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March 2020 Cehd Newsletter, College Of Education And Human Development

College of Education and Human Development News

• The Drive to Engage Children in the Community
• New Zealand, New Perspective: Education Internship of a Lifetime
• What do you think?
• Giving Impact: Helping Students 'Take Off'
• Western Michigan University receives a $9.6M federal grant to advance renewable energy research
• WMU researcher says despite gender-based challenges, women entrepreneurs use grit, resilience to achieve profitable growth

College Of Arts And Sciences: March 2020, College Of Arts And Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences news

• Internships, faculty support help alumnus land job at ABC News
• WMU professor awarded for book that peels back the curtain on Fetzer's secret life
• What do you think?
• Giving Impact: Helping Students 'Take Off'
• Unearthing her passion for archaeology at WMU
• Geography alumnus analyzes tree canopy in Colorado
• Western Michigan University receives a $9.6M federal grant to advance renewable energy research

Examining Literacy Specialist Candidates’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs In Leadership Competencies Before And After Internships In Schools, Nina L. Nilsson

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the self-efficacy beliefs of 25 literacy specialist candidates in three key leadership areas before and after 15-week internships in schools. The three leadership areas, identified by university faculty as important to the leadership role of literacy specialists in schools today, are: 1) serving as a resource to classroom teachers, administrators, and parents; 2) conducting staff development; and 3) engaging in literacy program development and coordination. Paired-sample t-tests used to evaluate pre/post-survey scores at the end of the 15 weeks suggest self-efficacy beliefs in all three categories grew significantly over …

Disruptive Teaching: Centering Equity And Diversity In Literacy Pedagogical Practices, Anne Swenson Ticknor, Mikkaka Overstreet, Christy M. Howard

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Teacher educators must prepare preservice teachers (PSTs) to become equitable practitioners who honor the voices and experiences of their future students. In this article, we advocate for centering equitable teaching in literacy education courses and making explicit how to disrupt traditional perspectives of teaching diverse students. This qualitative study investigated PSTs’ perceptions and attitudes about teaching diverse students after a series of modeled lessons. Analysis revealed that over the course of the semester PSTs either continued to focus on barriers related to equitable teaching, began to discuss new possibilities for teaching, or were ready to enact the practices they had …

February 2020 Cehd Newsletter, College Of Education And Human Development

College of Education and Human Development News

• A Passion for Education and for WMU That Runs in the Family
• Global Impact Reignites Love for Education
• Some 1.34M hours of service helps earn WMU coveted Carnegie recognition
• Giving Impact: Marla Miller Smith
• Alumna turns passion for education into award-winning curriculum
• Professor awarded SFSA grant
• WMU Libraries unveils digital campus history map

Stampede January 28, 2020, Western Michigan University

Stampede: E-newsletter for students

• Graduate success reaches all-time high
• Be advised: WMU monitoring emergent coronavirus, CDC guidance
• Wellness matters
• Bronco pitch competition open to aspiring entrepreneurs
• Team claims top spot in national digital marketing competition
• Sustainability office awards $41,000 in grants for green projects

Voice And New Literacies: Student Perceptions Of Writing Instruction In A Secondary English Classroom, Jenny M. Martin

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Voice is an integral part of writing instruction, and over half of state writing assessments include voice on scoring rubrics; yet, there is a dearth of research on voice and writing instruction with adolescents. Increasingly new literacies and digital tools are being used in the high school English classroom but with relatively little known about how these tools can teach voice during writing instruction. This qualitative single-case study examined how a public school, ninth-grade English teacher used new literacies to develop voice in students’ writing and participants’ perception of these instructional choices. The sample included the teacher and 14 students, …

Influential Fellows: A Professor And Writing Fellows Reflect On Identities, Feedback, And Communities, Sharlene Gilman, Paxton Beck, Nancy Zola

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Insufficient attention has been directed to first year and first generation developmental writing students whose courses involve embedded peer and near-peer tutors. This article explores the learning communities and learning and teaching identities mutually constructed by one professor of developmental composition and two Writing Fellows who are secondary English education majors through working together with our population, and how relationship dynamics impacted identities and curricular choices.

Teacher Candidates As Writers: What Is The Relationship Between Writing Experiences And Pedagogical Practice, Vicki Mcquitty, Ellen Ballock

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Both teacher candidates (TCs) and practicing teachers are asked to engage in personal writing experiences as means of learning about writing instruction. Yet, research on the relationship between writing and teaching writing provides variable, sometimes contradictory, results. This study investigated the relationship between TCs’ experiences writing a personal narrative in an undergraduate teacher education course and how they read and respond to a second grader’s personal narrative. Results indicate that, initially, many TCs did not draw on their writing experiences to inform how they analyzed, interpreted, and responded to the student’s composition. However, when specifically prompted to think about their …

When Memories Make A Difference: Multimodal Literacy Narratives For Preservice Ela Methods Students, Kate Hope

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

This article examines multimodal literacy narrative projects designed by students in a methods of teaching course for secondary preservice English Language Arts teachers. For the multimodal project, preservice teachers infused written, audio, and visual text using a variety of creative mediums. Through combined theoretical frames, the researcher explores semiotics and preservice teachers’ use of multiliteracies as they shift their conceptions of what it means to compose. Finally, this article explores how the act of reflection through the literacy narrative influences preservice teachers’ notions of teaching composition through a variety of mediums.

Exploring The Impact Of Teacher Collaboration On Student Learning: A Focus On Writing, Shannon M. Pella

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

In this yearlong case study, six English teachers in an urban high school in Northern California engaged in sustained collaboration focused on developing and enacting strategies to improve the writing skills of their culturally and linguistically diverse freshmen. The study was conducted between August 2018 and June 2019, to determine the connections, if any, between teacher collaboration and student learning. Qualitative data were analyzed from teacher collaboration and observation of classroom practices, focus groups and teacher-created artifacts. Students’ on-demand writing assessments in fall and spring were compared with instructionally supported writing. Student surveys were analyzed in a mixed methods approach. …

Preservice Teacher Writer Identities: Tensions And Implications, David Premont, Shea Kerkhoff, Janet Alsup

Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education

Because of recent attention underscoring the lack of preservice teachers’ (PSTs) writer identities , the purpose of this manuscript is to learn more about the writer identities of two PSTs, how to uncover the tensions that exist therein, and how they intend to enact that writer identity in the secondary classroom. This multiple case study examines the writer identity of two PSTs from a midwestern university in the United States. Data collection included a visual metaphorical representation, participant generated reflections in class, and participate generated reflections in practicum. The data suggest that contrasting writer identities exist among preservice ELA teachers …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session January 23, 2020, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

1. Acceptance of the Agenda
2. Approval of the Minutes (December 12, 2019 Meeting)
3. Remarks by the Chair
4. Remarks by the President – Montgomery
5. Comments by the Faculty Senate President – Gershon
6. Comments by the Western Student Association President – Smith
7. Comments by the Graduate Student Association President – Morris
8. Presentation - Career Outcomes for 2018-19 Graduates – Urban
9. Public Comments Regarding Action Items
10. Board of Trustee Officer Election
11. Real Property Lease for WMed
12. FM License Purchase with Kalamazoo Public Schools
13. Consent Items
    A. Personnel Report
    B. One-Day Liquor License Applications
    C. Research and Innovation Quarterly Report
14. General Public Comments

A Village Comes To Life: The Interpretation Of Henry Ford's Greenfield Village, Claire E. Herhold

The Hilltop Review

Of all American living history sites, Greenfield Village, in Dearborn, Michigan, is one of the most interesting. Founded by Henry Ford and opened in 1929, Greenfield Village consists of 90 acres of nearly 100 historic buildings, all moved to the site from around the country and reassembled in a vague village formation. Unlike Colonial Williamsburg, the site is not historically significant and represents no one geographic location or time period. While in keeping with Ford’s vision of celebrating small-town life and the humble origins of many great thinkers and innovators, this structure has presented challenges for both the staff and …

Cancer Health Disparities Among African Americans: A Socioecological Approach, Seth M. Spitzley

The Hilltop Review

Research shows that health outcomes are influenced by race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education and literacy levels, and the physical environment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). The health statuses of minority groups, such as African Americans, are adversely impacted by inequality (Randall, 2009). In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the leading cause of death for all residents in Kalamazoo County was cancer, where black individuals have the highest death rate among any other racial or ethnic group. That African Americans comprise less than 11% of the population in Kalamazoo County thus suggests that African Americans are disproportionately impacted by cancer …

Magic, Alchemy, And The Spiritual But Not Religious, John C. Marshell Jr.

The Hilltop Review

In this paper, I identify a problem within the growing phenomenon of the "spiritual but not religious" community based on the particular experiences of German pilgrims attending a retreat at a Chinese Daoist monastery. Despite interests and affirmations in Daoism, the German pilgrims reacted negatively to Daoist supernatural attitudes and practices. Their SBNR beliefs clashed with Daoist orthodoxy. My research is largely based on a historical examination that contextualizes the problems the German pilgrims experienced and offers a possible remedy to their trans-cultural spiritual dilemma in alchemy and Jungian psychology.

Wildlife Emotions: Animal Rights As Examined Through A Cognitivist Lens, Kristy Schultz

The Hilltop Review

The aim of this article is to revisit and redefine the scope of a Kantian rights-based theory to include non-human animals. Generally, rights-based theories are predicated on a Kantian deontology that excludes all but rational subjects from possessing of basic rights. Historically, non-human animals—once thought to act on impulse and desire alone—have been excluded from rights-based considerations. However, more recent literature from emotions theorist Martha Nussbaum suggests an alternative picture for non-human animals. Cognitivist theories like Nussbaum’s, alongside intensive scientific research, support the notion that non-human animals show signs of intentionality and possess the capacity to emote. If Nussbaum’s theory …

Strategies To Restore Hearing, Sydney N. Sheltz-Kempf

The Hilltop Review

We discuss strategies within the field to restore hearing in the context of a flat epithelia model. This could assist in avoiding the limitations of current treatment options along with the obstacles associated with cellular restoration attempts. A review of the important genes required for the development, differentiation, and long-term maintenance of the organ of Corti (OC) demonstrates that any future direction to regenerate hair cells necessitates a better understanding of the gene expression in addition to the cells present during the phalangeal scarring process and the flat epithelia environment. This understanding could be achieved through the development of a …

The Hilltop Review, Vol 12, No 1, Fall 2019

The Hilltop Review

No abstract provided.

Developing Tailored Program Proposals For Occupational Therapy In Primary Care, Katie Smith, Mackenzie Day, Sherry Muir, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Master’S And Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Research Integration In Their Programs, Jeffrey Sargent, Ashley Wermers, Lauren Russo, Kristin Valdes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This is a pilot study with the intent of identifying occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) and master’s (MOT) students’ perceptions of research in their coursework. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey of OTD and MOT students. The Student Perception of Research Integration Questionnaire (SPRIQ) was emailed to graduate occupational therapy programs in the United States. An unpaired single tailed t-test was used to compare the mean scores between the MOT and OTD student responses for each scale and subscale. Two hundred and twenty-six students filled out the questionnaire. Both the OTD and MOT students had a favorable perception …

A Personal Perspective On Daily Occupations To Counteract Cancer Related Fatigue: A Case Study, Sheila M. Longpre', Katie M. Polo, Mary F. Baxter

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case study aimed to identify and describe meaningful physical occupations used by a cancer survivor to increase or maintain levels of participation during active chemotherapy and subsequent cancer related fatigue.

Method: A case study approach was used to develop an in-depth description and analysis based on one participant’s experience with breast cancer and associated treatments. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data were analyzed through description of the case, categories, and themes. It also included categorical aggregation in efforts to seek a collection of instances from the data to explore any issue-relevant meanings.

Results: Following …

Defining Mobile Tech Posture: Prevalence And Position Among Millennials, Nathan Short, Michelle Mays, Alex Cool, Ariana Delay, Ali Lannom, Laryn O'Donnell, Ruth Stuber

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mobile technologies have revolutionized daily life, significantly impacting ADLs and IADLs, as well as use of the hand and upper extremity. The primary objectives of this study are to (a) provide a formal goniometric description of mobile tech posture and (b) examine the prevalence of this sub-optimal posture among a group of graduate students.

Method: This study used a cross-sectional study design. Comprehensive goniometric measurements of the neck and upper extremity were taken with participants (N = 46) using their mobile devices while texting or using the Internet. Handheld usage data from the iPhone Screen Time …

Mapping Occupational Therapy Practice With Postsecondary Students: A Scoping Review, Karen M. Keptner, Karen Mccarthy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Legislation supports a role for occupational therapy in postsecondary settings, but this area is not a common practice area and the practice area is not well understood. This scoping review maps current literature of occupational therapists working with students in postsecondary settings in order to inform future research and practice.

Method: After identifying included articles, a narrative description of the quantitative studies along with a concept map were completed. A qualitative thematic analysis of the articles was also conducted.

Results: Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative results describe occupational therapy services as both a direct …

Scoping Review Of Interventions To Promote Social Participation In Adolescents And Young Adults With Neurodisability, Conall O'Rourke, Mark Linden, Gary Bedell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social participation, described as taking part in, being involvement and engaged with, and doing or being with others, is an important health outcome. Adolescents and young adults with neurodisability are often restricted in their social participation, particularly if they experience social and executive functioning challenges. A scoping review was conducted to examine interventions aimed at improving social participation in adolescents and young adults with neurodisability characterized by these challenges.

Method: The scoping review included peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 1990 to 2016 that employed psychosocial interventions to improve social participation in young people 13 to 24 years …

A Primer For Beginning Russian, Dasha Culic Nisula

Books Written by World Languages and Literatures Faculty

A two week introductory course to the teaching of Russian featuring lessons, exercises, and supplements.

College Of Arts And Sciences: January 2020, College Of Arts And Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences news

• Bringing Social Issues to Light
• NSF Awards Two Faculty Members for STEM Advancement Ideas
• A Year of Number 1S at Western
• WMU Professor's Research Paves the Way to Improving Pedestrian Safety Nationwide
• Alumni Spotlight: From Waldo Library to the Library of Congress
• The Fund for Western
• On the Frontlines of Combating Human Trafficking Nationwide
• Geography Professor Recognized for Watershed Hydrology Work

January 2020 Newsletter, Haworth College Of Business

Haworth College of Business News

• Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy established with $6.5 million gift
• Q&A with the dean
• Life-changing business experiences abroad
• TechNext students take over the West Coast
• Students showcase business acumen through simulation
• 30 Under 30 takes top prize in CASE V competition
• Lean Six Sigma certification offered

Models Of Resistance: Novice Teachers Negotiating Barriers To Best Practice, Andrew P. Huddleston, Kathryn Ohle, Amy Mullins, Hannah Lowry, Denae Shake, Jordyn Arendse

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The purpose of this study was to examine how graduates from three teacher education programs made decisions regarding literacy instruction and assessment as well as the extent to which they were able to implement practices learned in their education programs. Participants were interviewed and observed multiple times, and a variety of documents, such as lesson plans, assessments, and journal prompts, were collected. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method and Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capital, and habitus. Although the participants initially accepted the existing practices of their schools, they later implemented concepts learned in their education programs. The ways …

Comic Book Conversations As Pedagogies Of Possibilities In Urban Spaces, Ewa Mcgrail, Gertrude M. Tinker Sachs, Megan Lewis

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The researchers in this qualitative case study explored the dialogic experiences of elementary school students during Comic Book Club meetings held in their local community resource center. The researchers wanted to know what experiences of dialogism were manifested in children’s conversations about reading, writing, and comic creation and what concepts of dialogism were evident in those experiences. The interview and observation data and artifacts suggest that co-construction of meaning and intertextuality played important roles in the dialogic experiences of the participants. Children’s co-construction of meaning and intertextuality also demonstrated engaged embodiment due to children’s spontaneous enactment of dance and dramatization …