Abstract
This paper discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA) as used to analyze a Critical Race Theory (CRT) case study, which investigated reflective discourses of three co-directors of a Canadian summer institute on multi-culturalism and diversity. The author points out that CDA analysis of the discourses was undertaken using Clegg's six criteria of language-power discourse within groups and organizations as variables for the analysis: (1) Values, (2) rules, (3) power, (4) discretion, (5) organization and (6) paradox. The paper concludes that CDA, when used in its pure form for CRT analysis, represented a very slow and painstaking task; however, using Cleggs criteria was efficient and yielded flaws in the methodology of the case study approach.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Assumptions
Limitations
Delimitations
Literature Review
Introduction
Literature on Educational and Qualitative Research
Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Definition, Types, and Uses of Qualitative Research
Overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT): Its Purposes, Assumptions, and Limitations
Descriptive CRT Literature
Origins of Critical Race Theory (CRT)
The Power of Storytelling
Descriptive Literature on Race and Multiculturalism
Enter "CRT-Light": Public Education Trends of the 1970's and 1980's
The 1990's and Beyond
Review of Critical Race Theory (CRT) Case Studies
Case Study 1: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Patti's Reflections: 'Walking on Quicksand'
Shahrzad's Reflections: 'Marginality of the 'Subject'; 'Subjectivity' of the Margin
Andre's Reflections: 'The Personal is Pedagogical'
Case Study 2: 'A Critical Race Analysis of Latino(a) and African American Advanced Placement Enrollment in Public High Schools'
Case Study 2's Methodology
Case Study 2 Results
Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusions
Case Study 3: 'Understanding Cheating in Nepal'
Case Study 4: 'The Acceptance of a Multicultural Education among Appalachian College Students'
Survey Instrument Content and Methods
Survey Distribution Methods
Case Study Survey Results
Other CRT Case Studies, Briefly Described
Conclusion
Research Methods
Introduction
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a Method
Origins of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
Conclusions
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Used to Interrogate Two Critical Race Theory Case Studies
The Case Study: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Values
Power
Rules
Discretion
Organization
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The researcher for the present study also believed that ethnographic research elements were strongly present within secondary data for the study. This was because various pieces of both descriptive and case study literature, used as data for the present study, consisted of analysis and interpretation of other researchers' observations of day-to-day activities, over time, of particular groups that were observed first-hand (e.g., graduate students attending a summer institute on diversity; middle school students in Nepal; students in university basic writing and college composition courses). In addition, results of previously-conducted (by other researchers) ethnographic research, e.g., participant observation accomplished by the researcher over time were used, within the present study, as secondary data."

Tags:qualitative, case-study, discourses, language-power, multiculturalism

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the various definitions of critical thinking. The paper discusses the significance of encouraging and facilitating the process of critical thinking in students within a high school setting. It describes the process of critical thinking and discusses the advantages of critical thinking over regular thinking for all individuals.

From the Paper
"Studies have proved that cognitive skills lead to critical thinking. Research has shown increased forms of critical thinking among the students who have greater requirement for cognition and enhanced active learning. In the case of students whose cognitive capacities have been advanced by means of course exercises and assessment methods are able to promote the idea of critical thinking. The cognitive development, involving interpretation skills, analysis, assessment, as well as inference would tend to include the student's reading of a message as well as forming judgment regarding its effects. This is a function which is considered to be most typical with regard to the assessment of deduction in that of critical thinking. Further with regard to tapping of the student's capability in relation to deduction, the assessment of cognitive skills analyzes their understanding and acceptance of the varied fallacies, inclusive of those including slippery slopes, over-generalization, as well as wrong links. The assessment could also understand and tap knowledge of students with regard to socio-political values, which is important for finding about the incredibility relating to an argument. (Cheung; Kwan; Yue, 2002)"

Tags:cognitive, assessment, logic, understanding

Abstract
This research paper examines the impact of integrating a media literacy unit into a public high school ninth grade Basic TV Production course in an effort to measure the development of student critical inquiry, thinking and viewing of media technology. This study expands upon initial research conducted by Renee Hobbs and Richard Frost (1999) in "Instructional Practices in Media Literacy Education and Their Impact on Student's Learning". In addition, the paper also discusses the concept of literacy as a prerequisite to the role it plays in the media arena. The paper contends that because media plays a more prevalent role in our everyday lives, it is imperative that literacy be incorporated into the educational structure, particularly for students are involved in media production.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objectives of the Study
Background
Statement of the Problem
Current Approaches to Media Literacy Education
The Significance of This Study
Research Questions
Literature Review
Goals of Media Literacy
Guidelines for Media Instruction
Measuring Media Literacy in the K-12 Classroom
Implementing a Media Literacy Program
The Conceptual Framework
Research Methodology
Research Design
Sample Selection
Limitations of the Study
Data to Be Collected
Instrumentation
Definition of Key Terms
Information Sources

From the Paper
"Student's have their own ideas about what and how to use certain mediums to express their ideas. Nicholas (2001) states that "Eisner (1994) contends that forms of representation influence how students' perceive, how they think, and how they express understanding. Each from embodies a different way to experience the world. The implications of student perceptions of different forms of representation relate to issues of cognitive pluralism and curricular balance. Providing students with frequent opportunities to construct and express meaning in different forms using a variety of symbol systems addresses the learners' capacity and need to create and manipulate symbols. The absence of these choices limits students' learning experiences and inhibits development of multiple forms of literacy. Advocates for an enriched curriculum argue that a wide spectrum of subjects, including visual arts, dance, music, theatre, and media production should be considered integral to a general education.""

Tags:education, audiovisual, technology

Abstract
This paper states that the problem of obesity in the African-American population has been a topic of some analytical import in extant research and literature, but there is little agreement about the actual causes of this problem and the proper ways in which to approach it. The author points out that one objective is to explore the link between high rates of obesity and high rates of Type 2 diabetes in the African-American population generally, seeking to explore this link in detail and assay solutions that deal with an individual's insulin levels and levels of insulin resistance by population. The paper relates that the selected hypothesis is that a useful way of targeting and reducing the prevalence of obesity in African-Americans is to look at the problem from a perspective of community-based solutions, which can be applied in terms of empowering change at the sociocultural level.

Table of Contents
Definition of Problem and Clarification of Objectives Definition of Nature, Extent, Significance
Framing of Questions
Statement and Clarification of Objectives Explanation of Terms
BMI
Type 2 Diabetes
VAT- Visceral Adipose Tissue
Super Obese
Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Rate
Statistical Collaboration
Appraisal of Existing Information on the Subject Search of Literature
Classification and Organization of Information Critical Appraisal of Information
Disclosure of Gaps in Knowledge
Formulation of Hypothesis
Important Questions Needing Study and Formulation of Hypothesis
Consideration of Needs, Interests, Resources Selection of Hypothesis

From the Paper
"In terms of gender-related statistics, obesity is a problem that seems to affect African-American women more than African-American men, based on extant statistics on the problem and the prevalence of this statement within literature ranging from socio-cultural analysis to controlled experimental designs. Although African-American males also have comparatively high rates of obesity when compared to other demographic groups, it is African-American women who have a higher rate of obesity than men. As one article stressing the report of the U.S. Surgeon General states, "Among Blacks, nearly 70 percent of Black women are overweight or obese, compared to 58 percent of Black men. Lower-income families also tend to be heavier than more affluent ones, since sometimes the most fattening foods are the cheapest," Satcher revealed."

Tags:framing, statistics, appraisal, gaps, questions

Abstract
This paper focuses on three primary aspects of teacher efficacy including the characteristics of the concept of teacher efficacy, the impact of teacher efficacy on student achievement and teacher efficacy and variety of instruction. It is an extensive literature review which critically examines various studies on this topic by noted scholars in the field. The first section gives a working definition of teacher efficacy based on various articles. Next, the paper explores the profound influence of teacher efficacy on student achievement. Several studies are noted that support the role of teachers and student performance. Finally, the paper discusses the vital role of teacher efficacy and literacy instruction, citing that it will have an impact of student achievement throughout their education. The paper concludes by stating that high levels of teacher efficacy lead to innovative practices and the implementation of new types of curriculum.

Outline:

Literature Review
Description/Characteristics of Teacher Efficacy
How Teacher Efficacy Impacts Learning/Student Achievement
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The article further explains that other theories of teacher efficacy also developed as a result of research. One such strand was developed by Bandura (1977) who found the teacher efficacy was actually perceived as a type of self efficacy in which individuals form opinions about their ability to perform at a specific level. These opinions that people hold about themselves are evident in the amount of effort that people make, their persistence levels when they face adversity, the amount of stress they feel when working through difficult circumstances, and the manner in which they deal with failure. The author explains that these two different but linked conceptual theories are responsible for the lack of clarity concerning the nature of teacher efficacy."

Tags:literacy instruction, student achievement, curriculum, educational research

Abstract
This paper relates that, while in some ways Antigone does not fit the Aristotelian definition of the tragic hero, in other ways she does. The author points out that, for this reason, some critics believe that Creon is the tragic hero in this play, though the issue remains unresolved and the discussion continues. The paper states that Aristotle's dramatic theory states that a tragic hero must be an important person with a character flaw, which causes him to make a great mistake leading to tremendous suffering and a fall from his high status.

From the Paper
"Antigone is the central figure in Sophocles' play of that name, making her the tragic heroine of the piece. In some ways, though, Antigone does not fit the Aristotelian definition of the tragic her, while in other ways she does. Raymond Williams indicates that there is something definite that can be considered tragic, differentiating it from other experiences: "Certain events and responses are tragic, and others are not" (Williams 14). In shaping his dramatic theory, Aristotle surveyed the drama of his time and developed certain concepts regarding the nature of the tragic hero. The tragic hero must be an important person with a character flaw that causes him to make a great mistake leading to tremendous suffering and a fall from his high status."

Tags:sophocles, antigone, tragedy

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Immanuel Kant's theory of ethics is grounded in deontological principles. In such theories, rules are of utmost significance in deciding a moral dilemma. However, the writer points out that Kant was not an ordinary deontologist and he was in fact highly critical of ethical theories and moral philosophies that preceded his work. His theory is known as critical theory because of the errors that Kant identified in theories presented by previous thinkers. Kant's ethical theory begins with the definition of good will. The writer agrees with Kant that one must be autonomous in his moral decisions and act only if he feels that such a law is universal in nature.

From the Paper
"Moving ahead with this, he explained that good will was not bound by duty. In other words, while duty might compel many people to have a good will but a genuine good will should never be dependent on duty. When something is dependent on something else, there is always room for personal desires, prejudices and biases taking over. But a genuine good will is something that stays closely connected with one's personal sense of morality and is neither governed by a sense of duty nor by conventional morality. However since man has his limitations and is often moved by his personal desires, duty is the only thing that would force him to act on good will and good will alone. This is an interesting paradox but one that is largely based on reason. Ideally, good will should be free of duty but man cannot attain good will without having some law or sense of duty binding him to act on it."

Tags:principles, moral, dilemma, good, will

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that a fundamental re-definition of the role of the teacher is the most critical aspect for the integration of technology into a classroom environment for the purposes of better educating students and equipping them with needed insights for their academic and professional careers. This essay provides an overview of the change management approaches that schools need to consider before introducing technology. The writer notes that bringing lasting change to any school or learning institution must start with the processes by which teachers attempt to deliver insights and interesting content and foster a highly productive learning experience. The writer concludes that above all is the need to embrace change management strategies, several models of which are included in this article, showing the impact of a teachers' true commitment to change at the pedagogical level.

Outline:
Literature Review
Evaluating Models of Change Management in Academic Environments
1. Develop the teaching vision and process objectives first
2. Identify the teaching processes to be redesigned
3. Understand and measure the existing processes and post results publicly
4. Design and build a prototype of the new course that integrates technology
5. Measure, Monitor and Modify
Exploring Lewin's Model
Exploring the Speed of Change Model
The Only Constant Is Change: How Technology is changing Schools
Best Practices in Implementing Technologies In Schools
Conclusion

From the Paper
"From the context of change management, this is critical. Measurements of progress as defined by process improvements in teaching need to be posted in a teacher's lounge or other area for other faculty to see progress. The public posting of performance metrics also creates awareness of which process areas are working the best, and which need to be more streamlined, perhaps more trimmed of excess steps. This is a critical step in change management within the context of bringing technology into a school. Teachers and administrators alike need to see progress relative to plan, and if the data is publicly shown, the processes changed leads to more lasting change."

Tags:technological, techniques, programs, teaching

Abstract
This paper attempts to define a series of system integration and process re-definition strategies to enable field notes obtained during land surveying to be electronically cataloged and automated for more efficient use. The paper addresses the reliability of the data itself, which is captured and noted in field notebooks. The paper focuses primarily on how to automate what is today a highly manual repository of data existing in the 200 field notebooks that comprise the accumulated data to this point.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Starting with Change Management Is Critical
From Data Repository to Enterprise Content Management System
Advantages of Creating a Land Surveying Content Management System
Disadvantages of Creating a Land Surveying Content Management System
Proposed Costs
Considerations of Change Management

From the Paper
"The disadvantages of implementing an automated system to better manage the land use notebooks center mainly on both the time needed during work hours to train users in new procedures for using the system, in addition to the costs of integration with other systems to keep the current one relevant over time."
"In the majority of instances there are many more costs associated with implementing a content management system than initially appear during the forecasting stage (Columbus and Murphy 2), and the level of integration with other systems continues to drive up the costs of these types of implementations. With all these shortcoming said however, the savings in efficiency and accuracy of queries does have a significant effect on the Return on Investment (ROI) of this type of program."

Tags:indicator, IT, initiatives, forecasting, workflow, Enterprise, Content, Management

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that 'The Dahlgren Affair' effectively utilizes the themes of history, drama, bloodshed, war, politics and mystery to weave a tale that originated during the Civil War. Schultz's use of high quality characterization and well-paced narrative adds to the value of the book. The writer notes that there are some flaws in the book, and some critics assert that Schultz either fabricated portions of the story, or just made honest errors, and those discrepancies are reviewed in this paper. The writer concludes that it is unlikely there will be definitive proof presented to verify beyond any shadow of a doubt either point of view regarding the Dahlgren papers. But perhaps what is just as important is that by reading books like Shultz's and by studying all accounts of the Civil War, students and scholars will be more informed about U.S. history, and that in itself is a positive thing.

From the Paper
"The genesis of the plot that launches this well-told story is based on an actual attempt to free Union prisoners from the terrible conditions in Libby Prison and Belle Isle prison in Richmond, Virginia. The fact that many Union soldiers had either surrendered or were captured and were being held there - many reportedly near starvation and living in squalor - was eating away at leaders in the North. And so, President Lincoln, who was up for re-election soon and needed to get any positive publicity he could, authorized an attack on Richmond, ostensibly in order to free the prisoners at Libby.
"It was March 2, 1864. But the attack went awry, and in fact when Union Army Colonel Ulric Dahlgren was killed by Confederate soldiers defending Richmond and the prison, papers were found on Dahlgren's body that to this day have historians confused. The controversial nature of the papers has provided historical writer Schultz with a perfect mystery to complement his book."

Tags:Union, prisoners, Lincoln, soldiers, Richmond