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2026 February, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for February of 2026.

Sit, Stay, And Teach: Exploring Teachers' Perceptions Of Facility Dogs' Impact On Stress And Retention, Dennis Powers

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The teaching profession remains at a high level of workplace stress, a factor contributing to teacher burnout and turnover. The study examines how teachers in K-12 public education perceived that facility dogs might reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and aid in teacher retention in public schools of a southeastern state. The study employed a qualitative, cross-sectional survey that was emailed to 112,546 educators from a LISTSERV request. A total of 1,242 individuals provided informed consent and completed the survey, which consisted of Likert-scale measurement items, open-ended questions, and an informational video inserted to achieve a common understanding of the facility …

February 2026 Cafe Newsletter, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

CAFE Faculty Newsletters

Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) newsletter February 2026

Poems For A Calculus Class (After Reading Midlife Calculus And At The Dimensional Border), Kevin Farey

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This poetry folder is made up of two short trios. The first begins with “Methods,” a thirteen-line poem by Britt Kaufmann, and continues with two thirteen-line responses to it. The folder’s second half consists of three (non-thirteen-line) responses to a collection of thirteen-line-almost-sonnets by Philip Fried, who had in turn been inspired, during the pandemic, by Edwin Abbot’s Flatland.

Both Kaufmann and Fried are authors of previous JHM poetry folders. Poems from Kaufmann’s book Midlife Calculus appeared in the January 2025 issue and poems from Fried’s series At the Dimensional Border appeared in the July 2024 issue. In addition, …

Sumthin: A Context-Dependent African American Vernacular English Word For Variables, Mark Apedo

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

If mathematics is a language, then African American Vernacular English (AAVE) could hold the key to a fascinating understanding of the evolution of algebra from human speech in North America. The use of the pronoun something (sumthin) to depict an unknown amount of money that varies implies that algebra developed as a logical necessity in human communication. Exploring this phenomenon and leveraging it to demonstrate the concept of algebra could enhance the comprehension of the subject among speakers of AAVE.

The Math Teaching Atlas: Trails, Anchors, And Compass In Action, Ivan Z. Feng

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This paper advocates a shift grounded in mathematical reasoning: teach and write math through explicit routeways rather than narratives, anchor new ideas to familiar concepts on a roadmap, and use motivation and concrete examples as a compass and simulation for discovery.

Reminiscences Of My Past Life As A High School Math Teacher, Wayne Nirode

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In this article, I reflect on my twenty years as a high school math teacher. I describe four distinct phases of my career in five-year increments. I aim to make public both what makes teaching high school students rewarding and what makes it difficult. Also, my writing illuminates how indelible the first five years were to my development as a teacher. I hope that this brief memoir helps early-career teachers see past the tumultuous beginnings while also inspiring veteran teachers to reflect on their own careers.

Creating Art With The Generalized Pythagorean Theorem, Ángel Colín

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The Pythagorean Theorem and its generalizations have been widely studied. In this article we focus on one particular generalization that asserts that the area of a polygon with one side the hypotenuse of a right triangle is the sum of the areas of similar polygons whose corresponding sides are the other two sides [4]. Using this theorem together with interactive software or simply pencil and paper, we create some visually enticing artwork. This activity, we believe, can contribute positively to geometry teaching at all academic levels.

Let's Play Uno! Training Mathematical Thinking With An Inclusive Card Game, Thierry Meyrath, Clara-Ioana Mincu, Antonella Perucca

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

We explore probability exercises based on the game UNO. Excluding the Wild cards, the deck contains precisely 100 cards, which makes it convenient to express probabilities as percentages. We discuss the mathematical relation between cards that can be played after other cards. We also propose an algebraic exercise that relates several quantities, such as the number of cards left in the losing player’s hand. Finally, we argue that UNO is a very inclusive game: it is logistically easy to play, allows for players of different skill levels, and can be adapted to meet special needs. Beyond being playful exercises, our …

Invitations To Stem: Activities For Building Community And Enthusiasm From A First-Year Seminar, Dusty Grundmeier, Shanelle Davis

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

We reflect on and analyze a first-year seminar designed as an invitation to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. We present sample activities designed to develop mathematical and scientific problem-solving skills while also building community and enthusiasm. Through solving mathematical puzzles, project-based learning, and reflective activities, students develop a supportive and welcoming STEM-focused community and identity. Along with sample activities, we share our goals, challenges, and student feedback. Finally, we suggest some guiding principles for designing and choosing problems for similar STEM enrichment activities and seminars.

Partnering With Students To Create A Positive Image Of Mathematics, Manmohan Kaur

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In a 1989 paper, Barbeau states, “Probably no area of human activity is as afflicted as mathematics with a gap between the public perception of its nature and what its practitioners believe it to be.” Decades later, the situation is much the same. With the technical advances in the contemporary world, mathematics affects our day-to-day activities in essential ways such as e-commerce and credit card security. Mathematical problem solving intrinsically requires creative and critical thinking. However, mathematics is often perceived as uninventive, sterile, static, and removed from human needs and culture. This paper describes how mathematicians can own the image …

How (And Why) To Start A Math Circle At The County Jail, Aram Bingham

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Math circles are a common form of outreach usually run by professional mathematicians as enrichment for K-12 students or teachers. As a setting to stimulate interest and develop positive socialization around mathematical practice, a regular math circle can also be an effective bridge to higher education in carceral settings for both facilitators and participants. This article describes my journey through starting and running math circles in county jails, with a view towards the expansion of mathematics education as another tool for the dismantling of mass incarceration.

How Did Cauchy Prove His Integral Theorem? A Historical Reconstruction For Education Research, José Gerardo Piña-Aguirre, Rosa María Farfán Márquez

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

In his article “Mémoire sur les Intégrales Définies, prises entre des limites imaginaires” of 1825, Cauchy proves that the integral of a complex function f defined on complex numbers is independent of the path of integration if the function f remains finite and continuous along the chosen path. In contemporary literature that analyzes the mathematics of Cauchy, the specific mathematical process that allowed Cauchy to prove this result is not explicitly presented. The purpose of this manuscript is to communicate a symbolic-algebraic derivation that justifies the narrative argument used by Cauchy to support his proof, thus hopefully filling this gap. …

Emergent Collective Argumentation Types In A Socio-Critical Mathematical Modeling Activity, Ayse Ozturk, Ozgul Kartal

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Socio-critical mathematical modeling encourages students to employ mathematics as a tool for social inquiry and action, promoting critical thinking and social awareness. While research on collective argumentation in mathematical modeling exists, its connection to socio-critical modeling remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the types of collective argumentation that emerge during small-group and whole-group discussions as students navigate different phases of the modeling process. Using an adapted version of Toulmin’s argumentation model and a framework for socio-critical modeling phases, this study analyzes classroom discussions in which high school students engage in a modeling task focused on fair raise …

The Voices Of Educators And Elders: Examining A Supplemental Educational Program Through A Culturally Responsive Lens In Gullah Geechee And African American Communities, Kelly D. Shelton

Dissertations

African American students in South Carolina experience historical educational suppression (Anderson, 1988; Bowers et al., 2018; Fabel, 2019). This qualitative case study investigated how the use of African Diaspora and Gullah Geechee culture in supplemental education programs supported the academic success of youth. Using a culturally and historically responsive literacy and critical race theoretical framing (Gay, 2013; Hammond, 2015; Ladson-Billings, 2014; Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1997; Mills, 1997; Muhammad, 2020), this study captured the voices and insights of community elders and program directors of The Village Group, that makes use of Gullah Geechee cultural, academic, and vocational practices to engage and …

Student-Faculty Partnerships In Mathematics Undergraduate Coursework, Alyssa G. Cavazos, Luis Miguel Fernández, Isabel Amaro, Elianna Olivo, Cristina Villalobos

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

This study examines how student–faculty partnerships are experienced within undergraduate mathematics coursework at a majority Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Drawing on the Student as Partners (SaP) theoretical framework and using an interpretive phenomenological research design, we examined the lived experiences of student and faculty partners who participated in a series of professional development sessions on student-faculty partnerships and equitable teaching and learning practices in mathematics courses. Findings indicate that student partners’ lived experiences in the partnership program contributed to the development of sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and awareness of the need to link real-world and culturally responsive applications to mathematics …

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …

Global Pathways: Suwon, South Korea - Semester Abroad Program Proposal, Amanda D. Ledger

Capstone Collection

This capstone proposes the Global Pathways: Suwon program, a semester-long study abroad initiative developed in partnership between Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Kyonggi University (KGU) in Suwon, South Korea. The program responds to current limitations in study abroad, particularly the prevalence of short-term tourism-oriented experiences and curricula that prioritizes Western perspectives. A needs assessment consisting of student interviews, surveys, and professional consultation demonstrated strong interest in programs that combine language learning, cultural immersion, and career development. Findings also highlighted the importance of financial accessibility, reciprocal host partnerships, and ongoing advising support. Drawing on Freire’s critical pedagogy and Vygotsky’s sociocultural …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, January 30, 2026, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Improving Disaster Mitigation Cognitive Learning Outcomes Through Vlognow And Wordwall As Interactive Digital Media In Senior High School, Andi Irwan Irwan Benardi, Atta-Ur Rahman, Sumarmi Sumarmi, Erni Suharini, Nafasa Amelia, Agus Sugiarto, Andri Estining Sejati, Fahrudi Ahwan Ikhsan, Joshua Vincent Gerar Yametis

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

This study examines the effectiveness of digital learning media, namely VlogNow and Wordwall, in improving students’ understanding of disaster mitigation material in Geography for eleventh-grade IPS students at MAN Kota Magelang. The school’s location, which is close to landslide-prone areas in Windusari District and within the impact zone of Mount Merapi, underscores the importance of disaster preparedness education. This study investigates the effectiveness of VlogNow and Wordwall in improving students’ cognitive learning outcomes on disaster mitigation. A two-group pretest-posttest design with two intact classes (practical non-random sampling) was used. The results show that the use of VlogNow and Wordwall significantly …

Economic Outlook Of Battle Creek: Challenges And Opportunities, Iryna V. Lendel, Chloe Wieber, Sevrin Williams, Gerrit Anderson

Upjohn Institute Technical Reports

This report by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research examines labor market dynamics in Battle Creek, finding that roughly 75 percent of jobs in the city are held by workers who live outside the city limits, with significant skill mismatches between city residents and local employer needs. This mismatch helps explain persistently low wages, elevated poverty rates, and high reliance on public assistance among city residents despite a strong manufacturing base and growing logistics, food processing, and machining sectors. Limited housing supply, inadequate public transportation, and childcare shortages further restrict residents’ access to employment. The report underscores the urgency …

Nsu Florida Undergraduate Student Catalog 2025-2026, Nova Southeastern University

Undergraduate Programs Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Teacher Perspectives Of Their Challenges In Supporting K-3 Students In Mathematics Proficiency, Jasmine Chanel Mills

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem for this study was that mathematics preparation for students in K–3 classrooms often does not lead to mathematics proficiency for third grade students. Guided by Wigfield’s expectancy value theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers’ perspectives of children’s expectations and values related to mathematics and challenges teachers describe in supporting children’s mathematics achievement. Data were collected through 12 semistructured interviews with K–3 teachers in in a public school district in the eastern United States. Thematic analysis using open coding resulted in six themes which indicated that teacher beliefs and expectations are associated with mathematics …

Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education, Opportunities, And Challenges: A Review, Sharifa Alblooshi

All Works

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing force of change in higher education, providing assistance to students, teachers, and administrators in teaching, learning, and administration. As AI technologies advance rapidly, they present a combination of significant opportunities and complex challenges. In this study, we examine the role of AI in higher education, highlighting both its positive and negative impacts, as well as current policy gaps and issues arising from its deployment. The literature on the topic was reviewed to determine how AI decisively impacts teaching and learning, the role of AI in assessments and academic integrity, as well as ethics, psychological …

A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats (Swot) Analysis Of Chatgpt In Academic Help-Seeking, Fan Yang

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

This study explores the use of ChatGPT as a help-seeking tool in educational contexts, examining both its potential benefits and costs through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various internal and external factors that either promote or hinder the use of ChatGPT for academic help-seeking. The strengths of ChatGPT, such as its 24/7 availability to provide immediate responses, non-judgmental tone, and the ability to provide personalized help based on specific prompts, position itself as a valuable resource for help-seekers. However, the low quality of the responses generated by …

Digital Morality And National Values: Pancasila As An Ethical Compass For Technology-Enhanced Counseling In Indonesia, Dominikus David Biondi Situmorang, Hendrik Tuaputimain, Muqaffi Muqaffi, M. Solehuddin

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

The very fast development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in the last decade have changed the way of mental health practice internationally, including Indonesia. Although these technologies extend reach, deepen therapeutic engagement, and facilitate clinical analysis, they also present serious ethical challenges with respect to privacy, algorithmic bias, depersonalization, and disparity. This integrative review draws on literature from counseling, digital ethics, immersive technologies, and Indonesian philosophical studies to consider how Pancasila can serve as a culturally situated ethical guide for technology-mediated counseling. The results disclose four overarching themes: shifting role of …

Affirming Spaces For Reflection, Olivia J. Chu

Teaching and Learning Together in Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Taking Note Of Note-Taking And Note-Reading Experiences: Student And Faculty Partners’ Reflections On Observations In Classroom-Based Pedagogical Partnerships, Alison Cook-Sather

Teaching and Learning Together in Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Understanding Gender Differences In Academic Achievement Among Engineering Students, Luai Al Labadi, Mohammad Saleh Bataineh, Lim Kyuson, Nida Siddiqui

International Journal for Research in Education

In recent years, a noticeable shift has occurred in academic performance, with females consistently outperforming males in mathematical engineering courses. To investigate the factors contributing to this trend, we conducted a comprehensive survey at a main university in UAE. Analyzing data from 431 engineering students, we found that the time spent studying outside the classroom plays a pivotal role, evidenced by a statistically significant p-value of 0.04, contributing to the gender-based performance disparity. Building upon these findings, we propose short-term solutions that instructors and universities can implement promptly to address this issue. This study underscores the importance of ongoing institution-level, …

Concurrent And Longitudinal Predictions Of Math Anxiety, Science Anxiety, And Enrollment In Science And Art Tracks In Secondary Education, Ahmed Megreya, Ahmed Al-Emadi

International Journal for Research in Education

The worldwide need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) expertise highlights the critical importance of examining education-related emotions that shape students’ educational pathways and career decisions. Using a sample of tenth-grade students from Qatari schools (N = 391) and a follow-up sample in eleventh grade (N = 350), after their enrollment in either the art or science track, the present study examined the concurrent and longitudinal predictions of math anxiety, science anxiety, and track enrollments in secondary education. The science track attracted a larger number of male students, whereas the art track drew a higher proportion of female students. …