Education Commons^™

Developing Career Pathways In Uas For Non-Traditional Students Through Collaborative, Online Learning Environments, Kimberly Luthi, Christian Janke

Publications

The integration of drone technologies through online simulation platforms and uncrewed system scenarios offer opportunities to introduce STEM concepts from the fields of robotics, computer science, mechatronics, and aviation. New software technology developments will increase student engagement in STEM education and support learning of uncrewed systems applications and operating competencies. The use of drone simulation software creates a collaborative environment for group activities and sharing of results with peer review.

The Shared Experiences Of Non-Traditional Groups In Academic Stem Disciplines, Kimberly Luthi

Publications

The results of this effort resulted in the identification of factors that can be used as a conceptual framework for establishing institutional conditions and a work environment across higher education institutions that support women’s advancement and retention in academic appointments of leadership related to STEM disciplines and workplace education. The research considers relevant literature related to current institutional strategies and predictors for women’s success and retention in STEM disciplines. Such an exploration addresses challenges of non-traditional groups, specifically gender inequity issues regarding women’s advancement in STEM.

Hook, Line, And Sinker: How To Build Dei In Stem Focused Institutional Repositories By Putting Student Research First, Anne Marie Casey, Debra Rodensky

Publications

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Scholarly Commons is an institutional repository on the bepress Digital Commons platform that highlights the intellectual output of the university’s faculty, staff, and students. Established in May 2013, Scholarly Commons has grown to include faculty, student, and staff research, instructional materials, journals, magazines, conferences, and research data. By August 2022, the collections consisted of more than 34,600 works downloaded nearly 4.9 million times. An important part of this collection is the research submitted by undergraduate students, which offers a variety of diverse voices.

The Impact Of Pltl In Four Introductory Engineering Courses: Improving Access And Opportunity For Students Underrepresented In Stem Disciplines, Kimberly Luthi, Mohua Kar, Lisa Macon

Publications

The performance assessment was a major component of the overall National Science Foundation-funded research project, Engagement in Engineering Pathways. The study examined underrepresented and female students’ abilities to translate cognitive knowledge into demonstrable performance-based proficiencies through engagement in Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) labs in post-secondary, undergraduate introductory engineering courses. Evidence from the study comes from 518 students enrolled in four engineering courses and PLTL labs. The research protocols, implementation process, and assessment of academic achievement of project participants are discussed. Data are analyzed across student demographics to identify performance indicators within PLTL activities that influenced students’ commitment and retention in …

Women’S Perceptions Of Problem-Solving In A Virtual Learning Environment, Kimberly Luthi, Ernie Friend, Angelique Tucker-Blackmon

Publications

Virtual learning opportunities in computing and information technology courses are designed to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills, positive learning outcomes and increased problem-solving abilities. However, before engaging students in activities to increase their problem-solving skills, researchers need to understand the influence of virtual courses on students’ problem-solving perceptions since perceptions influence performance. This study is an analysis of women’s perceptions of their problem solving confidence, style and personal control before and after their participation in online courses within the Network Enterprise Administration Certificate program that was embedded as a specialized track leading towards the Networking Systems Technology Associate …

Advancement Experiences Of Women In Academic Senior Leadership Positions In Stem Disciplines: A Delphi Analysis, Kimberly Luthi, Mickey Kosloski

Publications

This article explores structural support systems that lead to women's advancement and hindrance factors that either catalyze or delay women's career acceleration in higher education, specifically within STEM-related and workforce education disciplines. Through a consensus building approach, a four-round Delphi analysis explored the experiences and perceptions of 17 panelists who currently or formerly served in a senior-ranked position within a higher education setting at five institutions in the Southeast United States. The panel included women who met the eligibility criteria as subject matter experts and held positions as deans in a STEM discipline, principal investigators over federally funded STEM and …

Equity In Engineering Education: The Experiences Of Non-Traditional Students In Introductory Engineering Courses With Peer Learning Support, Kimberly T. Luthi, Mohua Kar

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This paper seeks to examine one aspect of the pilot research study entitled, “Engagement in Engineering Pathways: An Initiative to Retain Non-Traditional Students in Engineering” funded by the National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant program (Award No. 1712008). This three-year study examines the effect of the use of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) on students’ academic performance, STEM experiences, and persistence in engineering programs [2]. The data collected is from May 2018- May 2020. The present study population is undergraduate engineering students at a multi-campus, federally designated Hispanic-serving, public, two-year college in the southeastern U.S. This paper will specifically …

Career Advancement Of Women In Engineering Disciplines At Two-Year Degree Institutions: Documenting Challenges And Potential Solutions To Raise Inclusivity, Kimberly Luthi

Publications

Institutions of higher education that offer two-year degrees have student-centered missions with support structures to address the unique needs of a diverse student body [14]. Many two-year degree institution types are open access and have institutional priorities focused on increasing diversity and inclusive practices among both the students and faculty [1]. Although the inclusion of women traditionally underrepresented in STEM disciplines in higher education settings is a national concern, the advancement of women at institutions that offer support networks and institutional practices such as two-year degree institutions contribute to women’s advancement and diversity in the talent pipeline. This research study …

The Dean’S Racial Justice Curriculum Challenge, S Civjan, Erin Baker, Samantha Wojda, Promise Mchenga, Nick Tooker, Esha Uddin, Hannah Wharton, Sophia Chang, Lia Ciemny, Jacqueline Thornton, Wayne Burleson, Paula Rees

Publications

This Work in Progress paper will present the College of Engineering Dean’s Racial Justice Curriculum Challenge. This challenge tasks all faculty in the college to use their engineering problem-solving skills to develop creative ways to incorporate issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice in every class we teach. The challenge was inspired by our students, who requested a greater connection between the technical content of classes and real world issues, in particular the role engineers play in either fostering inclusive solutions or contributing to the propagation of inequities. The intent is to engage faculty in the development of new …

Peer Learning In Introductory Engineering, Kimberly Luthi, Mohua Kar, Lisa Macon

Publications

Observed characteristics of non-traditional student populations: low retention, low grades, low participation, low confidence in mathematical and problem-solving abilities. Research question: Does participation in peer-led team-learning (PLTL) activities support underrepresented and female students’ performance in introductory engineering courses and retention in engineering pathways?

Peer Learning In Introductory Engineering, Kimberly Luthi, Mohua Kar, Lisa Macon

Publications

Observed characteristics of non-traditional student populations: low retention, low grades, low participation, low confidence in mathematical and problem-solving abilities. Research question: Does participation in peer-led team-learning (PLTL) activities support underrepresented and female students’ performance in introductory engineering courses and retention in engineering pathways?

Peer-Led-Team Learning In Introductory Engineering Courses: An Analysis Of An Interventional Method Of Support For Underrepresented Students At A Two-Year, Hispanic-Serving Public Institution, Kimberly T. Luthi, Lisa Macon, Mohua Kar

Publications

The three-year project entitled Engagement in Engineering Pathways funded by the National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM education grant explored the conditions that led to increased academic outcomes and non-cognitive factors related to persistence of nontraditional undergraduate students in engineering education. The study was conducted at a multicampus, federally-designated, Hispanic-serving, public, two-year college in the southeast United States. This paper presents one aspect of the effects of peer-led team learning (PLTL) on academic success through the inclusion of active learning modules in introductory undergraduate engineering course. The researchers found that PLTL introduced in engineering courses, to include statics and dynamics, …

Peer Learning In Introductory Engineering, Kimberly Luthi, Mohua Kar, Lisa Macon

Publications

Our research aim was to understand if PLTL and engagement in problem-based learning activities increase commitment to engineering pathways and academic success. We used both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis to answer our research questions and give recommendations. The findings show that while there is an overall improvement in grades and commitment to engineering pathways for those involved in PLTL activities, there is still a concern with integration and scalability of PLTL in engineering education.

Model For Building Diversity And Fostering Research Collaboration Between Faculty And Students In An Online Environment, Kimberly Luthi

Publications

Best practices to engage a diverse group of learners

• Build awareness of existing research opportunities
• Connect students to hands-on research experiences Use mentoring to build student interest in research
• Create activities and services focused on strengthening academic skills and orienting students to STEM fields (e.g. student support, academic enrichment, and research skill development)
• Provide course-based undergraduate research experiences
• Require a peer review process

Usu Stars! Gear Up: Fall 2018 To Spring 2019, Erik Dickamore, Amanda M. Hagman, Doug Reiter, Jim Dorward, Mitchell Colver

Publications

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded program designed to prepared secondary students for college. USU has received several of these competitive grants to work with middle and high school students throughout Utah. This analysis explores how GEAR Up students utilized services. Use patterns were regressed on college enrollment. METHODS: Latent profile analysis (LPA) is a powerful tool for uncovering common response patterns across multiple continuous variables. Following the LPA, the common response patterns were regressed on post-secondary enrollment. FINDINGS: The latent profile analysis exposed 4 well-defined use patterns across the GEAR UP …

Gaining Insight Into Transition And Progression Of Students On The Autism Spectrum - Discover A Transition Programme With A Difference, Laura Coleman, Annie Cummins, Julie O'Donovan

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Autism is a neurodevelopment condition that is ‘characterised by qualitative impairments in social communication and social interaction across contexts and a repetitive or restricted pattern of interest, behaviour and activity’ (Lambe, 2019:1531). According to the autistic rights movement, ‘autistic people are not disconnected from the world around them, they are differently connected to it’ (Leveto, 2018 :3). Over the last number of years, there has been a move away from defining autism as a ‘disorder’ and towards redefining it as a ‘difference’ (Ring et al, 2018). In this paper, the terms ‘autism’ or ‘on the spectrum’ …

‘It’S A Challenge’: Post Primary Physical Education Teachers’ Experiences Of And Perspectives On Inclusive Practice With Students With Disabilities, Ona Mcgrath, Susan Crawford, Dan O'Sullivan

Publications

Internationally, several studies have indicated insufficient emphasis on the theory and practice of inclusion in relation to disability, in both initial teacher education and continuing professional development programmes for Physical Education (PE) teachers. This has resulted in some negative attitudes and perceived lack of competency among teachers in relation to inclusive practices in PE. There is a lack of in-depth studies in this regard from an Irish perspective. This current study sought to explore seven PE teachers’ experiences and perspectives in relation to the inclusion of students with disabilities in four post primary schools using a multiple case study design. …

Inclusive Strategies For The Global Virtual Classroom, Angela Atwell

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In today’s digital age of global enterprise, higher education is focused on delivering high quality experiences in virtual learning environments. Instructors must be armed with the knowledge and skills to use online learning tools effectively in order to deliver an engaging learning experience for all students.It is crucial to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, possibly even more so in a virtual classroom. Students who feel welcomed and respected are more likely to engage, contribute to the course and add richness to the content. Instructors must facilitate student learning by encouraging cooperation, collaboration and professional networking. Students and instructors …

Film Review: Bullied: A Student, A School And A Case That Made History, Aaron D. Clevenger, Ryan Powell

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"The film Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History (Brummel & Sharp 2010) is the true life story of Jamie Nabozny. The film documents the bullying that Jamie endured for years. Bullied is a free resource provided by the Southern Poverty Law Center and their anti-bias education project, Teaching Tolerance, available for order at www.tolerance.org. Narration of the movie is done by Jane Lynch; well known for her role as the narcissistic cheerleading coach on Glee. Lynch’s uncharacteristically somber tone, only serves to punctuate the seriousness of the movie’s topic."--From the article.

My Visit To Mary Ingalls' School, Mary Evelyn Thurman

Publications

No abstract provided.