. Differences in chironomid community composition could be influenced by voltinism, and potentially to climate

Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in winter slaughtered reindeer of northern Finland

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes in winter-slaughtered reindeer during 2002-2004, from northern reindeer herding cooperatives in Finland. Ostertagia gruehneri of the abomasum was prevalent with low levels of infections in 100% of calves, (n = 53; mean ≈ 1300 worms per animal) and in 98% of adults, (n = 41; mean ≈ 3900 worms per animal). There was no difference in the number of O. gruehneri between male and female calves. The proportion of O. gruehneri inhibited larvae was significantly higher in calves (81%) than in adult reindeer (39%) (P = 0.005). The intestinal nematodes, Nematodirus tarandi and Nematodirella longispiculata, were detected only in reindeer calves. The numbers of these worms did not differ between male and female calves, but there was a difference in abundance between sites. High prevalence and low intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes characterized the patterns of infection of the reindeer examined in this study. It is assumed that these infections are sub-clinical and would not contribute to productivity losses.Abstract in Finnish / Lyhennelmä:Ruuansulatuskanavan sukkulamatojen esiintyminen talvella teurastetuissa pohjoissuomalaisissa poroissa Tämän työn tavoitteena oli määrittää ruuansulatuskanavan sukkulamatojen prevalenssi ja tartunnan aste talvella teurastetuissa Suomen pohjoisten paliskuntien poroissa vuosina 2002-2004. Juoksutusmahan Ostertagia gruehneri –loisella oli korkea prevalenssi, mutta infektion aste (matojen lukumäärä) oli melko matala; 100% vasoista oli infektoituneita (n = 53; keskimäärin 1300 matoa mahassa) ja 98% aikuisista (n = 41, keskimäärin 3900 matoa). Juoksutusmahamatojen määrissä ei ollut eroja naaras- ja urosvasojen välillä. Kehityksessään estyneiden (pysähtyneiden) O. gruehneri –matojen osuus oli tilastollisesti merkitsevästi korkeampi vasoilla (81%) kuin aikuisilla poroilla (39%) (P = 0.005). Suolistosukkulamatoja Nematodirus tarandi ja Nematodirella longispiculata tavattiin ainoastaan vasoilla. Näiden matojen määrä ei eronnut naaras- ja urosvasojen välillä, mutta maantieteellisiä eroja yleisyydessä havaittiin. Tutkimuksen poroille leimallinen loisten korkea prevalenssi ja matala infektioaste viittaa oireettomuuteen ja siihen, että ne ehkä eivät aiheuta tuotantotappioita. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Prosentvis forekomst (prevalens) av rundmark (nematoder) i mage-tarm fra vinterslakta rein i nordlige Finland Studien ble gjennomført på rein (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) fra nordlige reindistrikter i Finland i perioden 2002 til 2004. Rundmarken Ostertagia gruehneri fra løpemagen var vanlig og fantes i lavt infeksjonsnivå (dvs. i relativt lite antall) i alle undersøkte kalver (100% forekomst i 53 dyr med et gjennomsnittlig antall marker per kalv på ca 1300) og i 98% av de 41 undersøkte voksne dyrene der gjennomsnittet per voksent dyr var ca 3900 marker. Andelen med hvilende (inhiberte) larver var statistisk sannsynlig høyere i kalver (81%) enn i voksen rein (39%) (P = 0.05). Tarmnematodene Nematodirus tarandi og Nematodirella longispiculata fantes bare i kalver. Her varierte prosentvis infeksjon fra 25% til 100% i flokkene. Det var ingen forskjell i intensitet (antall mark) mellom han- og hunkalver. Høy prevalens og lav intensitet var det karakteristiske infeksjonsmønsteret i denne studien. Vi antar derfor at infeksjonene er ubetydelige (er subkliniske) og at de ikke vil bidra til produksjonstap

Nematode parasites of reindeer in Fennoscandia

Nematode infections of semi-domesticated reindeer of northern Finland were monitored by faecal egg counts. The tracer calf technique was also used to estimate the acquisition of nematode infection from pasture. The most abundant parasite in the worm counts of tracer animals and in faecal egg counts of adult female reindeer was Ostertagia gruehneri. Capillaria sp. eggs were detected in calves and adults, but Nematodirinae eggs were only recovered from calves. Egg output of O. gruehneri was most abundant from late summer to autumn whereas Capillaria sp. and the Nematodirinae dominated the winter months. The proportion of inhibited larvae of O. gruehneri and Nematodirinae steadily increased from summer to early winter, followed by a decline and a commensurate increase in the number of adult parasites in the second summer. High prevalence and low intensity also characterized the nematode infections of winter-slaughtered reindeer from other northern herds examined. Our investigations showed that parasite transmission occurs throughout the year in this part of the sub-Arctic. We demonstrated that reindeer are suitable hosts for important nematode parasites of sheep and goats (Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta) and cattle (Ostertagia ostertagi), as well as for Trichostrongylus axei. However, it is not known if all of these parasite species reach maturity in reindeer. With the trend towards increasing numbers of livestock in the southern grazing regions of reindeer, these findings highlight the increased risks with parasites not normally associated with reindeer. Approximately 80% of reindeer in Finland are de-wormed with ivermectin once annually in the winter. We analysed soil samples containing faeces from reindeer treated with ivermectin. Ivermectin degraded rapidly during the first spring, but residual levels were detected for more than two summer seasons following treatment. Residues were similar from ungrazed and grazed reindeer pastures, but the levels in faeces from reindeer treated with oral ivermectin were higher than for the subcutaneous formulation. Our results show that ivermectin persists on pasture longer than previously shown. However, the levels found had no detectable negative effects on the soil nematode communities beneath the faeces