What is the role of the University of Prince Edward Island in supporting adult literacy? A team of investigators from the UPEI Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning and the UPEI Centre for Education Research explored that specific question looking at:

Developing a clearer understanding of adult learning needs;
Identifying existing successful adult learning opportunities at UPEI;
Identifying any barriers and opportunities that exist in improving adult learning at UPEI;
Identifying successful and innovative programs offered in other universities;
Suggesting ways to create a “climate of opportunities and possibilities” to support adult learners and learning at UPEI
Research Team: Dr. Martha Gabriel (Faculty of Education, UPEI), Dr. Ray Doiron (Faculty of Education, UPEI), Dr. Ron MacDonald (Faculty of Education, UPEI)

Funded through the...

This study was prompted and funded by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island to establish a profile of Mi’kmaq learners on PEI. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to generate baseline statistical information relating to the educational levels of Mi’kmaq learners as well as to provide recommendations for the types of supports that would promote success. The researchers interviewed Mi’kmaq parents and key professionals in the schools, and they conducted focus groups with students to establish a thorough profile. Statistical data was enriched by comments from the parents and focus-group participants who shared their opinions about the types of programs and services that could make a difference in promoting education success.

In addition, researchers have visited various locations across Prince Edward Island as part of the Mi'kmaq and Inuit Research/...

Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations recently joined the AVC Lobster Science Centre to take part in a research project off PEI's north shore. The information collected will benefit the Island lobster fishery and will be used to build predictive models of landed lobster quality, based on envioronmental and biological data.

The First Nations will provide boats, traps, and fishers, while the AVC Lobster Science Centre will provide technicians to do the sampling. Each sampling session will measure and examine 125 lobsters. A small blood sample will be taken and a part of a swimmeret removed for moult stage analysis. The process is harmless to the lobster, while providing useful information to researchers. The project continues into the fall of 2009 and resumes in spring 2010.

An Atlantic research and training project entitled "Train the Trainer: A Family Literacy Approach for Aboriginal Families in Atlantic Canada" is being led by UPEI. Launched in 2007, the three-year research project is developing and implementing a family literacy training program with teachers and volunteers in Aboriginal communities. The research is being conducted in communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.

A "Train the Trainer" manual will be developed with the communities, based on relevant cultural materials, to use in the implementation of the program. It will then be available as a general guide to be used by other groups for training people for their respective projects. Local facilitators will acquire the skills and knowledge to host family literacy programs. Parents and children who participate will acquire skills related to...

Located on the 5th Floor of Dalton Hall, The Mawi'omi Aboriginal Student Centre exists to support Aboriginal students at UPEI, through mentoring and support services such as tutoring, counselling, helping with course selection, and finding volunteer or work opportunities.

This project extends beyond the UPEI campus, as its student mentors visit junior and senior high schools on PEI, offer "Lunch and Learn" community presentations and research on how to expand outreach, and encourage more Aboriginal students to pursue post-secondary education.

For more information: www.upei.ca/nursing/mawiomi/