The effects of differential college environments on academic learning and student perceptions of cognitive development

It was the purpose of this study to assess the effects of differential college environments on academic learning and cognitive development by testing Pascarella's theoretical general causal model with longitudinal data from a national database on college students. Secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the 1986 Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) freshman survey and from the 1990 follow-up CIRP survey was conducted to formulate the five clusters of independent variables and two dependent variables as postulated by Pascarella. The final sample was composed of 2,165 students at four-year institutions. The data were analyzed using path analysis. Direct, indirect, and total effects of all variables are reported. Results of the path analyses partially supported Pascarella's theoretical causal model. Findings suggested that student precollege traits, the quality of student effort in academic pursuits during college, and interactions with faculty and peers are more salient influences on learning and student perceptions of cognitive development than institutional characteristics and institutional environment. Based on the findings of the present study, a refined causal model for college student academic and cognitive outcomes is proposed. Recommendations and implications for further study are given.     

Childhood sexual abuse precipitating maternal hospitalization

CHILD ABUSE often occurs in families with multiple and frequent stresses [1]. Disclosure of the abuse and the resulting therapeutic interventions may increase the stresses on family members and the family structure [2, 3], Some parents express greater concern about the disruption of their own lives caused by sexual abuse than they express for the victimized child [4, 5,]. Under such circumstances, the child may be deprived of the support needed to cope with the traumatic experience.This paper provides three case reports of unusual examples of family disruption following childhood sexual abuse. In each case the mother's hospitalization was precipitated by the disclosure and investigation of the child's sexual assault complaint.     

Developing the capacity of teacher‐librarians to meet the diverse needs of all schoolchildren: Project ENABLE

US school libraries are required to ensure that schoolchildren and school staff with disabilities have equal opportunity to use and benefit from library facilities and information services under federal law. However, evidence indicates teacher‐librarians (TLs) often lack the training, knowledge and skills to provide programmes and services that meet the needs of students with disabilities. Project ENABLE (Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access by Librarians Everywhere) was created to respond to this shortfall by designing, implementing and evaluating a professional development programme in New York State. The project applies a social model of disability to help 100 TLs, special educators and general educators further develop their skills and resources by teaming together to create an inclusive environment for all students. This is achieved through the use of universal design principles, appropriate assistive and other technologies, an emphasis on person‐first language and sensitivity simulations, a focus on inclusive lesson planning, and by developing collaboration capacity among participant teams. Curriculum development, data collection and analyses are presented. The effect of the Project ENABLE trainings was significant in terms of higher levels of skill and knowledge reported by participants for creating accessible library programmes, advancing inclusive education and building effective collaborations. Drawing from their workshop learning and resources, participant teams developed action plans to implement during the 2011–2012 school year. This project underscores the importance of TLs in the education of all students, including those with disabilities. Higher education and local professional development programmes must place greater emphasis on preparing TLs to perform this role effectively and confidently.     

Garage Sales

西方的旧货市场,又称跳蚤市场,在那里一逛二逛,往往就能发现便宜又实用的物件。没准还能找到稀世珍宝呢。一个炎炎的夏日周末,Brad和妻子去旧货市场上逛了一圈,还真买到了个宝贝：一盏新灯具。这灯具买得是物美又价廉。但买回去后却导致了其他几笔不小的支出。这是为何？但听Brad细细道来。     

It＇s the Animal in Me

I have been told that in China, having a pet, particularly a dog, is often considered to be a status symbol because it shows the family can afford to have an animal. It is very different here.     

Falling in Love with an E-pal

网络让陌生的人相识。就算天各一方,也因为网络的神奇而变得没有距离感。心动在不经意中产生,等发现已经措手不及。身为学生的Nan深知学习是第一要务,可她还是喜欢上了一个网友而不可自拔。她该如何应对？     

猜一猜

You Call It-Heads or Tails？
When,fllippling a coin ,what is the probability of getting two talls and two heads in succession？     

New Year＇s Traditions

庆贺新年伊始是世界各国各地区的普遍习俗。由于历史、文化、宗教信仰和民族习惯的不同。世界各地庆祝新年的方式各具特色。且看加拿大人如何庆新年。