Digital Commons Network^™

Achieving A Campus Consensus On Learning–Centered Teaching: Process And Outcomes, Phyllis Blumberg, Everett Justin

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Fifty faculty and staff members attended a consensus conference on learning-centered teaching. Within small groups, participants agreed that 1) this approach develops student responsibility for their learning; 2) a consistently implemented philosophy yields a culture of learning-centered teaching, and 3) graduates of such programs become lifelong learners, self-directing, self-initiating leaders. Not all participants agreed that they could fully implement this method. They emphasized that support by administrators is a prerequisite to making changes in teaching approaches. However, the conference effectively determined levels of agreement and stimulated discussion. Results were consistent with the literature on learning-centered teaching.

Whispers And Sighs: The Unwritten Challenges Of Service–Learning, Rona J. Karasik

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Documentation of the benefits of service-learning abound, and published case studies of successful service-learning programs may be found for a variety of disciplines. Faculty new to service-learning, however, are likely to find themselves facing a variety of unexpected challenges. While these challenges are neither insurmountable nor unknown to experienced service-karning practitioners, they can make starting a service-learning program remarkably time-consumingand unnecessarily frustrating. Unfortunately. pitfalls and program flops are rarely published. This chapter forewarns some of the challenges associated with service-learning and offers realistic approaches to dealing with them successfully.

Entertaining Strangers: Providing For The Development Needs Of Part–Time Faculty, Patricia Hanrahan Valley

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

For institutions of higher education that have increasingly relied upon part-time faculty members to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society, the challenge has been to provide adequate preparation and development opportunities for these instructors, many of whom have never taught before. This study investigated the characteristics of the part-time faculty. the extent to which they believed they had been oriented by the institution to assume their teaching roles, and their reported need for selected professional development activities at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Extended Campus, an institution employing more than 2,800 adjuncts. The data provided by the needs assessment were …

Promoting A Sound Process For Teaching Awards Programs: Appropriate Work For Faculty Development Centers, Nancy Van Note Chism

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Examination of a sample of teaching awards programs at colleges and universities in the United States shows that the selection process for most is not based on explicit criteria, evidence that matches the criteria, and announced standards for making judgments about the candidates. If teaching awards programs are to be effective on any level, whether serving as a symbol of institutional commitment, affirming good teachers, or inspiring others to teach well, the quality of their selection process must be credible. This chapter provides recommendations for how faculty development centers can help their institutions to craft a selection process that will …

Documenting The Educational Innovations Of Faculty: A Win–Win Situation For Faculty And The Faculty Development Center, Phyllis Blumberg

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Compiling faculty members’ teaching innovations into an annual campus-specific publication allows others to learn about these ideas and adapt them. This chapter will describe 1) the process used to develop such a Document of Innovation, 2) the types of innovation abstracted, and 3) this document’s impact on an institution. A dissemination process including individual meetings with campus leaders provides greater visibility for the Teaching and Learning Center and the featured faculty. An analysis of time annual publications yield comprehensive data about the campus’ faculty, their innovative teaching trends, and describes the current teaching climate on the campus.

Triangulating Faculty Needs For The Assessment Of Student Learning, D. Lynn Sorenson, Timothy W. Bothell

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

To enhance assessment of student learning, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Faculty Center undertook a needs assessment to guide new initiatives. Researchers reviewed results from the National Survey of Student Engagement and an earlier BYU faculty survey. In addition, they conducted a qualitative study with faculty and administrators. The qualitative study can serve as a model for other faculty developers considering new initiatives. The findings raised thought-provoking issues for faculty development, particularly faculty readiness. As a result of this research, the center bolstered current services and developed new ones to support the assessment of student learning.

Refining Rural Spaces: Women And Vernacular Gentility In The Great Plains, 1880-1920, Andrea G. Radke

Great Plains Quarterly (through 2013)

In 1887 the Plains photographer Solomon Butcher met the David Hilton family in Custer County, Nebraska. Mrs. Hilton desired a photograph to send to relatives back East, but felt embarrassed by the family's sod dwelling. She insisted that Butcher not take a photo of the house, but asked the men to drag the Hiltons' beautiful new pump organ out into the field, where the family could pose around the instrument. The sod house remained outside the photograph, and after the session the men returned the organ to the house. To Mrs. Hilton, the organ became her personal symbol of aspirations …

Decision Tree Analysis Of Terminated Life Insurance Policies, Robert Keng Heong Lian, Yuan Wu, Hian Chye Koh

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Statistical methods such as regression and survival analysis have traditionally been used to investigate the factors affecting the duration of terminated life insurance policies. This study explores a different approach: it uses a more recently developed data mining technique called decision trees. By sequentially partitioning the data to maximize differences in the dependent variable (duration in this study), the decision trees technique is good at identifying data segments with significant differences in the dependent variable. This identification can be useful when a company is trying to understand the factors driving or associated with the termination of life insurance policies. Decision …

A Comparative Study Of Parametric And Nonparametric Estimators Of Old-Age Mortality In Sweden, Peter Fledelius, Montserrat Guillen, Jens Perch Nielsen, Kitt Skovso Petersen

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

A recent study of Swedish old-age mortality used a modified GompertzMakeham model with a linear hazard for the force of mortality. We propose an alternative model using smooth two-dimensional kernel hazard estimators and introduce a new estimator based on the multiplicative bias correction for the multivariate marker dependent hazard. The multiplicative bias correction appears to have great potential for estimating mortality rates at the highest ages. We also observe that mortality continues to increase at an exponential rate even in old-age.

Phased Retirement For Defined Benefit Plan Participants, Patricia L. Scahill, Jonathan Barry Forman

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

The demographic makeup of the U.S. workforce is changing. The population between ages SS and 64 is projected to increase significantly by 2020, but employment rates for this age group have not been increasing. Employers will likely need to encourage critical employees in this age group to delay retirement. Phased retirement is one tool for delaying retirement, while also not continuing full-time employment, so it can be a compromise for employers and employees. Both Congress and two administrative agencies have begun to consider changes in pension laws and regulations that would be needed to accommodate phased retirement for employers who …

Product Innovation In Financial Services: A Survey, Christopher O'Brien

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper considers product innovation in insurance and other financial services, an area where actuaries have an important role. It considers the proposition that there is no unique formula for success and that what works well in one situation may not work well in another. It first examines the sources of ideas for new products and, in particular, the role played by consumers, which is generally regarded as weak. It then looks at how ideas are implemented, with particular importance attributed to cross-functional teams and the formality of the product development process. Then it considers how success is measured (with …

Estimation Of Complete Period Life Tables For Singaporeans, Siu-Hang Li, Wai-Sum Chan

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Complete period life tables, with death rates for every year of age, are not available in Singapore. This study constructs such tables for Singaporeans from the limited mortality information contained in the abridged life tables provided by the Singapore Department of Statistics. We find that linear interpolation, Whittaker graduation, and the Coale-Kisker method together can generate complete life tables that are smooth and continuous. The validity of the complete life tables generated by our method is further confirmed by (1) comparing the life expectancies calculated from our estimated life tables with those provided by the Singapore Department of Statistics, and …

The Future Of Dentistry: Market Change, Manpower Needs, And The Adaptability Of A Profession, Jason Northgrave

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

With new research, technology, and a patient that has become increasingly esthetics oriented, the future of dentistry is looking monetary stable. However, in order for the dental profession to continue to evolve, adapt, and meet the needs of underserved population, they will need to increase their manpower. Dental manpower is low due to the closing of some dental schools, decreased numbers of positions at those schools, and the unattractiveness of practicing in the underserved areas. Those who suffer most from this lack of manpower are the uninsured, poor, elderly, disabled, and those living in under served regions. To deal with …

Examining Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Usual Source Of Care, Bettina Bell

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Literature Review Of Female Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Allison M. Nichol

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Lead Poisoning In Detroit Children, Angela Hill

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Lead poisoning is a common health problem among children of America. Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, and pottery, to name a few items. Lead has been proven to be a neurotoxin and causes adverse central and peripheral effects. Those affected may experience altered cognition and behavior, and reduction in intelligence and attention span. Children are at an increased risk for lead poisoning and its effects because of age related behaviors of putting hands and objects in their mouth, the immature brain of a child is more susceptible to toxic effects, and children absorb 50% of lead consumed. …

Croatian Immigrants In The Keweenaw, Jennifer Lynn-Franks Stajdl

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

In the years between 1890 and 1920, there was an influx of immigration to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Due to the copper mines, towns and villages, such as Red Jacket (now known as Calumet) flourished. Surrounding the mines were smaller villages, such as Ahmeek, located five miles northwest of Calumet. Among those that came for a new and “better” life were the Croatians. Most of the Croatians who made their way over were from the same area in Croatia, Ravna Gora. This immigration pattern is an example of chain-migration, people helping those from their country, from the area of the country …

A Model For Radiation Interactions With Matter, Carrie Beck

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The intent of this project is to derive a realistic mathematical model for radiation interactions with matter. The model may be solved analytically, but I will also employ two computational methods, a finite difference method and a stochastic (Monte Carlo) method to gain insight into the physical process and to test the numerical techniques. Radiation interactions with matter constitute a large number of important scientific, industrial, and medical applications. This project will derive a model for the interaction of radiation with matter, which might allow one to compare different designs for shielding. It is also applicable in atmospheric physics in …

A Portrait Of Power: The Importance Of Marguerite De Valois In Sixteenth Century French Royal Politics, Karin M. Armour

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Increasing Difficulties Facing American Elections And Possible Solutions, Karin M. Armour

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This thesis proposes that two of the most serious threats to modern American democracy are declining voter participation and rising perceptions of election fraud. The thesis provides examples that these problems do in fact exist and have been becoming more pronounced in the past twenty years. Of particular interest is that in many elections, especially local elections held separately from national elections, decisions are made by fewer than thirty percent of eligible voters, raising the question of how legitimate the elections really are. The advent of computerized voting is also important as it increases the perception that fraud can occur …

Cellar Roots, 2004, Eastern Michigan University

Cellar Roots

No abstract provided.

Book Review Of The Home Office And The Dangerous Trades: Regulating Occupational Disease In Victorian And Edwardian Britain, Michael Ashley Stein

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Generalizing Disability, Michael Ashley Stein

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Wintering Canada Geese Along The Platte Rivers Of Nebraska, 1960-2000, Mark Vrtiska, Nick Lyman

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

The Platte rivers and associated habitats are major wintering areas for Canada geese (Branta Canadensis) in Nebraska. The objective of this study was to examine changes in abundance and distribution of Canada geese along the Platte River system during 1960-2000. We used counts of Canada geese based on aerial surveys from the annual Mid-Winter Survey (MWS). The entire lengths of the North and South Platte rivers and the Platte River were surveyed, and counts of Canada geese were made by visual estimation. We examined changes in goose numbers for the North and South Platte rivers, and divided the …

Voices Behind The Lens: The Creation Of The Yyea Kick-Off Video, Sarah Marie Glasco

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

The Regulation Of Technology, And The Technology Of Regulation, Jonathan B. Wiener

Faculty Scholarship

Regulation may inhibit or stimulate technological change. The relationship depends on the technology of regulation - the design and instrument choice of regulatory policy. This essay examines the history of economic and social regulations over the last three decades, the explanatory power of theories of regulatory politics, the choice of regulatory instruments, the assessment of regulatory impacts, and the influence of each of these on the innovation and diffusion of technology (and of regulation). It concludes with recommendations for the future of regulation and technology.

Convocation Video (2004), California State University, San Bernardino

CSUSB Sound and video recordings

No abstract provided.

Hepatic Disposition Of Cyclosporine A In Isolated Perfused Rat Livers, Reza Mehvar, Anjaneya Chimalakonda

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

PURPOSE. To develop an isolated perfused rat liver model to study the hepatic disposition of cyclosporine A (CyA) in both sexes.

METHODS. Livers were isolated from male (n = 6) and female (n = 7) rats and perfused with a physiological buffer in a single-pass manner. A bolus 1-mg dose of CyA was injected into the inlet catheter and periodical samples (0-15 min) were collected from the outlet perfusate. The concentrations of CyA in the outlet perfusate, collected bile (0-15 min), and liver tissue (at the end of perfusion) were quantitated by HPLC and subjected to statistical moment analysis. …

Fear Assessment: Cost-Benefit Analysis And The Pricing Of Fear And Anxiety, Matthew D. Adler

Faculty Scholarship

Risk assessment is now a common feature of regulatory practice, but fear assessment is not. In particular, environmental, health and safety agencies such as EPA, FDA, OSHA, NHTSA, and CPSC, commonly count death, illness and injury as costs for purposes of cost-benefit analysis, but almost never incorporate fear, anxiety or other welfare-reducing mental states into the analysis. This is puzzling, since fear and anxiety are welfare setbacks, and since the very hazards regulated by these agencies - air or water pollutants, toxic waste dumps, food additives and contaminants, workplace toxins and safety threats, automobiles, dangerous consumer products, radiation, and so …

Politics, Power, And Public Health: A Comment On Public Health’S New World Order, Laurence R. Helfer

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.