Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Review Of Openstax College Success, Claudia G. Chiang-Lopez

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of OpenStax College Success, https://openstax.org/details/ books/college-success

Textbook Affordability Open Course: Facilitator Guide And D2l Course Materials, Carrie Lewis Miller, Adeyemi Adelakun, Jen Cucurullo

IT Solutions Publications

This guide will help facilitators of the Textbook Affordability Open Course organize and implement the content in their own learning environment. The designers of the course have included items that need to be updated and personalized for each implementation of the course as well as helpful tips for successful implementation.

This course is an introduction to textbook affordability, open educational resources, and other open practices that impact equity in our classrooms. While it is geared towards higher education faculty, the concepts and practices covered here can be used in any teaching and learning scenario. This course will explore concepts tied …

Impact Of Two Courses On Intercultural Competence Of Undergraduate Students, Lauren Lindmeier, Ryuto Hashimoto, Elizabeth J. Sandell

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

Increasing migrations across the world mean leaders at all levels need to become more competent in working across cultures. During the past 30 years, program designers, researchers, and others have investigated intercultural competence (ICC), often described as the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities. Tertiary education programs (TEP) are accepting these challenges by offering experiences (such as coursework, study away, study abroad, cultural events, etc.) that are intended to produce culturally competent graduates. The teaching and learning experiences described in this study at a midwestern American university may inform others. This study examined archived …

Complexity In The Classroom Workshop: Teaching And Learning The Cynefin Framework By Applying It To The Classroom, Jennifer Karlin, L. Eric James, Lauren Singlelmann

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

Complex adaptive systems are both an important fundamental principle in systems engineering education and a reality of all engineering education. The Cynefin framework, as created by Snowden and Boone (2007), is a decision-making tool that helps the engineer recognize the type of system within which they are operating and then respond in a manner that is appropriate for the cause-and-effect relationships associated with that system type. The types of system, or the domains, fall into five categories and their liminal spaces: obvious, where the cause-and-effect relationships are clear to everyone involved; complicated, where the cause-and-effect relationships are clear to those …

A Multi-Decade Response To The Call For Change, Bart Johnson, Ron Ulseth, Mike Raich

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

Engineering and society have always been intertwined, especially with the accepted realization of technology's significant and rapidly increasing influence on the evolution of society. As a profession, engineering has a vital role in sustainably meeting needs and exploring opportunities that are ever changing and evolving. As societal and industry needs have evolved, engineering education itself has raised the call several times for evolving the way engineers are educated; however, the recent history of engineering education is, overall, one of missed opportunities. This was brought to a headline recently as ASEE leadership authored an article entitled “Stuck in 1955, Engineering Education …

Byoe: Making Connections Between Fluid Mechanics And Abstract Painting, Thomas Shepard, Charles Mossey, Jacob Swanson, Colin Huntington, Mary Murphy

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

This bring your own experiment (BYOE) paper details two iterations of a hands-on painting project that has been well-received by fluid mechanics students. In the conception of this project the authors have explored many of the relevant parameters for different painting techniques: drip painting, pendulum painting spray painting, and acrylic pours – one subset of which is spinning pours. These methods were explored both in terms of relevant fluid mechanic phenomenon as well as with hands-on experimentation, reviewing instructional videos and talking with artists. These efforts led to creation of short instructional videos that students can watch before undertaking their …

Review Of Theatrical Worlds, Lucas Skjaret

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Theatrical Worlds (2014) found at https://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00021870/00001.

Review Of Small Group Communication: Forming And Sustaining Teams, Justin Walton

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Small group communication: Forming and sustaining teams (2021) by Jasmine Linabary and Moon Castro found at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/small-group-communication-forming-sustaining-teams.

Review Of Public Speaking: The Virtual Text, Tim Michaels

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Public speaking: The virtual text (2013), by Lisa Schreiber and Morgan Hartranft found at https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Public_Speaking/Public_Speaking_(The_Public_Speaking_Project).

Review Of Humans R Social Media, Alicen Rushevics

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Humans r social media by iVoices Media Lab and Diana Daly (2021) from the University of Arizona found at https://opentextbooks.library.arizona.edu/hrsm/.

Review Of Exploring Public Speaking, Sean Te Maulding

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Exploring public speaking (2019) by Barbara Tucker, Kristin Barton, Amy Burger, Jerry Drye, Cathy Hunsicker, Amy Mendes, and Matthew LeHew found at https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/communication-textbooks/1/.

Review Of Communication In The Real World, Kelsey Denton

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Review of Communication in the Real World (2016) by the University of Minnesota found at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/communication-in-the-real-world-an-introduction-to-communication-studies.

A Quantitative Assessment And Comparison Of The Undergraduate Curriculum Prerequisite Structures For The Universities In The Minnesota State System With Particular Emphasis On Mathematics Courses, Erik Loge

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to study the consistency of the structures and the centrality of mathematics courses in the curricula of the universities in the Minnesota State University system. This research will be based on the curriculum prerequisite networks for the seven universities in the Minnesota State System. These networks will be constructed from the information in the course catalogs available on each university’s public website. The networks will be constructed with courses represented by nodes and weighted edges representing prerequisite relationships. The analysis will use curriculum network analytics to evaluate and compare the connectedness of the networks, …

Dei Curriculur Initiatives: Transformational Change Or Mere Performance?, Karen Lybeck, Jessica Schomberg, Kristin Scott

Library Services Publications

The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding and experiences that MSU-Mankato faculty have had with developing the recently mandated diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes for new and revised program proposals. These outcomes are part of the Equity 2030 initiative. The research is broken up into two sections, which will be published as separate papers. Project 1: Using critical discourse analysis, we problematize and critique both the stated goals and the implementation of this initiative. Using the lens of critical race theory (CRT), we work to unmask language that maintains Whiteness as a neutral default by asking these …

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Learning Outcomes Considerations, Karen Lybeck, Jessica Schomberg, Kristin Scott

Library Services Publications

Based on an analysis of 2020-2021 submissions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program learning outcome (PLOs) and feedback from curriculum developers, we developed this handout in order to facilitate the development of future impactful outcomes (K. Lybeck, J. Schomberg, K. Scott, May 2021). We hope that our advice for conceptualizing, writing, and reviewing DEI PLOs is useful to faculty. This advice will not resolve DEI problems in the curriculum, but it may help us work toward change.

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (Crp) Bibliography, Jennifer M. Turner

All Resources

Bibliography of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy resources.

Public Speaking Tasks Across The University Curriculum, Gina Iberri-Shea

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Oral communication proficiency is often highlighted as an outcome of U.S. university curriculum, yet it is often unclear how it manifests in the classroom. This paper presents a series of surveys investigating oral communication tasks across the university. The focus of the analysis is on public speaking tasks occurring across disciplines. Results demonstrate that there is a wide range of tasks found in university syllabi, that group and individual presentations are the most prominent, and that communication studies incorporates task types unique to the discipline. Descriptions of the task types found within disciplines are provided, along with an analysis of …

Iron Range Engineering - An Overview Of Design And Open-Ended Problem Solving Activities In An Interdisciplinary, Project-Based Learning Program, Elizabeth Pluskwik

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

Project-based learning (PBL) in engineering education is growing at a rapid pace. The Iron Range Engineering (IRE) Program of Minnesota State University Mankato, is an upper division (3rd and 4th year) undergraduate engineering education program based on the Aalborg, Denmark PBL model. Students work in teams to solve industry-sourced projects each semester. The learning of engineering is accomplished in three domains - technical learning of engineering concepts, professionalism, and design, which we call the “three-legged stool” of engineering education. The program promotes entrepreneurial mindset and innovative open-ended problem-solving in context. Fifty students are enrolled in 3rd and 4th-year studies at …

Intercultural Competencies Among Undergraduates In The College Of Arts & Humanities At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Jonathon Arndt, Olivia Thomas

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

This study examined the impact of an intercultural communication course in arts and humanities on the intercultural competency (ICC) among a group of university students. ICC was defined as “the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural difference and commonality.” Globalization has led to increased contact between different cultures, so individuals must know how to communicate between one another and to understand the culture behind the communication (Melles & Frey, 2017). Students must strive for acceptance and understanding of religion, language, communication style, music, or any other aspect of culture. The research questions were: (1) What is the …

Developing Intercultural Competency Among Undergraduate Students In The College Of Allied Health And Nursing, Linnea Carlyle, Sarah Hagar

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

This study examined intercultural competence (ICC) among a group of university undergraduate students who were early in their studies. Mareno & Hart (2014) noted that demographic patterns have shifted toward becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Therefore, health care providers must be equipped to provide culturally competent care to patients. This study will help universities develop curriculum that fosters student development of their ICC. For this study, ICC was defined as the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural difference and commonality (Hammer & Bennett, 2010). The study responded to these research questions: (1) What is the starting …

Preparing Scientists With Intercultural Competence To Work With Global Communities, Zachary Koestler, Nicole Stalcar

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

The mission of our College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) is to “prepare students for professional careers and advanced study, while connecting with local, regional and global communities” (Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2018). Faculty members face a significant challenge: preparing the next generation of increasingly diverse scientists. Culturally responsive teaching uses “the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, frames of reference, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning encounters more relevant to and effective for them” (Gay, 2010, p. 31). In one example, Downey, Lucena, Moskal, et al. (2006) suggested that an integrated experience will enable larger numbers …

Impact Of Service Learning On The Inter-Cultural Competency Of Pre-Service Teachers, Andrea Faye Gangoso-Aguila, Jonathon Arndt, Yuseina Brito-Lino, Chandler Gooding, Alyssa Harter, Sean O'Rourke, Amanda Rousemiller, David Edwards, Tori Smith

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

The population of the U.S. is becoming increasingly diverse in language and culture. And, the population of students in elementary and secondary schools is becoming more diverse, as well. Therefore, it is critical that pre-service teachers (PSTs) experience and understand other cultures. Teachers will need to become more inter-culturally competent (ICC). According to Hammer & Bennett (2010), ICC is "the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonality.” One way to do this is for PSTs to participate in Service Learning. According to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC), service learning is “a teaching and learning strategy …

Are We Winning?! A Team Challenge To Engage Students In The Large Lecture Introductory Communication Course, Laura Jacobi

Communication Studies Department Publications

The development and implementation of a semester‐long team challenge in an introductory level communication course is described. The team challenge was developed to encourage active engagement of students with large lecture material and to build community within lab sections of the course. Teaching assistants were trained to observe and record participation, distraction, and attendance levels in the large lecture portion of a hybrid course, ‘Fundamentals of Communication.’ Assessment of the team challenge as a case study reveals higher levels of verbal participation and attendance, and lower levels of distractions (i.e. use of cell phones, side conversations, late arrivals …

Impact Of Coaching Feedback On Cultural Competency Of Undergraduate Students At Msu, Mankato, Jordan Hassemer, Arinn Disalvo

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

Our research question was "how does the timing of coaching feedback have an impact on cultural competency of undergraduates?" Cultural competency (the capability to understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities, Hammer & Bennett, 2010) is beyond knowledge and understanding (cognitive activities). It involves reflection, critical thinking, and adaptation of behavior. Other investigators have noted that support and encouragement of critical thinking played an integral role in participant growth. Pederson (2009) promoted the importance of guided activities, reflection, recognizing and using teachable moments, and facilitation of conversations and debate about issues of race, culture, society, and values. Their …

An Examination Of Students Perceptions Of "Learning" In A Study Abroad Experience And Recommendations For Effective Pedagogy, Scott Dickmeyer, Ronda Knox

Speaker & Gavel

Undergraduate study abroad programs are becoming more popular in our increasingly global society. Students consider the opportunity to study abroad to be a personally impacting educational experience. This study provided empirical data demonstrating that study abroad experiences are unique as students learn in ways that differ from the tradition classroom. Additionally, the results indicate that students struggle with the interdependent terms study and abroad. The experience of living abroad is exceptionally educational as well deeply personal and impacting. However, traditional classroom study practices (reading textbooks, taking exams, etc.) impose obstacles for the experiential learning (living in another culture). As such, …

Course Redesign: Csp 687 Internship Ii - College Student Affairs, Penny J. Rosenthal

All Resources

Course redesign by Professor Penny Rosenthal as her capstone project for the CETL Faculty Teaching Certificate Program.

Discovering Culture And Communication On The World Wide Web, Jin Xu

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Discussions of intercultural communication mostly center round the interaction of culture and communication concerning differences in values, beliefs, norms and communication styles. However, cultural differences also stem from different cognitive styles, which impact intercultural communication. This article describes an activity that introduces students to cultural cognition theory. Combining research on the Internet, small group interaction, and class discussion, this exercise encourages students to apply theory to practice, to explore cultural differences on the Internet, and to develop their critical thinking skills. It also develops their awareness and skills needed to be mindful of the nuances of cultural differences. The exercise …

Gaining Knowledge: Creating Activities For Students By Students, Annie M. Clement

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This article describes an activity suitable for high school and college/university communication courses. Combining outside research with in-class discussions and class interaction give students the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about interviewing in the ‘real world.’ Students research interviewing topics, find articles to support their topic, then create an activity and present this to the class. This allows more in-depth analysis of common topics discussed in an interviewing class allowing students to take control for their learning, deepening the learning process for themselves and others while decreasing common interviewing pitfalls.

Developing A Senior Capstone And Portfolio Course, Nanette Johnson-Curiskis, Daniel Cronn-Mills, Warren Sandmann

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Our purpose in this essay is to explain how the Speech Communication Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato developed a senior capstone and portfolio course. We describe how this course helped the department improve its curriculum and teaching, and helped its students enhance their learning of the discipline.

Iron Range Engineering Pbl Experience, Ron Ulseth, Bart Johnson

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

A new PBL model started in 2010 in Minnesota, United States. The PBL model is upper-division (the last two years of four-year bachelor’s of engineering degree). Entering students are graduates of Minnesota’s community colleges. The Aalborg PBL model served as an inspiration for the program’s development. Unique attributes of the program include industry clients, semester-long projects, emphasis on development of self-regulated learning abilities, dedicated project rooms, technical competence learned in one-credit, small (3-4 student) groups with one academic staff called learning competencies, and an emphasis on continuous improvement. The program has earned ABET accreditation. Seventy-five students have graduated and are …