Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Perceived Causes Of Teacher Dissatisfaction In Sekondi –Takoradi District Of Ghana., Dampson George

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

A teacher’s job satisfaction is one of the most essential issues for educational systems around the world. Next to pupils, teachers are the largest, most extensive, crucial and key to improving quality in any educational system (Afe, 2001; Stuart, 2002). This paper focuses on the third world country of Ghana where according to Bame 1992 and Akoto -Danso (2006) teachers are often in short supply. Akoto- Danso documented that enrolment into basic schools in Ghana has gone up by 17% from 3.7 million to a record of 4.3 million.

Strengthening The Academic Department Through Empowerment Of Faculty And Staff, Abour Cherif, Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, Lin Stefurak

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Empowerment of employees has been a primary concern of business for many decades, under the premise that involvement of employees in decision making leads to superior performance and results. Acceptance of the practical value of empowerment by colleges and universities is more recent and more rare, despite the centrality of ideas such as faculty governance and recognition of the faculty’s essential role in the academic enterprise. Empowerment in academe is defined as the process whereby stakeholders are encouraged and supported in utilizing their knowledge, skills, and creativity to embrace ownership and accountability for the well being of their department and …

Issues Of Concern Related To Practicum Experiences In Undergraduate Education Programs, Dana Harwell, Jenifer Moore

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In many undergraduate education programs, practicum experiences (also referred to as field experiences or lab placements) are an integral component of the curriculum. These placements are designed to provide undergraduate students with practical, authentic experience in classrooms of various levels. During practicum experiences, students are placed in classrooms in order to gain direct experience in teaching elementary or secondary students. However, because these clinical applications occur in real-world learning environments, many factors can influence their quality and effectiveness.

Stress And The Chinese Key Middle School, Ping Wang

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The Chinese key middle school is different from the non-key middle school in several ways. First, the key middle school enrolls students with higher examination scores. The students study in smaller classes—ordinarily there are 50 students in one key middle school class, fewer than the non-key middle school. Accordingly, each individual in the key middle school can get more attention from teachers. Second, outstanding graduate students from advanced normal universities are assigned to teach in the key middle schools. Third, better teaching facilities are provided to help the students with their studies.

Parental Involvement In Home Work For Children’S Academic Success. A Study In The Cape Coast Municipality, Dampson George

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Traditionally, parental involvement in education included contribution to their children’s home-based activities (helping with home-work, encouraging children to read, and promoting school attendance) and school-based activities (attending Parent-Teachers’ Association meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and participating in fun raising activities). Hixson (2006) explained that involvement of parents and families in decision making is often cited as one of the most important ways to improve public schools. Parental involvement makes an enormous impact on the student’s attitude, attendance, and academic achievement and promotes better cooperation between parents and school. It also allows parents and teachers to combine efforts to help the children succeed …

The Opinions Of The Undergraduate Students And Faculty Members On Factors That Affect Student Learning And Academic Achievement, James Satterfield, Chris Croft, Michael Godfrey, Tony Franklin

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Teaching in higher education is a very complicated and detailed subject. Good teaching encourages high quality student learning. One of the key principle of effective teaching in higher education is the concern and respect for student learning. Learning style, learning dimensions and academic belief systems as significant factors contributing to academic achievement. The quality of student learning in higher education should be improved and can be improved. How can it best be improved?. The answer is nearer to home :it lies in the connection between students’ learning of particular content and quality of our teaching of that content. Through listening …

Academic Progress Reports: Leadership Implications For College Basketball Coaches, James Satterfield, Chris Croft, Michael Godfrey, April Flint

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The Academic Progress Report, commonly referred to as APR, is an evaluation tool established by the NCAA to monitor current academic progress for Division I intercollegiate student-athletes in regard to eligibility, retention, and graduation. APR data collection was initially started with the 2003-04 academic year. The first data report was released in February 2005 for all Division I member institutions. The Academic Progress Report was born out of a need to better calculate graduation rates and is a continuous assessment tool for the NCAA. Under this new system, the APR awards two points each term to student-athletes who meet all …

Are You A Charismatic Leader?, M.S. Rao

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

When you look at leaders like Alexander the Great, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, John F. Kennedy, Vladimir Lenin and Barrack Obama they all have one common style of leadership – charismatic leadership. They stand out from the pack of leaders because of their extraordinary qualities that are rarely found among leaders. For instance, the solders of Alexander blindly followed him because of his charismatic leadership. The soldiers marched towards victory during Second World War under the charismatic leadership of Winston Churchill. Similarly the Germans were inspired with the vision of Adolf Hitler. The Americans were influenced with the charismatic leadership …

Table Of Contents - Spring 2010, Fort Hays State University College Of Education

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Academic Leadership Journal Spring 2010 table of contents

A Paradigm Of Power And Possibility, Linda Dauksas

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

At the base of the Principal’s leadership and professional responsibilities is the ultimate power to create a model of ability and respect for every student. No matter the size of the school, age of the students, tenure of staff or status of the community, every principal can create a potent paradigm promoting ability over disability, and opportunities over impediments. The power of this paradigm can impact students, staff, and the entire community, far beyond the school campus.

Nefdc Exchange, Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 2010, New England Faculty Development Consortium

New England Faculty Development Consortium Exchange

Contents

Message from the President: Where would you be - Tom Thibodeau, New England Institute of Technology

From the editors -

Spring 2010 Conference, Friday, May 21, 2010, Westford, Massachusetts, United States; theme: Teaching for Learning; keynotes speaker: D. Christian Jernstedt, Dartmouth College, "How Learning Changes Brains"

A Book and Readings List for Thinking about the Human Mind - G. Christian Jernstedt, Dartmouth College

Embracing the Intimidating: Assessing Student Learning in a Non-major Online Science Course - Kristine Larsen, Central Connecticut State University

Save the date! 2010 Fall Conference, November 19, 2010, Westford, Massachusetts, United States; theme: Better Teaching, Better …

Adjunct Faculty Organizational Sense Of Belonging And Affective Organizational Commitment, Constance L. Merriman

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

In recent years all public higher education institutions have increased their reliance on adjunct faculty. Adjuncts provide expertise in key areas, are available at times that meet the needs of the changing student demographic, and cover an increasing number of introductory courses. It has been suggested that adjunct faculty may be more weakly linked to their students, colleagues, and institution. This may, in turn, be detrimental to the organizational health of the institution. Prior research has indicated that adjunct faculty have different motivations and expectations from teaching that impact the connections they form in the higher education workplace. This study …

A Utilization-Focused Evaluation Of A Community College Adjunct Faculty Professional Development Program, Gordon Edenfield

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Nationally adjunct faculty comprise almost 70% of all two-year institution faculty while in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) adjunct faculty teach 60% of the community college courses, and should past trends continue, the number of adjunct faculty members is expected to grow 10% within the next fifteen years (Caliber, 2007; Phillipe & Sullivan, 2005). Research conducted regarding adjunct faculty in the community colleges (Gappa & Leslie, 1993; Rouche et al., 1995) has tended to focus on descriptive characteristics and attitudes of adjunct faculty (Valadez & Anthony, 2001) and on quality of life issues (Rhoades, 1996). While these national studies …

Editorial Board

Perspectives In Learning

This is the document on the editorial board

Invited Essay: Philosophy Of Teaching, Rebecca Alexander

Perspectives In Learning

No Abstract

Table Of Contents

Perspectives In Learning

This is the table of contents.

The Road To The White House: Using Experiential Learning In The Classroom, Gregory Domin

Perspectives In Learning

This case study presents a first hand account of experiential learning undertaken by the author and 16 Mercer University students during the 2008 presidential nominating season. The author was able to arrange a seminar entitled “The Road to the White House” which included an observation trip to South Carolina for the Republican Primary, 16-21 January, 2008, where students both witnessed and participated in the unfolding events of the 2008 presidential campaign

Optimistic Bias In The University Classroom, Harvey Richman Ph.D.

Perspectives In Learning

This research investigated the prevalence of “optimistic bias” (unrealistic performance expectations) among low scoring students. Possible causes and remediations are discussed. Two hundred seventy four undergraduate students were surveyed after their first course exam, and again after their second exam, to assess the effects of optimistic bias. At both survey points, each student provided (1) a performance estimate for the recently taken exam, (2) actual score for that exam after receiving it, and (3) an estimate of future exam performance. The sample was divided into quartiles based on first exam actual scores. Lowest quartile students were overly optimistic regarding their …

Taking The Lead Role In Intern Supervision: The Mentor Teacher Intern Project, Melissa Sullivan

Perspectives In Learning

Classroom teachers participate in many university teacher education programs as partners in the education of teacher candidates. The Mentor Teacher project was initiated in 2003 to allow teachers a voice in the school internship or student teaching process. This study investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the program through individual interviews and open-ended surveys. The program was perceived as very successful by the Mentor Teachers as they moved into a new level in their profession.

Using Wimba Live Classroom For Student Engagement At A Distance, Larry Moore

Perspectives In Learning

Synchronous online classes are becoming more common in education. Students are demanding quality educational opportunities outside the traditional classroom that are flexible and engaging. This article explores the virtual learning environment of Wimba Live Classroom that was incorporated into CougarView Vista at Columbus State University. Wimba Live offers the conduit that allows teachers and students to interact in a virtual classroom closely resembling the traditional face-to-face class. Students enrolled in two separate classes were surveyed to ascertain their perceptions concerning the Wimba Live experience. This article discusses the pedagogical, technical and interaction issues related to the Wimba Live classroom, and …

The Teacher’S Role In Enforcing Hand Washing Techniques Among School-Aged Children In The Midst Of The H1n1 Pandemic, Tara Redmond

Perspectives In Learning

The endeavor of increasing health literacy among school-aged children is a vital role for teachers to play during these turbulent times of pandemic viruses. This essay will address the vital role that teachers have in enforcing proper hand washing techniques in the classroom among their students in order to prevent the spread of influenza and other illness within the community. The document will also provide information related to the historical perspective of the influenza virus and findings associated with the history of hand washing as a mechanism to prevent the spread of disease and illness among human populations.

Considerations Regarding Leadership Training In A Tofflerian Era Of Change, Thomas Mccormack, Paul Hackett

Perspectives In Learning

In 1970, sociologist and futurist Alvin Toffler predicted a future characterized by experience and information overload. This overload, said Toffler, would be caused by an exponential increase in the amount of knowledge being produced and our inability to cope with both the volume of information and the rate at which knowledge was being produced. In this article, the authors make the case that we are presently living in a Tofflerian Era that includes constant change in terms of amount of knowledge and the rate at which it is transmitted and collected due to the proliferation of new technologies. In this …

Publish Or Perish: Can Scholarship And Teaching Coexist?, Jan Burcham, Kimberly Shaw

Perspectives In Learning

Faculty at institutions of higher education are experiencing constant requests to increase teaching loads and class sizes while, at the same time, continuing to meet the demands for scholarship and service. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) can serve as one way in which faculty can simultaneously focus on improving their teaching and their students’ learning as well as meeting the rigorous demands for peer review and publication. The systematic approach of asking questions about one’s teaching, designing and conducting appropriate research methodologies to investigate those questions, analyzing the results, and subjecting the entire process and findings to peer …

Multiple Intelligences: Theory And Application, Hope Phillips

Perspectives In Learning

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has challenged the historical view of intelligence as a fixed quantity since he first published Frames of Mind in 1983. Gardner prefers to describe cognitive ability as a set of eight intelligences. Once merely a theoretical perspective, Gardner’s view of intelligence can be seen in a new light with the advances in brain research in the field of neuroscience. The connection between how the mind is organized and the education of students suggests a need for additional classroom teaching and testing applications. A focus on traditional linguistic and logical teaching and testing strategies must …

About This Issue

Perspectives In Learning

About this Issue

Using A Wiki For Collaboration And Learning In Helping Profession Education: A Pilot Study, Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, Richard J. Silvey

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’S Semester At America’S Holiest University, Jessica Rimmer

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Koinonia, Brian Jensen, Emily J. Darnell, Philip Byers, Josh Arnold, Drew Moser, David Johnstone, Rob Pepper, Kim Stave, Ken Heffner, Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma, Christopher Bohle, Bob Crow

Koinonia

Best Practice Features
Life on Life Learning: Steps Towards Authentic Mentoring, Brian Jensen

The Heart of the Honor Code: I am My Brother's Keeper, Emily J. Darnell

Spotlight Features
Old People are "Whole Persons," Too: Why Understanding Heritage is a Foundational Component of College Student Development, Philip Byers

Ministry and Learning in Residence Life, Josh Arnold

Shepherding in an Age of Edupunks, Drew Moser

The Gap in the Curtain: Seeing Pieces of a Residential Community's Future, David Johnstone

Interviews
A Conversation with Juana Bordas, conducted by Rob Pepper

Looking Into the Future: Two Educators' Perspectives on Christian Higher Education, by …

Transparent Alignment And Integrated Course Design, David W. Concepción

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

This essay addresses ways of making learning goals, and ways of reaching those goals, more transparent to our students, through a process called ‘alignment.’ After defining key terms, I illustrate integrated course design with an example from my Introduction to Philosophy class.

Millennial Sex Habits: The Sexual Attitudes And Behaviors Of Unmarried Undergraduate Males At A Small, Private, Christian Institution, Travis T. York

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

This study analyzed the sexual attitudes and behaviors of 211 unmarried, traditionally-aged undergraduate males at a small, private, Christian, liberal arts institution in western Pennsylvania. As hypothesized, data were largely consistent with millennial theorists’ projections about current students’ decline in sexual activity in comparison to data from the past. The results of this project also confirm the relevance of the Social Norms Theory to the study of sexual behavior (Berkowitz, 2003). Descriptive data and definitions of sex, virginity, and abstinence are also discussed. This research suggests that student development professionals should invest in education and programming that provides accurate statistics …