title: The secrets of immigrant student success

authors: Volante, Louis

abstract: Canada consistently ranks among the top 10 destination countries for international migrants. Over 7.5 million foreign-born Canadians, representing more than one-fifth of the population and over one-third of school-aged students, entered the country through immigration, according to 2016 Census data. Canada was also the first country to adopt multiculturalism officially, with provisions in its Charter of Rights and Freedoms protecting minority rights.

A study published in 2015, ranking Canada first among 38 industrialized nations for anti-discrimination policies, praised its favorable education policies in key areas like access, targeted needs, new opportunities, and intercultural education. However, the study did not examine education policies at the provincial level, as Canada lacks a federal education department, and each province sets its own policies.

Research into the relationship between provincial education policies and immigrant student outcomes indicates positive trends. Provinces like Ontario provide policy guidelines on "Culturally Responsive Pedagogy" and "Antiracism and Ethnocultural Equity in School Boards," while British Columbia has a "Diversity in B.C. Schools" framework. Alberta emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its curriculum framework.

Longitudinal research using OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data reveals that both first- and second-generation immigrants in British Columbia and Ontario outperformed their non-immigrant counterparts in science literacy. Other provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, also showed favorable results for immigrant student groups. Despite the global trend of immigrant students facing a significant performance disadvantage, Canada's results are surprising.

The success may be attributed to Canada's immigrant selection policies, favoring those with skills, education, and language proficiency. Yet, the strong performance persists even after accounting for socio-economic factors. Immigrant student outcomes are influenced by various factors, such as age, socio-economic status, and school resources. Schools with a concentration of socioeconomically disadvantaged students tend to pose risks, and immigrants often thrive in inclusive settings.

Overall, Canadian education policies favor culturally-sensitive integration, preserving diverse cultural identities. The approach aligns with Canada's culturally pluralistic society, where minority groups maintain unique identities within the dominant culture. However, challenges remain in promoting culturally effective pedagogy and evidence-based policies, especially against the backdrop of international achievement standards.

text: The secrets of immigrant student success Canada consistently ranks among the top 10 destination countries for international migrants. Over 7.5 million foreign-born Canadians, representing more than one-fifth of the population and over one-third of school-aged students, entered the country through immigration, according to 2016 Census data. Canada was also the first country to adopt multiculturalism officially, with provisions in its Charter of Rights and Freedoms protecting minority rights.

A study published in 2015, ranking Canada first among 38 industrialized nations for anti-discrimination policies, praised its favorable education policies in key areas like access, targeted needs, new opportunities, and intercultural education. However, the study did not examine education policies at the provincial level, as Canada lacks a federal education department, and each province sets its own policies.

Research into the relationship between provincial education policies and immigrant student outcomes indicates positive trends. Provinces like Ontario provide policy guidelines on "Culturally Responsive Pedagogy" and "Antiracism and Ethnocultural Equity in School Boards," while British Columbia has a "Diversity in B.C. Schools" framework. Alberta emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its curriculum framework.

Longitudinal research using OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data reveals that both first- and second-generation immigrants in British Columbia and Ontario outperformed their non-immigrant counterparts in science literacy. Other provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, also showed favorable results for immigrant student groups. Despite the global trend of immigrant students facing a significant performance disadvantage, Canada's results are surprising.

The success may be attributed to Canada's immigrant selection policies, favoring those with skills, education, and language proficiency. Yet, the strong performance persists even after accounting for socio-economic factors. Immigrant student outcomes are influenced by various factors, such as age, socio-economic status, and school resources. Schools with a concentration of socioeconomically disadvantaged students tend to pose risks, and immigrants often thrive in inclusive settings.

Overall, Canadian education policies favor culturally-sensitive integration, preserving diverse cultural identities. The approach aligns with Canada's culturally pluralistic society, where minority groups maintain unique identities within the dominant culture. However, challenges remain in promoting culturally effective pedagogy and evidence-based policies, especially against the backdrop of international achievement standards.

year: 2018-05-15

title: Political parties, strongmen and populism: Why Jair Bolsonaro won the 2018 Brazilian election

authors: Tait, Paul James

subjects: Jair Bolsonaro

abstract: The election of Jair Bolsonaro as President of Brazil in 2018 is an example of the recent global phenomenon of election victories by right-wing populist leaders, such as Donald Trump, Rodrigo Duterte, and Viktor Orbán. However, Bolsonaro’s election victory was driven by a range of critical domestic factors, not just by populism. This thesis explains how the nature of Brazil’s political parties and electoral system contributed to Bolsonaro’s victory. Bolsonaro was the candidate of a minor party, the Social Liberal Party (PSL), and exploited weaknesses in two major parties, the Workers Party (PT) and the Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB), who won Brazil’s elections from 1994 to 2014. Brazil’s two-round system enabled Bolsonaro to consolidate the support of a broad coalition of voters frustrated with PT rule and the traditional opposition.

Bolsonaro also campaigned as a change candidate and as a pro-military strongman, rather than as a conventional politician reliant on the support of a political party organization. He appealed to voters dissatisfied with former governments, constant corruption scandals, and economic turmoil. Bolsonaro’s victory is consistent with José Nun’s argument that the middle classes support democracy in good economic times but accept authoritarian options when they start struggling. Bolsonaro successfully used a style of exclusionary populism in his election campaign, to gain media attention and voter support. Nevertheless, populism was a communication method and campaign tactic, and not the fundamental basis of Bolsonaro’s unexpected election as president.

text: Political parties, strongmen and populism: Why Jair Bolsonaro won the 2018 Brazilian election The election of Jair Bolsonaro as President of Brazil in 2018 is an example of the recent global phenomenon of election victories by right-wing populist leaders, such as Donald Trump, Rodrigo Duterte, and Viktor Orbán. However, Bolsonaro’s election victory was driven by a range of critical domestic factors, not just by populism. This thesis explains how the nature of Brazil’s political parties and electoral system contributed to Bolsonaro’s victory. Bolsonaro was the candidate of a minor party, the Social Liberal Party (PSL), and exploited weaknesses in two major parties, the Workers Party (PT) and the Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB), who won Brazil’s elections from 1994 to 2014. Brazil’s two-round system enabled Bolsonaro to consolidate the support of a broad coalition of voters frustrated with PT rule and the traditional opposition.

Bolsonaro also campaigned as a change candidate and as a pro-military strongman, rather than as a conventional politician reliant on the support of a political party organization. He appealed to voters dissatisfied with former governments, constant corruption scandals, and economic turmoil. Bolsonaro’s victory is consistent with José Nun’s argument that the middle classes support democracy in good economic times but accept authoritarian options when they start struggling. Bolsonaro successfully used a style of exclusionary populism in his election campaign, to gain media attention and voter support. Nevertheless, populism was a communication method and campaign tactic, and not the fundamental basis of Bolsonaro’s unexpected election as president.

year: 2020

title: Kia rehe te matau, kia rehe te maui

authors: Winiata, Te Whatanui Huia

subjects: Taiaha, Maori business, maori development

abstract: The theory of applying successful military strategy to the world of business is not a new concept.  The connection between these two environments has often been explored, and works by Sun Tzu and others promote the connection between the battlefield and the boardroom.  The cut and thrust of the business realm is often likened to combat, and the guiding principles and beliefs that influence Generals and Field Commanders are in many ways identical to those of executives and Chief Executive Officers.

This thesis is interested in exploring the interconnectedness between battle and business from a Māori perspective.  In particular, this study explores the link between the Māori weapon known as the taiaha, and Māori business, in the belief that the lessons learnt from the various taiaha schools can be transferred to Māori business.  Likewise, the beliefs, principles and philosophies that are instilled within warriors while training with the taiaha have a valid place within Māori business, and when applied to the Māori business arena, have beneficial outcomes for those involved.

This study highlights fundamental taiaha principles that are applicable to the Māori business world.  These beliefs have been identified by a number of taiaha experts as well as successful Māori business operators.  The long term purpose of this thesis is to support Māori entering into business, by highlighting traditional values that are taught through the medium of taiaha, and showing how they can be applied to business.

text: Kia rehe te matau, kia rehe te maui The theory of applying successful military strategy to the world of business is not a new concept.  The connection between these two environments has often been explored, and works by Sun Tzu and others promote the connection between the battlefield and the boardroom.  The cut and thrust of the business realm is often likened to combat, and the guiding principles and beliefs that influence Generals and Field Commanders are in many ways identical to those of executives and Chief Executive Officers.

This thesis is interested in exploring the interconnectedness between battle and business from a Māori perspective.  In particular, this study explores the link between the Māori weapon known as the taiaha, and Māori business, in the belief that the lessons learnt from the various taiaha schools can be transferred to Māori business.  Likewise, the beliefs, principles and philosophies that are instilled within warriors while training with the taiaha have a valid place within Māori business, and when applied to the Māori business arena, have beneficial outcomes for those involved.

This study highlights fundamental taiaha principles that are applicable to the Māori business world.  These beliefs have been identified by a number of taiaha experts as well as successful Māori business operators.  The long term purpose of this thesis is to support Māori entering into business, by highlighting traditional values that are taught through the medium of taiaha, and showing how they can be applied to business.

year: 2013