Education Commons^™

An Examination Of Persistence Research Through The Lens Of A Comprehensive Conceptual Framework, Robert D. Reason

Robert D Reason

Arguably, student retention has been the primary goal for higher education institutions for several decades. Certainly, it has been the focus of much research effort among higher education scholars. Unfortunately, efforts to improve retention seem to be ineffective; attrition rates have endured despite significant efforts to close them (ACT, 2004b; Braxton, Brier, & Steele, 2007; Terenzini, Cabrera, & Bernal, 2001). Notwithstanding the emphasis placed on student retention, decades of research, and countless institutional initiatives, slightly over half of students who begin a bachelor’s degree program at a four year college or university will complete their degree at that same institution …

Smoking And Psychological Health In Relation To Country Of Origin, Michael Lyvers, Tessa Hall, Mark Bahr

Mark Bahr

In English-speaking, Western-Anglo countries, where smoking has become stigmatized in recent decades as a result of widespread anti-smoking campaigns, smokers commonly report poorer psychological health on average than non-smokers do. This may be indirectly related to the strong pressures to quit in such countries, as poorer psychological health is associated with a reduced likelihood of quitting, thus leading to a selection bias for smokers with relatively poorer psychological health. In the present study, 147 smoker and non-smoker participants either came from Western-Anglo countries where smoking has become stigmatized (Australia, Canada, U.S.) or countries in regions where smoking remains relatively more …

Toward Creating Computer-Based Math Learning Favoring High-School Females, Yanghee Kim

Yanghee Kim

Research indicates that teenage females prefer to work and perform better at the learning environment that supports frequent interactions and allows them to build relationships with others. This paper will introduce a computer-based algebra-learning environment MathGirls equipped with pedagogical agents (digital life-like characters) that simulate real-world social interactions and relations. The goal of MathGirls is to help young women of high-school age build positive attitudes toward and self-efficacy in math learning through this simulated social context. To investigate the efficacy of MathGirls, a classroom experiment was conducted with 83 high-school females. The experiment examined the effects of agent attributes (female …

Natural Hazards Education In Australian Schools: How Can We Make It More Effective?, Neil Dufty

Neil Dufty

No abstract provided.

Catholic Education Office Mental Wellbeing Project: Review Of 2006 Funding Round, Sallie Newell, Anne Graham

Professor Anne Graham

ABOUT THE MENTAL WELLBEING PROJECT The Catholic Education Office, Lismore Diocese, established the Mental Wellbeing Project with the aim of helping their school communities to better respond to and support the emotional and social wellbeing needs of their students and families. In 2006, almost $850,000 were distributed between the 44 schools in the Lismore Diocese. Acknowledging that students’ mental wellbeing can be enhanced through a wide variety of ways, schools were encouraged to review the needs and strengths of their students, families and staff to decide the best way to invest their Mental Wellbeing Project funding.

Sustainable Living In The Pacific: Exploring The Role Of Multiculturalism In Teacher Education, Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka'uta

Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka'uta

The Pacific is arguably one of the most diverse regions in the world, both culturally and linguistically. Although much has been said about the relationship between culture and education, the topic of multiculturalism in education is one that remains unexplored. Although sporadic discussions have occurred with reference to the fourth Pillar of „living together‟ in the Delors‟ report, much of the discourse surrounds the need to incorporate cultural knowledge and culture inclusive pedagogies into local curricula. The author is of the view that quality educational development requires an examination of multiculturalism in teacher education and training. This paper presents the …

Adult Education 101 For Extension Educators, Johnnie R. Westbrook, Nancy K. Franz Dr.

Nancy K. Franz

Successful Extension educators artfully combine their content matter expertise with their ability to work with adults in an educational setting. This publication compares and contrasts four approaches to adult education: 1.) Andragogy, 2.) Adult Education Working Philosophy, 3.) Facilitating Adult Self-Directed Learning, and 4.) Integrated Perspective of Learning. The implications of these adult education practices will help Extension educators improve educational impact when working with adults.

The Role Of Learner Attributes And Affect Determining The Impact Of Agent Presence, Yanghee Kim

Yanghee Kim

This paper introduces two experimental studies that examined the potential of animated virtual peers (VP) to build social relations with learners in online learning environments. VP emotions and learner characteristics were foci of interest. Study I investigated the impact of VP emotional expressions (positive vs. negative vs. neutral) and gender and learner gender on college students’ perceptions of agent persona, motivation, and learning. Study II investigated the interaction effects of VP presence and learner gender and learner sociability on high-school students’ task-related attitudes, self-efficacy beliefs, and learning. Overall, the results revealed the interaction effects of VP/learner attributes on the learners’ …

“Am I Making Sense Here?”: What Blogging Reveals About Undergraduate Student Understanding, Trena M. Paulus, Rebecca Payne, Lisa Jahns

Trena M. Paulus

Educational researchers are interested in whether what is learned in the classroom is transferred to new situations. This qualitative case study explores how computer-mediated communication, specifically web logs (blogs), can extend learning and facilitate transfer of learned concepts. Participants blogged for seven weeks about concepts related to nutrition. Data included blog posts and comments and interviews. These data were analyzed inductively for emergent themes addressing our research questions. Four themes were identified: (a) concepts contextualized to participants' daily lives; (b) barriers to applying learned concepts; (c) sources of "expert" knowledge; and (d) unanswered questions revealing gaps in understanding. Implications for …

An Exploratory Case Study Of Young Children’S Interactive Play Behaviors With A Non-English Speaking Child, Joohi Lee, Sham'ah Md-Yunus, Wonim Son, Michelle "Mikki" Meadows

ShamAh Md-Yunus

This study is an examination of preschool-age English speaking children’s interactive play behaviors with a non-English speaking child (NEC). The play types of a NEC were reported using the Parten’s categories of solitary, parallel, and interactive play. In addition, English-speaking children’s interactive play with a non-English speaking child were reported in this study using categories of affiliative, possession-related, prosocial, and aggressive behavior from Ramsey’s 1987 study.

How Do We Teach Sexual Health In The Pacific Classroom?, Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka'uta

Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka'uta

Paper developed for Teachers’ Curriculum Skills Workshop on SRHE in Fiji and Tonga 2009 – 2010 “Sensitizing teachers to the teaching of Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Pacific”. This curriculum development workshop aimed at changing mindsets and providing some basic skills in developing cultural appropriate and faith-based activities using (a) Integrated Across-the-curriculum approach; and (b) Expressive Arts.

May 2009 East Coast Low Flood Warning Community Feedback Report, Neil Dufty

Neil Dufty

No abstract provided.

The Dynamics Of L2 Self And L2 Learning Motivation: A Qualitative Case Study Of Korean Esl Students, Tae-Young Kim Dr.

Dr. Tae-Young Kim (김태영, 金兌英)

No abstract provided.

Korean Elementary School Students' Perceptual Learning Style, Ideal L2 Self, And Motivated Behavior, Tae-Young Kim Dr.

Dr. Tae-Young Kim (김태영, 金兌英)

No abstract provided.

The Sociocultural Interface Between Ideal Self And Ought-To Self: A Case Study Of Two Korean Students' Esl Motivation, Tae-Young Kim Dr.

Dr. Tae-Young Kim (김태영, 金兌英)

No abstract provided.

Marketing Entrepreneurship From Within: A "City-Type" Strategy For Economic Development, Oscar T. Mcknight, Ronald Paugh, Jeremiah Trein

Oscar T McKnight Ph.D.

Too often city officials seek external expertise in advancing economic development initiatives when significant economic opportunities may exist internally. This research examines the relationship between “city-type” and entrepreneurial aspirations of its residents. A “START-UP” strategy that combines internal and external initiatives for the marketing of economic development is provided.

Re-Examining The Helicopter Parent: What Every Marketing Professional In Higher Education Should Know, Oscar T. Mcknight, Ronald Paugh, Aaron Mcknight, Heidi Parker

Oscar T McKnight Ph.D.

This research seeks to determine specific differences regarding "areas of concern" between helicopter and non-helicopter parents during the college selection process. Research findings indicate that a consistent clustering of economic factors is preeminent for both the helicopter and non-helicopter parent. A comprehensive revies of parental concerns and an engagingb marketing strategy, "EMS" are offered.

An Assessment Of Treatment Integrity In Behavioral Intervention Studies Conducted With Persons With Mental Retardation, John J. Wheeler, Michael R. Mayton, Stacy L. Carter, Anthony L. Menendez, Ann Huang

John J. Wheeler