Digital Commons Network^™

Active Learning Techniques To Teach Spanish Vocabulary, Sara E. Janssen

Graduate Research Papers

The journal article, "Pictures, John Travolta moves, and Sign Language: Active Learning Techniques to Teach Spanish Vocabulary," discusses the experiences 8th grade Spanish students had while using three instructional practices for learning vocabulary. Active learning strategies are a popular method for educators, especially those at the middle level. Educators can get their students active in learning by doing many different things. Pictures, "silly signs," and sign language were used to engage my students in learning fourteen Spanish vocabulary words.

Three groups of Spanish exploratory classes were the subjects in this study. Each of the three groups received instruction using one …

Training : What Is Training, Identifying The Need For Training, Methods Of Training, And How Can Trainings Effectiveness Be Evaluated?, Michael Johnson Jr.

Graduate Research Papers

This review involves aspects and elements of preparing effective training programs. In this review the researcher addresses the design and development stages of training programs. This review will provide valuable information for practitioners in the field of training and staff development. Definitions, needs assessment methods, evaluating effectiveness, methods of conducting evaluations, and building a rational for training programs are the areas covered by this review.

This review is written in the perspective for novice trainers and staff developers. The information provided can assist novice trainers build a knowledge base to enhance their ability to provide effective training. This review is …

Best Practices In Reading Instruction, Becky Jean Jones

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature pertaining to the best practices in reading instruction. There are many methods and approaches to the teaching of reading not only in the curriculum, but in the instructional procedures as well. This paper studies the changes that have occurred in reading curricula, as well as in the methods of instruction. Thirdly, this paper provides the reader with statistics that provide a factual basis for the support of the many instructional approaches. Finally, this paper will give the reader a conclusion that provides recommendations as to how to teach reading using the best practices …

Effective Models As Instructional Designs To Build Student Motivation In Learning, Karla S. Lammers

Graduate Research Papers

Effective Models As Instructional Designs to Build Student Motivation in Learning: A Review of Literature examines some of the research and academic literature related to successful designs/models that educators can use to build motivation in learners. Views of different motivations, extrinsic and intrinsic, as a learner are also discussed. Examples of designs/models are examined that integrate technology. The author concludes by presenting a technology-assisted, literature-based curriculum product that integrates these models to enhance learners' motivation.

How To Teach The Eight Multiple Intelligences Developed By Howard Gardner In An Elementary Classroom, Sarah Lyle

Graduate Research Papers

This project consists of research that supports Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory. Definitions for each type of intelligence and specific examples of people who might exhibit each type of intelligence are included in the introduction. Several strategies for teachers to use on a daily basis as well as a curriculum development for early elementary aged students are included in this project.

Increasing Transfer Of Training From Learning To Human Performance In The Corporate Management Work Environment, Patrick G. Mcbride

Graduate Research Papers

For corporate organizations to remain competitive in the global marketplace and to develop a highly skilled workforce, improving transfer of training must become corporate organizations' top priority. This literature review will attempt to answer the questions, "How does the transfer of training relate to human performance? Who are the major stakeholders, and what are their roles are in ensuring the transfer of training? What are the barriers? And how is human performance in the corporate work environment being measured?"

Constructivism: Defense Or A Continual Critical Appraisal – A Response To Gil-Pérez Et Al., Mansoor Niaz, Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, Alicia Benarroch, Liberato Cardellini, Carlos E. Laburu, NicoláS Marín, Luis A. Montes, Robert Nola, Yuri Orlik, Lawrence C. Scharmann, Chin-Chung Tsai, Georgios Tsaparlis

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Abstract. This commentary is a critical appraisal of Gil-Pérez et al.’s (2002) conceptualization of constructivism. It is argued that the following aspects of their presentation are problematic: (a) Although the role of controversy is recognized, the authors implicitly subscribe to a Kuhnian perspective of ‘normal’ science; (b) Authors fail to recognize the importance of von Glasersfeld’s contribution to the understanding of constructivism in science education; (c) The fact that it is not possible to implement a constructivist pedagogy without a constructivist epistemology has been ignored; and (d) Failure to recognize that the metaphor of the ‘student as a developing scientist’ …

Preface, Volume 21 (2002), Catherine M. Wehlburg

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Preface to volume 21 (2003) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, by Devorah Lieberman of Portland State University.

September 11, 2001, As A Teachable Moment, Edward Zlotkowski

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

The Opening Plenary at the 2001 POD Conference was given by Edward Zlotkowski. Using the reactions to the events of September 11, 2001, as an example, he urged those in higher education to search out opportunities for academically based civic engagement and to focus on Boyer’s concept of the scholarship of engagement.

The Day After: Faculty Behavior In Post–September 11, 2001, Classes, Michele Dipietro

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

What is the best thing to do in the classroom in the face of a tragedy like the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001? What should instructors do to help students, if anything? This article describes the results ofa faculty survey at Carnegie Mellon University. Faculty reported what actions they took in the classroom to help their students (or their rationales for not mentioning the attacks), and their degree of confidence on the effectiveness of their behaviors. Statistical techniques are used to assess the significance of some trends, and implications for faculty developers are discussed in light of cognitive, motivational, …

Using Cooperative Games For Faculty Development, Barbara J. Millis

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Learning through games has been going on for centuries. Faculty developers, however, are only now realizing the impact of well-structured and well-planned games. They not only “educate” engaged faculty members, but they can also motivate them. This chapter discusses the educational value of games, reveals their key underlying principles, and offers two examples of successfal faculty development games (scavenger hunt and Bingo) that can be replicated on any campus.

Accommodating Students With Disabilities: Professional Development Needs Of Faculty, Sheryl Burgstahler

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Faculty members play an important role in making academic programs accessible to postsecondary students with disabilities. However, instructors do not always possess the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes that result in the most inclusive environment for these students. A literature review was conducted to explore what faculty members need to know about accommodating students with disabilities in their courses and how they can best gain this knowledge. These results were used to develop a comprehemive set of training options that can be used with postsecondary instructors nationwide. The content of these options focuses on legal issues, accommodation strategies, and resources. Modes …

Integrity In Learner–Centered Teaching, Douglas Reimondo Robertson

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Learner-centered teaching challenges teachers with inherent conflicts and can be viewed as a conflicted educational helping relationship. This chapter explores fundamental conflicts in learner-centered teaching as well as ways to handle them constructively. Learner-centered teacher integrity is seen as the degree to which contradictory demands on the teacher (e.g., facilitating learning as well as evaluating it) are brought into synergistic relationship. A process for enhancing these synergies is suggested. This discussion emerges from a line of work that attempts to further develop the learner-centered teaching role in higher education (Robertson, 1996, 1997, 1999a, 1999b, 2000a, 2000b, 2000c, 2001).

Something More: Moments Of Meeting And The Teacher–Learner Relationship, Richard G. Tiberius, John Techima, Alan R. Kindler

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

The Boston Group, drawing upon developmental and clinical research, has identified special moments in human interaction that they call “moments of meeting.” These moments occur spontaneously within the context of ongoing relational interaction and can effectively restructure relationships. We think of these moments of meeting as pivotal moments because of their potentially pivotal effect on relationships. In this chapter we briefly describe the theory underlying these moments of relational change, using examples from education. Then we suggest strategies that may help teachers participate creatively in such moments. Finally, we explore the implications of this theory for the concept of authenticity.

Improving Teaching And Learning: Students' Perspectives, X. Mara Chen, Ellen M. Lawler, Elichia A. Venso

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Despite much debate among educators over methods to improve the climate and effectiveness of teaching and learning, very limited effort has been directed toward seeking input from students. In this study. a survey of students’ opinions regarding college teaching and learning was given in six courses with 163 students completing the survey. This chapter analyzed the survey results and proposed specific strategies that professors can use to make teaching engaging as well as informative, and thus, to enhance student learning.

G03-1525 Coping In Stressful Times During Drought, Linda S. Boeckner, Kathy Bosch, Catherine E. Johnston

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Families are affected by drought in many ways, including financially, emotionally, and physically. Although additional research is needed to learn how families cope with personal and work lives during drought, reliable information is available to understand how families react and cope with economic hardship, stressful times and difficult situations.

This NebGuide will address financial, emotional, and physical issues that families may experience during stressful times in addition to providing help on how families may access resources.

G03-1506 Starving For Success — The Dangers Of Disordered Eating, Amy L. Peterson, Linda S. Boeckner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Eating disorders are actually distorted eating habits, often related to emotional problems. There are three main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders affect one million or more Americans with 5 to 20 percent dying as a result of medical complications. This NebGuide reviews the warning signs of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating and how to get treatment and help.

Serious Mental Illness And The Family: How Can Mental Health Professionals Help?, Cynthia Pattillo

Perspectives In Learning

When a loved one is diagnosed with serious mental illness (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Major Depression) family members are faced with new challenges. The family must provide support, act as an advocate with treatment providers, tolerate unpredictable and unusual behaviors, and, in some cases, involve the legal system to achieve inpatient hospitalization or mandate treatment. The family must also grieve for the losses caused by the illness: loss of goals and dreams, loss of abilities, loss of health. Unfortunately, the family must also cope with the stigma of mental illness. Despite evidence to the contrary, our society continues …

The Experimental Art, Robert Root

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Nonfiction is an experimental art, as contemporary examples make clear, and writing teachers need to show students both how meaning arises from writers' experiments with material and also how form from writers' experiments at representing meaning.

Encounters: Relationship In The Study And Teaching Of Literature, Christina Vischer Bruns

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

While trends in the teaching of literature of the last few decades may seem at odds with one another, the thread that can weave them together is a recognition of relationship among readers, text, author, and other readers.

Compos(T)Ing Loss: Transformation In The Telling, Laura Milner

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Using composting as a metaphor, this author examines the transformative potential in writing about and bearing witness to stories of loss, particularly the death of a parent.

An Unspoken Trust – Violated?, Kia Jane Richmond

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Reflecting on our decisions in the classroom, both when we are honest with our students & when we are not, can offer teachers opportunities for growth and change.

Connecting, Helen Walker, Jim Super, Pamela Hartman, Nancy Myers, Andrea Siegel, Traci L. Merritt, Susan A. Schiller, Wilma Romatz

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Helen Walker. Connecting.

Jim Super—Fearless

Pamela Hartman—English? I'd Rather Read A Book

Nancy Myers—B

Andrea Siegel—Walking the Talk, Breathing the Breath

Traci L. Merritt—The Day Jenny Died

Susan A. Schiller—Touched by the Spirit in AEPL Topics

Wilma Romatz—On the Delicate Art of Teaching

Reviews, Dale Jacobs, Stan Scott, Sue Hum, Lita Kurth

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Reviews

Dale Jacobs. The Energy to Teach (Donald H. Graves, 2001)

Stan Scott. Writing with Elbow (Pat Belanodd, 2002)

Sue Hum. Unfolding Bodymind (Brent Hocking, Johnna Haskell, Warren Linds, 2001)

Lita Kurth. The Unconscious (Athony Easthope, 1999)

Multiple Forms Of Prewriting In Elementary Writing Lessons, Carolyn L. Piazza, Christine Jecko

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Multisensory prewriting invitations (creative visualizations, art, music, dreams, and mediations) affect writing fluency and idea generation in the first draft writing of elementary students.

Front Matter

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Editors' Message

Surrounded by the dead he had caused through his wanton murder of an albatross, the tortured mariner of Samuel Taylor Coleridge fame watches the water snakes beyond the shadow of his ghost ship and “blessed them unaware./The selfsame moment I could pray; And from my neck so free/The Albatross fell off, and sank/Like lead into the sea” (ll. 287-291). Without deliberately looking, he suddenly recognizes the beauty of all creatures and blesses them “unaware.” The sailor experiences a serendipitous moment, and through that accidental wisdom frees himself from his self-created purgatory.

Serendipity: Teaching for Accidental Wisdom serves as …

Jaepl, Vol. 9, Winter 2003-2004, Katie S. Fleckenstein, Linda T. Calendrillo

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Essays

Kilian McCurrie. Spiritual Identities, Teacher Identities, and the Teaching of Writing.

Through a case study, this article examines the ways teacher identity and spiritual identity intersect in the teaching of writing. By showing that a teacher's pedagogy is prodoundly informed by a basic spiritual disposition, the author offers a view of teaching that is often neglected in studies of teacher identity.

Robert Root. The Experimental Art.

Nonfiction is an experimental art, as contemporary examples make clear, and writing teachers need to show students both how meaning arises from writers' experiments with material and also how form from …

Community, Spirituality, And The Writing Classroom, W. Keith Duffy

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

From a spiritual perspective, this article critiques the concept of community as defined by scholars of rhetoric and composition; the author suggests that our experience of community in the writing classroom cab be enhanced if we strike a balance between doing and being.

Spiritual Identities, Teacher Identities, And The Teaching Of Writing, Kilian Mccurrie

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Through a case study, this article examines the ways teacher identity and spiritual identity intersect in the teaching of writing. By showing that a teacher's pedagogy is prodoundly informed by a basic spiritual disposition, the author offers a view of teaching that is often neglected in studies of teacher identity.

Engaged Buddhism & Women In Black: Our Grief Is Not A Cry For War, Candace Walworth

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

This paper explores principles, practices, and manifestations of engaged Busshism in the United States. It includes a personal narrative based on the author's participation in Women in Black (a silent, symbolic protest against war) and classroom stories based on the author's experience teaching at a Buddhist-inspired university.