Higher Education Commons^™

Reflections On A Pedagogical Shift: A Public Speaking For Social Justice Model, Angela L. Putman

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

While the basic content of the public speaking course has changed little, the method and manner in which these skills are taught can, and should, reflect the dynamic socio-political contexts in which we live and teach. This reflection essay addresses a struggle to keep the public speaking course relevant, innovative, and practical while also incorporating necessary learning outcomes. As a potential solution, I introduce a Public Speaking for Social Justice Model for the introductory course. The model requires that students thoroughly examine a timely social justice issue; situate themselves and their classmates within the issue while featuring marginalized voices and …

Reducing Secondary Trauma And Compassion Fatigue In The Dark Side Of Interpersonal Communication Classrooms, Mary E. King, Albra Wheeler

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This essay describes the experiences faculty may encounter when teaching tough topics. When professionals are in the position as the individual who cares for, hears about, or witnesses the trauma and suffering of others, they might themselves be at risk for experiencing vicarious stress, or secondary trauma. If ongoing and untreated, this traumatic stress can morph into compassion fatigue, which can impede professional success and contribute to burnout. This essay reflects on the experiences of teaching the Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication where students openly shared course-related personal experiences. We reflect on how to successfully manage the delicate climate of …

Hearing Is Believing: Using Audio Feedback In The Online Interpersonal Communication Course, Krista Hoffmann-Longtin

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

The introduction to interpersonal communication course (IPC) is popular for both communication majors and nonmajors alike, and as such, many departments have designed online versions of the course. Teaching IPC in this format has challenges, given its dual emphasis on theoretical understanding and skill-building. This reflection essay explores the efficacy of providing audio feedback on essays in the online IPC course, as a way to create a positive online presence, manage the grading load, and encourage students to implement the feedback. The rationale for this approach to feedback and implementation strategies are provided, as well as a discussion of outcomes …

The Practice Of Nonviolence: Teaching An Undergraduate Course In Nonviolent Communication, Sharon Lauricella

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This Best Practices article outlines 10 tips relative to teaching a course in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). It outlines suggestions for readings, activities, and projects throughout a semester-long undergraduate course. The article addresses how students can learn both the theory and practice of nonviolence by means of readings and activities that address social problems such as sexism, racism, bias, and violence against oneself and the earth. Specific suggestions are provided for creative ways in which students can be engaged with readings so that they have ownership of their in-class experience. Details regarding an independent long-term project providing freedom of creativity in …

Best Practices For Teaching Discussion As Part Of High School Common Core State Standards, Mitchel Stengel, Leah Nolan, David Donnick, Wesley Skym, Anna M. Wright

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Instructional discussion is a teaching method used in many classrooms across grade levels. In fact, the Common Core State Standards promote the use of instructional discussion in secondary classrooms (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2018a). Students, however, are not always taught best practices for engaging in a discussion and may feel unprepared to participate. As a result, discussions may not produce the dynamic learning opportunity they are intended to foster. This essay provides 10 tips for high school teachers to prepare students in the high school classroom to engage in a meaningful classroom discussion effectively in order to ensure students …

Communication Concepts In Action: Best Practices In Case Study Pedagogy In The Organizational Communication Course, Andrea L. Meluch, Patricia E. Gettings

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Analyzing case studies is a useful way to assist students in drawing connections between organizational communication concepts and real-world experiences. As faculty members who teach organizational communication, we regularly use case study pedagogy. Case study pedagogy provides a rich narrative through which complex organizational communication concepts can be identified, analyzed, and reflected upon. This article provides 10 best practices for utilizing and assessing case study pedagogy in the organizational communication course. These practices include: to make clear connections between case studies and course materials, scaffold learning, choose a mix of cases, cultivate a sense of community in the classroom, enable …

Developing A Digital Voice: Embedding Digital Communication Platforms, Networks, And Technologies In The 21st-Century Classroom, James M. Proszek

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Introductory communication courses are an invaluable resource for improving students’ abilities to speak confidently, passionately, and persuasively, while also inspiring them to become more engaged citizens. However, digital media present new opportunities and challenges for designing courses that are relevant to students’ personal and professional interests and goals. Instructors who incorporate digital communication platforms, networks, and technologies into their classrooms can better prepare students to meet the complex demands of the technologically-mediated 21st century. In this essay, I offer 10 best practices for developing students’ digital media literacies within multiple communication contexts.

Pedagogy, Gender, And Communication: Learning And Unlearning Gender, Marian L. Houser, Robert J. Sidelinger, Angela Hosek

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Courses in gender communication are designed to enable students to examine the role of gender and gender identity in everyday communication. To aid them to understand gender communication, they should be exposed to at least three foundational areas and supporting content. Sex and gender differences, the social construction of gender, and theoretical gender lenses (biological, psychological, and critical/cultural) are critical foundations that students should grasp to recognize the complexity of gender and gender communication.

Best Practices For Facilitating Difficult Dialogues In The Basic Communication Course, Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, Karla M. Hunter

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Effective facilitation of classroom dialogue can stimulate open discussion and debate, challenge students to consider diverse perspectives, and promote critical student reflection and growth. Unfortunately, some instructors may be hesitant to approach controversial topics, for fear of losing face or risking chaos in the classroom. By learning and practicing established facilitation techniques, teachers can develop confidence and competence in harnessing the pedagogical power of difficult dialogue while maintaining classroom cohesion and community. This article provides 10 best practices for facilitating difficult classroom dialogues. These practices equip instructors with resources for building community, maintaining classroom immediacy, and grappling with disagreements without …

Wmu/Kvcc Signing Business 2+2 Articulation Agreement, John M. Dunn

WMU President John Dunn

No abstract provided.

Research And Innovation, December 2018, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• 2019 Technology Development Fund Award Recipients Named
• Big Changes Coming in FY19 to NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)/R15 Program
• Incentive Program for Graduate Student Support Revised
• Join us Dec. 18 for Farewell Reception for Sherine Obare
• Jan. 15 Discovery Acceleration Workshop
• Reminder of Internal Funding Deadlines for Spring 2019
• Congratulations Offered on Recent Research Endeavors
• Julia Mays Awarded WMU Semi-Annual Make A Difference Award
• Grants and Contracts Office Now Housed in Walwood with OVPR
• OVPR Now Partnering with the Office of Information Technology
• Upcoming events

Globally Engaged Holiday Edition 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Accomplishments of 2018 and encouragement for getting globally engaged in 2019.

Globally Engaged December 7, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Friday, December 7th to Saturday, December 15th, 2018.

Globally Engaged December 3, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities Monday, December 3rd to Sunday, December 9th, 2018.

Globally Engaged December 17, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, December 17th to Sunday, December 23rd, 2018.

Geological And Environmental Sciences - 2018

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

• Greetings from the Chair
• Faculty Updates
• Welcome to Dinosaur Park - New modules and upcoming additions to the park
• Hydrogeology Field Course
• CoreKids
• Field Course in Marquette
• Advisory Council
• Alumni Achievement Award
• MGRRE (Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education)
• Michigan Geological Survey
• Student updates - SEG, AAPG, Geology club, Welcome new graduate students
• Department Achievements - Grants, Donors, Awards, and Publications

Looking Inward: Higher Education Public Relations And Internal Communication, Kelly A. Campbell

Dissertations

There has been a decline in public good will toward institutions of higher education for nearly four decades. Resultantly, the public, media, and politicians call for greater transparency. It would be beneficial for institutions of higher education to utilize strategic means to communicate their stories, successes and brand directly to various publics. A critical, albeit often an overlooked public, are the employees of the university. They can serve as ambassadors for the university interacting with outside publics. In this capacity, not only do employees need to know information about their organization to function well at their positions, they also need …

Understanding The Experiences Of Students Re-Admitted After Academic Suspension As Part Of A University-Initiated Process: A Qualitative Study, Gary L. Versalle

Dissertations

Student persistence and retention continues to be a major issue facing most institutions of higher education. With ever more diverse student populations, researchers studied a multitude of groups and sub-groups of students based on ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, or age. These studies looked at how these various student groups can be supported and retained. Students who returned to school after having been academically dismissed are one group which has been consistently underreported. Reentry practices remained largely unchanged and still require the student to initiate the process. This phenomenological study examined the experiences of students accepted into the Reclaim the W …

25 Year Club: 37th Year Annual Gala, Western Michigan University

25 Year Club

25 Year Club: 37th Year Annual Gala

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

• Reception
• Welcome
• Dinner Buffet
• Recognition of Employee with 50 Years of WMU Service
• 1993 in Review
• Remarks
• Induction of New Club Members

W Care Virtual Reality Nursing Simulation, Office Of Information And Technology

Tech Talk

Western Michigan University's W Care virtual reality nursing simulation was a big hit at MiCareerQuest Southwest!

Globally Engaged November 26, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, November 26th to Monday, December 3rd, 2018.

November And December 2018 News Items, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• 'Writing Winning Grant Proposals' Grant Writing Workshop
• NSF Major Research Instrumentation Grant
• NSF CAREER Workshop
• Workshop for Faculty Research and Creative Activities Award Available

Globally Engaged November 19, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, November 19th to Monday, November 26th, 2018.

Research And Innovation, November 2018, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research and Discovery News

• New Board of Trustee Quarterly Reports
• Innovation Networking Session on PFAS and Other Emerging Contaminants
• Nov. 20 Discovery Acceleration Workshop: "Ins and Outs of National Science Foundation Grants"
• MTRAC Innovation Hubs -- Reduction in Cost Share Announced
• Reminder: Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Excellence Award Deadline Extended
• Congratulations Offered on Recent Research Endeavors
• NSF Policy and Procedure Changes Announced
• Limited Competition Program for Teacher-Scholar Award
• Huron Consulting Group Uses WMU as Case Study of Successful Effort Certification Process
• Updates on erct
• Upcoming events

Globally Engaged November 5, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, November 5th to Monday, November 12th, 2018.

November 2018 Newsletter, Haworth College Of Business

Haworth College of Business News

• Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab Grand Opening
• ISM students take first place at national competition
• Finance students receive scholarships
• Sales team takes first in regional competition
• Food marketing students receive prestigious scholarships
• Marketing students help local airport transform their website
• Accountancy professor tapped for state board

Globally Engaged November 12, 2018, Haenicke Institute

Global News

International Education Week (IEW) Edition

Global Engagement Opportunities for Monday, November 12th to Monday, November 19th, 2018.

Western News, October 25, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Governor makes 3 trustee appointments; University refocuses marketing efforts, updating on-campus communications; Preliminary results of staff engagement survey available online; On Campus with Scott Hennessy.

Western News, October 11, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU’s economic impact exceeds $1 billion; Esports initiative garnering widespread interest; Unified Clinics receives $1.5M state appropriation; Richmond product design, innovation center officially opens; On Campus with Amy Dominguez.

International Occupational Therapy Faculty Perceptions Regarding Doctoral Level Education, Bernadette Mineo, Beth Hathaway, Monali Kadkade

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Over the past decade a debate has ensued in the US regarding the clinical doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) and whether to require a doctorate to become an occupational therapist. Little discussion has occurred regarding the potential implications on the global community of occupational therapists, and there have been no attempts to ascertain the views of international OT faculty and practitioners. This study surveyed international OT faculty regarding their perceived need for and value of graduate education, particularly at the doctoral level, for OT faculty and practitioners in their countries. Fifty-three OT faculty from WFOT approved programs in eight countries …