Digital Commons Network^™

The Politics Behind The Library Plagiarism Tutorial: A Case Study, Gloria F. Creed-Dikeogu

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

This article describes the educational politics and processes involved in vetting the creation of an online plagiarism tutorial at a small Liberal Arts college in the Midwest. The first three phases of the ADDIE Instructional Design model was used to develop the course, but its rollout was indefinitely suspended, awaiting a faculty vote. The plagiarism course modules are described along with the pending review which has led to a redesign of the course modules in favor of implementing a reflection course module.

Principals In Title I Schools With Teachers Integrating The New Literacies Of Online Reading And Research, Bridget Stegman

Prairie Journal of Educational Research

This article examines the instructional leadership characteristics of a principal in a Title I school with classroom teachers integrating new literacies. The two dominant frameworks guiding this study were: instructional leadership and the dual-level theory of New Literacies. This qualitative, case study design included one principal and three teachers in a Title I elementary school Northeast Kansas. The principal in this study created a culture of trust and professional growth through the following actions: goals and expectations were individualized; teachers felt safe to experiment and take risks; resources, encouragement and support occurred; opportunities for ongoing, differentiated professional development were implemented; …

Case Study Of The Accommodation Readiness Spiral As An Evaluative Framework For Action Research Plans, Stephanie Mccutcheon, Erica Sponberg, Judith Mena Pazmiño, Kevin Murry, Socorro Herrera

Prairie Journal of Educational Research

This study utilized qualitative research to examine student work for evidence of language exemplifying the progressive levels of the Accommodation Readiness Spiral (ARS). The goal of this research is was to consider how the ARS could be utilized as a purposive framework for the assessment of professional, capacity building potential as related to a teacher’s readiness for the accommodation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students. Thus, we intended to explore the question, what examples of text within ECM participants’ action research plans appear to correspond to levels of the ARS if used as a framework of evaluation for professional …

Utilizing Project-Based Learning To Increase Engagement And Performance In The High School Classroom, Alan English

Prairie Journal of Educational Research

Abstract

Project-based learning was incorporated into a high school American History course unit where students were expected to write an original history of the Vietnam War based exclusively on primary sources. Throughout the school year, students working as a collective unit worked to raise funds at school events for the purpose of surprising a class guest speaker, a Vietnam veteran, with a sponsored flight to Washington D.C. through Kansas Honor Flights. In addition to creating an experience of civic participation, student engagement (as measured by rate of completion of the project) and performance (as measured by average grade on the …

Engaging Graduate Students In The Online Learning Environment: A Universal Design For Learning (Udl) Approach To Teacher Preparation, Marla J. Lohmann, Kathleen A. Boothe, Andrea R. Hathcote, Amy Turpin

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Today’s classroom is more diverse than ever; it is imperative that universities find solutions for meeting these diverse learning needs. One potential solution is Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a promising practice in the K-12 classroom. UDL is based on the idea that diversity among students is predictable and systematic adjustments to the curriculum should be made based on that predictability. While there is strong research supporting the use of UDL for traditional K-12 classrooms, there is little research regarding its implementation in the online university teacher preparation classroom. This study explores the use of UDL for increasing …

Shuffle Lit!: Using Ipod Shuffles To Encourage Literacy Experiences At Home, Ashlee B. Hover

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

A kindergarten teacher used action research to examine how literature, audio books, homework, and Apple iPod Shuffles can be combined to encourage and improve literacy at home. The research participants consisted of 16 kindergarten students in Middle Tennessee and their parents. The kindergarten students took home a tote bag with the following contents: an Apple iPod Shuffle loaded with many audio stories, six books, two types of headphones, and an iPod listening/reading log. The students took the project materials home for a week to enjoy with their parents and other family members. The parents or siblings recorded the students’ experiences …

A Scaffolding Approach Using Interviews And Narrative Inquiry, Sharon Heilmann

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This article examines how educational scaffolding was used in a graduate research methods course to encourage student mastery of two qualitative research concepts, interviews and narrative inquiry. Findings suggest that scaffolding resulted in students’ mastery of both concepts as well as students’ increased attention to quality of interview questions and outcomes. Further implications suggest scaffolding would be useful in combining other qualitative topics such as integrating content analysis skills with research designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, and case studies.

Una Destinatio, Viae Diversae – One Destination, Many Paths: An Invitation To Design Curriculum, Aviva B. Dorfman

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

One goal of early childhood teacher educators is to teach in ways that model teaching young children. What better way to study curriculum than to design it? This article describes a graduate early childhood curriculum course in which the students participate in the process of designing the syllabus. They receive a syllabus empty of topics, schedule, and readings. Together, we design the course according to their interests and needs. By semester’s end there is a full reading list and schedule. The invitation to co-design curriculum provides opportunities for investigation, representation and reflection as does constructivist teaching for children, and demonstrates …

An Alternative Pathway To Elementary Teaching, Lotta Larson, Tom Vontz

Educational Considerations

This article describes an alternative pathway to elementary teaching through the MAT online program at Kansas State University.

Teachers’ Increased Use Of Informational Text: A Phenomenological Study Of Five Primary Classrooms, Heather D. Young, Christian Z. Goering

Educational Considerations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explain how the Common Core State Standards may have influenced teachers' practices and philosophies regarding literacy instruction. Conducted in five kindergarten through second-grade classrooms within one elementary school, this research study collected semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and teacher-reported lesson plans over fourteen weeks. We observed that one of the largest instructional shifts due to the implementation of new standards was in the area of informational text use. This change came about not due to the volume of empirical research stating the benefits of such texts, but rather because of an educational policy …

"A Constant State Of Flex And Change": A Teacher Candidate's Perceptions Of And Experiences With Military-Connected Learners, Vicki S. Sherbert

Educational Considerations

All teacher candidates enter the classroom with initial perceptions and assumptions regarding their students’ diverse lived experiences and the role those experiences may play in the classroom (Wenger & Dinsmore, 2005). For teacher candidates with no military background, concerns may extend beyond those typical of teacher candidates in other internship placements to include worries about understanding and meeting the unique needs of military-connected learners. This qualitative case study involved three teacher candidates who were about to begin their student teaching internships working in elementary classrooms in schools on a military post. This article will offer an in-depth description of one …

Teaching As A Political Act: Critical Pedagogy In Library Instruction, Melia Erin Fritch

Educational Considerations

This article establishes a theoretical framework for critical library instruction (and thereby critical information literacy) that is built upon critical feminist theory, critical race theory, and engaged pedagogy, among others. Using the ideas and work of theorists to create a path linking the ideas of critical analyses together, the author demonstrates the importance and need for critical information literacy within library instruction to empower students, creating opportunities for lifelong learning. Noted within the article are the obstacles for librarians who focus on feminist engaged pedagogy in their teaching; however, the author shares with readers that the challenge is in fact …

Changing Teacher Education: Challenging Assumptions And Moving Forward, Todd Goodson

Educational Considerations

This issue marks the first under the direction of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University. This issue is devoted to the theme Changing Teacher Education, and our contributing authors explore various aspects of change and their implications for both teacher education as well as K-12 education. The issue also includes a new feature, Key Conversations, devoted to an interview with a leading figure whose work illuminates the theme of the issue.

A Year On The Rock: A Methods Professor Returns To The Classroom, Bradley J. Burenheide

Educational Considerations

As a Methods Professor in a Research I institution in the Midwest and the largest education program in its respective state, I faced a crisis after ten years in higher education. The concern I faced was whether or not the repertoire I taught my students was appropriate and meaningful in their training. While staying abreast of current research and strategies, I wanted to ensure that my techniques were still applicable to working with students after ten years of less connection with classrooms. This article discusses the framework employed in the research experience as well as the big lessons that were …

Administering High Impact, Faculty-Led, International Travel Courses, Christopher Hirschler Phd, Kira Espiritu Phd

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Chairs can play an important role in the creation and sustainability of high impact, faculty-led, international travel courses. Engaging faculty is critical to the success of campus internationalization initiatives. This session presents best practices for utilizing faculty-directed programming as a means of campus internationalization.

Leading The Transition To Active Learning Strategies And The High-Engagement Teaching Model, William J. Buchhorn, Elena Allen

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

This interactive workshop will showcase several strategies used in the new active learning model of teaching as chairs from English and Reading at Butler Community College (KS) share insights developed during the multi-year implementation of a partnership with AVID for Higher Education.

Preparing For College Success: Exploring Undergraduate Students' Perceptions Of The Benefits Of A College Reading And Study Skills Course Through Action Research, Christy M. Howard, Lanette Moret, Johna Faulconer, Tanya Cannon, Amanda Tomlin

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate students’ perceptions of the benefits of a college reading and study skills course. Researchers have found that even with increased emphasis on college readiness, many students continue to enter college unprepared for the rigorous academic expectations they may face. With this in mind, this study was designed to examine the perceptions of students entering college and being enrolled in a “support” course based on their SAT scores. Findings revealed that participants valued learning study skills and strategies that supported their understanding of course material before, during, and after the reading process. …

How Will You Contribute? A Look At An Instructional Strategy To Improve Student-Centered Learning, Christine Kenney

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

The dreaded blank stares, looking down at a phone, or the student who falls asleep. University instructors know students who demonstrate these behaviors and have watched them disengage during class. Students might wish to engage, but may not know how. The purpose of this article is to examine the use of contribution strategies with undergraduate students in an effort to foster their engagement in class. Through a semester-long study, students’ usage of seven contribution strategies within course discussions was examined through frequencies and audio recordings. Findings reveal that students incorporated the seven contribution strategies into course discussions however they did …

Revisiting A Classic: A Book Review Of Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis Of Reading And Learning, Chris Sclafani

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Often, the teaching profession spends a great deal of time looking towards the future, or considering what might be the next big trend that will help students. However, it is sometimes important to reflect back upon the texts and ideas that set the tone for the profession. Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning by Frank Smith is a classic text that laid the foundation for teachers of literacy to move from an existence of teaching rules and exceptions to becoming an actively involved participant in the process of building and facilitating comprehension in students of all ages. …

Editorial Introduction, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Editorial Introduction, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Facilitating Discussion Of Theory And Practice In Education Seminars, Bailey Herrmann, Jessica R. Gallo

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Field experience seminars, discussion-based courses paired with school-based practicum experiences, provide a space for teacher candidates to discuss the theories they study in their university classes and the practices they observe and implement in their school placements. This article describes an action research study that examines teaching techniques that promote discussion in English education seminar courses. The purpose of this research was to collaboratively develop teaching approaches that would help teacher candidates bridge ideas about theory and practice in their development as aspiring teachers. The conversations that challenged the teacher candidates to think critically and theoretically about their classrooms were …

Making The Case For Doctoral Student Success Through Group Advising And Dissertations, Diane D. Chapman, Michelle Bartlett

Adult Education Research Conference

Many adult doctoral students at dissertation stage are isolated and unable to focus. Group advising and group dissertation work may combat barriers to completion and lead to greater student success.

Online Instructional Design In The New World: Beyond Gagné, Briggs And Wager, Mary Wilson

Adult Education Research Conference

MOOCs, Open Access, Badges... all these new technologies should provide a golden age for adult education online. Instead, profoundly traditional models of instructional design impose restrictions.

A Very Adult Curriculum? How The New Bc Education Plan Reflects The Andragogical Commitments Of Adult Education, Ralf St. Clair

Adult Education Research Conference

Analyzes the recently introduced BC K-12 Curriculum through the lens of andragogy to understand the extent to which the values of adult education have informed policy and practice. Bernstein's code theory is used to frame the discussion.