Educational Methods Commons^™

Comparing Student Perceptions: Self-Directed Learner And Sense Of Responsibility With Their Measured Self-Direction In Learning Programming, Abigail Blalock

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research poster presents findings from a broader study examining self-direction in learning (SDL) programming among first-year engineering students enrolled in an introductory programming course at Embry-Riddle. Developing learner autonomy and self-direction is essential for fostering lifelong learning and adaptability, particularly in programming, where rapidly evolving tools and techniques require continuous skill development. Using a quasi-experimental approach, this study investigates students’ self-direction in learning using a 25-item validated instrument on the Personal Responsibility Orientation to Self-Direction in Learning Scale (PRO-SDLS). Grounded in the Personal Responsibility Orientation (PRO) model, the instrument distinguishes between the external teaching–learning process and the internal characteristics …

Freshman Student Sleep And Academic Stress Levels: An Empirical Study For Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Julia M. Cortese

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

Receiving an adequate amount of sleep is essential for academic success as it prepares the brain each day for the workload ahead. Sleep deprivation is associated with negative cognitive, emotional, and physical outcomes that may affect academic performance. Currently, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) does not have any form of sleep education or awareness for first-year, first-semester students, which leaves them susceptible to a cycle of sleep deprivation, academic underperformance, and stress. This study examines the relationship between sleep habits and academic stress among first-semester, first-year students of Fall 2023 at ERAU. This empirical study used a mixed-methods survey with eighteen …

Designated Pilot Examiner System Study - 2025, Michael Gref, Wendy Beckman

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

In recent years primary flight training in the United States has experienced a significant bottleneck in the form of long waits to schedule check rides with Designated Pilot Examiners. This challenge has been significant enough to warrant Congressional attention, with reforms mandated in the past two FAA Re-authorization Acts.

In 2022 a first national survey of flight schools and DPE’s was conducted to determine their perceptions of the DPE system, including feedback on the recommendations from the then recently concluded DPE Reforms Working Group. Given the anecdotal evidence of continuing long waits for check rides, a second survey was conducted …

Examining Self-Direction In Learning Programming Among First-Year Students, Abigail Blalock

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

In this poster, we present empirical insights into first-year students’ self-direction in learning programming. In this study, we use a 25-item Personal Responsibility Orientation to Self-Direction in Learning Scale (PRO-SDLS) to assess the self-direction of first-year students in learning programming. The PRO-SDLS is comprised of 4 constructs: self-efficacy, initiative, motivation, and control. Additionally, this study examines the results of the PRO-SDLS across different demographic groups (i.e., first-generation, students with employment, financial aid, etc.). A pre- and post-survey was administered during the Fall 2024 semester in an introductory programming course for first-year engineering students. Data was collected from seven course sections, …

Geo210 Intro To Gis: Students As Partners Support Of Instructional Modalities, Elise Anderson, Dharm Barot, Riley Grant

Student Works

This study investigates the impact of a Students as Partners (SAP) model on teaching effectiveness and student success in GEO210: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. Over three semesters, student partners collaborated with the instructor to co‑design course curriculum and instructional modalities. This collaboration resulted in peer‑led lectures, collaborative learning activities, iterative skill assessments, and revised assignments with clear rubrics. Student outcomes in SAP sections were compared with those in non‑SAP sections using course evaluations, grades, and qualitative student feedback. The results indicate that SAP sections achieved higher teaching effectiveness ratings, more positive perceptions of the learning …

Listening In Lectures Self-Assessment, David Keck

A. Listening in Class and in Professional Settings

A handout designed to help students assess -- and ultimately improve -- their listening habits in the classroom. Sections include Preparing for Class; Mindset; Relationship with the Instructor; Relationship with Fellow Students; During Class; and After Class.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence In Education To Drive Cross-Sector Innovation, Brent Terwilliger, John Faraca

Publications

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes educational practices, particularly in technical fields such as uncrewed systems, robotics, and aviation/ aerospace, its integration raises promise and complexity. This exploratory study features an investigation of the impact AI tools adoption has on instruction, curriculum support, and workforce preparation, with a focus on online learning environments. Drawing from pilot survey data across aviation and aerospace education stakeholders and hands-on evaluation of AI video production platforms, findings reveal diverse applications, perceived benefits, and critical concerns, including ethical, pedagogical, and institutional challenges. Additionally, the analysis explored how AI-enabled education intersects with broader industry and government innovation …

Improving Concentration -- Three Techniques, Lauren Martins

A. Listening in Class and in Professional Settings

A one-page infographic based on the work of Clifford G. Schuette and others. The three techniques for improving concentration are especially important for classrooms and professional settings. These techniques are:

Be Here Now

The Spider

Worry Time

The Refractive Thinker® Vol. Xxiv Mental Health: Chapter 9: Triage For Mental Health: Faculty’S Role And Assessment, Cheryl Lentz, Dr. Karen Balcanoff, Dr. Cherri Brown

Publications

The public knows about the importance of triage in the hospital emergency setting, but few are aware of this term in institutions of higher learning. Triage is simply matching students with priority order of resources most needed (Merriam Webster, 2023). Faculty can be the first line of defense or first responders in the classroom to provide students the help they need before escalation ensues. The focus of this article was to review the need for additional faculty training to ensure professors are part of students’ “network of care” (Sarraf, 2021). Disruptive student behavior is easy to detect in the classroom …

Let’S Make It A Game: Utilizing An Escape Room To Study Variables And Interventions That Impact The Development Of Psychological Safety, Kimberly N. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

To thrive in today’s competitive markets, organizations must harness the insights of all members. This requires employees to feel comfortable collaborating and sharing diverse knowledge—a process enabled by psychological safety. Although extensively studied over the past two decades, how and when psychological safety develops remains unclear. This research addresses these gaps by exploring temporal changes in psychological safety and examining the role of team inputs, processes, and interventions in shaping psychological safety perceptions at individual and team levels. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with repeated and independent measures in a sample of 74 medical and physician assistant students. Within-subject …

The Refractive Thinker®: Artificial Intelligence: The New Frontier Of The Digital Age: Ch 7: Navigating The Integration Of Ai In Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, And Ethical Considerations, Cheryl Lentz, Dr. Karen Balcanoff

Publications

As educators in higher education continue to learn the effects and influence of artificial intelligence (AI), there are questions regarding the role of educators. According to Bearman et al. (2023), more research has been conducted about AI technology rather than how AI will affect higher education institutes (HEI). The goal of this chapter was to begin to fill this gap regarding the how by offering discourse through a refractive thinking approach and review of the literature with practical application of this how, particularly in the areas of (a) ethics and cheating, (b) use of administrative repetitive tasks easily delegated, and …

Using Trees To See A Forest: Leveraging Machine Learning To Classify Student Thinking, Darryl Chamberlain, Patrick Mcguinness, Emily Faulconer, Beverly Wood

Publications

ChatGPT has caught the world’s attention and has researchers considering the ways artificial intelligence can be integrated into human endeavors (Kasneci et al., 2023). This methodological poster will present a systematic method to apply a particular machine learning classification model, Decision Tree (Song & Lu, 2015), to perform and extend the scale of qualitative analysis in mathematics education research.

Shaping Aam Educational Methods: A Comparison Of Traditional And Compressed Class Schedules In Uas Classes., Collin D. Mcdonald, Daniel Siao, Kevin Corns

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a paradigm shift in the versatility of the aviation industry. The obvious benefits of this platform will revolutionize a variety of aspects of the industry. One of the aspects in which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended research is the effectiveness of the traditional educational methods. Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching methodologies have become widely accepted in aviation. In addition, the format of traditional, instructor-led courses have also changed. Compressed schedules (accelerated courses) have become an additional option in some programs.

To better understand if there are statistically significant differences in testing …

Success Of Achieving Student Learning Objectives: Compressed Vs. Traditional Courses, Irene Miller, Timm Bliss

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Institutions of higher learning are offering varying course modalities to accommodate the changing needs of students. Notably, institutions of higher learning are offering an increasing number of compressed courses to meet student demand and remain competitive in higher education. The increase in the number of compressed classes presents the challenge of ensuring that similar academic rigor and breadth of knowledge are maintained in comparison to the traditional 16-week semester. The purpose of this research study was to determine if students enrolled in off-campus classes with compressed schedules are receiving a similar quality of instruction and achieving the equivalent student learning …

Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa Aguiar, Carolina L. Anderson, Dothang Truong, Gregory S. Woo, Kenneth Byrnes

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of the research was to create and validate a safety performance decision-making tool to transform a reactive safety model into a predictive, decision-making tool, specific to flight training organizations, to increase safety and aid in operational decision-making. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the study conducted simulation runs based on operational ranges to simulate the operating conditions with varying levels of controllable resources in terms of personnel (Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Instructor Pilots) and expenditures (active flight students and available aircraft). Four What-if Scenarios were conducted by manipulating the controllable inputs. Changes to the controllable inputs are reflected by variations …

An Exploratory Single-Case Study Unveiling The Promise Of Artificial Intelligence In Aviation Education, Jorge L. D. Albelo, Stacey Mcintire

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Higher education institutions continuously seek ways to improve teaching methods and enhance student learning experiences by leveraging emerging technologies in the classroom. One such technology is ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) application. The integration of this AI technology in aviation education has the potential to transform teaching and learning experiences. This study aims to investigate the acceptance and integration of ChatGPT in aviation education and understand the benefits and challenges associated with integrating such technology. The study employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative focus group discussions with aviation professors and a quantitative survey administered to students. The study included …

Advancements In Ai-Driven Education: Transforming Learning And Training With Intelligent Technologies, Sharon L. Burton

Publications

This article examines the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, focusing on its integration in learning methodologies and its impact on student engagement and outcomes. Recent research underscores the increasing use of AI in education, where it is reshaping teaching and learning dynamics by facilitating personalized and effective learning experiences. Applying Literature review, the study further explores AI's role in enhancing independent learning abilities and student satisfaction, with intelligent learning tools proving crucial in improving user contentment and intent to use. Additionally, it considers the ethical and risk management aspects of AI in education, including data governance …

Strategies For Engagement Of Non-Traditional Students In Engineering-Related Courses, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., David Harvie, Keith Wilson, Monica Surrency

Publications

Project Goals

Overview

• Goal #1: Increase students' commitment to engineering pathways.
• Goal #2: Increase academic performance and persistence in engineering.
• Goal #3: Increase persistence of Veterans in engineering pathways.

Research Questions

• How does students' participation in peer-led team learning activities in online engineering courses correlate to their a) commitment to engineering, b) engineering identity, and c) self-efficacy.
• How do students in peer-led team learning activities compare to students in non-PLTL groups in terms of a) academic performance and b) persistence in engineering pathways?

Operationalizing The Duty Of Care Through Rubrics, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Laboratory experiments are a key aspect of science education. However, they do have risks, and accidents do happen. Science educators have a duty of care, which includes duty of instruction. One tool that can be leveraged for duty of instruction is course rubrics. Including clear safety criteria in the rubric operationalizes the duty of care and allows students to clearly understand safety expectations and competencies. Specifically, the use of organizing schemes such as RAMP (recognize hazards, assess risks, minimize risks, prepare for emergencies) in rubrics can provide clear communication to students.

Critical Teaching Behaviors: Defining, Documenting, And Discussing Good Teaching, Claudia Cornejo-Happel

Publications

What does “good” teaching mean, and how can we know it when we see it? Perhaps you have grappled with these questions at some point in your career, either as an instructor wanting to document or grow your teaching effectiveness or as a peer or administrator trying to provide guidance to or assess the teaching of others.

This book serves three purposes: a condensed, evidence-based guide to effective teaching; a resource on creating a focused teaching narrative and teaching portfolio; and a toolkit that equips faculty to conduct peer observations, student midterm feedback, and productive conversations related to teaching.

The …

Critical Teaching Behaviors: Defining, Documenting, And Discussing Good Teaching., Lauren Cornejo Barbeau, Claudia Cornejo Happel, Nancy L. Chick

Publications

What does “good” teaching mean, and how can we know it when we see it? Perhaps you have grappled with these questions at some point in your career, either as an instructor wanting to document or grow your teaching effectiveness or as a peer or administrator trying to provide guidance to or assess the teaching of others.This book serves three purposes: a condensed, evidence-based guide to effective teaching; a resource on creating a focused teaching narrative and teaching portfolio; and a toolkit that equips faculty to conduct peer observations, student midterm feedback, and productive conversations related to teaching.

The first …

Testing Backward Chaining Ab-Initio Flight Instruction, Samuel M. Vance, Kat Gardner-Vandy Phd, Brendan A. Pearce

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This conceptual/exploratory research updates that previously published in the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research (JAAER) Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Spring 2021) which asked if backward chaining, ab-initio pilot training decrease time to first solo? The specific focus of the research was the viability of landings instruction as the first ab-initio lesson. The research compared a total of eight respondents in a backward-chained flight instruction methodology against four respondents in a forward-chained flight instruction methodology. All 12 respondents were recruited without previous flight instruction or Pilot-in-Command logged flight time. Ground instruction preceded simulator instruction which was followed by instruction in …

Universal Design For Learning (Udl): A Contemporary Approach To Professional Flight Instruction, Denise K. Whitford, Bernard W. Wulle, Nicoletta Fala

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

In the United States, an increasing number of aspiring commercial airline pilots are teaching as Certificated Flight Instructors, presumably to reach the minimum required flight hours and move into airline flight operations. High-quality training is the foundation of a high-quality globalized aviation workforce, yet there has been a persistent lack of systemic in-depth guidance surrounding how instructors are taught how to teach aviation subject matter, justifying the need for incorporating the use of evidence-based and promising practices from education fields into flight instruction. In this conceptual article, we outline the integral components and the research basis of the universal design …

A Practical Tool To Enhance Faculty And Student Interactions Surrounding E-Learning Platforms, Kimberly N. Williams, Alexandria K. Gombas, Claudia Cornejo Happel, Tracy C. Parodi, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, Barbara Chaparro

Publications

Learning management systems (LMS) are prevalent in modern day education, but their implementation is often highly diverse based on individual faculty and course needs. This can result in students falling behind in their schoolwork if they do not understand how faculty use the e-learning platform in specific courses, which may be further exacerbated when students are exposed to many different faculty using learning management systems in different ways at a single institution. The current research sought to create a practical tool to reduce the impact of diverse LMS implementation through the generation of a homepage template that could be customized …

Technology-Enabled Active Learning In Gen Ed Courses, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Asynchronous online courses tend to lack a true “lecture”. In STEM, when communication of content engages students, learning is more effective.

Metrics In Group Work, Emily Faulconer

Publications

Collaborative Learning, asynchronously online

• Critical Thinking
• Tech Literacy
• Communication
• Ethics
• Cultural Literacy
• Info Literacy

Introducing Modeling To First-Year Engineering Students For Effective Implementation In The Engineering Design Process, Carolina Barriento, Juan F. Granizo

PanaSoMM

Introducing Modeling to First-Year Engineering Students for Effective Implementation in the Engineering Design Process

Carolina Barriento and Juan Francisco Granizo

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Abstract

Modeling and Simulation are fundamental skills for all engineering students [1]. However, students are usually introduced to these concepts during their junior or even as late as their senior year. Our research aims at familiarizing students with Modeling and Simulation tools in their first year of engineering studies. We consider the fact that proper learning involves using long-term memory (in contrast with working memory) and this is accomplished by the gradual introduction and practice of the …

Show Me! Do Videos Make A Difference In An Asynchronous Online Course?, John Griffith, Emily Faulconer

Publications

This study attempted to determine if placing videos in an asynchronous course influenced the learning experience. Data were examined for an introductory college statistics course comparing results pre and post implementation of videos in support of discussions, assignments, homework, quizzes, and exams. Frequency of external tutoring was significantly reduced (40%) for the course sections that included embedded videos. This finding supports the idea that videos reduced the amount of friction or extraneous cognitive load experienced by students since using tutoring resources external to the course requires additional time and effort on the part of students and tutors. A significant majority …

Using Small Uas For Stem Education: Introducing Robotics And Mechatronics With Drones, Christian Janke, Kimberly Luthi, Stefan Kleinke, Yuetong Lin

Publications

Several global developments point to importance of STEM-related education and studies. Every industry sector faces challenges in the recruiting of qualified personnel, due to retiring employees and general economic growth. Also, several domains, foremost automotive and aviation are undergoing a tremendous shift towards electrification to achieve sustainability. Hence, sparking the interest in STEM studies, education and vocational training cannot start early enough. This paper introduces the benefits of the educational use of sUAS by identifying core benefits in the three domains of learning – cognitive, affective, psycho-motor. Preliminary data and survey results from from several science, technology, engineering and math …

Instructional Efficiency In Asynchronous Online Discussions, Emily Faulconer, Darryl Chamberlain, Beverly Wood

Publications

Cognitive load mitigation strategies & community of inquiry framework are not discipline specific.