Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Plot Yourself: An Audience Analysis Activity Modified For Online Learning, Dakota Horn, Shannon Sandoval, Cameron Horn

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This activity allows students to become visual depictions during audience analysis. The activity can be used in a face-to-face or online delivery, and also used as a post-assessment. The activity uses an interactive Google Sheet to replicate the act of moving around the classroom and provides an active approach to audience analysis. This active approach creates a bonding experience for students to begin exploring audience members’ knowledge and interest in topics to examine what it means to analyze an audience.

Ensuring Equity In Education: End Exclusionary Discipline To Protect All Students Access To Learning, Emma Daugherty, Dominika Dyminski, Lacey Erickson, Carly Manderfeld

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

A student's race, disability status and previous history of discipline are leading factors associated with being subjected to exclusionary discipline. This contributes to a negative cycle of discipline for our Black, Indigenous, and other students of color (BIPOC) and students with disabilities. This cycle prevents BIPOC and students with disabilities from learning, growing, and reaching their full potential. Minnesota must disrupt this negative disciplinary cycle by ending subjective disciplinary practices and investing in practices that promote an equity and a healthy school environment for all students.

Academic Dishonesty: The Ghost Of Papers Past, Wayne T. Whitmore

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research project examined student’s acts of academic dishonesty and their beliefs regarding whether acts of academic dishonesty were acceptable through survey research conducted online at a two-year college and a four-year university in the Minnesota State (MinnState) system in southern Minnesota. This research aimed to build on existing research related to academic dishonesty in higher education. The sample included 195 students enrolled at a two-year comprehensive college and a four-year state university. Outcomes indicated a majority of students engaged in acts of academic dishonesty. Second, outcomes indicated men are more likely to engage in academic dishonesty than women. Third, …

Library Study Spaces And Accessibility, Jessica Schomberg, Elizabeth Harsma, Prajita Chauhan, Oscar Gonzalez

Library Services Publications

To understand the library study space needs of students with disabilities by thinking about study spaces through a disability lens and using theory-based interview questions to conduct a qualitative exploration of student needs related to the accessibility of study spaces. Recommendations are provided.

“Whose Team Is It Anyway?”: Exploring The Impact Of Coaching Changes On Forensics Team Culture, Brenton Lynn Mitchell

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Previous research in the field has documented the many aspects of coaching difficulties faced by forensic teams (Chouinard & Kuyper, 2010; Louis, 2011; Outzen, 2016; White, 2005 & 2010). While research in this area is necessary to understand the struggles associated with a coaching change and the impact it has on team culture, little research has been done to analyze how the students are affected by the shift in coaches and the changing culture of the team. This thesis examines how collegiate forensics competitors navigate these difficult transitions in an activity that heavily influences the creation of close relationships between …

Forensics Code Of Student Conduct

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Example of a forensics code of conduct.

Strategic Recruitment, Keith Denslow

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper suggests that the process of recruitment should be more closely examined. Examples of current methods of recruitment will be reviewed, a framework for a systematic recruitment campaign will be suggested, and practical techniques displayed.

Student Research As A Method For Developing New Forensics Leaders, Ben Walker

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

For years, a call for more forensic research has echoed across the nation. While some respond to the continued challenge, many others have not. Numerous programs have disappeared from the collegiate forensic map over the years, with the questioned legitimacy and effectiveness of forensic programs and forensic professionals cited as the reason for their disappearance. In order to maintain a strong participation of programs, students, and coaches, we must develop strong leaders who, through research, will promote and stabilize forensics in the collegiate scene. As forensic leaders, it is our responsibility to nurture students into leadership positions where they, through …

Novice Competitors And Public Address Preparation, Jessica Samens

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

In a time when forensics is trying to maintain traditions while not getting stuck in a performance rut, teaching incoming students competition norms can be a very sticky situation. The community is being constantly criticized for crediting students who follow the spoken and unspoken rules of competition. This can leave little room for individuality and can also make it very difficult to prepare incoming students for competition. Prepping new students in college events becomes a balancing act, trying to teach events, norms, and policies in a short amount of time to help prepare the student to be "tournament ready." While …

Msu-M Social Work Students' Perceptions Of Sexual Assault Reporting, Elizabeth M. Guss

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Prior research on sexual assault reporting has identified several barriers to reporting, such as rape myths, negative perceptions about how the report will be handled, and misinformation about reporting rights. Due to these barriers, many cases of sexual assault go unreported. By increasing education about sexual assault policies and access to resources, it is hoped that college campuses can become safer for all students. Data for this study was gathered through an online, anonymous survey which contained twelve questions- six about reporting perceptions and knowledge, and six about socio-demographic information. The survey was sent to an intro-level Social Work class …

It's A Wrap: Librarians, Filmmakers And Archival Collections, Monika Antonelli, Daardi Sizemore Mixon

Library Services Publications

Outreach Librarian, Monika Antonelli and University Archivist Librarian, Daardi Sizemore will show an excerpt of their 50 minute documentary film, Two Weeks in May, which documents student anti-Vietnam War protests on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus in May 1972. The presenters will share their experiences creating the film including: timeline, funding, personnel, film production, use of archival material, and acquisition of new archival material. The film highlights historical events at the University and in the city of Mankato, and demonstrates the importance of student engagement with social and political issues.

Capturing Graduate Research: Creation Of The Graduate Online Symposium At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Heidi J. Southworth

Library Services Publications

In 2017, Library Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in collaboration with our College of Graduate Studies and Research, launched the first annual Graduate Online Symposium. This event was designed to showcase the research, scholarly and creative activities of our graduate students. Rather than presenting at an on-campus forum, we gave our graduate students (both on-campus and off-campus) an opportunity to be able to share their research in an open, online environment. The Graduate Online Symposium allowed our graduate students the chance to record brief 15-minute presentations about their research and creative activities. These digital presentations were then made available …

Course Management System Best Practices For Accessing Library Resources, Casey Duevel, Nat Gustafson-Sundell

Library Services Publications

Faculty want course readings to be conveniently posted within D2L, but posting PDFs on D2L is illegal in many cases and might accidentally lead to the loss of online resources provided by the library. In this session, we’ll explain these issues and suggest best practices for sharing articles and chapters with your students.

Showing And Telling: A Technique For Teaching Delivery Skills, Justin J. Rudnick

Communication Studies Department Publications

This single-class activity provides a framework for instructors to “coach” students to use various delivery skills for presentational speaking. By rotating student groups through three stations, the activity cultivates the students’ understanding of direct eye contact, hand gestures, and vocal volume and articulation. Students prepare a story to share in groups and actively practice each skill while the instructor demonstrates acceptable standards. After completing a debrief discussion, students are better equipped to practice delivery skills with a frame of reference for how those skills should be cultivated in class.

Hispanics In The Academic Library, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Based on a study of the students' own voices, outlined are responsive actions academic libraries can take to make Hispanic students feel more welcomed and comfortable. Since use of libraries is positively related to student retention, it is important that we understand our own students' experiences and recommendations.

• Invite resident hall staff to host library sessions
• Train and invite peer (other Hispanic students) tour guides for patrons
• Roaming reference service
• Bilingual brochures (separate ones for them and their parents)
• A poster that showed which staff have different languages

An Examination Of Students Perceptions Of "Learning" In A Study Abroad Experience And Recommendations For Effective Pedagogy, Scott Dickmeyer, Ronda Knox

Speaker & Gavel

Undergraduate study abroad programs are becoming more popular in our increasingly global society. Students consider the opportunity to study abroad to be a personally impacting educational experience. This study provided empirical data demonstrating that study abroad experiences are unique as students learn in ways that differ from the tradition classroom. Additionally, the results indicate that students struggle with the interdependent terms study and abroad. The experience of living abroad is exceptionally educational as well deeply personal and impacting. However, traditional classroom study practices (reading textbooks, taking exams, etc.) impose obstacles for the experiential learning (living in another culture). As such, …

Libraries And Hispanic Students: A Study, Kellian Clink

Library Services Publications

Purpose -This study describes Hispanic students’ use of the academic library and their perceptions of factors that impact their use and satisfaction with it.

Design/Methodology -Using the literature as a springboard, a survey was created and modified to understand Hispanic students’ perceptions of the academic library. The participants were recruited by the University’s Institutional Research team, which could reach out to students who self-identified as Hispanic.

Findings - Generally speaking, Hispanic students are comfortable in this particular academic library, and felt that librarians and staff were available and kind. They are less comfortable asking for research help, largely …

Communication In Action: Educating Graduate Teaching Assistants In At-Risk Pedagogy, Kristen P. Treinen

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

I begin this paper with a glimpse into the literature concerning at-risk and antiracist theory in order to understand the connections between the two bodies of literature. Next, by combining two bodies of literature, I argue for the implementation of a pedagogy of hope, culturally relevant teaching, and empowerment for students in the classroom. Finally, I outline a course for graduate teaching assistants that explores the utility of a pedagogy of hope, culturally relevant teaching, and empowerment for students in the communication classroom.

Understanding Proxemics Through Restrooms: A "Hands-Off" Approach To Personal Space And Communication, Joshua Westwick

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Numerous methods of teaching nonverbal communication have been well documented in the literature. However, some instructors may struggle to create transformative learning experiences for their students. This teaching activity provides a creative and original way for students to discuss nonverbal communication, specifically proxemics, in a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience. This exercise asks the learners to reflect upon a previous experience with using a public restroom, critically reflect upon that experience individually, engage in classroom discourse about the experience, and take action by being aware of the space and territoriality choices they make. Students have responded positively to the …

Doubling Down On Student Discussion: A Simple Technique For Increased Involvement, J. Jacob Jenkins

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Objectives

1. Students will actively participate in classroom discussion.

2. Students will learn to not “over share,” allowing opportunities for others to speak.

3. Students will be accountable for the material discussed in class.

The Art Of Making Conversation: Learning The Skills Small Talk, Kelly L. Mckay-Semmler, Shane Semmler

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Although “small talk” is often dismissed as trifling and superficial communication, the ability to converse comfortably with potential relational partners in initial interpersonal encounters is foundational to building closer relationships. In this assignment, students enhance their interpersonal communication competence through the application of six small talk guidelines in two peer-to-peer conversations and in a capstone conversation with the instructor one-on-one. This assignment is appropriate for a variety of communication courses, including the basic course, interpersonal communication, and courses in professional communication, as it develops students’ skills in active listening, self-disclosure, nonverbal immediacy, and anxiety/uncertainty management in interpersonal communication with strangers.

Understanding Coalition Dynamics: A Role Play Class Activity, Anthony M. Ocaña

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The purpose of this activity is to illustrate the role and challenges of coalitions in group conflict and decision making. In this activity, students take on the roles of organizational members tasked to arrive at consensus, but having different goals, interests, and information that could impact the decision. In discussing this activity experience, instructors can illustrate the six principles of coalitions presented in Wilmot and Hocker’s Interpersonal Conflict text. This activity is applicable to any course that addresses conflict and group interaction, including interpersonal and group communication, organizational and professional communication, family communication, and workplace skills seminars.

Illustrating The Perceptual Process Through A Music Video, Stacey A. Peterson

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This exercise uses a popular music video to illustrate the significant role that perception plays in the communication process. Perception is a continual and active process that impacts how people see their world, themselves, others in it, and the ultimate creation of meaning. By using a music video, students are immediately engaged because it is a medium that they are very familiar with. Upon completion of this activity, students will demonstrate a better understanding of how and why people perceive the same thing(s) in a variety of ways. They will also have a tangible example of the centrality and complexity …

The Semiotics Of Teaching With Reality Tv: A Theory-Based Approach To Teaching And Modeling Communication Theory, Rita L. Rahoi-Gilchrest

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This article begins by establishing a rationale for not only teaching with reality television in the communication classroom, but also taking a theory-based approach to doing so. A theoretical framework for the pedagogical use of reality TV—semiotic theory, based on the work of Peirce— is presented. The discussion then moves to a specific outline of a sample classroom activity that demonstrates a semiotic approach, using the BRAVO TV website as a means of illustrating and teaching Cultural Studies Theory. The author concludes by qualifying the case for using reality TV as one—but not the only—means of teaching communication, and offers …

Illustrating Tensions Using Stretchy String: Teaching Relational Dialectics In The Interpersonal Communication Class, Valerie Lynn Schrader, Azhanni Muhammad

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The objective of this activity is to increase students’ knowledge of Relational Dialectics by illustrating dialectic tensions in a tangible way. Relational Dialectics, which focuses on different dimensions in relationships, is an important concept for students to understand because it highlights the messiness of interpersonal relationships. This activity illustrates dialectical tensions through the use of colored stretchy craft string, providing students with a physical manifestation of an abstract concept.

Connecting To Students: Self-Disclosure As A Motivational Tool For Collegiate Forensic Coaches, Ben Walker

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Forensic coaches spend a large amount of time with their students and often struggle to find effective methods of motivation; however, studies have shown that teachers (Christophel, 1990) and athletic coaches (Turman, 2008) can use immediacy as a way to increase student/competitor motivation. This paper examines how forensic coaches can use a specific interpersonal tactic (self-disclosure) to potentially increase student motivation. The review of literature covers self-disclosure and the link between immediacy and motivation in both educational and competitive settings; next, Petronio’s Communication Privacy Management theory is contextualized with forensic coaches; finally, suggestions are offered to forensic coaches who wish …

Group Dynamics: Managing Interpersonal Conflict In The Group Decision Making Process, Brandon J. Semler, Stuart A. Schneider

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to group communication concepts, to teach methods of communicating, to expand student awareness of group dynamics, to expand student awareness of group decision-making, and to involve students in group discussions. Providing students with an opportunity to participate in discussion helps students develop an understanding of various dynamics at play in group communication and shows how group communication affects interpersonal relationships. The outcome of the activity is to improve students understanding of group decision making resulting in better decisions, less conflict, and more efficient use of time when working in groups.

Identifying Teaching Effectiveness: Using Student Skill Surveys, Speech Evaluations, And Quiz Scores To Inform Instruction, Sally A. Blomstrom

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

This paper suggests an instrument for measuring students’ self perceptions of improvement in public speaking skills, i.e., a skill survey, and a method to inform and improve instruction by looking at results from that survey in combination with instructor evaluation forms for persuasive speeches, quiz scores, and an information literacy measure. Data were collected from students enrolled in a public speaking course at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Background on the survey development and the method is provided along with results and discussion.

Are You "Wanted" For Poor Listening Habits?, Nanette Johnson-Curiskis

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

In order to begin a semester or unit on effective listening with some basic theory and knowledge and to serve as an icebreaker, students are asked to design and share a “Wanted Poster” describing their poor listening habits. The significance of this assignment was guided by the ubiquitous nature of listening. Research verifies listening as the most utilized form of communication.

Discovering Culture And Communication On The World Wide Web, Jin Xu

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal

Discussions of intercultural communication mostly center round the interaction of culture and communication concerning differences in values, beliefs, norms and communication styles. However, cultural differences also stem from different cognitive styles, which impact intercultural communication. This article describes an activity that introduces students to cultural cognition theory. Combining research on the Internet, small group interaction, and class discussion, this exercise encourages students to apply theory to practice, to explore cultural differences on the Internet, and to develop their critical thinking skills. It also develops their awareness and skills needed to be mindful of the nuances of cultural differences. The exercise …