Adult and Continuing Education Commons^™

Evaluation Of Learning Theory Experiences, Cathy Stephens

Staff Scholarship - Australia & Dubai

To develop an incisive eye for learning design and development requires understanding learning experiences from the learner’s perspective. It is therefore useful to take the place of the learner and conduct honest and scholarly critiques of one’s own learning experiences. In this essay, I reflect on two different learning experiences, including their successful facilitation of learning and as aspects that could be improved in order to optimise the participant’s learning. These experiences are examined through the lens of their dominant learning theories: Instructivism and Constructivism.

June 20, 2024 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Needs Assessment Tool For A Value-Added Beef Extension Program For Small Farmers, Sarah Al-Mazroa Smith, Greg Miller

Journal of Extension

As beef industry trends have evolved, beef producers are looking for value-added beef practices and marketing strategies. To ensure that a new value-added beef Extension program framework at [University] aligns with beef producers’ needs, a needs assessment instrument was created. We developed a needs assessment tool focused on program objectives and delivery method preferences. This tool can be used to adapt the program to meet specific needs and preferences of participants.

A Writing Retreat For Extension Professional Development Capacity Building: A Case Study Of Arizona Cooperative Extension’S 4-H Youth Development Program, Jeremy Elliott-Engel

Journal of Extension

Extension Professionals have varying expectations of academic publication depending on tenure and promotion. And, the field of Extension needs the contributions of professionals across the system to support the translation and dissemination of the impacts of and findings from their Extension programming for academic and practitioner audiences. A writing retreat was held to support 4-H Youth Development professionals in academic writing. Because of this writing retreat five teams started working on an academic writing project which resulted in three journal articles being published. Teams also published conference presentations and Extension publications as a result of the initial academic writing project. …

Assessing Extension Educators' Motivation For Program Evaluation Using Self Determination Theory, Adeola C. Ogunade, Megan Kruger, Oluwafunke Abeleje

Journal of Extension

Studies have shown the importance of program evaluation in Extension and its value in communicating Extension program successes. This current study was conducted to assess Extension educators’ motivation toward program evaluation using the self-determination theory. Respondents perceived that they were not competent enough to engage in program evaluation but greatly valued program evaluation. Further analysis of our theory-informed survey data revealed that perceived competence and value positively predicted interest in program evaluation. Our findings contribute to Extension professional development discourse.

Development Of A Serious Game As A Natural Hazard Planning Decision Support Tool, Jody A. Thompson

Journal of Extension

As coastal populations grow, so does the exposure to natural hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, creating the potential for increased social and economic disasters. The literature indicates coastal residents remain complacent when planning before, during, and after an event. There is a growing successful use of serious games in natural resources planning, and a growth in the use of digital and electronic games. We developed the serious digital game Plan for It! in response to identified needs and to capitalize on the public’s familiarity with gamification and digital gaming.

The Future Of Nursing Leadership: Incorporating E-Learned Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Pathways With A Precautionary Focus On Patient-Centered-Care, Jamie Anne Marcus Dr., Bonnette Villalba Webb

FDLA Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a data-driven mathematical process that incorporates machine-based-logic, usually in the form of algorithms. Education, training, and competencies are now conducted through virtual reality, robotics, simulation, and technology learning-based-platforms by healthcare organizations. This represents a significant change in the future of nursing practice. The adaptability of technology-based-learning platforms can impact the quality and efficiency of learning for some of the workforce population. Nurses' perception of technology and AI-driven nursing practice may vary based on generational orientation and can be a potential barrier to learning, practicing, and adaptability of this framework. The forging of well-trained resilient nurse leaders …

Collective Case Study Career Critique Of Social Entrepreneurs Who Are Gifted Adults, Joi Lin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation describes a qualitative research study that grows our understanding of the career development experiences, supports, and barriers of social entrepreneurs who are gifted adults (SEGA) so that we may nurture the career development of future SEGA. Research questions for this study probed the career development experiences, supports, and barriers of SEGA and the shared social value they create. The conceptual frameworks for this study are the ecological model for human development (Bronfenbrenner, 1979); the theory of positive disintegration (Dąbrowski, 1964/2016); social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Lent et al., 1994); the perceived instructional arc (Uhrmacher et al., 2017); and …

Digital Dialogue: Emancipatory Dialogical Practices In Virtual Collaborative Problem-Based Learning, Chelsie Ruge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Societal shifts increasingly demand that people work across social and geographic borders, often virtually, to solve complex problems in the areas of education, environment, healthcare, poverty, technology innovation and ethics, and more. This collaboration requires critical and emancipatory dialogue and problem-solving.

This qualitative multiple case study examined two online professional studies graduate-level courses that employed collaborative problem-based learning to engage with social-justice related themes, one that explored inclusive educational practices, and one that explored the negotiation of global environmental treaties. The purpose of this study was to investigate how students engaged in emancipatory dialogical practices and determine the factors that …

Comparing The Preparation Of Youth Services Librarians To Their On-The-Ground Experiences: A Grounded Theory Study Incorporating Criticism And Connoisseurship, Anne Holland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the on-the-ground preparation of youth services librarians, in contrast to their professional training in Master’s of Library Science (MLIS) programs. Classic Grounded Theory was the predominant methodology for this qualitative study, and elements of Criticism and Connoisseurship were also utilized. Document review, interviews, and journaling activities with ten participants were the primary methods of data collection. Key findings from this dissertation include a grounded theory explaining the current state of preparation for youth services librarianship, and multiple avenues for further study.

Editor's Introduction, Yvonne Hunter

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Editor's Introduction

A Critical Book Review Of The Work Edited By Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021). Advancing The Global Agenda For Human Rights, Vulnerable Populations, And Environmental Sustainability: Adult Education As Strategic Partner., Sharon V. Gardiner-Taylor

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

ABSTRACT

This critical book review is an overview of the work edited by Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021), Advancing the global agenda for human rights, vulnerable populations, and environmental sustainability: Adult education as strategic partner. This review introduces each author, discusses the content, and concisely evaluates the work. Alfred, Robinson, and Roumell use a global perspective to explore how adult education influences considerations for marginalized persons with low literacy levels. Further, they write that people should focus on learning, not capital gain, but also contend that one does not have to operate at the …

Nebline, June/July 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Facts Related to Drinking Water by Becky Schuerman

Tar Spot is an Emerging Corn Disease in Eastern Nebraska by John Nelson

Nutrition Education for Refugee and Immigrant Families in Lincoln by Emily Gratopp

Recipe of the Month: Biryani by Emily Gratopp

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Sudden Wilt and Death in Tomatoes by Sarah Browning

Sun's Out, Fun's Out: Keeping Your Little One Safe This Summer by Hayley Perez

Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs by Kait Chapman

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Netsy Barent and Jessica Marsh

Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship Winners

Learn …

Women Police Chiefs: A Self-Perception Of Women Officers In Law Enforcement, Tianshi Hao, Jesse Llamas, Kayleigh Axtell, Anshu Lal, Michael Llamas, Mira Fadel, Amor Roma

Education Division Scholarship

A large body of literature substantiates women’s difficulties integrating into all levels of law enforcement. To understand the experiences of women police officers in the force, and to understand how law enforcement leaders view the role of women in leadership positions, this study focused on the perception of six women police officers–specifically, women police chiefs towards women who already assumed leadership positions, overcame challenges entering law enforcement and advancing into leadership positions, and collected their input on organizational decisions, policy, and recruitment of women officers. This study employs a qualitative phenomenological methodology and interviews six women police chiefs in depth. …

Trauma-Informed Teaching With Adult English Language Learners: A Study In A Community-Based Organization, Elizabeth Eastman

Doctoral Dissertations

Often, immigrants in the United States have suffered traumatic experiences in their home country, on their journey to the U.S., and/or in their process of acculturation. In English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, symptoms of trauma can interfere with learning and acculturation. Trauma-Informed teaching can meet the needs of students who have been impacted by trauma but it is not often used in ESOL classes. This is due to a lack of teacher training, and a gap in the literature on the effects of the approach and studies that explore the perspectives of the students. Based in phenomenology …

Aged 539, Madeline L. Hall

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This abstract outlines the standards of effective coaching that happens within the rodeo team at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), focusing on key principles and practices that define successful coaching relationships. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to coaching, integrating academic, personal, and career development goals to support student growth and achievement. Core principles include establishing trust and rapport, fostering open communication, setting clear and achievable goals, and providing personalized guidance and support tailored to individual needs. Additionally, Cal Poly Rodeo emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and evaluation of coaching practices to ensure ongoing effectiveness and relevance. By …

How Faculty And Students Understand And Experience The Development Of Critical Thinking In The Online Classroom, Katarzyna Peoples, C. Todd Correa, Gary J. Burkholder

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: There are essentially three schools of thought regarding critical thinking—humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral. Given the disagreement among them, confusion continues about what critical thinking means, and how it can be taught to students.

Methods: In this qualitative phenomenological study, researchers interviewed students and faculty in a distance education master of public health program about their perceptions and experiences of what critical thinking means and how it is developed in the online classroom.

Results: Themes emerging from student interviews included (a) differing thoughts on the meaning of critical thinking; (b) learning and meeting course requirements as students’ …

Undergraduate Student Sense Of Belonging And Edtech Tool Engagement: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of The Virtual Campus Experience, Veronica Wilson

Dissertations

The contemporary postsecondary learning experience is heavily mediated by educational technology (EdTech) tools and yet little is known about the ways in which these tools impact student engagement and sense of belonging, two indicators which are important to student persistence and graduation. Using Strayhorn’s (2023) critical socioecological sense of belonging framework, this convergent mixed methods study offers insights into these relationships by examining student engagement with EdTech and student sense of belonging and the impact of student traits on the relationship between EdTech and sense of belonging. This study was conducted at a private, broad access Hispanic-Serving Institution in the …

Comparative Analytic Autoethnography: Situating The Doctoral Journey And The Hero’S Journey, Wayne N. Taylor

The Qualitative Report

This analytical autoethnography offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the researcher's academic odyssey by drawing parallels between their personal experiences and Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey archetype. Adopting Anderson's analytical autoethnographic approach, the researcher assumed the role of a complete member of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program, engaging in analytical reflexivity to develop a theoretical understanding of their academic journey. Through systematic data collection and introspective analysis, the study uncovers thematic threads and arcs of growth that resonate with the monomythic narrative archetype. The research incorporates a comparative examination with Campbell's Hero's Journey, providing a structured framework for organizing …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Instructional Modality And Pedagogy Licensure Exam Scores In Post-Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Programs In Indiana, Kelly Eckel

Dissertations

The efficacy of the modality of instruction employed in higher education institutions has been a point of contention among students, faculty, administration, and other stakeholders in the educational realm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online and hybrid instruction has become a valued and desirable option for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to offer for recruitment and retention purposes. The effectiveness of varying modalities in relation to teacher licensure exams has been limited in research and can serve as a critical quantitative measure for EPPs to assess. This longitudinal study examined the relationship between instructional modality and pedagogy teacher licensure exam scores in …

First In My Family: Overcoming Obstacles And Utilizing Resources To Successfully Complete The Educational Journey, Milana Tarbuk Migic

Dissertations

First-generation college students encounter many hardships when trying to persist throughout their educational journey. They are expected to be successful in navigating their careers, family life, and school – all without anyone else’s experience to reference. When a student is the first in their family to go to college, they are expected to succeed with a lack of understanding the process. This qualitative study explores what assets first-generation students have and apply in their college experience that contribute to their persistence. This research is guided by Dr. Tara Yosso’s Cultural Wealth Model which examines many forms of cultural capital that …

The Impact Of Soft Skills Training On Guest Satisfaction In The Hospitality Industry, Lawrie Colaco Mr

Masters Projects

The hospitality industry has become immensely fast-paced, and prioritizing guest satisfaction levels has been one of the main objectives. While hard skills such as technical expertise and operational proficiency are important aspects which are required by the hospitality staff, soft skills also play a pretty significant role. Soft skills enable the staff to be adaptive and communicative, it raises their empathy levels and teaches them to control their emotions and perform under stressful working environments. The importance of soft skills in this sector cannot be overemphasized, not only does this help with harbouring a positive attitude among the employees but …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Well-Being In Cancer Survivorship: Implications For Counselors, Hallie M. Sylvestro, Lindsey K. Umstead, Heather Delgado, Christopher Lawrence, Keith Mobley, Kelly L. Wester, Andrew Wood

Adultspan Journal

Adult cancer survivors represent an important–and growing–population that could benefit from counseling services. This study employed consensual qualitative research to examine the well-being experiences of eight cancer survivors. Findings suggest a broad range of changes to individual well-being following cancer diagnosis and treatment, and indicate counseling can provide an ideal setting for processing such changes. Recommendations for counseling practice and future research are provided.

Climbing The Doctoral Mountain To Success, Ronald Black

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

All educational journeys lead to successful personal and professional conclusions. Online doctoral students face numerous challenges from cultural, academic, and technological challenges throughout their doctoral journey. The doctoral journey requires the completion of a dissertation, a sign of scholarly achievement and success. With technology, online doctoral students enter a doctoral program looking for motivation to be successful and enhance their online doctoral journey. Mentoring plays a significant role in an online doctoral student’s journey through the doctoral study and research process. The doctoral mentor’s role is to advise and motivate online doctoral students through the dissertation process. Doctoral mentors guide …

Building Community For Completion: Doctoral Students’ Perceptions Of Technology Integration Within Dissertation Committee Collaboration, Scott A. Fillman, Barbara Holmes, Dejuanna Parker, Kent Willis

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the prevalence of technology-mediated collaboration and mentorship between dissertation committee members and doctoral student scholars. Qualitative research methods were used to explore the role of technology for collaboration and building community within dissertation committees, focusing on dissertation scholars’ perspectives. The study was based on one overarching research question: How do doctoral students describe the integration of technology for collaborating with dissertation committees? Doctoral scholar participants described the importance of technological literacy within dissertation committees, most indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the importance of fluency with technology. Other participants portrayed the importance of technological literacy within …

A Review Of Leading Global Teams: Translating Multidisciplinary Science To Practice, Taylor Presley

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The aim of this book review is to explore Jessica Wildman and Richard Griffith’s Leading Global Teams: Translating Multidisciplinary Science to Practice and the unique challenges and strategies for leading diverse, multicultural teams.

Ready, Set, Train!: Strategies To Incorporate Self-Directed And Embodied Learning Into Training And Development Programs, Jennifer Warrner

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Offering training and development programs to employees is one strategy to help companies maintain a competitive advantage in industry. In order to be beneficial for employees and companies, training and development programs must be effective. Learning activities are one strategy to incorporate into training and development programs to keep participants engaged. This article highlights how the adult learning theories of self-directed learning and embodied learning can be incorporated into training and development programs. An overview of self-directed learning and embodied learning theories and examples of related learning activities are highlighted that could be incorporated into other training programs and curriculums.

Gordon, H. R. D., & Schultz, D. D. (2020). The History And Growth Of Career And Technical Education In America. Waveland Press Review By Dauran Mcneil, Dauran Mcneil

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This book review provides a synopsis and evaluation of the book The history and growth of career and technical education in America.

Improving Critical Digital Pedagogy In The Virtual Classroom, Timothy J. Ros

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This comprehensive review delves into the essence and pivotal role of critical digital pedagogy within the sphere of eLearning, highlighting its indispensable contribution to modern educational frameworks. Central to our discussion is the examination of the nuanced relationship between digital literacy and the dynamic interaction of individual capabilities and societal forces in leveraging technology for educational enhancement. We scrutinize the challenges and strategies pertinent to educators in integrating digital tools and pedagogies to foster a rich, engaging learning environment that transcends traditional boundaries and caters to diverse learner needs. The exploration extends to the theoretical underpinnings of critical pedagogy, transactional …

Differences Between Male And Female Welding Students’ Tinkering Self-Efficacy, Kjersti Decker, Michael Pate, Tyson Sorensen, Michelle S. Burrows, Katie N. Kraus, Don Edgar

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Welding, agricultural mechanics and blue-collar trades have traditionally been perceived to be reserved for males, yet many females in recent years have enrolled in training programs and have entered these careers (England, 2010). In previous research, females have indicated lower levels of tinkering self-efficacy and confidence in mechanics settings (Baker & Krause, 2007). This study examined difference between male and female welding student’s perceptions of welding technology, tinkering self-efficacy, and perceptions of learning welding technology. Students were engaged in designated tinkering activities throughout the semester to promote developing tinkering abilities. Activities included but were not limited to GMAW and …