Digital Commons Network^™

Heroclix®: A Multiplayer Chess Game For Teaching The Fundamentals Of Human Capital Management, Chin Heng Low, Jiunwen Wang, Paul Lim, Bernie Koh

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

This article describes the adaptation and use of the HeroClix® board game to teach critical real-world principles for effective human capital management within teams. In a HeroClix® game, players pit their team of miniature figurines against other players’ miniatures in combat. This is akin to organizations striving in the business environment today, with well-structured human capital within their teams as a key competitive advantage. In this article, we suggest how the game can be applied in the classroom for undergraduate students to experience, reflect on, and learn more about the prerequisite considerations in proficient people management, the dynamic nature of …

Learning, Play, And The Shifting Expectations Of Childhood: Insights From Young Children In Australian Schools, Amelia Ruscoe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The experience of childhood is not static. It is subject to changing social, cultural, and economic demands. In 2009, the Australian Government heeded the advice of internationally acclaimed economists and ‘reconceptualised’ childhood as a critical period for investment to secure a stronger economic future. In response, a revised school-based childhood emerged, echoing neoliberal ideology through a national curriculum that heightened focus on the “well-being” and “well-becoming” of young children. Alteration to the expectations of school-based childhood in Australia beckons researchers to examine the undiluted perspectives of young children. Using a qualitative approach, visual-dialogic methodology supported by children’s drawn and embodied …

Designing System Coherence For Designated English Language Development, Raquel Gonzalez, Ph.D., Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D., Elvira G. Armas, Ed.D., Jeimee Estrada-Miller, Britt Jung

Center on English Language Proficiency Implementation Briefs

Designing System Coherence for Designated English Language Development is the fourth and final brief in a series designed to guide state, regional, and local educational agencies in establishing equitable, high-quality comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) systems. The brief examines the organizational infrastructure, leadership, and resource alignment needed to scale and sustain high-quality designated ELD. An adapted framework of seven interconnected foundational practices guides the discussion of how educational leaders can protect instructional time, support sustained professional learning and coaching, and connect designated ELD to grade-level academic content. The brief also examines systemic coherence across three levels—state education agencies, local education …

Directing The Absent Tool: Friction Embodiment And Competency Progression In Ai Assisted Creative Learning, Daniel Suarez, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Generative artificial intelligence complicates the relationship between successful creative production and the development of independent disciplinary judgment. Task allocation offers a practical response by identifying operations that learners should protect, perform with support, or delegate, yet the educational value of an allocation depends on conditions that change beyond a single assignment. This article extends a process-centered framework along three connected axes: absence, modality, and time. Constructivist friction describes difficulty encountered when learners must reconstruct judgments previously supplied by an available tool; its educational value depends on subsequent diagnosis, feedback, and transfer rather than difficulty alone. A spatial and embodied extension …

Generative Ai In Art And Design Education: Keeping The Human In The Creative Loop, James Hutson, Daniel Suarez

Faculty Scholarship

Research on generative artificial intelligence in education reveals a persistent divergence between successful assisted performance and the development of independent knowledge, creative judgment, and transferable skill. Studies of art and design additionally identify opportunities for iterative exploration alongside concerns about visual fixation, uncertain authorship, and dependence on generated alternatives. These findings create an instructional problem: educators need to determine which creative decisions should remain with learners, which operations can receive bounded assistance, and which activities can be delegated without bypassing the intended learning. Existing scholarship addresses these questions through research on scaffolding, human-AI collaboration, assessment, and psychological ownership, but these …

Centering California’S Black Multilingual Learners: Intersections, Equity, And (In)Visibilities, Ayanna Cooper, Ed.D., Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D., Elvira G. Armas, Ed.D., Malane Morales Van-Hecke

Education and Policy Briefs

Grounded in an asset-based approach to educational transformation, this education and policy brief presents an exploratory inquiry into Black Multilingual Learners (BMLs) in California, recognizing the intersection of their racial, linguistic, and cultural identities. The inquiry draws on statewide demographic and English language proficiency data, relevant research, student and educator bright spots, and the Young, Bilingual and Black in California Survey of local educational agency representatives. Three key findings emerged: Visibility Gaps in state reporting systems, an Intersectional Data Gap caused by the absence of disaggregated racial data on public-facing data platforms, and an Infrastructure Gap in local data collection …

“Voices Of Tomorrow”: A Youth Participatory Action Research Study Of A Middle School Advisory In An Urban Public Charter School, Seth Hull

Theses and Dissertations

Urban middle schools often grapple with how to create spaces that affirm students’ identities and foster authentic engagement within a broader landscape shaped by standardized testing and accountability pressures. This dissertation examines Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and advisory as two relationally grounded practices that can address these challenges. Grounded in critical hope (Zembylas, 2013), culturally sustaining pedagogy (Paris & Alim, 2017), and community responsive education (Duncan-Andrade, 2022), the study explores the experiences of 12 middle school students who spent seven months investigating their school’s advisory program as student-researchers, as well as the findings that emerged about advisory. Data sources …

Introduction, Christopher Tremblay, Diana Camilo, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Laura Owen, Moya Malcolm

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Do College Students’ Rap Sheets Matter To Faculty And Staff?, Andrea Cantora, Crystal C. Rodriguez, Joel Capellan

Journal of College Access

This study examines college faculty and staff attitudes toward students with criminal convictions. Electronic surveys were administered to faculty and staff at five public colleges and universities in Maryland and New York (N = 264), measuring support for inclusive campus policies across three conviction categories: non-violent, violent non-sexual, and sexual violent offenses. Support was strong for students with non-violent convictions, but declined sharply as offense severity increased. Two factors were associated with more inclusive attitudes: prior experience teaching or serving this population, and the presence of a campus support program. Both mattered, but they appeared to operate through different mechanisms. …

Youth Gopher Trapping: Benefits For Agriculture And Youth, Melanie Heaton, Kalen Taylor

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah State University Extension partnered with local government and conservation districts to reduce agricultural losses while creating meaningful opportunities for youth. Over three years, 92 participants removed 3,941 rodents, earned $26,620, and gained practical skills through hands-on conservation work. The program shows how Extension-led partnerships can strengthen agricultural profitability, youth development, and community collaboration at the same time.

Expanding Access To Outdoor Recreation Through Adaptive Trail Riding In Utah, Makenna L. Pahlke

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Limited access to outdoor recreation limits opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the physical and psychosocial benefits of horseback riding. The Utah State University Equine Experience, an Extension program focused on horses, assessed an adaptive trail riding initiative for participants aged 12 to 40. Findings showed improvements in confidence, self-awareness, engagement, and social connections, highlighting the public benefit of enhancing accessible equine-assisted activities.

Piloting The Strong Bodies Strength Training Program In Utah, Gabriela Murza, Jenna Dyckman, Cris Meier, Emma Parkhurst, Sadie Wilde, Christina Pay, Naomi Brower, Cindy Nelson

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Muscle and bone loss occurs as we age, impacting health and independence. We evaluated a pilot 12-week strength training program for older adults in Utah. Participants showed improved fitness metrics and increased confidence. Results demonstrate the program’s effectiveness and public value in expanding access to evidence-based exercise that supports healthy aging.

Remembering The Great Gumpert, Susan Drucker

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

No abstract provided.

School Leadership And Collaboration: A Case Study Of Leaders’ Experience Implementing Vertical Alignment Practices, Tara R. Wehmeyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Changing student demographics within a large elementary school increased the need for collaboration between leadership and staff as they implemented a wide range of initiatives to support student learning. Grounded in the transformational leadership theoretical framework, this exploratory case study sought to systematically observe and gather knowledge about the experiences of campus leaders as they implement vertical alignment teams to foster a collaborative approach while instituting required initiatives. The sample included seven campus leadership team members and data collection utilized transcribed semistructured interviews, debriefing sessions after vertical alignment team meetings, meeting observations, and a researcher’s journal. All data were analyzed …

Udm Dean's Report - A Look At The Student Of Today As We Prepare Them For Tomorrow, Mert N. Aksu Dds, Jd, Mhsa, Cert. Dph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.

Um Dean's Report - Meeting The Challenge Of Educating Dentists In A Constantly Evolving Profession, Jacques E. Nör

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

University of Michigan School of Dentistry Dean Jacques Nör highlights the school's historical legacy during its 150th anniversary and details recent academic, clinical, and research progress. Key developments include the establishment of the state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Center for in-house digital workflows, a pediatric certificate program in Social Epidemiology funded by a $2.1 million federal grant, the transition to Epic electronic health records (integrated with MyChart), and the community-based collaborative care rotation program in Marquette. The report also highlights national faculty leadership roles and $24.1 million in research funding.

Designated Eld Through Evidence-Based Practices, Aida Walquí, Ph.D., Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D.

Center on English Language Proficiency Implementation Briefs

Designated English Language Development through Evidence-Based Practices is the third in a four-part series assisting educational agencies in implementing high-quality, comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) systems. This brief bridges the gap between research and practice by illustrating what implementation looks like for evidence-based practices in Designated ELD (DELD) curriculum and instruction. It introduces an ecological model of learning—conceptualizing education across macro- and micro-systems—alongside five fundamental shifts in classroom practice: Teaching as Apprenticeship, Language as Action, No Isolated Language Practice, Non-Linear Spiraling Design, and Vocabulary Taught in Context. Additionally, the brief outlines key guidelines for heterogeneous group composition and a productive …

A Word From The Writing Team (September 2026), Pam Walter, Mfa, Laura Deloretta, Phd

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Complete Issue 11.3, Christopher Tremblay, Moya Malcolm, Patrick J. O'Connor Phd, Laura Owen, Diana Camilo

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Parents In Shaping The Postsecondary Decisions For Their Students, Jihye Lee, Robert Toutkoushian, Jennifer Stephens

Journal of College Access

Most research on college decision-making frames students as the primary decision-makers, often overlooking the role of parents. Using data from the 2009 High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS:09), this study examines how two dimensions of parental involvement, aspirational alignment between students and parents and family decision-making roles, are associated with students’ postsecondary trajectories. Results indicate that parental involvement operates in stage-sensitive ways: partial aspirational alignment is associated with a higher likelihood of college application, whereas enrollment is most strongly associated with shared aspirations and collaborative decision-making. Overall, the findings highlight college choice as a relational and staged process and underscore the …

Applying Their Capital: Family Motivation And Tension Among Housing-Insecure Undergraduate Students, Vanessa Pena, Susan P. Farruggia, Nicole A. Perez

Journal of College Access

This study examined how housing-insecure undergraduates draw on community cultural wealth to persist in higher education. Findings show that students’ family relationships were deeply embedded in their educational experiences, functioning as a source of motivation and tension. Campus housing emerged as a critical institutional resource that alleviated financial and emotional burdens for both students and their families. Furthermore, campus housing proved to be a source of relief and an important intervention for both students and their families that led to the activation of familial, navigational, and aspirational capital. The results offer implications for supporting students facing housing insecurity and student …

2026-09-01 Caudill Connection, Morehead State University. Caudill College Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences.

Caudill Connection

Caudill Connection newsletter for September of 2026.

The Freedom To Learn: Student Stories Of Challenge, Aspiration, And Accomplishment, Marjan Noori, Ata Ullah, Elizaveta Vergel, Salma Rahman, Myo Myint Maung Maung, Sisila Zafari

GHEA21 Publications

Every year, students threatened or displaced by political repression, conflict, or crisis take more than 2,000 regular, credit-bearing courses offered by GHEA21. This collection of student work is a small selection of the perspectives on the freedom to learn that have emerged from these courses. It presents a range of work—academic papers, articles written for public audiences, and creative writing—from several countries. GHEA21 compiled this collection as an initiative of its Collaborative for Threatened and Exiled Universities.

Parental Involvement In An Indonesian Islamic Kindergarten: An Instrumental Case Study Of Mothers’ Voices, Somariah Fitriani, Yessy Yanita Sari, Irdalisa Irdalisa, Hamidah Mohamad

The Qualitative Report

Parental involvement plays a critical role in children’s cognitive, effective, and psychomotor development; however, limited research has explored mothers’ perceptions of parenting and practices of parental involvement and parenting styles. This instrumental case study employed semi-structured interviews with 23 mothers in an Indonesian Islamic kindergarten to explore their understandings, experiences, and beliefs regarding parental involvement. It also aims to identify different kinds of parenting styles. The study revealed three themes, indicating that parenting and parental involvement are understood as an educating process, an interaction process between parents and children, and a mechanism for supporting children’s development. The findings indicate that …

Scientific Uncertainty As Political Aggression: A Manifesto For Those Who Value Science And Want To Save It From State And Corporate Control, Stephen Demeo

Publications and Research

A manifesto is an opportunity to publicly express strongly held beliefs about a topic that is personally important to an author. It is analytical as it is creative. “Scientific Uncertainty as Political Aggression” is a manifesto that intersects science and politics. It urges those interested in science to examine two different but related topics: scientific uncertainty in measurement—what it is, how it is determined, why it’s important— and the magnification of uncertainty through legal and linguistic tactics used by right-wing politicians and politically supported corporations.

For some time now, the Republican Establishment has cast excessive doubt on scientific findings through …

Synergies And Collisions: Character Strengths As A Language To Compose And Comprehend Wellbeing While Preparing To Become A Teacher, Narelle Lemon, Carli Sanbrook, Rikki James, Marnie Harris, Tammy Green, Rozita Dass, Beverly Adkin, Gail Berman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines how pre-service teachers use character strengths language to understand and support their wellbeing during professional experience. The project responds to the persistent challenge of teacher stress and early burnout by reframing placement as a context for developing wellbeing capability rather than merely demonstrating competency. Guided by strengths-based pedagogy, the study investigates how strengths are combined, moderated, and occasionally brought into tension as pre-service teachers navigate the demands of learning to teach. A qualitative design was employed, drawing on reflective narratives from 1,066 pre-service teachers across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Thematic analysis explored how participants articulated strengths synergies, …

What Makes An Analogy Effective For Students’ Learning Of Mathematics? Conceptualising Analogy Effectiveness For Teaching Mathematics, Vesife Hatisaru, Steven Richardson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Analogies are commonly used in mathematics teaching as a means to promote understanding of new potentially abstract concepts, by linking them to well-understood contexts. Despite strong intuition that analogies are helpful in supporting students’ learning of mathematics, there is a lack of agreement on how to objectively judge the utility or conceptual affordances of these analogies. In this paper, we aim to conceptualise how to assess the effectiveness of an analogy by employing Gentner’s structure-mapping theory to analogies and explore two teacher-made analogies (the ‘child-mother’ and the ‘machine’) for learning the formal definition of a function as illustrative examples. By …

Pengembangan Media Komik Untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Tentang Menggambar Komik Pada Peserta Didik Kelas Viii Smpn 15 Kota Malang, Khairani Indah Damayanti, Abdul Rahman Prasetyo

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study was motivated by students’ limited understanding of comic drawing concepts and the need for learning media to support art education. It aimed to analyze learning needs, develop comic-based learning media, and examine its feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model, comprising analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The implementation involved 29 eighth-grade students at SMPN 15 Malang, Indonesia. Media feasibility was assessed by subject-matter and media experts, practicality was evaluated based on student and teacher responses, and effectiveness was analyzed using pre-test, post-test, and N-gain scores. The validation …

Evaluating Reciprocal Peer Learning In Nursing Clinical Simulation, Amanda C. Graf, Carol Crevacore, Fleur Morine, Jennifer Jennings, Olivia Gallagher

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Reciprocal peer learning (RPL) emphasizes collaborative learning through social interaction, with students acting as both learners and teachers. This pilot study evaluated an RPL program in clinical simulation within a nursing curriculum.

Methods: A mixed-methods design used questionnaires to assess peer-learning experiences and peer-teaching roles, alongside qualitative interviews. Data were analyzed using multiple methods.

Results: Seventeen students participated. Students lacked confidence as peer instructors and found corrective feedback challenging, however, they valued peer observation, felt less anxious when taught by peers, and reported greater engagement and practice opportunities.

Conclusion: RPL benefited learning, but structured peer-feedback training is needed.

La Citación En Educación: Funciones Retóricas En Textos Académicos Escritos Por Expertos Y Estudiantes Universitarios, David Sanchez-Jimenez, Juan Antonio Núñez Cortés, Enrique Alonso Sainz

Publications and Research

The present study aims to investigate the differences in citation usage and frequency among university students and expert writers in the field of Education. The analyzed corpus comprises 50 papers written in this discipline and is divided into two sub-corpora: one consisting of 25 TFGs and the other one formed by 25 articles published in specialized journals. To examine this phenomenon, a qualitative and quantitative methodology was employed, performing a textual analysis of the rhetorical functions of citations. This analysis is based in the typology proposed by Petrić in her 2007 article, slightly modified for the purpose of the present …