Education Commons^™

Move Over, Descartes! Neuroscience Says You’Re Wrong., Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor

Recent discoveries in neuroscience, cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and psychology contradict Descartes’ rejection of the body’s role in thinking. This presentation examines implications for adult learning.

How Are They Going?: A Project To Monitor Student Engagement, Anthony Williams, Maria T. Northcote, John Reddin

Maria Northcote

The transition from school or work to university studies is not always a smooth change for many students. The university context may appear threatening, strange and isolating for some students, whether the courses be offered in on-campus or online contexts. While most modern day universities offer a raft of support services for students, including both academic and non-academic services, problems of low retention and high attrition rates still plague some institutions and some sections of particular institutions in the higher education sector. This paper presents an innovative program that uses technology-supported strategies within a regular learning management system (LMS) to …

Getting On The Online Education Train: The Journey Of A Small Higher Education Institution, Anthony Williams, Maria T. Northcote

Maria Northcote

Many universities have instituted professional learning centres that support academic teaching staff in their capacity to facilitate student-centred learning. Some of these centres also extend their reach to incorporate scholarship and research. This paper reports on one such case, in which a small higher education institution in Australia established what has become known as the Centre for Advancement of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). From its inception, the CASTL’s intentions have been multi-dimensional, in that its programs, activities and resource development span the following areas of scholarship: 1) learning and teaching; 2) researcher education and support of postgraduate …

Integrating The Scholarship Of Teaching, Learning And Assessment Into One Institution’S Homegrown Professional Learning Resources, Maria Northcote, Anthony Williams, Kevin Petrie, John Seddon, Sherene Hattingh

Maria Northcote

Many professional learning (PL) programs in universities aspire to support tertiary educators to perform duties associated with teaching, student learning and assessment. Additionally, because much of a university academic’s work is associated with conducting scholarly research and supervising students’ research, PL programs also need to provide support associated with supervision and research activities. Faced with these multiple PL demands, one small Australian higher education institution developed a suite of resources to support faculty teaching staff and researchers in their professional capacities using a heuristic (self-determined) approach to resource development. The content of the resources drew on the principles of the …

The Challenges Of Educating The Adults Of The Middle East And North Africa, Sandra Ratcliff Daffron

Sandra Daffron

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a diverse region with 7.7% of the world's population and 4.3% of the world's GDP (Abed & Davoodi, 2003). The region has approximately 75% of the world's oil supply. In spite of the oil exports, the 21 Arab countries, Afghanistan, Iran, and 2 territories of the region have some of the highest rates of unemployment and poverty in the world. The region also has a significantly large and growing population of children under 14. Couple this with serious environmental issues and there are critical consequences for the future. To avoid these consequences, …

Facilitating A Collaborative Approach To E-Learning For Program Planners, Instructor Training And Technology Leadership, Sandra Ratcliff Daffron, Sarah Diruscio, Ed Webster

Sandra Daffron

Significant differences in expertise and attitudes towards e-learning technology are not uncommon between those who design the program and maintain the technology (program planners and technicians) and those who use the resources and technology (instructors and trainers). This wide disconnect between the two groups will often result in frustration and a poor quality product. Models of e-learning training and collaboration will be illustrated in three settings: higher education, secondary education, and the corporate level.

Advising Doctoral Students In Education Programs, Christy M. Craft, Donna Augustine-Shaw, Amanda Fairbanks, Gayla Adams-Wright

Christy Moran Craft

Planning For Veterans’ Success: The Degree Map As An Advising Solution, Tracey M. Richardson, Jason M. Ruckert, James W. Marion Jr

Tracey M Richardson

Due to the expected influx of veterans attending college, it is critical that higher education not only be cognizant of the projected growth but also take a proactive stand and properly plan for these students’ success. Academic planning begins with advising professionals developing open communications and becoming equipped to guide veteran students through the matriculation process. Veteran students often have difficulty interpreting university scheduling and frequently have access to only a limited advising staff for course selection information, which may prompt some to not persist in an online degree program. This study’s findings suggest the degree map is a powerful …

Do Degree Maps Facilitate Student Success?, James W. Marion Jr, Jason M. Ruckert, Tracey M. Richardson

Tracey M Richardson

The purpose of this mixed method study was to explore the potential impact of degree maps on facilitating student success. The concept grew out of quantitative evidence suggesting students using degree maps are more likely to enroll in our programs, continue in our programs, register for more classes per term, and have better graduation rates than those students who do not use a degree map. Our methodology included qualitative coding of focus group responses (n = 28) then using those emerging themes to inform a survey instrument to collect student perceptions about the degree map’s impact (n = 211). This …

Explicit Form Focus Instruction: The Effects On Implicit And Explicit Knowledge Of Esl Learners, Mandana Rohollahzadeh Ebadi

Mandana Rohollahzadeh Ebadi

The study examines the effect of explicit form focus instruction and specifically metalinguistic information feedback on the development of both implicit and explicit knowledge of adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Ninety-one subjects at the lower intermediate level were carefully selected through placement test at one of the selected education centre in Kuala Lumpur and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups by the researcher. A quantitative study was conducted over approximately four weeks in 16 sessions. Modal (can and have to), past tense with –ed, Present perfect (since and for), Comparatives, Unreal conditionals were chosen as the …

Promoting Cultural Heritage Through Video, Claudia J. Dold

Claudia J. Dold

Cultural heritage is an ephemeral commodity: If it is not preserved, it will disappear. Capturing cultural heritage on video uses current technology that offers exciting opportunities for librarians. They may record, document, and preserve cultural heritage, including the local languages, in their archives.

The Age Factor In Language Acquisition, Ahlam Alfouaim

Ahlam Alfouaim

“She talks very well for her age, doesn’t she?” Acquiring a language is a fascinating process that has always been intriguing for scholars and linguists over the history. Many scholars have successfully attempted to explain the complex process of second language acquisition (SLA). The popular schools of thought including the structuralist /behaviorist position, the nativist position, and the constructivist position introduced some remarkable attempts to analyze this mesmerizing phenomenon. In fact, these different positions aim to explain the nature of second language acquisition but do not necessary stress on the connection between age and language development. In many instances, we …

Writing And Reviewing For Publication, Von Stange Ed.D.

Von Stange, Ed.D.

Writing for publication in a professional journal can be one of the most intimidating processes one can think of. It can also be an excellent way to contribute to the profession by sharing your knowledge with others. Members of the Journal Board will share the benefits of writing for publication and those outlets for your writing ideas. They will also offer strategies for successful writing with the end goal of publication in a professional journal.

Community Engagement, Organization, And Development For Public Health Practice-Instructor’S Manual, Frederick Murphy, Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD, COI

It is the intent of the CEOD for Public Health Practice textbook and Instructors manuel to spin off its instructional approach from that of the 5-E Learning Cycle model, which promotes student/learner inquiry and exploration as a process for learning science. The Learning Cycle, originally credited to Karplus and Thier and later modified by Roger Bybee for the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS) project, proposes that learning something new, or understanding something familiar in greater depth, involves making sense of both our prior experience and our first-hand knowledge gained from new explorations. As mentioned, the traditional 5-E model divides learning …

University Presidents’ Perspectives Of The Knowledge And Competencies Needed In 21st Century Higher Education Leadership, Sydney Freeman Jr., Frances K. Kochan

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD, COI

The purpose of this study was to identify the core knowledge and competencies needed for executive leadership in higher education administration as perceived by university presidents. Thirteen presidents shared the knowledge and competencies they perceived as being essential for an effective presidency. The respondents identified the important knowledge areas as: foundational; acquisition of cultural knowledge; and complex cognitive. They viewed personal attributes, management, and communications as the essential competency areas. The study found that presidents viewed themselves both as leaders and as managers. Results of this study should be helpful to organizations seeking to develop and/or implement degree programs to …

The Importance Of Action Research In Teacher Education Programs, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Women Of African Descent: Persistence In Completing A Doctorate, Vannetta L. Bailey-Iddrisu

Vannetta L. Bailey-Iddrisu

This study examines the educational persistence of women of African descent (WOAD) in pursuit of a doctorate degree at universities in the southeastern United States. WOAD are women of African ancestry born outside the African continent. These women are heirs to an inner dogged determination and spirit to survive despite all odds (Pulliam, 2003, p. 337).This study used Ellis’s (1997) Three Stages for Graduate Student Development as the conceptual framework to examine the persistent strategies used by these women to persist to the completion of their studies.

The Future Of Higher Education Preparation Programs: Implications For Policy And Practice, Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

Half of the sitting university presidents in the United States are over the age of 60 (American Council of Education, 2012a). Thus, they are nearing the age of retirement. This poses a problem and makes the preparation of leaders to replace them of particular importance. Higher education administration programs have been an academic preparation ground for those aspiring to higher education leadership. In prior years, it was most common that higher education program graduates were offered lower- and middle-level management positions in colleges and universities. Similarly some of these graduates developed careers in government agencies dealing with higher education issues …

Six Questions For Entrepreneurial Leadership And Innovation In Distance Education, Connie Reimers-Hild, James King

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

Institutions offering distance education courses and programs may benefit by encouraging administrators, faculty, staff and students to be more entrepreneurial. Organizational cultures designed to support this type of environment are characterized by entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and change. This article provides information on how distance education institutions can incorporate entrepreneurial leadership and innovation into their organizations. Six questions for administrators of distance education to consider are presented in an effort to provoke discussion and thought on the importance of incorporating entrepreneurial leadership and innovation throughout distance education organizations.

Dr. Connie's 6 Keys To Becoming A Successful Learner, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Connie I Reimers-Hild, PhD, CPC

I have learned a great deal about students by teaching and advising learners at the University of Nebraska. The fact that I was working on my Ph.D. on a part-time basis while being employed full-time broadened my knowledge about how to be a successful learner. My professional and personal experiences in the world of higher education have enabled me develop some powerful insights on what it takes to be a successful learner. I would like to share my insights with as many people as possible, so here are Dr. Connie’s 6 Keys to Becoming a Successful Learner:

Elitism Or Pragmatism?Faculty Hiring At Top Graduate Programs In Higher Education Administration, Sydney Freeman Jr., David Diramio

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

This study is an examination of the hiring practices of top-ranked higher education administration graduate programs in the United States. A total of 39 program coordinators, department heads, and/or deans were asked using qualitative methods to address the phenomenon of faculty hiring, including why a majority of top-ranked programs preferred hiring faculty who have doctorates from other top programs. One of the findings indicates that top-programs indeed hire them for very practical reason as identified in the study. Findings from this study should inform the decision-making of higher education program coordinators, department heads, and deans as they conduct faculty searches.

The Integrated Basic Education And Skills Training (I-Best) Program: Equiping All Adults For The Global Economy, Robert W. Fox, Mitchell R. Williams

Robert Fox

Abstract In 2004, educational leaders in Washington State, recognizing the necessity of rapidly equipping adults with career skills, developed the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program to meet workforce needs. I-BEST is now operational in all 34 of the State’s community colleges. I-BEST is an instructional method which provides basic skills support to ABE and ESL students while they receive career training. I-BEST uniquely pairs a basic skills instructor with a vocational instructor in the classroom at the same time. Previous research on the I-BEST program has been positive, but it has ignored the pivotal role instructors and …

Talent Management In Education, Stuart M. Wasilowski

Stuart Wasilowski

No abstract provided.

Farther Faster, Stuart Wasilowski

Stuart Wasilowski

No abstract provided.

The Psychology Behind Skin Bleaching In Jamaica, Petra Robinson

Petra A Robinson

No abstract provided.

Dancehall As Colonizer: Skin Bleaching In Jamaica, Petra Robinson

Petra A Robinson

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Assessment And Accountability In Higher Education Doctoral Programs: A Presidential Perspective, Sydney Freeman Jr., Frances K. Kochan

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

The accountability movement in higher education is gaining momentum in the United States

and around the world. In recent years, there has been growing pressure on higher education

institutions to demonstrate their value through various accountability measures, with a strong focus upon

the assessment of student progress and success. In the U.S., this pressure has come from

state and federal government , accrediting agencies, parents, and the general public. Additionally, the

changing environment within the teaching and learning process is impacting the manner in which students

will be assessed and the purposes of this assessment . Thus, there is a …

Adult Student Retention: Important To Your Institution’S Bottom Line, Andree Robinson-Neal

Andree Robinson-Neal

This article is in response to EvoLLLution's May Panel discussion entitled "Adult student retention: Why devote special resources to this group?" and focuses on the value that adult students add to higher education institutions.

"Academic Pathways To University Leadership: Presidents Descriptions Of Their Doctoral Education", Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Assessment And Accountability In Higher Education Doctoral Programs : A Presidential Perspective", Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

No abstract provided.