Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Assessment Instrument A Multidisciplinary Approach To Improving A Writing Rubric, Theresa P. Maue

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

In 2008, a group of English/Humanities faculty created a writing rubric to help instructors across the curriculum assess student writing and provide specific feedback for improvement. Five months after the rubric was released, a survey revealed that nearly 70% of instructors were not using it. Respondents cited two major reasons: They had not received it or they considered it inapplicable to their courses. They frequently suggested that the rubric be simplified. Project participants took a multidisciplinary approach to answering these objections, which resulted in 14 suggestions. The idea that generated the greatest excitement was an electronic rubric with links to …

Using Direct Assessment To Improve Student Learning In A General Education Course Also Required In A Degree Program, Thomas E. Sieland

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

General Education "Program" outcomes were developed and used to guide the assessment of student learning in a physics course. The student learning outcomes that mapped to program outcomes included assessing students' problem solving skills. The results of student performance on a summative exam in sections of PHYS 102 in the October 2008 term were compared to specific overall and content assessment goals. The author used a focus group to review the results and make recommendations for improving student learning. Changes were implemented to improve student problem solving skills, in a formative sense, prior to students taking the assessment in future …

Changing The Way We Teach Mathematics And Statistics, Eugene L. Round

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper discusses the characteristics of adult learners of mathematics and of the typical Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide Campus student taking a mathematics or statistics course. It describes how mathematics and statistics courses are normally taught at ERAU Worldwide at present and some shortcomings of that approach. It discusses a software system called MyMathLab developed by Pearson Education, makes a proposal for using MyMathLab in ERAU Worldwide mathematics and statistics courses that are taught in the classroom, and describes how implementation of that proposal would help the campus meet its goals and comply with the Aviation Accreditation Board International …

Holistic Routes To Education: How The General Curriculum Informs The Aviation Core, William Muldoon

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper draws on pedagogical theory, educational research, case studies, and examples of teaching practice within ERAU - Worldwide and elsewhere to address Society's general need of a holistic approach to higher education. It addresses particularly how ERAU Worldwide's degree programs, curricula, and instructors educate the whole student within an aviation curriculum.

Physics Experiments For Online Courses, Robert H. Krupp, William C. Fasciano

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

In 2007 a Faculty Technology Grant was awarded by the Office of the Provost, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, and the Educational Technology Department of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). The goal of the grant was to develop 8-10 experiments that could be used in an online physics class offered by the University. These experiments, designed to be performed totally online using the Internet, would introduce students to new instructional practices and involve them in an effective way in using the current technology. This paper is about the development of those experiments and how they have recently been incorporated …

Tailoring Program Outcomes And Assessments For Your Program: A Case Study Of An Economic Program, Kelly George

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

Per requirements and standards of SACs' principles and assessments, institutions must show ongoing, integrated planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of mission and goals. Faculty generated student outcomes and assessments have received a greater focus in recent years in higher education, especially at the author's university, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide (ERAU). In an effort to answer to all the consumers of our products, ERAU values programs that focus on making student learning outcomes central to the assessment process. To immediately implement this philosophy of outcomes based objectives and assessments within a program and estimate the value …

Assessment For Learning: An Outcomes-Based Approach To Enhance Learning, Ian R. Mcandrew, William Muldoon, Indra R. Sinka

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper draws on two case studies from UK universities to advance debate regarding assessment strategies and methods in the ERAU Worldwide. It focuses on the use of summative and formative assessment, the role of feedback, and the importance of learning outcomes for continuous academic improvement. Findings from the first case study, with three cohorts of graduate students, show that, where students are encouraged to learn from their mistakes via formative feedback, improvement is more likely than when standard approaches to assessment are employed. The second case study identifies one university's approach to changing the design, delivery and assessment of …

Using Learning Outcomes For Continuous Improvement: A Case Study Of Engl 123, Theresa P. Maue

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

Online courses for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University must be delivered as built, including all instructional activities, assessments and assignments. As the researcher developed ENGL 123 English Composition for online delivery, she became concerned that the course was tailored too much to her style. To test this, she created a survey that was administered to 12 instructors immediately after they finished teaching the course. They were asked to rank the effectiveness of each activity and assignment in teaching a specified learning outcome. The results were positive, although the number was too small to perform statistical analysis. Although the researcher made changes based …

Creative Thinking Skills For An Electronic World, Gary Schornack

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

To instill creative thinking in students requires a shift in thinking for the faculty, which begins with a shift in their own thinking. The faculty obviously must be a knowledge expert or have a significant level of knowledge. However, to become effective in the classroom the faculty member must develop new creative thinking skills for themselves so they can help students develop those skills. This change requires a new attitude on the part of both the faculty and the students so that they can to expand themselves to meet a higher standard in developing the potential of the mind.

To …

Critical Thinking Skills: Building Blocks For Success, Frances Johnson

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

Although research has been done to identity critical thinking skills, little has been done to extrapolate a comprehensive hierarchy of critical thinking skills sets necessary to the enhancement of academic performance. The link between critical thinking skills and course specific content has not been broken nor is there evidence to indicate that a link has been forged between course specific critical thinking skills and utility in life beyond the classroom. The extrapolation of a comprehensive hierarchy of sets of critical thinking skills provides the foundation to do the following:

1. Move beyond the course-specific link;

2. Develop methods to select …

Education's Quest For The Golden Answer: The Need Continues For Critical Thinking, Bruce Rothwell

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper addressed the need for critical thinking as an appropriate learning outcome for the majority of higher education classes. The paper reviewed critical thinking from a multi-disciplined perspective. A brief review of the history of critical thinking preceded a short discussion of the need. The main body of the paper addressed the reasons for a lack of critical thinking in today's classroom and centered blame on a failure of educators to take the time needed for adequate implementation and a long-standing false belief that there is one best answer to any given question. Finally, the paper addressed numerous approaches …

Introduction, Erau

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This year for our annual symposium on teaching effectiveness the Embry Riddle Extended Campus Faculty Development Committee selected the subject of teaching critical thinking as our theme. Selection of this topic raises some interesting questions. Just what is critical thinking? Can it be taught, can it be taught to adult students who already have well~established thinking patterns and behaviors? What is the difference in scientific thinking, mathematical thinking, moral reasoning, thinking philosophically, and critical thinking? Are all of these terms parts of the same process or are there true differences? If they are not the same, are there preferences with …

Use Of Electronic Spreadsheets To Facilitate Critical Thinking In Quantitative Courses, Daryl K. Ono

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

Electronic spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Lotus can make a valuable contribution in the quantitative courses such as accounting or engineering. These spreadsheets can facilitate critical thinking by eliminating the repetitive calculations associated with scenario analysis. Students can then focus on the applications of managerial decision making or engineering analysis, instead of being overwhelmed by recurring mathematical iterations. It is crucial that the faculty member demonstrate to importance of critical thinking in the quantitative courses.

How Adult Leaming Is Enhanced In The Master Of Business Administration Aeronautical Program, Mark S. Bellnap

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

A study of seven characteristics and techniques which enhance learning in adults was conducted. Both the literature review and the results of a survey conducted at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University High Desert Center support the claim that these characteristics and techniques enhance learning in adult students.

Incorporating Graphing Calculators Into The Art And Science Of Teaching Statistics And Decision Mathematics, Mary Ellen K. Landers

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

The main paper purpose was to present curriculum appropriateness for requiring student use of either the TI-82 or TI-83 (Tl-82/83) in Elementary Statistics and Decision Mathematics. An Embry-Riddle student in either course formulates problems, carries out ensuing calculations, and interprets results. More high-level studies could be pursued and accomplished if intervening calculations were not as inordinately time consuming as they are for students who use only minimal-type calculators.

A further purpose was to present possibilities for use of graphing calculators without resorting to user-created programs. The TI-82/83 has features which are applicable in areas of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics …

Tech It Up!, Wendy L. Gans

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

The new teaching technologies take many forms, both as learning tools and strategies. Combining new technology with traditional teaching techniques provides a variety in format presentation and learning styles, and is helpful to students in learning theory and workplace applications. The challenge as faculty is to incorporate many different teaching and learning methods in each lesson plan. Discussion focuses on why and how to divide the class session into smaller timeframe learning blocks, and how to intermingle many methods to break up the class hours. Activities that can be easily included and ways to rearrange the class schedule are addressed. …

Technological Advances In The A11 And Science Of Teaching Interactive Computer Simulators For Business And Management Courses, Melvin J. Anderson

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper examines the use of interactive computer simulators as teaching tools for business and management courses in higher education. It observes that many recent innovations in classroom teaching are mostly one-way communications which do not strongly encourage active student participation in the discovery and invention of knowledge. Although classroom technology has progressed from high school "film strip hour" to present-day overhead projectors, videos and distance learning tools, too little has been done to create a truly interactive learning environment. Attractive color slides and interesting videos seldom give students an opportunity to develop and test theories and processes in dynamic …

Table Of Contents, Erau

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Involving Adults In The Learning Of Mathematics, Walter R. Deckert

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

Preparing adults for the mathematics skills necessary for the twenty first century is a challenge. It is especially challenging if those adults have had past traumatic experiences learning mathematics. Involving students in the learning process involves more than the presentation of mathematical concepts by the teacher and the simple regurgitation of rote memorization by the students. It requires a concerted effort by both the teacher and the student. The teacher must present mathematical concepts that are inclusionary, challenging, in an environment created for learning, in class settings that are technologically advanced, and geared to the student's level. The student must …

Technological Advances In The Art And Science Of Teaching, Melvin J. Anderson

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

This paper examines the impact of technological advances on American higher education in the coming decade. It is not, however, an encouraging pep talk about how fancier audiovisual aids and classroom video projectors can dress up lectures and impress students. It's too late for that.

The paper begins with a discussion about a very disturbing article from Financial Times, which claims that American professors in conventional universities are outdated; that they are selling a product that is ridiculously expensive and ill-suited to the needs of the changing society. The article cites a book by Lewis Perelman, School's Out, in which …

Table Of Contents, Erau

Bollinger-Rosado Teaching & Learning Effectiveness Symposium Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Using Cosmic-Ray Neutron Probes To Monitor Landscape Scale Soil Water Content In Mixed Land Use Agricultural Systems, Trenton E. Franz, Ammar Wahbi, Mariette Vreugdenhil, Georg Weltin, Lee Hang, Markus Oismueller, Peter Strauss, Gerd Dercon, Darin Desilets

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

With an ever-increasing demand for natural resources and the societal need to understand and predict natural disasters, soil water content (SWC) observations remain a critical variable to monitor in order to optimally allocate resources, establish early warning systems, and improve weather forecasts.However, routine agricultural production practices of soil cultivation, planting, and harvest make the operation andmaintenance of direct contact point sensors for long-termmonitoring challenging. In this work, we explore the use of the newly established Cosmic-Ray Neutron Probe (CRNP) and method to monitor landscape average SWC in a mixed agricultural land use systemin northeastAustria.Thecalibrated CRNP landscape SWC values compare well …

High Resolution Shock Capturing On Gpus, Forrest Glines, David Neilsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This research project concerns the development simulation code to confirm neutron star mergers as the progenitors of Short Hard Gamma Ray Bursts. Short Hard Gamma Ray Bursts (SHGBs) are short (less than 2 second) high energy bursts that we observe with satellites. Their exact cause has not yet been confirmed, but they are believed to be created by the merging of either two neutron stars or a neutron star falling into a black hole. Neutron stars are ultra dense, highly magnetic, and compact stars at the end of their evolution. In a binary system the stars lose angular momentum to …

The Lumberjack, February 3, 2016, The Lumberjack Staff

2016

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University

Law, Justice & Culture Panel Examines Immigration And Civil Rights, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Large-Scale Degradation Of A Kelp Ecosystem In An Ocean Warming Hotspot, Karen Filbee-Dexter, Colette Feehan, Robert E. Scheibling

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Understanding the impacts of climate change on biological systems requires observational data over multi-decadal time spans and broad spatial scales. Extensive research at an ocean warming hotspot off Nova Scotia, Canada, enabled us to evaluate the impact of 3 decades of observed temperature rise on a coastal marine ecosystem. Here, we document changes in the kelp community from sites monitored since 1949, 1968 and 1984, and from coastal surveys in 1982, 2000, 2007 and 2014. We show that mean kelp biomass has declined by 85-99% over the past 4-6 decades, and a catastrophic phase shift has occurred from luxuriant kelp …

Fixing Published Research Mistakes Not Easy; Fixing The Publishing System May Be Harder, Alicia Rohan

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

February 3, 2016 Faculty Senate Minutes, University Of South Carolina

Faculty Senate

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Trend Analysis Of Precipitation And Air Temperature For Kentucky, United States, Somsubhra Chattopadhyay, Dwayne R. Edwards

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Variation in quantities such as precipitation and temperature is often assessed by detecting and characterizing trends in available meteorological data. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term trends in annual precipitation and mean annual air temperature for the state of Kentucky. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied to homogenized and (as needed) pre-whitened annual series of precipitation and mean air temperature during 1950–2010. Significant trends in annual precipitation were detected (both positive, averaging 4.1 mm/year) for only two of the 60 precipitation-homogenous weather stations (Calloway and Carlisle counties in rural western Kentucky). Only three of the 42 temperature-homogenous …

Georgia Southern Football Adds 27 To Roster On National Signing Day, Georgia Southern University

Athletics: News & Publications

• Georgia Southern Football Adds 27 to Roster on National Signing Day
• Class rated best in SBC by several recruiting services