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 …

Best Practices For Classroom Seating Arrangements: A Narrative Literature Review, Sophia M. Williams

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Every K-12 classroom has a unique dynamic produced by students and managed by its teachers. The relationships between peers, as well as the relationships between students and their teacher play an integral role in how students work and behave each day. An important aspect of the classroom dynamic that teachers’ control is seating arrangements. Indeed, extant research has debated on the best practice for seating arrangements in classrooms to create optimal learning environments that benefit both pupil and teacher. Some studies suggest that students work better when they are working with people that they have positive relationships with. Contrarily, others …

Edit The Peeragogy Wikibook, Charles Danoff

ELO (un)supervised 2026

In this collaborative workshop participants will be introduced to wikis as a place for Electronic Literature. They will learn how to edit Wikipedia and its sister project Wikibooks. Then they will dive in to collaboratively edit the Peeragogy Handbook on Wikibooks.

Peeragogy is an approach to learning and working together on projects ranging from the mundane to the monumental. Peer learning and peer production are probably as old as humanity itself, but they take on new importance in our digital age.

We will end with an editathon where attendees will have the chance to share their own experiences with peeragogy …

Online Classes Versus On-Campus Classes: How Do You Maximize Both? Welcome To Hyflex!, Joie Hain, Anita Whiting, Carin Lightner-Laws

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Workplace English For Non-Profits: Using Visual And Specific Purposes Pedagogy, Emma K. Brown

2026 Symposium

Between April and June 2025, I designed and taught an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) workshop series for Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) in Spokane, Washington. The purpose of this workshop series was to provide RICS’s employees, who were advanced English learners, instruction and practice with the nuances of professional communication, especially email communication, and vocabulary unique to their career in a non-profit organization. The workshop was entirely voluntary, provided online over Zoom after their workday had ended, and met once a week for one hour. I designed this workshop series using the pedagogy of ESP: conducting a thorough …

Identifying Levers For Change In Teaching Communities: Does Teaching Professional Development Build Stronger Communities?, Willow Danielle, Sandhya Krishnan, Mark Baillie

Research and Creative Works Expo

Our project investigates the impact of teaching professional development on teaching communities. We use social network analysis to visualize these changes and understand teaching communities on campus. This equips us to identify levers to create large-scale change in teaching practices.

Beyond Memorization: Transforming Spelling Instruction For Grades K-Second, Victoria J. Mason

Student Scholar Showcase

Engaging students in effective instructional strategies in spelling influences overall decoding abilities and literacy development.  During this session, participants will explore how spelling patterns and word analysis strategies support literacy achievement throughout elementary grades. We will examine the developmental stages of spelling, learn how to explicitly teach spelling patterns and rules, and practice strategies for providing interventions that meet the needs of struggling spellers. Participants will partake in a lesson simulation to role play instructional strategies effectively during phonics instruction.

Teaching And Ai – Penalty Vs. Process, Scott B. Thesen

Research Days

In Fall 2025 I completed my Interdisciplinary Leadership doctoral capstone, "Perceptions of Implementation from Higher Education Participants in Online Course Design Professional Development". The purpose was to determine if and to what degree transference had taken place from training to regular practice by instructors. Twelve GovState faculty participated in Quality Matters workshops on online teaching best practices facilitated from March 2021 to June 2023. Interviews with study participants revealed common themes and were compared to training responses and usage in Blackboard courses to determine transference. Results showed training was applied to regular practice in not only online courses but other …

Approach To Physics Education Using Local Ai With Rag For Open Educational Materials Generation, Dmitriy Beznosko

All Things Open

The new tool that starts to enter all parts of our life is AI – and it enters education as well. There are two standing large concerns with using AI for education – the safety of students’ data and the AI missing specific knowledge about the given class. The approach of using the Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) provides the user data to the locally run LLM model (using Ollama framework, a free and open-source tool that allows you to run large language models locally on your system) as a context for the generation of the OER materials. As this AI …

Illuminating Key Teamwork Skills With Case Studies To Increase Student Satisfaction, Kelly Green Atkins, Michelle S. Freeman

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A New Take On Gamer Grading, Cynthia Smyser

Professional Learning Day

My version of Gamer Grading turns earning points into fun.   Students earn level-ups and side quests. Points earned cannot be lost which helps anxious or struggling students. Points earned by accomplishing extra units add additional motivation.  An entire system for grading and rewards for all grades will be presented. Come find out how to add another layer of fun to your classroom!

Science Belongs To Everyone: Cultivating Identity And Inclusion In Stem, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

What does it take for our students to truly see themselves as scientists? Too often, young people imagine scientists as: the person in the white lab coat, the genius in the laboratory, the stereotype in the textbook photo. If we want our students to consider themselves in this role, we must intentionally design classroom experiences that build scientific identity. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to position their students as scientists, including: reframing every day labs as investigations, analyzing how representation shapes student perceptions, and engaging in role-play as scientists tackling real-world problems. We'll discuss ways to integrate …

The Course Of Empire: Romantic Art And The Origins Of American Conservation, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

This panel will discuss the creation of the world's first national park through the lens of nineteenth century nationalism. Specifically, we will answer the question: how does Romantic art lead directly to the creation of Yellowstone in 1872? This will include a run through of a full lesson plan, with audience participation, and include access to all necessary sources, slides, and a fun homework assignment. While I use this lesson in an environmental history class, it would also work well in a United States survey when discussing the rise of American nationalism in the nineteenth century.

Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition And Strategies, Crystal England

Professional Learning Day

This session will empower educators and staff to recognize, support, and respond to teen mental health needs. The topics covered are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, and Panic Attacks with evidence-based prevention and crisis strategies. Inclusive DEI insights, classroomready tools, and student resources ensure every learner feels seen and supported.

Why Are There Microscopes In The Art Room?, Joyce Symoniak

Professional Learning Day

During this presentation we will explore how working cross curriculum enhances learning within the visual arts, science and mathematics. We will discuss how the visual arts curriculum can be created in order to bond with STEM courses for student success. Through exploration we will discuss how collaboration within these courses can be used to solidify cross curriculum understanding and learning.

Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson

Professional Learning Day

In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning.  *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains downloaded on a laptop*

Uncovering Marginalized Groups In Local History, Zach Bishop

Professional Learning Day

Local history is often told through the voices of the "victors" - the wealthy, white male landowners who founded towns and cities. Yet the stories of women, Native Americans, Black Americans, and various immigrant communities are equally vital to understanding our communities' pasts. This presentation will highlight research strategies and resources for uncovering and teaching the experiences of these historically marginalized groups in your area's history

Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality, Marti Shirley

Professional Learning Day

This session demonstrates how AI can streamline lesson planning for secondary mathematics without reducing instructional integrity or depth. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools to generate hooks, worked examples, misconceptions, guided practice sets, and exit tickets that are all aligned to specific mathematical standards. The focus is on using AI to save time, generate ideas, and support differentiation while maintaining teacher control over content accuracy and pedagogical intent. Teachers will learn how to use a predeveloped prompt to create and refine a complete lesson plan, and leave with a bank of effective lesson-planning prompts and editable mini-lesson templates.

From Equations To Innovation: Applying Mathematics In Engineering, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

This hands-on workshop invites educators to explore the critical role mathematics plays in engineering. Participants will discover how applied mathematics enhances problemsolving, precision, and innovation compared to purely theoretical approaches. Through engaging activities that connect mathematical concepts to real-world engineering challenges, educators will gain strategies to help students see math as a powerful tool for designing, analyzing, and improving solutions in authentic STEM applications.

Virtual: An Introduction To Astronomy Research, Matthew Mccutcheon

Professional Learning Day

Have you ever wondered how research in astronomy is conducted? Is it possible for high school (or even middle school) students to participate in astronomical research? This session will provide a brief introduction to the process of stellar evolution. Then we will see how a program with the Pulsar Search Collaboratory can potentially help educate and train students on how to analyze previously unexamined data in a fascinating search for pulsars.

Latex > Ms Word, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng

Professional Learning Day

Explore how LaTeX can help you create clear, well-formatted mathematical content for your classes. In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the basics of LaTeX and demonstrates how it can support your work on platforms like Desmos, Canvas, and Microsoft Word. Learn simple techniques for writing equations, symbols, and formulas that look professional and consistent across your teaching materials. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*

Computer Architecture For Any High School: Designing Cpus In The Browse, Dan Campbell

Professional Learning Day

Learn how students can explore what’s happening inside a computer without needing any hardware or budget. This session shows how to teach core computer architecture concepts using free, browser-based tools from the Elements of Computing Systems (Nand2Tetris) project. Participants will see how simple logic gates lead to a working CPU and leave with ready-to-use, no-cost resources for bringing computer architecture to any high school classroom. *Participants should bring a laptop to this session*

Using Games To Teach Quantum Concepts, Anastasia Perry

Professional Learning Day

Bring quantum mechanics phenomena into your science class through quantum games such as quantum tic tac toe and quantum chess. This session will go over the fundamentals of quantum mechanics phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and measurement collapse.These concepts will be reinforced through playing games. The games can be introduced to motivated middle and high school students.

From Empathy To Innovation: Applying Human-Centered Design In The Classroom, Lisa Evans, Melissa Schoeplein, Leah Avila, Dr. Saad Shehab,

Professional Learning Day

This workshop introduces Human-Centered Design (HCD), a creative, collaborative approach to real-world problem-solving. Educators from University Laboratory High School (University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign) will share how HCD fosters empathy, innovation, and critical thinking across disciplines—including math,  fine arts and civics/social studies.  Also, in partnership with the university’s Siebel Center for Design, HCD has been employed to support school improvement. Participants will explore HCD strategies and leave with tools to integrate HCD into their classrooms.

Testing Theories Of Marine Bioluminescence, Patrick Young

Professional Learning Day

Participants will be introduced to many interesting sea creatures and the contemporary theories about how they use light in the deep. As part of a team, you will each select a theory to explore. Using any of the materials provided, you will design and conduct an experiment to evaluate some aspect of the theory. Teams will share and discuss their results. Finally, you will learn how to make model bioluminescent jellies in your classroom.

You Can't Beat The Classics! Adding Scientific Rigor To Elephant Toothpaste And Baking Soda Volcanos, Dr. Zachary Conley

Professional Learning Day

Students love watching and filming chemical reactions. In this interactive lesson we will discuss how to turn classic demonstrations into NGSS aligned, inquiry driven student learning opportunities.

Connecting The Dots: Preparing Students For High School Math Success, Paul Rummelhoff, Diane Martin

Professional Learning Day

The session highlights the key mathematical concepts and learning habits that high school teachers consider essential for success in Algebra and beyond. Drawing on classroom experiences, We will share common gaps that often appear as students transition from middle school - such as proportional reasoning, algebraic and arithmetic fluency, and number sense. The session will show how addressing these areas leads to a deeper understanding and provide practical strategies to strengthen the foundations

Building Purposeful Communities: Integrating Service Learning For Lasting Impact, Emma Wilson Parker

Professional Learning Day

IMSA’s Service Learning Program connects student passion to community need through intentional, reflective engagement. This session explores how service learning fosters empathy, belonging, and leadership while strengthening campus and local partnerships. Participants will gain practical tools to design and implement meaningful service frameworks in their own settings—creating spaces where students connect purpose with practice and contribute to sustainable community growth.

Technology And History: The Battle Of Britian As An Interactive Model, Dr. Lee Eysturlid

Professional Learning Day

This session will use the Battle of Britian (1940) as the material to demonstrate the impact of several technologies (radar, aircraft, radio, etc.) on a historical event. This will be part of bringing the details into a discussable format through floor model of the event, which participants will engage in. AI in the STEM Classroom  FULL Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll 9th-12th Grade Science, Computer Science, AI In this session, we will discuss current uses of AI for science research, as well as ways to introduce students to appropriate tools and their ethical usage in their academic endeavors. Resources will be provided, and …

Watching Movies To Stimulate Mathematical Inquiry, Dr. Evan Glazer, Anderson Trimm

Professional Learning Day

Have you ever wondered the odds of Luke Skywalker making that perfect shot to destroy the Death Star? How about the size and speed of the T-Rex in Jurassic Park? In this session, we will investigate several examples of how mathematics can be used to make sense of remarkable phenomena in the movies. We will brainstorm connections to a variety of concepts in algebra and geometry.