VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Civil society and indigenous language education in Bangladesh: language education as an international development activity
Keywords: Language and languages, Study and teaching
Language and languages, Bangladesh
Civil society, Bangladesh
Economic development, Bangladesh

This research is situated at the intersection of language planning, language education, and international development. The role of civil society actors in indigenous language education in Bangladesh was explored through qualitative field research into the areas of program implementation, language planning, advocacy and research. In addition, this study examines the relationships between different civil society actors and other stakeholders, including donors, government and indigenous peoples, that inform the broader context in which these activities take place. An analysis of these roles and relationships allows us to better understand the implications of language education as a development activity, including issues of sustainability, autonomy, technical merit, and grassroots involvement. Of primary importance is the finding that the majority of language education initiatives for indigenous languages in Bangladesh are extra-linguistic in nature, driven by international organizations and drawing on international norms for their rationale, rather than linguistic or cultural motivations.
The relationship between thinking dispositions, epistemic beliefs, and disjunctive reasoning
Keywords: Cognitive psychology
Thought and thinking
Reasoning
Developmental psychology

The relationship between thinking dispositions, epistemic beliefs, and disjunctive reasoning was examined in 65 young adults. Participants completed six disjunctive reasoning tasks where optimal performance on each task required the exhaustive consideration of all logically possible states of the world. Thinking dispositions and epistemic belief scores, as measured on a self-report questionnaire, and cognitive ability were examined as predictors of disjunctive reasoning. Cognitive ability and reflectivity, but none of five epistemic belief predicted optimal disjunctive reasoning performance. Thinking dispositions and epistemic beliefs were also found to be related, supporting previous claims that the two constructs are theoretically similar. Results are discussed in the context of understanding the inter-relationships of factors affecting problem-solving performance.
"Music is the weapon": Music as an anti-colonial tool for Aboriginal people in Toronto
Keywords: Indigenous peoples, Music
Indigenous peoples, Canada
Indians of North America, Music
Indians of North America, Canada
Indians of North America, Ethnic identity
Indians, Music

This thesis examines how music can function as an anti-colonial weapon. By adopting an Indigenous anti-colonial framework, this thesis critically examines how music as a public medium can transgress dominant, racist narratives and create powerful avenues through which Aboriginal identity can be articulated and experienced by Aboriginal people. Ten formal interviews were conducted with Aboriginal musicians, traditional singers, and behind the scenes music industry people involved with the Aboriginal community of Toronto. Interview candidates included singers from local drum groups, such as Eagle Heart Singers, Red Spirit Singers, Morning Star River, and Spirit Wind. Award winning musicians such as Lucie Idlout, Leela Gilday, and Derek Miller also contributed their insights, as well as the founder of Rez Bluez, Elaine Bomberry. These interviews uncovered that, within Toronto, music is building vital connections to Aboriginal cultures, generating visibility of contemporary Aboriginal identities within public realms, and fostering relationships between Black and Aboriginal communities through musical genres such as blues and hip-hop. Overall, this thesis argues that music has the potential to be a revolutionary tool that Aboriginal people can use to decolonize themselves and their nations.
The role of writing in EFL students' learning from texts: a case study in a Thai university
Keywords: Second language acquisition
English language, Study and teaching
Learning strategies
English language, Composition and exercises
Reading comprehension

This research explored how writing may foster EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students' learning of content and language from English texts. The first phase of the study involved naturalistic observations over 4 months of 1 Thai EFL instructor and 15 female undergraduate students in a reading class at a major university in Thailand, interviews with the instructor and her students, then examination of samples of class materials and students' writing. In addition, for one month the students kept written logs of their uses of writing in connection with reading. In the second phase of the research, the students performed reading and writing tasks while thinking aloud, then I interviewed them about their uses of writing in their reading. Analyses of the oral and written data indicate that their writing contributed to the students' text-based learning through combinations of: (a) writing allowing students to notice gaps in their knowledge; (b) writing prompting students to assume the role of writers; (c) writing involving careful thinking; (d) writing urging students to review, rethink, think further about, and use information in the source texts and, sometimes, study related texts; and (e) whatever was written down being available for review, reflection, and revision. Writing before and after reading as well as self-initiated writing while reading showed the potential to enhance students' learning from texts by drawing their attention to text language forms and other related forms, so they could use them strategically, familiarizing students with text characteristics, enhancing text comprehension and retention, eliciting positive emotions, and promoting responsive reading. The descriptions in this thesis may help guide EFL policy makers, curriculum designers, material developers, and instructors to make informed decisions about the benefits for students' learning from their incorporating certain types of writing into EFL reading lessons.
Eating disorders: a matter of values?
Keywords: Eating disorders, Psychological aspects
Eating disorders in adolescence
Food habits, Psychological aspects
Obesity, Psychological aspects
Bulimia, Psychological aspects
Anorexia nervosa, Psychological aspects

The etiology and treatment of eating disorders and troubled eating behavior is multifaceted and may involve medical, family, dynamic, and cognitive interventions. This study looked at the role of values as a contributing factor to eating disorder behavior. Two eating measures and six value measures were given to 95 female college and graduate students. The eating measures were the EAT and the EDI (bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness scales). The value scales included three subscales of independence: two standard scales (Personal Value Survey Independence, Schwartz Autonomy) and an independence scale created by the author. Two additional scales were also created: Interdependence, Giving. A standard religion scale from the Personal Value Survey was also included. The values of giving, interdependence and religion were considered relational scales as these value scales were based on a connection or involvement with other people, community, or God. The three created scales were subjected to a factor analysis which largely confirmed their original structure. Inter-item reliability, convergent and discriminant validity were also established for these scales. Both correlations and Anovas were used to analyze the data since continuous and categorical statistics address different questions. Age was included as an additional variable in the Anovas. The results showed no significant relationship between the independence scales and any of the eating measures. Younger women valued independence more than older women; however, there was no interaction between age, eating, and the value scales. There were several significant findings involving the eating measures and some of the relational measures: body dissatisfaction and religion; body dissatisfaction and giving; and bulimia and interdependence. Thus those with lower eating disorder behavior (as measured by the body dissatisfaction and bulimia scales) valued relational values more than those with higher eating disorder behavior. The current study contradicted previous research and theoretical writings stating that independence is positively related to eating disorder pathology, but supported research and theory stating that relational values are inversely related. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Delisting sex-reassignment surgery in Ontario: A justified limit or a limited justification?
Keywords: Sex change, Law and legislation
Sex change, Ontario
Medical laws and legislation, Ontario

The decision in Hogan v. Ontario (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care)1 allows the Ontario government to continue to omit sex reassignment surgery (SRS) from the list of publicly funded health services in Ontario. This paper argues that justifiably delisting services necessitates a contextual approach to health and human dignity which considers the social construction of disability and gender, the historical basis of assumptions about medical care, and the expressive ability of the law. A refusal to publicly fund SRS in Ontario perpetuates the stigma associated with transsexualism through the maintenance and promotion of misconceptions and stereotypes; the expressive ability of the law ought to be considered when making delisting decisions. Moreover, the traditional judicial deferential stance to governmental decisions is unwarranted as it inadequately considers Charter2 and human rights. Procedural modifications are suggested, including a principled approach to delisting recommendations, written reasons for decisions, public consultation, and an effective review mechanism. 1[2006] O.H.R.T.D. No. 34 2 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (U.K.), 1982, c. 11, [Charter].
Thinking back through our mothers: a sampler quilt of Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite women and country homemakers
Keywords: Mennonite women, Manitoba
Mennonite women, Kansas

Thinking Back Through Our Mothers is an autoethnographic and historical narrative of the everyday lives of farm women. Beginning with the most recent past, I write about my childhood on a farm in a Mennonite community in Manitoba. Using their daily diaries, I uncover the everyday lives of my mother and grandmothers, Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite farm women in Manitoba and Kansas. I compare and contrast their lives with the lives of farm women who wrote letters to "The Country Homemakers" page from their various locations in the Canadian prairies.
The discourse on identity and language of students in a Ukrainian-English bilingual program
Keywords: Ukrainians, Ethnic identity
Ukrainians, Canada
Ukrainian students, Attitudes
Ukrainian students, Canada
High school students, Attitudes
High school students, Canada
Education, Bilingual, Canada

Issues of identity and language have been and still are discussed frequently in Canada. This thesis examines the intersection between language and identity with high school students in a Ukrainian-English bilingual program in a Western Canadian public school. I have carried out a qualitative study using interviews and document analysis. I understand the concepts of identity and language to be social constructions influenced by numerous factors and not only based on a set of fixed characteristics. I argue that the lack of Ukrainian language use in the daily lives of the students is not indicative of a decline in their Ukrainian identity. The students strongly identify with their Ukrainian heritage and recognize the importance of language. It is also interesting that the student discourse mirrors the national and provincial discourse on language and multiculturalism. For these students, there is no conflict in being both Ukrainian and Canadian.
A Dworkinian theory of criminal procedure
Keywords: Criminal procedure, Canada
Evidence, Criminal, Canada

This work argues that aspects of Dworkin's theory of law substantially narrow the continuum of criminal procedural rules available to a democratic state. Dworkin's theory presupposes a democratic state that inter alia precludes the use of compelled statements as evidence in criminal prosecutions; that requires the prosecuting authority to bear a high burden of proof; and that ensures citizens are not convicted with evidence too untrustworthy enough to prove guilt to a high degree of certainty. These requirements, when examined through the lens of Canada's existing criminal justice system, appear to require that system to incorporate additional procedural and evidentiary rules, including a corroboration requirement for all criminal offenses, and broader appellate review of convictions on questions of fact.
Probing the complexities of collaboration and collaborative processes
Keywords: Group work in education

System leadership is interested in building staff capacity and student academic improvement. The literature suggests that if we are going to positively impact student achievement as an outcome, teaching within professional learning communities requires skilled and engaged collaborators. This qualitative study has intentionally sought to better understand the complexities involved in collaboration through the lens of nine teachers and four administrators from five different school boards. The methodology included the use of semi-structured interviews and a constructivist framework. The study's participants shared their understandings and experiences regarding collaborative work. It appears issues of engagement, trust and professional relationship are critical to developing collaborative processes that motivate teachers. The study's findings highlight complexities of collaborative work that includes how cultural experience influences our assumptions regarding collaboration. As well, a tension exists between espoused values about collaborative work and what participants report as actual collaborative effort. This study contributes to literature that probes the role of emotions in schools as workplaces---or as Andy Hargreaves suggests, the emotional geographies of teaching. Our work with other educators appears to evoke a range of emotional responses from optimism and hope to resentment and a sense of betrayal. The structure, form and content of collaboration are important, however the relational trust within the collaboration appears to be the glue that binds people, purpose and outcomes together. Effective collaborators appear very skilled in active listening, in leading dynamic conversations, in facilitating and guiding collective inquiry. Finally, the role of leadership cannot be underestimated as leaders make important connections with others as co-collaborators and make important connections for others in illuminating what is essentially a moral purpose in our efforts to improve schools. Recommendations for practice and further research include the need for leaders to become skilled and critical coaches of collaborative work as well as skilled facilitators who empower others to become more reflective and collaborative.
Giving patients a louder voice in the health care system?: a critical evaluation of the Ontario Health Services Appeal and Review Board
Keywords: Patients, Legal status, laws, etc
Patients, Ontario
Medical care, Law and legislation
Medical care, Ontario

The Romanow Report concluded that Canadians are pleased with the health care system, but dissatisfied with the government's management of it. This dissatisfaction is partly caused by a lack of public participation at the policy-making level, and is exacerbated by the limits of what legal mechanisms there are to challenge resulting government decisions. It is against this backdrop that this thesis seeks to determine whether a specialized appeal mechanism, the Ontario Health Services Appeal and Review Board, can provide patients with an accessible and effective way to challenge government decisions about the availability of health care services. It evaluates the Board's practices through an examination of relevant statutes and regulations, as well as the Board's Rules of Practice and Procedure, Annual Reports and unreported decisions. As it concludes, the Board has the potential to provide patients with a louder voice in the health care system, but to fulfill this potential it must be made more accessible and, especially, more responsive to patients and their complaints.
Reframing dialogues: toward a multidimensional approach to Charter dialogue
Keywords: Civil rights, Canada

The thesis' primary objective is to develop a richer and more satisfying framework for understanding the development of rights found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It uses as a starting point the notion of "Charter dialogue" developed in recent Canadian constitutional scholarship as a springboard into a socio-legal and critical investigation of the process by which Charter rights are given effect. Existing dialogic theories of the Charter focus largely on the work of courts and legislatures in relation to the Charter. Their focus is almost exclusively on the development of Charter rights through judicial decision-making and legislative law-making. A more comprehensive and socio-legal approach to Charter dialogue would pay attention to the different actors involved in Charter dialogues, the various dimensions of these dialogues, as well as the different sites in which they occur. This thesis unpacks many of the broader dimensions of the dialogic process by which Charter rights are given meaning through an examination of ongoing debates around the issue of same-sex relationship recognition in Canada. It provides a critical assessment of both the participation of social movements in the dialogic processes taking place under the Charter as well as the constraining effects of these processes on social movements and their efforts to seek social justice. In addition, it provides a multi-layered examination of the role of Charter litigation in spurring debate within the legislative sphere, as well as the role of Charter litigation in drawing attention to values and interests that often may be neglected within legislative deliberations. Finally, the thesis provides a critical analysis of public sphere debates spurred by the process of Charter litigation. It examines both the emancipatory potential of public sphere debates as well as the various ways in which this potential may be contained in practice. Overall, greater attention to the different non-state social actors involved in Charter dialogues as well as the different dimensions of this process and the different contexts in which it unfolds contributes to a more grounded and multi-layered understanding of the process through which Charter rights are given meaning and effect in Canada.
Beyond the bunkhouse: exploring the learning of Frontier College labourer-teachers
Keywords: Migrant labor, Education
Migrant labor, Canada
Teachers, Canada
Agricultural laborers, Canada
Education, Political aspects
Transformative learning

This thesis investigates the informal/incidental learning of Frontier College volunteer labourer- teachers through an analysis of data collected from qualitative interviews conducted with 7 former Frontier College volunteers. The thesis explores the intersection between dialogue, reflection, volunteering, and informal learning within the context of Canada's oldest literacy program. Even though present-day labourer-teachers are instructed in how to foster dialogue in their pedagogical work, the focus of the program is solely on dialogue as a method of teaching, essentially disregarding the effect of mutual learning and the capacity of the labourer-teacher to learn as a result of employing a dialogical methodology. This thesis reveals that Frontier College supports a pedagogy rooted in dialogue that has the potential to bring about not only technical knowledge but also practical and emancipatory knowledge for its volunteers and thus could provide an important model for other learning organizations, advocacy groups, and international development agencies.
Engineering the embryonic stem cell niche to control cell fate
Keywords: Cytology
Biomedical engineering
Chemical engineering

In vivo, stem cells reside in specialized microenvironments called 'niches' that consist of soluble cytokines, cell-cell interactions, and cell-extra-cellular matrix (ECM) interactions. These niches enable cell survival and guide self-renewal or differentiation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are an ideal source for cells in regenerative medicine for their remarkable ability to self-renew as well as to differentiate into mature cell types. However, before hESCs can be exploited greater control over cell fate must be achieved. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which micro-patterning technologies can be used to establish homogeneous artificial niches to more precisely regulate hESC fate. In our initial study, we demonstrated that the activation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/growth differentiation factor (GDF3) pathway within the hESC niche was a balance of two factors: niche-composition and niche-size. By restricting hESC colony diameter to 200-800μm, spatial control over self-renewal and differentiation was achieved. In a second study, we demonstrated that hESC differentiation into ExE (small colonies) or neural pre-cursors (large colonies) was highly efficient (>80%) within micro-fabricated niches, exceeding efficiencies obtained by current differentiation protocols. In a third study, a mathematical model was developed to provide mechanistic insight into how niche-size regulates endogenous signaling by estimating how the trapping of soluble ligands changes with alterations to the spatial arrangement of cell cultures. This model was validated by predicting and measuring endogenous signalling activity of the gp130-Janus kinase—signal transducer and activator of transcription (gp130-Jak-STAT) pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) in non-patterned and micro-patterned cultures. Overall, these studies highlight the opportunity of using micro-patterning to create homogenous niches capable of regulating endogenous signalling and hESC fate. This approach provides a novel method to regulate hESC differentiation into clinically revelant cell types that can be used in future regenerative medicine applications.