http://hdl.handle.net/1974/6132 2013-05-23T21:32:23Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/8035 Title: Promoting transformative learning within adolescent students through the use of environment-based education. Authors: Williams, Andy Abstract: The purpose of this project is to examine how environmental education (EE) can be improved through the application of transformative learning theory and environment-based education (EBE) techniques within conventional classroom curriculua. This paper will explore reasons why EE needs to be expanded within Ontario’s secondary school system, how transformative learning can be promoted within adolescent students, and how EBE techniques can be applied to create more impactful, meaningful experiences for learners. This inquiry includes a series of curriculum planning recommendations which can be used to create more effective EE for students enrolled in conventional classroom-based learning. 2013-05-23T04:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7980 Title: Workshops for Transition to First-Year Commerce Program Authors: Daniel, Amanda Abstract: The aim of this workshop series was to create a First-Year Transition Program designed to attain help Commerce students achieve first-year success. The workshops were designed based on current student success literature surrounding academic, social, and motivational issues, and the needs of the students in the Commerce program at Queen’s University. The series includes four workshops: 1. Academic success boot camp, 2. Do I have time for a life?, 3. OMG my grades have dropped? Now what?, and 4. Reboot. Each workshop is designed to be offered at a different time during the first year of the program. The topics were chosen to advise students of important information that pertains to them at the particular point in time at which the workshop is being offered. The goal is that the students will attend to and process the information in the workshops because it applies to them at that moment and will help ease their transition. 2013-04-29T04:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7978 Title: Risk of Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project to Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) Authors: Power, Helen Abstract: Eulachon, (Thaleichthys pacificus), is an anadromous species that spawns in the Kitimat River, British Columbia. The proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline travels alongside this waterway and will put this species at risk. Eulachon are a unique species, and are important to freshwater and riparian ecosystems. Spawning runs occur at the end of winter, and they provide marine-derived nutrients that are essential to the functioning of these ecosystems. Species such as bears, gulls, eagles, and piscivorous fish all rely on eulachon for sustenance. The status of the central BC population of eulachon is “critically endangered”, with Kitimat River populations being “virtually extirpated” with fewer than 1000 members per run. Since 1992, eulachon runs of the Kitimat River have dropped substantially, and an oil spill at the most inopportune time could potentially eliminate this population. Haisla First Nations rely on eulachon runs for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. The elimination of these populations would have devastating effects on their way of life. The pipeline project puts eulachon at risk during all life stages; eulachon may be exposed as embryos incubating in the Kitimat River, as juveniles in the Kitimat Arm of the Douglas Channel, or as spawning adults running up the Douglas Channel. Should there be a tanker spill in the ocean, adult eulachon may also be exposed. There has been no research into the toxicological effects of crude oil or bitumen on eulachon during any life stage. Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are three species that are most similar to eulachon. Toxicity of crude oil to pink salmon and Pacific herring embryos is observed at concentrations as low as 18 µg/L and 0.4 µg/L respectively. Liver lesions are observed in pink salmon juveniles exposed to ≥ 25 µg/L crude oil. Adult Pacific herring exposed to crude oil exhibit immunosuppression. Eulachon may have similar effects upon exposure to diluted bitumen. 2013-04-29T04:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7918 Title: CREATING SUCCESS IN ACADEMIC WRITING: FROM SECONDARY TO HIGHER EDUCATION Authors: Wong Sowat, Nang Saluna Abstract: The academic transition from one’s native language to English medium instruction is a challenging experience for second language learners (L2). This is especially true for students who are learning a new subject at the same time. Research has shown that although L2 students have undergone at least eleven years of learning English as a communicative language, this does not guarantee success in their tertiary education. Some common challenges include understanding textbooks written in English, being aware of the academic writing process, lack of confidence in their writing and unfamiliarity with the nature of academic writing and disciplinary genres, such as citing references and writing expectations. Students in Malaysia do not learn academic English explicitly in secondary schools. Yet, students who envisage pursuing their tertiary education abroad must be equipped with English academic skills. Certainly, these skills must be taught directly, extensively, and explicitly, prior to their tertiary education abroad. As such, this project focuses on the English academic gap. There are four chapters. After the introduction which traces the evolution of English language instruction in Malaysia is a chapter that reviews studies on genres of academic writing, understanding language challenges in English medium instruction and analytical writing through building critical thinking. The third chapter via a workshop is designed to achieve three learning goals: (1) to enhance academic writing skills and (2) to develop analytical writing through critical thinking skills and (3) building of positive mindsets. This project concludes with the sharing of my academic writing experience while studying in a university setting and suggestions for the benefit of non-native speakers of English. 2013-04-25T04:00:00Z