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 …

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.

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:

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: Credential To Credit, Stuart Wasilowski

Stuart Wasilowski

This report considers a number of issues related to retention and the associated issues related to persistence and degree completion among college students. The purpose of the report is to optimize existing SPCC policies that might impact retention, completion, and employability for students, families and communities long term. For the purpose of this report a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) survey was developed and administered to the North Carolina Community College System institutions. The PLA survey assessed to what extent prior learning assessment is used among the North Carolina Community College System institutions.

A recommendation is provided on a strategy to …

Second Language Acquisition: Selected Topics, Ahlam Alfouaim

Ahlam Alfouaim

The article includes a brief discussion of the following topics: Who is better in learning a second language: Kids or Adults. The nature of mistakes in second language acquisition. The issue of Bilingualism.

Perceptions Of Beauty And Identity: The Skin Bleaching Phenomenon In Jamaica, Petra A. Robinson

Petra A Robinson

Founded on the significance of the skin bleaching phenomenon in Jamaica, and the persistent influences of colonialism, the purpose of this paper is twofold: (a) to explore the skin bleaching phenomenon and (b) to provide a snapshot of how colonialism (despite national independence) influences perceptions of beauty and identity in Jamaica, particularly through informal learning. Based on an empirical study, the research sought to explore and understand the perceptions and motivations behind the practice of skin bleaching, given the historical and social context, and how it influenced the participants’ perceptions of beauty and identity.

“A Presidential Curriculum: A Four Stage Model For The University Presidency ”, Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD, COI

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Curriculum At Depaul University: A Strategic Value Analysis For A Catholic, Vincentian And Urban Institution, Marco Tavanti

Marco Tavanti

DePaul University as institution and community is investing in sustainable values aligned with its mission. This requires a clear vision and collaborative efforts that go beyond disciplines and colleges. This presentation illustrates some of the challenges and opportunities for implementing sustainability across DePaul university, a Catholic, Vincentian and urban institution.

Participatory Adult Learning Professional Development Strategy: Evidence And Examples, Carol M. Trivette

Carol M. Trivette

No abstract provided.

Health Education Achievement Test, Dr. Uche J. Obidiegwu

Prof. Uche J. Obidiegwu

This study developed and validated a diagnostic health education achievement test for adult learners in Anambra State. Two research questions and a research hypothesis guided the study. The instrument was pretested. Following the result of the pilot test, a total of 96 multiple choice test items were administered to 1, 342 adult learners. The analysis of the data was carried out using item analysis. Kuder-Richardson formula ‘21’ was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. Finally, t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Based on the results, some recommendations were made.

Using Emerging Technologies To Serve The Underserved, Andree Robinson-Neal

Andree Robinson-Neal

Community colleges in America developed out of a need to fill the gap between high school or technical education and university-level study. The two-year postsecondary experience which is typically offered at locations that are “community friendly” has attracted persons of color and those with more conservative economic means in ever-increasing numbers. Historically, these marginalized populations have experienced educational inequalities in larger numbers than other groups. As statistics show increasing enrollments from members of these groups, community colleges must provide and improve services that appropriately address both student need and societal demand. Students who are able to successfully obtain transfer to …

Recognition Of Prior Learning: Why Is It So Difficult To Accredit Learning That Has Occurred Outside The Academy Towards The Award Of A Qualification? A Report From Australia, Leesa Wheelahan, Peter J. Miller, Diane Newton

Peter Miller

One of the key drivers for RPL is its perceived capacity to act as a mechanism for social inclusion within the context of lifelong learning policy frameworks that seek to “encourage formal learning, to promote links between it and informal learning and to improve opportunities for people to use their informal learning to gain recognised qualifications” (Young, 2001: 4). However, it has not acted as a mechanism for social inclusion in Australia or internationally. This paper seeks to answer the question: why is it so difficult to accredit learning that has occurred outside formal education and training towards the award …