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Proceedings Of The 14th Annual South Florida Education Research Conference, College Of Education, Florida International University

South Florida Education Research Conference

Full proceedings of the 14th Annual South Florida Education Research Conference held on June 6, 2015.

Editor is Chief:

Sarah M. Nielsen, Ed.D.

Associate Professor, English, DeVry University

Accountability, Quality, And Student Success In Online Education: A Literature Review Of Empirical Studies, Michael Porter

South Florida Education Research Conference

This paper examines empirical studies on accountability, quality, and student success in online education. It advances that accountability and quality are critical components for student success in online education. It concludes that there is a lack of empirical studies that examine the effects of these measures on student success.

Toward An Understanding Of Faculty Perceptions About Factors That Influence Student Success In Online Education, Michael Porter

South Florida Education Research Conference

This paper explores factors that faculty perceive as significant in influencing student success in online education. Technological support, degree of comfort with technology and a student’s personal characteristics were deemed by faculty as critical to success. Understanding these key factors could help to improve student success in online education.

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (Vpk) Program's Influence On Preschool Teachers' Beliefs And Practices, Laura J. Monsalvatge

South Florida Education Research Conference

Three veteran preschool teachers told their stories about navigating the implementation of VPK. Even with parents' misconceptions about VPK's goals, teachers were able to meet its standards by continuing to embrace a play-based, hands-on philosophy that also emphasized children's social and emotional needs.

Health Literacy And Medicare Recipient's Knowledge Of Health Insurance Options, Marsha R. Lawrence

South Florida Education Research Conference

Health literacy is a major problem for the aging population (Parker, Ratzan, & Lurie, 2003). The significance of this study was to access the relationship between health literacy and knowledge of Medicare to determine ways in which seniors can effectively navigate their healthcare insurance.

Gaining Insight Into Teaching: The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Of The Year, Robin F. Amparo

South Florida Education Research Conference

What qualities describe outstanding teachers? Many stakeholders in education argue that student achievement indicates teacher quality. Ten Teachers of the Year participated in this qualitative study, showing their lives as outstanding teachers personify four roles and two phenomena. Findings indicate the need to investigate the moral dimension of teaching.

Theoretical Foundations Of Developing Modeling Instruction Curriculum For College Biology Courses, Feng Li

South Florida Education Research Conference

Modeling Instruction (MI) has been successfully implemented in high school science classes. Moreover, MI curriculum for introductory physics has also been developed at a university level. Noticing the gap, the author will provide theoretical foundations to support the statement that MI curriculum should be developed for college biology courses.

On The Current Mismatch Of English Education In China And Its Possible Improvement In Pedagogy For Chinese College Non-English Majors, Yu Zhang

South Florida Education Research Conference

By reviewing the current mismatch of English education in China,the paper argues the content of English curriculum and instruction in China need guide students to learn the difference between Chinese and English,examine Chinese learners’ English that are incorporated with typical Chinese language characteristics.

Exploring Seventh Graders’ Perceptions Of The Picture-Word Inductive Model To Their English Narrative Writing In China, Xuan Jiang

South Florida Education Research Conference

In this exploratory study, the researcher interviewed 30 seventh graders in China about their perceptions of the newly tried method, Picture-word Inductive Model (PWIM), to their English narrative writing. Many student participants listed and exemplified positive influence of PWIM on their narrative writing in and from the PWIM trial.

Transformative Learning Theory And Its Relevance To Managing Group Dynamics In A Competitive Work Environment, Salma A. Hadeed, Suzette A. Henry-Campbell

South Florida Education Research Conference

In any environment, group dynamics would exist. How we deal with it in a competitive work environment defines who we are using transformative learning. This paper provides useful information from a number of theorists who share perspectives on the complex nature of groups.

A Historical Overview Of The Challenges For African Americans K12 Through College Education In America, Arthur C. Evans Iii

South Florida Education Research Conference

The early American education system developed around the segregation of White and African American students. These differences in learning environment have led to inferior education for African Americans and can be linked to challenges still facing minorities in the current American education system.

Academic Writing & Publication: My Journey Of Learning Through The Development Of Articles From My Masters Thesis, Craig M. Mcgill

South Florida Education Research Conference

Abstract: In this essay, I discuss how I turned my masters thesis into three peer reviewed publications and the lessons I learned about academic writing and publication in the process.

Academic Risk-Taking In Higher Education, Yselande Pierre

South Florida Education Research Conference

Little is known about how adults learn to take risks. However, learning to take risks can be beneficial to adults who fear uncertainty or struggle with academic achievement. Higher education can play a leading role in embracing risk-taking and raising the interest level of adult learners through strategic learning activities.

Millennials In The Workplace, Debaro D. Huyler, Wei Ding, Adly Norelus, Yselande Pierre

South Florida Education Research Conference

Today’s workplace is undergoing dramatic shifts due to the growth of Miillennials within the workforce and the insertion of their ideals, values, and identity in organizations. This article explores the workplace profile of Millennials, their use of technology, their workplace engagement, and the ultimate impact they have on organizational success.

Program Evaluation Primer: A Review Of Three Evaluations, Craig M. Mcgill, Mia R. Heikkila, Ardith Clayton-Wright

South Florida Education Research Conference

Program evaluation—a “tool used to assess the implementation and outcomes of a program, to increase a program’s efficiency and impact over time, and to demonstrate accountability” (MacDonald et. al, 2001, p. 1)—is an essential process to program assessment and improvement. This paper overviews three published program evaluations and considers important aspects of program evaluation more broadly.

A Study Of The Relational Component In An Academic Advisor Professional Development Program, Mia R. Heikkila, Craig M. Mcgill

South Florida Education Research Conference

The purpose of the study was to investigate the significance of the relational component of academic advisor training and development in the learning opportunities of the professional development program and the advisors’ evaluation score at Florida International University.