Improving the effectiveness of feedback by use of assessed reflections and withholding of grades

We wished to improve levels of student engagement with feedback within the context of our postgraduate masters-level programme, and therefore evaluated the use of two interventions: assessed reflections on feedback and grade-withholding. In questionnaires students reported more engagement with feedback after the interventions, with 77% in favour of using reflections, though only 57% favoured grade-withholding, with feelings of frustration and anxiety about the grade cited as factors. Overall class grades improved over the two years in which reflections were used, with the greatest gains made by students generating the most insightful reflections. Additional gains in the second year of intervention may have been attributable to improved implementation or the introduction of grade-withholding, or a combination of both. Overall we demonstrated clear improvement in feedback utilisation and achievement associated with our interventions

Epikarst Hydrogeochemical Changes in Telogenetic Karst Systems in South-central Kentucky

Telogenetic epikarst carbon sourcing and transport processes and the associated hydrogeochemical responses are often complex and dynamic. Among the processes involved in epikarst development is a highly variable storage and flow relationship that is often influenced by the type, rate, and amount of dissolution kinetics involved. Diffusion rates of CO2 in the epikarst zone may drive hydrogeochemical changes that influence carbonate dissolution processes and conduit formation. Most epikarst examinations of these defining factors ignore regional-scale investigations in favor of characterizing more localized processes. This study aims to address that discrepancy through a comparative analysis of two telogenetic epikarst systems under various land uses to delineate regional epikarst behavior characteristics and mechanisms that influence carbon flux and dissolution processes in south-central Kentucky. High-resolution hydrogeochemical and discharge data from multiple data loggers and collected water samples serve to provide a more holistic picture of the processes at work within these epikarst aquifers, which are estimated to contribute significantly to carbonate rock dissolution processes and storage of recharging groundwater reservoirs on the scale of regional aquifer rates. Data indicate that, in agricultural settings, long-term variability is governed by seasonal availability of CO2, while in urban environments extensive impermeable surfaces trap CO2 in the soil, governing increased dissolution and conduit development in a heterogonous sense, which is often observed in eogenetic karst development, as opposed to bedding plane derived hydraulic conductivity usually observed in telogenetic settings. These results suggest unique, site-specific responses, despite regional geologic similarities. Further, the results suggest the necessity for additional comparative analyses between agricultural settings and urban landscapes, as well as a focus on carbon sourcing in urban environments, where increased urban sprawl could influence karst developmen

Clinician perceived barriers to effective discharge planning for youth coming out of residential and inpatient treatment

This qualitative study examines clinician perceived barriers to successful discharge planning from inpatient and residential treatment settings, as well as factors that may contribute to recidivism. Eight clinicians participated in semi-structured interviews in an attempt to elicit their views and best practices when discharging clients from treatment. Participants worked in a multitude of settings at different levels of care and were asked to evaluate both their individual approaches to discharge planning as well as practices within their agencies. Findings suggest multiple factors contributing to successful discharge plans, though clinicians reported having control over only a fraction of these factors. For example, patient \u27buy in\u27 regarding the treatment plan and keeping the client and family actively engaged is shown to have an effect on successful discharge. Furthermore, how families are presented with information and how it is perceived was shown to contribute to success following discharge. Additionally, plans that cater to the client, as opposed to generic plans, are needed to meet individual needs. Factors identified as out of the clinician\u27s hands include managed care restrictions, which greatly influence the types of referrals made following discharge, as well as management of long-term mental health issues that often increase the odds of future re-placement. Most noteworthy, lack of community resources to meet the demands of current youth mental health was identified. While participant responses were insightful as to how to address potential barriers to treatment planning, there remain factors that clinicians have little influence over

TRAINING LAWYERS FOR LEADERSHIP: VITALLY IMPORTANT MISSION FOR THE FUTURE SUCCESS (AND MAYBE SURVIVAL) OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND OUR DEMOCRACY

TRAINING LAWYERS FOR LEADERSHIP: VITALLY IMPORTANT MISSION FOR THE FUTURE SUCCESS (AND MAYBE SURVIVAL) OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND OUR DEMOCRAC

Feasibility and Promise of a Remote-Delivered Preconception Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Reduce Risk for Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy

Background: Alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) is a leading cause of birth defects. Effective face-to-face preconception interventions based on motivational interviewing (MI) exist and should be translated into remote formats for maximum public health impact. This study investigated the feasibility and promise of a one-session, remote-delivered, preconception, MI-based AEP intervention (EARLY Remote) for non-treatment-seeking community women. Subjects and Methods: This was a single-arm, prospective pilot intervention study. All participants received the intervention via telephone and mail. Feasibility of remote-delivery methods, treatment engagement, treatment credibility, MI treatment integrity, and therapeutic alliance were examined. Outcomes were 3- and 6-month drinks per drinking day (DDD), rate of unreliable contraception, and proportion of women at risk for AEP due to continued risk drinking and no or unreliable contraception use. Results: Feasibility of remote delivery was established; participants were engaged by the intervention and rated it as credible. Integrity to MI and therapeutic alliance were good. Both DDD and rate of unreliable contraception decreased significantly over time. Proportions of women who drank at risk levels, used unreliable or no contraception, and/or were at risk for AEP in the past 90 days decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months. Conclusions: Remote delivery was feasible, and the translated remote intervention may reduce AEP risk. Refinement of EARLY Remote may facilitate its placement within a spectrum of effective MI-based preconception AEP interventions as part of a stepped-care approach. EARLY Remote may have an important role within a stepped-care model for dissemination to geographically disperse women at risk for AEP. This could result in substantial public health impact through reduction of AEP on a larger scale

MAD Travel, Philippines

Poster created by students in the 2019 IWU Freeman Asia Internship Program