Higher Education Commons^™

Course Portfolio: Elements Of Physics Phys 151, Evan A. Rich

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This course portfolio documents the instructional design, teaching methods, and ongoing assessment efforts for PHYS 151: Elements of Physics, an algebra-based introductory physics course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The course serves a broad undergraduate population, including architecture, construction management, and life science majors. The portfolio describes the teaching framework that integrates pre-lecture video preparation, active in-class engagement through iClicker questions, and collaborative weekly recitation sections, all unified around a structured six-step problem-solving approach. A central concern of the course is building students’ self-efficacy in physics, particularly among those with math anxiety or limited preparation. Two assessments are reported: a …

Teaching Practices Of Faculty Members In The First Year Deanship Based On Brain-Based Learning Theories, Haya M. Al-Shehri Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

This study aimed to investigate faculty members’ teaching practices in the Deanship of the Common First Year in light of brain-based learning theories. A descriptive analytical approach was employed, and the study population consisted of all faculty members in the Deanship (N = 647). A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument.

The findings revealed that teaching practices were rated at a high level by participants, with an overall mean score of 4.14. The preparation stage was ranked highest, followed by the elaboration stage, the acquisition stage, functional integration, memory formation, and finally quiet alertness.

The results also …

The Effect Of Practice Test Timing On Students’ Test Anxiety And Exam Performance, Alanood M. Al-Thani, Mutasem M. Akour

International Journal for Research in Education

This quasi-experimental study employed a switched replication design to investigate the effect of practice test timing on test anxiety and exam performance among 154 female undergraduate students. Participant groups received online practice tests either early in the semester (before the midterm) or later (before the final exam). Results indicated a significant effect of practice test timing on test anxiety. While both groups exhibited a significant decrease in test anxiety over time, this reduction was more pronounced for the group that took the practice test early. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between final exam performance and test anxiety. These …

Opening Keynote: From 'Publish Or Perish' To Purpose And People: Going Together On Research Assessment Reform, Lily Kong

FORCE 2026

Universities hold a unique position as the brain trusts of society — creating knowledge, countering misinformation, and catalysing innovation that drives societal progress. Yet the cultures of "publish or perish" and competitive rankings have led academia to focus on certain metrics, and in so doing, chase misplaced goals. This has resulted in some misdirections: misconduct, data manipulation, mistreatment of early-career researchers, and a troubling misalignment between what scholars pursue and what society needs. How can we begin to rethink research impact beyond standard metrics to embrace both academic excellence and societal contribution? In the spirit of FORCE 2026's theme, Prof …

Book Review: Transformational Teaching By Kenneth S. Coley, Deborah L. Maccullough, & Martha E. Maccullough: A Comprehensive Resource For Christian Educators, Michele S. Worley

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This review of Transformational Teaching by Kenneth S. Coley, Deborah L. MacCullough, & Martha E. MacCullough examines the book as a Christian resource for educators. The book covers four main areas of education: foundational philosophy and learning theory, instructional design, learning community and semantics in discipline content structure in teaching. Each area is biblically founded and combines theory with real-world application and examples from Scripture. This invaluable resource equips current and prospective educators to blend faith with pedagogy and cultivate an individualized Christian worldview while pursuing instructional excellence.

Write Like You Teach: Taking Your Classroom Skills To A Bigger Audience, Jaedon Wilkinson

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

No abstract provided.

Called To Accuracy, Brick By Brick: Recordkeeping And Reporting Amid Cultural Pressures And Training Gaps, Amber L. Wilson, Sarah J. Boettger, Janet K. Brown, Kjell Fenn, Jessica E. Kuehne, David L. Ream

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This research investigates how faculty at Christian higher education interpret the impact of expected recordkeeping and reporting. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions and expectations of recordkeeping and reporting that impact job satisfaction. By examining recordkeeping and reporting and the influence of culture as key factors affecting job satisfaction in Christian higher education, insights were gathered through six faculty member interviews. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, journals, and discussion board posts. This transcendental phenomenological study sought to explore the lived experiences of six faculty members at a large private Christian university in the southeastern …

Into The Unknown: Ai Adoption And Job Satisfaction Of Christian Faculty, Hailey A. Manicone, Roger B. Bingham, Ireremena E. Felixotuorimuo, Linnaya M. Graf, Rachel A. Joseph, Erica Danielle Moore, Joshua E. Wilson

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The purpose of this study was to capture the lived experiences of faculty members at Christian higher education institutions regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on faculty job satisfaction. The study addressed two primary research questions: (1) What are the perceptions of Christian higher education faculty regarding expectations related to their use of AI in teaching? (2) How do these perceptions influence their job satisfaction? A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to gather data from six participants from a faith-based institution in the southeastern United States through individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts. Analysis followed Moustakas’ (1994) four-step …

Beyond Lecturing: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) And Academic Integrity On Faculty Job Satisfaction In Christian Higher Education, Jacob T. Byrd, Heather J. Conner, Charlene S. Geisler, Jonathan A. Giles, Mark D. Granger, Sheila Ruyack, Andrew H. Volk

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The evolving state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses significant challenges for faculty in higher education when dealing with academic integrity issues related to student use of AI for course assignments. Students’ utilization of AI contributes to a variety of factors related to faculty perceptions of expectations for AI use in the classroom and how they should approach issues pertaining to academic integrity. While research exists relating to job satisfaction of higher education faculty and expectations regarding technology and AI use in the classroom, research is also limited regarding the effects of AI and academic integrity on the perceptions of expectations …

Beyond Teaching: The Ripple Effect Of Mentoring And Advising On Job Satisfaction, Brad Burgess, Justin Bamba, Laura Beiler, Patricia Meulemans, Cathy Roberts, Alicia Slate

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of faculty members in a Christian higher education (CHE) institution located in the southeastern region of the United States. Mentoring and advising were defined within the research as they pertain to CHE. Herzberg et al.’s (1959) two-factor model was the theoretical framework of this qualitative phenomenological study. The study examined how perceptions of mentoring and advising related to job satisfaction. Six participants completed interviews, asynchronous written discussions, and individual journal entries. Using Moustakas’ (1994) transcendental phenomenological approach, five themes were revealed: Student Impact, Relationship Development, Life Experience Mentorship, Christian Identity, and Fulfillment. Christian …

Can You Hear Me Now? The Impact Of Communication With Students On Faculty Job Satisfaction In Christian Higher Education: A Qualitative Research Study, Bruce K. Bell, Virginia W. Cashion, Kimberly S. Cashman, Alexander Lagos Choquecahua, Collin M. Lyons, Robert J. Doan

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The goal of Christian higher education is to effectively integrate faith and learning to equip students to make an impact for Christ in the world. Consequently, faculty at faith-based institutions face challenges when attempting to navigate the ever-changing academic landscape while simultaneously satisfying students’ expectations. This study seeks to explore faculty-student communication and how this affects faculty job satisfaction within Christian higher education. The methodological approach to address this gap included a phenomenological design, which involved interviewing six faculty members from a large Christian university located in the Southeastern United States. These interviews produced useful lived experiences, and the purposeful …

Beyond Lecturing: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Impact Of Lesson Planning On Faculty Job Satisfaction In Christian Higher Education, Andrea Lynn Smith, Randy Baker, David M. Hahn, Cheryl B. Hemric, Karen Haaland Hubbard, Annik A. Miller, Brenda L. Widger

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Job satisfaction for higher education faculty is influenced by many factors, with lesson planning serving as a contributing factor. This phenomenological study sought to explore and understand the lived experiences of faculty members regarding the impact of lesson planning on job satisfaction in a Christian higher education institution. Using phenomenological methods, the researchers conducted in-person interviews, administered discussion board focus groups, and gathered reflective journal entries from a sample size of six participants at a large, faith-based university located in the southeastern United States. During the data analysis, five themes emerged: Faith Integration and Spiritual Purpose, Autonomy and Creative Freedom, …

Tension And Grace: Perceptions Of Assessment And Grading Among Christian Higher Education Faculty And Impact On Job Satisfaction, Jerry L. Pitts, Nary Kitson, Lori Roach, Ashley Tharpe, Sherri Ann Walker, Daniel P. Yerrington

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This research investigated Christian higher education faculty members perceived job satisfaction regarding assessment and grading. Six participants completed semi-structured interviews, discussion boards, and journal entries with specific questions related to assessment and grading. A phenomenological methodology using rich textual data generated four themes: pedagogical support, job satisfaction, time management, and emotional investment. Results indicated that faculty believed that assessment and grading were an integral part of their job. Job satisfaction was most prevalent when student growth was apparent in assessment and when students appreciated instructor feedback. The study offered five recommendations: 1) clarified assessment and grading expectations for Christian higher …

Beyond Teaching: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Impact Of Active Learning On Faculty Job Satisfaction In Christian Higher Education, Alisha Castaneda, Grace Michele Baker, Marsha Baker, Hanna Byrd, Kahlib Fischer, Folashade O. Odedina

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Abstract

This research aims to examine the lived experiences of university professors at a Christian university regarding active learning (AL) and job satisfaction. Using Herzberg’s two-factor theory as a guiding framework, the researchers employed a qualitative transcendental phenomenological study to gauge the perceptions of six faculty members who teach using residential or online delivery formats. Data were collected through individual interviews, reflection journals, and discussion groups. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify initial codes and emerging themes, giving voice to the participants' firsthand knowledge and perspectives. The research noted four dominant themes regarding AL and professor job satisfaction: positive student …

Editorial: Faculty Flourishing: Job Satisfaction, Calling, And The Strength Of Academic Community, Shawn Bielicki, Alexandra Barnett

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Editorial: Faculty Flourishing: Job Satisfaction, Calling, and the Strength of Academic Community

About This Journal - Issue 2, Shawn Bielicki

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

About this Journal - Issue 2

2026-06-03 Revisal To Uar 907.03, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Proposed revisal to UAR 907.03 submitted to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate on June 3, 2026.

June 3, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

“Thrown To The Fire”: Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Self-Efficacy In New Graduate Physical Therapists, Michael Furtado, Gregory Brusola, Dana Wild

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey …

Student Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence: A Freelisting Study, Gary Kaplan, Mslis, Ahip, Jessica G. Hamilton, Mls, Rebecca Miller, Mlis, Rosemary Frasso, Phd, Cph

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

Background

Librarians typically provide guest lectures on topics in information literacy, connecting students to the scholarly literature. Hervieux & Wheatley’s Six Frames for AI Literacy emphasize the need to engage in AI discourse. As artificial intelligence changes the way students often interact with information, librarians must adjust their approach, whether changing the framing while retaining the traditional content, or changing the content. In the 2025-26 academic year, we experimented with various approaches. Here we describe a brief freelisting exercise we conducted before the lessons to surface students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence.

A Qualitative Study Of Transfer Student Policies And Practices At Four-Year Public Regional Universities In Louisiana, Mickey Diez

Doctoral Dissertations

This research study presented a qualitative, multiple case study that examined the extent to which universities within the University of Louisiana System (ULS) align their transfer policies and practices with national best practices for transfer student success, as outlined in the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ A Guide to Best Practices: Awarding Transfer and Prior Learning Credit (AACRAO, 2017). Through a document analysis of institutional transfer policies and practices, the study aimed to identify common themes, similarities, differences, strengths, and gaps in institutional support for students transferring from two-year community colleges to four-year universities. The study was …

An Exploration Of Variables Related To Gender Role Differences And Social Relationships Among Nontraditional Bachelor's Degree Recipients, Cynthia Bourgeois Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this study was to examine variables that speak to gender role differences among nontraditional bachelor’s degree recipients aged 30 to 49. These issues are particularly relevant given enrollment trends showing that the diversification of bachelor’s degree seekers has outpaced the policies and norms of traditional undergraduate education. A nonexperimental, correlational research design was employed using chi-square tests and Cramer’s V as post-hoc measures on categorical data from the 2012, 2014, and 2016 General Social Survey. Shaped by Gilligan’s moral development theory, several social variables were included in the analysis. Two statistically significant associations emerged: women earning bachelor’s …

June 2, 2026 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

First Course Portfolio For Plpt 803 Fundamentals Of Scientific Discovery, Hernan Garcia-Ruiz

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

PLPT 803 Fundamentals of Scientific discovery is a new curse in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I designed and developed this course from the ground up. Initially, it was offered as a special topic (PLPT 892-014) for four years. PLPT 803 was approved by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources curriculum committee in September of 2025. PLPT 803 is unique within the University of Nebraska system and will be offered for the first time in the fall of 2027. The course is designed for students to learn fundamental scientific skills such as scrutinize, …

Black Men, Aces, And Family Support: Pathways To College Persistence And Graduation, Tessa J. Davis

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The problem is that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect the coping skills of college students, resulting in challenges in graduating from higher education institutions. The goal of the study was to analyze how temporality, sociality, and spatiality intersect to influence these individuals’ journeys to graduation. The research addressed the critical issue of how ACEs influence academic persistence and success among this demographic, who are disproportionately affected by challenges due to childhood adversities. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry design, the study delved into the lived experiences of 10 Black males aged 24–65 from the Southeastern United States who graduated from higher …

Her Fire This Time: Black Women Faculty And The Liberatory Pedagogy That Can't Wait, R. Danielle Scott, Andi Toliver-Smith, Nailah Smith

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The purpose of this paper is to document the experiences of Black women faculty sustaining culturally responsive, justice-oriented, liberatory pedagogy in the current sociopolitical climate of higher education. In the context of coordinated attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion infrastructure, the erasure of culturally responsive accreditation standards in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences (SLHS), and the unwritten expectation that Black women faculty absorb the weight of equity work that institutions have abandoned, this paper examines the sustaining forces that keep liberatory teaching aflame. Drawing on critical autoethnography and reflective practice, three Black women, two faculty members and one doctoral student …

Learning From Planet Krypton - Building Faculty Efficacy To Remove Barriers To Neurodiverse Student Success, Anna Weisling, Nina F. Weisling

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

There are an increasing number of students with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiversities attending institutions of higher education. Unfortunately, most higher education faculty do not receive formal training or support around the skills, knowledge, and pedagogy needed to effectively design and implement instruction that removes barriers to accessing the post-secondary curriculum. This was the case for the first author, a content expert with a Ph.D. in Digital Media. She engaged author two, who holds a Ph.D. in Special Education, to discuss ways to more effectively support her neurodiverse college students. What emerged was a duoethnographic research study, followed by thematic …

Performance Of Illustrations And Images As Language In Sarnath Banerjee’S All Quiet In Vikaspuri, Akanksha Barthwal Ms

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

Sarnath Banerjee’s All Quiet in Vikaspuri, fictionalizes but at the same time addresses water wars and political ideologies in the city of Delhi. By the means of eco-critical approach in the name of Vi-kas (development) Banerjee discuss the acts of slow violence subverted on nature in the name of progress (vikas). Through text/ images the author depicts chaos and challenges for the readers in more direct and obscene ways. The current paper attempts to look at Banerjee’s illustrations and images as new form of language emerged in modern Indian literature with the possibly that illustrations have more effect on …

Exploring Information Literacy Skills, Attitudes, And Barriers Among Medical And Nursing Students In Bahrain: A Mixed-Methods Perspective, Asif Altaf, Suchita N. Dsilva, Simple Sibi Joseph, Fida Mukhtar, Muhammad Zeeshan, Bindhu Nair

Communications in Information Literacy

Information literacy is essential for evidence-based medical education, yet Gulf-region studies rarely examine student competencies and barriers. This study examines the information literacy skills, attitudes, and challenges faced by medical and nursing students at RCSI Bahrain. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quantitative survey (n = 343) with qualitative focus groups (n = 10). Students reported high self-perceived information literacy across domains. Time constraints and information overload were identified as the primary barriers to effective communication. Focus group findings highlighted the late introduction of curricula, technical access challenges, and inequities between medical and nursing programs. Library training attendance, academic …

The Dual Dilemma Of Language Barriers Faced By International Students In Higher Education: A Literature Review, Song Wang

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This literature review summarizes and analyzes existing research on the language barriers faced by Chinese and Indian international students in American higher education. Drawing on previous research in second language acquisition and academic English, this paper summarizes the differences in language education between China and India and how limited academic English preparation impacts students' participation and learning experiences in American higher education classrooms. The paper also explores how higher education institutions can address these challenges through language support and learning environments. Overall, this literature review emphasizes the role of institutional practices in influencing the academic language development of international students.