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2021-2022 University Awards Of Excellence, Georgia Southern University

University Awards of Excellence

• Student Success
• Teaching and Academic Excellence
• Research and Discovery & Innovation
• Inclusive Excellence
• Operational Efficiency, Effectiveness and Sustainability
• Integrity
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• Team Award

“Someone You Love” Documentary: Using Narratives In Entertainment Media To Increase Hpv Vaccination In Georgia, Gabrielle C. Darville- Sanders, Jann Macinnes, Kelsey Schwarz

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, vaccination rates are still lagging among adolescents and young adults. Entertainment-education is a popular strategy for incorporating educational messages into entertainment media. With popular shows on television now integrating health messages into their narrative, there are more opportunities to influence knowledge, attitude and health behaviors. Objective: To (a) determine the effectiveness of the HPV narrative included in the “Someone You love” documentary on HPV risk perception, vaccine self-efficacy and behavioral intention for HPV vaccine uptake on college students and (b) assess the immediate impact of the …

Barriers And Facilitators To Conducting Physical Activity Interventions In Children's Camps, Silvia Q. Giraudo, Jordan Merideth, Barbara M. Grossman

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Previous research has sought to uncover various behavior factors that contribute to childhood physical activity, but have primarily relied on quantitative methods or within the context of schools. Summer day camps offered potential for increasing activity of youth, but research is required to determine how best to convert camp activity into outreach interventions.

Methods: The University of Georgia Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved all methods and procedures prior to the start of the study (STUDY00004692, MOD00005513). A total of 112 campers ages 9-13 participated in the data collection. This research used semi-structured interviews, surveys, and observations to …

Elderly Educated Blacks And The Influence Of Exercise Identity, Self-Determination, And Social Determinants Of Health On Physical Activity, George Leonard Shaw Jr., Miles Anthony Irving

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

ABSTRACT:

Background: This study examined the influence of socio-economic status (SES), exercise self-definition, and self-determination variables on physical activity participation among African American retirees.

Methods: Both African American men and women, of at least 60 years of age, were surveyed. All participants lived independently. The data collected included demographic, Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPA), Exercise Self-Definition Questionnaire (ESD), Behavioral Regulations Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (BPNES). The findings and analysis were conducted using data from149 participants.

Results: Only gender was a statistically significant predictor of physical activity participation in the study. Based on …

Addressing Maternal Mental Health Among Black Perinatal Women In Atlanta, Georgia: A Cbpr Approach, Natalie Hernandez, Sherilyn Francis, Brielle Evans, Andrea G. Parker, Jemea Dorsey, Danette Mclaurin Glass, Mica Whitfield, Elise Blasingame, Pamela Braxton, Rasheeta Chandler

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy, affecting up to 1 in 5 childbearing women, with higher rates among low-income minority women. One in seven women suffer from perinatal depression. This study aimed to (1) assess the mental and emotional health challenges of underserved Black perinatal women in Atlanta, Georgia (GA) and (2) examine local priorities and sources of care for mental health among underserved women in Atlanta, GA.

Methods: A community-based participatory research partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and the Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW)’s Atlanta Healthy Start Community …

Mathematics Learning, Teaching, And Equity In Policy And Programs: The Case Of Secondary Mathematics Teacher Education In The United States, Eryn M. Stehr Maher, Hyunyi Jung, Jill Newton

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Professional organizations have provided recommendations for mathematics teaching and learning; however, few studies have investigated the practical integration of those recommendations into mathematics teacher education programs. In this study, we examine how the reported “big ideas” of courses in secondary mathematics teacher education programs emphasized the content and teaching practices necessary for future mathematics teachers, as recommended by policy documents. As part of a larger study, we conducted a series of interviews in secondary mathematics teacher education programs at four universities (names are descriptive pseudonyms): Great Lakes University (GLU), Midwestern Research University (MRU), Midwestern Urban University (MUU), and Southeastern Research …

The Cowboy Conundrum: An Examination Of Representation Within The Western Film Genre, Madelynn E. Woodard

Honors College Theses

Despite historical demographic data indicating otherwise, much of the Western Film Genre depicts The Cowboy as a white male individual. Previous research has demonstrated that filmmakers often tell and depict stories within which they identify themselves, and with the predominant population of directors within the Western Genre being that of white men, the narrative of the West being portrayed on screen has shifted public perception to an inaccurate portrayal of the history of the West. From Vaqueros to liberated slaves, much of the Cowboy community was comprised of Black, Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous people of color. This study employed a …

Celebrating 15 Years Of The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning At Georgia Southern University, Delores D. Liston, Nikki Digregorio, Delena Bell Gatch, Joe Pellegrino

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This letter from the editors of IJ-SoTL introduces our 15th Anniversary Special Issue, celebrating 15 years of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at Georgia Southern University.

Sotl At Georgia Southern: Perceptions, Engagement And Impact, Diana Botnaru, Trent W. Maurer, Jody Langdon

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the state of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at our institution, including SoTL perceptions, engagement and impact. A link to an online anonymous survey (31 questions) in Qualtrics was distributed to all academic units. The final sample consisted of 90 faculty and administrators from a population of 1,327, reflecting a response rate of almost 7%. Over half of the participants engaged in SoTL research. More often they presented their work at conferences than in publications. Perceptions of support at departmental and Faculty Center levels were positive, but negative at the …

Comparison Of Student Outcomes In A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Face-To-Face, Hybrid, And Online Delivery Of A Biology Laboratory, Sue Ellen Dechenne-Peters, Elizabeth Sargent, Scott C. Mateer, Marylou Machingura, Jennifer Zettler, Traci Ness, Geneva Demars, Sherri Cannon, Jennifer Brofttbailey

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) incorporate authentic research instead of confirmatory exercises into laboratory courses. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a general shift in instructional modalities from face-to-face (F2F) towards hybrid and online teaching. Student impacts caused by the abrupt shift to online teaching have been characterized, but comparisons between modalities for CUREs are missing. Therefore, we evaluated student learning and attitudinal outcomes in F2F, hybrid, and online delivery of an introductory college biology CURE. Additionally, we compared student outcomes between White/Asian students and persons excluded due to ethnicity or race (PEER) in these modalities. There were significant …

Construction Of Teaching And Learning Cultures In Transnational Pedagogical Development: Discourses Among Palestinian University Instructors, Vesna Holubek, Pauliina Alenius, Vesa Korhonen, Nazmi Al-Masri

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This qualitative study explores teaching and learning cultures in the context of a community-oriented pedagogical development process initiated during Finnish–Palestinian transnational cooperation. Research data include focus group interviews and texts produced during a pedagogical training program with Palestinian university instructors. The study examines teaching and learning cultures as constructed by discourses in and around the Palestinian university. A poststructuralist discourse analysis identified five discourses of teaching and learning: disciplinary differences, traditional and modern education, improving education, sociocultural and religious context, and political and economic circumstances. The study shows that teaching and learning cultures are dynamic and fragmented as they are …

Looking Back, Looking Forward: A Retrospective Analysis Of A Pre-Service Teacher Preparation Course, Nancy G. Caukin, Heather K. Dillard, Terry Goodin, Ashlee B. Hover, John L. Carter

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This SoTL study aimed to determine thirty-eight teacher candidates’ self-efficacy after experiencing semester one of a yearlong residency. Researchers used a pre/post survey, the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), and a retrospective pre TSES to determine perceived levels of self-efficacy in three areas: classroom management, instructional strategies, and student engagement. Findings revealed that pre TSES (candidates scored themselves at the beginning of the semester) and retrospective pre TSES scores (candidates scored themselves at the end of the semester reflecting on where they were at the beginning of the semester) were significantly different, with the retrospective pre TSES showing lower …

How Teaching Online Impacts Safety And Comfort: Experiences Of Students And Instructors In The Context Of Learning Counseling Skills Online, Kimberly A. Calderwood Dr., Connie L. Kvarfordt Dr.

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the necessity for many services to transition from in-person to online, including teaching in higher education and continuing education venues. This shift raised important pedagogical questions that have not yet been explored in the scholarship of teaching and learning literature. This study explored the experiences of students and instructors participating in a synchronous online four-day training workshop on counseling skills relating to supporting individuals who experience life stress and trauma. While many of the findings were consistent with what is already in the e-learning literature, new insights about safety and comfort emerged that have important …

Empathy In Education: A Critical Review, Ziqian Zhou Dr

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This paper offers a systematic review of the literature on the nature of empathy in educational research. This synthesis of the literature will reveal four salient themes that SoTL authors have used to understand the concept of empathy. The value of empathy, according to SoTL researchers, will also receive a summarized treatment in this paper. Findings from this first part of the paper promote more accurate interpretations and comparisons of publications about empathy. Relatedly, a less ambiguous definition of empathy allows researchers and practitioners to design more precise studies that attempt to measure empathy in tutors or students, and to …

The Effects Of A Syllabus On Students’ Perceptions Of The Motivational Climate In A Course, Brett D. Jones, Xiao Zhu

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

A course syllabus can affect students’ perceptions of the motivational climate within a course. Yet, few researchers have conducted experimental studies of students’ perceptions of syllabi in courses in which they were currently enrolled. The purpose of the present studies was to assess the extent to which syllabi language and organization affected students’ motivation-related perceptions in hypothetical and real courses. In Study 1, undergraduate students reported their motivation-related perceptions for hypothetical syllabi statements about the course overview, late submissions, attendance, and use of electronics. Statistically significant differences in perceptions were documented between different types of syllabi statements. Study 2 was …

Students´ Experiences Of Participation In A Research Team: Evaluation Of A Research-Based Teaching Activity In Higher Education, Elisabeth Carlson, Martin Stigmar, Maria Engberg, Magnus Falk, Maria M. Stollenwerk, Petri Gudmundsson, Karin Enskär

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

In Sweden as well as internationally the teaching and research nexus has been described as the defining charac-teristics of higher education promoting generic skills such as information analysis and critical reflection. Vertically Integrated Projects has been proposed as one educational strategy where research and teaching are linked by in-viting students to take active part in actual research projects. The strategy is well aligned to Scholarship of teaching and learning enabling the transition from a teacher-centred accepted knowledge to a student-centred perspective where students are invited as producers of knowledge. The aim of the current study was to explore students’ experiences …

The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Critical Thinking: Finding A Way Forward With Evidence From A Medical Teaching Context, Althea Jane Gamble Blakey Dr, Clinton Golding Professor, Tim J. Wilkinson Professor

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) in higher education has a deep- seated concern with developing critical thinking, now a common learning outcome and desired graduate attribute. The prolific inquiry into what critical thinking might be has, however, resulted in a complex literature, with multiple definitions used both explicitly, and implicitly, in practice. Unfortunately, this lack of shared meaning creates barriers for those who need to develop thinking in the classroom. In a year-long action research project, six teacher participants developed a three-part strategy to overcome these barriers in undergraduate small group medical teaching. Iterative thematic data analysis revealed …

Influence Of Discussion Prompts On Fostering Student Teachers’ Competence In Knowledge Of English Instruction, Chin-Wen Chien

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This study analyzed questionnaire, pre-test, post-test, and online posts to explore influence of discussion prompts on the competence in English instruction of seven student teachers of elementary school EFL (English as a Foreign Language) in a practicum in Taiwan. This study reached the following conclusions. First, student teachers had good perceptions of the discussion prompts, particularly their effects on reflection on and relevance of English instruction. Secondly, student teachers had good perceptions of discussion prompts because of their clarity; however, they were not satisfied with inactive discussions among participants. Finally, participants’ education background and teaching experience affected their perceptions and …

Early Detection Of Mental Health Through Universal Screening At Schools, Jihye Kim, Dong-Gook Kim, Randy Kamphaus

Georgia Educational Researcher

Depression, anxiety, and stress are common mental health problems among adolescents. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have found that students who suffer from mental health problems (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, or depression) tend to manifest school and social problems. It is urgent to identify and intervene early to help children with mental health problems to improve their life outcomes. Unfortunately, research has shown that a significant proportion of children who suffer from behavioral or emotional problems remain unidentified because their symptoms are too mild to be noticed through casual observation by caregivers and teachers. As a result, their symptoms continue to develop …

2022 Georgia Southern University Baseball Roster, Georgia Southern University

Men's Baseball Records

• Georgia Southern University Athletics 2022 Baseball Roster

Graduate Catalog, Georgia Southern University

Graduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Teaching Life Skills Through Sport-Based Interventions For Youth At Risk, Mindy K. Mccarthy, Brandonn S. Harris, Katy Gregg

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Journal

Youth who are placed at risk have been found to experience adjustment difficulties, behavioral problems, academic challenges, and/or mental health concerns (Moreau et al., 2012). One resource for these youth involve sport-based interventions designed to enhance psychosocial wellbeing. Using a single-subject design, the current study examined the effectiveness of a life skills program through sport in a sample of strategically identified youth (Danish, 2002); two additional mental skill modules were also implemented. Participants included three male adolescents. Using basketball to implement the program, life skills included managing emotions, goal setting, relaxation, confidence, mental preparation, and seeking help from others. Participants …

Changing My Language And Understanding: An Autoethnography Of My Dumb-Upness, Eric Hogan

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Journal

Education, in its many forms, is an institution that mirrors the society around it, including its patterns of privilege and marginalization (Marx, et al., 2017). The purpose of this article is to provide a reflection of my experiences while working alongside four interns from an alternative school hired to work for an agricultural internship. I highlight my shifting perspectives through an autoethnography. Autoethnographic projects use selfhood, subjectivity, and personal experience (“auto”) to describe, interpret, and represent (“graphy”) beliefs, practices, and identities of a group or culture (“ethno”). (Adams and Herrmann 2020). After working with four interns, I was confronted with …

Bullying Prevention Essay And Art Competitions: Honoring School District Champions, Chasity D. Tompkins

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Journal

Bullying is not a new concept. In fact, most of us can recall a time when we were bullied, someone else was bullied, or we bullied someone. While bullying can happen anywhere (including online through cyber-bullying), schools are often the center of research. Evaluations on school climate use bullying to help understand relationships. Prevention methods put the teacher or school staff in the driver seat, but these adults may not feel a connection to the work. Our school district created the Bullying Prevention Essay Contest to honor school district champions through literacy. Middle and high school students wrote about adults …

Cyberbullying In Middle School Students: An Intervention Using An Educational Mobile Application For Caregivers: A Pilot Study, Gregory C. Claxton

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Cyberbullying among middle school students is a growing problem that is shown to affect psychological development in middle school youth which can result in self-harm and suicide. Evidence suggests more frequent communication between children and their caregivers is a protective factor against cyberbullying. The KnowBullying app is designed to increase caregiver and student communication to prevent bullying. This study examines the effectiveness of the KnowBullying app regarding enhanced caregiver and child communication and cyberbullying experience reduction in middle school students. Five students and nine caregivers were given surveys before and after the caregivers downloaded and used the KnowBullying app. The …

Barriers To Hiv Related Services Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm) In Rural Georgia, Jordan D. Helms, Alvin Tran, Neal Carnes, Eric J. Nehl

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the Southeastern United States are at high risk of contracting HIV, and those in rural communities experience challenges in accessing HIV prevention and treatment.

Methods: Seven health care workers and 17 MSM in rural health care districts participated in semi-structured interviews. A theory-informed thematic analysis approach was used to summarize and compare perspectives between health care workers and MSM participants.

Results: Stigma, insufficient resources, and social structures of rural life emerged as barriers to accessing HIV-related services

Conclusions: Overcoming these barriers are necessary to reduce HIV infection …

Spending All Your Money On Me: Influencer Marketing’S Impact On Engagement, Rebecca A. Vanmeter, Michael C. Peasley, Parker J. Woodroof

AMTP Proceedings 2022

Influencer marketing has been around for a few years and is rapidly approaching a $15 billion industry by 2022. In its nascency, the research is limited which investigates factors that substantiate the growth and popularity of advertising tools. In this study, we propose and explicate how two different types of influencers, namely mega- and macro-influencers, impact their audience's engagement with sponsored posts. Utilizing secondary data from more than 650 Instagram posts, our results suggest mega-influencers are able to mitigate the negative effect of utilizing various post attributes, including meta-tags and product prominence.

Rainbow-Washing Away Customers: Does The Consumer’S Perception Of Rainbow-Washing Affect Purchasing Behavior?, Ashley N. Johns, Sindy Chapa, Nakima Brooks, Holly Coleman, Maya Dubois

AMTP Proceedings 2022

In this study, researchers will test to see the effects rainbow-washing has on consumers’ intent to purchase. Rainbow-washing is a new marketing technique in which companies implement different initiatives to appeal to the LGBTQ+ community while not genuinely investing in the community itself. To test if rainbow-washing is correlated to a consumer’s desire to purchase, a survey was distributed using nonprobability sampling to 38 participants. Of the sample, less than half identified as members of the target community (LGBTQ+). As a result, it was concluded there is no significance between consumer attitudes towards rainbow-washing and their intention to purchase. However, …

Love At First Touch: How Swiping Vs. Typing Changes Online Dating Decision-Making, Farhana Nusrat, Yaniu Huang, Cait Lamberton

AMTP Proceedings 2022

Online dating is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Due to its increasing popularity, various dimensions of online dating have been studied in recent years. However, no research has explored how the type of digital platforms used impacts online dating. In this research, we investigate how the use of different platforms (computers vs. smartphones) can influence customers’ decision-making process in the context of online dating. Through multiple studies, we demonstrate that while using their computers (vs. smartphones) to evaluate dating profiles, customers will prioritize the inner attributes of the person (e.g., personality and compatibility). Moreover, the effect …