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Civility And Academic Freedom: Who Defines The Former (And How) May Imperil Rights To The Latter, Theodore W. Mcdonald, James D. Stockton, R. Eric Landrum Oct 2019

Civility And Academic Freedom: Who Defines The Former (And How) May Imperil Rights To The Latter, Theodore W. Mcdonald, James D. Stockton, R. Eric Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

An alarming occurrence in academia involves the discipline of faculty, under the guise of violating civility or collegiality codes, for engaging in what should be protected academic free speech. This often occurs when unprincipled and/or corporate-minded administrators seek to punish or dissuade faculty from challenging or questioning their decisions or policy initiatives, or for speaking up about policy violations or lack of due process. The ambiguity of terms such as civility and collegiality, when selectively defined by administrators, can be used to stifle, dissuade or punish academic free speech. Ways to identify and address these problems are presented.


An Overview Of Assessment: Demonstrating Effective Teaching And Learning, Dana Dunn, Suzanne Baker, Chandra Mehrotra, R. Landrum, Maureen Mccarthy May 2015

An Overview Of Assessment: Demonstrating Effective Teaching And Learning, Dana Dunn, Suzanne Baker, Chandra Mehrotra, R. Landrum, Maureen Mccarthy

R. Eric Landrum

Assessment—the effective measurement of teaching influences on student learning—is now a fact of life on most college and university campuses. Faculty members as well as administrators are being compelled to demonstrate that the educational experiences offered on their campuses (and increasingly in online course offerings) are meeting publicly expressed standards and learning goals. Students and their families, and perhaps their future employers, also want a sense that an institution's touted values routinely translate into acquired and verifiable knowledge and demonstrable skills.


Assessment And The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum Apr 2015

Assessment And The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Assessment is at the core of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). In fact, the debate on what exactly constitutes SoTL (e.g., McKinney, 2007; Pan, 2009) often hinges on whether or not student learning is assessed together with whether the results are published or not. Is my teaching effective? Are my students learning? How do I know? Ask these questions of a department, program, college or university, and it is clear you are talking about assessment, a "global term used to refer to the authentic evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes" (Dunn, McCarthy, Baker, Halonen, & Boyer, 2011, p.145). …


Writing In Apa Style: Faculty Perspectives Of Competence And Importance, R. Landrum Apr 2015

Writing In Apa Style: Faculty Perspectives Of Competence And Importance, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

A US sample (N = 360) of psychology educators assessed 73 writing skills and competencies with regard to (a) the importance of each and (b) the typical performance of the top half of local psychology majors. An analysis of gap scores yielded results showing that specific skills, such as supporting claims with citations and proofreading ability, are areas in need of greater emphasis and renewed pedagogical attention by instructors. Educators may use the results of this study to help to identify areas of increased need for writing instruction regarding undergraduate psychology education.


Is Latency To Test Deadline A Predictor Of Student Test Performance?, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung Apr 2015

Is Latency To Test Deadline A Predictor Of Student Test Performance?, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung

R. Eric Landrum

When students are given a period or window of time to take an exam, is taking an exam earlier in the window (high latency to deadline) related to test scores? In Study 1, students (n = 236) were given windows of time to take online each of 13 quizzes and 4 exams. In Study 2, students (n = 251) similarly took 4 exams online within a test window. In both studies, latency to deadline was significantly correlated to exam score. Higher scoring students took the exam earlier in the test window. We explore possible explanations of these relationships and map …


Bottleneck Concepts In Psychology: Exploratory First Steps, Regan A.R. Gurung, R. Eric Landrum Apr 2015

Bottleneck Concepts In Psychology: Exploratory First Steps, Regan A.R. Gurung, R. Eric Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

The authors take an initial step in identifying potential bottleneck concepts in psychology, that is, concepts that are deceptively difficult, perhaps due to student overconfidence. In order to first identify bottleneck concepts, faculty (n = 65) rated the difficulty of 91 psychological concepts from across the discipline. Students (n = 35) rated both the difficulty of terms and their confidence in their own knowledge of 107 terms typically found in introductory psychology research methods and learning chapters. Additional research into psychology's bottleneck concepts may help instructors to focus more on the content that students struggle with, especially the …


The Reliability Of Student Ratings Of Master Teacher Behaviors, R. Landrum, Jeffrey Stowell Jan 2014

The Reliability Of Student Ratings Of Master Teacher Behaviors, R. Landrum, Jeffrey Stowell

R. Eric Landrum

Faculty members (N = 39) from two universities had their lectures recorded. From these videos, we selected 5-min vignettes centered on eight dimensions of the Teacher Behavior Checklist. Undergraduate students from two universities (N = 753) viewed three 5-min video clips of college teachers across various disciplines. Ratings on the eight dimensions (knowledgeable, respectful, approachable, realistic, enthusiastic, encouraging, flexible, and creative) were moderately to strongly intercorrelated, and students had high agreement among themselves in rating each instructor’s teaching behaviors. The methodology to establish reliability of student ratings of video clips may be useful in future validity studies to assist in …


The Memorability Of Introductory Psychology Revisited, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung Aug 2013

The Memorability Of Introductory Psychology Revisited, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung

R. Eric Landrum

Almost 2 million students enroll in introductory psychology each year in the United States, making it the second most popular undergraduate course in the nation. Introductory psychology not only serves as a prerequisite for other courses in the discipline but for some students this course provides their only exposure to psychological science. Presently, when introductory psychology students are asked about what they believe they will learn in the course, students indicate becoming more insightful about their own behavior and expect to have improved critical thinking skills. However, what do students actually remember from introductory psychology? Two years after completing the …


The Ubiquitous Clicker Sotl Applications For Scientist–Educators, R. Landrum Jun 2013

The Ubiquitous Clicker Sotl Applications For Scientist–Educators, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Over 5 semesters and 10 sections, students in a 300-level research methods course used clickers to respond to knowledge-based and opinion/attitude questions about clicker use, the effectiveness of assignments, self-confidence regarding skills and abilities, and more. Changes during the semester and student answers to questions about pedagogy and the execution of the course were compared to course grades (total points earned). Students perceive clicker use positively, reporting that they attend more, pay better attention, and participate more than they normally would due to clicker use. Other positive indicators do emerge linking the achievement of course goals to student performance. Outcomes …


Using The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning To Improve Learning Outcomes, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum Feb 2013

Using The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning To Improve Learning Outcomes, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

No abstract provided.


Assessment Practices For Undergraduate Psychology: A Model Perspective, R. Landrum, Maureen Mccarthy Dec 2012

Assessment Practices For Undergraduate Psychology: A Model Perspective, R. Landrum, Maureen Mccarthy

R. Eric Landrum

More than one million students earned a bachelor's degree in psychology over the course of the past 13 years, and the popularity of psychology as an undergraduate degree continues to grow. If the number of students majoring in psychology continues to increase at comparable rates, an additional one million psychology majors will graduate over the course of the next decade (National Center for Education Statistics, 2011). In other words, our graduates, armed with scientific reasoning skills (Halonen, Bosack, Clay, & McCarthy, 2003) will be psychologically literate citizens positioned to convey the core elements of the discipline to the larger population. …


Treating Students As Early-Career Professionals: The Ethics Of Teaching, Maureen Mccarthy, R. Landrum Dec 2012

Treating Students As Early-Career Professionals: The Ethics Of Teaching, Maureen Mccarthy, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

The ethics of teaching (not to be confused with the teaching of ethics) is not typically considered a hot topic, but perhaps it should be. The practice of teaching involves careful delivery of content using pedagogically sound methods. Teaching ethically includes supervising and evaluating students carefully, navigating complex relationships, ensuring equity, and balancing academic freedom with responsibility. In each instance, educators must balance ethics, consider the role of integrity, and act in ways that are in students’ best interests. In this chapter, we reflect on the ethics of teaching with respect to honoring diversity in the classroom, how to select …


A Multisite Study Of Learning In Introductory Psychology Courses, Regan Gurung, David Daniel, R. Landrum Aug 2012

A Multisite Study Of Learning In Introductory Psychology Courses, Regan Gurung, David Daniel, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Four hundred and fifty-four students enrolled in introductory psychology at different institutions across the nation participated in a study of factors related to learning. Key measures included an instructor rating, ratings of textbook quality and helpfulness, study time, student self-evaluations of study behaviors, approach to learning, self-report of learning, and a measure of quiz performance using biopsychology and learning chapter questions from a College Board Advanced Placement exam. The authors found significant predictors of both self-reported learning (deep approach, less surface approach, instructor ratings, student self-evaluations, and study behaviors) and quiz performance (grade point average, study time, metacognitive activity, and …


The Graduate School Application Process: What Our Students Report They Know, Cheryl Sanders, R. Landrum Apr 2012

The Graduate School Application Process: What Our Students Report They Know, Cheryl Sanders, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

One hundred and thirty-four undergraduate psychology majors completed a survey assessing their evaluative ratings of importance of factors related to the graduate school application process. Results revealed that students rated issues with research experience, letters of recommendation, and GPA as strongly important. These results support efforts to enhance the preparation of undergraduate psychology students who aspire to attend graduate school.


Faculty Perceptions Concerning The Frequency And Appropriateness Of Student Behaviors, R. Landrum Apr 2012

Faculty Perceptions Concerning The Frequency And Appropriateness Of Student Behaviors, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

A national sample of psychology instructors (N = 134) rated the appropriateness and frequency of 104 potential student behaviors, replicating and extending Parr and Valerius. The top 10 ratings for appropriateness and frequency differed from previous work. The author discusses the importance of clear communication of instructor expectations of student behavior in addition to course expectations as presented in the syllabus. Instructors may wish to use this list to help inform students of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors as well as to encourage students to increase the frequency of appropriate behaviors.


Assessments Of Textbook Usage And The Relationship To Student Course Performance, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung, Nathan Spann Feb 2012

Assessments Of Textbook Usage And The Relationship To Student Course Performance, R. Landrum, Regan Gurung, Nathan Spann

R. Eric Landrum

The authors conducted two studies regarding student textbook preferences; the first developed an original measurement tool (the Collegiate Student Assessment of Textbooks [CSAT]), including an examination of the relationship between student textbook preferences with learning- and grade-oriented attitudes. The second study was a large-scale national study administering the CSAT and the Textbook Assessment and Usage Scale (TAUS; Gurung and Martin 2011) to introductory psychology students; a portion of the study includes actual student course performance data. CSAT and TAUS subscale comparisons indicate (a) converging validity, (b) significant relationships to percentage of textbook read, and (c) relationships between GPA and expected …


Using The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning To Improve Learning Outcomes, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Using The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning To Improve Learning Outcomes, Regan Gurung, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

No abstract provided.


Selection Of Textbooks Or Readings For Your Course, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Selection Of Textbooks Or Readings For Your Course, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

In the design and implementation of teaching for a college course, it is important to consider which textbook or readings to use. In this chapter, I first summarize general advice from other authors about textbook selection. Next, I summarize the research on factors affecting textbook selection. Finally, I discuss the possibility of using course readings.


Experiment Spot-Checks: A Method For Assessing The Educational Value Of Undergraduate Participation In Research, R. Landrum, Garvin Chastain Dec 2011

Experiment Spot-Checks: A Method For Assessing The Educational Value Of Undergraduate Participation In Research, R. Landrum, Garvin Chastain

R. Eric Landrum

No abstract provided.


College Students' Study Time: Course Level, Time Of Semester, And Grade Earned, R. Landrum, Rob Turrisi, Jessica Brandel Dec 2011

College Students' Study Time: Course Level, Time Of Semester, And Grade Earned, R. Landrum, Rob Turrisi, Jessica Brandel

R. Eric Landrum

The association of total study time, number of events, time per event ratio, study strategies, and course grades across the semester were examined by linking students' study logs to course performance. There were 37 upper-division and 109 lower-division participants. Students earning As and Bs studied more frequently at the end of the semester but for shorter periods of time than students earning lower grades. Results are discussed in terms of providing college students and faculty with recommendations about learning strategies and time spent studying.


The Decision-Making Processes Of Graduate Admissions Committees In Psychology, R. Landrum, E. Jeglum, J. Cashin Dec 2011

The Decision-Making Processes Of Graduate Admissions Committees In Psychology, R. Landrum, E. Jeglum, J. Cashin

R. Eric Landrum

No abstract provided.


Demonstrating Tutoring Effectiveness Within A One-Semester Course, R. Landrum, Garvin Chastain Dec 2011

Demonstrating Tutoring Effectiveness Within A One-Semester Course, R. Landrum, Garvin Chastain

R. Eric Landrum

The results of college-level tutoring programs are best described as mixed. Although some studies have detected beneficial effects (Lidren, Meier, & Brigham, 1991; Longuevan & Shoemaker, 1991), others reveal no positive tutoring effect (Griffin & Griffin, 1995). In 1986, McKeachie concluded that there are few clear demonstrations of the benefits of undergraduate peer tutors. The present study attempted to contribute additional evidence to understanding the effect of peer tutors in the undergraduate classroom.


Student Perceptions Of Grading Practices: Does “Average” Class Performance Equal A “C” Grade?, R. Landrum, Ronna Dillinger Dec 2011

Student Perceptions Of Grading Practices: Does “Average” Class Performance Equal A “C” Grade?, R. Landrum, Ronna Dillinger

R. Eric Landrum

No abstract provided.


Sensitivity Of Implicit Memory To Input Processing And The Zeigarnik Effect, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Sensitivity Of Implicit Memory To Input Processing And The Zeigarnik Effect, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Implicit memory is evidenced when a subject benefits from a previous experience without making a conscious effort to recollect that prior experience. In the present study, I examined the sensitivity of implicit memory to two variables: type of input processing and the temporal placement of the implicit memory test. Results indicated that although implicit memory occurred in all conditions, its magnitude was sensitive to both variables. The results are discussed in terms of the underlying nature of implicit memory, including the role of transfer-appropriate processing.


Evaluating The Undergraduate Research Assistantship Experience, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Evaluating The Undergraduate Research Assistantship Experience, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

If you are a frequent reader of Eye on Psi Chi, you already know the importance of the undergraduate research experience for students planning to attend graduate school. The importance of this experience has been chronicled not only in the literature (Keith- Spiegel, 1991; Keith-Spiegel & Wiederman, 2000; Landrum & Clark, 2005; Landrum, Jeglum, & Cashin, 1994), but also in the pages of Eye on Psi Chi (Kaiser, Kaiser, Richardson, & Fox, 2007; Slattery & Park, 2002; Sleigh & Ritzer, 2007). The tasks of the undergraduate research assistant have also been defined in numerous articles. Some of these articles include …


Writing Letters Of Recommendation, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Writing Letters Of Recommendation, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Writing letters of recommendation (LoR) may qaulify as one of the most time-consuming and critical tasks performed by faculty, yet faculty rarely receive training or guidance as to how to craft a successful LoR (Range et al., 1991). The scholarship concerning LoR deals mostly with how letters are perceived and evaluated, and indirectly addresses writing LoR.


Satisfaction With College By Traditional And Nontraditional College Students, R. Landrum, J Et'aime Hood, Jerry Mcadams Dec 2011

Satisfaction With College By Traditional And Nontraditional College Students, R. Landrum, J Et'aime Hood, Jerry Mcadams

R. Eric Landrum

University students (N=433) were surveyed about their satisfaction with a number of campus services and opportunities. Comparisons between traditional (up to 24 years old) and nontraditional (25 years and up) students indicated the latter valued learning and school opportunities more and appreciated the efforts of their professors in interacting with them and communicating information. A number of similarities were noted. University administrations need to be aware of the important differences between such groups to be able to enhance students' safisfaction.


Identifying Core Concepts In Introductory Psychology, R. Landrum Dec 2011

Identifying Core Concepts In Introductory Psychology, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Two studies were conducted in an attempt to establish a core of concepts considered fundamental to introductory psychology courses. Six textbooks were analyzed for concepts that could be considered important to instructors. The six textbooks yielded 5,148 terms and after duplications were eliminated, 2,742 unique terms were organized in a chapter-by-chapter format. 45 psychology instructors rated three chapters each, creating a resource listing of the most important concepts in introductory psychology. Limitations to this approach and varied possible uses of this information are discussed.


The Curriculum Vita: A Student's Guide To Preparation, R. Landrum Dec 2011

The Curriculum Vita: A Student's Guide To Preparation, R. Landrum

R. Eric Landrum

Undergraduate psychology majors with aspirations toward graduate school have a number of preparations to make. It is well known by now that the top factors that influence graduate school admissions are grade point average (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation (Keith-Spiegel & Wiederman, 2000), research experience, and autobiographical statements (Landrum, Jeglum, & Cashin, 1994). Previous issues of Eye on Psi Chi (accessible at www.psichi.org) contain valuable guides on many aspects of the graduate school application process (Buskist, 2001; Dirlam, 1998; Lammers, 2000; Terre, 2002), including specific articles on the GRE (Matlin & Kalat, 2001; Norcross, 1997a; Walfish, …


Departmental Search Committees And The Evaluation Of Faculty Applicants, R. Landrum, Michael Clump Dec 2011

Departmental Search Committees And The Evaluation Of Faculty Applicants, R. Landrum, Michael Clump

R. Eric Landrum

We surveyed directors of departmental search committees (N = 89) to ascertain which criteria have the most value in the faculty applicant selection process. Respondents used several methodological techniques, including rank order, agreement, and importance scale questions. Results indicated that match or fit with department is the most important criterion in applicant selection, followed by research and teaching experience. Important differences emerged in the evaluation of job applicants depending on the type of institution (public vs. private) or type of department (undergraduate-only vs. undergraduate + graduate program).