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  Influence of Head Injury on Episodic Memory, Meta-memory, and Cannabis Use

  Patel, Smit; Department of Psychology

  Mild head injuries (MHI) are implicated in impairments of various cognitive constructs, including memory. Specifically, episodic memory performance is shown to be dampened post-MHI. Further, head injuries are also associated with problems in processing and reacting to emotional stimuli and, overall, research has shown that those with head injuries are less able to recall emotional stimuli compared to their No-MHI cohort. This literature is lacking in detailed measures of narrative episodic memory, especially in those with milder versus moderate or severe head injuries. Most studies implement word-list tasks to assess episodic memory, so the aim of the present study was to assess episodic memory using a story task, which is more reflective of memory usage required in day-to-day tasks. The goal of this research was to examine emotionally-valenced narrative recall in persons with MHI, while accounting for possible emotion effects. Subjective-memory, or meta-memory, was also of interest. As head injuries are whole-brain events, various neurological structures can be impacted, but in particular, involvement of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been acknowledged. Even minor disruption to the PFC is associated with impulse control and sensation-seeking behaviours, including substance use. Those with a history of MHI have been shown to be more vulnerable to substance use/abuse. Given the recent legalisation of cannabis in Canada and its increased medical and recreational use, in addition to its influence on memory and cognitive, this research also investigates the nature, and interaction, of cannabis consumption in relation to MHI. This study recruited 134 Brock University students to assess the relationships between MHI and episodic memory, subjective memory, emotional processing, and cannabis use. Results indicated that the MHI group performed similarly to the No-MHI group in recall capacity, and with both groups demonstrating a potent valence-related effect. Further, cannabis use was reported to a greater degree by those with an MHI, demonstrating that high-functioning university students have the facilities to overcome possible narrative episodic memory impairments attributable to a head injury, however, they remain disadvantaged in terms of substance use and are disproportionately affected by it.
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  Preservice Teachers’ Perceived Preparedness to Integrate Technology Into Teaching of Mathematics: A Mixed Method Study

  Shahmohammadi, Soheila Belgheis; Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

  This study explored preservice teachers’ (PTs’) perceptions of their preparedness to effectively integrate technology into mathematics teaching and the pedagogical strategies that contributed to developing their competencies in this regard. Their perceived preparedness was examined in terms of their knowledge within the TPACK domains and self-efficacy beliefs. Using a concurrent mixed method design, data were collected from 59 PTs in their last semester of study at a Canadian university. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey via three widely used instruments, namely: the TPACK survey, the Computer Technology Integration Survey (CTIS), and the Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence (SQD) Scale. Qualitative data obtained from three open-ended survey questions and follow-up interviews with six participants provided broader insights about PTs’ experiences and activities regarding technology integration into mathematics teaching. The results of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis indicated that PTs perceived their knowledge and self-efficacy beliefs related to integrating technology into mathematics teaching at a moderate to a high level. Correlation analysis also indicated positive relationships between the seven subscales of the TPACK domains and the confidence scale. Participants shared that while their respective programs’ ICT for Teaching and Learning course played an important role in developing their knowledge in the TK and TPK domains, activities such as coding processes, math games, dynamic mathematics software, and graphic calculators were effective tools that encouraged them to use technology in their teaching of mathematics (TPCK). Experiential learning, including practicum experiences, role modeling strategy, and collaboration with peers were identified by participants as effective pedagogical strategies that developed their preparedness to integrate technology into their teaching of mathematics. Some recommendations of this study for teacher education programs include providing math-specific technology courses; incorporating appropriate instructional design that connects the content course to curriculum to promote PTs’ active engagement in meaningful technology-rich learning activities; and using all six pedagogical strategies presented in the SQD model to prepare future teachers to effectively use technology in mathematics teaching.
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  “Congratulations on being drafted … Time to Start Planning for Retirement!”: NHL Players’ reflections on post-career planning

  Graves, Logan; Applied Health Sciences Program

  The purpose of this study is to understand retired NHL players' perceptions of the most important decisions that need to be made during a playing-career to position themselves for a “happy life” post-NHL career. Indeed, the retired NHL player population is underrepresented within academic literature, and to the extent that researchers have mapped out the decision-making process athletes go through upon retirement (e.g., Park et al., 2012; Eggleston et al., 2020), none have considered the tangible decisions that could be made over the course of a playing-career to build what they perceive as a happy life after retiring from sport, especially in the context of an NHL career. Hence, this study sought to accomplish its purpose through a pragmatic epistemology and a series of qualitative semi-structured interviews with 11 former NHL players who retired between 1995 and 2017. Each semi-structured interview was conducted via the telephone; the collected data was then analyzed using both in-vivo and focused coding strategies. Collectively, these codes were used to visually amalgamate the findings of this study into the Playing-Career Decision Making Model, which illustrated a) how retired NHL players define a happy life post-NHL career; b) the contributing factors during a playing-career to building a happy life; and c) the most important decisions NHL players need to make to prepare for their lives post-NHL career. Further, the findings of this study offer a practical understanding of retirement preparation and decision-making among retired NHL players, emphasizing the need for earlier pre-retirement planning, during a playing-career, to facilitate high-quality outcomes in retirement. Future research should address the subjectiveness of NHL players’ happiness in retirement, including those who do not exclusively reside in North America, and the tangible decisions they deem essential in facilitating a happy life in retirement.
• Drawing on the Lived Experiences of Peer Support Workers in the provision of Substance and Addiction Services: A Case Study of ABC Health Center

  Segawa, Patrick; Department of Child and Youth Studies

  Substance and drug abuse can have long-term effects on the physical, social, and mental well-being of people, and can lead to death. The highest percentage of drug users in Canada can be found among youth and young adults. The use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco or cannabis may lead them into vulnerable situations and risk of addiction. I conducted a qualitative research study where six (6) peer support workers (18 to 50) working with ABC Health Center were recruited and interviewed to obtain diverse information on their lived experiences in the provision of substance and addiction services in a city in Niagara Region. One (1) FGD was conducted among clinicians and/or counselors who work with and support the peer support workers. Data was collected in January 2023. The semi-structured interviews and FGD were audio recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed thematically. Many of the peer support workers have previously been clients with ABC Health Center and their greatest motivation is the desire to help other youths who are going through similar situations that they have recovered from. Some of the day-to-day activities conducted by peer support workers include: conducting one-on-one sessions with clients, facilitating group discussions, and providing referrals for information and services. One of the benefits associated with peer support is being in a position to support other people recover from substance and addiction challenges. Some of the challenges faced by peer support workers include: the feeling of being vulnerable; not knowing when to draw the line in oversharing and fear of being put into compromising situations. Peer support workers play a critical function in being role models in the recovery process among their fellow youths and young adults. This is done by establishing mutual relationships based on trust. Their biggest desire is to give back through sharing their lived experience and helping others overcome challenges with substances and addiction.
• Sherman Zavitz fonds, 1991-2021, n.d.

  Cameron, Chantal (2023-11-08)

  Fonds contains news clippings concerning Sherman Zavitz, official historian for Niagara Falls, Ontario, from 1994 to 2019. Most of the clippings are weekly columns written by Zavitz on Niagara’s history including “A Niagara Note” and a photo feature known as “Niagara Then and Now”. There are also some articles that feature Sherman Zavitz and a few on general Niagara history.

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