Education Commons^™

Using An Audience Response System (Ars) A.K.A. “Clicker” To Do Attention Research, Roger A. Kendrick

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study makes an effort to examine whether a student’s attention or engagement is increased by possession of an Audience Response System (ARS, or clicker). This experiment tested a difference in performance. This study makes an effort to examine whether a student’s attention or engagement is increased by possession of an Audience Response System (ARS, or clicker). This experiment tested a difference in performance between students who possessed an ARS and those who did not. The experiment was conducted at a small state college in the Midwest where small class size is typical. Approximately half the students in each tested …

Does Socio/Economic Status Affect Environmental Awarness In Elementary School Children Interacting With School Gardens?, Grady C. Erickson

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

This is a case study involving three elementary schools in the greater Lincoln, Nebraska area. These schools were chosen to provide insight to three different economic backgrounds. Saratoga and Randolph from Lincoln Public Schools, and Norris Elementary part of Norris Public Schools 160 was the third school involved in the study. This case study focused on seeing whether socio/economic background had any effect on environmental awareness. To do so, surveys were handed out to each school to help measure environmental awareness. These surveys also helped determine where the environmental literacy standards were in the elementary schools of Lincoln, Nebraska. The …

Educators' Attitudes Toward Outdoor Classrooms And The Cognitive Benefits In Children, Carlie Speedlin

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A case study was organized at a K-5 elementary school in Lincoln, Nebraksa. This school is Saratoga Elementary School and is a United States Title I Distinguished School1 under No Child Left Behind. It has a population of 266 students, with 47% being minority, 1% gifted, and 28% special education (LPS School Profile Brochure). 80% of the student population is eligible for free/reduced meals, implying that it’s a school with a lower socioeconomic status. At this school a garden space was constructed and an after school garden club was implemented for this case study. The club had been running since …

Graduate Connections- November 2010

Graduate Connections: A Newsletter for UNL Graduate Students

In This Issue:

Navigating Graduate School.............................1

Tips on Time Management

Writing Effective Emails

Good Practices in Graduate Education.....................3

Responsible Conduct of Research Training

Professional Development…………………..4

Mentoring Undergaduates

Teaching Tip .................................5

Using Games to Teach

Funding Opportunities.......................6

The Graduate Writer………....……9

Latin Terms used in Writing

Events………...............……..10

Ethics Brownbag

Nebraska Lecture

Graduation Information

Sessions

Announcements…………..........……11

Fellowship Application

Graduate Student Insurance

Interactions ………….............……12

2010 Fellowship Recipients

Calendar……...................…….13

Event Dates

Degree Deadlines

Reader’s Corner………….....……14

Demystifying Dissertation Writing

Nebraska Chapter Gamma Sigma Delta Newsletter Issue #41 September 2010

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President's Message -- Dennis Brink
Fall 2010 Seminar, Thursday, September 23: Interactions of Energy, Climate and Environment, featuring Don Wilhite, Jerry Hudgins, Roger Hoy, & Adam Liska.
2010 International Foundation Scholarship -- Quentin Dudley
Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Graduate Student Award Fund
NOMINATIONS FOR GAMMA SIGMA DELTA
Call for nominations for the 2010 Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Merit.
Nominations for Gamma Sigma Delta Extension Award
Nominations for Gamma Sigma Delta Research Award
Nominations for Gamma Sigma Delta Teaching Award
In Memoriam: Clifford M. Hardin, Norman R. Schneider, Lewis A. Schafer, Daniel T. Walters, Douglas D. Duey
Gamma Sigma Delta …

Graduate Connections- August 2010

Graduate Connections: A Newsletter for UNL Graduate Students

In This Issue:

Navigating Graduate School....... 1

Why Are You Here?

Taking the “Resent” out of Presentation

Good Practices in Graduate Education ..............5

Academic Integrity Pledge

Professional Development ..........6

Assessing What Your Students Know

Mistakes to Avoid when Writing a Research Article

Tips for Teamwork

Teaching Tip ................................. 6

Assessment vs. Evaluation

Funding Opportunities ................. 9

The Graduate Writer .................. 11

Writing about Yourself

Events .......................................... 13

New Student Welcome

Campuswide TA Workshops

Graduation Information Sessions

NURAMP

Announcements .......................... 14

Registration and Financial Aid

Graduate Bulletin

Health Insurance

Call for Award Nominations

CLC Opportunities

RCR Training

Interactions …

Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Technology’S Usefulness In Community College General Education Courses, William L. Moseley

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Educational institutions of all levels invest large amounts of time and resources into instructional technology, with the goal of enhancing the educational effectiveness of the learning environment. The decisions made by instructors and institutions regarding the implementation of technology are guided by perceptions of usefulness held by those who are in control. The primary objective of this mixed methods study was to examine the student and faculty perceptions of technology being used in general education courses at a community college. This study builds upon and challenges the assertions of writers such as Prensky (2001a, 2001b) and Tapscott (1998) who claim …

Leadership And Innovation Program, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Urban Environmental And Agricultural Systems Education Program: An Evaluation For Development, Heather Ann Borck

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Scholarship

In Understanding Agriculture: New Directions for Education, the National Research Council (1988) reported, “Too many Americans know very little about the social and economic relevance of agriculture in the United States, and agriculture is too important a subject to be taught only to a relatively small proportion of students enrolled in vocational agriculture” (p.1). Now over 20 years later, this problem is still relevant. During the 2007-2008 school year 10.5 percent of Nebraska high school students were enrolled in an agricultural education course. This may be the result of an absence of agricultural education in the largest four school districts …

The Process Of General Education Reform From A Faculty Perspective At A Research-Extensive University: A Grounded Theory Approach, Frauke Hachtmann

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study was to develop a theory for institutional change that explains the process and implementation of “Achievement-Centered Education” (ACE) from the faculty perspective. ACE is a new general education program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a public, doctoral/research-extensive institution. A constant comparative method was used to study the process of change retrospectively after a new, outcomes-based program was developed and implemented. Twenty-nine faculty from eight undergraduate colleges participated in this study through in-depth interviews. This study resulted in a theory of the process and implementation of general education reform at a public, doctoral/research-extensive university from the …

Student Perceptions Of Digital Textbooks In A College Nursing Program, Alan D. Eno

College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Theses

The purpose of this research was to study the use of digital textbooks in a small liberal arts college. The research was a mixed methods descriptive study using a pre and post survey to determine student perceptions of the technology. Findings indicated that students needed training in the installation and use of digital textbooks. Findings also indicated the need for further research into what students understand about using digital textbooks. Recommendations are for the college to institute training sessions to teach students how to use the digital textbooks.

Emeriti In Action 2010 -- Exhibit Brochure

UNL Emeriti Association: Information and Materials

Thanks to the many contributors to the Emeriti In Action exhibit. The arrangement of materials demonstrates the diversity of faculty and the activities that have been pursued since attaining Emeriti status. Themes evident throughout the display include volunteerism at UNL or in the broader community, continuing research, history projects, and artistic/craft work. These are some of the ways members of the UNL Emeriti have remained in action.

Ahlschwede, Margrethe; Colorful Quilting (6)

Ahlschwede, William; Carved Purple Wooden Cone Flowers (5)

Alcorn, Dewaine; 1. Genealogy and Genetic Genealogy; 2. Pedigree of Emma and Vanner Vangreen’s Children (3)

Andrews, David; Breeding of …

Graduate Connections- April 2010

Graduate Connections: A Newsletter for UNL Graduate Students

In This Issue:

Navigating Graduate School ....... 1

A Checklist for Analyzing Information Sources

Fellowship Evaluation and Application

Good Practices in Graduate Education........... 3

Academic Integrity and Technology

Professional Development ........... 4

Getting the Most out of a Research Conference

What Makes a Good Teacher?

Teaching Tip ................................. 6

End-of-Semester Grading

Funding Opportunities ................. 7

The Graduate Writer .................... 8

Choose Words with Care

Announcements ............................ 9

Last Day to Withdraw

Online Graduate Programs

Events ............................................. 9

NURAMP

Research Fair

Nebraska Lecture

Water for Food Conference

ITA Institute

SPEAK Test Dates

Campus-wide TA Workshop

Interactions .................................11

Kudos

GSA News …

Nebraska Chapter Gamma Sigma Delta Newsletter Issue #40 Spring 2010

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President’s Message: Dennis Brink

Recipients of 2009 Gamma Sigma Delta Awards -- The Nebraska Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta Award Committees announces the 2009 recipients of Gamma Sigma Delta awards. These awards were given by the Nebraska Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta in recognition of outstanding service in research, extension, teaching, administration, and leadership in the field of agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

Award of Merit for Service -- Recipient: Elbert C. Dickey

Extension Award -- Recipient: Dennis E. Bauer

Teaching Award -- Recipient: Tiffany M. Heng-Moss

Research Award -- Recipient: Clinton J. Jones

Outstanding Graduate Award -- Recipient: …

Graduate Connections- February 2010

Graduate Connections: A Newsletter for UNL Graduate Students

In This Issue:

Navigating Graduate School ....... 1

Measuring Progress

Grad School Glossary

Orals Survival Kit

Master’s and Doctoral Q&A

Good Practices in Graduate Education ....................................... 8

Avoiding Plagiarism

Professional Development .........10

Effective Leadership

Getting Students to Read

Helping Troubled Students

Teaching Tip ...............................12

The One-Word Journal

Funding Opportunities ...............14

The Graduate Writer ..................16

Verb Tense

Announcements ..........................17

Registrar’s Notes

Call for PFF Nominations

Electronic Thesis Option

CLC Opportunities

Events ...........................................18

Lab Safety Colloquium

Grantwriting Seminar

NURAMP

Research Fair & Poster Competition

Nebraska Lecture

Interactions .................................20

Graduate Awards Winners

GSA News

Calendar ......................................21

Event Dates/Deadlines

Degree Deadlines

Readers’ Corner ..........................22 …

Participation In Positive Youth Development Programs And 4-H: Assessing The Impact On Self-Image In Young People, Karen Bloomquist

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between youth involvement in 4-H and self-image. The study also explored whether there were relations between self-image and development of the 5 C’s (confidence, competence, caring, connection and character) of Positive Youth Development. The study focused specifically on the differences in self-image between youth who participate in 4-H and youth who do not.

Participants included 180 youth from grades eight through twelve in the state of Nebraska. Demographic responses indicated that 47% of respondents were male and 53% were female. Approximately 72% of the respondents were not participants in a 4-H …

Connection To Nature In Park Visitors: A Look At Structured And Unstructured Recreational Activities, Chelsea D. West

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

There is evidence that park visitation is on the decline (Pergams & Zaradic, 2008) and if this is the case, and budgets decrease proportionately, there is a chance park land will be lost. Definitive explanations of the decline in park visits and time spent in nature are not available. In addition, there has been some discussion and research pertaining to the possible effects on people of not going into the natural environment and experiencing a connection with nature.

This study represents the first research known to focus on connectedness to nature and its relationship to structured and unstructured recreational activities. …

Dr. Connie's 6 Keys To Becoming A Successful Learner, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

I have learned a great deal about students by teaching and advising learners at the University of Nebraska. The fact that I was working on my Ph.D. on a part-time basis while being employed full-time broadened my knowledge about how to be a successful learner. My professional and personal experiences in the world of higher education have enabled me develop some powerful insights on what it takes to be a successful learner. I would like to share my insights with as many people as possible, so here are Dr. Connie’s 6 Keys to Becoming a Successful Learner:

Neopa Annual Report 2010-2011

NEOPA Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Place As Text: Approaches To Active Learning (Second Edition), Bernice Braid, Ada Long

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs

CONTENTS

Dedication and Acknowledgments

Preface to the Second Edition — Ada Long and Bernice Braid

Introduction — Bernice Braid

Honors Semesters: Anatomy of Active Learning — William Daniel

Honors Semesters: An Architecture of Active Learning — Bernice Braid

Internal Assessment of Honors Semesters — Ann Raia

External Evaluation of Honors Semesters — Ada Long

Student Perspectives on Honors Semesters — Elizabeth Beck

Other Structural Models of Active Learning

City as Text™ — Bernice Braid

Faculty Institutes — William Daniel

Summer High School Field Experiences — Bernice Braid

Sleeping Bag Seminars — Joan Digby

College Recruitment Exercises — Bernadette Low

Orientation …

Partners In The Parks: Field Guide To An Experiential Program In The National Parks (1st Edition), Joan Digby, Bill Atwill, Angela Calise, James Clarke, Rebecca Cole-Will, Rony Enriquez, Greg Fahy, Sarah L. Fann, Pavel Goriacko, Andy Grube, Kathleen King, Matt Nickerson, Joy Ochs, Elizabeth O’Donnell, C. P. Price, Heather Thiessen-Reily

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs

When Joan Digby first proposed taking collegiate honors students into our national parks, I jumped at the chance. Within minutes of reading her email, I not only responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” but went so far as to volunteer the resources of the Southern Utah University Honors Program to get things started. Nestled among 5 national parks in southwestern Utah, I felt our campus would be a natural focal point for the kind of program Joan envisioned. Within weeks we had laid the groundwork for a proof-of-concept pilot project at nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. Little did I know at …

Survivor Academe: Assessing Reflective Practice, Laurel Johnson Black, Terry Ray, Judith Villa

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Reflective practice is a goal for many academic professional development programs. What do faculty participants gain from a reflective practice program, and how much reflection do they actually practice? Using interviews and grounded theory, we identified three crucial needs being met by such a program at our university. In addition, we compared participants’ comments to the elements of reflection established by Dewey and Rodgers to determine the extent of their reflection. The results call for more assessment to better align the structures of reflective practice programs with participant needs as well as further research on the effects of reflective practice …

Rx For Academic Medicine: Building A Comprehensive Faculty Development Program, Megan M. Palmer, Mary E. Dankoski, Randy R. Brutkiewicz, Lia S. Logio, Stephen P. Bogdewic

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Faculty in academic medical centers are under tremendous stress and report low satisfaction. The need for faculty development in medical schools is great, yet it remains largely unmet across the United States. To ensure ongoing success in academic medicine, medical schools must institute comprehensive faculty development programs. In this chapter, we describe the development of an office for faculty affairs and professional development at the Indiana University School of Medicine, including key collaborations, budget trends and infrastructure development, strategic planning, ongoing assessment planning, goal setting, and early patterns of participation.

The Case For Excellence In Diversity: Lessons From An Assessment Of An Early Career Faculty Program, Dorothe J. Bach, Mary Deane Sorcinelli

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Many colleges and universities have come to understand the added educational value of having a more diverse faculty, and some have created specific programs to enhance recruitment, development, and retention of underrepresented faculty. How do these programs help underrepresented faculty start a successful career? How can they help a diverse faculty build thriving, long-term careers in academia? This chapter addresses these questions by sharing the findings and lessons learned from an internal and external assessment of the Excellence in Diversity Fellows Program at the University of Virginia.

About The Authors, Volume 28 (2010)

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

About the editors and authors of volume 28 (2010) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

Weaving Promising Practices For Inclusive Excellence Into The Higher Education Classroom, María Del Carmen Salazar, Amanda Stone Norton, Franklin A. Tuitt

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Higher education is faced with an increasingly diverse student body and historic opportunities to foster inclusive excellence, meaning a purposeful embodiment of inclusive practices toward multiple student identity groups. Although the benefits of inclusive excellence are well established, college faculty often cite barriers to promoting it in classrooms, and this creates an opening for faculty developers to support them in weaving promising practices for inclusive excellence into their teaching. This chapter highlights the practices of inclusive faculty and the methods faculty developers can use to promote inclusive excellence along five dimensions: (1) intrapersonal awareness, (2) interpersonal awareness, (3) curricular transformation, …

Dysfunctional Illusions Of Rigor: Lessons From The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning, Craig E. Nelson

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

My initial teaching practices were based on nine “dysfunctional illusions of rigor.” Overcoming them required revision of my ideas on the value of “hard” courses, the effectiveness of traditional methods, grade inflation, what students should be able to do initially, the fairness of traditional approaches, the importance of fixed deadlines, the importance of content coverage, the accessibility of critical thinking, and the appropriate bases for revising courses and curricula. I present the initial illusions and some more realistic views. These more realistic views are framed in terms of key research findings and some readily accessible models for improved practices.

Class Size: Is Less More For Significant Learning?, John Zubizarreta

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Mixed as it might be, educational research suggests that engaged students are more effectively stimulated and fulfilled in the small class. Of course, students can thrive in large classes if discipline, course level, teacher characteristics, goals, methods, assessment strategies, and outcomes work together to inspire and produce significant learning. The small class environment does not by itself necessarily ensure higher level learning, but studies indicate that if faculty and institutions want to promote and support the active learning pedagogies, mentoring, reflection, feedback, and personal relationships that result in deep and lasting learning, then less is more.

Conversations About Assessment And Learning: Educational Development Scholarship That Makes A Difference, Sue Fostaty Young, Susan Wilcox

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

To facilitate deeper understanding of teachers’ assessment practices, we undertook an educational development inquiry with college and university faculty. Our conversations with instructors about their assessment practices highlighted the complex relationship between teachers’ beliefs about teaching, their institutional contexts, and their experiences of teaching. The project gave us valuable opportunities to examine our interactions with faculty and enabled us to identify approaches to educational development that help postsecondary faculty understand and improve their practice.

Engaging Faculty In Conversations About Teaching Through A Research Proposal Workshop, Susanna Calkins, Denise Drane

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Faculty who consider themselves primarily researchers can be difficult to engage in faculty development activities. However, as agencies such as the National Science Foundation now require educational activities in research grants, proposal writing may represent a new avenue for engaging research faculty in their teaching. In this chapter, we outline an innovative workshop on writing the pedagogical component of a grant proposal that was developed for faculty at Northwestern University. During the workshop, while learning how to structure an education plan for their grant, faculty engaged in a lively discussion about formulating learning objectives and aligning them with pedagogical methods …