Digital Commons Network^™

Fostering Engagement Through Inquiry-Based Learning, Lauren Zanoni

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) occurs when students engage in work that mirrors elements of the scientific process, such as conducting an investigation and communicating results (Martin-Hansen, 2002). Similar to the inquiry process, in Genius Hour students choose a topic they are passionate about, and engage in research and reflection as they create a finished project (Juliani, 2007). In my study, I determined how the incorporation of inquiry-based learning in a fifth grade classroom facilitates students’ cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement. Within this study, cognitive engagement refers to students’ investment and motivation to learn, behavioral engagement involves the positive conduct students show …

Das '26, Satheeshreddy '26 Named Inaugural Beckman Scholars, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Survey Finds 99% Of 2023 Grads Employed Or Continuing Education, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Titans Stood As Sole Undergrad Presenters At National Science Symposium, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Hagler ’25 Joins Leading Female Entrepreneurs At Harvard Conference, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Golden Apple Scholars Improve Illinois Teaching Retention For 30 Years, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

University Employees Honored For Milestones, Retirements, University Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Next Generation Of Titan Graduates Celebrated At 2024 Commencement, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Local Youth Explore Stem Creativity With Makergirl Workshops Led By Titans, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Seven Student Films Featured At Phenom Film Festival, Chris Francis

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Author And Activist Menah Pratt-Clarke To Visit Campus On Book Tour, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Best-Selling Author Tj Newman '06 To Speak At May 5 Commencement, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Drici Named 2025 Kemp Award Winner, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Do Well, Do Good Awards Highlights “Best Of Who We Are”, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Record-Breaking $2.7 Million Raised During All In For Wesleyan, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Phase Transition Behavior In Vo2 Thin Films, Eric Min Myat

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Our goal is to characterize the phase transition behavior of vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films, specifically focusing on the metal-insulator transition, through electrical resistance measurements. We will synthesize high-quality VO2 thin films using a sol-gel process to prepare precursor solutions, spin coating for uniform thin film deposition, and controlled annealing to tune the properties and phase transition behavior of VO2. The resistivity of the thin films will be measured using a four-point-probe technique, specifically the Van der Pauw method. This project aims to provide insights into the fundamental properties of VO2 thin films and contribute to the development of novel …

Narco Service Provisions In Tierra Caliente: La Familia Michoacana, Los Caballeros Templarios, And Los Zetas, Itzel Mendoza

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This article analyzes the mutual relationship of dependency between civil society and narco cartels in Tierra Caliente, focusing on civilian experiences in Michoacan, Guerrero and el Estado de México. This paper will examine the functions of La Familia Michoacana, Los Caballeros Templarios and Los Zetas through community service provisions and cartels’ governance. Additionally, socioeconomic factors of Tierra Caliente will be examined to determine which types of communities lend themselves to cartels to provide community provisions as I argue that socioeconomic factors drive cartels’ operations and behaviors.

Independent Reading In The High School Classroom: An Examination Of Students' Reading Behaviors And Perceptions, Emma Halfman

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Independent reading is a time wherein students are allowed to read self-selected materials on their own (Yoon, 2002). Federal research like that of the National Reading Panel Report (NRP), however, has suggested that such programs in schools do not have conclusive benefits for students. Given this context, some administrators, teachers, and parents often do not advocate for independent reading in the classroom. They prefer instead that class time be spent wisely. They prefer that the class time be focused on the instruction of skills/content that matter to students and that align with state and national standards and assessments. With such …

Promoting The Use Of Primary Sources In The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Alec Mucha

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Utilizing engaging and hands-on activities is crucial for secondary social studies teachers aiming to integrate primary sources into their classrooms. It is a skill which can be daunting for teachers, as it can be challenging to come up with these activities. In order to find engaging practices I took an in-depth look at the current practices of teachers, reviewing 30 relevant articles that specifically addressed their utilization of primary sources and activities. I explored strategies for promoting student engagement in the learning process. Applying Fredricks, Blumenfeld, and Paris’ (2004) categorization of engagement theory, I used this theory which contends that …

Implementing Universal Design For Learning (Udl) In A High School Mathematics Classroom, Kate Meyers

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

With the increasing awareness in the field of education for accessible curriculums designed to meet the diverse learning styles of students, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been adopted by many schools, teachers, and even written into legislation. UDL was first created by the educators at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) as a system of guidelines and supports to optimize inclusive learning strategies that address the needs of all learners through the use of multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression (CAST, 2018). Specifically, in mathematics classrooms, UDL has been shown to increase students’ mathematical comprehension …

Social Media Influence On Infant Safe Sleep A Tiktok Study, Peyton Kumpula

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The leading cause of death in infants age one month-one year in the United States is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) with about 3,500 deaths each year. These deaths are related to unsafe sleep circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated infant safe sleep (ISS) recommendations (2022) that include a call for healthcare professionals to endorse, model, and educate ISS practices. Also recommended is that media follow ISS guidelines in messaging and advertising. Even as parents and caregivers are educated about ISS by healthcare professionals, their parenting beliefs and behaviors are influenced by social networks including social media. …

Sheahon Zenger Named 21st President Of Illinois Wesleyan University, Ann Aubry

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Students To Present Research From Variety Of Disciplines At John Wesley Powell Conference On April 13, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Celebrated Poet John Keene To Join Joanne Diaz For Poetry Conversation, Chris Francis

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Give Green, Give Back During All In For Wesleyan On April 9, Julia Perez

News and Events

No abstract provided.

Volume 33, Number 1, Spring 2024, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 33 | NUMBER 1 | Spring 2024

ON OUR COVER:

Ryan Jumper '00 has been an associate judge in Madison County, Illinois, since 2018 and was retained in 2023. Four other IWU alumni became judges in 2023, including two federal judges.

16 The Titan Judges IWU's legal minds are shaping the judiciary in the state of Illinois and beyond. Three of these judges share the stories of their careers within criminal and civil justice.

22 The Lawyer and the Punk Dave Rossi '07 started his career as a famous punk rocker. Now he's a lawyer creating the newest recording …

Unraveling Cuban Exceptionalism: Cold War Dynamics And Lobbying Strategies, Zoe Hovde

Research Honors

Immigrant inequality becomes most apparent with the privileges granted to the Cuban-American expatriate community. Cuban exceptionalism was fostered most explicitly through the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 and has remained in effect since. The preservation of this exceptionalism brings forth the question of the conditions continuing to support it. Previous studies give theoretical approaches, including “policy capture” and “new Cuban” negligence, to exceptionalism, as well as argue for human rights considerations by the United States. However, they fail to observe the collective influence of anti-Communist sentiments, comparisons to Venezuelans, attitudes of Cuban-Americans, and lobbying. This study achieves just that. It …

From King To Villain: Herod The Great's Transition From Historical Figure To Dramatic Antagonist, Joshua Reed

Research Honors

King Herod the Great’s reputation in 17th-century England was so vile that several theologians and writers took it upon themselves to write biographies of him, styling him as one of the worst men who ever lived. He had become a monolithic example of evil, tyranny, and unrighteous wrath divorced from the historical reality. Modern historical consensus on Herod is that he was a troubled ruler with paranoia and a temper, but little more. Meanwhile, followers of the Christian faith know him for orchestrating the Massacre of the Innocents—an event wherein an untold number of baby boys in Bethlehem were murdered …

Functionality Appreciation And Male Body Image: An Exploration Of Expand Your Horizon, Self-Objectification, And Male Role Norms In College Men, Jayden Erie

Research Honors

Expand Your Horizon (Alleva et al., 2015) is a writing intervention that asks participants to reflect on the functional capabilities of their bodies, and it has been shown to be effective at improving body image and reducing self-objectification in groups of women. However, this intervention has never been applied to men. The current study sought to investigate the efficacy of the Expand Your Horizon (EYH) intervention at improving body image in a sample of college men and to examine correlations between functionality appreciation, body appreciation, self-objectification, and endorsement of traditional male role norms. Male-identifying students were recruited from Illinois Wesleyan …

(Bi)Lingüe, (Bi)Cultural Y El Espacio Intermedio, Emma Sempsrott

Research Honors

In this research project, I am investigating the differences in the US education system in regard to Spanish bilingual education. This research is rooted in the political and policy debate surrounding Dual Language Programs and Transitional Bilingual Programs, which blossomed during the Reagan administration in the 1980’s. More specifically, I am researching the differences between these two programs and their individual cognitive benefits. In order to examine these differences, I will compare them using two different populations: Bloomington, IL and Saint Charles, IL. Both of these areas have different populations as well as different offerings of bilingual support and education. …