Education Commons^™

Impact Of The Reggio Emilia Approach Through Short Term Study Abroad And The Lenses Of Lundy's Model: Space, Voice, Audience, And Influence, Sandra H. Seipel, Victoria Seeger

Educational Considerations

This study examines undergraduate short-term study abroad to Reggio Emilia, a construct that values what children know and can create as capable learners, and its impact on novice teachers’ practices to learn what skills and abilities each had for allowing children to make decisions, have control in the classroom, and reduce compliance expectations. Data indicated a lack of confidence, support, and guidance for incorporating the philosophy within an American school setting. American schools’ focus on standards-based instruction, assessment aimed at increasing test scores, and lack of teacher-driven curriculum played significant roles in the participants’ inability to employ Reggio Emilia processes …

Students’ Acquisition Of Agricultural And Entrepreneurship (Agripreneurship) Knowledge And Skills: Does Instructional Approach And Their Sex Matter?, Stephen C. Mukembo, M. Craig Edwards, J. Shane Robinson

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural and Entrepreneurship education are interdisciplinary due to amalgamating the natural sciences and social sciences. These disciplines have gained the interest of those looking to equip youth with skills for self-reliance. Teachers employ various instructional approaches, including student-centric approaches such as project-based learning (PjBL) and teacher-centric methods, for example, the lecture method, to facilitate learning. Existing research, however, suggests that students’ learning can be influenced by other factors, for example, learning styles, socio-cultural norms, sex stereotypes, and the instructional approach(es) used. We examined the impact of using the lecture method (counterfactual group) versus PjBL (treatment group) approaches on student acquisition …

Semi-Public Speaking: How Virtual High School Debate Competition Increased Accessibility For Marginalized Students, Annie Goodson

The Advocate

The advent of online learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic radically altered the landscape of modern education. While most research has examined the socio-emotional and academic impact of the shift to online school, far less attention has been given to its effect on extra-curricular activities. This article examines the ways in which virtual learning effected competitive high school debate, and how a transition to an entirely virtual debate format radically altered students’ and coaches’ experiences within the activity. Drawing on empirical studies and real-world experiences, this article underscores how virtual debate made the activity more accessible for historically …

Library Transformation: The Futures School Experience Applied To Practice, Gloria F. Creed-Dikeogu

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Attendance as a member of the Plains Cohort at a three-day Futures Foundations in Natural Foresight Workshop taught by the Kedge Futures School (TFSX), provided the researcher with the opportunity to explore the theoretical ropes of library futurism alongside the natural foresight framework and the many futurist tools, like futures wheels and scenario building, that are so vital when participating in library futures strategic planning. This paper explains trend patterns and analyses and the importance of sensemaking to futures scenarios creation and how each connects to library transformation.

Blended Librarianship—20 Years Later, Amanda Hovious, Andrew Smith

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

In 2004, Steven J. Bell and John Shank introduced the term blended librarian to describe an emerging skill set of academic librarians in teaching and learning roles as a combination of “the traditional skill set of librarianship with the information technologist’s hardware/software skills, and the instructional or educational designer’s ability to apply technology appropriately in the teaching-learning process” (p. 373). Several years later, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) officially recognized instructional design skills as a core proficiency for instructional librarians in the Standards for Proficiencies for Instruction Librarians and Coordinators (ALA, 2008). Yet, alongside the ACRL’s …

Chess And Education, Gülçin Karakuş

Educational Considerations

This review aims to present how chess improves student abilities and underlines inferences about chess and its educational benefits. In this study, quantitative samples, experimental designs, or test scores of studies are not the main focus. Numerous experimental studies and limited review studies about chess instruction in the literature express the effect of chess on students’ success and mental skills. However, almost all of these studies address only positive effects; this review attempts to explain how chess achieves this success. What are the other components of this effect? Is it really possible to determine how chess affects education? The question …

Never Going Back: Lessons To Carry Forward In Online Instruction, Howard Pitler, Amanda Lickteig, Seth Lickteig

The Advocate

Research has long demonstrated that students thrive best in an online learning community when some basic tenants are followed. These tenants include establishing a peer community, module supports, studying while balancing life commitments, confidence, and the approach to learning (Farrell & Brunton, 2020; Kahn, Egbue, Palkie, & Madden, 2017; Dixson, 2010). Cultivating active engagement in online communities is a purposeful and deliberate practice that requires educators to bring together an assortment of innovative instructional techniques to foster the establishment of Communities of Practice (COP). Wenger, Trayner, and de Laat (2011) define a CoP as a “learning partnership among people who …

The Effect Of Task-Based Writing Instruction On Iranian Pre-Intermediate Efl Learners’ Self-Efficacy And Epistemic Beliefs, Nooshin Iravani

Educational Considerations

Generally, writing—and second-language (L2) writing in particular—causes a lot of challenges. Indeed, many L2 students who are very proficient in speaking and reading may encounter many difficulties while composing a letter or a biography. They suffer from a low level of self-efficacy and confidence in this respect. Therefore, this research was aimed at shedding light on the effects of task-based writing instruction on improving English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' self-efficacy and epistemic beliefs associated with writing skills. To this end, a sample of 36 Iranian male and female pre-intermediate learners took part in this research. They formed two …

Building Communication And Collaboration Skills Through Inter-Professional Simulation Design Challenges, Amelia Huelskamp, Chase Dubois

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

This presentation focuses on the benefits of inter-professional education, provides an overview of a sample project, and offers recommendations for inter-professional collaboration in higher education.

Building A Department Community: Connecting With Faculty, Kathleen Everts Danielson

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Participants will learn about building a community within a department to build connections with and among faculty, including strategies for communication, appreciation, and interactive faculty meetings, as well as mentoring suggestions for new faculty.

An Integrative Literature Review Of Organizational Learning Culture And Performance, Sumi Lee

Adult Education Research Conference

Despite intense interest in the correlation between organizational learning and performance in the HRD field, few attempts have been made to review and critiques to synthesize the current literature. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of learning organizational culture and performance using the integrative literature review method. The authors then provide a critique of the state of the organizational learning culture literature and outline targeted suggestions to guide practice and future empirical, theoretical work.

On Grand-Mentors And Great-Grand-Mentors: Reflecting On Graduate Program Support For A Multigenerational Mentorship Model, Mackenzie Dm Whipps, Julia Honoroff, Hope Salvador, Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Edward Seidman

Health Behavior Research

Doctoral programs often reflect a formal mentoring project wherein an advisor closely guides a junior scholar through degree completion. But the primary mentor-mentee relationship is only one of many relationships that blossoms during this time. ‘Mosaic’ mentorship models are becoming more common, leading to better outcomes for junior scholars. In this commentary, we reflect on one type of mosaic mentorship model wherein multiple ‘generations’ mentor more junior scholars (and mentor those who are doing the mentoring, too). The authors are five links in this continuing mentorship chain. Together we reflect on what made this style of mentorship a unique and …

Improvisation For Agricultural Communicators: Investigating The Effect Of Paired Role-Play Discussions On Students’ Empathy Development Using A Quasi-Experiment, Jean A. Parrella, Carrie N. Baker, Holli Leggette, Deb W. Dunsford

Journal of Applied Communications

Empathy is integral to effective civil discourse because it enables people to understand others’ perspectives (cognitive) and feel concern toward others’ feelings (affective). Although no studies have empirically investigated agricultural communications students’ empathy development, scholars in other disciplines have identified improvisational role-play exercises as effective means to develop students’ empathy skills. Therefore, we sought to determine how paired role-play discussions affected agricultural communications students’ empathy development when compared to class-wide discussions during the course of one semester using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group research design. The pretest-posttest survey instrument included Reniers et al.’s (2011) Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy. …

Increasing Accessibility To Academic Library Services With Alt Text, Color Contrast, Captioning, And Transcripts In Youtube Tutorials, Barbara M. Pope, Gloria F. Creed-Dikeogu

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Accessibility of library resources and services in academic libraries is fundamental to serving the discovery and scholarship needs of students and faculty, regardless of disability status. Equitable access in higher education affects student grades and retention, and within the library, involves making library buildings, video tutorials, library instruction, the website, Libguides, and resources accessible to students. Accessibility is vital for disabled students to obtain a college degree. It complies with federal law while improving access to education for all students, such as English as a second language students, undiagnosed disabled students, and students with different learning styles. This article focuses …

Disruptive Momentum: The Value Of Implementing Best Practices In Health Research Postdoctoral Mentorship, Kelley Arredondo, Hilary N. Touchett, Nipa Kamdar, Natalie Hundt, Jennifer L. Bryan

Health Behavior Research

COVID-19 called attention to the challenges postdoctoral fellows in health research face when they have times of prolonged disruption or changes in work conditions; this disruption revealed key insights on how mentors, fellows, and their institutions can work together to ensure training continuity. To prepare strong scientists, postdoctoral fellowships need mentoring, training, and networking opportunities to enhance fellows’ professional and skill development. In this article we outline potential solutions to minimize the impact of disruptions while promoting adaptable postdoctoral fellowship experiences by addressing how mentors and fellows alike can intervene on three key aspects of fellowships in health research: mentorship, …

Ludic Pedagogy: Taking A Serious Look At Fun In The Covid-19 Classroom And Beyond, Sharon Lauricella, T. Keith Edmunds

Educational Considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected deep reflection in higher education classrooms: how do we attract and retain students to (temporary but nevertheless increasing) online learning experiences, how do we keep them at our universities and colleges, and how do we give students a learning experience from which they will remember meaningful information? In this paper, we introduce a new pedagogical framework that we call Ludic Pedagogy. We address the four elements of this model: fun, positivity, play, and playfulness. Each of the elements is described in turn, together with literature outlining how each contributes to a positive classroom environment that …

Virtual Training For Managing Emerging Zoonotic Diseases Including Covid-19, Ramjee P. Ghimire, Karim M. Maredia, Melinda J. Wilkins

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

The burden of zoonotic diseases is an important global issue affecting human and animal health, food value chains, international trade, and the environment. Two-thirds of the infectious diseases affecting human health are of animal origin. Information and knowledge of zoonotic diseases and associated effects is critical for managing these diseases. The World TAP at Michigan State University offered an online course in zoonotic diseases in March 2021, which a diverse group of 42 participants from 15 countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Americas attended. Grounded on Experiential Leaning Theory this paper discusses the conceptualization, design, implementation, outcomes of, and …

A Model For Becoming An Inclusive Adult Educator: Designing For Disability, Tulare W. Park, Kayla D. Mohney, Erica R. Moore, Carol Rogers-Shaw

Adult Education Research Conference

This evidence-based model of inclusive teaching offers knowledge and practical applications for adult educators. It provides strategies for equitably addressing all student needs, particularly those with disabilities.

Education And Entertainment: Developing New Pathways To Student Engagement Through Library Services And Student Life Partnerships, Ruth A. Monnier, Mary Mercer, Anna Stark

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The COVID-19 pandemic caused higher ed professionals to pivot how they engage students in programs and events. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Pittsburg State University’s Student Life and Library Services created a series of virtual trivia nights. This paper will use the virtual trivia series as a case study to demonstrate the beneficial partnership between Student Life and Library Services at Pittsburg State University. This paper will highlight successes and suggestions on bridging the gap and replicating such a partnership at your institution.

Cultural Differences In Critical Thinking Style: A Comparison Of U. S. And Chinese Undergraduate Agricultural Students, Peng Lu, Scott Burris, Matt Baker, Courtney Meyers, Glenn Cummins

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

This study aimed to compare critical thinking styles between students studying agriculture in the U.S. and China. A survey of critical thinking styles was administered to two groups of students in U.S. (n = 104) and China (n = 103). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to determine if there were significant differences in critical thinking styles between the two groups. Results indicate that U.S. students tended to prefer an engaging critical thinking style, whereas Chinese students tended to prefer an information seeking critical thinking style. These differences between critical thinking style preferences may be explained by students’ cultural …

Where Is The Target? An Examination Of The Conceptions Of Student Engagement Within A School Community, Gary Andersen, Linda E. Feldstein Ed. D.

Educational Considerations

In 2017, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) launched an ambitious school redesign project. High Plains High School (pseudonym) was among the schools selected for redesign, and as part of their plan, High Plains High School (HPHS) faculty and staff administered a survey to students. Survey results indicated approximately 38% of students felt “disengaged” at school. HPHS administrators found these results worthy of study, in an attempt to understand how students, faculty, and families were conceptualizing school engagement. Results indicate that each constituency tended toward differing concepts of what it means to be engaged in the classroom. Implications include …

Self-Service Technology And The Impact On Academic Libraries: A Perspective Piece By An Access Services Specialist, Crystal Hutchinson

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Abstract

Self service technology (SST) is inundating the library world with more efficient forms of service for the library user experience. There are different types of SST and each type creates challenges and opportunities in the academic library. This multi-varied approach provides quality support to users who are unfamiliar with the technology, and offers time expediency to those who are adept at using SST. This persuasive paper will show what Kansas academic libraries currently have in the form of SST and encourage libraries to adopt new methods of service. The goal is to get you excited about SST and relieve …

Student Preferences For Group Size In A Language Development Course, Joshua Cohen

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Student preferences for group size were investigated. Pre- and post-study surveys, student written comments, and teacher observations were used to record changes in attitude and perception of group work while learning English over an eight-week period. In this study, I observed how arrangement impacted my students’ impressions of individual, pair, and group activities. My purpose for focusing on student configuration was twofold: firstly, I wanted to learn more about my students’ preferences for group size, and secondly; I wanted to find out whether certain combinations of students affected their perceptions of learning more than others.

Kansans Can: Redesigning Schools, Brad Neuenswander

Educational Considerations

Kansas, like many states that are coming off of an era of accountability under the federal No Child Left Behind requirements, is looking at more meaningful ways to value and measure student success. We have asked ourselves questions such as: are we focusing on the right measures; is our accountability system aligned to our educational priorities and values; or is it the educational system itself that needs to change in order to produce a more meaningful set of outcomes? These are questions that need answers before any educational reform initiatives can be addressed. The Kansas State Department of Education leadership, …

Action Research, J. Spencer Clark, Suzanne Porath, Julie Thiele, Morgan Jobe

NPP eBooks

Action research is a common journey for graduate students in education and other human science fields. This book attempts to meet the needs of graduate students, in-service teachers, and any other educators interested in action research and/or self-study. The chapters of this book draw on our collective experiences as educators in a variety of educational contexts, and our roles guiding educator/researchers in various settings. All of our experiences have enabled us to question and refine our own understanding of action research as a process and means for pedagogical improvement. The primary purpose of this book is to offer clear steps …

Alternative Licensure Curriculum From Kansanscan Redesign Gemini Schools, Kevin L. Splichal

The Advocate

The purpose of this reflection paper is to encourage Educational Preparation Providers (EPPs) to partner with KansansCan Redesign Gemini schools to evaluate EPP curriculum through personal interviews with alternative licensure teachers in KansansCan Redesign schools. Curriculum, implemented by the EPP, should take into consideration the experiences of those for whom it is designed and tailor pedagogical instruction to better match current practices in Gemini redesign schools. Personal interviews with candidates will provide experience-based evidence for analysis and consideration by EPPs.

Impact Of Computer-Based Peer Review On College Students’ Performance And Perceived Self-Efficacy In An Online Graphic Design Course, Sharon P. Wagner, Tracy Rutherford

Journal of Applied Communications

Prior research has indicated that the incorporation of computer-based peer review into writing instruction increases student engagement, improves student performance, and increases student perceptions of self-efficacy. This study used a quasi-experimental untreated control group design to examine the impact of computer-based peer review on student performance and perceived self-efficacy in an undergraduate agricultural graphic design course. The impact of participation in computer-based peer review on performance scores was investigated using a MANOVA. After two rounds of peer review, students improved their overall course performance by one-half letter grade. Perceptions of self-efficacy were further analyzed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. …

A Tale Of Two Systems: One Library’S Experience Migrating To A New System And Back, Art Gutierrez

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The decision to migrate to a new library system is generally a long-term decision. The integrated library system, which some now call library platforms, impact many if not all facets of the library experience. Making a transition to a new system impacts all staff and our patrons on some level. In addition to the traditional services included in a library system we are increasingly seeing new services pop-up including electronic resource management systems, discovery layers, and program management systems, as part of the new library platforms. According to Marshall Breeding’s, Library Perceptions 2017 Survey, a little more than 28% of …

Effect Of Virtual Reality On Learning Motivation And Academic Performance: What Value May Vr Have For Library Instruction?, Brady D. Lund, Ting Wang

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The research on whether Virtual Reality (VR) has a positive effect on student learning and engagement is limited. This study aims to examine what impact VR has on student learning motivation and performance. The study conducted by Wang (2017) revealed that VR had a marginally positive impact on student scores and a strong impact on students’ learning engagement. It indicates that VR provides a small improvement in academic performance and a large improvement in student engagement. The application of VR in libraries focuses on providing the VR tools to learn subjects in STEM and history fields. For one-off instructional settings, …

Adventures In Rightsizing : Enhancing Discovery And Research With Open Access Journals In The University Library, Barbara M. Pope

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Academic libraries have long had print journal collections to support the university’s discovery and research needs. However, they are also continually challenged with needs for relevant content, cost control, and space issues; some academic libraries have downsized their print journal collections as a result. Many academic libraries are replacing some print journal subscriptions with online subscriptions and supplementing with open access journals. Pittsburg State University’s (PSU) Axe Library faces the challenge of providing journal access in order to support the university’s needs and stay on budget. To that end, PSU drastically weeded its print journals in 2016 and later began …