Project-based and self-directed learning

This article discusses the benefits of project-based and self-directed learning to develop competency in utilizing a second language and working collaboratively. The background premise of these modes of learning is provided, demonstrating that they work well for differentiated levels and language skills and improve student competence. Some of the areas examined are intercultural and scientific, ones that require the use of specific language in context. In addition, the concept of creating projects that increase student investment and motivation to make learning more relevant is juxtaposed with a student’s competency in an area after having participated in traditional approaches to learning. The overall benefit of the use of project-based and self-directed learning is that it allows the student to develop a higher skill set and greater engagement with the subject matter, producing better language and content outcomes

The impact of CAFTA on poverty, distribution, and growth in El Salvador:

"In this paper we develop a dynamic CGE model to examine the impact of CAFTA on production, employment and poverty in El Salvador. We model four aspects of the agreement: tariff reductions, quotas, changes in the rules of origin for maquila and more generous treatment of foreign investment. The model shows that CAFTA has a small positive effect on growth, employment and poverty. Tariff reduction under CAFTA adds about .2% to the growth rate of output up to 2020. Liberalizing the rules of origin for maquila has a bigger positive effect on growth and poverty mainly because it raises the demand for exportables produced by unskilled labor. We model the foreign investment effect by assuming that capital inflows go directly to capital formation. This raises the growth rate of output by over 1% per year and lowers poverty incidence in 2020 by over 25% relative to what it would be in the baseline scenario. These simulations say something important about the growth process in a country like El Salvador in which it seems reasonable to assume that there is idle unskilled labor willing and able to work at a fixed real wage. In such an economy, growth can be increased in one of three ways. First, already employed resources can be moved to sectors where they are more productive. That is what the tariff reductions under CAFTA do, and the result is positive but small. Second, the structure of demand can be changed in such a way as to increase the demand for previously unemployed unskilled labor. That is what the maquila simulation does, because maquila uses a lot of unskilled labor relative to skilled labor and capital. Finally the supply of capital can be increased by increasing the rate of capital formation. That is what happens in the FDI simulation." from Authors' AbstractCAFTA, Trade agreements, Growth, Poverty, CGE model,

The impact of CAFTA on employment, production, and poverty in Honduras:

"In this paper we develop a dynamic CGE model to examine the impact of CAFTA on production, employment and poverty in Honduras. We model four aspects of the agreement: tariff reductions, quotas, changes in the rules of origin for maquila and more generous treatment of foreign investment. We first show that trade liberalization under CAFTA has a positive effect on growth, employment and poverty but the effect is small. What really matters for Honduras is the assembly (maquila) industry. CAFTA liberalized the rules of origin for imports into this industry. That raises the growth rate of output by 1.4% and reduces poverty by 11% in 2020 relative to what it would otherwise have been. Increasing capital formation through an increase in foreign investment in response to CAFTA has an even larger impact on growth, employment and poverty. These simulations say something important about the growth process in a country like Honduras in which it seems reasonable to assume that there is underemployed, unskilled labor willing and able to work more at a fixed real wage. In such an economy changing the structure of demand in favor of sectors that use a lot of unskilled labor will have a big impact on growth. That is what the maquila simulation does, because maquila uses a lot of unskilled labor relative to skilled labor and capital. Alternatively the supply of capital can be increased by increasing the rate of capital formation. Either of these two has a far larger impact on growth and poverty than tariff reductions alone." from Authors' AbstractCAFTA, Growth, Poverty, CGE model,

Heights, algebraic dynamics and Berkovich analytic spaces

The present paper is an exposition on heights and their importance in the modern study of algebraic dynamics. We will explain the idea of canonical height and its surprising relation to algebraic dynamics, invariant measures, arithmetic intersection theory, equidistribution and p-adic analytic geometry. AMS Classification 2000:Primary: 14G40; Secondary: 11G50, 28C10,14C17. Keywords: height function, algebraic dynamics, analytic spaces.

Strengthening Research for Developing Capacities : National, Regional and Global Science Capacity

The report, presented by Martin Pineiro, Director, Grupo CEO, Argentina, considers some of the major trends in agricultural science and technology. Agricultural production is becoming increasingly intensive and complex, with new technologies such as biotechnology emerging as the scientific basis for research processes. The process of knowledge creation and dissemination requires appropriate strategies to reflect this growing complexity including a framework that incorporates IP legislation. Developing countries need to develop infrastructure, build human and management capacities, and invest in the technology they need to modernize and compete in world markets. A particular challenge is to develop appropriate institutional and policy frameworks that promote knowledge management processes for effective use throughout the production process. This is discussed in relation to building national innovation systems and regional networks and institutional mechanisms. The context of the globalization of science is also discussed with a focus on international spillovers and the implications for the CGIAR research agenda. This report was discussed at the Stakeholder Meeting at AGM2005