Communication Commons^™

Grief In The Basic Course, Carly Densmore, Jessica Cherry

Basic Communication Course Annual

In a broad search of the Basic Communication Course Annual, there is little discussion regarding student or instructor grief in the basic course. However, in our own experiences teaching the basic course, student expressions of grief are common. Grief is expected to be hidden or silenced, and is often not welcomed in the classroom (Hurst, 2009). Grief is unique to each individual; we can feel grief over a variety of losses, and there is no one way to cope with grief. Grief is not only an emotional but a physical experience, and it is not “a relinquishing of ties to …

Section Introduction: Basic Course Forum

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Promoting Critical Deliberation: Bridging Civic Engagement And Social Justice In The Basic Course, Jennifer Y. Abbott, Jordin Clark, James Proszek

Basic Communication Course Annual

With increasing threats to democracy, we call for communication educators to renew and re-examine their commitment to advancing civic engagement in the basic course. Given recent scholarly criticism that civic engagement pedagogies falsely present democratic practice as neutral or apolitical and reinforce the status quo, we set an agenda for basic course instructors to re-envision civic engagement through a more critical and equity-oriented approach. To aid that effort, we present a Critical Deliberation speech assignment that challenges student groups to prepare a 20–25-minute informative presentation about a public controversy and then lead their classmates in a 25-minute deliberative discussion. In …

Are We Really Basic Bitches? A Call For Resistance And Recognition, Joshua E. Young, Allison D. Brenneise

Basic Communication Course Annual

We explore the history and position of the foundational communication course (FCC) in communication education. The material impact of calling the course basic since the 1940s has caused internalized oppression, which results in a lack of innovation and general disempowerment. The use of the term basic to describe the foundational communication course reflects little cultural awareness of the impact of the word. The term basic also demonstrates a need to adapt the course to meet the needs of its constituents. Failing to adapt may result in more oppressive conditions for communication education, a problem if the discipline is to make …

Assessment ‘Responsabilities’ In The Basic Course: Evaluating Public Speaking Rubrics, Miranda N. Rouse

Basic Communication Course Annual

Procedures and practices that are ableist in the educational system have been long overlooked. Speakers having differing abilities than neurotypical or able-bodied individuals is often not something that is considered in basic course assessment tools. This is important to address because although there are institutional policies and procedures in place to help students with differing abilities, instructors of public speaking have the autonomy or power to determine how such accommodations will affect the speech grade determined by the assessment tool. Power relations are significantly complicated in educational settings when strict hierarchies are imposed, and when instructors abuse their authority, which …

Section Introduction: Research Articles

Basic Communication Course Annual

No abstract provided.

Beyond Delivery, Toward Interpretation: Examining How Students Use Feedback In The Introductory Communication Course, Drew T. Ashby-King, Melissa A. Lucas, Lindsey B. Anderson

Basic Communication Course Annual

Feedback is a foundational communicative aspect of the teaching/learning processes in introductory communication courses as students seek to improve their presentational speaking skills throughout the term. Drawing on 1,673 qualitative questionnaire responses, this paper explores how students used and interpreted instructor feedback. Through our thematic analysis of a randomly selected subset of 335 responses, we identified two tensions in how students used and interpreted instructor feedback: (1) feedback as a process vs. a product and (2) feedback as integrated into the course structure vs. a justification for a grade. Theoretically, this research extends Feedback Intervention Theory by highlighting the importance …

Editor's Page, Angela M. Hosek

Basic Communication Course Annual

With my first volume with BCCA, I have extended and built upon the tremendous work of previous editors and scholars who have championed and shared their work in the Annual. In doing so, Issue 36 features empirical, theoretical, and analytical essays that require us to think about how students use instructor feedback in the classroom, to consider new ways to conduct assessment, to contemplate the implications of course names and labels, and to imagine how critical deliberation might promote social justice in the basic course.

Cover And Front Matter

Basic Communication Course Annual

Cover, Editorial Board, Table of Contents for Volume 36 (2024)

Beyond The Headlines: Media And Information Literacy (Mil) In Times Of Conflict, Anna Kozlowska-Barrios, Lusine Grigoryan, Michael Hoechsmann, Andzongo Menyeng Blaise Pascal

Journal of Media Literacy Education

The wars of the 21st century are not the first media wars, and many tropes and schema have long histories, particularly propaganda and the othering of a purported enemy. What is new today is that although mass media remains a central and hegemonic source of insight and perspective, citizen journalism, social media, spreadable media, and surveillant, data-driven media have grown in significance at an exponential level, adding a layer of complexity. In this article, we focus on disparity in media coverage and make the point that media and information literacy provide a valuable set of lenses from which to view …

Are They Tools? Anglophone West African Countries’ Students’ Misconception Of Media Literacy And Critical Thinking For Combating Misinformation, Muhammed Jamiu Mustapha, Mutiu I. Lasisi, Victor Vladmirovich Barabash

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This study examines the media literacy and critical thinking levels of students of West African higher educational institutions as tools for combating misinformation in the sub-region. Data analysis using the mediation approach revealed differences in students' understanding of media literacy and critical thinking and partially predicted their efficacy in combating misinformation. This stems largely from a misunderstanding of media literacy and critical thinking concepts as tools, as well as a lack of adequate provision for teaching the concepts and considering them as strategic tools for combating misinformation in the region. The study recommends concrete policy and managerial solutions to the …

The Influence Of Online Distance Learning And Digital Skills On Digital Literacy Among University Students Post Covid-19., Mohammed Fadel Arandas, Ali Salman, Syed Arabi Idid, Yoke Ling Loh, Syaira Nazir, Yuek Li Ker

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Online distance learning policies were formulated and implemented among some Malaysian universities long ago, but their value emerged since COVID- 19. Emanating from the diffusion of innovation theory, this study examined the perception of higher education students on the influence and relationship between six independent variables (compatibility, observability, relative advantage, complexity, trialability, and digital skills) and one dependent variable (digital literacy). A total of 524 respondents were sampled, comprising students from six public and private Malaysian universities. The findings from the correlation analysis show a significant positive relationship between the six independent variables and the dependent variable. Meanwhile, in the …

Integrating Mindfulness In Media Literacy: A Culture-Responsive Training Programme For Older Thai Adults, Nuntiya Doungphummes, Kwanchit Sasiwongsaroj, Theeraphong Boonrugsa, Sirintorn Bhibulbhanuvat, Waraporn Suebwongsuwan

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Media literacy is a much-needed competency in the digitalised world, but it is still an unknown knowledge base for older Thai adults. This design-based research set out as an initiative to promote media literacy through an agefriendly and culture-responsive training programme. The design process involved focus groups with key stakeholders and older adult ‘learners’ as well as field observations. This type of research work, in the Thai context, revealed the primacy of integrating media literacy learning with the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. It also highlighted the importance of incorporating certain cultural values and practices - collectivism, a sense of enjoyment, …

Mapping The Media Education Approaches In Instructional Materials Development: Conjunctions And Disjunctions, John N. Ponsaran

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This qualitative inquiry centered on the critical exploration of media education approaches that guided the praxis of student assessment reform, particularly textbook task design. Correspondingly, this instructional media research is predicated on the fundamental premise that textbooks and the student tasks contained therein are informed and shaped by the academic authors’ positionalities, paradigms, and pedagogies. By focusing on the purposiveness of designing textbook tasks as a social practice, this research was able to identify and unpack the conjunctions as well as disjunctions of what the academic authors as media producers intend the students to learn, answer, perform, tackle, and act …

Addressing Conspiracy Theories Through Media And Data Literacy Education. An Exploratory Case Study, Francesco Fabbro, Elena Gabbi

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Lately conspiracy theories (CT) are increasingly hovering over Education Studies, mostly as problems in search of a solution. This paper problematizes this educational solutionist discourse by reflecting critically on different framing of CT (i.e. epistemological and ethico-political) and some related educational responses, ranging from pre/debunking strategies to democratic discussion. In addition, Media Data Literacy Education (MDLE) is presented as a viable educational approach to address CT circulating onlife. The approach is empirically explored through an online workshop with a small group of social workers attending a course for socio-pedagogical educators at the University of Florence. A qualitative mixed methodology is …

Can I Trust This Information? Using Adolescent Narratives To Uncover Online Information Seeking Processes, Rachel Besharat-Mann

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Adolescent internet usage is incredibly prevalent, marking a need for educational support as they navigate online texts. As online texts are prone to bias and misinformation, it is important to fully understand how young people conceptualize this information and where they need support. These texts may also contain harmful messages, particularly for typically marginalized groups. Higher levels of literacies related to online media consumption have been shown to mitigate these negative effects, and may help to limit bias and increase criticality. Researchers have illuminated underlying processes surrounding online text comprehension, though research is limited on these processes in authentic spaces. …

Chimes: April 22, 2024, Calvin University

Chimes

Boer resignation fallout leaves students looking for answers by Savannah Shustack

Biology department oversees controlled burns on campus by Maya Oeverman

Pandemic continues to affect student performance by Nolan Cowan

Stepping into new roles: Tyler VerMerris and Ethan VanOrman on becoming leaders by Ashley Hamons

Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum celebrates expanded meteorite exhibit by Liana Hirner

Michael VanWoerkom: Calvin grad, founder and CEO of aerospace company by Jacob Westra

Track and Field head coach prioritizes community building by Savannah Shustack

Return of spring arts festival increases student morale by Ethan Meyers

Bottleneck Analysis And Policy Suggestion On Construction Of International Scientific Research Environment, Xiaolin Zhou, Jun Wang, Ziyu Li, Jingru Chi, Fanchao Meng, Yun Yang, Xiaoping Ren

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Strengthening the construction of international scientific research environment is conducive to promoting international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, as well as building an open innovation ecosystem with global competitiveness. Based on research interviews and policy analysis, this study analyzes the blockages and proposes policy recommendations from six aspects: entry and exit of scientific research personnel, cross-border flow of scientific data, cross-border flow of scientific research materials, openness of S&T plans, settlement of international S&T organizations, and services and welfare of foreign talents. The research reveals several problems existing in the current construction of international science and technology environment, such …

Opportunities, Current Situation, And Improvement Path Of International Communication Of Chinese Think Tanks In Social Media Era, Zhiqiang Zhang, Xiujuan Chen, Ye Han

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a strategic and policy research and decision-making consulting institution, the international influence of think tanks is an important manifestation of a country’s soft power and an important component of its comprehensive national strength in the era of globalization. Enhancing international communication power of think tanks is a key measure for shaping their international influence and an important strategy for a country’s external communication. In today’s era, international social media, as an important channel for think tanks to spread abroad, strengthening the communication power of Chinese think tanks in international social media is the main direction to enhance their international …

Yang Yuliang: Promoting Science Popularization And Cultivating High-Scientific-Literacy Talents, Editorial Board Of Bulletin Of Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Ai-Powered Learning: Blending Ai With Active Learning In The Information Literacy Classroom, Kevin J. Reagan, Wilhelmina Randtke

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

In 2016, the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education launched in response to more voluminous, less-vetted online information, including misinformation and content farms. Subsequently, the ACRL Framework has been widely adopted, and numerous high-quality lesson plans and resources for teaching the frames already exist, including published lesson plans and textbooks. Now, generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and other chat bots present new challenges for information literacy educators. For instance, in addition to teaching students how to identify issues such as fake news, the information literacy professional has to address topics such as ethical AI use, AI hallucination …

Small Moments: Anthropological Poetry, Lee Davis

Undergraduate Theses

Have you ever perhaps overheard a conversation and thought it reminded you of your own life, or someone you knew? You most likely moved on, and you most likely completely forgot about who you overheard. This collection of poetry was written to urge thought on these secret moments of connection which most people experience every day. Every poem in the collection was written from something I overheard in public, as though I were reading prompts. The pieces are fictional in the sense that I really know so little of the full context, but real in the sense that when I …

Impact Of Emotional Intelligence On Client Satisfaction In Project Management, Mousami Berawala

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study investigates the correlation between emotional intelligence (EI) and client satisfaction in project management. It is guided by the central research question: Is emotional intelligence linked to client satisfaction? To explore this, the research is structured around Practice of EI on Leadership and Junior level and impact on client satisfaction, the impact of varying work environments, including remote, hybrid, office-based, and site-based settings, on project outcomes post-pandemic; differences in EI practices across countries and the effect of diverse work cultures; the comparison of EI application across different fields, with a focus on work-life balance and industry-specific practices in banking, …

A Most Despicable Hoax: Women, Crime, And Newspapers In Depression-Era St. Louis, Nancy Stiles

Theses

This paper delves into the captivating saga of Nellie Muench, a St. Louis housewife whose life intersected with the burgeoning celebrity culture, evolving media landscape, and shifting gender dynamics of the early 20th century. Muench's involvement as a co-conspirator in the 1931 kidnapping for ransom of a wealthy doctor propelled her into the spotlight, where she navigated media manipulation to attempt to craft her own narrative. Secretly obtaining a baby and passing it off as her own child to gain jury sympathy and blackmail a rich paramour took interest in her case to sensational tabloid (and legal) heights. Drawing from …

The International Lens Of Western Michigan University, Tesha Nowak

Honors Theses

The international students highlighted in this documentary have different stories with the same experience of studying in the United States. Some international students are at Western with family, making the transition easier for them whereas some are here alone, still trying to find the community that fits their identity. In this documentary, Western Michigan University’s (WMU) international students, will discuss their study abroad experience in the United States such as culture shock, negotiating native and new cultures and managing assumptions that Americans have about them or their cultures. Their stories will bring to light the reality of the study abroad …

Custodial Step-Grandparenting: An Autoethnography Proposal, Rachel Williams-Smith

Campus Research Month

This proposal presentation for a planned autoethnographic study will explore the unique dynamics of a personal experience in step-custodial grandparenting and other dynamics more commonly reported in the literature. In developing the study, four approaches will be used:

• Systematic introspection and emotional recall
• A review of journal entries, photographs, and videos
• Interviews with associates and friends
• Participation in interviewer interviews

Appreciative Inquiry For A Supportive Climate, Ann Liao

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Most of the nonprofit organizations rely heavily on volunteers. In a service-learning course that works with nonprofit community partners, it is important to foster a supportive climate. Traditional problem-solving procedures typically involve identifying a problem, brainstorming for possible solutions, evaluating possible solutions, and implementation. With positive framing, a traditional problem-solving approach could be transformed by the method of appreciative inquiry. Traditional problem-solving approach is weaknesses-based, and appreciative inquiry is strengths-based. This paper demonstrates that appreciative inquiry is more effective in building a supportive climate when working with nonprofit community partners. Appreciative inquiry starts with discovering the successes of an organization, …

Communication Branches Out: Developing Interpersonal Skills Through Genealogical Research, Julian Costa, Gary Snyder

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Communication students of the twenty-first century must not only be able to interact in multiple formats but be able to express their ideas across varied platforms. A common deterrent faced by students conducting research is the lack of applicability of the subject matter to their lives. The integration of genealogical research can address this issue because it allows students to learn about, and celebrate, their family history. While engaged in such a pursuit, students will develop core communication skills, such as speaking and listening, online research, and message design.

Uprooting Inaccessibility: Growing Awareness And Efficacy For The Use Of Health-Related Resources At A Nashville Nonprofit, Jules Leslie Webb, Caroline Driskell, Abby Ray

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

Clients of The Branch, a local 501(c)(3) that serves the Antioch community through direct aid and education, often face barriers in meeting basic needs. These barriers often include unfamiliarity with navigating basic services such as filling prescriptions or registering for health insurance online. Our team of HON 3520 students crafted visual guides to aid in navigating websites that are already commonly used by clients of The Branch. This is part of an ongoing initiative at The Branch to provide a more holistic set of services (in addition to relieving immediate food needs) that addresses the root causes of poverty and …

Persuasion Strategies Employed On Instagram By Latter-Day Saint Religious Social Media Influencers, Ashton Everett Hatch

Theses and Dissertations

A content analysis of Latter-day Saint Instagram influencers is relevant to understanding what persuasive elements religious social media influencers include in their content. Observing instances that influencers persuade, establish credibility, develop trust, forge logical arguments, and engage the emotions of followers allow influencers to understand what constitutes engaging content. This study found that Latter-day Saint Instagram influencers posted emotive content that encouraged followers to continue to engage with their content, and/or endorsed another account or organizational influencer. This combination of pathos persuasion and endorsement authenticity shows that followers seek to participate in religion online as part of their regular worship.