Research abstracts

Abstracts compiled by Nancy R. Preston, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244-2340     

Research abstracts

Abstracts compiled by Nancy R. Preston, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340.     

Creative block play

Blocks should be part of the daily free choice activity in early childhood settings for children between the ages of two and six. Large enough segments of time need to be allotted for blockbuilding activities, so that children can build various structures and also have enough time to use blocks for social and dramatic play. Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. is Associate Professor of Education at the University of Miami. Arlene Brett is Associate Professor of Elementary Education at the University of Miami. This article is excerpted from The Complete Block Book, ©1983 Syracuse University Press, 1600 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210. Photographs © 1983 by Michael Carlebach. The book is available from the publisher in paperback edition for $12.95 (plus $1.25 for postage and handling).     

Research abstracts

Abstracts compiled by Nancy R. Preston, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340 (telephone 315-443-3640).     

Research abstracts

Abstracts are compiled by Nancy R. Preston, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340. Telephone: 315-443-3640. Internet: ERIC@SUVM.SYR.EDU.     

A GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS EVALUATING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

This is a shortened version of an article, to be entitled “Integration and Separatism in Education,” which will be published in January or February, 1970, by Syracuse University Press, Syracuse, New York, one of seven to be printed. Others were written by Nathan Hare, Kenneth Clark, Paul Parks, William Birenbaum, Ronald Walters, and John Doar.     

Nontraditional sites for learning about children

Students of early childhood need extensive experience to comprehend children's interpersonal interaction styles, expressions of curiosity, and dawning understandings, as well as to understand family and teacher support of, or interference with, the growth of cognitive competence, self-esteem, cooperation, and other prosocial interactions. Alice Sterling Honig teaches at Syracuse University in the Department of Child and Family Studies, College for Human Development, in Syracuse, NY. She is an editorial board member of Day Care & Early Education.     

Review of conversation theory and a protologic (or protolanguage), Lp

This is the eleventh ERIC/ECTJ Annual Review Paper, preparation of which was supported by the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Clearinghouse on Information Resources, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. The material in this article was prepared pursuant to a contract with the National Institute of Education, U.S. Department of Education. Contractors undertaking such projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their judgment in professional and technical matters. Points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent the official view or opinion of NIE. The preparation of this paper was also supported by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences under grant MDA903-82-C-0055 to Concordia University, Centre for System Research and Applied Epistemology. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Research abstracts

Abstracts are compiled by Eric Plotnick, ERIC Clearninghouse on Information & Technology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100. Telephone: 315-443-3640; toll-free: 800-464-9107. Internet: eric@ericir.syr.edu.     

Research abstract

Abstracts are compiled by Nancy R. Preston, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-4100. Telephone: 315-443-3640; toll-free: 800-464-9107. Internet: eric@ericir.syr.edu.     

Educating for citizenship: Freeing the mind and elevating the spirit

An earlier version of this paper was delivered as a keynote address at the annual meeting of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, Memphis, TN, October 15, 1993.Patrick T. Terenzini is a professor and senior scientist in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Penn State University. He is the associate director of the National Center on Postsecondary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. His Ph.D. is from Syracuse University. His major research interest focuses on how college affects students.     

The tasks of early childhood: The development of self-control — Part II

Four-year-old Tommy felt mad that Jonah was hogging the big building blocks. He stood nearby, feeling more and more disgruntled. Just a week ago, his teachers had carried out a group discussion about hitting and hurting. No one was supposed to hit, even if you were mad. The group had discussed other ways to express their feelings. They had talked about telling a child what you wanted, or getting a teacher to help you out. Alice Sterling Honig teaches at Syracuse University in the Department of Child and Family Studies, College for Human Development, in Syracuse, NY. She is an editorial board member of Day Care & Early Education.Therese Lansburgh is Chair of the Maryland Committee for Children and an advocate for families and children at the state and national levels.     

The student-centered research university

After definition and explanation of the concept of the student-centered research university, the idea of the student-centered course is explained. Finally, faculty concerns about this model are discussed.These remarks were first presented at the Academic Affairs Faculty Symposium at the University of Georgia in 1994.Gershon Vincow is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Syracuse University. He received the Ph.D. from Columbia University in Chemistry, also the field of his M.A. and A.B. degrees. He has taught and conducted research in physical chemistry, and his current particular interest is issues of renewal in higher education with emphasis on student-centered and learning-centered approaches.     

Beyond Lip-service: An Operational Definition of “Learning-centered College”

Faculty, staff, and student perceptions of high-quality learning experiences were explored using focus groups attempting to define a “learning-centered” college. Common themes emerged suggesting that a successful learning community requires faculty-student collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking skills, reciprocal respect, faculty passion for learning, high expectations of both students and faculty, a variety of teaching and assessment strategies, and student engagement in and responsibility for learning. All groups stressed the need for learning opportunities outside the classroom in both intellectual and social situations. These themes provide a conceptual framework for future campus initiatives, which has broad relevance for other institutions. William C. Bosch is Retired Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching. He received his M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University, and his interests include teaching and learning in higher education and educational technology. Jessica L. Hester is an Assistant Professor in Theatre and received her Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests are American theatre history and dramaturgy. Virginia M. MacEntee is Assistant Professor in Curriculum & Instruction. She received her Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education from Nova Southeastern Florida University; and her interests include special education, authentic learning, and classroom technology. James A. MacKenzie is Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Wake Forest University School of Medicine; and his interests include molecular and cellular biology, physiology, and human health and disease. T. Mark Morey is Professor of Psychology and received his Ph.D. at Depaul University. Research interests include stress, trauma, and coping. James T. Nichols is Instruction/Reference Librarian and Distance Learning Librarian. He received his M.A. in Library and Information Management from the University of Denver; his interests include information literacy. Patricia A. Pacitti is Coordinator of Math and Science Services for the Office of Learning Services. She received M.A.s in Mathematics and Statistics from Pennsylvania State University; and her interests include developmental education, curriculum design, and classroom technology. Barbara A. Shaffer is Coordinator of Reference Services and an Instruction Librarian at Penfield Library. She received her M.L.S. from Syracuse University, and her interests include information literacy and online learning. Paul B. Tomascak is an Assistant Professor of Geology and Geochemistry. He received his Ph.D. in geology from the University of Maryland; his research interests include applications of elemental and isotopic systematics to understanding solid Earth and Earth surface processes. Suzanne P. Weber is Associate Dean of the School of Education and Professor of Science Education. She received her Ph.D. in Population Ecology from Syracuse University; her current interests include assessment of student performance and program effectiveness in higher education. Rosalie R. Young is Associate Professor in Public Justice. She received her Ph.D.in political science from Syracuse University, and her interests include family mediation and the ability of the poor to access the legal system. All authors are currently members of the Committee on Learning and Teaching at State University of New York at Oswego.     

Faculty development in the United States

This report gives an overview of faculty development in the United States during the past 30 years and suggests what remains to be done before this movement becomes fully institutionalized in American higher education.Jerry G. Gaff is Vice President at the Association of American Colleges. His degrees are at DePauw University (A.B.) and Syracuse University (Ph.D.) with specialization in psychology. He helped pioneer the establishment of campus-based faculty development programs in the 1970s, has worked on improving undergraduate general education programs, and currently directs a new project to prepare future faculty members for their roles in teaching and service, as well as research. Ronald D. Simpson is Director of the Office of Instructional Development at The University of Georgia, where he also is professor of Higher Education and Science Education. He holds degrees from The University of Tennessee and The University of Georgia.     

Longitudinal effects of quality preschool programs

Conclusion Commitment to excellence in quality preschool education plus reach-out programs that help families enhance the learning careers of their children can ensure true TLC for every child born in America — Tender Loving Care in Total Learning Centers.Alice Sterling Honing teaches at Syracuse University in the Department of Child and Family Studies, College for Human Development, in Syracuse, NY. She is an editorial board member ofDay Care & Early Education.This research review is based on testimony presented May 1988 to Senator Ted Kennedy, Chair, United States Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources on behalf of Senator Chiles's Early Intervention and Dropout Prevention Act of 1988, Bill S2034.     

A study of the use of instructional development in selected college/university continuing professional education programs

This article reports on a recent study on the use of instructional development to enhance the quality of university continuing education programs for professionals. As an instructional mode of continuing professional education, instructional development principles and procedures are potentially appropriate means for achieving and maintaining the quality and effectiveness of such programs. Although the application of instructional development in higher education has been studied by several researchers, there has been little research to address its application with regard specifically to the area of continuing professional education in higher education. Based on a national survey of continuing educators, the extent of use and the major factors associated with the use or lack of use of instructional development are presented and discussed. Three models of the use of instructional development developed through selected cases are provided.Philip L. Doughty is Associate Professor of Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation and Director of the Division of Educational Development, Counseling, and Administrative Studies at Syracuse University.The authors would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Margaret Holt, former chair of the NUCEA Survey Research Committee; Dean Frank Funk, Dr. David Krathwohl, and Dr. Roger Hiemstra, at Syracuse University; Dr. Paul Ilsley, University of Northern Illinois; and the editorial staff and reviewers ofInnovative Higher Education for their helpful comments and assistance.     

Toilet learning

AitAlice Sterling Honig is Professor of Child Development at Syracuse University and Research Review editor for Day Care and Early Education.Dr. Honig is the author of Playtime Learning Games for Young Children,editor of Risk Factors in Infancy,and coauthor of Infant Caregiving: A Design for Training.     

Adult students,adult education,and the Ed.D.: An alternative residency experience

The increase of part-time adult students in Ed.D. programs calls into question the effectiveness and feasibility of the traditional, full-time residency. Adult education concepts provide a basis for designing an alternative residency which offers a quality academic and socialization experience. The Syracuse University alternative residency for the Ed.D. in Adult Education provides a model which can be adapted to other institutions and programs.Prior to joining the SU faculty, she had extensive experience as a postsecondary continuing education administrator. For almost three years she has been the Alternative Residency advisor for the Program's Ed.D. students.     

Take-off of the Japanese University of the Air

Conclusion The University of the Air seems to have been favourably accepted by students after the first term's experience, and it can be assumed that the University activities will be developed in the future. The radio and television programmes broadcast via the University of the Air Foundation broadcasting station are listened to and watched by many people other than students of the University. The potential therefore for the social education of the public at large can be said to be enormous. Acknowledgement: The author expresses his thanks to the staff of the University of the Air Foundation and of the National Centre for the Development of Educational Broadcasting, and also to Professor Donald P. Ely, Syracuse University, for his helpful suggestions.