The status of drama in education in an Ontario school board

Drama in education has been describea- as a valuable pedagogical medium and methodology, enriching child development in the cognitive, skill, affective, and aesthetic domains, and spanning all areas of curriculum ~ oontent. However, despite its considerable versatility and cost-effectiveness, drama appears to maintain low status within the education system of ontario. This thesis investigated teacher perceptions of both the value and status of drama in education in one ontario school board. Data were gathered in the form of an attitude questionnaire, which was devised for the purpose of this research and administered to a stratified cluster sample of 126 teachers employed in the board's elementary schools. These data were then used to examine teacher perceptions based on their knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported behaviour in the classroom. Teacher characteristics of gender, teaching assignment, years experience, and courses taken in drama were also analyzed as potential determinants of teacher attitudes towards drama in education. Results of the study confirmed apparent discrepancy between teacher perceptions of the value of drama and its current educational status. It was indicated that what teachers value most about drama is its capacity to enhance creativity, social skills, empathy, personal growth, and problem-solving ability among students. Teachers attribute its low status both to school and board priorities of time and resources, and to deficiencies in their knowledge and confidence in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of drama in the classroom. Teacher subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in attitudes towards the status of drama in education; it did, however, suggest that both teachers who have studied drama and teachers with between ten and twenty years experience are most likely to value drama more highly than their colleagues. Recommendations proposed by the study include the provision of increased - time and resource allotment for drama within the elementary curriculum as well as increased teacher training at both faculty of education and board inservice levels.

Self-reported health status and lifestyle behaviours of the residents of the Town of Fort Erie, Ontario, as related to the Canadian Community Health Survey

The purpose of this cross sectional survey design was to examine self-reported health status and lifestyle behaviours of the residents of the Town of Fort Erie, Ontario, as related to the Canadian Community Health Survey. Using a mail-out survey, entitled the Fort Erie Survey of Health (FESH), a probability cluster sampling technique was used to measure self-reported health status (present health, health conditions, health challenges, functional health limitations) and lifestyle behaviour (smoking, alcohol use, drug use, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, body weight, and gaming). Each variable was described and analyzed in relation to socio-economic variables, age and gender. The findings from this study were compared to the Canadian Community Health Survey 2000/2001. Overall, 640 surveys were completed. The majority of Fort Erie residents rated their present health as good and were satisfied with their overall health and quality of life. The main chronic conditions reported were arthritis, back pain and heart disease. Other main health problems reported were vision, sleeping and chronic pain. Overall, 14.6% smoke; 58.8% engaged in physical activity either occasionally or never as opposed to regularly engaging in physical activity; 52.1% did not eat the required daily fruits and vegetables; and 40.0% were in the overweight category. Persons who practiced one healthy lifestyle behaviour were more likely to practice other healthy promoting behaviours. Therefore, health promotion programs are best designed to address multiple risk factors simultaneously. The ffiSH was generally consistent with the Canadian Community Health Survey in the overall findings. A small number of inconsistencies were identified that require further exploration to determine if they are unique to this community.

Miss-understand-ing: design education in Ontario secondary schools : an exploration of the issues with stakeholders and recommendations for change /

For most people design is a mystery. The products of design are integrated into our daily lives to the point that design has become invisible to us. However. what is subsumed in design practice is a creative problem-solving process that is applicable as a teaching strategy as well as a method for teaching the subject of design. The purpose of this study was to inquire into the current classroom practice of Ontario Visual Arts and Technological Education teachers, understand the goals of Ontario government curriculum developers, and explore the position held by the professional design community on secondary school design education. Data for this study were collected from: (a) a textual analysis of 4 Ministry curriculum documents; (b) interviews with JO stakeholders; (c) unobtrusive observations and informal conversations conducted at 7 secondary school open house events; and (d) observation of 2 sessions of an AQ course for Design and Technology. The research design modeled the design process and was divided into 2 parts: a discovery or problem-finding phase and a discussion or problem-solving phase. The results showed that design is misunderstood and misused; it has become lost between visual arts and technology where neither program holds responsibility for its delivery; students mistake working on computers for design practice; and while there is a desire within the professional community to have a voice in secondary school design education. there is no forum for participation. The technology-driven paradigm shift taking place in society today calls for a new framework for tellching and practicing dcsign. Further research is required; howcvcr. in the meantime. secondary school educators might benefit from professional development and classroom support from the professional dcsign community.

Sensitivities of Ontario isolates of Venturia inaequalis to metiram /

The effects of metiram (Polyram 80 DF) on the growth of Venturia inaequalis, cause of apple scab, and the degradation of metiram were examined in culture media. Samples of V. inaequalis conidia were collected from nine orchards in 1998 and six orchards in 1999 and tested for sensitivity. Samples were plated on water agar amended with metiram or mancozeb. Mean EC50 values (effective concentration of fungicide required to inhibit germination of half the conidia) for each population were calculated. The mean EC50 values for metiram ranged from 0.26 - 1.20 ^ig metiram a.i./ml, with differences (Student Newman Keul's Test (SNK), a=0.05) between populations. EC50 values for mancozeb ranged from 0.06 - 0.58 which were also different (SNK, a=0.05). Five of these populations were examined for mycelial growth sensitivity to metiram by testing 30 monoconidial isolates from each population on metiram amended potato dextrose agar. Mean EC50 values for populations were calculated and ranged from 3.44-5.94 |ig metiram/ml, and showed differences (Friedman Test, a=0.05). As the EC50 values obtained are far less than the concentrations applied in the field, results indicate that Ontario populations of V. inaequalis are still sensitive to metiram and mancozeb. The stability of metiram in PDA at 22°C was studied over a 10-day period. The initial concentration of metiram decreased by approximately 50% within the first day, and continued to decline slowly, to approximately 20% of the initial concentration. The factors possibly affecting initial metiram degradation, including agar, heat, and the use of glass or polystyrene Petri dish composition were examined. The effects from the polystyrene in the Petri dish composition were negligible, however more studies must be done to examine metiram degradation during the first 24 hours of preparation.

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1887.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1888.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1889.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1892.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1893.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

Annual report of the Commissioners for the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park of the Province of Ontario, 1894.

Description based on: 16th ed. (1901).

A New guide to Niagara Falls and vicinity : giving a full and complete description of Niagara Falls, suspension bridge, Buffalo, Rochester, Ontario beach, Toronto, Lockport, Tonawanda, Lewiston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chautauqua, and other places of interest. --

Cover title: Illustrated guide to Niagara Falls and vicinity.

The Ontario and St. Lawrence Steamboat Company's hand-book for travelers to Niagara Falls, Montreal and Quebec, and through Lake Champlain to Saratoga Springs.

"Illustrated with maps, and numerous engravings from original sketches."