Education Commons^™

Nebline, June/July 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

4-H embryology will crack 50 years of chicks hatching in local classrooms, Vicki Jedlicka

Simple ways to eat more fruits and veggies every day, Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the month: Crunchy veggie wraps

Annual flowers for sunny locations, Mary Jane Frogge

Garden guide: Things to do this month, Mary Jane Frogge

2025 Gro Big Red

It’s time for private well maintenance, Becky Schuerman

Monitoring pastures for improving management and productivity, John Nelson

Why play is your child's most important work, Hayley Jackson Perez

Keep an eye out for some common caterpillars, Kait Chapman

Lancaster County Super Fair

Upcoming babysitting trainings …

Integrating Universal Generative Ai Platforms In Educational Labs To Foster Critical Thinking And Digital Literacy, Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Joel Hernandez, Rafael Niyazov

Publications and Research

This study investigates the educational potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platforms based on large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, as tools for studentcentred learning. Recognizing the current limitations of GenAI, particularly its propensity for generating inaccurate or misleading information—the paper proposes a novel instructional strategy: an interdisciplinary laboratory designed to foster critical evaluation of GenAI-generated outputs. In this pedagogical model, students engage with GenAI systems by posing questions or solving problems drawn from topics they have already studied and understand. Equipped with correct answers, students are positioned to assess the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Student Affairs Leadership, Beverly David-Lewis

Education Doctoral

African American women are underrepresented in student affairs administration (Breeden, 2021). Several barriers limit opportunities for career advancement for African American women in this field, including the lack of mentors, minimal decision-making power, and the impact of both sexism and racism (Davis et al., 2021). This qualitative phenomenological research study explored the lived experiences of African American women in student affairs leadership positions at 4-year public institutions in New York State. This study answered the following research questions: 1. What are the perceived barriers that African American women experience when seeking career advancement in student affairs? 2. What strategies have …

Improving Student Outcomes, Brenda Burton

Education Theses and Dissertations

This improvement science dissertation in practice was conducted to make an improvement in education practice to positively affect student outcomes. Plan -> Do -> Study -> Act cycles (Bryk et al., 2015) were employed to identify a specific problem of practice, determine root cause(s), advance change theory, and define potential solutions. Many stakeholders were consulted and the initial phase evaluated the existing condition. Results informed the design of an intervention which was then implemented and evaluated in a second phase. Findings showed that a novel way of communication, the introduction of video technology, was correlated with improved student perceptions, self-regulation, …

Hyflex Engagement Tracking, Jane Courtney

Case studies: Digital Education

While authentic assessment methods can be easily implemented in modules that lend themselves to problem-based learning, quality assessment is harder to achieve in more technically rigorous subjects. For these modules, there has been an over-reliance to date on traditional exams. The move online due to COVID-19 made summative assessment of these technical subjects very difficult and also had many academics reporting reduced engagement in the online environment. However, in the technically rigorous Power Systems Analysis module, this challenge was approached as an opportunity to modernise and test online assessment possibilities. This was done through three mechanisms: Numbas*, Rubrics+ and Engagement …

Exploring Early Childhood Development Programming In Kenya’S Arid And Semi-Arid Lands, Phyllis Magoma, Amina Abubakar, Martha Kaniala, Barack Aoko, Moses Wesala, Joyce Marangu, Susan Nyamanya, Margaret Kabue, Anil Khamis, Esther Chongwo

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Promoting high-quality early childhood development (ECD) is vital for individuals’ physical and social well-being and yields significant societal returns. However, children in marginalised regions like Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) face significant barriers to accessing quality ECD services.

Aim: This study aimed to document existing ECD services in Kenya’s ASAL areas, including their availability, types and key characteristics; identify gaps in their provision and propose solutions to enhance access and quality. Setting: This qualitative study was conducted in 10 ASAL counties in Kenya.

Methods: Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 103 key informants, including pre-primary …

Acquisition Of The Tap-Trill-Lateral Contrast By Speakers Of L1 Cantonese-L2 Spanish, José Esteban Hernández

Spanish Faculty Publications

In the present study an assessment of the on-target and off-target production of liquids (laterals and rhotics) is undertaken in a corpus of second language (L2) Spanish. The Chinese-origin participants have immigrated to Mexicali, Mexico where they have acquired L2 Spanish in a natural setting. As a major aim, a quantitative analysis of the data is performed to determine the production of on-target and off-target articulations in lateral, tap, thrill, and syllable-coda rhotic. Internal and external factors are considered in the analysis; for example, liquid production in syllable onset, coda and consonant clusters was considered. The data were subjected to …

Contemplative Practices Facilitating Awareness, Compassion, And Healing In Study Abroad: A Reflective And Explorative Study, Ciara C. Hoyne, Jing Lin

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

This reflective essay focuses on the relationship between contemplative practices and participation in a short-term study abroad trip. The study explores how contemplative practices help facilitate self-understanding, alleviate stress, enhance connection to the host community and culture, and enable healing. We use our experiences participating in a short-term study abroad program as an example for examining the role of contemplative practices in the context of study abroad. We discuss and integrate relevant literature on the topic of meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative inquiry to offer insight into how contemplative practices can be integrated into study abroad in a way that enhances …

Podcast: One To Grow On – Why Black Studies Matter When Working And Living In Black Communities, Celia E. Ceballos

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This paper examines the transformative potential of Black Studies in enhancing community work within Black and Brown communities in New York City. The research is driven by the author's firsthand experiences and the realization of the importance of Black Studies, which was largely absent from earlier education. Through the interdisciplinary approach of the Graduate Center’s MALS program, the author has gained a deeper understanding of key topics such as the legacy of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movements, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. This journey inspired the creation of a capstone project, …

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Evidence Of Athlete-Driven Market Disruption In Women’S Collegiate Basketball, Lawrence W. Judge, Jeffrey C. Petersen

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Caitlin Clark’s emergence as a generational collegiate basketball talent triggered a profound shift in consumer behavior, known as the “Caitlin Clark Effect” (CCE) (Lucas, 2025). This study examined attendance and venue utilization data from the University of Iowa’s women’s basketball program, spanning pre-, during-, and post-Clark periods. Results from one-way ANOVA analyses showed a statistically significant increase in average game attendance (home, away, and neutral), rising from 5,387 pre-Clark to 13,877 in her senior year (p < .001), with a sustained post-Clark average of 9,890. Arena capacity utilization followed a similar trajectory, increasing from 37.3% to 92.4%. Notably, post-Clark utilization remained at 74.3%, indicating durable fan interest. These findings provide time-sequenced evidence of a singular athlete catalyzing lasting institutional and market change in women’s collegiate sports. The study advances sport business theory by illuminating the strategic implications of athlete-driven branding and challenges assumptions underpinning facility planning and resource allocation.

A Word From The Writing Team (June 2025), Pam Walter, Mfa, Hemma Murali, Ms

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Spotlight on Hemma
• Publications Spotlight
• Register for the 17th Annual Jefferson Faculty Days – June 4th and 5th
• Join the Summer Writing Warriors
• Check out the Instructional Design Team’s Podcast, The Learning Curve!
• Looking for Your Next Read?
• Two Ways to Fund Open Access Fees

Social Media And The Effect On Student Engagement, Lara Mcelveen

Dissertations

The purpose of my study was to determine the impact of social media on student engagement and behaviors in high school classrooms. The overarching research question that guided my study was: What is the impact of social media on student engagement? I used a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data to research my topic. I collected the data using surveys of two stakeholder groups in the study: young adults and educators. The survey results showed that both educators and young adults perceived a decline in class engagement and the rise of behavior in the classroom from social media …

Graduate School Blog - June 2025, Cynthia Haynes

UofM Grad School Blog

The June 2025 edition of the UofM Graduate School Blog helps prospective and current students make informed financial decisions with Part 1 of the Graduate School Cost Guide, breaking down tuition structures such as per-credit hour versus flat-rate models, highlighting UofM’s tuition cap for in-state students, and explaining key university fees and cost differences between online and on-campus formats. The blog also features Brianna Reilly, a Doctor of Musical Arts graduate from New York, who shares how a graduate assistantship and her passion for music education led her to continue at UofM through the pandemic. Additional resources include an …

News From Uab Libraries, 06 2025, Uab Libraries

UAB Libraries News

No abstract provided.

Integrating Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, And Nutrition Education Into Curricula To Promote Self-Regulation And Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Preschoolers, Rachel A. Razza, Lynn Brann

The Lender Center for Social Justice

This article outlines a combined SEL, mindfulness, and nutrition curriculum for preschoolers, improving self-regulation and healthy eating habits.

Bridging Worlds, Singapore Management University

Asian Management Insights

How philosophy, culture, and ethics shape leadership and learning.

J Mich Dent Assoc June 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association is the leading monthly digital publication serving Michigan’s oral health community and the MDA’s 6,200+ members. Distributed globally through the searchable ADA Commons publishing platform, it is the primary channel for news, clinical insights, and professional resources for Michigan dentists.

June Issue Highlights:

• Cover Feature: An in-depth report on the MDA’s advocacy efforts beyond insurance reimbursement, highlighting recent legislative wins and member services that support practice profitability and success.
• Workforce Well-being: A special feature on the stages of stress and burnout, with strategies and resources to support mental health and resilience.
• Compliance Update: …

The 2025 Mda Annual Session: Revving Up Dentistry!, Andrea Sundeman Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2025 Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Annual Session, themed "Revving Up Dentistry!", took place from April 23-26 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, marking a return to a venue previously used in the 1980s and early 1990s. The event drew approximately 1,800 dental professionals for four days of continuing education. Key highlights included keynote addresses by "American Ninja" champion Hoan Do and actor/activist Sean Astin, who discussed mental health. The session also featured 112 exhibitors, the MDA Foundation Sparkling Smiles Celebration which successfully raised nearly $160,000 for student scholarships and access-to-care grants, an MDA Dental PAC fundraiser, and meetings of …

Co-Designing Health-Related Digital Tools With Children: A Scoping Review Of Current Practice, Pauline Roberts, Fiona Boylan, Patricia Collins, Lennie Barblett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An increased focus on research with rather than on or of participants provides challenges with the implementation of such research with children. This extends to participatory practices in which co-design is implemented towards developing a technology-based product or solving a problem particularly in the domain of health literacy. This systematic scoping review aimed to examine the practices of co-design with children to inform an interdisciplinary research team as they embarked on the development of a digital health literacy tool for young learners. While there were limited sources identified in the review (n = 11), it was ascertained the process of …

How Academic Libraries Support Systematic Reviews And Evidence Syntheses, Alyssa C. Borozan, Bonnie L. Fong, Siobhan K. Mccarthy

University Libraries Scholarship and Creative Works

As more faculty and graduate students conduct systematic reviews and other evidence/knowledge syntheses, it can be helpful for academic libraries to provide services and resources to support this type of research. This study identifies trends in evidence/knowledge synthesis support services among (thirty-six) selected institutions with Carnegie classifications of R1 or R2. Data about services and resources was collected from research guides, webpages, and via communications with library employees. There are many similarities between how R1 and R2 institutions are providing support, with a higher incidence of more comprehensive services among R1 universities. Most R1 institutions in our sample provide a …

Research Ethics And Integrity, Steve Meaney

Case studies: Digital Education

Research integrity (RI) training is a requirement for all active researchers and research students. At present there are two distinct cohorts – postgraduate student who complete it as part of their induction week at one of three different sessions per year and researchers, who complete the training as part of the Researcher Career Development Framework on a more ad hoc basis. The initial kick-off session is followed by a series of self-directed online activities via a nationally agreed interactive learning platform (Epigeum). For the RCDF in particular, attendance has been a challenge as this cohort includes academic staff with teaching …

Research Ethics - Architect Edition, Steve Meaney

Case studies: Digital Education

As part of the taught postgraduate programmes delivered by the discipline of architecture, there is a requirement for a research project to be carried out. As the majority of students are in practice, such projects are typically practice focused and have unusual research designs. To support good practice in ethics and to accommodate students with diverse professional commitments, I have been involved in delivering a HyFlex session for the last few years in the hardwired design studio space within the School of Architecture, Building and Environment. It was only in the context of the current CoP that this session represented …

The Fault Line: Understanding Tension Between Industry And Higher Education Institutions In Sustained Partnerships, David Lawrence

Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamics that influence tensions in industry–higher education partnerships and identifies effective navigation factors in sustainable partnerships. Despite the increasing prevalence, such partnerships face high failure rates due to inherent tensions. This research explores how partners from industry and higher education institutions successfully navigate these tensions using a qualitative case study approach.

This investigation employed a case study design with a multi-case two-by-two holistic matrix and an interpretive, constructivist framework. Data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with key individuals from nine higher education institutions and five industry organizations spanning healthcare, technology, consulting, real estate development, and accounting …

Unraveling The Decline: A Phenomenological Narrative Exploration Of Chinese Students' Experiences And Decisions In Selecting U.S. Higher Education, Lorne K. Brandt

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This study examined the declining trend of Chinese student enrollment in U.S. higher education by incorporating recent enrollment data and findings from the 2024 Open Doors Report. The researcher employed a phenomenological narrative inquiry approach and conducted semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of Chinese international students through the lens of the push-pull theoretical framework. The analysis confirmed several well-established push-pull factors, including the influence of exchange programs and parental guidance. One counter theme emerged as most participants described a desire to avoid China’s high-stakes exam system. The study identified six additional themes: flexible admissions, desire for independence, merit-based …

Little Aussie Bugs: Piloting Health Literacy Educational Resources At Early Childhood Education And Care, Ruth Wallace, Amelia Ruscoe, Leesa Costello, Gillian Kirk, Ros Sambell, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Building health literacy in early childhood is essential for lifelong health and underpins children's learning and developmental trajectories. This study assessed the efficacy of the Little Aussie Bugs books, designed to enhance health literacy in Australian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centres. The books, featuring inclusive characters and key health literacy catchphrases, were distributed to >1200 early learning settings Australia-wide. Exploratory research design used online surveys (n = 110) and in-depth interviews with ECEC teacher participants (n = 8) to determine the compatibility of the books with ECEC contexts and practices to facilitate the delivery of health literacy education. …

The Experiences Of Graduate Students Of Color During Recruitment, Tracy Sweet, Kristabel Stark, Bridget Turner Kelly

Journal of College Access

We posit that graduate student recruitment is a form of community engagement where universities invite community members to apply. We conducted a study about the recruitment experience with 29 newly matriculated graduate students of color. Many students reported that welcoming interactions, research and courses on diversity or racial equity impacted their decision to enroll. Some barriers included lack of information, standardized tests, and funding. This study offers important insights for improving inclusive recruitment strategies.

College Access Literacy With A Focus On Key Transition Knowledge For Historically Underrepresented Students And Their Educators, Molly S. Dunn, Stephanie L. Savick, Rachel E. Durham

Journal of College Access

In this article, we present a programmatic model to develop College Access Literacy (CAL) among both students and educators. University faculty developed a six-module curriculum delivered through existing Professional Development School partnerships in afterschool seminars for high school juniors and separate class periods for other high school students. Professional development sessions were also delivered by content experts to high school educators and faculty who were paired to co-teach the curriculum. The program was implemented in three high schools that primarily serve historically underrepresented students. CAL topics, intended to provide students with knowledge and strategies for college access success, included college …

Book Review: Fundamentals Of College Admission Counseling: A Textbook For Graduate Students And Practicing Counselors, Brenda Gerhardt

Journal of College Access

No abstract provided.

Critical Thinking: Skill Development Framework. 2nd Edition, Jonathan Heard, Claire Scoular, Daniel Duckworth, Dara Ramalingam, Ian Teo

Assessment and Reporting

The ACER critical thinking framework addresses the challenges associated with teaching and assessing critical thinking. It synthesises and harmonises existing theory and research on critical thinking to provide a holistic perspective from which teachers can operationalise critical thinking in the classroom. The framework outlines critical thinking processes in three strands: Constructing knowledge; Evaluating ideas; and Making decisions.

Creative Thinking: Skill Development Framework. 2nd Edition, Jonathan Heard, Dara Ramalingam, Claire Scoular, Prue Anderson, Daniel Duckworth

Assessment and Reporting

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has reviewed the extensive literature on creative thinking and developed both a definition and a framework that synthesises and harmonises existing theory and research on creative thinking. This framework has been developed to address the challenges associated with teaching and assessing creative thinking. It outlines creative thinking processes along prescribed strands and aspects informed by a sound evidentiary basis. The aspects contained within the framework are designed to provide foci for teaching and the basis of assessment. ACER’s creative thinking framework identifies key factors that underpin the development of creative thinking with a …