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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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. …

Creating Inclusive And Equitable High School History Classrooms Through Critical Pedagogy And Cultural Democracy, Hex L. Rahm, Leah Nillas

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The field of history education is undergoing revisions and decolonization, creating a space for diverse perspectives within the curriculum. These changes are an ongoing topic of debate, although teachers who embrace social justice contend that the diverse approach to history provides students with the opportunity to see themselves represented and valued in the curriculum while also promoting inquiry and dialogue. This self-study seeks to explore how cultural democracy and critical pedagogy can be integrated into a high school history classroom. Cultural democracy emphasizes the intersection of culture and power, particularly in how narratives are formed. Similarly, critical pedagogy is a …

Making Dramatic Literature More Accessible And Relevant To High School Students, Jessica R. Buttell, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

I conducted a self-study to examine how teachers can make dramatic literature more accessible and relevant to students of different backgrounds in a high school English classroom. Dramatic literature in this case can be defined as literary works written with the intent to be performed on the stage and shares the following defining characteristics: acts, scenes, stage directions, dialogue, and a cast of characters. Starting in September of 2022, I began collecting data with field notes, anecdotal records, student teacher weekly reflections, university supervisor observation comments, informal surveys, lesson plans, and student work samples. The lesson plans outlined learning objectives, …

Student Autonomy In The Secondary Ela Classroom, Kailee M. Galloway, Leah A. Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

In the high school setting, students ability to self-regulate and function independently is key to their transition into life post-graduation. As a student teacher, I worked primarily within 12^th grade students and conducted research on how educators can incorporate student autonomy into the secondary English classroom. Student autonomy, in the context of this study, is defined as a teaching framework intended to create areas of support by which the teacher encourages student self-regulation in independent student work settings. In many contexts of the ELA setting, student autonomy is often connected to reading; however, my research focuses on the …

The First Generation Student Initiative, Shea Atkins, Deborah Halperin, Pennie L. Gray

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This presentation will exhibit the multi-pronged approach used to research the two questions: What, if any, are first generation student best practices and programming, and, what can IWU do to implement these practices and why should they? Using a literature review, an IRB approved student survey, focus groups, and analysis of peer, aspirant, and cross-admit universities, the research showed a multitude of possible answers. The benefits of implementing these practices will reveal the full potential of our first generation students. We then triangulated best practices and resources based on the different methods or research.

The defining characteristics of first generation …

Barriers Surrounding Organ Transplants Among The Undocumented Latin American Population, Sydney Demirel Sümer, Carmela Ferradáns Ph.D.

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Organ transplants among the undocumented immigrant population in the United States is a controversial subject for those articulating with healthcare for this high-risk group. The Latin American immigrant population living in the United States have higher incidences of comorbidities and other health conditions. This population is less likely to receive an organ transplant due to their undocumented status and because they are not a citizen of the United States. In most states, documentation is needed to obtain a driver’s license. Obtaining a driver’s license is an easy way to be added to an organ transplant registry. Additionally, the Latin American …

Examining Pedagogical Partnerships In Liberal Arts Institutions, Zehra T. Bakirdan, Leah Nillas

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

With increased awareness by higher education institutions to improve teaching and learning for undergraduate students, pedagogical partnerships have been implemented in higher education institutions to assist in this process. Pedagogical partnerships can be defined as a “reciprocal process through which all participants have the opportunity to contribute equally, although not necessarily in the same ways, to curricular or pedagogical conceptualization, decision-making, implementation, investigation, or analysis” (Cook-Sather, Bovill, & Felton, 2014, pp.6-7). This research synthesis analyzes student-faculty pedagogical partnerships in United States undergraduate college courses by defining pedagogical partnerships, best practices, and challenges associated with pedagogical partnerships. Furthermore, this study developed …

Effects Of Curricular Integration Of Students’ Identities, Reanne B. Rivera, Leah A. Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The curricular integration of students’ cultural identities is a critical component of maximizing students’ learning as educators bridge their students’ lived experiences and cultural backgrounds to their learning (Ladson-Billings, 1995). Another component of students’ identities entails their learning styles. When students’ preferred learning styles are implemented into the classroom they showed higher levels of academic achievement and engagement (Lauria, 2010). A final component of students’ identities explored in this classroom research includes students’ interests. Engagement is learning when students’ choices and interests are considered for their learning (Beecher & Sweeney, 2008). The significance of this research project is to analyze …

Characterization Of An Antibiotic-Producing Bacterial Isolate Effective Against Enterobacter Aerogenes, Rayion J. Smith, Loralyn Cozy

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria is accelerating due to the misuse of antibiotics in agriculture and healthcare. Even though more antibiotics are needed, reduced funding for academic research and decreased investment by pharmaceutical companies has slowed the discovery of antibiotics. The pathogens with the greatest need for new antibiotics include six highly infectious and drug-resistant species: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp., collectively referred to as the ESKAPE pathogens. The work presented here focuses on Enterobacter aerogenes, a gram negative bacterium that causes urinary tract and blood infections. Two soil samples were …

Fostering A Respectful And Engaging Classroom Environment, Cassandra Jones, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The classroom environment is an integral part of the learning process. A respectful classroom environment is defined as a space where all students feel safe, comfortable, and valued both academically and emotionally (Miller & Pedro, 2006). There are many parts to fostering a respectful environment: student-teacher relationships, peer status, and classroom management. Multiple findings suggest that positive student-teacher relationships and peer status greatly contribute to a feeling of belonging in the classroom, which is a large part of fostering a respectful environment. In addition, inclusive and student-centered classroom management styles create and encourage a respectful learning environment as well. Finally, …

Teacher Feedback On Student Work: The Impacts Of Assignment Feedback On The Quality Of Student Work And Motivation, Ashley L. Cook, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The quality, frequency, and delivery style of feedback given to students by their teachers is crucial to the motivation and sense of belonging displayed by students. The purpose of this research was to strengthen my [the researcher’s] abilities as a teacher and grader through examination of the relationship between the quality of teacher feedback and the motivation and sense of belonging displayed by students. In this research, feedback is defined as written or verbal commentary in response to a student’s written work and/or verbal participation in class. This study combined analysis of published research and the conduction of personal research …

Women, Stem, And Gender Differences In Higher Education Attainment, Amber Gauthier

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Discussions and investigations of gender differences in earnings and human capital have seen a resurgence recently, specifically as they relate to women in Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (STEM). Previous research, including my own, has uncovered inequality in earnings. Here, using data from the U.S. Current Population Survey, I examine the relationship between gender and (i) earning a professional certification; and (ii) pursuing graduate education: both means of career advancement and economic mobility. Simple ordinary least squares indicates women are less likely than men to obtain a professional certification, though this effect disappears in the presence …

List Of Student Participants, Illinois Wesleyan University

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Committee Thanks And Introduction, Undergraduate Research Advisory Committee

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Complete 2020 Program, Illinois Wesleyan University

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Program and schedule of events for the 31st Annual John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference.

Investigation Of The Shared And Divergent Anatomical Features Of Fishes From The Suborder Characoidei, Samantha Ziomek

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The order Characiformes is split into two major suborders; Characoidei and Citharinoidei, and includes over 2,000 different species of ray-finned fish, including a variety of Tetras often found in pet stores. Members are identified by the adipose fin, a small fin between the dorsal fin and tail. Of the ~1,800 species found in South America, ~1,100 are within the family Characidae (as defined by the lack of the supraorbital bone) with remaining species spread among 13 other families. Defining phylogenetic relationships among and within each family has proven to be challenging, as a result, the evolutionary relationships between these families …

Flex On This! Flexible Seating In The Classroom, Meghan Mcgarrity

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Flexible seating, or otherwise known as alternative seating, refers to classroom set ups that integrate different seating options rather than traditionally arranged rows of desks. In a regular classroom, some students sitting in traditional desks are uncomfortable; learning can be a battle because of the strain on their bodies. Students who learn in a traditional seating arrangement might be less likely to be engaged or to be able to focus on lessons, not to mention other contributing factors, such as the effects on classroom behavior and their motivation to learn. The purpose of this self study was to …

Brain Breaks In The Elementary Classroom, Emma Dalton

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

At the elementary level, many teachers notice a decline in student engagement at various times of the day. Fredricks, Blumenfeld, and Paris (2004) state that there are three levels of engagement: behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, and emotional engagement. This study discusses how using brain breaks, or pauses of instruction to focus students’ attention on a different movement activity, affect student engagement. Data was collected through video clips and written field notes. The results of this study suggest that brain breaks positively influence the engagement of students. These findings are significant to the field of education because they could point out …

A Brief Review Of Research On Forms Of Instruction, Kevin Butler

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

In colleges of education, there is very strong support for minimally-guided instruction. This form of teaching is based around being a “guide on the side” as opposed to a “sage on the stage” – in other words, direct instruction of one’s students is seen as ineffective or even harmful, whereas instructional approaches based on encouraging students to teach themselves and construct their own knowledge with the teacher acting solely as a “facilitator” is seen as best practice. Despite the prevalence of this viewpoint amongst most education professors, there is very little evidence for its effectiveness. In fact, minimally-guided instruction can …

Complete 2019 Program, Illinois Wesleyan University

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Program and schedule of events for the 30th Annual John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference.

Committee Thanks And Introduction, Undergraduate Research Advisory Committee

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

List Of Student Participants, Illinois Wesleyan University

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

In Pursuit Of A Good Night’S Rest. Steps Towards Improving Electroencephalogram (Eeg) Accessibility And Affordability, Niyant Vora

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The Electroencephalogram (EEG), which is used to effectively record brain waves, has long been a key pillar of sleep research. However, sleep research has an important problem–the natural environment in which people sleep (their bedrooms), is not where sleep research is conducted. Several companies have released EEG headsets to try and address this problem, however, there are still many obstacles to home use. Such headsets are too expensive to be used by everyone and are still not effective enough to be utilized by physicians performing sleep studies. The goal of our research is to find affordable and innovative ways to …

Error Processing In Speeded Response Tasks: Expertise Differences In Cognitive Control, Nicole Bing

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

In speeded response tasks, the time between external stimuli and the time to react is both minimal and relatively fixed. In accordance with speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) theories, reaction time (RT) is often slower after error in order to improve accuracy, which produces post-error slowing. However, in speeded response tasks, typical post-error slowing patterns may not occur. We examined two neural indices of self-regulatory cognitive control, the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the P300, to identify whether time constraints disrupted the normal processing of performance errors and the refinement of behavior during task execution through cognitive control processes in accord with one’s …