Digital Commons Network^™

Illustrating Tensions Using Stretchy String: Teaching Relational Dialectics In The Interpersonal Communication Class, Valerie Lynn Schrader, Azhanni Muhammad

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The objective of this activity is to increase students’ knowledge of Relational Dialectics by illustrating dialectic tensions in a tangible way. Relational Dialectics, which focuses on different dimensions in relationships, is an important concept for students to understand because it highlights the messiness of interpersonal relationships. This activity illustrates dialectical tensions through the use of colored stretchy craft string, providing students with a physical manifestation of an abstract concept.

Connecting To Students: Self-Disclosure As A Motivational Tool For Collegiate Forensic Coaches, Ben Walker

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Forensic coaches spend a large amount of time with their students and often struggle to find effective methods of motivation; however, studies have shown that teachers (Christophel, 1990) and athletic coaches (Turman, 2008) can use immediacy as a way to increase student/competitor motivation. This paper examines how forensic coaches can use a specific interpersonal tactic (self-disclosure) to potentially increase student motivation. The review of literature covers self-disclosure and the link between immediacy and motivation in both educational and competitive settings; next, Petronio’s Communication Privacy Management theory is contextualized with forensic coaches; finally, suggestions are offered to forensic coaches who wish …

Group Dynamics: Managing Interpersonal Conflict In The Group Decision Making Process, Brandon J. Semler, Stuart A. Schneider

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to group communication concepts, to teach methods of communicating, to expand student awareness of group dynamics, to expand student awareness of group decision-making, and to involve students in group discussions. Providing students with an opportunity to participate in discussion helps students develop an understanding of various dynamics at play in group communication and shows how group communication affects interpersonal relationships. The outcome of the activity is to improve students understanding of group decision making resulting in better decisions, less conflict, and more efficient use of time when working in groups.

Identifying Teaching Effectiveness: Using Student Skill Surveys, Speech Evaluations, And Quiz Scores To Inform Instruction, Sally A. Blomstrom

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This paper suggests an instrument for measuring students’ self perceptions of improvement in public speaking skills, i.e., a skill survey, and a method to inform and improve instruction by looking at results from that survey in combination with instructor evaluation forms for persuasive speeches, quiz scores, and an information literacy measure. Data were collected from students enrolled in a public speaking course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Background on the survey development and the method is provided along with results and discussion.

Are You "Wanted" For Poor Listening Habits?, Nanette Johnson-Curiskis

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

In order to begin a semester or unit on effective listening with some basic theory and knowledge and to serve as an icebreaker, students are asked to design and share a “Wanted Poster” describing their poor listening habits. The significance of this assignment was guided by the ubiquitous nature of listening. Research verifies listening as the most utilized form of communication.

Exploring Literary Characters In Classroom Performance, Gerald Lee Ratliff

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Original classroom exercises are an invaluable instructional tool to actively engage students in analysis and performance of dramatic and non-dramatic literary texts. The basic principle of classroom performance emphasizes a critical and creative teaching perspective that stimulates student responses to the aesthetic, emotional and intellectual content of a literary text. Selected exercises that promote a more theatrical impulse in the study and performance of literary texts present meaningful opportunities for students to give vocal and physical visualization to the actions, attitudes and emotions of literary characters and, ultimately, enriches the classroom learning experience.

Discovering Culture And Communication On The World Wide Web, Jin Xu

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Discussions of intercultural communication mostly center round the interaction of culture and communication concerning differences in values, beliefs, norms and communication styles. However, cultural differences also stem from different cognitive styles, which impact intercultural communication. This article describes an activity that introduces students to cultural cognition theory. Combining research on the Internet, small group interaction, and class discussion, this exercise encourages students to apply theory to practice, to explore cultural differences on the Internet, and to develop their critical thinking skills. It also develops their awareness and skills needed to be mindful of the nuances of cultural differences. The exercise …

Communication And Volunteerism: The Potential Impact Of Role Models, Maggie Briggs, Kristen Cvancara

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Volunteers are an important subset of society who provide many services to people and organizations in need. Based on Social Learning Theory, a preliminary study was designed to investigate the role communication may play in fostering positive attitudes and behaviors in college students regarding volunteerism. Surveys completed by 321 college students were collected and the relationship between instances of communication with role models (e.g., parents, peers, religious leaders, siblings, coworkers, extended family) and participant attitudes toward and rates of volunteering were examined. Results indicated the more conversations shared between role models and participants the more likely it was that participants …

The Concept Of Mattering As Critical To Nursing-Student Recovery, Ronald Steven Hutchins

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative study using a phenomenological case study and grounded-theory design was conducted to examine the phenomena of nursing-student recovery following a failure in a clinical nursing course. For the purpose of this study nursing-student recovery was defined as: The academic progression of a student who failed a core clinical nursing course, and subsequently successfully completed the course, the nursing program, and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. A literature review was conducted focusing on student academic recovery, and three conceptual theories that support transitional change, growth and stability: Neuman System Model (NSM), Self Determination Theory (SDT), and Schlossberg's Transitional Theory (STT). …

The Impact Of Technology-Enhanced Learning Activities On Nursing Student Engagement In The Classroom, Alicia A. Stone

Theses & Dissertations

Educating student nurses in the present environment requires professors to stay current with new methodologies as well as innovations in technology. The question is how to address both the impact of technology and the skills of clinical reasoning, and keep the students involved in the material. If there can be integration of each aspect through the use of technology-enhanced learning activities on the internet and preparation to approach the issue, then perhaps this can increase success. This is a quasi-experimental intervention study that explored the impact of a case study blogging assignment on the engagement of students enrolled in a …

Towards Curtailing Speaker Anxiety Via Impromptu And Oral Interpretation, Stacey A. Peterson

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This article outlines a series of short oral assignments designed to help alleviate some of the anxiety that many students face when giving public presentations. The assignments consist of: giving an impromptu speech, giving a spoken performance of a song or poem of their choice, and a short reading from a children’s book. Each of these assignments are seen as building blocks, methods for reducing nervousness, methods for building confidence, while concurrently developing peer support as students are working towards a more formal presentation later in the semester. There should be a class debriefing/discussion after all three assignments have been …

Not Your Average Speech Of Self-Introduction: The "Talking Resume" Alternative, Lauren Mackenzie

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The “talking résumé” activity is designed as a creative and useful alternative to the standard speech of self-introduction exercise in the university public speaking classroom. Using Visual Communicator software, this assignment guides students through the process of preparing, orally delivering, and critiquing résumés for themselves and their classmates. This brief article is geared toward public speaking instructors looking for innovative ways to begin the semester and provides suggestions for how to assign, conduct, and evaluate the “talking résumé” activity.

Tomkat!: Linking Theory And Practice In Communication Studies Course Through The Introduction And Application Of Social Exchange Theory, Rita L. Rahoi-Gilchrest

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This article describes an activity suitable for either high-school or university-level communication courses. Combining outside online research, small group discussion, and class interaction, this exercise uses Social Exchange Theory, applied to examples of celebrity relationships generated by students and discussed in groups, to illustrate the process by which individuals decide whether or not to initiate and sustain interpersonal relationships. Although students should be reminded that the reasons relationships do or do not survive are difficult enough to understand when we are involved in them, let alone when we view them from an outside perspective, the activity proves intriguing and involving …

Making Historians Of Theatre History Students: The First Three Steps, David Wintersteen

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Without the guidance of a clear hypothesis, student research projects founder. This paper outlines a process by which students undergo the essential first stages that lead to successful research projects in Theatre History. The paper outlines three stages: “Quest for Fire,” in which the student identifies a subject area that interests them; “Fence Me In,” in which the student defines the research area and established distinct parameters; and “The Dreaded Hypothesis,” in which the student articulates a clear, unique and functional hypothesis. By implementing these initial three stages, teachers can create the conditions under which students motivate themselves to complete …

Developing A Senior Capstone And Portfolio Course, Nanette Johnson-Curiskis, Daniel Cronn-Mills, Warren Sandmann

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Our purpose in this essay is to explain how the Speech Communication Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato developed a senior capstone and portfolio course. We describe how this course helped the department improve its curriculum and teaching, and helped its students enhance their learning of the discipline.

Recognizing College Students Of Today: Generational Shifts Prompt Pedagogical Shifts, Kristen Cvancara, Kristen P. Treinen

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

As educators strive to continually improve the learning potential of the students in our classrooms, it is wise to evaluate traits of the students that may influence the effectiveness of the pedagogical methods employed. To this end, this essay introduces the reader to descriptions of today’s college students that identify this cohort as unique in learning style as well as life experience from all previous generations. An assessment method was used to investigate the degree to which current students identify with these generational stereotypes. The method and results of the assessment are discussed, and suggestions for adopting new pedagogical strategies …

Fall Chamber Series (November 20-21, 23, 2015), Lindenwood University

Student Music Performance Programs

Program for Fall Chamber Series (November 20-21, 23, 2015).

Series included:

• Brass Ensemble Concert (November 20, 2015)
• Guitar and Jazz Combos Concert (November 21, 2015)
• String and Woodwinds Ensembles Concert (November 23, 2015)

Dean's Desk: New Wintersession Offers Learning, Networking Opportunities, Austen L. Parrish

Austen Parrish (2014-2022)

No abstract provided.

Southern Studies Grad Students Introduce The New First-Year Class, Admin

Blog Posts

The members of the 2017 MA cohort have never met a stranger -- including each other. Our fast bond stems from shared appreciation of Southern music, happy hour, and good food. We're excited to spend the new two years collaborating with each other, especially considering the wide range of backgrounds we bring to the table. Here, we introduce ourselves and our favorite songs, in the hope that you will join us for a karaoke night out.

University Extends Unprecedented Tuition Freeze And Guarantee, Roger Williams University School Of Law

School of Law Conferences, Lectures & Events

No abstract provided.

Cost Effectiveness Analysis Of Year 2 Of An Elementary School-Located Influenza Vaccination Program-Results From A Randomized Controlled Trial., Byung-Kwang Yoo, Sharon Humiston, Peter G. Szilagyi, Stanley J. Schaffer, Christine Long, Maureen Kolasa

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: School-located vaccination against influenza (SLV-I) has the potential to improve current suboptimal influenza immunization coverage for U.S. school-aged children. However, little is known about SLV-I's cost-effectiveness. The objective of this study is to establish the cost-effectiveness of SLV-I based on a two-year community-based randomized controlled trial (Year 1: 2009-2010 vaccination season, an unusual H1N1 pandemic influenza season, and Year 2: 2010-2011, a more typical influenza season).

METHODS: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis on a two-year randomized controlled trial of a Western New York SLV-I program. SLV-I clinics were offered in 21 intervention elementary schools (Year 1 n = 9,027; …

The Effects Of International Study Tours In The Decision Of Students To Go To Work Abroad – The Example Of The Ggs’ Ist To Turkey And Russia, Rafael González, Christopher Stehr

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Until now, much of the research on International Study Tours has focused on the learning opportunities and intercultural advantages of participating in such mobility programmes. However, there has been limited literature on the relationship between joining these study trips and the motivation that students might get to start working abroad. This new research promises many advantages for our globalized world as more and more companies struggle to get the right people at the right place – sometimes without success. The possibility of participating in such a study programme could not only contribute to preparing a future world manager, but it …

Maarten Zwiers On James O. Eastland And Teaching The South In The Netherlands, Admin

Blog Posts

We're starting an occasional series of interviews of visiting speakers at the Center by Southern Studies grad students who are working with Dr. Andy Harper and the Southern Documentary Project. These interviews will explore a scholar's inspiration to pursue a particular line of research and their experiences teaching courses on the American South in different contexts.

Volume 51 - Issue 09 - Monday, November 9, 2015, Rose Thorn Staff

The Rose Thorn Archive

The Rose Thorn, Rose-Hulman's independent student newspaper.

Voices Of Persistence: Stories Of Success From One Urban Public Charter High School, Diane Joy Maodush-Pitzer

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Analysis of the data revealed the importance of relationships at the heart of each of the interviewee's responses with a family member or neighbor who encouraged and supported at home; a principal who encouraged them to consider a specific high school and then continued to follow them through their high school experience; an advisor who guided them during all four of their high school years; teachers, who not only challenged, supported, and encouraged during classroom hours, but also opened the door of their classrooms before and after school to be in deeper relationship with their students; or a community program …

Fall Music Series (November 9-11, 14, 2015), Lindenwood University

Student Music Performance Programs

Program for Fall Music Series (November 9-11, 14, 2015).

Series included:

• Jazz Band (November 9, 2015)
• Symphonic Orchestra (November 10, 2015)
• Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Band (November 11, 2015)
• Lindenwood University Choirs (November 14, 1015)

Fall Dance Concert (November 5-7, 2015), Lindenwood University

Student Dance Programs & Brochures

No abstract provided.

Christian Views Of The Student, Steve Holtrop

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Because we are very influenced by the philosophies of our age, we need to critically examine these -isms through a biblical lens."

Posting about a Christian perspective on understanding students from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world.

http://inallthings.org/christian-views-of-the-student/

Igem Vs. The Cheese Killer | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

Cheese manufacturing is under attack by a type of virus called bacteriophages. The viruses infect bacteria used in the dairy fermentation process that yields our beloved cheese and yoghurt. Utah State’s 2015 International Genetically Engineered Machines, or iGEM, team has been researching ways to fight back against the virus. The iGEM event is a competition that promotes student involvement in real world synthetic biology research.

Ermapalooza!, University Of Dayton

News Releases

Roy Blount Jr. will headline an all-star 2016 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, which includes a staged reading of new one-woman play, "Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End."