Celtic languages in European Higher Education: CRAMLAP - Celtic, Regional and Minority Languages Abroad Project

The Celtic, Regional and Minority Languages Abroad
Project (CRAMLAP) is funded by the European Commission
to research the provision and pedagogy of regional
and minority languages outside their national borders in
Europe. The teaching of Celtic languages across Europe
was the focus in year one (2003-2004). This article summarizes
the qualitative data received in response to
questionnaires sent to institutions across Europe offering
Celtic Studies. Responses indicated that Celtic Studies
are quite widely available across Europe. The languages
are taught in comparative linguistics, linguistics and English
departments, with few dedicated Celtic departments
or sections outside the Celtic countries. Irish is supported
abroad by Irish government grant aid which will
become more widely available in the immediate future.
Many of the teachers have considerable experience, but
limited pedagogic training. The lack of suitable teaching
resources is the most commonly expressed concern.

Appraisal and consequences of cadaver dissection

Abstract: First exposure to human cadaver dissection has the potential to be an actual stressor which can cause psychological trauma. This study examines the relationship between anatomy students’ experience of this potential stressor and various psychological and personal factors. Questionnaires measuring emotional reactions to cadaver dissection, coping strategies, personality and attitudes to death were administered to anatomy students at two medical schools immediately after their first exposure to human cadaver dissection. Emotional reactions to recalling this experience were assessed 4 months later. Data on these variables were obtained from 141 students. Students found the experience mostly challenging and, on average, did not report serious emotional difficulties. However, a minority of students (10/141) experienced serious adverse consequences. It is possible that the typical student who undertakes an anatomy course is already psychologically prepared for such transactions. However, low cost desensitization programs could be made available for the minority of individuals who may experience adverse reactions in this situation.

Math-Towers: Online Interactive Collaborative Mathematics Explorations & Problem-Solving for Students Ages 11 to 15 years (Grades 6 to 10)

Math-Towers (www.math-towers.ca) is an online resource for students in grades 6 to 10 that supports collaborative problem-solving and investigations. This paper presents the philosophical position motivating the development of Math-Towers and describes how the site presents and motivates the mathematical challenges and supports participants' exploration and collaboration.

Assistive software tools for secondary-level students with literacy difficulties.

Study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of four assistive technology (AT) tools on literacy: (1) speech synthesis, (2) spellchecker, (3) homophone tool, and (4) dictionary. All four of these programs are featured in TextHelp’s Read&Write Gold software package. A total of 93 secondary-level students with reading disabilities participated in the study. The participants completed a number of computer-based literacy tests after being assigned to a Read&Write group or a control group that utilized Microsoft Word. The results indicated that improvements in the following areas for the Read&Write group: (1) reading comprehension, (2) homophone error detection, (3) spelling error detection, and (4) word meanings. The Microsoft Word group also improved in the areas of word meanings and error detection, though performed worse on homophone error detection. The authors contend that these results indicate that speech synthesis, spell checkers, homophone tools, and dictionary programs have a positive effect on literacy among students with reading disabilities. This study was conducted by researchers at the Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland.