Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Sharing Stories: Reflections Of Professors’ Literacy Identities And Beliefs, Christy M. Howard, Ran Hu, Johna Faulconer

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Teacher identities and beliefs influence instructional practices. In order to explore this process, this self-study was conducted by three literacy professors from different ethnic backgrounds including one African-American professor, one Chinese national professor and one White professor. The purpose of this study was to examine how professors' literacy identities are shaped and how sharing these identities, experiences and beliefs in meaningful professional dialogues influences instructional practice. We examined the role of our identities and beliefs on our instructional practices using multiple forms of qualitative data such as journal entries, digital stories, and critical group discussions. Despite the range of differences …

Reclaiming And Redefining Research, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Action research, practitioner inquiry, self-study, scholarship of teaching and learning, or practice-based research – there are numerous names for this work. Yet, whether you are new to action research or a veteran of classroom inquiry, I hope this issue of Networks continues to inspires you to “reflect on classroom practice through research ventures… alone or in collaboration, use inquiry as a tool to learn more about your work with the hope of eventually improving its effectiveness” (from the mission statement of Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research).

Jcctl Mailer – September 22, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on September 22, 2020.

Contents:

Upcoming JCCTL Events:

• 30 minutes with… Charmaine T. Cruise and Sahana Mukherjee: Engaging in proactive advising during the new normal.
• Student Targeted Messaging

Resources from Transition Week

• International Student Support Do’s and Don’ts
• Mindful Learning in a Digital Space
• Discussion Forum Check-in
• Building Better Breakout Rooms
• Tool Time
• Creating Effective Video Content
• Assessment in remote learning environments'
• Supporting Student Mental Health at Gettysburg College
• Supporting first-year students during a de-densified semester

Other Events

• Virtual Faculty Development Group Chat and Office …

Jcctl Mailer – September 7, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on September 7, 2020.

Contents:

Discussion on the Decision to De-densify Campus

Zoom Meetings

• Supporting First-year Students During a De-densified Semester, Kathy Cain (Psychology) and Ian Isherwood (War and Memory Studies)

• Supporting Student Mental Health at Gettysburg, Kathy Bradley

• Assessment in Remote Learning Environments, Sharon Birch and Josef Brandauer

• Creating Effective Video Content, Carrie Szarko
  
• Tool Time, Kevin Moore and Melissa Forbes
• Building Better Breakout Rooms, Kevin Moore and Melissa Forbes
• Discussion Forum Check-in, Kevin Moore and Melissa Forbes
• Mindful Learning in a Digital Space, …

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Jcctl Mailer – September 4, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on September 4, 2020.

Contents:

Zoom with us!

• June Pedagogy Institute Team is hosting ‘Zoom-in’ hours
• Dr. Kathy Bradley, Director of Counseling Services will be the next featured guest in the "30 min with..." series.

Other Pedagogy Resources

• Mussleman Library Information Literacy Concepts and Skills
• Effective Student Outreach
• Podcast: How to Create Social SPaces in your Courses, Dr. Melissa Wehler.
• Universal Design of Learning (UDL Resources)
• Williams College Strategies and Tips for Teaching Hybrid and Remote Courses

Grant Opportunities

• Faculty Created working Groups
• Resilient …

Jcctl Mailer – August 19, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on August 19, 2020.

Contents:

Suggested Readings

• Party Like Your Life Depends On It
• Online Tools for Student Collaboration
• Avoid Zoom Fatigue

Other Resources

• Effective Anti-Racist Teaching
• Diversity and Inclusion Syllabus Statements
• Becoming an Anti-Racist Educator
• Anti-Racism and Allyship in the Classroom

A Perturbed System: How Tenured Faculty Responded To The Covid-19 Shift To Remote Instruction, Rachel L. Rupnow, Nicole D. Ladue, Nicole M. James, Heather E. Bergan-Roller

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications

This study investigates six university professors' reflections on the shift to remote instruction during the Spring 2020 semester in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The rapid shift in instructional platform presents an opportunity to learn from unresolved challenges that persisted through the semester. Here we present a qualitative study of how experienced (i.e., associate or full) chemistry professors report their teaching practices in light of the COVID-19 disruptions. We observed four major themes: personal factors, contextual factors of the structure and culture, teacher thinking, and teachers' practice. These themes revealed that the professors in this study adapted quickly using …

Jcctl Mailer – August 10, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on August 10, 2020.

Contents:

Reading and other suggestions

• Scientific Spotlight
• Cynthia J Brame's article on Team-Based Learning
• Seven Strategies to Promote Community in Online Courses
• Perusall.com

Upcoming Events

• IT will be running training sessions in various classrooms this week

Jcctl Mailer – August 3, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on August 3, 2020.

Contents:

Weekly Updates

• Slides on trauma-informed teaching strategies
• JCCTL Resilient Pedagogy Grant
• Creating inclusive curricula

Reading Suggestions

• Siena College report on physically distanced classroom
• Karen Costa's post on trauma-informed teaching
• Comprehensive guide on trauma-informed practices in post-secondary education

Upcoming Events

• Exploring Research-Based, Inclusive Curricula for the Online or In-Person Classroom
• IT classroom training sessions
• Microsoft Team training
• Introductory Zoom training
• Ensemble Video Training
• Frustrated with Forums?

Other Announcements

• Teaching and Learning Online
• Basic Moodle training

Teaching The Syllabus At The Community College, Yuemin He

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

Reacting directly to the fact that even the best syllabus is worthless to the student who does not read it, this essay draws inspiration from research of the past decade, especially from the learning-focused syllabus concept that was introduced by three researchers at the University of Virginia, and uses a questionnaire to gauge our community college students’ needs. It suggests specific methods to build the bridge between course content instruction and syllabus teaching. Ultimately, it contributes to the discussion of several important syllabus-related questions: How can instructors use the syllabus as a pedagogical tool to build a strong student rapport? …

Critical Language Awareness Pedagogy In First-Year Composition: A Design-Based Research Study, Megan Michelle Weaver

English Theses & Dissertations

In this design-based research (DBR) study, I collaborated with two first-year composition (FYC) instructors in designing and implementing Critical Language Awareness (CLA) pedagogy to promote students’ linguistic consciousness while strengthening and enhancing their postsecondary writing skills. I designed and implemented this study by drawing on a critical theory of language, informed by literature on language ideologies (Silverstein, 1979; Irvine & Gal, 2000; Kroskrity, 2010) and raciolinguistics (Flores & Rosa, 2015; Alim, 2016), and a critical theory of pedagogy, informed by literature on critical pedagogy (Freire, 1970, 1973; Giroux, 2011) and critical race pedagogy (Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995; Lynn, 1999). After …

Tactviz: A Vmd Plugin For Tactile Visualization Of Protein Structures, Olivia R. Shaw, Jodi A. Hadden-Perilla

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Scientific disciplines spanning biology, biochemistry, and biophysics involve the study of proteins and their functions. Visualization of protein structures represents a barrier to education and research in these disciplines for students who are blind or visually impaired. Here, we present a software plugin for readily producing variable-height tactile graphics of proteins using the free biomolecular visualization software Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) and protein structure data that is publicly available through the Protein Data Bank. Our method also supports interactive tactile visualization of proteins with VMD on electronic refreshable tactile display devices. Employing our method in an academic laboratory has enabled …

Astrodance: Engaging Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Students In Astrophysics Via Multimedia Performances, Jason Nordhaus, Manuela Campanelli, Joe Bochner, Thomas Warfield, Hans-Peter Bischof, Jake Noel-Storr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The dynamics of gravitating astrophysical systems such as black holes and neutron stars are fascinatingly complex, offer some of nature's most spectacular phenomena, and capture the public's imagination in ways that few subjects can. Here, we describe AstroDance, a multi-media project to engage deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in astronomy and gravitational physics. AstroDance incorporates multiple means of representation of scientific concepts and was performed primarily for secondary and post-secondary audiences at ~20 venues in the northeastern US prior to the historic first detection of gravitational waves. As part of the AstroDance project, we surveyed ~1000 audience members roughly split …

Visualization Without Vision – How Blind And Visually Impaired Students And Researchers Engage With Molecular Structures, Croix J. Laconsay, Henry B. Wedler, Dean J. Tantillo

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This article examines the tools and techniques currently available that enable blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to visualize three-dimensional objects used in learning chemistry concepts. How BVI individuals engage with and visualize molecular structure is discussed and recent tactile (or haptic) and auditory methods for visualization of various chemistry concepts are summarized. Remaining challenges for chemistry education researchers are described with the aim of highlighting the potential value of educational research in further enabling BVI students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Jcctl Mailer – July 24, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on July 24, 2020.

Contents:

Reading Suggestions

• Small teaching online
• Tips on active learning while we are physically distanced
• Increase the effectiveness of instructional videos
• Syllabus review guide

Upcoming events

• Trauma-Informed Approaches in Teaching
• Exploring Research-Based, Inclusive Curricula for the Online or In-Person Classroom
• Zoom Training
• Camera/document camera equipped classroom demonstration
• Microsoft Teams demonstration
• Using Office 365 for grading and group work

Announcements

• Teaching and Learning Online
• Basic Moodle training

Creating And Teaching An Annotated Bibliography Class To Medical Students, Kevin R. Block

Libraries Scholarship

Background: A new curriculum implemented at the medical school for the 2019/2020 academic year includes a medical scholarship requirement. The scholarship course designed to support this requirement runs throughout the 4 years of medical school and culminates in a Capstone project. Goals for the course include exposing students to scientific inquiry, developing scientific literacy, and cultivating basic competency in written and oral scientific communication. In support of these goals Librarians were tasked during the first semester with teaching students sessions on formulating research questions, selecting and searching appropriate databases, using EndNote, and creating an annotated bibliography on a preselected topic. …

Jcctl Mailer - July 16, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on July 16, 2020.

Contents:

Reading Suggestions

• Thoughts on pragmatic and applied strategies to engage students in the classroom
• Are multiple-choice questions appropriate assessments of learning?
• Collaborative note-taking
• Small teaching online

Announcements

• Teaching and Learning Online
• JPI Planning Timeline
• Basic Moodle Training

Upcoming Events

• Workshops on Inclusivity in the classroom and trauma-informed pedagogy
• Camera/document camera equipped classroom demonstration
• Microsoft Teams demonstration

Jcctl Mailer - July 10, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on July 10th, 2020.

Contents:

Announcements

• Teaching and Learning Online
• JPI Planning Timeline
• Basic Moodle Training

Upcoming Events

• Assignment Tool in Moodle
• Introduction to Ensemble Video
• Screencast-O-Matic Training
• Advanced Grading in Moodle
• Camera/document camera equipped classroom demonstration
• The Gradebook Moodle
• Microsoft Teams demonstration

Jcctl Mailer - June 29, 2020, Josef Brandauer

JCCTL Mailers

Updates on training and support and useful pedagogical resources compiled and sent by the JCCTL on June 29, 2020.

Contents:

Announcements

• JPI Resources
• Basic Moodle training

Upcoming events

• Introductory Zoom training
• Moodle - Appearance and Organization
• Moodle - Discussion Forums
• Camera/document camera equipped classroom (West 112) demonstration
• Introduction to Ensemble Video

Revolutionizing The Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum, Shelby Ann Mcneilly, Krishna Pakala, Donald Plumlee

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

As the age of technological advancement and occupational opportunity continues to progress, companies must be constantly adjusting and transforming in order to accommodate industry demands. With these quickly developing requirements comes an expectation of employee experience and skill sets. For individuals seeking a career in mechanical engineering, moving forward with the tools necessary for success in this continuously evolving world begins with higher education. This paper is the first of a three-part series to report on the progress of Boise State University’s Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department’s mission to implement a revolutionized curriculum in their academic program. This paper will …

First & Second Cycles Final Report For: Educational And Workforce Development Through Creation Of Programs In Transportation To Generate Future Careers For Our Students In Navajo Nation Region, Gholam Ehteshami

Publications

Navajo Technical University (NTU) in New Mexico, has made a partnership with the Tran-SET regional center at Louisiana State University, LSU. We have provided learning and training the Native American students in transportation-related Industries to some of STEM students at NTU through these partnerships opportunities. The program was designed and supported by Native American students from high school to STEM undergraduate students. The program was implemented accordingly with four main components: (1). Selected eligible and interested Native American student to paid summer internships to the field and facilities of transportations industries and participate in research summer at LSU. (2). Directed …

Computer-Based Learning: Effects On Student Learning And Interpretation Of Curriculum, Hasani Jackson

Dissertations

ABSTRACT In 2010, the Superintendent of Prestige School District (a pseudonym) implemented online learning programs that would cater to student learning while increasing achievement. With the adoption of computer-based programs into Prestige School District System, curriculum specialists wanted to align programs to the Common Core State Standards initiated by the Department of Education. Through gathering quantitative and qualitative data on behalf of various stakeholders within Prestige School District, the goal of this study was to uncover the key elements of online learning programs that can be improved to enhance student achievement. Results provide a foundation for positive learning initiatives that …

Overcoming Adversity In The Stem Classroom: Examining Learned Helplessness In First-Year Community College Students Using Salivary Cortisol, Surveys And Interviews, Diane M. Price Banks

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation seeks to determine whether a relationship between STEM attrition and Learned Helplessness exist in a group of first year STEM majors studied at an urban community college. STEM attrition rates have shown that 69% of the 20% of incoming STEM freshmen in associate degree programs, drop out or switch their majors to non-STEM curriculum within their first year of college (NCES, 2013). Learned helplessness is a behavioral phenomenon where some may become helpless as the conditions surrounding their success become adverse. Classic signs expressed with learned helplessness include: lack of motivation, depression, poor social skills, absence of control …

The Power Of Workshop, Stephanie Nagl

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This action research explores the use of Readers’-Writers’ Workshop (RWW) in the secondary English classroom. RWW often requires a paradigm shift on the part of the teacher to allow for more student autonomy and limiting direct instruction time. The researcher sought to discover whether or not this model would impact the engagement level and the attitudes toward reading of high school seniors. Findings suggest RWW can be an effective tool for engaging students, as well as, helping students to develop positive attitudes with reading practices.

Spelling Interventions For Students Who Show Signs Of Dyslexia, Caitlin N. Gritz

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This action research examines the impact of spelling interventions for students who show signs of dyslexia. The action research also shows how using growth mindset can help students with characteristics typical of low self-esteem. Students learned a new spelling pattern weekly and a growth mindset lesson to teach students how to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset related to spelling skills. A pre-spelling inventory test and a post-spelling inventory test were compared to see that word study activities help students remember specific spelling patterns.

Self-Care Amongst First-Year Teachers, Leia Baker

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This paper explores a study completed with two first-year teachers over a three-month period while self-care strategies were suggested and practiced. The paper discusses the impact that practicing and not practicing self-care has on first-year teachers’ attitudes and attendance. It also includes firsthand accounts from journal entries completed by both first-year teachers.

Editorial Introduction: Classroom Research: Catalyzing Education Through Inquiry, Shantel Farnan, Victoria Seeger

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Exploring Stem Kit Diagrams For Braille Readers In Inclusive Classrooms, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Diagrams appears in many school subjects but more prominent in science and mathematics taught in schools. Accessing these diagrams in an inclusive classroom has been identified to be problematic for blind students partly due to the teaching resources available and personnel type, support and sufficiency. Diagrams are mostly omitted by teachers leaving the blind person out in such classroom to access portion of education received by their peers. In many instances, questions with diagrams are treated as bonus for blind students in some countries which is not fair to them. This study explored the efficacy of STEM Kit diagrams on …

Threshold Concepts And Transfer: A Curriculum Mapping Tool For First-Year Writing, Kerry Smith

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Writing scholars Adler-Kassner and Wardle, Beaufort, and Devet have placed pragmatic learning goals of transfer at the core of education’s purpose. This thesis shares the assumption of pragmatic learning goals for education and examines these goals for transfer through Meyer and Land’s theory of threshold concepts in the context of first-year composition courses. Covering Meyer and Land’s foundational work on threshold concepts and Thorndike and Woodworth’s groundbreaking research that later informed Perkins and Salomon’s work in transfer, this thesis aims to contextualize this literature within and operationalize it for first-year writing programs’ curriculum course design through the creation and testing …

Experiences Of Implementing Developmental Education Redesign In Mississippi Community Colleges: An Administrators’ And Faculty’S Perspective, James Rush

Dissertations

Each year, after graduating from high school or after a number of years in the workforce, millions of students in America make the choice to further their education. Students who enter higher education are faced with the decision of choosing from a diverse pool of institutions that provide an array of services to meet the needs of a changing society. Many students entering institutions of higher learning are in need of some developmental instruction or course in order to complete their degree and/or training. Because of the integral part that developmental education plays in higher education, the cost versus effectiveness …