Title / Titulo

Research Panel, Moderated by Janet Navarro

Location

SIPA 100

Start Date

18-5-2018 4:45 PM

End Date

18-5-2018 5:45 PM

Presentation Type / Tipo de propuesta

Research Panel / Paneles de Investigación

Description / Descripción

Rochelle Ibanez-Wolberg, and Elayna Toby Singer Windows on the Floating World: Artists, Public Gardens & Sustainability Thinking

Abstract:

Demands for clean, fresh water have grown. There is urgent need to engage citizens in critical thinking and learning to empower young and old in sustainable practices so they can better conserve and protect water ecosystems and natural resources. "Windows on the Floating World", a tropical wetland garden and public artwork at Mounts Botanical Garden, was created collaboratively with Artists, Palm Beach County's Art in Public Places Program, and Palm Beach County, Florida's oldest botanical garden. As garden visitors walk on the water, "Windows" immersive design fosters public connection with water and wetland environments. This multisensory setting is the foundation for Mounts' environmental education programs, which cultivate Environmental Sustainability critical thinking. Discussion will address the impact involving artists has in creating an outdoor environmental thinking learning lab and Mounts Botanical's initiatives to engage local students and the community in active research and civic responsibility. The ultimate goal is to nurture and cultivate a disposition of stewardship of our natural resources.

Jacqueline Lynch Incorporating Fathers’ Thinking: Perspectives for Improving the Literacy Learning of Primary School Students

Abstract:

This study examines fathers’ perspectives for improving the literacy learning of their primary school children. Few research studies have examined fathers’ perspectives on in-school literacy learning even though there has been an increase in father involvement in schooling over the years. Fathers and teachers of primary school students in one school were interviewed. All interviews were transcribed in entirety and qualitatively analyzed using the constant comparative method. Preliminary analysis of father interviews revealed the following four themes: 1) increase student motivation; 2) use oral language to build writing skills; 3) incorporate out-of-school materials/sources (such as media); and 4) use more technology in teaching and learning. This presentation will compare the findings from father interviews with teachers’ perspectives on in-school literacy teaching and learning.


Kiriaki Melliou, Anna Moutafidou, Tharrenos Bratitsis The “journey” of the Piraeus low-income schools in Out of Eden Learn


Abstract:

This research paper draws on a one year action research project that was undertaken by practitioners and an academic researcher. The purpose of the study was twofold: firstly, to improve low-income and immigrant students’ daily school experiences and secondly, to engage their families as purposeful partners in the educational process. By joining the Harvard Project Zero’s Out of Eden Learn (OOEL) online community the eight public kindergartens of Piraeus along with the students’ parents managed to find meaningful ways to improve the learning opportunities in their schools and in turn the quality of life in their low-income neighborhoods. As a result, teachers, students and parents received enthusiastic praise from the Mayor of Piraeus and their research project was presented by the Greek national TV channels as an example of best practice.

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Event Location

 
COinS
 
May 18th, 4:45 PM May 18th, 5:45 PM

Research Panel, Moderated by Janet Navarro

SIPA 100

Rochelle Ibanez-Wolberg, and Elayna Toby Singer Windows on the Floating World: Artists, Public Gardens & Sustainability Thinking

Abstract:

Demands for clean, fresh water have grown. There is urgent need to engage citizens in critical thinking and learning to empower young and old in sustainable practices so they can better conserve and protect water ecosystems and natural resources. "Windows on the Floating World", a tropical wetland garden and public artwork at Mounts Botanical Garden, was created collaboratively with Artists, Palm Beach County's Art in Public Places Program, and Palm Beach County, Florida's oldest botanical garden. As garden visitors walk on the water, "Windows" immersive design fosters public connection with water and wetland environments. This multisensory setting is the foundation for Mounts' environmental education programs, which cultivate Environmental Sustainability critical thinking. Discussion will address the impact involving artists has in creating an outdoor environmental thinking learning lab and Mounts Botanical's initiatives to engage local students and the community in active research and civic responsibility. The ultimate goal is to nurture and cultivate a disposition of stewardship of our natural resources.

Jacqueline Lynch Incorporating Fathers’ Thinking: Perspectives for Improving the Literacy Learning of Primary School Students

Abstract:

This study examines fathers’ perspectives for improving the literacy learning of their primary school children. Few research studies have examined fathers’ perspectives on in-school literacy learning even though there has been an increase in father involvement in schooling over the years. Fathers and teachers of primary school students in one school were interviewed. All interviews were transcribed in entirety and qualitatively analyzed using the constant comparative method. Preliminary analysis of father interviews revealed the following four themes: 1) increase student motivation; 2) use oral language to build writing skills; 3) incorporate out-of-school materials/sources (such as media); and 4) use more technology in teaching and learning. This presentation will compare the findings from father interviews with teachers’ perspectives on in-school literacy teaching and learning.


Kiriaki Melliou, Anna Moutafidou, Tharrenos Bratitsis The “journey” of the Piraeus low-income schools in Out of Eden Learn


Abstract:

This research paper draws on a one year action research project that was undertaken by practitioners and an academic researcher. The purpose of the study was twofold: firstly, to improve low-income and immigrant students’ daily school experiences and secondly, to engage their families as purposeful partners in the educational process. By joining the Harvard Project Zero’s Out of Eden Learn (OOEL) online community the eight public kindergartens of Piraeus along with the students’ parents managed to find meaningful ways to improve the learning opportunities in their schools and in turn the quality of life in their low-income neighborhoods. As a result, teachers, students and parents received enthusiastic praise from the Mayor of Piraeus and their research project was presented by the Greek national TV channels as an example of best practice.