Diverse Learners and Teacher Education: A Sociocultural Approach

The “achievement gap” is a current issue in teacher education and PK-12 schools. Why do schools seem to privilege white, middle to upper class students and oppress others? School districts are under pressure to eliminate this gap, and for years, teacher educators have attempted to address these questions—but often using a deficit way of looking at children and families that exacerbates the problem. At the same time, colleges and universities are currently grappling with shifting needs and desires of students who have expectations for time and technology that do not match traditional delivery models of higher education. Based on these concerns, we conducted a broad literature review, surveys, and archival research regarding diverse learners and teacher education in Oregon. The purpose of this research was to examine practices in PK-12 teaching and teacher education regarding diverse learners, to determine the needs of diverse learners in Oregon and how these needs are or are not being met by various teacher education programs, and to examine teacher education programs in light of the 21st century college student. As a result of the literature review and data collection, we redesigned Multicultural Education to include multiliteracies, service-learning, more time and attention to specific strategies for working with diverse learners, and a comprehensive assessment system

Microbial D/H fractionation in extraterrestrial materials: application to micrometeorites and Mars

High D/H terrestrial alteration of micrometeorites is described and suggested to be a result of microbial isotopic fractionation by methanogens. Applications to other planetary materials, including martian meteorites, are also considered

Should You Hire [email protected]?: An Analysis of Job Applicants\u27 Email Addresses and their Scores on Pre-Employment Assessments

In an age where electronic mail is displacing traditional mail, email addresses are functioning as names, and names can be the basis of first impressions. What can be said about someone who applies for a job using an inappropriate email address (i.e. [email protected])? The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in job qualifications (as determined by pre-employment tests) between individuals who use appropriate email addresses to apply for jobs and individuals who use inappropriate email addresses. This study analyzed applicant email addresses in two ways. First, subject matter experts (SMEs) subjectively rated each email address for appropriateness. Second, the SMEs coded each email for content based on whether the address contained antisocial/deviant themes or otherwise unprofessional themes. I found those who use Appropriate email addresses score higher than those who do not use Appropriate email addresses on the pre-employment measures of cognitive ability, conscientiousness, professionalism, work-related experience and overall score. Additionally, I found individuals who did not use either antisocial/deviant or otherwise unprofessional email addresses scored higher on each of the pre-employment tests with the exception of cognitive ability. Implications, limitations and ideas for future research are addressed as well

D.R.I.V.E.N. School System: A Reformed Education Model

We believe there is a lack of individualized and effective learning experience in the majority of education systems in the status quo. This leads to a disdain for everyday school life, indecisiveness in selecting a field of study post-high school, and the absence of passion for attaining knowledge that extends throughout a lifetime. After conducting research regarding alternative teaching methods and school structures through this joint project, we have developed D.R.I.V.E.N. School System in order to satisfy this need. In 5th grade, we will test students for emerging qualities that indicate they will excel in a certain area. Their education in our schooling system will begin in 6th grade and will tailor to their individual needs as not only a student and future worker but as a lifetime scholar. These students will likely excel in life as they will have a more in depth fundamental knowledge of their predisposed capabilities in addition to the tenacity that stems from a self-driven and in-depth education. By incorporating the use of Montessori teaching methods, adhering to a discipline specific curriculum, and grouping students by ability, we plan to eradicate the aforementioned problems from the education system. This paper, specifically, addresses the alternative teaching methods and classroom structures that will be used in the classrooms at D.R.I.V.E.N. as well as how these techniques will influence students. Components from education theories such as the Montessori Method, Dewey’s Theory of Education, and Self-Determination Theory will be combined to form an environment that fosters creativity and autonomy while still providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their adult lives

Cryptoendolith communities in Antarctic dry valley region sandstones: Potential analogues of Martian life-forms

We are studying cryptoendolith-bearing Antarctic sandstones, to determine if the microbes alter the elemental composition of the rocks. If there is an effect, then it might be a tracer for the presence of micro-organisms in martian surface materials

In memoriam Paul Trevor William Baxter (30 January 1925–1 March 2014)

Obituar

Fe isotopic composition of Martian meteorites and some terrestrial analogues

We report Fe isotopic composition of seven martian meteorites and other terrestrial materials that may be considered Martian analogues