Learning Innovations Golden Apple Grant Recipients
Fall 2004-1 through Summer B 2004-4
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| TITLE: |
An ESL Learning
Community: Successfully Bridging the Gap Between EAP & College |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Beth Basinger,
ESL, North Campus (Hialeah Center)
bbasinger@mdc.edu
Mayte Insua-Auais, Social Science, North Campus (Hialeah
Center)
mauais@mdc.edu
Glendora Phipps, Library, North Campus (Hialeah Center)
gphipps@mdc.eduAdrianne
Aiko Thompson, ESL, North Campus
(Hialeah Center)
athompson@mdc.edu |
ABSTRACT:
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This project will better prepare
the Hialeah Center EAP students for regular college courses.
It will develop a concrete curriculum geared for EAP students
enrolled in a learning community of three disciplines: social
science, library science, and ESL. This concrete curriculum
and learning community will address the EAP student’s
real needs through collaboration with faculty and students
in both the EAP program and regular college disciplines.
The project seeks to improve the performance and retention
of ESL students in college courses in innovative ways.
No other learning community at MDC has involved Human Growth
and Development, Internet Research, and Advanced ESL Writing
and Reading. In addition, ongoing cross-disciplinary faculty
collaboration both before and during the learning community
will allow the faculty to build a curriculum that reflects
the genuine academic demands students face and serve as
a resource to other faculty. Finally, the project will
provide statistical information about ESL students in Hialeah,
a unique group. |
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TITLE: |
A Learning Community for College Algebra and Introductory
Chemistry Students |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Lenore
P. Rodicio, Chemistry, Wolfson Campus
lrodicio@mdc.edu
Faith Peters, Mathematics, Wolfson Campus
fpeters@mdc.edu |
ABSTRACT:
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The purpose of this project is to develop a learning
community between College Algebra and Introductory Chemistry.
The goal of this learning community is to improve student
success in these two subjects. This increased success will
be achieved by: (1) emphasizing math concepts during chemistry
lectures; (2) using chemistry-related problems in the algebra
lectures to demonstrate the application of math in chemistry;
and (3) by strengthening student bonds through small class
sizes and peer groups.
This proposal hopes to improve student retention and performance
in both chemistry and algebra. The reinforcement of each
discipline in the other will better student success in each
course. An increase in student success naturally leads to
improved retention. In addition, the small class size and
peer groups established in this learning community will allow
the instructors to provide more individualized attention
to each student, thereby increasing student interaction,
retention, and success. |
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| TITLE: |
ARH 2472, a Cross-Curricular Approach to Teaching Art
History Drawn from Mathematics |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Marilyn Gottlieb-Roberts, Art & Philosophy, Wolfson Campus
mroberts@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
In cooperation with the Wolfson Campus Department of Mathematics,
I will develop a module for ARH2472 classes (Art History)
examining concepts such as composition and “beauty” from
the standpoint of mathematics.
This innovative classroom approach has the potential to
encourage interdisciplinary thinking, a fresh take on critical
analysis, the development of new perspectives on one’s
core discipline and may encourage the “typical” art
or science student to rethink clichéd phobic attitudes
toward a contrasting discipline. Other benefits could include
enhanced recruitment and retention opportunities. |
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| TITLE: |
Connections and Beyond: A Compilation of Little Havana
Voices |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Max Couper, EAP, InterAmerican Campus
mcouper@mdc.edu
Carlos Gonzalez, Communications, InterAmerican Campus
cgonzalez@mdc.edu
Penny Roache, EAP, InterAmerican Campus
proache@mdc.edu
Emily Sendin, Communications, InterAmerican Campus
esendin@mdc.edu |
ABSTRACT:
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This project is the convergence of two departments, EAP
and CAP. It is an ambitious layer we would like to add to
our previous grant, Connections: Healing Spirit, Land, and
Community through Literacy and Restoration. The primary intent
is to improve students’ reading, writing, research,
and communication skills while creating an awareness of place
and allowing students to interact with older and newer generations
of Little Havana. In our previous grant we made a connection
with the ecology of South Florida; now we would like to expand
this connection to the immediate urban environment around
the InterAmerican Campus.
The intentions are to improve student learning and increase
retention. Also, it continues the union of our departments
by incorporating unique service learning activities. Students
will perform a series of interviews with Little Havana
residents which will result in a reader to be used by future
classes and any other professors who desire to do so. As
did our previous project, we believe this will influence
and serve as a model which could be replicated by other
faculty and departments college-wide. As a finished product,
we would like to create a reader entitled Calle Ocho Voices:
A Collection of Little Havana Oral Stories, which will
result from the joint efforts of students, faculty, and
the community. |
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| TITLE: |
Drawing to Building: A Design-Built Approach |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Santiago Aranegui, Architecture, Wolfson Campus
sarenegui@mdc.edu
Pilar Benitez, Architecture, Wolfson Campus
pbenitez@mdc.edu
Jose Vazquez, Architecture, Wolfson Campus
jvazquez@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
This is an interdisciplinary project that will bring together
and bridge the gap between the conceptual and abstract principles
of Design with other Architectural courses: Architectural
history and theory. Structures and Architecture construction
and materials and technical courses, such as Architectural
Drawing and CAD. This project involves the study in abstract
form of architectural condition (THRESHOLD) that the students
are expected to study and define. After the initial resolution,
this three-dimensional construct will take the form of a
full-scale installation to be built by the students themselves
in a specific location within the Wolfson Campus. The students
have to produce their own measured construction drawings
and budget their project. This project is about Design as
a collaborative activity. With that idea in mind, the class
will be organized in teams of two. They are expected to develop
and further refine the original design as they start the
actual process of construction. The hope is for the students
to gain a better understanding of architecture, the use of
precedents and theory, and to put into practice the knowledge
previously acquired in structural systems and materials. |
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| TITLE: |
Dream it, Walk it, Believe it |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Jose Hortensi, Business,
Homestead Campus
jhortensi@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
his proposal is basically to start a small e-commerce business
which will be run and managed by my accounting students taking
ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 (during 2004-2005). The main
expectation for this proposal is that at the end of this
project my accounting students will have an excellent opportunity
to experience for themselves the excitement of running a
small business. The accounting students will have an
opportunity to really apply many of the theory concepts that
they learn in their classrooms and this experience will actually
give them a competitive advantage when they become business
professionals. The students participating will be able
to understand the relevance of what they learn in the classroom
and also take this valuable hands-on experience with them
for the rest of their lives. Likewise, this proposal
could be expanded and replicated so other instructors can
implement it in other campuses.
The main purpose of this proposal is to create an innovative
method of teaching by allowing the students to participate
in a real e-commerce business. Most businesses sooner
or later will be taking advantage of e-commerce. By
having our students learning/working in a real life business,
they will benefit tremendously. |
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| TITLE: |
EAP Reading Clinics Utilizing Critical Thinking Skills
to Enhance Students’ CPT Scores and Speedier Matriculation
to ENC 1101 |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Geraldine Walker-Perry, Arts/Sciences,
Homestead Campus
gwalker@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
This project will utilize critical thinking skills in reading
clinics to prepare EAP Students in Levels 5 and 6 to improve
their CPT reading scores. This proposes additional hours
of individual nurturing and reading therapy. In these clinics,
students will be motivated to read, think, understand and
respond to comprehension questions which incorporate critical
thinking skills. Before starting the clinics, students will
be given the PASS Test and at the end when given the test
again, at least 80% of the scores should reflect a 15% improvement
in performance. These clinics should improve scores, lessen
frustration, better facilitate students to by pass the lower
levels, if not all of College Prep remediation, and propel
them into ENC 1101 to begin their careers. |
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| TITLE: |
Learning In-depth with College Prep |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Billy Jones, College Prep,
Kendall Campus
bjones@mdc.edu
Nancy Yi, College Prep, Kendall Campus
nyi@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
This proposal describes a teaching project that is designed
to provide a unique educational experience for students within
a learning environment that is practical, meaningful and
applicable. Students will receive instruction within a learning
community or “Vertical-teaming” model from teachers
who will infuse pedagogical sound practices into a curriculum
that is team taught.
The two professors of ENC 0020 and REA 0020 will work
together to design a curriculum that will improve student
retention and performance. Students will co-register and
receive instruction in environments that are practical,
meaningful and applicable to their career choices and life
experiences. The curriculum is designed to integrate reading
and writing and to create a language-rich environment. |
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| TITLE: |
History Tells the Story – African-American Literature
from a Historical Viewpoint |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Renee Kilpatrick, Communications, InterAmerican Campus
rkilpatr@mdc.edu
Jose Aragon, School of Natural & Social Sciences, InterAmerican Campus,
jaragon@mdc.edu
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| ABSTRACT: |
This African-American Literature/American History project
presents a concise yet precise overview of African-American
literature from a historical viewpoint. The project will
examine and analyze the key literary periods in African-American
literature: slavery, Post-Civil War and Reconstruction, the
Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement and the Contemporary
Movement in conjunction with the historical movements that
compliment each literary period. Through a learning community
(African-American literature and American history) students
will be able to develop an understanding of how the events
in American history contributed to the literature of African-Americans.
Through class lectures and diverse pedagogical techniques,
students will be able to identify and recognize the impact
that certain federal policies had on the literature of African-Americans.
Subsequently, students’ critical thinking skills will
ascend to higher levels because they are able to relate how
history impacts not only literature but the lifestyle of
the African-American as well as other minorities. Furthermore,
students will develop a deeper understanding and an appreciation
for a cultural literary world that is distinctively different
from their own. |
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| TITLE: |
Integrating English, Math and Technology Concepts Through
a Learning Community Approach |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Paul Anthappan, Mathematics,
North Campus (EEC)
panthanp@mdc.edu
Walter Kozloski, ESL, North Campus (EEC)
wkozlosk@mdc.edu |
ABSTRACT:
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Many English as a Second Language (ESL) students fail to take the necessary mathematics courses for an associate’s degree early on in their academic studies at Miami Dade College. This can add additional semesters needed to complete a degree, causing frustration and even possible withdrawal of the student from the college. The purpose this project is to provide students taking English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at the Entrepreneurial Education Center an opportunity to enroll in a learning community incorporating English with a technology and mathematics focus. The ESL and mathematics instructors, while conducting separate classes, would work collaboratively to ensure that the ESL teacher correctly incorporate calculative vocabulary and grammar into the lessons, and the ESL instructor would ensure that the mathematics instructor were aware of the types of questions likely to be ESL related more than solely mathematics related. It is hoped that the outcome of this innovative project would be the retention and ultimately the graduation of students at the College. Research shows that students who receive added attention as well as expert instruction succeed in greater proportions than those who do not. Furthermore, it has been found that many ESL students are ill-prepared to face the needs of academia and technology. Many students are unfamiliar with technology related tasks such as email exchange and attachments, use of Microsoft PowerPoint, accurate Web searching, as well as keyboarding and word processing skills. As the last of these skills are required competencies for EAP 1640 (Level 6 Writing), the importance of student mastery becomes even more apparent. As a result, EAP 1640 students involved in the learning community will create Homepages while addressing these necessary technology tasks. Writing samples created in the course will be posted on these Web sites, and others from around the world will be able to see the students’ work and create correspondence. Students completing EAP 1640 at the EEC will not only benefit from mastering basic computer technology, but will also have a Homepage of which to be proud. |
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| TITLE: |
Multiculturalism Across the Curriculum: Breaking Down
Barriers Using a Multicultural Approach |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Ginny Peterson-Tennant, Social Science, North Campus
gpeterso@mdc.edu
Lisa Shaw, English, North Campus
lshaw@mdc.edu
Alice Wong, Mathematics, North Campus
awong@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
This grant proposes to foster the development of culturally
competent students and graduates. The students will study
multiculturalism within the context of an interdisciplinary
learning community involving English, math, and psychology.
Students will read selected literature, attend cultural events,
view multicultural-themed films, experience cultural gaming,
participate in classroom discussions, and complete a service-learning
project to explore their cultural backgrounds and develop
their self-identities.
The innovation will improve student performance as well
as enhance student’s employability. The students
will learn viable skills such as cultural accommodation,
adaptability, tolerance and acclimation. They will develop
their multicultural awareness and knowledge to be better
educated and well equipped to compete academically and
professionally in our diversified South Florida community. |
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| TITLE: |
Physical Therapy Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Lisa Kokx, Physical Therapy,
Medical Center Campus
lkokx@mdc.edu
Ken Lee, Physical Therapy, Medical Center Campus
klee@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
This project will entail the creation of a DVD that includes
video segments demonstrating physical therapy techniques
utilized with orthopedic patients.
Students often find textbook descriptions and pictures
of psychomotor skills to be confusing and difficult to
understand. Professors demonstrate techniques in laboratory
courses but students are often unable to fully learn the
skills in the short time period allotted. It would be highly
beneficial for students to be able to review the techniques
outside of class as often as needed. This will improve
student achievement on laboratory practical examinations
as well as student performance in clinical affiliations.
Student retention will additionally be promoted by providing
students with a high-quality, visual resource that fosters
successful attainment of skills. |
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TITLE: |
The Craft of Imaginative Writing |
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GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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Michael Hettich, English, Wolfson Campus
mhettich@mdc.edu |
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ABSTRACT: |
A series of lectures on aesthetics and the craft of writing
presented by eight local poets, fiction writers and non-fiction
writers and three poets/fiction writers from other parts
of Florida, to be taught as CRW 2001 &/or CRW 2002
during the Spring Semester of 2005. Project will culminate
in a library of books by the authors and video tapes of
their lectures. |
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Please Click here for Project Summary and Final Report |
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| TITLE: |
Virtual Visiting Artists: Guest Speakers via Cyberspace
for NWSA Electronic Composition Classes |
GRANT RECIPIENTS :
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MaryJane Gannon-Hand, English,
Wolfson Campus
Mhand@mdc.edu |
| ABSTRACT: |
A series of online interactive discussions of careers
in the arts with NWSA students and local, national, and
international working artists to be implemented in a Spring
2004 NWSA Electronic ENC 1101 or ENC 1102 class. |
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