Education Commons^™

11-2012 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for November 2012.

10-2012 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for October 2012.

Investigation Of Social Supports For Parents Of Children With Autism, Aaron R. Deris, Cynthia Dicarlo, Linda L. Flynn, Carrie Ota, Anne O'Hanlon

Special Education Department Publications

There has been an increase of children being identified with autism in the United States (Center for Disease Control, 2009), leading to an increased concern of how to best meet the needs of children with autism and their families. In response to each reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (2004), in which the roles of families have been strengthened in planning their child's education and professionals have had more input, the field has tried to uncover the 'best' ways to support parents. Recommended practice suggests that parents are best able to identify their own support needs, with …

Learning To Do Well Through Making Errors, Kurtis Malecha

Practicum

Looking back to the beginning of the semester, I do not fully understand what exactly I would be doing for an hour every Thursday afternoon. The guidelines Dr. Miller-Pomije provided me were simply that – guidelines. What I did during these recitation sessions for General Chemistry I students was up to me. Through these sessions, I learned more effective teaching strategies, ways to foster students’ learning, and approaches that simply did not work. As a result, I now feel better prepared for graduate school teaching experiences.

Building A Collaborative Learning Environment, Stacey Van Gelderen

All Resources

PowerPoint presentation on how to build a collaborative learning environment.

Implementing Student Self-Evaluation Into Master Of Social Work: Field Practicum And Advanced Seminar, Carol Goodemann

All Resources

MSW graduates wishing to pursue a license from the MN Board of Social Work will need to document all supervision received during their first 4000 of practice. The following document provides the student with an opportunity to evaluate preparedness for supervision sessions and an opportunity to learn a method of recording supervision meetings.

Qualitative Analysis Of The Impact Of A Cultural Partnership On The Cultural Orientation Of Undergraduates, Sadie Liedall, Sarah Lieske

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This study compared changes in the Cultural Orientation of four groups of undergraduate students in a course, Human Relations in a Multicultural Society. The hypothesis for this study was that the intentional, cross-cultural experiences the students experienced in the course did have an impact on the Cultural Orientation of each student. A convenience sample of 85 students registered for 4 sections during fall 2011. The course design provided for intercultural partnerships with individuals from diverse populations outside the classroom and for reflection on such interactions. Each student completed (1) minimum of 18 hours service learning at an agency with persons …

2012 Abstract Booklet, Undergraduate Research Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Complete Schedule of Events for the 14th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Applying Active Learning Strategies To Advanced Mathematics Courses, Ruijun Zhao

All Resources

The passive teaching approach had been the only way in mathematics teaching because it is really difficult for students to understand by self-studying in a short time. Unlike other sciences, mathematics are not driven by hypotheses and experiments. We should always learn the correct definition, statements, and justifications. The teachers can make the learning process easier and faster for students. However, active learning strategies can be applied to mathematics teaching, particularly in advanced mathematics courses. For example, I am teaching Math 674, Computations in Linear Algebra. There are eight graduate students enrolled for this course, seven from Math Department and …

The Power And Utility Of Reflective Learning Portfolios In Honors, Christopher R. Corley, John Zubizarreta

History Department Publications

The explosive growth of learning portfolios in higher education as a compelling tool for enhanced student learning, assessment, and career preparation is a sign of the increasing significance of reflective practice and mindful, systematic documentation in promoting deep, meaningful, transformative learning experiences. The advent of sophisticated electronic technologies has augmented the power of portfolios and created a virtual industry dedicated to platforms and strategies associated with electronic portfolios and the diverse purposes they can serve in curricular, programmatic, and institutional assessment efforts. The intellectual and practical relevance of such innovations in the honors context is clear. Honors programs and colleges …

04-2012 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for April 2012.

School Psychologists' Self-Perceptions Of Multicultural Competence: The Relevance Of Experience And Training, Jacquelyn B. Wright, Kevin J. Filter, Julene Douty Nolan, Sarah K. Sifers

Psychology Department Publications

A national survey of 216 school psychologists' perceptions of multicultural competence indicated that multicultural competence significantly increases as a function of hours of training and frequency of experience working with individuals from cultures different from their own. Results are discussed in the context of measurement limitations for multicultural competence and implications for trainers of school psychologists.

Standards For Authentic Instruction, Kathy Bertsch

All Resources

Capstone project for the CETL Faculty Teaching Certificate Program by Dr. Kathy Bertsch.

Impact Of A Cultural Partnership On Intercultural Competence Of Undergraduates, Camille Mcnabb, Samantha Tupy, Erika Koenig, Sadie Leidall

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

This study compared changes in the intercultural competency of two groups of undergraduate students in several sections of a course, Human Relations in a Multicultural Society. The hypothesis for this study was that the intentional, cross-cultural experiences of students have an impact on the cultural competency of each student. The course in this study was designed as a response to the increasingly diverse population in the United States in terms of race, ethnicity, and culture. Diversity may also refer to behaviors, gender identity, and sexual orientation (IMDiversity, 2010). This course is taught each semester at a Midwestern public university. The …

Hiring Social Work Faculty: An Analysis Of Employment Announcements, Paul Force-Emery Mackie

Social Work Department Publications

An eleven-month long analysis of social work faculty position advertisements examined differences in social work faculty job descriptions between past and present findings, rural land, urban-located social work programs, doctorate and non-doctorate conferring institutions, and public and private institutions. Additionally, this investigation addressed 2008 EPAS standard 3.3.1 expectations regarding practice.

02-2012 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for February 2012.

01-2012 Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library Services

Library Services Newsletters

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Library Services Newsletter for January 2012.

Teacher Support As A Moderator Of Behavioral Outcomes For Youth Exposed To Stressful Life Events, Rebekah S. Huber, Sarah K. Sifers, Daniel Houlihan, Rachel Youngblom

Psychology Department Publications

The present study examined the relationship between teacher support, life stress, and behavioral outcomes in 103 youth. Participants completed questionnaires regarding life events, social support, personality, and behavior. Moderated regression analyses were conducted using youth perceptions of teacher support and negative life events to predict externalizing and internalizing problems. Results revealed a significant interaction between teacher support and life stress, indicating teacher support successfully moderated the effect of stress on externalizing problems. Main effects for life stress were consistent with previous literature suggesting that higher amounts of stress predict greater externalizing and internalizing problems. Implications for teacher support are discussed.

Transfer Student Study, Angie Bomier, Ramon Pinero, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Minnesota State University, Mankato benefits enormously from the talents of the students who transfer here from other institutions. It is important to understand their stories, their needs, and the resources that the institution can provide to best facilitate their success here. To that end, this document will discuss the research about transfer student achievement generally, and then move to our own processes and statistical description of these students and their experiences here as is seen through the Noel Levitz and NSSE data on transfer students as it relates to advising. Advising is critical to student success in general and particularly …

The Impact Of Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques Implemented Within Minnesota School Settings: A Program Proposal For Waseca Junior And Senior High School, Laura Bartsch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research project is to gain insight into the extent of the use of relaxation oriented curriculums within Minnesota schools through the distribution of an email survey. Additionally, a review of empirical literature was conducted to identify and evaluate evidence based relaxation-oriented curriculums and to create a proposal for implementation at Waseca Junior and Senior High School.

Sea Program Process Evaluation: Improving Existing Evaluation Methods, Rachel Faust

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to provide a process evaluation to more closely define how the program is currently being monitored, areas of quality assurance, and to create tools to aid in long term data analysis and collection of program outcomes. Staff and stakeholders of the program identified needs related to the program’s evolution which has since created transition and instability in how outcomes are tracked.

Due to increasing demands of current and potential funders to provide concrete objectives and outcome measurements, as well as to provide consistency in tracking between multiple schools that participate in the program, the …

Student Facilitated Anti-Bully Program, Ashley Kiefer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Minnesota law currently states that each school district should have a policy that addresses all forms of bullying but allows each district to create their own. This past year, the state of Minnesota has begun to scrutinize this legislation with the purpose of studying the extent of bullying in Minnesota schools and developing policies to stop it. Many schools in the state have unfortunately experienced the negative effects of bullying; some such as the Anoka-Hennepin Schools have experienced investigation and lawsuits due to suicides related to bullying (Post, 2012). At Byron Middle School, there has been limited student involvement in …

The Backpack Food Program's Effects On Self-Reported Hunger And On-Task Behavior, Meghan E. Ecker

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Variations of the BackPack Food Program are implemented in cities and states throughout the nation, however little is known regarding the effects that providing this food has on student performance in school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the BackPack Food Program's effectiveness in combating student's hunger over the weekends and school breaks, thus decreasing student's self-reported hunger levels. Additionally, this study attempted to analyze the program's effects on student's on-task behavior in the classroom. Over the course of three semesters, hunger surveys were evaluated for 82 students and observations of on-task behavior were recorded for 52 students. …

Student Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Mentoring On Student Teaching, Lori Kay Bird

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mentoring is an essential component of the student teaching experience. The support provided by highly prepared and effective mentors contributes to the success of student teachers during this high stakes period of professional development. Findings from this mixed-methods study support five mentoring factors as valid and a useful framework for measuring the impact of the mentoring received by student teachers in the student teaching experience. The five factors are: personal attributes, system requirements, pedagogical knowledge, modeling, and feedback (Hudson, 2007). The Mentee Perceptions of Student Teaching survey was given to student teachers upon the conclusion of their student teaching experience …

A National Study Of The Ethical Dilemmas Faced By Student Conduct Administrators, Mary C. Dowd

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Although previous studies examined the ethical dilemmas faced by student affairs administrators (Janosik, Creamer, & Humphrey, 2004; Janosik, 2007), no such study explored the ethical dimensions of administering student conduct. The purpose of this mixed method study was to identify the ethical dilemmas experienced by student conduct administrators and to test the applicability of Kitchener's model as a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas. Also examined were the theories, professional codes, and core values informing ethical decision making. Further, the study explored possible correlations between knowledge of ethical principles and codes, and actual use of the ethical principles and codes. Finally, …

Integration Of Literature Into An Online Creative Writing Classroom, Steve Russel Linstrom

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The study of Literature was once the cornerstone of a creative writer's training, but lost significance when creative writing workshops became the pedagogical vehicle of choice. Online instruction provides technological and logistical advantages that bring the study of literature back to the forefront of creative writing instructional theory. A presentation of an upper level, literature focused, online creative writing course illustrates how creative writing and the study of great writers can be effectively integrated in an online environment.

Parent Involvement Plan For Lincoln Elementary, Michelle Kaune

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a parent involvement plan for Lincoln Elementary using research based information. The information gathered during the literature review will be used to gain a better understanding of parent involvement along with evidence based strategies to improve parent involvement. This plan will then be used by the school to work to increase the amount of involvement parents during the 2012-13 school year. Creating a strategy to increase parent involvement has been identified as a need by the school. It is also part of the school’s Adequate Yearly Progress plan which was submitted …

School Social Workers And Multiple Supervisees, Michelle Krueger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

There are a limited number of school social workers in District #77, Mankato Area Public Schools. There are two school social workers who provide services in eleven elementary schools and middle/high schools as needed. It was proposed that if there were five or six school social work interns who could primarily provide direct services, the school social workers could perform more of a supervisory role. “Group Supervision lessens dependence on the supervisor and offers a supportive peer environment which lessens anxiety and enhances self-efficacy” (Bogo, Cloberman, & Sussman, 2004).

Research Questions: How effective is group supervision? What are the pros …

Effect Of Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning On Non-Majors Biology Students' Understanding Of Biological Classification, Breann Marie Wozniak

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of process-oriented guided-inquiry learning (POGIL) on non-majors college biology students' understanding of biological classification. This study addressed an area of science instruction, POGIL in the non-majors college biology laboratory, which has yet to be qualitatively and quantitatively researched. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach was used. Students' understanding of biological classification was measured in two areas: scores on pre and posttests (consisting of 11 multiple choice questions), and conceptions of classification as elicited in pre and post interviews and instructor reflections. Participants were Minnesota State University, Mankato students enrolled in …

To Share Or Not To Share: The Impact Of Disclosing Sexuality On Instructor Communication Apprehension, Instructional Effectiveness, And Student Relationships, Justin Rudnick

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Previous research has explored the role LGBTQ instructor sexuality plays in the classroom. However, little research explores the effects of disclosing LGBTQ sexuality on the individual instructor. This study examines how LGBTQ instructors report disclosures of their sexuality to influence their Communication Apprehension, Instructional Effectiveness, and their Relationships with Students. Qualitative interviewing methods were used to survey nine self-identified LGBTQ college instructors from mid-size Midwest universities, and a grounded theory approach was used to identify emergent themes pertaining to LGBTQ instructors' experiences with their sexuality in the classroom. Interviewees reported varying degrees of communication apprehension, instructional effectiveness, and heightened personal …