Contesting authentic practice and ethical authority in adventure tourism

This paper examines the discourses of authenticity and ethics used among adventure tourists regarding the use of the natural environment. In one case, full-time traveling rock climbers use their dedication to the sport and annual visits to the Red River Gorge as evidence for their authoritative voice on ethical climbing practice. While they identify the growing numbers of leisure climbers as a problem for sustainability, many also take up temporary employment as guides and are directly involved in the introduction of new climbers to the area. In another case, two groups of wilderness enthusiasts – “ADK 46ers” and “Summit Stewards” – lament the environmental and social impacts of other recreational users in the Adirondack Park. Despite being visitors themselves, Summit Stewards and 46ers use their sense of place and knowledge of Adirondack history and ecology to substantiate their authority as purveyors of ethical practice. In both cases, senses of responsibility are inspired by senses of place, but are articulated through notions of authenticity and used as justification for ethical authority. While validating their presence in these outdoor spaces, the use of such rhetoric also minimizes their own impacts yielding further tensions among user groups

Iconic dishes, culture and identity: the Christmas pudding and its hundred years’ journey in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and India

Asserting that recipes are textual evidences reflecting the society that produced them, this article explores the evolution of the recipes of the iconic Christmas pudding in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and India between the mid-nineteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries. Combining a micro-analysis of the recipes and the cookbook that provided them with contemporary testimonies, the article observes the dynamics revealed by the preparation and consumption of the pudding in these different societies. The findings demonstrate the relevance of national iconic dishes to the study of notions of home, migration and colonization, as well as the development of a new society and identity. They reveal how the preservation, transformation and even rejection of a traditional dish can be representative of the complex and sometimes conflicting relationships between colonists, migrants or new citizens and the places they live in

Models of classroom assessment for course-based research experiences

Course-based research pedagogy involves positioning students as contributors to authentic research projects as part of an engaging educational experience that promotes their learning and persistence in science. To develop a model for assessing and grading students engaged in this type of learning experience, the assessment aims and practices of a community of experienced course-based research instructors were collected and analyzed. This approach defines four aims of course-based research assessment—(1) Assessing Laboratory Work and Scientific Thinking; (2) Evaluating Mastery of Concepts, Quantitative Thinking and Skills; (3) Appraising Forms of Scientific Communication; and (4) Metacognition of Learning—along with a set of practices for each aim. These aims and practices of assessment were then integrated with previously developed models of course-based research instruction to reveal an assessment program in which instructors provide extensive feedback to support productive student engagement in research while grading those aspects of research that are necessary for the student to succeed. Assessment conducted in this way delicately balances the need to facilitate students’ ongoing research with the requirement of a final grade without undercutting the important aims of a CRE education

Are residents reading My Merton magazine?

London's Borough of Merton launched a new community magazine called My Merton. This project evaluated the magazine's effectiveness, examine public's perception of the Council, and determine the public's opinion of the magazine. Data collected from questionnaires and interviews helped draw conclusions regarding design, content, popularity, and connection with the Council. These accomplishments provided the Merton Council Press Team with detailed analysis and recommendations as to how they could improve My Merton and help improve the Council's weak rating

Can a digital scientific conference function as a platform for facilitating two- way learning between researchers and participants?

BackgroundResponding to requests from research participants, we piloted a program to facilitate two- way learning between researchers and participants through the platform of a digital scientific conference.MethodParticipants were invited to attend the Alzheimer- s Association International Conference (AAIC), through a digital platform, and were offered daily small group discussions. Support was provided in the form of daily emails, navigation tips, and a glossary of frequently used terms and acronyms.ResultThe digital conference was well attended, with participants attending a broad spectrum of talks. Convening daily small group discussions was critical in creating a space where two- way learning could occur by allowing participants to interact and share with each other as well as with research professionals. Participants provided input on research design, recruitment, outcomes, and approaches, as well as applicability of research to clinical settings.ConclusionConferences that are remotely accessible offer a unique opportunity to support the engagement and participation of individuals with limited mobility or time. Future conferences should offer research participants either free or reduced registration, and allow them to select the topics they are most interested in. We recommend providing support and a glossary of frequently used acronyms and terms. Future work is needed to replicate this approach in a more diverse group of research- naïve participants.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/171163/1/alz055073.pd