Claudia Emes

Social and Academic Interaction in Higher Education Contexts and the Effect on Deep Learning

The nature of interaction in higher education environments impacts not only end outcomes, but also the approach to learning itself. Using a quasi-experimental research design, this empirical study tests the impact of social and academic interaction on student approaches to learning. Findings demonstrate significant correlations between contextual variables and approaches to learning. Most importantly, Peer Interaction and Faculty Interaction have an effect on change in approach to learning over time. This demonstrates the potential of interaction in the learning context to affect not only learning outcomes, but also the way learning itself takes place.

Fostering Resilience Within an Adult Day Support Program

ABSTRACT Late life is frequently associated with a sense of vulnerability because of changing functional abilities, dwindling social-support networks, and an increasing reliance on community agencies for support. Despite the risks, many individuals overcome challenges and continue to live happy, productive lives. Resilience is the ability to persevere and thrive in the face of exposure to adverse situations. This grounded-theory study explores the concept of resilience from the perspective of 15 adult day support program participants. The physical activity program, a strong social support network, and access to community support agencies were identified as the protective factors contributing to resilience.

Physical Activity, Older Immigrants and Cultural Competence

Abstract Increasingly fitness practitioners (FPs) are required to provide programs for older immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Providing appropriate physical activity interventions is a complex undertaking especially if the practitioner has little knowledge of the clients cultural expectations. This article presents a framework to assist FPs in the design and delivery of culturally competent physical activity programming for older immigrants. Examples from the Muslim culture describe the four dimensions of caring, cultural sensitivity, cultural knowledge, and cultural skills. By working through each of the four dimensions, practitioners will be better equipped to identify the types of skills and behaviors required to develop culturally appropriate programs.

Exercise testing protocols for different abilities in the older population.

Abstract Assessment of the physical capacity of the elderly can be used for predicting falls, institutionalization, and mortality. Practitioners can also determine program needs and evaluate how well the program meets the needs of older participants. How and what to assess depends on several factors including objectives of the program, needs of the participant, age, and existing functional capacity. This article reviews tests that are currently used in relation to types of functional fitness. Lastly, it indicates which tests are practical for different levels of ability using Spirdusos classification system of five different functional levels: physically dependent, physically frail, physically independent, physically fit and physically elite.

TRAINING SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES: A PILOT STUDY '

An individualized fitness program had no significant effect on the development of selected strength and endurance measures of 5 Special Olympics athletes.

Maintenance of uncued isometric contractions by blind and sighted.

A comparison of 10 blind and 10 sighted subjects to a proprioceptive task was examined by analysis of response to maintenance of uncued static contractions. In attempting to sustain hand-grip tensions at specified percentages of maximum voluntary contraction, blind and sighted groups showed no significant difference in performance.