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1
Lemphers, Nathan C. "Alberta bound : the interface between Alberta's environmental policies and the environmental management of three Albertan oil sands companies." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/50118.
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Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2009.Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-198).
The Athabasca Oil Sands, located in northeastern Alberta, Canada, were for many years anomalous. Two oil sands operators developed their extraction techniques for 30 years, refining their technology before production became economically profitable. In the last 15 years as oil prices climbed, a tremendous amount of growth has occurred in the oil sands. Dozens of new projects are under construction or awaiting approval, creating one of the largest and most capital intensive mining operations in the world. Curiously there is a significant difference in environmental performance among three companies involved in open pit mining of the oil sands, Syncrude, Suncor Energy and Shell Canada's Muskeg River Mine. Suncor Energy is known for their reputation in stakeholder collaboration and reporting initiatives but has one of the most problematic environmental legacies. Meanwhile, Syncrude is seen as a relative leader in land reclamation but has taken the least action with regard to climate change. Shell Canada's Muskeg River Mine, draws from the resources of their parent company, Royal Dutch Shell, to proactively frame climate change management but has no public indicators of their land reclamation progress. What is the cause of this variation in environmental performance? Is it a result of difference corporate environmental governance strategies or of government policies? I suggest the variation of environmental performance is an organic response to the innate discretionary nature of environmental policymaking in Alberta, the lack of government leadership and the degree of initiative demonstrated by each company.
(cont.) From my research it is clear that the inconsistent and at times vague government policy and regulations, opaque government agencies, poor monitoring and enforcement, inadequate incentives and penalties does not effectively encourage stronger environmental performance among oil sands developers. At the same time, internal corporate strategy, often in response to the recent pressure from environmental groups, First Nations communities and international media compels some companies to innovate and others to simply follow the regulations. Maintaining their social license, reducing costs, and anticipating future regulations have all been cited as motivation for innovation. Those advocating the status quo cite the exemplary regulatory framework already in place and the adequacy of existing stakeholder engagement processes; whereas corporate environmental leaders are frustrated by the uncertainty around environmental policies created by the provincial government. Ultimately the responsibility for the environmental management of the oil sands lies with the province. Companies can strive to innovate and compete with other developers, but they are not accountable for the management of cumulative effects in the region. If Alberta is going to improve the environmental performance of oil sands developers then a more transparent, credible and strategic environmental planning process must be created.
(cont.) I conclude with three areas of policy improvements the Province can make to not only improve the environmental performance of the oil sands but also regain public trust in their role as manager of Alberta's natural resources: transparency, monitoring and enforcement, and responsible leadership.
by Nathan C. Lemphers.
M.C.P.
2
Pereyra, Omar. "Andreotti, Alberta." Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2016. http://repositorio.pucp.edu.pe/index/handle/123456789/115302.
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Schindeler, Marda. "Alberta performing arts policy." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/tape15/PQDD_0006/MQ38440.pdf.
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Pysyk, David Paul. "Restructuring Alberta school systems." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape3/PQDD_0011/NQ60013.pdf.
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Schindeler, Marda, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Alberta performing arts policy." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 1998, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/77.
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Alberta's first arts legislation, the Cultural Development Act, was passed in 1946. It was followed by numerous policy initiatives to support the arts, including creation of facilities for training of artists, development of agencies and agreements to deal with arts funding, enactment of regulations to guide arts institutions, and creation of various Departmental structures depending on organizational location of this policy sector. The thesis examines the historical evolution of performing arts policy in Alberta from 1905 to 1997 to identify government activities, shifts in policy-making, and methods of implementation. The study utilizes Paul Sabatier's advocacy coalition approach, which treats public policy as determined by the dynamics of the advocacy coalition within a policy sector and the manner in which external factors and system parameters steer policy development. This study concludes that Alberta performing arts policy has largely developed within the context of meta public policies emphasizing economic development and provincial statebuilding.iii, 97 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
6
Kjelleros, Fredrik. "Tjärsandsindustrins miljöpåverkan : Alberta, Kanada." Thesis, Mälardalens högskola, Akademin för ekonomi, samhälle och teknik, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-28534.
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In Alberta, Canada, amongst its mixture of sand, clay, water and other minerals, the tar sand’s heavy and viscous component bitumen, a thick, sticky form of crude oil is extracted through two methods; open-pit mining for shallower deposits (<75 m), and in situ for deeper deposits (>75 m). This degree project consists of a comparison between these two extraction methods impact on air, nature and water, which all have been evaluated by reviewing and analyzing literature. Studies showed that in situ methods cause a higher impact on air than open-pit mining, through higher emissions of greenhouse gases and sulfur dioxide (SO2), and will surpass the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by the open-pit mines when the shallower, more accessible tar sands dwindle. Open-pit mining causes a higher impact on water due to its large tailing ponds that causes leakage of processing water and fine tailings, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH: s) and these 13 following elements considered priority pollutants (PPE) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), thallium (Tl) and zinc (Zn). However studies remain unclear whether or not in situ methods are worse due to underground tailing ponds. Finally, when it comes to nature, open-pit mining causes a more direct environmental impact through deforestation, drainage of peat and wetland, and blasting of rock. In situ methods however, seem to cause more of a long term environmental impact through fragmentation. Dividing the landscape into smaller units through roads, wells, pipelines and seismic lines, leads to domestic biodiversity and homogenization of flora and fauna as unfavorable conditions is created for the nature’s wildlife. In conclusion, in situ methods causes a bigger impact on air than open-pit mining, while open-pit mining causes a bigger impact on water. Due to lack of time and resources, more research about the direct impact on nature is needed to fully evaluate which of the two extraction methods causes the least environmental impact.
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Smith, Stephan Bryan. "The mesoscale effect of topography on the genesis of Alberta hailstorms /." Thesis, McGill University, 1986. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=66064.
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Fitzgerald, Darcy A. "Rural groundwater quality in Alberta." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ40048.pdf.
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Groft, Donald G., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "DNA fingerprinting of Alberta bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 1997, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/80.
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Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations from Alberta river drainage systems were compared using molecular techniques. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP's) within the NDI and ND5/6 regions of the mitochondrial genome were observed. In addition, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA profiles (RAPD's) from total genomic DNA extracts were compared. Interdrainage comparisons using mtDNA revealed significant population heterogeneity among Alberta bull trout. Percent sequence divergence in mtDNA ranged from 0.14% to 0.92%. Most fish in each population were composed of a small number of common haplotypes, and the remaining fish displayed rare or locally unique haplotypes. RAPD profiles were used to calculate genetic distance values for Alberta, Canada and Montana, U.S.A. populations. Both Nei and Cavalli-Sforza distance values were used to generate neighbor-joining, FITCH and KITSCH distance trees. Two genetically distinct groups of bull trout were revealed by the RAPD analysis and the possiblity that post-glacial bull trout populations are derived from two separate refugia is suggested.xvii, 161 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Bailey, Gail. "Rural women's experiences of leaving domestic abuse." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3342.
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Domestic abuse embodies many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and spiritual abuse (Statistics Canada, 2011a). This study explored the experience of rural Alberta women who have left domestic abuse, as research on domestic abuse tends to be focused on urban settings. The "rural and small town" (du Plessis, Beshiri, Bollman, & Celmenson, 2001, p. 1) definition was utilized in this study: an area outside of census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and census agglomerations (CAs). CMAs have population of 100,000 or more with a core of 50,000, and CAs have a core population of 10,000 plus (du Plessis et al., 2001, p. 1). Participants included both rural women who have left abusive relationships as well as service providers who offer resources to rural women fleeing abuse. Three women told their stories of leaving domestic abuse and five service providers took part in interviews. Using a narrative approach, I gained insight into the women's experiences while offering participants the opportunity to have their stories heard. Through content analysis numerous themes emerged from the interviews. There were four themes that were found to be common to urban and rural women and six themes that were unique to or exacerbated by the rural context. The themes associated with the rural context included (a) Under a Microscope, (b) It Didn't End There, (c) Lack of Resources, (d) Squashing My Spirit, (e) From Numb to Empowered, and (f) Reaching Out. Narratives have also been included to represent each woman's story.xii, 201 leaves ; 29 cm
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Baarda, Lewis. "Geographical impacts of BSE in Alberta." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography, c2009, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3341.
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BSE was discovered in Canada in 2003. Research on the impacts of BSE indicates that cattle producers suffered significant economic losses, and that these may have reverberated into local communities, where industries connected to cattle production have sustained secondary impacts. Also, the desirability of different forms of agriculture may have shifted as a result of BSE. This study addresses the impacts of BSE in Alberta from a geographical perspective, examining the cattle industry, community economic structure, and regional agricultural economies. The spatial organization and structure of the cattle herd has changed as a result of BSE. Little evidence of a ripple effect was found in the geography of community economic structure. Spatial changes in regional agricultural economies may be tied to changes in the cattle industry resulting from BSE, but do not indicate significant agricultural restructuring. This study places limits on the spatial and economic impacts of BSE in Alberta.x, 171 leaves ; maps ; 29 cm
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Machel, Hans-G. (Hans-Gerhard). "Facies and diagenesis of the Upper Devonian Nisku formation in the subsurface of central Alberta." Thesis, McGill University, 1985. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=71974.
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The Nisku Formation in the Alberta subsurface consists of bank facies, reefal facies, and basinal/slope facies along the Outer Shelf. The bank facies was not previously recognized, and is here designated the Dismal Creek Member. Most buildups are coral-bearing mudmounds.The Nisku Formation was affected by more than twenty diagenetic processes, most notably by dolomitization and anhydritization. The buildups were partially lithified in shallow phreatic environments, and some were subaerially exposed. Dolomitization took place at depths of about 300 to 1000 m by fluids that were derived mainly from the underlying Ireton Formation. Most of the anhydrites formed during the last stages of and/or after dolomitization. After oil emplacement, thermochemical redox reactions between hydrocarbons and sulfates resulted in partial removal of anhydrite in the deepest buildups, and the formation of 'dead' oil, sour gas, replacive calcite, saddle dolomite, celestite, and native sulfur. Diagenetic changes after maximum burial were very minor.
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Afroz, Farzana, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences. "Vulnerabilities and strengths in parent-adolescent relationships in Bangladeshi immigrant families in Alberta." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3425.
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This study investigated the challenges and parent-adolescent relationship factors that
contribute to resilience and the successful adjustment of Bangladeshi families following
immigration to Canada. The systems framework of family resilience (Walsh, 2006) was
used to interpret how Bangladeshi immigrant adolescents and parents experienced and
navigated immigration challenges. Using a qualitative approach, four adolescent girls and
four parents of adolescents were interviewed to inquire into their experience of
challenges related to adolescent development, the immigrant experiences, and parentadolescent
relationships influencing their post-immigration adjustment. Immigrant
adolescents faced language and cultural barriers, bullying and discrimination in their
school environment while rituals, customs and values from their culture of origin
diminished. They felt pressured by their parent’s career expectations and felt they
suffered gender discrimination in the family. Parents faced economic and career
challenges and a difficult parenting experience. Optimism about the future, parental
encouragement, mutual empathy of each other’s struggles, sharing feelings, open and
clear communication, flexibility in parenting style and anchoring in cultural values and
religious beliefs helped parents and adolescents become more resilient in maintaining a
positive outlook with a positive view of their immigration. In some cases, the challenges
of immigration pulled the families closer together in mutual support. It is hoped that
findings from this study will assist in developing effective social programmes to ease
adolescents’ and parents’ transitions among immigrants and to promote resiliency in
immigrant families.ix, 133 leaves ; 29 cm
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Arthur, Jennifer N. "The relationship between legal gambling and crime in Alberta." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3242.
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The legal gambling industry in Alberta has rapidly expanded over the last three decades. One of the main justifications that the Alberta government uses for this expansion is that gambling provides increased revenue to governments and community groups which is then used to fund public programs. However, critics argue that the social costs of legal gambling offset these benefits. One particularly controversial social cost of gambling is the impact that gambling has on crime. The academic literature is split with as many studies showing an increase in crime due to gambling as those that show no impact. The current study investigated how increased legal gambling availability has affected crime in Alberta. Four different sources of data were examined: the self-reports of gambling-related crime among problem gamblers in population surveys, mentions of gambling-related crime in police incident reports, uniform crime statistics from Statistics Canada, and information supplied by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). The most unambiguous findings of this study are that gambling-related crime constitutes a very small percentage of all crime; crime that is gambling-related tends to be non-violent property crime; and increased legal gambling availability has significantly decreased rates of illegal gambling. In terms of the impact of legalized gambling on overall crime in Alberta, the evidence would suggest that legalized gambling likely has a minor or negligible impact.x, 123 leaves ; 29 cm
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Darroch, Amber, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Effective school leadership practices supporting the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI)." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2006, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/246.
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This study will reveal leadership practices that formal leaders and their followers identify as contributing to sustainable change in schools through the analysis of trends in quantitative data and synthesis of related qualitative data. Explored within the framework of the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI), this study is a timely contribution to the provincial context of public education. From provincial politics to grass roots strategies in schools, this research complements the current literature base with an informed Albertan perspective on effective leadership for continous school improvement. The interviews in this study demonstrate leadership practices that are prevalent in schools with improvement projects through Cycle 1 of AISI and into Cycle 2. These practices correlate, in varying degrees, with a model of transformational leadership. As Cycle 2 enters its third and final year, AISI has served as a catalyst for leadership strategies creating a culture of continuous improvement. Momentum is building as teachers become accustomed to using a data to show how student learning is improving. Alberta Initiative for School Improvement has undeniably impacted the responsibilities and experiences of teachers in schools and has moved educational leadership along the spectrum from traditional to transformational. considerable work has been done to engage staff in decision-making and setting priorities for improvement, resulting in the mobilization of school communities looking for ways to ensure high quality learning opportunities for all.ix, 78 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Thiel, Toby R., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Leadership and program evaluation practices influencing school improvement initiatives." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2006, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/292.
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This qualitative study employed various qualitative data collection procedures to report on leadership and program evaluation practices being utilized and explored witin the framework of the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI). The intent of this research was to highlight practices of teachers as leaders while determining the manner in which programs and initiatives are evaluated. Document review, a written questionnaire, and personl interviews were conducted to focus on the perspectives of school administrators and teachers involved in AISI projects. Patterns and themes were identified that illustrated the attitudes and opinions fo Alberta teachers and administrators with regard to the leadership strategies employed. These included ensuring the development of vision, mission, and improvement planning at the school level; emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork; and promoting valuable organizational learning through the development of professional learning communities (PLCs). The evidence strongly suggests that Alberta teachers and administrators advocate the continuance of AISI in the province. There is some indication that both teachers and administrators are excited, although somewhat overwhelmed, by the protocol put in place through AISI. The study reveals various strategies that administrators employ to affect the sustainability of school improvement projects.x, 182 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Bewer, Robert. "Recreational ecosystem service benefits from the Chestermere Lake Reservoir : value for day use non-resident visitors." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3314.
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Irrigation infrastructure provides many ecosystem service (ES) benefits that enhance the well-being of Albertans and is central to economic activity in southern Alberta. Management of irrigation infrastructure and water resources is becoming increasingly challenging as Alberta’s population and economy grows. Past water allocation decisions have not generally considered the need of ecosystems leading to declining ecosystem health, and changes to provision of ES benefits in Alberta. The goals of current Alberta government policy include changing how water and land is managed to ensure that ecosystem health and ES provision is maintained.
The research in this thesis concentrates on establishing the value of recreational ES benefits provided by the Chestermere Lake Reservoir, and obtaining information on the spatial aspects and visitor characteristics. A mixed method approach is used combining a qualitative discussion with a quantitative analysis using a geographic information system (GIS) and the travel cost method (TCM). The selection of the mixed method and combined GIS-TCM approach was based on past success in previous studies. The findings reveal a substantial value for recreational ES benefits provided by the Chestermere Lake Reservoir occurring within a limited area similar to other studies of recreational benefits from reservoirs. The findings of this research provide information for decisions makers, water infrastructure managers, and water transfer participants when assessing the impact of planned actions. Further research is recommended to build upon the findings of this study and further expand the available information on ES benefits to include all ES provided by southern Alberta.x, 125 leaves : col. ill. ; 29 cm
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Goslin, Kimberly Gordon, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Examining school culture in Southern Alberta." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1996, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/35.
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Two hypothese were considered within the confines of this study. In reference to the first, it has been demonstrated that the strength of perceived school cultures, when defined by meta-orientations, can be measured using culturally related constructs. While respecting the notion that cultures are living entities
in a culturally related constructs. While respecting the notion that cultures are living entities in a continual state of change, the researcher found the perceived extant school culture of Southern Alberta during the course of the study appeared to be mainly transormational in nature. From this study, a cultural meta-orientation matrix has been proposed. Should this description have validity for schools in Southrn Alberta, and accepting the results of this study that the perceived working reality of school cultures is transformational in nature, both macro and sub-cultures wishing to work successfully with and within the extant school cultures would also be required to be transformational in order to achieve greater success.
Regarding the second hypothesis, this study measured perceived levels of acceptance or resistance to change through the use of an individual change index. This index suggest teachers and principals in Southern Alberta were somewhat resistive to change initiatives at the time this inquiry took place. It is the conclusion of this researcher that such resistance may be attributed to a "clash of cultures"; specifically, the Alberta Education transmissional culture causing conflict within the transformational school cultures.x, 114 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Parker, Maureen, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "How principals' beliefs about classroom assessment influence their leadership practices : an exploration." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2006, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/542.
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This study is an exploration of current school leadership and classroom assessment practices in Alberta, Canada. Specifically explored are school principals’ beliefs about classroom assessment practices and how the beliefs influence leadership practices. Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with ten principals from ten different Alberta school jurisdictions. Findings include detailed descriptions and analysis of principals’ beliefs about classroom assessment practices, the origin of their beliefs, ways that assessment data are used, the roles of tradition and isolation in the change process, teacher supervision and evaluation practices, and professional development. Assessment for learning, assessment of learning, and, to a lesser degree, assessment as learning are in the educational spotlight. Professional relationships within schools are being altered through shared and distributed leadership practices and capacity-building. Professional learning communities, AISI (Alberta Initiative for School Improvement) projects, Alberta’s Commission on Learning, and the Alberta Assessment Consortium are contributing in powerful ways to the change process and to teaching and learning practices in Alberta schools. At the same time, gaps between theory and practice, resistance to change, and inconsistent learning conditions for students, teachers, and school leaders are potentially reducing sustainability. The study calls for supportive, coherent professional learning—for teachers and school leaders—that fosters deeper understandings of classroom assessment as well as for student learning to be aligned with current research-based understandings of student motivation and assessment. Findings are linked to educational research on both assessment and leadership. The study concludes by identifying potential future research and outlining professional and political suggestions for increased organizational coherence and sustainable change.x, 133 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Zimmer, Chelcie. "The experience and psychological impact of school violence on rural Alberta teachers." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3284.
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Research is unclear as to whether the level of violence in schools is increasing or
decreasing. Regardless, it is higher than anyone would prefer. Therefore, it is essential
that information on the nature and effects of violence in our schools, as well as methods
for coping with and preventing such violence be gathered. It is also essential that the
impact on different populations be explored. This study presents quantitative and
qualitative research on the experience and psychological impact of school violence on
rural Alberta teachers specifically. Sixty-eight teachers from a rural Alberta school
division were surveyed to determine what forms of school violence they had experienced,
the impact it has had on them, and their suggestions for preventing and coping with
school violence in the future. Data collected determined that the rates of school violence
against teachers remain high. The most commonly experienced form of school violence
was verbal insults, with the prevalence of all incidents decreasing as the severity
increased. Students and parents were the most likely perpetrators of school violence
against teachers. Data gathered revealed significant emotional, physical, and career
impact symptoms as a result of school violence. Survey participants strongly endorsed
numerous techniques for coping with and preventing school violence, the most common
being polices for dealing with school violence. Violence against teachers within rural
Alberta schools was determined to be a serious social and psychological issue that cannot
be overlooked.xvi, 214 leaves ; 29 cm
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Fouillard, Chantel Clarice. "Song sharing in the northern house wren (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii)." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3399.
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This work provides an initial characterization of song sharing among males in the Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii). A sample of 21 different males was studied at two different locations across two breeding seasons in southern Alberta, Canada. In total, 35,067 songs were analyzed to assess patterns of song sharing among males within and between study sites and in returning males between years. Virtually all syllable types (n=27) were shared among males. However, they were used to create very large repertoires of mostly unique song types. Absolute levels of song sharing among males was low but song sharing was higher among neighbouring males and decreased with increasing distance between males and across study sites. These patterns are discussed as they relate to important issues in the process of song learning, in the functions of large song repertoires in mate attraction and territory defense, and in the potential formation of dialects in this species.xi, 102 leaves ; 29 cm
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Cavers, Lloyd. "Teacher efficacy : its relationship to school level organizational conditions and teacher demographic characteristics." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29231.
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This empirical study explored the relationship between teacher efficacy and each of school level organizational conditions and teacher demographic characteristics in order to provide information which could be used in school improvement planning. Teacher efficacy, the extent to which teachers believe they have the capacity to affect student performance, has two components as defined in this study: teaching efficacy, and personal teaching efficacy. Teaching efficacy, considered to be a general measure of teacher efficacy, describes the teacher's belief in the ability of teachers, as a group, to influence learning. Personal teaching efficacy, considered to be the more specific and important measure of the two, describes the belief that the individual teacher has the skills and abilities to bring about student learning. The teacher's sense of personal teaching efficacy is believed to have the most potential for affecting the teacher's motivation and future behaviour.
A teacher's sense of efficacy is believed to be affected by several variables including school level organizational conditions and teacher demographic characteristics. Nine school level organizational conditions and five teacher demographic characteristics were selected for study from the literature because they had been positively related to good schools. A volunteer sample of 339 school-based teachers in one Alberta school district were surveyed and the principal of each of 15 schools was interviewed.
Quantitative analyses were used with the teacher as the unit of analysis; these findings were verified and amplified using a qualitative analysis with the school as the unit of analysis. The main conclusions were: (1) teacher sex and teaching grade level were significantly related to teacher efficacy, while teacher age and experience were not; and (2) teachers' perceptions of student behaviour and horizontal communication were significantly related to teacher efficacy.
The study suggests seven implications for school administrators and others interested in enhancing teachers' sense of efficacy. These include: (1) providing opportunities for teachers to discuss instruction-related topics; and (2) implementing a school discipline policy aimed at improving student behaviour. Ten implications for further research include the consideration of a secondary school focus and also the use of research methods with the potential to establish a causal relationship between teacher efficacy and school level organizational conditions.Education, Faculty of
Educational Studies (EDST), Department of
Graduate
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Qing, Hairuo. "Diagenesis and sedimentology of rainbow F and E buildups (Middle Devonian), northwestern Alberta." Thesis, McGill University, 1986. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=65414.
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Stingel, Janine. "In the presence of mine enemies : anti-semitism in the Alberta Social Credit Party." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=26126.
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This thesis examines anti-Semitism in the Alberta Social Credit Party under the Aberhart and Manning regimes. It is based on various archival sources from the Glenbow Archives-Institute in Calgary, Alberta, the Premiers' Papers at the Provincial Archives of Alberta in Edmonton, contemporary press reports, and the Social Credit Party's national organ, the Canadian Social Crediter. It argues that anti-Semitism in the Alberta Social Credit Party was not the purview of a marginal, extreme wing of the Party, but that it was an integral element of Social Credit ideology. This ideology was espoused by most Social Crediters, including premiers Aberhart and Manning. When Ernest Manning purged the Movement of its anti-Semites in 1947-1948, he was attempting, unsuccessfully, to eradicate the very essence of Social Credit ideology. The consequence of thirty-six years of Social Credit rule is the persistence of an Albertan political culture which breeds provincialism and intolerance.
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Chesman, David D. "Whither Leviathan : Canadian federalism and Alberta." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/60257.
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Secession is federal failure and a phenomenon of identity politics. This thesis applies a theory of federal failure, as distilled from existing scholarship, to the relationship between Canadian federalism and Alberta. The theory posits that the successful conduct of federalism is constrained to avoid the initial phase of secession, “secessionist alienation”, defined as a constituency that can be mobilized in favour of secession within a specific federal territory. Secessionist alienation is composed of two (2) essential, interdependent elements: “secessionist capacity” and “secessionist will”. Secessionist capacity requires a separable territory within which its constituents share a territorial identity. Secessionist will is an intense fear of the federal union triggered by the emergence of the Federal Leviathan, central government oppression in the form of the appropriation of, or interference with, a federal territory’s authority in breach of the federal bargain that presents as an existential crisis for the territory’s identity. The application of the theory to the relationship between Canadian federalism and Alberta reveals that Alberta possesses secessionist capacity as a consequence of Canadian federalism and that the factors that facilitate the emergence of the Federal Leviathan are routinely present in the relationship between Alberta and Canadian federalism. Accordingly, if the successful conduct of Canadian federalism is constrained to avoid secessionist alienation in Alberta, the central government must respect Alberta’s territorial identity, economic subnationalism, that presents as its intense commitment to Alberta’s ownership and control of its oil and gas resources.Arts, Faculty of
Graduate
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Milne, Isabel. "A history of translation in Alberta." Thesis, University of Ottawa (Canada), 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/7499.
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Interwoven with the history of the political, economic and sociocultural development of Alberta is another history: that of communication between peoples of different languages and cultures. Translators and interpreters are the media through which such communication has taken place, and it is hard to imagine how the prairies, including Alberta, could have been settled and developed without these language specialists. It was not until the late 1970s, however, that the first steps were taken to organize translation and interpretation activities at a professional level. A centralized translation office was established to serve the departments and agencies of the provincial government, and a professional association, the Alberta Translators and Interpreters Association, was formed and accepted as a member of the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council. Now, in the 1990s, as international exchanges multiply, and as Alberta enters a new phase of its political and economic history, particularly through its special relations with provinces in three Asian countries, it seems inevitable that an increasing number of people will come to realize the importance of professional translation and interpretation to the success of their endeavours. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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Decoux, Bruce Vernon. "Leadership in independent schools in Alberta." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/nq22975.pdf.
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Walker, Ralph David. "Preparation of Alberta postsecondary vocational instructors." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape3/PQDD_0002/MQ59766.pdf.
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Banack, Clark S. E. "Religion and political thought in Alberta." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/42165.
Full textAbstract:
Despite the vast academic attention paid to the political development of Alberta, the role of religion has been thoroughly under-analyzed. This project begins to rectify this gap by seeking to ascertain the manner by which the religious-based political thought of formative Alberta-based political leaders Henry Wise Wood, William Aberhart, Ernest Manning, and Preston Manning influenced the political development of Alberta. This is done by asking three broad questions. First, in what way were the personal conceptions of human nature, agency, justice, citizenship, democracy and the proper role of the state of these leaders shaped by religious belief and how, in turn, did this influence their political goals, strategies and discourse? Second, what pattern emerges with regard to religion and political thought and action when we consider these questions over nearly a century of Alberta’s history? And third, to what extent can we trace this phenomenon of faith-driven politics back to specific American religious movements?
This study was completed by way of an “interpretive” approach that sought to demonstrate the relationship between an aspect of the subject’s “framework of meaning” (their religious perspective) and their political thought and action. Drawing on substantial archival work and a small number of semi-structured interviews, this study argues that the political thought of each of these leaders was significantly influenced by their particular religious perspective and that Alberta’s political development as a whole subsequently owes much to the broad American-based evangelical Protestant tradition from which these leaders drew much of their Christianity. More specifically, this study argues that the contours of Alberta politics have been shaped considerably by a particular “premillennial” Christian interpretation introduced by the Social Credit in 1935 and reinforced by the thought of Preston Manning in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The influence of this perspective has helped to generate a strong freedom-infused anti-statist sentiment in the province that fueled both a more “populist” approach to its politics as well as a more fervent desire for a limited state and an unregulated market economy.
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Nicol, Lorraine, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Irrigation water markets in Southern Alberta." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/275.
Full textAbstract:
Irrigation is central to the functioning of the southern Alberta economy. Irrigation also uses a significant amount of what is expected to be an increasingly scarce resource: water. The Alberta government is embarking on a long-term water management strategy in which irrigation water management will be pivotal. The government is considering a range of economic instruments to assist in this management. One instrument already implemented is the ability of private irrigators and irrigators within irrigation districts to trade irrigation water rights on a temporary and permanent basis. This has established the foundation for water markets. The research presented in this thesis centers on establishing the characteristics of irrigation water markets in southern Alberta. The research also aims to determine whether the markets are behaving according to basic economic principles and whether they are supporting government's goals of increased water productivity, efficiency and conservation. The findings reveal that characteristics of irrigation water markets in southern Alberta. The research also aims to determine whether the markets are behaving according to basic economic principles and whether they are supporting government's goals of increased water productivity, efficiency and conservation. The findings reveal that characteristics of water markets in southern Alberta are very similar to markets elsewhere and the markets are behaving in a manner one would expect. However, markets are also creating activity that at one and the same time support and contradict government's water management goals. In addition, the small degree of market activity in general suggests that if government is relying on markets to contribute to these goals to any significant extent, it will need to create conditions that promote greater water market activity.x, 184 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm.
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Myhre, Teri Ann, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Medication safety practices : a patient's perspective." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences, 2007, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/626.
Full textAbstract:
Medication administration constitutes a key element of acute care delivery, while errors in the process threaten patient safety. The purpose of the study is to explore patients’ perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about the safety practices utilized by nurses when administering medications. Specifically, the study addresses patients’ perceptions of nurse behaviours regarding safe medicine administration, patient behaviours, patients’ perceptions and nurse behaviours regarding pain medicine, patients’ perceptions of nursing care, and patients’ perceptions of their participation/accountability in care. The results identify key safety issues from a patients’ perspective to focus change strategies that will improve patient care.x, 125 leaves ; 29 cm
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Berg, Aaron Andrew, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Urban impacts on a prairie groundwater system : estimation of anthropogenic contributions of water and potential effects on water table development." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 1997, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/65.
Full textAbstract:
In subhumid to arid climates throughout the world, recharge to groundwater in urban areas is often found to be higher than pre-urbanization rates, despite an increased percentage of impermeable surfaces. Groundwater recharge in the city of Lethbridge is substantially higher than recharge rates prior to urbanization, resulting in the formation of perched water table conditions. High perched water table conditions, typically at depths between one and 2.5 metres, have created problems for the City and University of Lethbridge, including the increased occurrence of slope failures along nearby coulees. This study estimates of the volume of excess water available for groundwater recharge through the practices of urban turfgrass irrigation, and water storage. Between May and September, 1990-1996 irrigation was applied far above evapotranspiration demands, resulting in large volumes of water available for groundwater recharge in the Varsity Village subdivision of the City of Lethbridge. The relationship between the amount of water applied and the development of perched water table systems was strong enough that equations between inputs and water table depth could be derived, and used to predict water table elevation.xiii, 190 leaves : ill., maps ; 28 cm.
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Babcock, Ruth C. A., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Participatory action research with the German speaking Mennonites." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1998, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/82.
Full textAbstract:
German-speaking Mennonite people from Mexico are moving into Southern Alberta. They are mainly employed as farm labourers. Their low level of income makes it difficult to provide for the needs of their large families.
Many also encounter difficulties because of their lack of English and literacy, unfamiliarity with Canadian ways and laws, and a lack of understanding and trust in the helping agencies and school system. By using the
Participatory Action Research approach and te principles of Community Development, representatives of community health services were able to enter into a unique partnership with the Mennonite people to work toward meeting their identified needs. A family-centred approach was used, with special attention being given to cultural and religious traditions and values. Programs that were developed addressed the needs of the Mennonite people including English as a Second Language, literacy, nutrition, health, safety, dental, socialization, education, and German literacy for the children. A key finding of the research study was that a participatory action research approach did allow the Mennonite people in this study to find more effective ways of making the transition from life in Mexico to life in southern Alberta. Participants did take steps towards their goal of a better quality of life. As well, agency people found new ways of working with the Mennonite people and with each other. Finally, this study shows that as Mennonite people adapt to life in Canada changes do occur in their ways of interacting with each other and with the broader community.vii, 167 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Lang, Cassandra C., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Identification and metabolic characterization of host-specific enterococci for use in source-tracking faecal contamination." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/265.
Full textAbstract:
Metabolic were used to evaluate Enterococcus as an indicator of faecal pollution. Enterococci were isolated using m-Enterococcus agar and speciated using conventional biochemical tests. Forty percent of the isolates were identified and metabolically characterized by the automated Biolog system. The biochemical test scheme recognized 16 enterococcal species, while Biolog recognized nine. Both methods identified E. faecalis at the greatest frequency. Overall species frequencies varied between the two methods. Biolog was unable to identify 31% of the isolates; 7% of the isolates were unidentified by the biochemical test scheme. Of the identified isolates, metabolic profiling with Biolog achieved speciation with 60 substrates. Unique profiles were obtained for 89% of the isolates. Isolates also demonstrated inter-trial differntial metabolism of substrates. This and the large number of unidentified isolates suggest great diversity among enterococci. Diversity and inter-trial metabolic inconsistencies will complicate use of enterococcal metabolic profiles as a source-tracking tool.xxiii, 264 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Pitman, Joanne, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Teacher perceptions of leadership practices and the development of professional learning communities : an exploration." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2008, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/731.
Full textAbstract:
This study is an exploration of leadership practices that develop and sustain a professional learning community (PLC). More specifically, it explores teacher perceptions of these leadership practices in the context of a school district in Alberta, Canada. The study employed qualitative research in the form of interviews of sixteen teachers from one school district. Findings include description of teacher perceptions of leadership practices as they relate to shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice. It is necessary to recognize the interrelated nature of structural supports along with cultural underpinnings to fully develop and sustain PLCs. Moreover, the findings highlight the influence of structures in supporting dimensions of collective learning and shared personal practice. The need for careful consideration of the power of school culture over the effective use of any structure is evident. Leaders’ continuous modelling and involvement are imperative to develop teacher capacity to embrace shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice. Furthermore, the building of trust and celebration of teacher and student learning moulds a schools’ culture to one that reflects success in the various PLC dimensions. The study concludes by suggesting possible areas for further research in addition to demarcating suggestions for continued reflection within the field of leadership as it relates to developing and sustaining PLCs.ix, 147 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Schulze, David A. "The politics of power : rural electrification in Alberta, 1920-1989." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=55642.
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Bateman, Nancy G., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Evaluating the Alberta riparian habitat management program." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2001, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/128.
Full textAbstract:
This study illustrates a utilization-focused program evaluation approach newly applied to resource management. The Alberta Riparian Habitat Management (Cows and Fish) Program provides awareness programming to cattle producers to facilitate community-based action on riparian issues. The rationale is to develop producers' ecological literacy by increasing riparian knowledge and use of sustainable grazing management strategies by sharing appropriate ecological and management information. Attitude change is presumed to underlie the new behaviour(s). Programming contributed to ecological literacy when it was community-based, producer-positive and partnership-oriented, and when opportunities existed for personal interaction among peers. Effectiveness declined when resources were insufficient and when programming seemed unrelated to local landscape or operational features. The attitude-behaviour relationship was weakly associated with ecological literacy; its complexity and relevance to ecological behaviours merits further investigation. Program evaluation is of utility in resource management. Its potential will be fully realized by ensuring that research designs appropriately parallel programming rationale and evaluation requirements.ix, 316 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
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Dorin, Casey Shane. "A client evaluation of the personal support and development network." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/28713.
Full textAbstract:
In recent years, there has been a trend in Canada towards a model of social assistance which is pro-active in getting people off social assistance and into the labour force. Despite the proliferation of supply-side focussed programs emphasizing training and employment-counselling, however, there has been little research and evaluation of workfare models in the Canadian context.
The purpose of this study is to explore the primary and secondary effects, as perceived by the clients, of a three month employment-counselling program (PSDN) that serves long-term unemployed social assistance recipients in Edmonton, Alberta. The qualitative study utilizes a basic time series (A-B) design for exploratory-descriptive purposes.
Four categories of participants in the PSDN program are identified: Reactive, Pro-active, Restricted and Reluctant. The findings suggest that policies and programs need to acknowledge the diversity and heterogeneity of problems being faced by the unemployed on social assistance. There are potential benefits in
developing programs for the unemployed on social assistance which are flexible, positive, motivating, and supportive. Clients require different levels of interventions and services depending on their needs.Arts, Faculty of
Social Work, School of
Graduate
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Stingel, Janine. "Social Credit and the Jews : anti-Semitism in the Alberta Social Credit movement and the response of the Canadian Jewish Congress, 1935-1949." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp02/NQ37027.pdf.
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Simpson, James E. M., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Community in schools : an exploratory study of meaning and purpose." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1997, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/84.
Full textAbstract:
A large body of research literature connects the concept of community with schools and other educational organizations. This study: 1. Drew from that educational literature: (a) a typology of the different senses in which the term community is conceptualized; (b) guiding principles for building community. 2. Interviewed thirteen educators from Calgary (Alberta, Canada) Public Board of Education to ascertain: (a) how these educators conceptualize the concept of community; (b) their views on how the concept of community could be operationalized in schools. 3. Analyzed how (1) and (2) do and do not complement each other. 4. Drew conclusions and made recommendations for future study, policy and action which will allow the idea of community in schools to become more attainable. The concept of community, as applied to schools, identifies two types of realtionships: territorial and relational. However, an optimal sense of community will not be experienced until people within territorial stuctures begin to interact with and relate to one another. Such an enlarged notion of community would speak to the caring and trust that exists between people; individuals' faith in process; and a sense of ownership in, commitment to, and shared responsibility for, what occurs between people within lateral structures. Another element would be the valuing of all people; valuing their place in the community, their growth as learners, and the qualities they bring and contributions they make to the community. Finally,larger connections would be made which extend beyond the smaller territorial structures, into the larger school community and beyond into larger communities outside the school. This study may also serve as an heuristic springboard for future research in at least five major areas: 1. How value systems are developed by educators and educational leaders. 2. How educators and eduactional leaders come to value shared leadership and shared responsibility in lateral structures. 3. The potential for one type of community serving as a foundation for others. 4. How currently vague and abstract concepts of community may be expressed in language that is clear, precise and practical. 5. Longitudinal studies of educators and educational leaders addressing the assumptions of what learning communities and communities of leaders are and should be.xi, 137 leaves ; 28 cm.
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Roy, Gairik. "Methodologies for mapping the spatial extent and fragmentation of grassland using optical remote sensing." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3316.
Full textAbstract:
Grassland is an important part of the ecosystem in the Canadian prairies and its loss and fragmentation affect biodiversity, as well as water and carbon fluxes at local and regional levels. Over the years, native grasslands have been lost to agricultural activities, urban development and oil and gas exploration. This research reports on new methodologies developed for mapping the spatial extent of native grasslands to an unprecedented level of detail and assessing how the grasslands are fragmented. The test site is in the Newell County region of Alberta (NCRA). 72 Landsat and 34 SPOT images from 1985 to 2008 were considered for the analysis. With an airport runway used as a pseudo-invariant feature (PIF), relative radiometric correction was applied to 17 Landsat and 8 SPOT images that included the same airport runway. All the images were classified using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification algorithm into grassland, crop, water and road infrastructure classes. The classification results showed an average of 98.2 % overall accuracy for Landsat images and SPOT images. Spatial extents and their temporal change were estimated for all the land cover classes after classifying the images. Fragmentation statistics were obtained using FRAGSTATS 3.3 software that calculated land cover pattern metrics (patch, class and landscape). Based on the available satellite image data, it is found that in Newell County there is almost no significant change found in the grassland and road infrastructure land cover in over two decades. Also, the fragmentation results suggest that fragmentation of grassland was not due to the result of road infrastructure.x, 105 leaves : ill., ; 29 cm
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Frank, Kristal L. "A sensemaking exploration of work-eldercare crisis and the co-construction of informal work-eldercare policies." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3388.
Full textAbstract:
This study will contribute to existing work–family research by bringing a rich emic
understanding of caregivers’ experience with work-eldercare crisis. I adopted Weick’s
theory of organizational sensemaking (1995) as method and methodology for this
research. I collected data via open-ended, semi-structured interviews with employees who
balance full-time employment with caregiving for an elderly person; then I subjected the
transcribed texts to a detailed thematic analysis. This analysis helped me identify three
main themes that reflect the processes participants use to ‘make sense’ of their
experiences. The results of this study suggest that caregivers enact the work environment
to attempt creating balance—and to enlist support and assistance—by strategically
engaging in interpersonal interactions with others at work about their eldercare activities.
They combine past experience with the knowledge obtained from these interactions to
develop heuristic scripts, and then use them to enable understanding and guide future
behaviour and actions.
This study demonstrates that sensemaking is a useful analytical framework through
which to examine employees’ experience of the work-family interface. The findings of
this research offer insight into the processes involved in the social construction of
informal organizational policies; the implications provide a foundation to develop better
models of organizational response towards employees’ work-eldercare needsxi, 171 leaves ; 29 cm
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LaFreniere, Katherine Carol, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management. "The decision making process for social issue behaviors : a stakeholder perspective / Katherine Carol Lafreniere." Thesis, Management, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2611.
Full textAbstract:
This study argues that Stakeholder Theory (Mitchell, Agle, & Wood, 1997) can be applied from the stakeholder‘s perspective in order to understand how stakeholders perceive their claims in an organization and consequently decide how to influence an organization. Using this audience-centric perspective, organizations can influence the stakeholder‘s claims and ultimately how the stakeholder will support the organization. These arguments are supported based on the case of farmers who voted in the 2007 water transfer agreement between the Municipality of Rocky View and the Western Irrigation District (WID). Personal interviews, employing Narrative Research, were conducted to document the participant‘s interpretations. The interview transcripts were analyzed in order to test and expand Stakeholder Theory as well as determine how marketers can use this perspective to successfully target different groups of stakeholders. This understanding contributes to potential management effectiveness because it explains how managers can deal with multiple stakeholder interests.vii, 82 leaves ; 29 cm
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Englot, Stusick Erib B., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "The evaluation of school-based community conferences." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2007, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/554.
Full textAbstract:
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based Community Conferencing program utilized in response to student acts of misconduct or violence. The satisfaction levels of the various participants involved, the effects on suspension and expulsion rates, the rates of recidivism, the types and follow through of restoration agreements made, and the offences that respond best to Community Conferences were examined.
Role-specific surveys were administered to the various participants in 12 Community Conferences with 105 surveys completed immediately following the Conference and 70 surveys completed via telephone four weeks after the completion of the Conference. Data were analyzed using descriptive, qualitative, and chi-square methods of analyses.
This study provides evidence for the success and satisfaction of incorporating this type of restorative programming into current philosophies and policies within school divisions as an alternative to zero tolerance policies. Participants in various roles reported satisfaction with several aspects of the Conference and its outcome, positive personal changes resulting from the Conference, and positive experiences overall regarding participation. Additionally, a potential decrease in the use of suspension and expulsion, provides further support for its use.
The findings of this study provide a baseline for satisfaction levels, types of restoration agreements made, and rates of recidivism regarding school-based Community Conferences. Results can aid in the process of decision-making for those considering the use of restorative programming in schools. Due to the high rates of overall satisfaction, the model used in this research by the Edmonton Public School Division, along with the suggestions made by the researcher, can provide a representation upon which others can base implementation of a similar program.xv, 306 leaves ; 29 cm. --
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MacKay, Lyndsay Jerusha, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences. "Exploring family-centered care among pediatric oncology nurses." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2009, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2483.
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Family-centered care (FCC) is important within the practice of pediatric oncology nurses. Such nurses face challenges and barriers when attempting to provide FCC. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of pediatric oncology nurses in relation to FCC; identify how pediatric oncology nurses implemented FCC into their practice; identify what facilitated and enabled pediatric oncology nurses to implement FCC; and discern the barriers and challenges that were present in their setting when implementing FCC. A qualitative approach utilizing person-centered interviewing was used to collect data. Nurses (N=20) from the Alberta Children‟s Hospital were recruited through purposeful convenience sampling and were then interviewed. Five major themes were identified from the data set: ACH support f FCC, How participants defined FCC, Establishing FCC, Enhancing FCC, and Barriers and Challenges to providing FCC. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice and education are offered.xii, 191 leaves ; 29 cm
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Gillis, Tammy Jo, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Violence, vandalism, and theft among Alberta youth : a reconceptualization of the general theory of crime." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2006, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/346.
Full textAbstract:
Despite the number of studies conducted regarding violence amongst youth, there
is still much to be learned. The present study was designed in an attempt to better
understand the nature of delinquent adolescent behaviour. The main objectives of this
study are as follows: to understand the pattern and distribution of delinquent behaviour,
including violence, vandalism, and theft among Lethbridge, Alberta's high school
population, to identify possible factors that may play a role in one's likelihood of
engaging in such behaviours, and finally, to contribute to Micheal Gottfredson and Travis
Hirschi's (G&H) 'General Theory of Crime' (1990) by reconceptuahzing the concept of
self-control. The present study includes 182 youth from two Lethbridge public high
schools. Of the 182 respondents, 84 are female, and 98 are male. The youth involved in
this study range from 15 to 19 years of age. Through the use of a questionnaire, a
number of key variables are addressed. These variables are: empathy, impulse control,
social bonds, and their relationship with violence, theft, and vandalism.
The results of this study show that empathy and impulse control are significant
predictors of violence and vandalism, while impulsive behaviour was found to be the
only statistically significant predictor of theft among the variables included in the
multiple regression analysis. Although social bonds were hypothesized to be a major
predictor of all three delinquent behaviours included in this study, the results did not
support such an assumption. It is suggested that perhaps the concept of social bonds was
inadequately measured for use in this study. Future research using a better measure of
social bonds, may find it to be a significant predictor of violence, vandalism, and theft.vii, 100 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Tymensen, Wilco, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "Please understand me : effective leadership practices and strategies that increase graduation rates." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2006, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/365.
Full textAbstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to examine how leadership strategies and
practices contribute to student retention and sustained improvement in student graduation
rates. The issue of students' success and graduation is important because educational
attainment is positively correlated with every single important life outcome, and high
school completion is widely regarded as the minimum education qualification needed to
be able to earn an adequate income in the labour market (Levin, 2006). The conceptual
framework of the study was built on Leithwood's transformational leadership model:
setting direction (visions, goals and higher expectations), developing people
(individualized support, intellectual stimulation and modeling), and redesigning the
organization (culture, structure, policy and community relationships). Nine principals,
were interviewed from four zone six Alberta school jurisdictions with significantly larger
than provincial average three and five-year completion data, to determine how these
formal leaders relate or support leadership strategies and Leithwood's Leadership
practices to positively effect retention and graduation.
Although many of the factors that impact on educational outcomes lie entirely
outside the scope and responsibility of the school system, school leaders can utilize
Leithwood's transformational leadership practices to increase the commitment of
teachers to boost graduation rates. Leaders can and should seek to engage the support of
teachers for this vision for the school and to enhance their capacities to contribute to
achieving this goal. In general, leaders need to recognize the multi-faceted nature of the
concept of at-risk and its affect on retention and graduation rates, and need to develop
broad, multi-faceted prevention strategies and practices.x, 160 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Hungerford, Lisa R., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Rural dimensions of place-community experience and well-being." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/524.
Full textAbstract:
Building upon the ideas of decoupling and convergence, this thesis explores the
structure of place-based community experience and levels of well-being for rural
residents in southern Alberta. The research objectives are to: 1) measure and identify the experiential character of rural communities within the Behavioral, Cognitive and Affective Domains of community social life, and to understand the structure and
complexity of this experience; 2) assess the aggregate differences in the intensity of these experiential structures by degree of rurality as represented by Metropolitan Influenced Zones (MIZs); and 3) model the extent to which these dimensions may account for differences in well-being. Sixteen unique dimensions of variation in rural community
experience are identified – partially supporting convergence – and almost no differences are found in the intensity of these dimensions by degree of rurality (MIZs). The findings show a subset of experiential dimensions to be significant predictors of well-being in rural people.x, 164 leaves ; 29 cm.
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Goble, Karin A. "Twenty-first century learning, technology, and the impact on student engagement." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3357.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between twenty-first century instructional methods and student learning experiences. To do so, a typical and representative group of eight students was selected for qualitative interviews which ascertained student perception of their engagement in a typical New Media class. The study determined the perceived impact of a "student-centered instructional approach to video creation" on levels of student engagement in order to understand the nature of engagement and how they moved towards higher levels of independent learning. Transcripts of these interviews were used to identify a thematic structure of student perceptions of their engagement in a classroom where a "student-centered instruction approach to video creation" was used. Lastly, using the teacher's professional reflections, notes, and anecdotal reports from the class, students' stories of engagement were created to illustrate each unique journey toward self-engaged independence from the teacher's perspective. The results of this data pointed to three meta-themes. Meta-theme 1: Positive Relationships and Affective Climate, Meta-theme 2: Personalized, Student-centered Supported Independence, and Meta-theme 3: Accelerated Lift and Independent Learning.xiv, 371 leaves ; 29 cm
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McHugh, Sheila Jane, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education. "The professional status of substitute teachers in Southern Alberta zone 6." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1997, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/76.
Full textAbstract:
A total of 259 educators participated in a survey to assess whether substitute teachers in Southern Alberta enjoy the same professional regard and the same wages, benefits, and professional development opportunites as regular classroom teachers. The finding indicated that: substitute teachers are professional in that they are certificated teachers with Education Degrees; substitute teachers are not in accordance with other educators in their assessmentd of the reality of equal professional status of substitute teachers in matters of professional regard; principals and teachers do not agree that substitute teachers should be given equal wages, benefits, and paid professional development opportunities; the defintion of equal professional status as it pertains to substitute teachers needs to be redefined; and substitute teacher must understand their professional responsibilites so they can take control of their own professionalism. Within the framework of the sociology of professionalism the results of the study help to explain why stubstitute teachers should be taking control of the work they do in order to define their professional role. Workshops for educators on substitue issues and concerns will help alleviate the contradiction of the concept of the professional status of substitute teachers. Substitute teacher involvement in their professional associations may ease the conflict between substitutes and other educators in matters of professionalism and economic parity. A follow-up study on student perception of substitute authority in the classroom is needed.ix, 231 leaves ; 28 cm.