Adult and Continuing Education Commons^™

Associating Academic Identity With Language Socialization In Virtual Community: A Case Study Of A Chinese Graduate Student’S Learning Experiences In Religion Studies, Xiaolong Lu

The Qualitative Report

This longitudinal case study explored the academic identity and language socialization of a Chinese graduate student enrolled in an online religion course at a U.S. university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected via online classroom observations, oral interviews, and artifacts. The theoretical framework was taken from language socialization and identity, together with positioning theory. The study differs from previous research, arguing that instead of language competence, the constructed academic identity is occasionally crucial for the successful academic discourse socialization of international students in bilingual and virtual settings. Moreover, the inclination toward interactive positioning between students and instructors can arise …

Exploring The Significance Of The Traditional Chef’S Uniform In Making Sense Of Professionalism In Culinary Arts Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Orla Mc Connell

European Journal of Food Drink and Society

Previous studies have found that professionalism is an important success factor for chefs. Yet, research on what professionalism “means” to chefs, and how they “make sense” of it, is currently underexplored. While there is some evidence of the significance of the traditional chef’s uniform in professional identity formation, it also needs further consideration. Culinary arts lecturers and chefs have already contributed to these discussions, but the student voice remains largely unknown. Alongside this, there is no prior research specifically on professionalism in culinary arts in Ireland. Therefore, a research gap emerged, which this paper intends to address. Using interpretative phenomenological …

Graduation Rates 200 2023-24, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Graduation Rates

Graduation Rates report generated by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research.

Graduation Rates 2023-24, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Graduation Rates

Graduation Rates report generated by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research.

Intentional Learning Theory: Validating Its Measurement, Sarah Mollman, Timothy J. Muckle, Margaret Martinez

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the psychometric properties of the Learning Orientation Questionnaire (LOQ), which have not been previously published. Psychometric validation involves the accumulation of proper empirical evidence to confirm measurement of the intended construct, and to justify the intended uses of the scales. LOQ is based upon the intentional learning theory, which is a comprehensive, holistic learning theory. Through the expertise of the LOQ’s developer, educational researcher, and psychometrician, this article presents evidence of LOQ’s reliability and validity according to published best practices for scale development and validation. LOQ is a reliable and …

Personalised Feedback On Assessments In Computing Modules - Gender Equality Action In Context, Alina Berry

Academic Posters Collection

Personalised feedback in computing higher education has been known to positively influence retention of women. The issue of gender inequality in computing field is well known and one of the efforts to address it is the development of a gender equality toolkit (TechMate), with one initiative (action) in the toolkit being personalised feedback. While all actions in the toolkit are research-driven, the aim of this work was to evaluate the action on personalised feedback in a local context.

The study comprised of 10 semi-structured interviews with computing lecturers at TU Dublin who provide personalised feedback, a student survey with 68 …

Understanding The Impacts Of Unified Administrative Service Delivery, Keith Van Inwegen, Megan Wood, Nick Fetzer, Garret Knudson, David Hunter Patrick, Lanee Prentice

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

Team UNified is exploring how the current Finance, HR, and IT reporting structures function across the university. Currently, each unit independently manages how these services are delivered. Team UNified posits the current model may lead to issues such as inconsistent customer service, noncompliance with university policies and procedures, and fewer promotional opportunities within those job families. We plan to interview key stakeholders, review the current organizational structure, analyze internal turnover data, and benchmark against other institutions. Based on the results of our research, we will document the potential risks related to the current model and offer recommendations for where it …

Unlocking Undeniable Talent At Vcu, Kenda Boone, Tabatha Dunlap, Aaron Jones, Nicole Porter, Khaleliah Williams

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

To unlock the undeniable talent within the VCU community, our team aims to enhance the student internship experience at the university. We plan to equip students with tailored internship guidance, consolidating resources for comprehensive career preparation. By providing insights into relevant opportunities and effective strategies, we empower students to unleash their full potential. Our vision is to enable meaningful professional experiences, fostering success beyond graduation.

Wayfinding For All, Yosssera Bouchtia, Serra De Arment, Mahesh Jonnalagadda, Jada Wright, Julie Arendt, Cynthia Myron

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

Quest 2028 challenges us to nurture an institutional culture of care. Team Affirmation supports robust digital wayfinding to ensure accurate information for all members of the VCU community, including those with disabilities. This project collects data about accessible facilities on campus and includes a survey on wayfinding needs, such as accessibility beyond wheelchair accessibility, gender-inclusive facilities, wellness resources, and map iconography to ensure comprehensive data collection and meaningful engagement that informs wayfinding at VCU.

Numeracy-Meets: Supporting The Teaching Of Numeracy To Vulnerable Adult Groups, Fiona Faulkner, Mark Prendergast, Niamh O'Meara, Kathy O'Sullivan, Annette Forster

Articles

A key commitment of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy (2021) is to reduce the number of adults in Ireland with unmet numeracy needs from 25% to 12%. One of the main challenges in achieving this is the varied provision of adult numeracy education. Many numeracy practitioners are either employed part time or are volunteers with few opportunities for professional development and networking with their peers. This paper details the design, implementation, and evaluation of a professional development model that aimed to support adult practitioners’ in developing their learners’ numeracy skills. This was done through the development of a new …

Faculty Perceptions And Integration Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy In Programs Designed For Adult Learners, Jennifer Mattingly

Dissertations of Practice

Enrollment in colleges and universities has become increasingly diverse and with the looming demographic cliff, many institutions have turned more attention to the adult learner population. However, the diversity of the adult learner has often been overlooked, including in research about how culturally responsive pedagogy is incorporated into adult learning models. The purpose of this case study was to learn about how faculty in adult learning degree programs perceive and integrate culturally responsive pedagogy into their teaching practices. The case site was a department that offers degrees specifically designed for adult learners at a small, private liberal arts institution located …

Enhancing Public Safety At Virginia Commonwealth University, Rigby Bendele, Les Harrison, Oswaldo Moreno, Chernoh Wurie, Carolina Yaber

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The authors of this report will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of safety and security measures on both Virginia Commonwealth University campuses (VCU) in comparison to those of similar urban research institutions (N=10). This evaluation will provide campus leaders with recommendations for proactive strategies, community partnerships, and ongoing evaluation through which VCU can increase both actual and perceived safety for members of VCU and neighboring communities.

Community Ramgagement: Vcu Festival Of The Arts, Stephen Bar, Paula Coates, Laxmikant Deshpande, Faika Zanjani

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The proposed project aims to align with VCU's Quest 2028 vision to seek community partnerships and opportunities to elevate awareness and collaborative action between VCU and communities. The VCU Festival of the Arts (VFOTA) is envisioned to embody community engagement and collaborative excellence. Drawing inspiration from established and successful art fairs, VFOTA fosters direct artist-audience interaction, promotes enrichment, and can highlight student accomplishments and education. Celebrating diverse artistic expression, the VFOTA can support regional talent and the local arts ecosystem that can enhance community well-being. Through initiatives like the VFOTA, VCU can demonstrate its UNwavering dedication to fostering thriving communities.

2023-2024 Common Data Set, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Common Data Sets

This document contains data compiled by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research for the 2023-2024 academic year.

A Braven New World: A Qualitative Case Study Of Career Readiness Efforts On Career Identity And Career Self-Efficacy For Students At A 4-Year Public University, Catherine W. Doederlein

Dissertations of Practice

A Braven New World: A Qualitative Case Study of Career Readiness Efforts on Career Identity and Career Self-Efficacy for Students at a 4-Year Public University

With much of the research on career courses being quantitative in nature, the purpose of this dissertation was to use a qualitative case study approach to understand, through student voices, how participation in a career preparation course can contribute to a college student’s career self-efficacy, career identity, and personal agency in pursuit of their intended career path. Findings revealed that students developed a more authentic confidence about their career development, experienced enhancement to their career …

Enhancing Patient Experience Through Ehr Implementation In Rwandan Rural Health Posts: A Comprehensive Learning Program For Improving The Ehr Adoption, Mugeni Samantha Niyoyita

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This research project aims to develop a tailored learning program for staff at rural health posts (HPs) to ensure the smooth adoption of an Electronic Health Records (EHR). It supports Rwanda's effort to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and aligns with the Ministry of Health's Digitization Directorate General (DDG) program, which focuses on secure data access, continuity of care, and evidence-based decision-making.

Using a design thinking approach, the learning program is centered on the needs of healthcare workers, gathered through interviews and surveys with both the HP staff and the EHR designers. Research identified different levels of digital literacy and …

Vcu Health & Wellness Fair, Aamir Khan, Lexie Lewis, Abby Matulewicz, Fahim Thawer, Hannah Turazzo, Malorie Burkett

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

This project proposes the creation of a VCU Health and Wellness Fair, in partnership with both academic campuses, VCUHS, and local community organizations. With over ten health science degree programs available at VCU, our institution is well-positioned to lead a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. By leveraging the expertise of our students and faculty, we aim to address key health concerns and promote preventative healthcare and wellness practices.

Improving Health Literacy Through Knowledge And Technology, Maricela Hernandez

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Introduction: Health literacy is key in promoting positive health outcomes, particularly in older adults who often face difficulties understanding and managing complex medical conditions. Limited health literacy contributes to poor management of chronic conditions and health disparities, especially in disadvantaged populations.

Objectives: This project aimed to improve health literacy in older adults through a health literacy bundle.

Design: A pre/post single group design was used to evaluate the impact of the health literacy bundle on participants’ health literacy levels. The intervention was conducted over eight weeks.

Setting: The project was implemented in a small rural town in South Texas with …

Changes In Values And Perception Of Life: Natural Disaster Devastates A Mountain Community, Sharifullah Baig, Abida Begum

Professional Development Centre, Gilgit

The mountain communities of Karakorum and the Himalayas in Pakistan are frequently experiencing climate change-induced natural disasters, which are inflicting irreparable losses to their generation's old value system and socio-economic life. Focusing on the value system, this small-scale study explored the change in values and perceptions of a disaster-affected mountain community about natural hazards and its implications for their future lives. Twenty participants from the affected community, including local political activists, religious leaders, teachers, and youth activists, were thoroughly interviewed. The study explored significant deviations from their traditional values of connectedness to each other and with their ancestors' land. The …

Employers’ Perceptions Of Microcredentials On Entry-Level Résumés In Technical And Professional Communication, Jordan Booth, Timothy Ponce, Amy Hodges

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Increasingly, higher education institutions are investing in a booming microcredentialing industry. These flexible, self-paced courses often promise to improve learners’ hireability through teaching skills that meet market and employer demands. This paper investigates the perceptions of microcredentials within the context of hiring entry-level workers who recently graduated from undergraduate technical and professional writing academic programs. Our qualitative research study reports on the findings from 4 interviews with hiring managers and recruiters in a U.S. metropolitan area. In the guided interview protocol, participants were asked to reflect on their reactions to two sample résumés that included different qualifying credentials. The findings …

Comparing Corequisite And Prerequisite Models For Supporting Underprepared Students In Higher Education, Sara Hendricks

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

This dissertation investigates the impact of two prevalent types of developmental education (DE) courses—prerequisite and corequisite—on student retention in higher education. As institutions increasingly address concerns over the academic preparedness of first-year students, many implement remedial education courses to support those who are underprepared (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.). However, these courses disproportionately affect students of color and often contribute to higher dropout rates (USG, 2021; Bailey & Jaggars, 2016). While previous research indicates that corequisite courses, where students enroll in standard courses with additional academic support, can positively impact retention, there is limited knowledge on their effect on …

Outpatient Fall Prevention In Ambulatory Adults 65 Years Old And Over, Dorothy L. Osborne-White

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: In the United States (U.S.), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and over, resulting in 36 million falls yearly (Moreland et al., 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), one in four older adults experiences a fall each year. Falls are the world's second most prominent cause of accidental deaths (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults (Moreland et al., 2020).

Methods: A quality improvement project that included a fall bundle was implemented in a primary clinic. A …

The Finnish Line: An International Teacher Exchange Program, Anthony Marano

West Chester University Master’s Theses

This delve into the educational landscape of the United States and Finland uncovers areas of potential growth in the United States with the incorporation of the Finnish Model. By examining first hand experiences inside the Finnish education system, this study proposes a program that could bring international developments in academics, and overall happiness into our domestic education system. First will be presented the position and philosophy from which this thesis will be approached. This will help to prove relevance when viewed through this specific and critical lens. Next, will be a brief historical overview of the systems in question and …

2024 Foundation Financial Statements, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Foundation Financial Statements

No abstract provided.

2024 Impact Report, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Foundation Annual Reports

The 2024 Donor Impact Report from the SWOSU Foundation, Inc.

The Effectiveness And Feasibility Of Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching With Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study, Mara Sampson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: College students with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience occupational performance barriers, impeding participation. Limited evidence-based techniques are available to therapists working with this population. Telehealth Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) has been found to be an effective treatment technique for improving occupational performance and self-determination for populations outside of college students with ID.

Purpose: The purpose of this experimental case study was to test whether participation in a telehealth OPC program for college students with ID increases occupational performance, occupational satisfaction, and self-determination.

Theoretical Framework: Self-Determination Theory and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) provide for the theoretical …

Navigating Post-College Career Paths: Perspectives On Career Identity And Self-Efficacy From Autistic Alumni, Maryellen Stephens

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the employment experiences of autistic college graduates, capturing the positive stories of successful alumni in terms of career placement and success. Utilizing qualitative narrative research, the study uncovered the nuanced journey of participants transitioning from completion of their undergraduate degree into the workforce. Drawing upon the frameworks of Self-Determination Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory, the research focused on the motivational mechanisms driving career achievements among autistic individuals. Methodologically, this study involved in-depth interviews with a total of 7 autistic college graduates across a range of ages, genders, and sexual orientations. These interviews allowed …

Exploring The Experiences Of Faculty Learning To Teach Online: A Case Study, Peyton P. Burgess Jr

Theses and Dissertations

Through an examination of literature, interviews and focus groups with participants of a faculty development program on online teaching and learning at a large Public Mid-Atlantic Urban University (PMUU), this research aimed to uncover the elements of a faculty development course or other impacts that contributed to the success or hindrance of faculty in their online course delivery. This qualitative study aimed to foster collaborative relationships with participants and resulted in data that might inform the development of faculty and their online courses in similarly situated contexts.

沒有年齡的課室 : 成效評估研究報告, Meng Soi, Florence Fong, Chak Kwan, Dickon Chan, Ka Hing, Calvin Lau, Ka Chung, Tom Kwong

APIAS Research Report 研究報告

背景

香港人口老齡化的趨勢持續加劇，傳統的家庭照顧模式已難以滿足老年人和幼童在身心發展上的需求，需要探索新的跨代互助模式。因此，和悅社會企業於2023 年夏季舉辦了一項名為「沒有年齡的課室」的計劃（以下簡稱「計劃」/「課程」）。該課程旨在為長者及幼童提供共學的機會，推動跨代連結與互惠。為了更客觀地檢視「沒有年齡的課室」的實施情況與成效，以及探討在香港推行跨代共學的可行性，和悅社會企業委託嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心對該課程進行了評估研究，並撰寫了此報告以供相關持分者參考。

研究方法

2. 研究採用定量研究及定性研究的數據收集和分析的混合研究法 (Mixed Methods) 進行。除了透過問卷調查和聚焦小組去收集參加者對課程的看法外，同時分析課程的數據、進行實地觀察，以及檢視相關文獻資料，從而更全面地瞭解整個課程的實施情況、對參與者的影響，以及探討計劃未來的發展方向。

研究結果

3. 本研究於2023年6月至9月期間成功對實驗組及對照組參加者進行了兩輪問卷調查，收集參加者的意見。調查結果顯示，長者及幼童的家長讓他們的孩子參與計劃的最主要原因是為了「想學習新知識 」(長者學員：72%；幼童：73%)，其次為「進行跨代接觸交流」 (長者學員：60%；幼童家長：54%)，第三個主要原因是可以「嘗試新事物」(長者學員：40%；幼童：54%)，以及可以「認識新朋友」 (長者學員：36%；幼童家長：50%)。至於計劃對參加者的影響方面，本研究透過比較實驗組 (即參加「沒有年齡的課室」的長者及幼童學員) 與對照組 (即課程無長幼共學成份)參加者在對雙方態度、自尊心及自信、社交技巧等方面的前後變化。從分析結果顯示，長幼學員在修畢本課程後，對彼此的態度 (長者學員對幼童態度：實驗組增長17%，對照組下降1%；幼童學員對長者態度：實驗組增長19%，對照組增長7%) 及幼童學員的社交技巧 (實驗組增長9%，對照組增長1%) 之增長達統計學顯著程度，足見本課程成功透過長幼共學的方式去改善長幼對彼此的觀感和態度。至於對課程的體驗方面，長者學員及幼童學員之家長均給予高度評價和評分，以1-7分為量表去評價，參加者普遍對課程感到十分滿意 (長者學員：平均分為6.07分；幼童學員：6.29分)、並表示若和悅社會企業日後舉行類似課程會再次參加(長者學員：平均分為5.33分；幼童學員：6.41分) 和向別人推薦此類課程 (長者學員：平均分為5.33分；幼童學員：6.29分)。概括而言，從統計結果反映了課程為參加者帶來很多正面影響，特別是長者或幼童態度之改善比沒有跨代共學成份的課程更為顯著。

4. 此外，本研究邀請了參與課程的長者、幼童家長、和推行「沒有年齡的課室」計劃的同工進行了3 場聚焦小組以深化對問卷調查結果，並進一步探討可如何改善計劃之推行及在社區推廣跨代共學的模式。從結果顯示，長幼學員透過參與本課程互相接觸及互動，增加彼此了解，使彼此的觀感及態度亦變得正面，達到促進跨代共融的目標。同時，幼童的社交技巧、接觸長者的動機及幼童的個人成長亦有所提升。長幼學員、課程導師及項目統籌人員均表示參加者能愉快地學習和十分享受參與本課程。

5. 從不同的的數據作綜合分析，促進「沒有年齡的課室」的成功因素包括: (i) 1對1的長幼配對，增加長幼學員之互動機會以便建立互信關係以及日後的情感聯繫； (ii) 課程時間節數安排要配合幼童的學習時間表 (如與暑假活動分開、每堂時數能讓幼童學員專心等) ；及 (iii) 招募適合的參加者，以其年齡、興趣喜好及性別進行配對 (如女性參加者明顯更為適合參與此類以幼童為對象的活動計劃)。

6. 關於課程的未來發展，研究建議推行機構可考慮以下5 個要點：(i) 除以1對1長幼配對外，亦可考慮同時加入1位長者對數名幼童，或1名幼童對數名長者的混合模式，這樣可以增加長幼學員與不同參加者的互動機會，進一步培養社交技巧；(ii) 可增加針對長者學員的課程內容 ，讓長者以學生身份投入各個課程活動；(iii) 讓一些能力比較高的長者參與課程設計及教材 (如讓長者準備自己過去相片與幼童分享過去時代點滴生活)，為長者充權；(iv) 微調課堂時間以配合長者的活動時間表 (如可參考現時日間長者中心的活動時間)；及 (v) 增加人手安排編制至5至8人，以便在推行活動過程中提供適時的支援 (如增設社工以應付課堂上幼童學員突發的情緒問題)。

總結

7. 綜合各種數數據證明「沒有年齡的課室」有效促進跨代共學與互助，為長者建立正面形象、提升他們的生活質素、亦能令幼童認識如何與長者溝通，改善社交技巧以及提升自尊感等。因此，其他長者服務機構、企業及教育團體可以仿傚此活動，在幼稚園 (即幼兒期) 便引入跨代共學的元素，促進代際間情感、知識與文化的傳遞，重塑「老吾老以及人之老，幼吾幼以及人之幼」的價值觀，建立一個強調代間互助和共融的社會。

A Guide To Administering Knowledge Tests For Research, Aisha Naz Ansari, Sadia Muzaffar Bhutta, Sohail Ahmad

Institute for Educational Development Pakistan (IED-PK) Archives

This guide serves as a concise, step-by-step resource designed to equip graduate students and field researchers with the essential guidelines to administer knowledge tests with precision and consistency, ensuring standardised assessment practices.