Fluxes of sensible and latent heat were measured over a grassland during 1998 and 1999 using the eddy covariance technique. The study objectives were to document seasonal and interannual variation evapotranspiration. Bowen ratios were lower in 1998 (0.5-3.0) than in 1999 (2.5-8.5) due to lower evapotranspiration rates (E). Maximum E also occurred later in 1998 than in 1999; Day 188 (10.4 mmol m-2s-1) versus Day 152 (5.6 mmol m-2s-1). Daily evapotranspiration rates were positively correlated with net radiation, canopy conductance, plant nitrogen content, leaf area index and soil moisture. Based on calculations of the decoupling coefficient (O). evapotranspiration was more constrained by canopy conductance in 1999 (O<0.2) than in 1998 (O>0.3). Evapotranspiration and energy partitioning in this grassland were sensitive to seasonal changes in soil moisture and interannaual variation in spring precipitation. Annual evapotranspiration was 300 mm. / x, 70 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.

Implementing the educational model of inclusion for students with diverse learning needs into mainstream classrooms requires skilled teamwork amond parents, classroom teachers, special education teachers, and teacher assistants. Teacher assistants, a fundamental part of the school system, are essential participants in the individualized programming for students with diverse learning needs. These individuals, the front line workers, are significant adults in students' lives; they can positively transform attitudes, skills, and learning for students with diverse learning needs. Subtle messages of devaluation and hierarchical divisions can make teacher assistants cognizant of "their place" in the school. Additionally, a perceived lack of educational and behaviour management strategies can exacerbate feelings of insecurity and, or, incompetence. It is essential that teacher assistants receive the necessary training, professional development, and opportunities for collegiality to become effective educational partners. An "empowering" environment for teacher assistants respects the needs of adult learners and employs mentoring qualities for on-the-job training. Finally, an empowering environment provides a safe learning climate through transformational practice. The metamorphosis into increased learning and appropriate risk-taking evident in teacher assistants can enhance the lives of students with diverse learning needs. In this study, six teacher assistants from a rural southern Alberta school district were interviewed to identify and explore factors in an "empowering" work environment that may positively contribute to individuals becoming effective, committed teacher assistants. / ix, 138 leaves ; 28 cm.

This study investigated the relationship between middle school attributes and student achievement at the grade six level in Alberta. Student achievement was measured by scores attained on the four grade six Provincial Achievement Tests released in August 1998. combined scores and gender-specific scores for each of the four subjects were investigated. The Middle School Attribute Survey (MSAS) measured the level of implementation of middle school programming in the sample schools. Data analyses included Pearson product-moment correlation matrices. Information regarding the socio-economic background of the schools was used in the discussion of the results to aid in the understanding of any relationships that occured between student achievement and implementation of middle school programming. Results indicated positive relationships between several middle school attributes and student achievement, most notably between overall implementation of middle school programming and language arts achievement for boys and social studies achievement for both genders. / x, 149 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.

Irrigation rates in excess of plant evapotranspiration requirements have been identified as a major contributor to the development of raised water tables in the City of Lethbridge. These high water tables have created problems such as coulee slope instability, basement flooding and structural instability. This study characterized water table conditions in Lakeview subdivision, an area that experiences basement flooding. Soil texture data from this subdivision is used to address speculation that geologic controls contribute to high water tables in the city of Lethbridge, Linear regression analysis comparing mean sand and clay fractions to mean water table depth revealed that variations in soil texture have no statistical relationship to variations in water table depth. Glacio-lacustrine sediments underlie Lakeview subdivision while tills predominate in the Varsity Village area. Lakeview subdivision is also approximately 20 years older than Varsity Village and the two are compared to gain some understanding of how water tables develop over time. Comparison of mean water table depths in irrigated and non-irrigated land cover classes in both Varsity Village and Lakeview revealed a significant difference in Varsity Village whilc Lakeview showed no statistical difference. Finally, a water scheduling program is developed to decrease or reduce the build-up of water tables and alleviate some of the problems that result. / x, 169 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm

Scientific literature indicates potential for using plant extracts to control arthropod pests thereby decreasing the amount of synthetic chemicals introduced into the ecosystem. The research presented below tested several control candidates in a field settig to determine if selected oils can be used to control grasshopper infestations. Two field studies tested the effects of five plant extract oils on grasshopper pests in southern Alberta: Rosmarinus officinalis, Cedrus deodorata, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, and Azadirachta indica. Grasshopper abundance increased in the first study in all plots and decreased in the second study in all plots. A third study was conducted in a greenhouse where grasshoppers were treated with two concentrations of cedarwood and rosemary oil and were monitored for eight days for mortality and behavioural effects. A non-target study was conducted in order to determine if control candidates would negatively affect other beneficial arthropods. Cedarwood, neem oil and carbaryl bait were tested on the mortality of Carabidae and Phalangiidae using pitfall trap sampling. / viii, 98 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm.

What is conversation and how is it related to pedagogic relations? Conversations: Hermeneutic Inquiry Unearthing Pedagogic Relations utilizes Hans-Georg Gadamger's notion of conversation as "the art of seeing things in the unity of an aspect" (Gadamer, 2004, p.368). This definition for conversation is a model for the pedagogic relation where the teacher and student experience education together, side-by-side. This thesis explores the themes of pedagogy, vulnerability and living or Being in the context of teaching. Hermeneutic inquiry -a mode, or art of interpretation-is utilized to inquire into one teacher's experience with students to unearth a deeper understanding of the pedagogic relation. The hermeneutic questions that have informed the inquiry are: 1)What is the nature of the pedagogic relation? 2)What is the nature of the teacher-student relationship? 3)What is the significance of vulnerability in teaching? 4)What is the effect of society on the pedagogic relation? Textual fragments or narrative reconstructions of conversations with students and parents are the site of the study. The study itself employs Gadamer's Truth and Method as a tool of inquiry and also explores the writings on pedagogy of David Smith, David Jardine and Max van Manen. This thesis addresses the nature of a teacher being with another, namely the student and how the teacher must have a measure of self-understanding to nurture the pedagogic relation. The teacher who engages in conversation with his/her students will undoubtedly experience a measure of vulnerability as a direct result of the relationship. The thesis concludes with writing about how hermeneutics is a mode of self-understanding and change. / viii, 129 leaves ; 28 cm.

This study explores clients’ perceptions of women-only group counselling for problem gambling. The clients surveyed participated in a women-only treatment group through the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Commission (AADAC). The group was a pilot project for AADAC, in that it was the first gambling treatment group for women only; previously, only mixed (male and female) groups had been run. Therefore, this is the first known group of its kind to be conducted in Alberta or Western Canada. A qualitative, thematic analysis using the constant comparison method was conducted using in-depth interviews with a focus group of five women. Themes emerged from this analysis, providing insights into counselling practices for women problem gamblers. The results demonstrated that the women who participated in the group found women-only groups to be helpful. Additionally, the participants reported that, if they had to participate in group treatment for problem gambling, they would prefer women-only treatment in the future. Therefore, further research and exploration of women-only treatment are recommended in order to improve problem gambling treatment for women. / ix, 89 leaves ; 29 cm. --

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The centrist theory of the lower middle class is widely used to explain the Social Credit movement in Alberta. The theory assumes that members of this class are ultimately conservative, if not reactionary, in both outlook and behaviour. However, the application of the theory to the Alberta movement is shown to be problematic for several reasons. Those offering this explanation do not back up their claims with evidence. Empirical analyses of the provincial elections of 1935 and 1940 present findings which are at odds with the conventional interpretation. A review of the Social Credit philosophy and the party's first term of office also reveals that the standard class analysis has some serious shortcomings. An alternative interpretation is provided.