Education Commons^™

Teaching The History Of U.S. Higher Education: A Critical Duoethnography, Z. Nicolazzo, Susan B. Marine

Education Faculty Publications

In this duoethnography, we interrogate our roles as critical pedagogues in designing and teaching a graduate level course focused on the history of U.S. higher education. Throughout this dialogue, we surface tensions around what it means to enact critical pedagogy. Rather than just espousing a critical stance, we wrestle with how external pressures such as limited time, the need and desire to convey certain information to students, and neoliberalism influence the doing of critical pedagogy. We also discuss how our social identities, as well as those of the students alongside whom we teach and learn, affect the learning process. We …

Administrators' And Faculty's Perceived Online Education Barriers And The Role Of Transformational Leadership At A U.S. University In Lebanon, Sahar El Turk, Isabelle D. Cherney

Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the perceived barriers obstructing the implementation of online education by administrators and faculty at the School of Arts and Sciences of a U.S. university located in Lebanon. The aim of this study was to offer a solution to the most important perceived barriers to online education that informs administrative decisions concerning the appropriate modalities of online instruction that may be implemented at the university. The exploratory factor analysis identified 8 factors out of 35 possible perceived barriers to online education. Faculty and administrators perceived the structural barriers and the pedagogical barriers …

Enhancing Team Learning Experiences In The Classroom, Jane D. Parent, Kathi J. Lovelace, Christina Hardway, Allison Seitchik

Organization Studies and Analytics Faculty Publications

There are many different and effective ways to introduce teams and team learning into the management classroom. This paper discusses different ways we incorporated group and team learning in the classroom using a variety of activities. From our initial student survey, we developed a measure of teamwork and independent learning. Our findings indicate that when students perceive a fair work distribution in their teams, they are also more team oriented than students who perceive an unfair work distribution. Suggestions for enhancements to team learning, and future ideas for research are discussed.

Assessing The Impact Of Mentoring Underserved Youth Through Service Learning, Breanna Walukevich

Higher Education Student Work

Mentoring underserved youth through service learning can provide various positive impacts for both mentors and mentees (Banks, 2010; Hughes et al., 2012; Rhodes, Grossman & Resch, 2000; Thompson & Kelly-Vance, 2001; Washburn-Moses, Fry & Sanders, 2014; Weiler et al., 2013). This qualitative interview study assessed the perceived impact that a mentoring program had on mentees, who were underserved youth at an elementary school in a low-income community, and mentors, who were college students participating through a service learning course. The findings revealed overall positive outcomes for both the mentors and mentees. The mentees benefited academically and looked up to their …

Evaluating The State Of Departmental Student-Employee Training And Employment, Brandon E. Clinton

Higher Education Student Work

Student-employment is an important aspect of a college student’s experience. According to Kathman and Kathman (2000), students benefit from an on-campus job, as they are able to develop strong interpersonal skills, and develop experience for their resumes (p 176). In this study, I examined the dynamics of a campus center-based student employment program, and the related training program that is administered by a campus operations department. Using a focus group, a 13 item protocol was administered to nine undergraduate student-employees of this department, and an additional two alumni student-employees were interviewed individually. The focus of this research was rooted in …

Development Of A Graduate Level Faculty Led Study Abroad Course, Chelsea Levine

Higher Education Student Work

As the world becomes more globalized, society must create ways to adapt to these changes. One result is more internationalization at the higher education level (Mckenzie, Lopez & Bowers, 2010). Internationalization includes recent efforts to increase study abroad participation for graduate students. This exploratory study sought to understand best practices for the creation of a faculty led study abroad course in a higher education Master’s degree program. Topics of research included preparatory travel logistics, coursework to maintain academic rigor, and outcomes as it relates to personal and professional growth. Faculty leaders from across the U.S. who lead their own courses …

Assessing The Power Of College Culture In Educational Transformation, Kenneth Eze

Higher Education Student Work

The fundamental purpose for the existence of every educational institution is to provide knowledge and value through the teaching and learning exercise. Positive culture is an invisible yet significant element of success that inspires excellence in colleges and universities that enjoy good reputation. This qualitative study investigated the power of college culture in improving the quality and performance of a low performing college to become a high performing college through the college’s day to day operations and services. Six faculty and senior administrators were interviewed to determine how positive culture delivery is perceived to function, impacts students’ academic success, students’ …

Persistence Factors For Nontraditional Undergraduate Students At A Northeast Catholic College, Heather Macneil Pfordresher

Higher Education Student Work

Nontraditional students are an extremely diverse group with very unique backgrounds and needs, and their motivations to enroll, persist, and graduate vary depending on factors internal and external to the college and are often dissimilar to their traditional aged counterparts (Pelletier, 2010). Given this difference and increasing enrollment numbers of nontraditional students, understanding the lived experiences of these students is critical for institutions of higher education. This study examined persistence factors for nontraditional students at a Northeast Catholic college, including academic and social engagement, the role of support systems in their lives, and their sense of belonging. It also sought …

Assessment Of Chinese International Graduate Students’ Experience Working With Agents, Haozhe Yu

Higher Education Student Work

In the past fifteen years, the numbers of Chinese international students have increased rapidly across the United States in all types of institutions of higher education (Farrugia & Bhandari, 2015). This study explores the experience of Chinese international graduate students working with study abroad agents in China. In this qualitative semistructured interview study, seven Chinese international students were interviewed. Students were asked x, y and z about their experience working with agents; several challenges of Chinese international students, including finding college information, Internet limitations, language barriers and limited time, and lack of knowledge of the application process. Based on the …

Tutor, Guide, Lead: Examining The Experiences Of Peer Tutors, Kait Bouthillette

Higher Education Student Work

Peer tutoring is a form of academic support in which students who have mastered a particular subject assist peers who may be struggling in that course. While relatively little research has focused on the impact of tutoring on peer tutors, existing literature highlights the interpersonal, social, and academic skills peer tutors can gain from their experiences (Gaffney-Varma-Nelson, 2007; Loke & Chow, 2007). It is important to understand the most meaningful factors in the peer tutoring experience and the conditions that best support skills development in order to better structure programs to maximize the potential outcomes for peer tutors. The purpose …

The Will To Write: An Assessment Of The Perceptions Of Writing Readiness And Success Of First-Generation Students, Samantha C. Bruno

Higher Education Student Work

Writing is one of the most influential means of communication utilized in all disciplines across the world. This pragmatic, qualitative study sought to explore students’ perceptions of writing preparedness and success, as well as first-generation students’ transition into college writing. Seven first-generation college students at a small, private, four-year institution located in Massachusetts were interviewed. The findings of this study indicated that for this sample, the transition into college writing was marked by a drastic change in expectations at the postsecondary level. Moreover, students faced challenges regarding writing style, frequency, and research. In order to successfully master college writing, students …

Assessment Of First-Generation Students Success Strategies At Long River College, Dana Almazrua

Higher Education Student Work

Educational establishments have long been working on the development of educational programs for students to enhance their performance and motivation. However, colleges often fail to consider the specific needs and concerns of first-generation students who are often less motivated to enter higher education (Davis, 2010). The purpose of this study was to explore the major challenges of these students in order to enhance their motivation to continue their education. Additionally, the program director of a recently transformed first generation initiative was interviewed for insights about the process. The research was based on a qualitative methodology. It included interviews with first-generation …

Identifying Best Practices To Increase Latino Student Enrollment And Retention At Non-Hispanic Serving Institutions, Katherine Lopez

Higher Education Student Work

Latino college students are the fastest growing population in the United States, yet their educational attainment falls significantly behind compared to Asians, Whites, and Blacks (Santiago & Soliz, 2012). This study sought out to identify best practices to recruit and retain Latino students at US four year colleges and universities. Interviews with seven knowledgeable stakeholders at non-Hispanic Serving Institutions across the country were conducted. Participants were asked about specific programming and strategies used at their institutions to meet the needs of the Latino population. The findings suggested that this special population needs additional financial, cultural and academic support in order …

Identifying Best Practices For A College Admission Counselor Fly-In Event, Alexander G. Zotos

Higher Education Student Work

As demographic shifts and economic factors have increased the potential pool of college students in the United States, thoughtful, comprehensive admissions strategies matter to the advancement of higher education (Miller, Valle & Engle, 2014). The focus of this study was to examine the best practices for college admission recruitment strategies, which specifically focused on a national counselor college fly-in event at a medium sized comprehensive institution in New England. The impact that secondary school counselors have on college enrollment is not well documented in the literature. In this project, a survey was distributed to XX secondary school counselors who attended …

Assessing The Role Of Academic Advisors In Retention Of International Students, Shreelekha Girish

Higher Education Student Work

The retention of international students should not be viewed as the responsibility of only international student advisors on the college campus. Instead, as suggested by Mamiseishvili (2012), it should become a joint responsibility of a broader campus community, including faculty, academic advisors, English language program staff, and student affairs professionals. Inspired by these ideas, this qualitative research study focused on international students' experiences during their advising sessions with their academic advisors at a four-year, post-secondary private institution in Massachusetts. The study was conducted by interviewing ten international students from different majors. This research explored the necessary information and resources international …

Assessing Adult Learner Experience At Northern Stark University: An Exploratory Study, Kathleen Burke

Higher Education Student Work

Close to 40% of students currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities are adult undergraduate learners, many of whom attend school on a part-time basis (Day et.al., 2011). The rate of college enrollment by adult students, age 25 and older, can be expected to rise even further due to the current economic recession, as adults find themselves in need of new skills and knowledge to pursue continued employment (Day et. al., 2011). This capstone project was conducted through a transformative paradigm with the intention of making a positive change for the adult population at Northern Stark University. I conducted eight …

The Influence Of Mentorship: A Study On How Academic Advising Can Facilitate A Positive College Student Experience, Timothy Lebel

Higher Education Student Work

At American colleges and universities, academic advising has been traditionally utilized as a tool to aid students in course registration and making sure they are on track towards graduation. However, as the student population continues to diversify, their needs and concerns need continual adaptation to be met as well. Students need an outlet to not only discuss their academic progress, but also to converse about how to tie in their interests and passions, extracurricular involvement, social life, and career and future aspirations with their academics. This opportunity for positive mentorship can go hand in hand with academic advising. Through this …

Developing An Honors Peer Mentoring Program In Higher Education, Kate Culverhouse

Honors Senior Capstone Projects

The Merrimack College Honors Peer Mentoring Program is currently one of the effective and successful aspects of the Honors Program. The purpose of the peer mentoring program is to help first-year honors students with their transition not only into the Honors community, but Merrimack as a whole.

Do Students’ Perceptions Of Cultural Diversity Impact Engagement: A Case Study Of North Shore Community College, Tasia L. Cerezo

Community Engagement Student Work

No abstract provided.

Phoning It In? Examining Pre-Employment Phone Interview Procedure In Higher Education, Paul J. Antonellis Jr., Danielle Flam

Organization Studies and Analytics Faculty Publications

In the United States, the employment screening process for hiring full-time faculty in higher education involves the vetting of curricula vitae, phone interview(s), and/or campus visits (Cardeiro, 2010; Shively, Woodward, & Stanly, 1999). The purpose of this research was to examine the phone interview procedure at one institute of higher education, and from there, formulate a systematic phone interviewing procedure that could be put to use at this particular university.

After conducting a review of relevant literature, the researchers engaged in action research that utilized qualitative data of 10 participants who took part in the pre-interview, professional development intervention, and …

High-Impact Practices: An Analysis Of Select University And Business School Programs, Patricia Sendall, Kristin Stowe, Lisa Schwartz, Jane D. Parent

Organization Studies and Analytics Faculty Publications

Colleges and universities are finding new ways to enhance the academic environment with high-impact programs such as student-based research, internships and international study abroad programs. Research has shown that students learn most when they are more engaged in the experience rather than passive participants. This exploratory study examines high-impact opportunities for undergraduate university students in the U.S. Web sites and other materials from 90 randomly selected AACSB and ACBSP member schools were reviewed to determine how each incorporates high-impact educational practices into their overall university programs and in their business school programs. Three high-impact programs were examined: undergraduate research, internships …

Teaching Domestic Violence In The New Millennium: Intersectionality As A Framework For Social Change, Krista Mcqueeney

Criminology Faculty Publications

This article describes an intersectional approach to teaching about domestic violence (DV), which aims to empower students as critical thinkers and agents of change by merging theory, service learning, self-reflection, and activism. Three intersectional strategies and techniques for teaching about DV are discussed: promoting difference-consciousness, complicating gender-only power frameworks, and organizing for change. The author argues that to empower future generations to end violence, educators should put intersectionality into action through their use of scholarship, teaching methods, and pedagogical authority. Finally, the benefits and challenges of intersectional pedagogy for social justice education are considered.

First Year Experience: How We Can Better Assist First-Year International Students In Higher Education?, Zi Yan, Patricia Sendall

Organization Studies and Analytics Faculty Publications

While many American colleges and universities are providing a First Year Experience (FYE) course or program for their first year students, those programs are not often customized to take into account international students’ (IS) unique challenges. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluated a FYE course that was customized for IS in a college setting. Nineteen IS and eight domestic students (DS) who attended FYE classes completed a survey; 18 of the 19 IS were interviewed. Overall, the FYE class was successful in terms of helping IS to familiarize themselves with academic resources and expectations, understanding American culture, making …

Engaging Today’S Students: Current Topics 2.0, Kathi Lovelace, Jane D. Parent

Organization Studies and Analytics Faculty Publications

In this session we share a new version of a Current Topics assignment geared toward millennial students’ preferences for structure and hands-on learning. Participants will try-out the assignment by reading a short article and answering the three assignment prompts: 1) What are the main points of the article? 2) What points are the most interesting and/or useful to you? 3) What course concepts are illustrated in the article? Connections to student learning outcomes are discussed as well as ways to adapt this assignment. Article citations, grading practices and student feedback are shared.

Impact Of The Siena College Tech Valley Scholars Program On Student Outcomes, Larry Medsker, Lee Allard, Lucas J. Tucker, Jodi L. O’Donnell, Rachel Sterne-Marr, Jon Bannon, Rose Finn, Allan T. Weatherwax

Physics Faculty Publications

The experimental group for this study included 38 students who entered the Tech Valley Scholars (TVS) program over the course of three academic years, from 2009-10 through 2011-12. Two groups of controls were used: a randomly selected sample of STEM students who matriculated in the same time frame; and a matched sample. The TVS students and controls were compared on two primary outcome variables: graduation (or retention to senior year), and final cumulative GPA. The major findings of this study are that (1) the TVS students had better outcomes than both the randomly selected comparison group and the matched control …