2017 Advancing the Human Condition Symposium
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Supporting Adaptive Brain and Behavior: The Abecedarian Approach to Social, Educational, and Health DisparitiesRamey, Craig T. (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-30)This paper places the Abecedarian Approach in theoretical and historical context and reviews the results from 3 randomized controlled trials that have tested an experimental protocol designed to prevent cognitive disabilities and their social consequences. Results affirm that cognitive disabilities can be prevented in early childhood and subsequent academic achievement enhanced via a multipronged comprehensive approach that contains individualized and responsive early childhood education starting in early infancy, coupled with pediatric health care, good nutrition, and family-oriented social services. Additional important findings reveal that the most vulnerable children benefited the most and that cognitive gains were not at the expense of children’s socio-emotional development or relationship to family. In general, mothers derived benefits in education and employment and teenage mothers especially benefited from their children participating in the early education treatment group. On the whole, the overall pattern of results supports a multidisciplinary, individualized, and long-term longitudinal perspective on human development and prevention science. Recent structural and functional brain imaging in the fifth decade of life shows persistent effects of intensive early educational treatment. Independent recent cost-benefit analysis in adulthood reveals a 7.3:1 return on investment with a 13.7% average annual rate of return. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications of the Abecedarian Approach to today’s highrisk population in the U.S. and with recommendations for further tailoring the protocol to better meet the multiple needs of vulnerable families.
- Learning Experiences for empowerment, resilience, and engagementCotrupi, Catherine; Davis, Jessica; Case, Mary (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-28)Presentation addresses the intentional and evolving work of VT Engage, Virginia Tech’s service learning and civic engagement center. Utilizing a discussion regarding the differences between “traditional” service learning and “critical” service learning, attendees are encouraged to consider the goals and outcomes associated with direct community engagement through the curriculum. An exploration of the importance of community-identified need, authentic community partnership, the awareness of self and civic identity, resources for responsible action grounded in scholarship and opportunities for collaboration will be presented as a springboard for further discussion on pedagogies that advance the human condition.
- Keynote: The University and Our Human Future: Advancing Equity and the Human ConditionJohnson, Sylvester (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-28)These documents include the topic outline for the keynote address and the accompanying slide deck. Dr. Johnson's lecture was not recorded; however, some of the content presented is included in an earlier lecture, "Of Machines and Men" delivered at the Chicago Humanities Festival in 2016, viewable at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TaMQp9wyy0.
- Opening remarks for the Advancing the Human Condition SymposiumPratt-Clarke, Menah; Deramo, Michele C. (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-28)The Equity and Social Disparity in the Human Condition Strategic Growth Area engages the campus in conversation about humanity.
- Disability on CampusShivers, Carolyn; Fisher, Marisa; Svyantek, Martina; Spingola, Elizabeth (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-30)Slides from a panel discussion on the experience of disability in higher education. What is [dis]ability? What does and does not "count" as disability in the classroom and on campus? What programs and supports does Virginia Tech have in place? How frequently are these supports actually implemented? What are some of the gaps in supports? Panelists discuss stereotypes of disability, experiences of disability and technology on campus, and the barriers to participation in higher education for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Emerging Questions: Advancing the Human ConditionDeramo, Michele C. (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-30)Slide show with a summation of critical questions emerging from the Advancing the Human Condition symposium sessions.
- Advancing the Human Condition Symposium Program 2017(Virginia Tech, 2017-11-28)Symposium schedule of events with session descriptions.
- Social Equity and Inclusion in Education Policy. Audience NotesBradburn, Isabel S. (Virginia Tech, 2017-11-30)This document includes notes written by members of the audience of the panel: Social Equity and Inclusion in Education Policy
- Advancing the Human Condition Symposium 2017 Flyer(Virginia Tech, 2017-11)Topics Include: What does it mean to be human when biological and digital life are increasingly intertwined? Are standard social scientific methods adequate to meet the challenges of communities facing historical inequities and injustices? How does political agency foster more inclusive economic systems? Who determines the work of advancing the human condition? Whose conditions are improved--and at what costs?