Digital Commons Network^™

Premier, Fall 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Education.

Premier

Contents:

From the Dean --- 3
Transforming Teacher Education --- 4
New Alignment, New Directions --- 10
Graduate Education on the Rise --- 14
A Shared Bond, a Special Legacy --- 18
Alumni Profiles --- 22
Foundation Focus --- 26
Center Spotlights --- 28
Scholarly Spotlight --- 30
Cats: Forever Looking Forward --- 32
News & Notes --- 34
Celebrating Excellence --- 36
Perspectives --- 38

Otterbein Towers Fall 2025, Otterbein University

Towers Magazine

Around the 'Bein; Innovative Funds; Committed to Career and Community; Faculty Excellence and Innovation; Two Years of Education for the Common Good; Homecoming and Family Weekend; Philanthropy; Alumni Matters; Class Notes.

Grand Valley Magazine, Vol. 25, No. 1, Fall 2025, Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley Magazine

Grand Valley Magazine is a quarterly publication about Grand Valley State University produced by University Communications since 2001.

The Obsession With Staying On Track Is Holding Singapore Students Back, Kenneth T. Goh

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) and Academic Director of SMU’s Business Families Institute Kenneth Goh, reflected on a former student who built a successful e-commerce business while studying, using his story to challenge Singapore’s “linear progression fallacy”. He argued that the education system reinforces this narrow view and stressed the need to value adaptability, experimentation, and creativity over rigid achievement. He called for reforms, concluding that Singapore should nurture a generation that values exploration and flexibility over simply staying “on track.”

The Case For Racial Literacy, Joni Schwartz

Publications and Research

Racial literacy is widespread in America, and as adult literacy educators our mission is to address illiteracy in all its manifestations. We teach literacies in reading and writing, numeracy, computer, speaking, listening, visual, health, and media, each vital to making sense of our world and functioning effectively in it. Racial literacy is just as vital and should be taught as well. I argue that racial literacy is critical to a meaningful civic and community life. Some scholars believe it is critical to the perseverance of democracy. At the very least, many adult learners do not possess an understanding of what …

Swosu Fact Book Fall 2025, Joel Harrel Kendall, Diane Fitzsimmons, Kelsi Burghardt

Fact Books

The 34th annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Fall Fact Book provides a ready source of information to answer frequently asked questions about the University and its operations. The Fall Fact Book is compiled annually by the Office of Institutional Research to assist the university with strategic planning, academic program reviews, grant writing, accreditation, and institutional information to help guide decision-making. The report uses data collected from 2016 to 2025 and is designed to help faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders better understand the student body and university trends.

International Panther Monthly, October 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of International Engagement.

Office of International Engagement newsletter

Contents:

--- From the Director’s Desk
--- October Recap
--- Student Spotlight - Nashiru
--- World Window - Finland
--- CIEP Spotlight
--- Did You Know? - Fulbright
--- Did You Know? - Pathway Program
--- Behind the Scenes - Kaitlyn
--- November Activities
--- Additional Opportunities
--- Volunteer With Us

Integrating Ai And Generative Ai Across The Curriculum: A Look At Three Subject Areas, Angie Su, Victoria Brenes, Stephanie L. Nelson

FDLA Journal

This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) models, such as ChatGPT and other GenAI tools, can effectively integrate into mathematics, computer science, and English classrooms. Students must understand foundational AI concepts and how these technologies function to facilitate meaningful engagement with AI and GenAI. This paper provides practical strategies for math educators to introduce AI algorithms that connect with students' existing knowledge and real-life experiences. Furthermore, it examines how GenAI can enhance learning, supporting students at each stage of coding, reading, and writing. The ethical considerations of GenAI usage, including potential overuse by students, are discussed. …

Decolonizing Community Re-Entry: Effective Case Studies Of Community-Led Programs And Services To Support Formerly Incarcerated Individuals In Canada, Ardavan Eizadirad, Rai Reece

Education Faculty Publications

Decolonizing re-entry programs require rethinking traditional approaches in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and challenging colonial and deficit frameworks embedded in the criminal legal system, which often has an exclusive focus on punishment. This article names the risk factors and systemic barriers faced by equity-denied individuals during reintegration with a focus on the Canadian context. Two community-led programs in Ontario are highlighted as innovative case studies for effectively supporting reintegration of individuals exiting carceral institutions. Key characteristics of these programs which are offered by the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAAACE) and Walls to Bridges (W2B) are outlined. …

Community Partnerships To Address Social Determinants Of Health Among Older Adults, Cory Bolkan, Raven Weaver, Cheryl Eschbach, Erik Geissal, Breanne Wise-Swanson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Focusing on social determinants of health (SDOH) among older adults is key to addressing health disparities, maintaining independence in their homes/communities, improving health outcomes, and avoiding high-cost institutional care. While primary care settings are equipped to meet older adults’ physical health needs, the network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is designed to meet social needs (e.g., transportation, nutrition, caregiver support). Yet, cross-sector community partnerships between AAAs and primary care are rare. This article shares an evaluation of one such partnership, where SDOH screenings were routinely implemented in primary care, yielding social prescribing and direct referral to AAA’s support services. …

Curiosity, Intention, And Reflection On Teaching And Learning Edps 967 Motivation In Education: A Teaching Portfolio, Mary G. Zeleny

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

The intention of this course portfolio is to reflectively explore more deeply the teaching and learning of the Educational Psychology graduate course, EDPS 967- Motivation in Education. This course provides a foundation of theories and concepts related to motivation from a psychological perspective, including the interrelatedness of affect and emotion, with an emphasis on the learning environment. The course focuses on different theories of motivation, motivation in education, and considering theoretical applications in education, as well as professionally and personally. The class explored motivation, including the impact of emotions in motivation, through reading, course activities, assignments, and discussion. Goals included …

Writers Helping Writers: The Power Of Peer Feedback In Student Writing, Heather Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to improve students’ engagement with the writing process by focusing more intently on peer feedback. The study occurred in my sixth-grade classroom in an affluent suburb of a large U.S. city. As an insider to the setting, I used mixed methods to address a problem of practice, having noticed that students were not engaging in revision between their first and final drafts. Through the lens of social constructivism, I examined data collected through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and writing samples. Being both reviewers and recipients of feedback had positive yet distinct impacts on …

Sjsu Erfa News, Fall 2025, San Jose State University, Emeritus And Retired Faculty Association

Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association (ERFA) Newsletter

Volume 39, No 1

Illuminated Magazine - Fall 2025, School Of Graduate Studies, East Tennessee State University

Illuminated: Graduate Student Research Magazine

• 2: Editorial Staff
• 5: Graduate Students and Advisors
• 6: ETSU’s First Master of Music Cohort Finds Its Voice on Campus
• 9: Where Are They Now? Jacob Mitchell
• 10: Characterizing and Enhancing Carotenoid Production in Tomato Plants
• 14: Where Are They Now? Jeremiah J. Flake
• 15: In the Gaps of the System: Centering BIPOC Mothers in Maternal Mental Health
• 18: Roles of Female Musicians in Appalachian Bluegrass
• 20: Where Are They Now? Alexis Moser
• 21: From Guyana to Tennessee: Bridging Gaps in Women’s Mental Health Care
• 24: Where Are They Now? Megan Roberts
• 26: Characterizing User Experience in AI Chatbots within …

Predicting Major Depression Among Diverse Online Gamers: The Role Of Internet Addiction And Spirituality, Lindsay Lundeen, John R. Mccall

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study analyzed whether religious or spiritual affiliation and therapy enrollment protect against symptoms meeting Major Depressive Disorder criteria beyond demographic, Internet addiction, and described therapy enrollment. Findings illustrated one risk factor and one protective factor associated with experiencing symptoms that meet Major Depressive Disorder criteria: impairments and dysfunctional self-regulation increased participant probability and risk, while religious or spiritual affiliation decreased the probability of and protected participants from depressive symptoms. The findings underscore the complexities of Internet addiction and depression symptoms among a population of diverse online gamers, highlighting a critical need for tailored counseling interventions.

The Influence Of Academic Outcomes On Academic Achievement: A Quantitative Study In Grades 3-12, Kelli R. Helle

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this predictive study was to examine the relationship between social and emotional learning (SEL) subskills and academic performance among students in grades 3–12. Using the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, the study sought to identify which specific subskills were most strongly associated with student grade point average (GPA). A quantitative predictive correlational design was employed with a sample of 737 students representing diverse grade levels and backgrounds. Data were collected through the Satchel Pulse SEL assessment platform, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictive value of SEL subskills while …

Physical Education's Importance In Education, Tyler Phelan

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

School districts are looking to connect students with courses that will impact their futures. Research shows that physical activity is a key component of healthy well-being and sense of self. Physical education supports other areas of the curriculum, enhancing student learning and their learning experience. It also provides opportunities to improve self-control and reduce behaviors that can affect the student body. This study aims to identify the relevance of physical education to student achievement and disruptive behavior. Based on the literature, data were collected to examine the relationship between students' time in physical education courses, their GPA, and referrals to …

Science Education News, Fall 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Science Education Program.

Science Education News

Contents:

--- A Message from the Director of Science Education, Lawrence Escalada
--- Faculty Profile: Jesse Wilcox
--- Staff Profile: Lori Wurtz
--- Student Profile: Graduate student Caleb Christine
--- Student Profile: Undergraduate student: Eliana Nava
--- Yager Science Education Resources & Outreach
--- OpenSciEd
--- Next Gen Full Option Science Systems (FOSS)
--- UNI Student Chapter of the National Science Teachers Association
--- UNI Science Education Update Conference
--- NSTA Student Chapter
--- Yager Science Education Resources & Student Profiles
--- Statewide Iowa Department of Education Professional Learning Events
--- State of Iowa Physics Competition
--- Physics Day at …

Rhythms: Music At The University Of Northern Iowa, V44, Fall 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. School Of Music.

Rhythms: Music at the University of Northern Iowa

Contents:

From the Director --- 3
Community Outreach --- 8
Amplify Alumni --- 11
Mariachi in Iowa --- 12
Jazz Notes --- 13
Scholarship Benefit Concert --- 14
Student Awards and Honors --- 16
Student Spotlight --- 18
Emeritus Faculty News --- 19
Faculty News and Activities --- 20
Faculty Spotlight --- 23
New Faculty and Retirements --- 24
Alumni News and Updates --- 26
Alumni Spotlight --- 27
From the Foundation --- 29
Opportunities to Give --- 30
Spotlight Series 2025-26 --- 34
Snapshots --- 35

Shaping Inclusive Futures: Gender-Responsive Practices In Pre-Primary Teacher Training Colleges In Tanzania And Uganda, Jane Rarieya, Nyagwegwe Wango, Tage Biswalo

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This paper examines the role of gender-responsive pedagogy in advancing inclusive pre-primary education through a qualitative case study of teacher training colleges in Uganda and Tanzania. Conducted under the Foundation for Learning (F4L) initiative, the study engaged tutors, student teachers, and administrators to explore how gender equity is integrated into teaching practices, institutional policies, and community engagement. Findings demonstrate that gender-responsive approaches were systematically embedded in lesson plans, classroom practices, and teaching resources, moving beyond rhetoric to tangible change. Student teachers demonstrated effective application of inclusive strategies during practicum, reflecting both conceptual understanding and practical competence. Colleges also adopted visual …

Evaluating Online Naloxone Trainings Targeting Rural And Tribal Communities, Cara Murray, Lily Ward, Tim Keady, Cris Meier

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Drug overdose deaths have been a persistent problem within tribal and rural Utah communities. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the need to pivot to online programming was imperative to provide important lifesaving training on how to administer Naloxone. In response, Utah State University Extension created an online Naloxone training. Evaluation results found increases in knowledge and attitude at the end of the training. Results suggest that online Naloxone training can be an effective way to reach rural and tribal community members.

Education First Year Seminar, Edf101 Fall 2025: Syllabus, Givanni Ildefonso-Sánchez

Open Educational Resources

The Education First Year Seminar (EDF 101) is required of all new students majoring in Education. Its goals are to introduce students to the liberal arts, campus culture, and the education field. The course also aims to develop a better understanding of the learning process and acquire essential academic skills. Taught by ELA faculty and supported by Peers Advisors and co-curricular professionals, this course addresses issues related to contemporary college life and to the field of education (birth through 12th Grade).

Entering college marks the beginning of a journey towards greater knowledge, the discovery of a new identity as a …

Foundations In Bilingual Education, Eln123, Fall 2025: Syllabus, Bede Mccormack

Open Educational Resources

Foundations of Bilingual Education (ELN123) is a writing intensive course that requires students to be engaged in several high and low stakes writing activities throughout the semester. This requirement will be fulfilled through several informal written assignments and a formal written assignment. Course topics include cultural, psychological, socioeconomic, linguistic, cognitive and curricular factors that affect the academic achievement of emergent bilingual students. It introduces the philosophical, legal, and sociological aspects of bilingual education, and prepares reflective educators through the use of a teacher education ePortfolio. It also satisfies the Urban Studies requirement at LaGuardia. This course is equivalent to a …

Editor's Introduction, Michael D. Pante

Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints

No abstract provided.

Fcrh Honors Program: Fall 2025 Program Highlights, Fcrh Honors Program

FCRH Honors Program Newsletters and Reports

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Scientific, Critical, And Creative Thinking Skills In Equipping Students With Problem-Solving Skills: A Field Study Among A Sample Of Sultan Qaboos University Students, Noureddine Chebbi, Wafa Al Mamaria, Suleiman Zakaria

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The ability to think scientifically, critically, and creatively is essential for students to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The current study sought to assess the sources and level of acquisition of scientific, critical, and creative thinking skills by Sultan Qaboos University students, and to determine the impact of these skills on their problem- solving abilities. The study random sample consisted of 384 male and female students selected from all colleges of Sultan Qaboos University. Study data was collected automatically via an electronic platform specifically developed for the study. Descriptive and correlational analyses were used to assess skill …

Digital Leadership: Secondary Education Principals’ Perceptions And Change Competencies Toward Implementing Digital Citizenship Curricula, Waylon M. Randolph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Secondary education public schools are increasingly being confronted with student misuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Students are using these technologies to engage in disruptive and harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and sexting. As a result, some public school districts have responded by banning the use of ICTs in the classroom, while others have turned to teaching digital citizenship through a dedicated digital citizenship curriculum. However, effectively implementing such a curriculum remains a significant challenge. According to the literature, the best way to implement a digital citizenship curriculum is by fostering a positive school culture where stakeholders model and support …

Media Literacy: Course Content Framework And District Proposal, Cameron Schwichtenberg

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project examines how to effectively teach media literacy in a middle school environment. Grounded in both research and personal teaching experience, it responds to the growing need for earlier, more intentional instruction as students develop digital habits long before high school. The project proposes a seven-week Media Literacy course that integrates critical evaluation, ethical participation, and media creation within an inclusive, developmentally responsive framework. Through designing this course, I discovered that media literacy is not only about verifying information but about helping students understand their roles and responsibilities within digital culture. Implementing this instruction early can strengthen critical …

Utilizing Best Practices In The Classroom In Regards To Technology Use, Kathryn Robinson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone project is: “In what ways do best practices in technology use in the classroom support teachers and students?” During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were forced to shift online to protect student health. As schools have returned to in-person learning, the influx of technology has not decreased. Studies show that technology use, whether it be social media, screen time, TV, or videogames can be detrimental to brain development. Because of this, it is crucial that there are guidelines for best practice when using technology in the classroom. Further, healthy habits surrounding technology use outside …

The Role Of Gamified Learning In Developing Math Confidence And Procedural Fluency, Celeste Nosow

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project sought to answer: In what ways might a gamified math fluency resource focused on increasing math confidence facilitate learning for preadolescent students struggling in math? Research into game-based learning, motivation, and mindset revealed that students can benefit from engaging, collaborative, and low-stakes learning experiences that build fluency through games. Additionally, the environment should foster math confidence and competence in preadolescent learners. The project culminated in the development of a website offering free, low-preparation math games appropriate for grades 3–5. Designed for teachers and substitute educators, the learning materials provided emphasize social interaction, inclusivity, and equitable access. This …