Digital Commons Network^™

Student Success: A Literature Review Of Faculty To Student Mentoring, David D. Law, Kim Hales, Don Busenbark

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

This review summarizes the literature on university faculty to student mentoring programs. There has been a proliferation of mentoring programs because of the perceived benefit to student persistence and retention. While mentoring programs have become common, the research on these programs has not kept pace. Shortcomings identified thirty years ago such as lack of theoretical guidance, lack of operational definition of mentoring, and poor design continue to plague mentoring research. Recommendations to address these shortcomings and improve internal and external validity are examined. As universities continue to have increasingly constrained resources, and pressure to demonstrate strategies to help students be …

Successful Strategies For Content Creation And Design Of Online Classes, Antje R. H. Graul

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Given the increasing demand for an education that is compatible with a students’ professional or private life, there is a growing need for higher-educational bodies to launch high-quality online classes that allow students to pursue their education while fitting it around their individual commitments. Thus, more than ever, guidance is needed on how to design an online class successfully. Drawing on the design of an asynchronous Digital Marketing online class, this article discusses strategic decisions regarding content creation, personalization, assignments, and assessment ideas that may hold the potential to increase students’ engagement in an online class. The insights provided may …

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 4, Issue 1

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full Spring 2020 issue (Volume 4, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence.

Utah State Magazine, Spring 2020, Utah State University

Utah State Magazine

The quarterly magazine for friends and alumni of Utah State University.

Extension Needs Outreach Innovation Free From The Harms Of Social Media, Jonathan J. Swinton

Extension Research

Despite the outreach-building benefits of social media for Extension, it is time for Extension professionals to find new innovative ways to reach out that do not involve social media. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the harms social media use imparts on the health and well-being of those in our communities. Our future use of social media as a primary method of outreach may perpetuate these harms, requiring our best efforts to develop new methods of outreach that do not negatively affect those we serve.

Rethinking Behavior - Spring 2020, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Spring 2020, Volume 3, Issue 3

The Utah Statesman, March 31, 2020, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Through The Lens Of Dual Language Education: Intersections And Opportunities, Tammy Oberg De La Garza, Alyson Leah Lavigne, Shouqing Si

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

Students benefit from culturally responsive teaching (CRT). CRT is central to dual language (DL) education - an additive approach that is effective for educating emergent bilinguals and closing the achievement gap. Students' achievements in DL education models are higher than in any other type of language learning pedagogy – ESL, Bilingual and Monolingual. The purpose of this research was to identify the CRT practices that are employed in DL classrooms; so that teachers in other educational settings (i.e. mainstream, ESL, bilingual) might implement similar practices and improve their effectiveness with diverse students. Using survey responses from Dual Language teachers (N …

Social And General Intelligence Improves Collective Action In A Common Pool Resource System, Jacob Freeman, Jacopo A. Baggio, Thomas R. Coyle

Ecology Center Publications

On a planet experiencing global environmental change, the governance of natural resources depends on sustained collective action by diverse populations. Engaging in such collective action can only build upon the foundation of human cognition in social–ecological settings. To help understand this foundation, we assess the effect of cognitive abilities on the management of a common pool resource. We present evidence that two functionally distinct cognitive abilities, general and social intelligence, improve the ability of groups to manage a common pool resource. Groups high in both forms of intelligence engage in more effective collective action that is also more consistent, despite …

The Utah Statesman, March 24, 2020, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Risk And Protective Factors With Native American Indian And Alaska Native Children Who Have A History Of Suicidal Behavior, Jennifer Weniger, Sonya Young, Christine Hernandez

Journal of Indigenous Research

Suicide is a leading public health problem in the United States, and Native American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are at an increased risk for suicide. This study sought to understand the demographic and clinical risk and protective factors for young Native American Indian and Alaska Native children who were hospitalized due to suicide ideation, or an attempt. The demographic and clinical variables evaluated included religious preference, sexual orientation, prior suicidal behavior and psychiatric admissions, history of abuse, CPS involvement, family history of mental illness, family history of substance use, family history of suicidal behaviors, domestic violence, recent significant losses, …

A Modified Lean And Release Technique To Emphasize Response Inhibition And Action Selection In Reactive Balance, David A.E. Bolton, Manhoud Mansour

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Assessment of reactive balance traditionally imposes some type of perturbation to upright stance or gait followed by measurement of the resultant corrective behavior. These measures include muscle responses, limb movements, ground reaction forces, and even direct neurophysiological measures such as electroencephalography. Using this approach, researchers and clinicians can infer some basic principles regarding how the nervous system controls balance to avoid a fall. One limitation with the way in which these assessments are currently used is that they heavily emphasize reflexive actions without any need to revise automatic postural reactions. Such an exclusive focus on these highly stereotypical reactions would …

Why Are Some Cases Not On Track? An Item Analysis Of The Assessment For Signal Cases During Inpatient Psychotherapy, Thomas Probst, Maria Kleinstäuber, Michael J. Lambert, Karin Tritt, Christoph Pieh, Thomas H. Loew, Reiner W. Dahlbender, Jamie Delgadillo

Psychology Faculty Publications

Within the Routine Outcome Monitoring system “OQ-Analyst,” the questionnaire “Assessment for Signal Cases” (ASC) supports therapists in detecting potential reasons for not-on-track trajectories. Factor analysis and a machine learning algorithm (LASSO with 10-fold cross-validation) were applied, and potential predictors of not-on-track classifications were tested using logistic multilevel modeling methods. The factor analysis revealed a shortened (30 items) version of the ASC with good internal consistency (α = 0.72–0.89) and excellent predictive value (area under the curve = 0.98; positive predictive value = 0.95; negative predictive value = 0.94). Item-level analyses showed that interpersonal problems captured by specific ASC items (not …

The Validity And Instructional Value Of A Rubric For Evaluating Online Course Quality: An Empirical Study, Ji Eun Lee, Mimi Recker, Min Yuan

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This study investigated the validity and instructional value of a rubric developed to evaluate the quality of online courses offered at a midsized public university. This rubric was adapted from an online course quality rubric widely used in higher education, the Quality Matters rubric. We first examined the reliability and preliminary construct validity of the rubric using quality ratings for 202 online courses and eliminated twelve problematic items. We then examined the instructional value of the rubric by investigating causal relationships between 1) course quality scores, 2) online interactions between students, instructors, and content, and 3) student course performance (course …

The Utah Statesman, February 25, 2020, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Teaching Listening Skills With Digital Resources To Ells, Ekaterina Arshavskaya

Course Materials

These are open-source instructional materials designed for intermediate/high-intermediate and advanced learners of English. The materials feature multiple online resources and help students improve listening comprehension by practicing note-taking skills and listening strategies in a variety of contexts (e.g., podcasts, movies, lecture excerpts).

Front Matter

Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies

No abstract provided.

Imw Journal Of Religious Studies Volume 10 Number 1

Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies

No abstract provided.

Socio-Psychological Impacts Of Hydraulic Fracturing On Community Health And Well-Being, Mehmet Soyer, Kylen Kaminski, Sebahattin Ziyanak

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

At the core of the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) debate is the level of perceived risk involved with extractive industries, such as the release of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, increased population growth, and truck traffic. However, industry supporters of fracking acclaim the benefits of oil and gas drilling, such as energy independence and economic gains. In this study, we examine the perceived impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on community health and well-being based on interviews with anti-fracking activists in Denton, Texas who were active in the “anti-fracking” community organization, Frack Free Denton (FFD). Emergent from the interviews, we discuss the socio-psychological …

Nome Day Shelter, Royleen J. Ross, Seth Green, Lance E. Johnson

Journal of Indigenous Research

The Nome Day Shelter was created in response to community needs due to weather- related exposure deaths, impoverished community members, homelessness, hospital emergency department interactions, and various presentations of public social maladies. Although the protection of women was not the primary purpose in the establishment of the Day Shelter, this factor is a significant by-product of this sanctuary. An accurate accounting of MMIWG does not exist in the Norton Sound region. It may be reasonably inferred safety the Shelter provides has an impact on MMIWG in the Bering Strait region.

Faculty Senate Minutes, February 3, 2020, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

Call to Order - Patrick Belmont

University Business

• Utah State Legislature
• Student Enrollment Management Planning
• Marketing Plan
• School of Graduate Studies

Information

• EPC Monthly Report
• Four General Education
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Human Resources

Reports

• Professional Responsibilities and Procedures Committee
• Office of Research
• School of Graduate Studies

Old Business

• 401.3.3 Tenured and Tenure-Eligible Faculty
• 405.3.1 Tenure and Promotion
• Faculty Code Updates

Faculty Senate Agenda, February 3, 2020, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

Call to Order

• Approval of Minutes - January 6, 2020

University Business

Information

• EPC Monthly Report
• Human Resources Current and Proposed Code 321

Reports

• Professional Responsibilities and Procedures Committee
• Office of Research
• School of Graduate Studies

Old Business

• 401.3.3 Tenured and Tenure-Eligible Faculty
• 405.3.1 Tenure and Promotion
• Faculty Code Updates

New Business

Filling The Organ Donor Pool By Giving Priority, Matthew D. Meng, Roberta N. Clarke

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Context: Many of the alternatives for procuring donor organs are considered either ineffective, unethical, or illegal. One possibility that may not face such challenges is a priority system whereby individuals who register as an organ donor are given priority to receive an organ over those who have not registered. However, providing extrinsic rewards can sometimes paradoxically reduce the target behavior, especially for those who are more altruistically motivated.

Methods: Two behavioral experiments were employed and data were analyzed using regressions as well as examining open-ended responses.

Findings: The results suggest that giving priority to receive an organ to those who …

Child Helpers: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, David F. Lancy

Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Faculty Publications

This essay was greatly inspired by a 15" film titled Tiny Katerina, which shows glimpses of Katerina from two- to four-and-a-half years of age. She lives with her parents and older brother in Northwestern Siberia in the taiga. The Khanty-speaking people live by foraging (berries, for example), fishing and herding reindeer; they are semi-nomadic. In their camp and the vicinity, there is no evidence of electricity or any other public service. These people are very much “off the grid.” From the first, as a wobbly toddler, Katerina is shown being helpful. She carries (and drops and picks up) firewood …

The Ielts Exam And Cut-Off Decisions: One University's Mistake, Ann E. Roemer

World Languages and Cultures Faculty Publications

College and university admissions officers are the gatekeepers who decide which individuals may join the "country club" of higher education. As such, the decisions they make have a significant impact on the lives of individuals, especially those who are willing to travel across the globe and risk living in an unfamiliar country in order to receive a postsecondary education. Making decisions about international students and their credentials is much more complicated than evaluating the applications of U.S. students. Part of this complicated process involves decisions regarding English language proficiency and cut-off scores for exams such as the Test of English …

Comparing Effects Of Acceptance Training And Psychoeducation On Hoarding Symptoms, Clarissa W. Ong, Jennifer Krafft, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Faculty Publications

Hoarding symptoms include difficulty letting go of possessions, excessive acquisition, and clutter that precludes use of active living spaces. The current study compared the effects of acceptance training to psychoeducation on hoarding severity in a sample of college students with elevated hoarding symptoms. Participants (N = 47) completed self-report measures at baseline, posttest, and one-week follow-up and an in vivo discarding behavioral task at posttest. There were no differences in self-reported outcomes between conditions over time, suggesting acceptance training was not more effective than psychoeducation. Significant and large effect sizes for hoarding severity and maladaptive hoarding cognitions were found …

The Utah Statesman, January 28, 2020, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Visual Feedback Is Not Important For Bimanual Human Interval Timing, Breanna E. Studenka, Daisha L. Cummins, Kodey Myer

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

The clock variance of intervals produced by one finger is reduced when that finger taps along with another finger (termed the bimanual advantage). The multiple-timekeeper model proposes a coupling of internal clocks, leading to reduced clock variance for bimanual timing. Alternatively, reduced variance for bimanual timing could result from additional sensory feedback from two fingers as opposed to one. We aimed to test the role of visual feedback in reducing temporal variability. Participants tapped unimanually and bimanually (with no table contact) in three conditions: full vision, blindfolded, and with additional visual feedback provided via a mirror reflecting the right hand. …

A Reconceptualization Of The Self-In-Relationship: Contributions From Voices Of Cherokee Americans, Suzan A. M. Mcvicker, Polly O. Walker

Journal of Indigenous Research

In any worldview the Self is a central concept. This article summarizes doctoral dissertation research that re-centers a Cherokee American conceptualization of the Self-In-Relationship. In conversational format, the summary details study results that show how a concept analysis methodology plumbs a depth of meaning that a dictionary definition cannot reach in grasping the complex intersection between two meta-worldviews, American Indian and Western. Concepts that emerged about the Self or Self-In-Relationship were held in focus by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model lens. The conceptualization of Self in the IFS model was found to be resonant with Cherokee American study participants’ …

Horticultural Availability And Homeowner Preferences Drive Plant Diversity And Composition In Urban Yards, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Josep Padullés Cubino, William D. Pearse, Sarah E. Hobbie, A. J. Lange, Sonja Knapp, Kristen C. Nelson

Ecology Center Publications

Understanding the factors that influence biodiversity in urban areas is important for informing management efforts aimed at enhancing the ecosystem services in urban settings and curbing the spread of invasive introduced species. We determined the ecological and socioeconomic factors that influence patterns of plant richness, phylogenetic diversity, and composition in 133 private household yards in the Minneapolis‐Saint Paul Metropolitan area, Minnesota, USA. We compared the composition of spontaneously occurring plant species and those planted by homeowners with composition in natural areas (at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve) and in the horticulture pool of species available from commercial growers. Yard …