Digital Commons Network^™

Chapter 10- Preparing The Effective Mentor, Natasha Mickel

Making Connections

Mentoring is a central component of teaching and learning in academia that involves mentors ranging from novice to advanced mentoring experience. Mentoring has been found to play a crucial role in successful career development at every professional level in academia. Consequently, it’s imperative that institutions design and implement mentoring programs that prepare mentors, regardless of background, to establish, build, and maintain positive mentoring relationships.

This chapter begins by discussing mentoring and its role in academia. As institutions strive to retain faculty, staff, and students, it serves institutions well to understand how the successful implementation of effective mentoring programs can close …

Chapter 9- Defining Recruitment, Selection, And Matching Strategies, Paul Hernandez, Don Busenbark, Kim Hales, David Law

Making Connections

Chapter 9, “Defining Recruitment, Selection, and Matching Strategies” guides the program coordinator in recruiting mentors and mentees, selecting who will be in the mentoring program, and matching participants. The section on recruitment begins by emphasizing how the needs assessment, university vision, and program goals and objectives should align to create a clear vision and purpose for the mentoring program. It also describes how communication practices in various university ecosystems, rewards and incentives, and activities enhance enrollment. The section on selection delineates mentors’ positive and negative characteristics, exploring in-depth critical mentor communication skills and the characteristics of successful mentees. Finally, the …

Communicating About Computational Thinking: Understanding Affordances Of Portfolios For Assessing High School Students’ Computational Thinking And Participation Practices, Deborah A. Fields, Debora Lui, Yasmin Kafai, Gayithri Jayathirtha, Justice Walker, Mia Shaw

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Background and Context: While assessment of computational thinking concepts, practices, and perspectives is at the forefront of K-12 CS education, supporting student communication about computation has received relatively little attention.

Objective: To examine the usability of process-based portfolios for capturing students’ communication about their computational practices regarding the process of making electronic textile projects.

Method: We examined the portfolios of 248 high school students in 15 introductory CS classrooms from largely underserved communities, using a formal rubric (top-down) to code computational communication and an open-coding scheme (bottom-up) to identify computational practices described.

Findings: Students demonstrated stronger …

How Adolescents Use Text Messaging Through Their High School Years, Samuel E. Ehrenreich, Kurt J. Beron, Kaitlyn Burnell, Diana J. Meter, Marion K. Underwood

Human Development and Family Studies Faculty Publications

Co‐construction theory suggests adolescents use digital communication to address developmental challenges. For a sample of 214 ethnically diverse adolescents, this research used direct observation to investigate the frequency, content, and timing of texting with parents, peers, and romantic partners through grades 9–12. Analyses showed that texting frequency follows a curvilinear trajectory, peaking in eleventh grade. Adolescents discussed a range of topics, predominantly with peers. Communication with parents was less frequent, but consistent over time. Approximately 45‐65% of adolescents communicated with romantic partners, texting heavily and about topics similar to those discussed with peers. Texting may help adolescents navigate key developmental …

Communicating Computational Concepts And Practices Within High School Students’ Portfolios Of Making Electronic Textiles, Debora Lui, Justice T. Walker, Sheri Hanna, Yasmin B. Kafai, Deborah A. Fields, Gayithri Jayathirtha

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Portfolios have recently gained traction within computer science education as a way to assess students’ computational thinking and practices. Whereas traditional assessments such as exams tend to capture learning within artificial settings at a single point in time, portfolios provide more authentic opportunities to document a trajectory of students’ learning and practices in everyday contexts. Furthermore, because communication itself has been defined as an important computational thinking practice, portfolios give students a place to practice this skill in the classroom. In this study, we report on the implementation of a digital portfolio with a class of 21 high school students …

Workplace Democracy And The Problem Of Equality, Jared Sterling Colton, Avery C. Edenfield, Steve Holmes

English Faculty Publications

Purpose: Professional communicators are becoming more invested in unique configurations of power in organizations, including non-hierarchical and democratic workplaces. While organizations dedicated to democratic processes may enact power differently than conventional organizations, they may fall short of practicing equality. This article explains the differences in non-hierarchical workplaces, considers businesses where democracy is a goal, and argues for considering equality as a habitual practice, particularly when writing regulatory documents.

Method: We conduct a review of the literature on non-hierarchical workplaces and organizational democracy, applying Jacques Rancière’s concept of equality to two examples (one using primary data collection and one using secondary …

The Burden Of Ambiguity: Writing At A Cooperative, Avery C. Edenfield

English Faculty Publications

Purpose: While many organizations use ambiguity to strategically build a "unified diversity" around an organization's mission, democratically managed organizations need to tread a narrow path between necessary ambiguity (which allows flexibility) and dysfunctional ambiguity (which causes disarray). To illustrate, I report a subset of findings regarding occasions when ambiguous documents had a significant impact on a democratically managed organization.

Methods: I conducted a three-phase study of a democratic cooperative. Using a mixed-methods approach, I sought to uncover the ways technical and professional communication (TPC) concerns like ambiguity and clarity function in a democratic business. In my analysis, I looked for …

Analyzing Stakeholders’ Workshop Dialogue For Evidence Of Social Learning, Amanda L. Bentley Brymer, J. D. Wulfhorst, Mark W. Brunson

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

After much debate and synthesis, social learning scholarship is entering an era of empirical research. Given the range across individual-, network-, and systems-level perspectives and scales, clear documentation of social learning processes is critical for making claims about social learning outcomes and their impacts. Past studies have relied on participant recall and concept maps to document perceptions of social learning process and outcome. Using an individual-centric perspective and importing ideas from communication and psychology on question-answer learning through conversational agents, we contribute an expanded conceptual framework and qualitative analytical strategy for assessing stakeholder dialogue for evidence of social learning. We …

Don’T Talk -Listen: The Power Of Silence In A Tutoring Session, Megan Ririe

Tutor's Column

Why is silence so scary? This paper explores the reasons behind why silence is so hard for us as tutors to utilize in our tutoring sessions, as well as the benefits of using silence and wait time. These benefits include an effective learning environment, a stronger understanding of the student and their assignment, and a respect for the student's ideas and authorship of their paper.

Interpersonal Communication: One Smile Away From A Lifetime Of Success, Alexander Anthony Johnson

Tutor's Column

The reason I chose to write my tutors column on interpersonal communication is the application it has in every tutoring scenario. Without effective interpersonal communication skills, you might not be able to develop the feedback that is most beneficial to your peer. Instead of helping them uncover their voice and passion for writing, you might become a broken record, repeating grammar issues that they knew they had but were too lazy to fix prior to the session. As a tutor, we are expected to be masters of the English language. We can catch problems in a paper that most students …

Community Supported Agriculture: Marketing & Outreach Strategies To Encourage Membership, Kenna Mcmurray, Kelsey Hall, Roslynn Brain

All Current Publications

When you market your community supported agriculture (CSA) operation, you should consider the best communication tools to delivering information to potential and current shareholders, engaging your shareholders, and getting feedback. This fact sheet will provide tips on how to do so.

Online Information-Seeking Behaviors Of Parents Of Children With Adhd, Adam Sage, Delesha Carpenter, Robyn Sayner, Kathleen Thomas, Larry Mann, Sandra H. Sulzer, Adrian D. Sandler, Betsy Sleath

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

This article describes (a) parent questions about ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder), (b) parent Internet use to seek ADHD information, and (c) associations between type of Internet access and ADHD information-seeking. Seventy parents of children (ages 7-17 years) with ADHD completed questionnaires after their child’s visit with their pediatrician. Bivariate relationships were assessed using chi-square statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, or t tests. Parents identified an average of 8.9 questions about ADHD for their child’s provider. Common questions were related to medication and long-term implications of ADHD. A majority of parents searched the Internet for general ADHD information (87%) and ADHD medication …

Youth Views On Communication About Adhd And Medication Adherence., Betsy Sleath, Delesha Carpenter, Robyn Sayner, Kathleen Thomas, Larry Mann, Adam Sage, Sandra H. Sulzer, Adrian D. Sandler

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine youth perceptions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) communication with their pediatric providers, their reported adherence to their ADHD medications, and their desired location for an ADHD educational program. Youth ages 7 through 17 with an ADHD diagnosis were recruited. A research associate interviewed the youth. Parents completed demographic questionnaires. Seventy families participated. One-third of the youth wanted more discussion about ADHD with their providers during visits. The average youth had over eight questions about ADHD and its treatment. Most youth wanted to learn about ADHD at their provider’s office. Non-white and …

Communication About Attention Deficit Disorder During Pediatric Asthma Visits, Betsy Sleath, Sandra H. Sulzer, Delesha M. Carpenter, Catherine Slota, Christopher Gillette, Stephanie Davis

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The objectives of the study were to examine provider-family communication about attention deficit disorder during pediatric asthma visits. Children with asthma, aged 8 through 16 and their parents were recruited at five pediatric practices. All medical visits were audio-taped. There were 296 asthmatic children enrolled into the study and 67 of them also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD communication elements suggested by national guidelines were discussed infrequently. Providers were more likely to discuss, educate, and ask one or more questions about ADHD medications if the visit was non-asthma related. Providers included child input into the ADHD treatment regimen …

Persuasion On Trial: An Exercise For Understanding The Benefits Of Studying Persuasion, John S. Seiter, R. H. Gass

Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Faculty Publications

The study of persuasion is the wellspring of the communication discipline. Nevertheless, in one review, Seiter and Gass (2004) noted that "critics of persuasion seem to emerge and reemerge with some regularity" (p. 2). Although the study of persuasion is generally venerated by those within the field of communication, it is not always viewed so favorably by laypersons, including students who enroll in introductory persuasion courses. Ordinary people often perceive persuasion negatively.

Extension Sustainability: Research, Outreach, And Communication Techniques To Foster Positive Change, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Encouraging Communication And Community Through Making Books About Shared Experiences, Lisa Boyce, Gina A. Cook, Lori A. Roggman, Vonda K. Jump Norman, Mark S. Innocenti

Course Materials

Classroom Storytelling to Enhance Language and Literacy Skills (C-SHELLS) is a guide for helping preschool children “write” books. C-SHELLS is designed to promote communication by using storytelling and book making activities to promote child language and literacy skills and community by helping culturally and linguistically diverse children engage with peers, understand classroom routines, and develop socially appropriate and regulated behaviors. C-SHELLS helps teachers engage children, get them talking, help them make friends, and increase their school readiness. C-SHELLS activities do this by helping children work together to make picture books based on shared classroom experiences. C-SHELLS uses a simple, fun, …

Anthropology And Ethnography: Contributions To Integrated Marketing Communications, Claudia M. Wright

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Student Research

This paper explores the ways in which anthropological research, specifically ethnography, can be useful in an Integrated Marketing Communication approach. Starting from a brief description of the different ways in which the discipline of anthropology has studied consumption, the paper turns to review how it can serve effectively to understand both the corporate as well as the consumer culture. Furthermore, the role that the anthropological discipline plays for Integrated Marketing Communication strategies is presented along with some examples of how different firms have used it. This paper is an approach to understanding ethnography not only as a market research methodology, …

Strong Navajo Marriages, Linda Skogrand, Mary Lou Mueller, Rachel Arrington, Heidi Leblanc, Davina Spotted Elk, Irine Dazyie, Reva Rosenband

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The purpose of this qualitative study, conducted in two Navajo Nation chapters, was to learn what makes Navajo marriages strong because no research has been done on this topic. Twenty-one Navajo couples (42 individuals) who felt they had strong marriages volunteered to participate in the study. Couples identifi ed the following marital strengths: (1) maintain communication, (2) nurture your relationship, (3) learn about marriage, (4) be prepared for marriage, and (5) have a strong foundation.

Communication Management And Trust: Their Role In Building Resilience To “Surprises” Such As Natural Disasters, Pandemic Flu, And Terrorism, P. H. Longstaff, Sung-Un Yang

All UNF Research

In times of public danger such as natural disasters and health emergencies, a country’s communication systems will be some of its most important assets because access to information will make individuals and groups more resilient. Communication by those charged with dealing with the situation is often critical. We analyzed reports from a wide variety of crisis incidents and found a direct correlation between trust and an organization’s preparedness and internal coordination of crisis communication and the effectiveness of its leadership. Thus, trust is one of the most important variables in effective communication management in times of “surprise.”

Teaching Social Influence: Resources And Exercises From The Field Of Communication, John S. Seiter, R. H. Gass

Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Faculty Publications

Effective teachers know that when students are engaged in active learning, they learn more, retain it longer, apply it better, and continue to learn (Weimer, 1993). One way to promote such learning is through the use of innovative classroom activities that lead students to understand, interpret, and/or apply information. In that spirit, educators in the field of communication have developed an array of activities and demonstrations for promoting active learning in students of social influence. To facilitate the use of such activities, this article uses an annotated bibliography format to review over 30 published articles designed by communication teachers to …

Does Communicating Nonverbal Disagreement During An Opponent's Speech Affect The Credibility Of The Debater In The Background?, John S. Seiter

Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Faculty Publications

Compared to televised debates using a single-screen format, those using a split screen presenting both debaters simultaneously show viewers the nonverbal reactions of a debater's opponent. This study examined the effect of such nonverbal reactions on viewers' ratings of the nonverbal communicator's credibility. students watched one of four versions of a televised debate. One version used a single-screen format, showing only the speaker, while the other three versions used a split-screen format in which the speaker's opponent displayed constant, occasional, or no nonverbal disagreement with the speaker. After watching the videos, students rated the opponent's credibility using the Source Credibility …

Letter From William Kerr, William J. Kerr

Correspondence with newspapers and individuals

Letter in response of the bank account for Utah Agricultural College.

Letter From William Kerr, William J. Kerr

Reports of the Secretary to the President Student Affairs President’s Correspondence, 1900-1907

Letter concerning support in the State Teachers' Association.

Letter From A. C. Nelson, A. C. Nelson

Reports of the Secretary to the President Student Affairs President’s Correspondence, 1900-1907

Letter concerning a position proposed for Representative Fishburn on the committee of education.

Letter From William Kerr, William J. Kerr

Correspondence with newspapers and individuals

Letter concerning a financial settlement.

Letter From William Kerr, William J. Kerr

Correspondence with newspapers and individuals

Letter concerning payments for notes.

Letter From Allan M. Fleming, Allan M. Fleming

Correspondence with newspapers and individuals

Letter concerning payments for notes.

Letter From William Kerr, William J. Kerr

Reports of the Secretary to the President Student Affairs President’s Correspondence, 1900-1907

Letter concerning the way accounts are kept at Utah Agricultural College.

Letter From Irwin Shepard, Irwin Shepard

Reports of the Secretary to the President Student Affairs President’s Correspondence, 1900-1907

Letter concerning state headquarters for the National Educational Association meeting.