Embedding information skills on student learning: providing the models

This article was first published in the Wolverhampton Intellectual Repository and E-Theses (WIRE). There is no printed version.This Phase 3 (evaluation and embedding) project has been developed from a highly successful earlier project: Embedding information skills on student learning: making the difference (2006). The earlier project produced a programme of information literacy skills, based on SCONUL’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom, which was delivered to two modules of first year students from the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences (HLSS) in bite-sized presentations at the end of their lectures. Importantly, it found that: “an effective Information Literacy programme delivered at the very beginning of Undergraduate life can contribute significantly to students’ ability to find, use and record information and increase their confidence regarding academic performance.” Bastable and Morris (2006). Valued by students, it clearly had a part to play in the learning experience of first year undergraduates and potentially in Schools’ retention and employability strategies. This was the impetus for a Phase 3 project which would test the information literacy programme on a more diverse range of students and subjects within HLSS and provide models which would encourage further take-up within the School and other Schools in the University. Other important outcomes from the previous project also needed to be carried forward and tested in a wider context: “We as librarians have been able to assess our approaches to the design and delivery of a structured Information Literacy programme. We have had the opportunity to work collaboratively as a team of librarians with academic staff and, crucial to the embedding process, earn important space on first semester, first year modules. We now know that the bite-sized sessions of information skills which are dove-tailed into existing lectures are a successful way to deliver the programme.” Bastable and Morris (2006). It was this combination of the following three features in Phase 2 which distinguished it from any other work being conducted in the field of information literacy: the partnership between academics and librarians, a structured information literacy programme and delivery in bite-sized sessions. So, it was these three crucial areas which would be put to the test in this current project by the delivery to an extended range of students

The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profits

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture received a grant from the National Research Initiative (NRI), CSREES USDA. The purpose was to help small- and medium-sized farmers and entrepreneurs enhance the viability of their farms through the establishment of vineyards, on-farm wineries, and production of value-added products from grapes and grape by-products. This publication looks at efforts by the UA Grape and Wine Research Program to enhance the profitability of muscadine grapes. Included are discussions of research designed to develop the market potential of muscadines as fresh fruit and as value-added products such as juice, wine, sweet spreads, vinegar, and dried products. The skin and seeds of muscadines have traditionally been considered waste; however, recent research has shown that they contain nutraceutical components. Reports are included of research to quantify these nutraceuticals and to develop products containing them

Parent Engagement Practices Improve Outcomes for Preschool Children

Supporting parents' efforts to help their children develop during the preschool years improves a child's school readiness, reduces behavior problems, enhances social skills, and promotes academic success.The IssueChildren begin learning at home before they ever reach the classroom, but many families face barriers to providing high-quality early educational opportunities. There are a number of research-based strategies to bolster parent engagement in ways that improve child outcomes.Key FindingsPrograms that promote positive parenting practices and parent-child relationships can reduce behavioral problems.Promoting home learning activities and effective teaching strategies can foster early learningStrengthening parent-teacher partnerships can boost academic and social-emotional skill development.Emphasizing a child's physical health can aid healthy overall development.ConclusionProviding systematic supports for parent engagement in early childhood has the potential to promote optimal development for all children

The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profits

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture received a grant from the USDA’s Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) program. The purpose was to help small- and medium-sized farmers and entrepreneurs become more profitable and therefore add stability to the family farm. One approach to doing this is to investigate opportunities to enhance profits by adding value to traditional raw products

Tone in the pronominal system in Bissa Barka

This paper presents an introductory overview of the pronominal system in Bissa Barka, an Eastern Mande language spoken in south-east Burkina Faso and northern Ghana. Primary focus is placed on the tonal behaviour of the pronouns. The paper begins with a discussion of the number of level tones represented in the language, including a summary of past tonal research. Next, it presents the two sets of personal pronouns used in the language. The tonal behaviour of each of the personal pronouns is presented, along with the tonal behaviour of the pronouns in a possessive phrase, and the tonal behaviour of the logophoric pronoun. The paper ends with a discussion of the four tonal processes identified in the pronominal system including a floating H tone, L tone spread, final falling tone and a restriction of L tone followed by a L tone.Cet article présente une introduction au système pronominal du bissa barka, une langue mandé-est parlée au sud-est du Burkina Faso et au nord du Ghana. Il met l’accent sur le comportement tonal des pronoms. L’étude commence par une discussion sur le nombre de tons unis présents dans la langue et un aperçu des travaux antérieurs traitant du ton en bissa. Puis les deux groupes de pronoms personnels bissa barka sont présentés. Le comportement tonal de chaque pronom en fonction sujet est analysé, de même que dans le syntagme génitival ; une attention spéciale est portée au pronom logophorique qui ne se distingue du pronom de 3e personne que par son influence tonale. L’article s’achève par un résumé des quatre phénomènes tonaux identifiés dans le système pronominal : le ton H flottant, la propagation du ton B, la chute du niveau du ton final et la restriction de la combinaison B suivie de B.В статье даётся предварительный обзор местоименной системы биса-барка, языка восточной группы манде, на котором говорят на юго-востоке Буркины Фасо и в северной Гане. Главное внимание уделено тональному поведению местоимений. Обсуждается количество уровневых тонов в языке, даётся обзор предшествующих публикаций на эту тему. Представлены две серии личных местоимений языка биса-барка, рассматривается тональное поведение каждого из местоимений, в том числе в генитивной конструкции; особое внимение уделено логофорическому местоимению. Статья завершается обсуждением четырёх тональных явлений, обнаруженных в прономинальной системе: плавающего высокого тона; продвижения вправо низкого тона; конечного понижения тона; ограничение на низкий тон, за которым следует другой низкий тон

Life history aspects of 19 rockfish species (Scorpaenidae: Sebastes) from the Southern California Bight

The authors investigated various life history aspects of 19 rockfish species (Sebastes chlorostictus, S. constellatus, S. dalli, S. elongatus, S. ensifer, S. entomelas, S. flavidus, S. goodei, S. hopkinsi, S. levis, S. melanostomus, S. miniatus, S. ovalis, S. paucispinis, S. rosaceus, S. rosenblatti, S. rufus, s. saxicola, S. semicinctus) from the southern California Bight. These aspects included depth distribution, age-length relationships (of 7 species), length-weight relationships, size at first maturity, spawning season, and fecundity. Growth rates of female S. elongatus, S. hopkinsi, S. ova/is, S. saxicola, and S. semicinctus were higher than male conspecifics. Multiple spawning per season was found in 12 species. Generally, most species spawned between late winter and early summer, though there was some spawning within the genus throughout the year. Spawning season duration ranged from 2 (S. flavidus) to 10 months (S. paucispinis). Spawning seasons tended to start earlier in the year and be of longer duration in the southern California Bight, compared to published data on central California conspecifics. Males matured at a smaller length in 7 of the 17 species studied. Maximum fecundities ranged from 18,000 (S. dalll) to about 2,680,000 (S. levis). (PDF file contains 44 pages.

Field Guide to Nonindigenous Marine Fishes of Florida

The purpose of this field guide is to provide information on nonindigenous (i.e., non-native) fishes that have been observed in Florida’s marine waters. Introductions of non-native marine fishes into Florida’s waters could be intentional or unintentional, and are likely from a variety of sources, including aquarium releases, escape from aquaculture, loss due to extreme weather events (e.g., flooding from hurricanes), and possibly transfer with ballast water or hull-fouling. Presently the lionfishes (Pterois volitans and P. miles) are the only non-native marine fish species known to be established along the coast of Florida. All other marine fishes in this guide (except the euryhaline species, see below) have infrequent occurrences, occur singly or in small groups, and have not yet become self-sustaining populations. Aquarium releases are one of the major pathways whereby nonindigenous fishes gain access to new environments (Ruiz et al. 1997; Fuller et al. 1999). Most of the nonindigenous marine fishes found in Florida’s waters are thought to be aquarium fishes that either were illegally released into the ocean or escaped captivity (e.g., during severe storm/flooding events). Indeed, south Florida is a hotspot for nonindigenous marine aquarium fishes (Semmens et al. 2004). Increased public awareness of the problems caused by released or escaped aquarium fishes may aid in stemming the frequency of releases. For example, HabitattitudeTM (www.habitattitude.net) is a national public awareness and partnership campaign that encourages aquarists and water gardeners to prevent the release of unwanted aquarium plants, fish and other animals. It prompts hobbyists to adopt alternative actions when dealing with these aquatic plants and animals. (PDF file contains 133 pages.

Can Teacher Training in Classroom Management Make a Difference for Children's Experiences in Preschool? A Preview of Findings from the Foundations of Learning Demonstration

Early evaluation results from Newark, NJ, show that Foundations of Learning improved teachers' classroom management and productivity, reduced children's conflict with peers, and engaged students in the learning tasks of preschool. The intervention was implemented in Head Start programs, community-based child care centers, and public schools

Looking through Outdoor Advertising Images for Beauty in Argentina, Chile, Hungary, and Romania

This investigation expands scholarship on beauty and cross-cultural communication through the unique perspective of outdoor advertising. With a content analysis method 1,700 portrayals of men and women in outdoor advertisements, from four different cultures, including Argentina, Chile, Hungary, and Romania, were examined through a framework of advertising and consumer culture, globalization, and theories of beauty. The findings reveal differences across cultures and that beauty ideals are culture specific. Implications are important for practitioners in marketing communications to better understand subtle cultural variations in order to develop effective promotional programs required in the globalized economy