To be more fully human: Freire and Confucius

This paper compares the educational thought of Paulo Freire and Confucius on what it means to be more fully human. Both Freire and Confucius object to the dehumanisation of human beings through the banking concept of education and other oppressive practices. They argue for the ontological vocation of becoming more fully human through humanisation and humanity (ren) respectively. In terms of differences, Freire’s notion of humanisation seeks to transform human beings from objects to subjects who know and act. Confucius’ concept of humanity, while also stressing autonomy and agency, places moral self-cultivation at its centre. While Freire advocates critical consciousness and social transformation, Confucius propagates dao- or Way-consciousness and self-transformation. The essay concludes by exploring a synthesised conception of humanisation where human beings are subjects who are motivated and guided by humanity (ren).     

Green Fluorescent Protein Recombinant Nisin as a Probe for Detection of Gram-Positive Bacteria

A great amount of foodborne pathogens were Gram-positive(G+) bacteria, a threat to public health. In this study, considering the binding ability of nisin towards G+ bacteria and the stable fluorescent ability of EGFP protein, a fluorescent nisin–EGFP protein probe was constructed by a gene engineering method. Nisin and EGFP were used as the receptor and fluorophore, respectively, to detect G+ bacteria. The nisin and egfp gene were amplified separately according to the sequence published in Gen Bank using unique primers. The two genes were cloned into a pET-28b(+) vector resulting in apET-28b(+)–nisin–egfp vector. The vector was transferred into Escherichia coli(E. coli) BL21(DE3) for expression. The expressed protein was extracted, purified by a Ni–NTA column, and then tested by the SDS-PAGE method to confirm its molecular weight. Listeria monocytogenes(L.monocytogenes), Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus), and Micrococcus luteus(M. luteus) were used as the representations of G+ bacteria. E. coli O157, representing the gram-negative(G-) bacteria, was used as a negative control. The binding specificity of the recombinant protein was performed on two types of bacteria and then detected through fluorescent microscopy. The results indicated that the nisin–EGFP probe could detect G+ bacteria at 10~8CFU/mL.     

新课程改革下的高中政治教学方法

伴随着新课程改革的推进,必将进一步推动教学方法的改革。因此高中政治教师必须转变思想,更新教育观念,掌握和运用多种教学方法和技巧,充分调动学生的学习积极性,进而提高学生的综合能力和素质。本文将结合教学实例,从导入新课的方法、培养学生合作探索学习方式的课堂教学方法、课堂结尾的方法等三方面初步探讨在新课程改革下的高中政治教学方法。     

Unravelling the gender bind,uncovering the heterogeneity of domination

ABSTRACT

Gender norms and learned practices of student teachers can influence their performance in practice, either fixing or challenging, gendered social norms and expectations. This paper shares the findings of a multi-year mixed-methods research project that explored the understandings of gender norms and experiences of students and staff within a large teacher-training college in Tanzania. Data was collected to inform a wider gender mainstreaming initiative across the institution. Using a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, the findings identified a strict and rigid gender binary which seemed to inform attitudes and practices of teaching and learning. Furthermore, it uncovered heterogeneous forms of gendered domination that were experienced by staff and pupils within the institution. The findings suggest that stand-alone ‘female only’ gender mainstreaming strategies may not be sufficient to achieve a gender equitable environment within the institution. Rather, it suggests that a whole-of-community approach is necessary to unravel deep-rooted biases and to tackle diverse forms of domination that affect different members of the college community in different ways. Such findings are particularly important in light of the epistemic power that is conferred on teacher-graduates and that is transferred through teaching practices to communities across Tanzania.     

水稻新质源两用核雄性不育系CIS_(28-10)的研究——关于穗部性状及开花习性的研究

试验以水稻新质源两用核雄性不育系CIS_(28-10)的糯性和粘性株系及R_5为材料,通过在自然条件下的观察鉴定,对其穗部性状及开花习性进行了研究。研究结果表明,CIS_(28-10)的穗部性状的组合比较合理,开花习性良好,花时比较集中,单个颖花的开颖持续时间比较长,柱头外露率比较高。这些性状有利于CIS_(28-10)在生产上得到广泛应用。     

Historical and Sociological Perspectives of the Contemporary Kindergarten in the USA

Kindergarten education in the US has a rich heritage. The roots date back to the influence of Froebel with an emphasis on play and to Susan Blow and her concern for the whole child. Comenius regarded early childhood and kindergarten as an inseparable part of education and society as a whole rather than a separate entity. His belief parallels the contemporary approach to kindergarten, as it is increasingly being viewed on a continuum in the educational process.

Significant societal and educational changes in the US during the last two decades have influenced kindergarten education for five‐year‐olds. The American family structure has been effected by the increased divorce rate, the economy, and the increase in two‐employed parents.

Education changes include a shift to an emphasis on standardised testing at all levels, accountability, and the incorporation of four‐year‐olds in public schools. The result has been a ‘spiraling down’ of academic expectations.

In addition, schools are responding to the needs of demographic shifts in the nature of the population. Increasing numbers of children have multicultural backgrounds and English in their second language.

These societal and educational changes have precipitated the movement to the all day kindergarten. As more and more schools offer an all day experience to kindergarten children, numerous issues surface that challenge the original purpose of kindergarten. Entrance age, screening practices, retention, commercial books and materials are all influencing the nature of the all day kindergarten.

The current focus in the US on developmental appropriate practice places the emphasis on child‐centred programs that utilise hands‐ on learning and attention to the development of the whole child. A strong parent education and involvement component, a rich environment, and a qualified teacher are components of a quality kindergarten program. These issues and trends will be discussed within the context of the historical perspective of kindergarten education. The results of a current and thorough literature review will be shared with participants.     

Goal‐Directed Correlates and Neurobiological Underpinnings of Adolescent Identity: A Multimethod Multisample Longitudinal Approach

This multimethod multisample longitudinal study examined how neurological substrates associated with goal directedness and information seeking are related to adolescents’ identity. Self‐reported data on goal‐directedness were collected across three biannual waves in Study 1. Identity was measured one wave later. Study 1 design and measurements were repeated in Study 2 and extended with structural brain data (nucleus accumbens [NAcc] and prefrontal cortex gray matter volume [PFC]), collected across three biannual waves. Study 1 included 497 adolescents (M_{age T1} = 13.03 years) and Study 2 included 131 adolescents (M_{age T1} = 14.69 years). Using latent growth curve models, goal directedness, NAcc, and PFC volume predicted a stronger identity one wave later. These findings provide crucial new insights in the underlying neurobiological architecture of identity.     

The preparation experiences of elementary mathematics specialists: examining influences on beliefs,content knowledge,and teaching practices

Many in the field of mathematics education call for elementary schools to have elementary mathematics specialists (EMSs) who provide needed mathematical expertise and support for children and teachers. EMSs serve as a reasonable, immediate alternative to the challenges generated by elementary teachers needing improved mathematical knowledge for teaching in the classroom. However, limited inquiry has explored how to best prepare EMSs and how program features and learning activities influence their development. This mixed-method study identifies some of the interrelated benefits from a K-5 Mathematics Endorsement Program designed to prepare EMSs through examining changes in mathematical beliefs, specialized content knowledge (SCK), and classroom teaching practices during the program. Data (n = 32) were collected over the 2-semester program via belief surveys, a content knowledge assessment, observations of teaching practices, and individual interviews from elementary teachers participating in the program. The findings show some changes in beliefs can be made relatively quickly, other shifts in beliefs take more time and continued support, and changes in SCK and adoption of various aspects of standard-based pedagogy require considerably greater opportunities to learn. The described program features and learning experiences provided a context for these changes and offer considerations for EMS preparation programs.     

轻稀土青霉素对油菜花粉管生长的影响

通过轻稀土、青霉素对油菜花粉萌发及花粉管生长的影响的研究,发现轻稀土、青霉素与硼酸一样,对油菜花粉管的生长有明显的促进作用。