Education Commons^™

Using Open Datasets And Simulations In Laboratories, Jim Crumley

Physics Faculty Publications

While advances in instrumentation physics have made many areas more accessible to undergraduate physics laboratories, other areas are still beyond reach. Open data sets and simulations can open up some other frontiers of physics, such as Space Physics and Astronomy. In this talk, I will give an overview of some resources for open data and simulations, and then describe my experiences using these tools in both introductory and advanced labs in our curriculum.

Florida Memory And The Fel: History Fair 101., Stephanie Race, Katrina Harkness

Stephanie F Race

No abstract provided.

Addressing Academic Integrity: Perspectives From Virginia Commonwealth University In Qatar, Nancy E. Fawley

Nancy Fawley

Understanding the cultural aspects that affect a student’s ability to appropriately use resources is important in developing outreach and instruction in multicultural settings. Differences in educational philosophies, students’ previous scholastic training and cultural differences in individual motivation are all factors that may affect a freshman’s ability to understand an American university’s idea of academic integrity and can inadvertently cause problems where independent work and critical thinking are required. At Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU Qatar), a branch campus of the American university in the Middle East, a special class on academic integrity and ethical behavior was integrated into the …

Cultivating The Librarian Within: Effectively Lntegrating Library Lnstruction Into Freshman Composition, Jesse Ulmer, Nancy E. Fawley

Nancy Fawley

It has become common practice for library instruction to be included in lower-level college composition courses. Students are typically required to visit the library once or twice a semester to receive instruction on how to find books and journal articles for an upcoming writing assignment that incorporates formal research. But does this current model of instruction truly address course outcomes that seek to produce students who are information literate, critical thinkers and life-long learners? Faculty who teach such courses are often reluctant to surrender precious class time to a librarian, but this paper argues that the merging of bibliographic instruction …

Information Literacy Opportunities Within The Discovery Tool Environment, Nancy E. Fawley, Nikki Krysak

Nancy Fawley

Discovery tools such as Primo, EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, and WorldCat Local aim to make scholarly research more intuitive for students in part because of their single interface for searching across multiple platforms, including the library, fee-based databases, and unique digital collections. Discovery tools are in sync with the way many undergraduates look for information because they offer a more “Google-like” experience in contrast with previous methods of research that required first knowing which database to use, then searching each one differently according to its specifications. However, broad searches across multiple formats with different systems of controlled vocabulary force instructors …

Oer Impact: Towards An Evidence Base, Rob Farrow

SJSU Open Access Conference

The open education movement has achieved much in the last decade, but there remains wide acknowledgement that the impact of OER has yet to be fully understood. A suggested approach is to address this through collective approaches that collate information and present them back in an integrated way. This has some appeal, particularly in the way it matches to ideals of openness, but needs to be implemented with care.

In this presentation I critically evaluate attempts that have been made to support communication and collaboration through ‘mapping’ OER. After endorsing the basic rationale for mapping evidence surrounding OER implementation I …

Community College Consortium Promotes Open Educational Practices Through Outreach And Collaboration, Una T. Daly, Lisa Storm, Barbara Illowsky

SJSU Open Access Conference

The Community College Consortium for Open Educational Resources (CCCOER) is a community of practice focused on awareness and promoting best practices for OER discovery and adoption including open textbooks, open MOOCs, and open repositories to enhance learning and teaching. Through monthly outreach webinars with OER leaders and online advisory meetings, the community shares their projects and expertise encouraging collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and higher education sectors. Hear from the consortium director and two leaders of the community college OER movement.

• Una Daly, Director of Community College Outreach, OpenCourseWare Consortium. Building a community to promote awareness and shared knowledge of …

Forging A New Path: Faculty Buy-In For The Institutional Repository And Open Access Publishing, Carol G. Hixson, Tina Neville, Deborah Henry

SJSU Open Access Conference

Many institutions with institutional repositories have had difficulty getting faculty buy-in to add their content to the institutional repository. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP), a separately accredited institution within the USF System, has experienced significant buy-in from its faculty for depositing materials in the institutional repository, known as the USFSP Digital Archive. In a small institution of 5000 students, we have established collections for over one quarter of our faculty, with almost 1400 separate submissions in only two years. Faculty have also developed an understanding of and appreciation for open-access publishing and now consult with the library …

Quarterly Meeting, Wku Board Of Regents

Board of Regents Documents

Minutes of WKU Board of Regents quarterly meeting regarding degree programs, emeritus faculty, athletic contracts for Travis Hudson and Amy Tudor; room naming, financial reports and enrollment.

Walking The Walk: An Educator's Perspective From All Views, Lori Desautels

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

As an education professor, I recently decided it was time to walk the walk of my graduate and undergraduate students. I was ready to experience what happens when the educational neuroscience and the social and emotional disciplines meet head-on with real-life challenges and opportunities. So, while continuing with my courses at the University, I became a fifth grade co-teacher, joining an incredible group of educators from Washington Township, a large public school district in Indianapolis.

The Impact Of The Positive Action Program On Fourth-Grade Student Achievement And Behavior, Jennifer Mccoy

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

An applied project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Education Specialist at Morehead State University by Jennifer McCoy on October 25, 2013.

Mathematics Content Knowledge, Anxiety, And Efficacy Among Traditional And Alternative Certification Elementary School Teachers, Brian R. Evans

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

The purpose of this study was to understand mathematical content knowledge, anxiety, and efficacy for mathematics elementary school traditional and alternative certification preservice and in-service teachers. The teachers in this study were given mathematics content examinations and mathematics anxiety and efficacy questionnaires in reform-based mathematics methods. Additionally, teachers were required to keep reflective teaching and learning journals throughout the semester. It was found that there were increases in content knowledge and efficacy, but not anxiety levels, over the course of the semester. There were no differences between traditional and alternative certification teachers in content knowledge, anxiety, and efficacy.

Closing The Gender Gap: Increasing Confidence For Teaching Mathematics, Gavrielle Levine

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

National emphasis on STEM education highlights the need to reduce mathematics anxiety and increase confidence for teaching mathematics among elementary level teachers. Most elementary school teachers are female, and are responsible for introducing foundational mathematics concepts and attitudes to developing minds. Female teachers’ higher levels of mathematics anxiety (when compared with male teachers) have detrimental effects on student learning. In this study, pre-service elementary teachers enrolled in mathematics education courses increased their confidence for teaching mathematics and reduced their mathematics anxiety. At the beginning of the course, males were more confident than were females. At the conclusion of the course, …

Computer Lab Instruction In Elementary Schools: Time For Instructional Transformation Or Worksheet Substitution?, Julia Kara-Soteriou

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Lately, concerns are raised about the ways teachers integrate technology and about their students’ digital literacy skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how elementary school teachers use their scheduled computer lab time. During this observational study emphasis was placed on the integration of literacy and technology and the extent to which integration supported the development of new literacies and promoted transformation of literacy tasks. The study took place in two elementary schools and included three weeks of daily observations in each of the schools. After the observations, interviews were conducted with teachers and school/district administrators.

The Effectiveness Of Learning Communities On Students' Knowledge Acquisition And Perceived Self-Efficacy, Andrea S. Salis

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Previous literature has shown that the use of learning communities in higher education enhances student academic performance, social engagement and retention. Much of the literature on learning communities has focused on students attending two or more courses that may be linked by learning goals, assignments or projects. This study examines the students’ academic performance and perceived self-efficacy in the learning community – “Get Active- Be Healthy” that links a lecture-based health course with an experiential learning, physical activity course.

Bumps In The Road: An Investigation Of Students’ Decisions Regarding Graduate School, Samantha Wendler

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

The value of higher education, including graduate education, has been a recent subject of debate. However, economic benefits of advanced degrees have been shown, including higher salary and lower unemployment rates. In general, the benefit of a graduate education seems to outweigh the costs. Despite these benefits, some otherwise prepared individuals choose not to attend graduate school. Others who enroll never complete their degree. We examined characteristics of these groups, including the value they place on graduate education, compared to those who still plan on attending, currently attend, or completed their degree.

Differences And Similarities Between U.S. And Non-U.S. Citizens In Graduate School Perceptions, Experiences And Career Preparation, Fred Cline

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

International students account for a significant percentage of enrollees in graduate programs in the United States. Nearly 30% of the doctoral degrees awarded in the U.S. go to non-U.S. citizens, and about two-thirds remain in the U.S. for their career. This study compares survey results from 1,000 international and 4,200 U.S. respondents on their beliefs about the value of a graduate degree, the quality and sources of information they received about graduate school and careers, and their job satisfaction after completing their degree. Findings suggest that international students need additional support and information when considering careers related to graduate degrees.

Many Hands Make Light Work: Collaborative Action Research On Flipped Course Design, Mary M. Taft

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

This mixed-method, collaborative action research project involves graduate students and the professor working together to refine a flipped course model incorporating web-based platforms for dialog and communication. Graduate students collaborated with the professor to refine the delivery of the course through iterative cycles of action research. Collegial collaboration presents a model of empowerment and professionalism to pre-service and in-service teachers, and encourages students to use similar methodologies in preK-12 settings. Data analysis is underway. Initial results suggest that students felt empowered and engaged in critical thinking and the development of professional skills in instructional technology, collaboration, and communication.

Graduate Student Perceptions Of Graduate School Preparation For The Workplace, Chelsea Ezzo

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Graduate degree–holders occupy critical positions in the workforce. It is imperative that these individuals possess the skills necessary to succeed in their post-graduate positions. This paper discusses a survey of 1,925 employed individuals who completed a graduate degree. Results indicate that, in addition to imparting field specific knowledge, graduate programs are equipping students to perform a wide range of nonacademic skills (e.g., teamwork) deemed valuable in the workplace. However, there are still some areas in which universities could better tailor their graduate programs to align with the responsibilities of the employment sectors that their students will enter upon graduation.

The Effects Of English Language Arts Instruction Using Multimedia Applications On Grade Three Students’ Reading Comprehension, Attitude Toward Computers, And Attitude Toward School, Mathew Swerdloff, Karen Burke

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of targeted English Language Arts instruction using multimedia applications. Reading comprehension, attitude toward computers, and attitude toward school were measured. The study examined the perceptions, of selected students, of the use of these multimedia applications. A MANOVA revealed that students who participated in the treatment group and received English Language Arts instruction using multimedia applications scored significantly higher than students in the control group. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed three themes that recurred throughout the five interviews. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated, and implications for researchers were discussed.

State Exam Scores In Course Grade Calculation: Review Of Current Practice And Some Proposed Guidelines, Zachary B. Warner

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Many states use EOC exams as graduation requirements and some require the inclusion of student EOC exam scores in the calculation of final course grades. This practice has some advantages, including ensuring that student grades reflect state standards. Still, there are many considerations when taking a score from a standardized measure and incorporating it into a classroom grading system. This paper reviews current practice around this issue in several states and highlights the challenges faced by a state, district, or school wishing to combine EOC exam scores and course grades. Guidelines for policymakers are included and educational implications are discussed.

Universal Design For Learning In Postsecondary Settings: One Faculty Member’S Journey Toward Making Learning Accessible For All Students, Diana J. Larocco, Deanne Anderson, Maryjo Archambault

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

This paper presents a description of a project designed to field test a research-developed faculty development series on embedding Universal Design for Learning (CAST, 2011) into curriculum, instruction, and assessment. A description of Goodwin College, where the project was enacted, is presented. Goodwin is a four-year private not-for-profit postsecondary institution with an open admissions process and is similar in many ways to Connecticut’s community colleges. Highlights from and reflections on the journey of translating knowledge and skills gained are offered as examples of how professional development in universal design can affect faculty practice.

Perceptions Of Graduate Deans And Graduate Students About Career Knowledge And Opportunities, Cathy Wendler

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Little is known about what graduate students know about career options or how they gain this knowledge. In this study we examined responses of graduate deans and graduate students regarding the level of knowledge students have about career options before, during, and following graduate school.Results indicate that, in general, graduate deans believe students have limited knowledge of career options. Students report that they receive insufficient, unhelpful, and inaccurate information about possible careers. In addition, the source of career information and types of careers encouraged by faculty are somewhat different depending upon students’ gender, race/ethnicity, and field of study.

Perceptions Of Underprivileged High Ability Students Who Bridged The Achievement Gap, Claire E. Delcourt, Marcia A. B. Delcourt

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

This study was an investigation of the student experience at a High School Early College (HSEC) in Manhattan, NY. Students can graduate from this school in four years with both a high school diploma and a college Associates degree. The perspectives of students who attended a preparatory Early College Academy (ECA) prior to applying to the HSEC and those who were admitted to this HSEC who did not attend the ECA were examined. The HSEC model is effective in helping students succeed in this accelerated learning environment by incorporating support at all stages of the HSEC experience and at the …

The Influence Of Gear Up On Academic Achievement And College Enrollment For Low Ses Learners, Dr. Demetrick Williams

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

The purpose of this quantitative correlation study was to examine the association between participation in the GEAR UP program with academic achievement and college enrollment for low SES students. The non-experimental design for this quantitative correlation study assessed associations between participation in the GEAR UP program, academic achievement, and college enrollment for low SES students in New Jersey. Archival data was retrieved from NCES and NCCEP on the GEAR UP program and analyzed for the results. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between participation in GEAR UP and college entrance for low SES students, and there is …

Validation Of The Secondary School Admission Test (Ssat) Using Gpa, Psat, And Sat Scores, Meghan L. Kiley, Robert K. Gable

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Independent schools use Secondary School Admission Test scores in grade 9 admissions decisions. Six validity research questions examined the relationship of SSAT scores to end of grade 9 GPA, grade 11 PSAT scores, and grade 12 SAT scores. Correlations and multiple regression were used. Strong support was found for the validity of SSAT scores (p

Parental Education Level Predicts Differences Between High And Low Performing States, Stuart E. Smith, Carla M. Narrett

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

This study examined the correlation between the percentage of college graduate parents of eight-grade students and NAEP reading and math scores for fifty states for 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011. For reading, the five correlations were .74, .74, .74, .72, and .77. For math, the five correlations were .74, .70, .70, .74, and .72. Similar analyses were conducted with large city (TUDA) districts. The evidence of the past eight years supports the conclusion that the state NAEP Reading and Math scores change very little year to year. Thus, state rankings have changed very little over the past eight years. …

Literacy Initiatives In Guatemala And Educational Fairness, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

The Consejo de Lectura de Guatemala, an affiliate council of the International Reading Association composed of literacy teachers and teacher-educators in Guatemala and the USA, is improving the lives of Guatemalan students and families through educational professional development. Observations conducted of Guatemalan literacy instruction demonstrate apparent gains in effectiveness and sustainability attributable to the Guatemalan Literacy Project and its companion initiatives in over twenty-plus years of continuous activity. Implications address the potential of the Consejo de Lectura to support literacy teaching and learning in Guatemala, and for this multi-faceted educational model to inform educators and policy makers in the …

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy And Persistence In Adult Remedial Education, Carol Holmquist, Robert K. Gable, Felice D. Billups

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

Persistence in remediation as preparation for higher education continues at less than 50%. Self-efficacy may be a barrier to successful academic preparation. This study at a non-profit adult education site examined a relationship between general self-efficacy and academic self-efficacy and persistence. The survey data (N=75) indicated there was no significant correlation between the demographic characteristics and general self-efficacy, academic confidence, motivation, or persistence, but there was a significant correlation between general self-efficacy and academic confidence (r=.56, r2=.32, p

Perceptions Of Elementary Pre-Service Teachers’ Confidence To Teach Mathematics, Nithya N. Iyer, Jen-Ting Wang

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

In this study, we examine the perceptions of pre-service teachers’ confidence to teach mathematics. Previous studies have focused on the relationship between mathematics anxiety and teacher efficacy, mathematics anxiety and content knowledge, or teacher efficacy and content knowledge. In order for educational researchers to understand the dynamics of teaching mathematics with confidence, we examine the relationships among all three constructs: mathematics anxiety, teacher efficacy, and content knowledge. Two well-known instruments, Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (MTEBI) and the short version of Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS-S), were completed by 117 elementary pre-service teachers at a state college. Along with these …