Digital Commons Network^™

Accessibility Care Beyond The University Disability Office, Mae L. Zurita

Masters Projects

When higher education institutions rely on a single office to provide primarily in-class accommodations for students with diagnosed disabilities, practitioners beyond this office receive little guidance on supporting the broader disabled community in daily practices. By critiquing the dominant models, theories, interventions, and solutions that create an ambiguous responsibility for how practitioners are to include and accommodate disabled people the project can outline alternative methods. A culture of ableism and rampant inaccessibility is innate to how North American higher education operates as an institutional practice. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is treated like a successful initiative that guarantees …

Promoting College And Career Ready Readers And Writers: A Guide For English, Science, And Social Studies Teachers To Support Instruction Of Sat Reading And Writing Skills, David Fitzpatrick

Masters Projects

In Michigan and across the United States, student scores on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT have been steadily declining. This project responds to this decline by developing a set of resources for skills-based literacy instruction that English language arts, social studies, and science teachers can use to revise their approaches to teaching literacy skills. Highly effective curriculum design and literacy instruction strategies were reviewed to design guides, templates, and models for practicing high school teachers at all grade levels to adapt in order to improve literacy instruction in their classrooms. By scaffolding literacy skills across …

Culturally Competent Diabetes Management Guide For African Immigrants, Bryce Hunderman

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

Abstract

Background: Culturally competent care is a cornerstone in medicine to address health disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Suboptimal diabetes management was noted within a federally qualified health center in the Midwest along with a lack of culturally competent diabetes education available for African immigrants. The research question for this project is: Will a culturally appropriate diabetes management guide that addresses barriers to diabetes management improve African immigrant’s understanding and abilities to manage diabetes within a federally qualified health center in the Midwest?

Methods: A culturally competent diabetes management guide for African immigrants was created. We …

Peripheral Lives, Central Meanings: How The Global South Can Participate In Reimagining Psychology For The Future, Nandita Chaudhary, Mila Tuli, Punya Pillai

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

Emerging from an invited lecture presentation at the APA conference in 2024, this article discusses how communities of the Global South can actively participate in the future of psychology theory, research, practice and publication. It is abundantly clear that psychology is a product of Euro-American academic practice, with the transportation of knowledge from this region to the rest of the world. Inevitably, there have been many concerns about this transfer of the model to regions that are vastly different in their ontological orientations. After a brief overview of the key issues in this global epistemic imbalance, we raise some critical …

Cognitive-Affective Intercultural Sensitivity (Cais): A Self-Transformative Conception And Its Methodological Challenges, Paraskevi Simou, Valentin El Sayed, Julien Teyssier, Patrick Denoux

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, individuals are increasingly required to navigate diverse cultural interactions, prompting extensive research into intercultural competence. This paper examines the multifaceted concept of intercultural sensitivity, drawing from cross-cultural psychology, intercultural communication, and emerging intercultural psychology. Despite the lack of a universally accepted definition, previous studies have highlighted the importance of an affective component within intercultural competence which usually refers to intercultural sensitivity. While acknowledging the contributions and limitations of seminal models such as the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) and Chen's affective intercultural sensitivity model, we propose a novel conceptualization termed cognitive-affective intercultural sensitivity …

Lanthorn, Vol. 59, No. 11, January 20, 2025, Grand Valley State University

Volume 59, August 5, 2024 – April 14, 2025

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Hyphenated Journeys: Identity Negotiations Of Multiethnic Vietnamese Americans Through The Lens Of Hybridity, Rheyna Leilahn Biu

Masters Theses

This study explores how Vietnamese Americans with mixed heritage navigate their identity. Through interviews and autoethnography, it examines how multiracial/multiethnic Vietnamese Americans maintain their Vietnamese identity while constructing their multiracial/multiethnic identity. The findings underscore the importance of several factors of identity maintenance, including seeking cultural security outside the home, language as a key to culture, and the importance of connection through cultural sharing in shaping and expressing multiracial/multiethnic identity. It uses Homi Bhaba's theory of hybridity to understand how these individuals view their hyphenated identities. The research highlights the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in this process. The researcher …

Reclaiming And Celebrating Our Names: Storytelling-As-Connection Through An Elementary-Middle School Partnership, Christina M. Ponzio, Janine Kopera, Jennifer Krueger, Katharine Kwiatkowski, Heather Shiveley

Michigan Reading Journal

Affirming each student’s identity is fundamental to fostering the connection needed for our students to grow as a community of readers and writers across the year–and this begins when teachers learn their students’ names. This article highlights how students, teachers and literacy coaches through a partnership between an elementary school and middle school in southeast Michigan connected together through storytelling as an avenue to reclaim and celebrate their names. The second author shares her collaboration as the literacy coach with elementary teachers, which began with a read aloud of read Alma and How She Got Her Name (Martinez-Neal, 2018) and …

Developing Adolescent Word-Level Knowledge: Challenges And Opportunities In Professional Learning With Secondary Educators, Jenelle Williams

Michigan Reading Journal

This article aims to highlight the research base for disciplinary literacy approaches, emphasize foundational literacy components that apply to the majority of adolescent learners, and propose tangible approaches to attend to morphological development in multiple academic disciplines. The article will conclude with a call for additional research into the role of morphological awareness in strengthening adolescent reading comprehension, as well as further study of the implications for systemic approaches across all disciplines in secondary educational settings.

Back To The Future: Looking At Nostalgic Practices To Conceptualize A More Inclusive Literacy Future (Part 2), Darreth R. Rice, Rebecca L. Witte

Michigan Reading Journal

No abstract provided.

Foreword, Ayu Okvitawanli, Wolfgang Friedlmeier, Rachana Bhangaokar

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

No abstract provided.

Globalization In Context, Ayu Okvitawanli, Wolfgang Friedlmeier, Rachana Bhangaokar

IACCP Proceedings of the Biennial International Conferences

The Proceedings are divided into two parts: Volume I includes the links to the recorded keynotes and the book of abstracts of the XXVII Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, 2024. Volume II consists of the individual empirical papers.

Book Of Abstracts, Iaccp

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

No abstract provided.

Beyond Weirds – How We Advanced Theories Of Gender Beliefs – Insights From Towards Gender Harmony Project., Natasza Kosakowska-Berezecka

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

Using insights from cross-cultural multination analyses performed on data collected from over 33,000 participants in 62 countries during the four-year Towards Gender Harmony project, I will present five main reasons why sampling beyond WEIRD nations advances theories of gender beliefs, helps us meet “good science” criteria, and is doable, but yet full of challenges.

The Disaggregation Of Platform Labor: Theorizing Skin Tone Work In The Black Influencer Beauty Economy, Ta’Les Love

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Research on the beauty influencer economy highlights the role that racism plays in platform labor, as race is a prominent determinant in the hierarchy of influencers. While the literature on beauty influencers reveals the multi-faceted labor necessary for success in the genre, less attention is given to the ways that skin tone discrimination—or colorism—defines one’s subject position as a beauty influencer. I argue that skin tone is an identity characteristic that ultimately multiplies the labor required of beauty influencers, particularly for Black women with darker complexions. The extra labor required of persons from a marginalized subject position within a marginalized …

Ethno-Psychometry: The Measurement Of Personality In Mexico, Rolando Diaz-Loving

Online Readings in Psychology and Culture

Following in the tradition of ethno-psychological research proposed by Diaz-Guerrero (1986, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995), this manuscript delineates the process toward obtaining statistically and conceptually valid and reliable personality measures, that at the same time are also culturally relevant and sensitive to the Mexican culture. The methods and construct development for the creation of multidimensional measures of achievement orientation, empathy, locus of control, assertiveness, masculinity, femininity, and self-concept are presented. Further information on the specific characteristics of measures, their construct and convergent, divergent, and predictive validity can be found in Diaz-Loving (2019).

Neuroqueering As Culturally Sustaining Practice, Nathan Hughes, Meaghan Krazinski

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This article explores how neuroqueering can be a complementary component to culturally-sustaining practices (Paris & Alim, 2014), and explores how culturally sustaining frameworks can affirm neurodiversity. Issues such as criminalization of Autistic people of color, and implications of diagnosis disparities and barriers to receiving services are well known (Kearl, 2021). As Gordon (2021) notes, Centering Autistic culture (#BlackAutisticJoy) and ways of being is an important part of affirming Autistic students' identities. Culturally sustaining practices (Paris & Alim, 2014) that seek to provide supportive classroom spaces that affirm students’ culture and identity must also include attention to …

Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Training And Supplemental Resources For Early Childhood Teachers, Danielle Johnson

Masters Projects

Black students are overrepresented in discipline and behavior referrals in the early childhood setting. Given the increasing need for young black children to learn social emotional skills, how can teachers effectively support them with inadequate curriculum? There is significant research that shows the possible reasons why there is an over representation of black students being labeled as a behavior problem in early childhood educational settings. These reasons can create a negative cycle for black students causing much harm to their education and their views of school. Teachers can attempt to resolve this issue by implementing a culturally responsive Social-Emotional Learning …

Empowering Veterans For Social Innovation: A Study On Bridging Military Experience And Civilian Impact Through Targeted Educational Programs, Jill H. Wolfe

Masters Projects

Transitioning from military to civilian life poses unique challenges for veterans, including difficulties in leveraging their military-acquired skills for impactful civilian roles. This thesis explores how veterans’ leadership, adaptability, and mission-driven purpose can be harnessed for social innovation—a field requiring systemic thinking and collaborative problem-solving to address complex societal challenges. Through qualitative interviews with veterans and case studies of existing programs like The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon, the study identifies gaps in educational frameworks that prepare veterans for social innovation roles.

Findings reveal that while veterans possess the resilience and strategic capabilities essential for social impact, barriers such as …

Bridging The Gap: Addressing Deficits In Reading Comprehension And Critical Thinking Skills Among Students, Kelsey R. Ramos

Masters Projects

This project tackles the persistent decline in reading comprehension and critical thinking skills among secondary students, emphasizing their importance for academic success and real-world problem-solving. Grounded in constructivist theory, the initiative introduces a professional development program designed to equip educators with strategies to foster deeper student engagement with texts. Key components include text-based discussions, the integration of culturally relevant literature, and student-centered approaches to learning. The program comprises pre-session surveys, interactive workshops, collaborative planning, and ongoing check-ins to ensure continuous support and adaptability. Teachers are provided with practical tools to enhance classroom practices, with success measured by improved teacher confidence …

Exploring Diverse Perspectives In Music Education Instruction And Currciculum, Cameron J. Lee

Masters Projects

A diverse and equitable approach to inclusion has been advocated in school music education in the United States of America to enhance the sense of ethnic identity among students from diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds, however research has shown that inequitable teaching methods and practices have been a significant challenge in implementing and inquiring cultural perspectives in teaching approaches and inclusion in the music classroom. To guide student engagement and development of their sense of cultural identity, music educators have advocated the use of culturally responsible music teaching (CRMT), which can provide music teachers with pedagogical guidance to put equity …

Connecting Community And Family Philanthropy In Latin America: Mexico, Dorothy A. Johnson Center For Philanthropy At Grand Valley State Universit, Michael D. Layton, Michael Moody

Research, Reports, and Publications

This report explores the dynamics of community philanthropy and family philanthropy in Mexico in order to inform efforts to strengthen the connection between the two. In terms of community philanthropy, our primary focus is upon Mexico’s community foundation model, which is the most institutionalized form of community philanthropy and a uniquely important actor in the philanthropic ecosystem. Wealthy families and family businesses in Mexico are known to have strong local ties and to prioritize place-based development, and Mexico has more community foundations than any other Latin American country. In terms of family philanthropy, we have cast a wider net, interviewing …

Raas Festival: A Catalyst For Tourism Development In Assam, India, Madhuchhanda Das Gupta Dr., Chandana Bhattacharjee Dr., Rosemary Debbarma

Journal of Tourism Insights

Traditionally religious practices have been central to any celebration and have greatly influenced the shaping of the cultural identity of any society. With time, these celebrations have transitioned into mega festivals with larger participation from within and outside the community. Through the display of songs, dances, and other art forms, these festivals are upholding and preserving the ethnic identity and culture of the community. They are not only sources of relaxation and entertainment, but also provide visitors with unique cultural experience. By attracting tourists, festivals exert strong influence on the local economy, thereby, driving growth and development. The paper attempts …

Understanding The “L” In Cslp Within The Literacy Conundrum, Julia Lynch, Andrea Perrone

Michigan Reading Journal

Rooted in culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally sustaining literacy practices (CSLP) focus on equity in education (Gay, 2000; Ladson-Billings, 1995; Paris, 2012). Our view of CSLP emphasizes integrating the arts into literacy instruction to leverage students' cultural assets, stimulating their cognitive processes and recognizing literacy's interdisciplinary role in learning. As we align literacy practices with state standards, high-stakes testing, and research-based methods, it's crucial for educators and society to embrace them. Traditionally, literacy instruction has prioritized written language, creating hierarchical structures that lead to learning gaps and inequitable opportunities. An arts-based CSLP framework addresses these issues by ensuring literacy includes diverse …

Teacher Candidates Develop And Apply Pedagogical Content Knowledge To Support Multilingual Learners, Kyongson Park, Danielle L. Defauw

Michigan Reading Journal

To ensure English Learners (ELs) / Multilingual Learners (MLs) have access to well-prepared educators, one regional university integrates a seven-credit block of courses to ensure teacher candidates learn and apply English as a Second Language methods within clinical experiences. Teacher candidates must create a technology-integrated Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) lesson plan by utilizing the following key strategies designed to support EL/MLs’ literacy development for academic purposes: adding both content and language objectives, building background knowledge through connecting students’ cultural experiences, and developing comprehensible input in different proficiency levels.

Implementing Siop In Online Teaching: Experiences From An Elementary School Teacher, Emily Dulaney, Virginia David, Amira Eldemerdash

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

This paper describes how one ESL elementary school teacher implemented the SIOP Model in her teaching when her school shifted from in person to online learning in the spring of 2020. Ms. Dulaney serves as the ESL teacher in a rural school district with 15% Multilingual Learners (MLs). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools in the state of Michigan were shut down for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year in early March, forcing K-12 teachers to shift to online learning. Ms. Dulaney met with her MLs online once a week for 30 minutes and planned lessons that incorporated …

Reflections On Justice: Empowering Ells Through Political Philosophy, J. Paul Marlowe

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

In today’s polarized political climate, language education that includes more critical thinking, develops argumentative skills, and fosters conflict resolution is vital to functioning democracies with increasingly diverse societies. To address this need, the popular Justice course taught by Harvard professor Michael Sandel was adapted for English language learners in the context of an English for Academic Purposes program at a Japanese university. The author describes the experience of adapting this course to the context including a discussion on why the topic is relevant, ideas for how materials can be adapted for English language learners in different settings, how to use …

Promoting A Truly Thriving L2 Writing Classroom For Bilingual And Multilingual Learners: A Review Of Losey And Shuck’S Plurilingual Pedagogies For Multilingual Writing Classrooms: Engaging The Rich Communicative Repertoires Of U.S. Students, Antonella Beatriz Dell'aquila

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

Book review of Plurilingual Pedagogies for Multilingual Writing Classrooms: Engaging the Rich Communicative Repertoires of U.S. Students by Kay M. Losey and Gail Shuck.

Transitioning To English: Teaching Foundational English Literacy Skills In Early‬ ‭Exit Transitional Bilingual Classes, Kate Wiegman

Masters Projects

Students enrolled in a transitional bilingual education program receive instruction in their native language with increasing amounts of English each year. This is an attempt for efficacy on the part of the United States school system, but English learners still consistently score lower on reading assessments than their White classmates. The White-Hispanic fourth grade reading achievement gap is evidence of this (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019). While there are several different bilingual instructional models in use throughout the U.S., transitional bilingual education (TBE) classrooms are one of its weaker forms (Wright, 2022, 120). This is why teachers in TBE …

Research-Based Early Literacy Practices For Lower Elementary Educators, Erica Joy Austin

Masters Projects

Low literacy rates are a significant issue in the United States. Low literacy skills correlate with many notable societal issues including poverty, higher chances of unemployment and incarceration, and even poor health. There are many significant contributors to the issue of low literacy including but not limited to poverty, teacher attrition, chronic student absenteeism and tardiness, lack of literacy practices taking place in homes, and lack of research-based literacy practices taking place in elementary classrooms. Although all of these issues significantly affect the literacy rates in the United States, among all of these issues, teachers have the most control over …