SoTL Grant Recipients

Exploring effective teaching methodologies that prepare medical students when faced with concerns of health inequities

Recipients	Project Lead Dr. Lynette Reid, Bioethics Co-applicants Dr. Sarah Gander and Neha Khanna, Medical Student
Amount	$2803.00
Abstract	Structural and cultural changes within Canadian Faculties of Medicine and their medical programs are needed. Unfortunately, curriculum diversification is a challenging process due to competing priorities and the complexity of a medical curriculum. In 2020, Dalhousie University embarked on a Curriculum Refresh, whereby faculty and staff members focused their efforts on modifying the undergraduate medical program to address inadequately discussed health concerns of the community, including addictions medicine, competency-based learning, generalism, health systems, planetary health, priority communities, and public health. In this semi-structured qualitative study, we hope to better understand if the current Curriculum Refresh at Dalhousie University has fostered a thorough understanding of health and sociopolitical inequities that exist in institutional and community settings that provide medical education and care. We aim to uncover student perspectives on whether the new curriculum has provided medical students with the knowledge and skills needed to address systemic issues through a lens that considers and integrates the social determinants of health in medical education and healthcare.

Co-Creation for Meaningful Assessment of 2SLGBTQ+ Health

Recipients	Project Lead Kyle John Wilby, Associate Professor of Program Evaluation Co-Applicant Heidi Framp, Associate Director – Education, University Teaching Fellow
Amount	$2958.30
Abstract	Addressing the healthcare of sexually and gender diverse individuals (2SLGBTQ+) within health professional training programs is becoming a major priority. Despite known examples of implementation of curricular content, there is little to no information available on how to appropriately and safely assess programming that relates to the influence of systemic oppression on 2SLGBTQ+ health. This proposal outlines the first iteration of a design-based research project that will use co-creation between academics, community members, and students to design assessment tools and generate design principles that will contribute to educational theory. A mixed methods approach with engagement from 2SLGBTQ+ community members and pharmacy students will provide the data for this project. Results are expected to be transferable across healthcare professional training programs and impactful outside of the local context.

Evaluating Internships to Support Student Learning and Wellbeing

Recipients	Project Lead Becky Spencer, PhD, Senior Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Health Promotion Co-applicants Julia Bedell and Ainsley MacDonald (MA Health Promotion Students) Clara-Jane Blye, Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Recreation Management Co-Applicant: Kim Woodford, Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation
Amount	$2973.32
Abstract	Experiential and active learning are important parts of post-secondary learning environments. Internships are a common form of experiential learning, associated with many benefits for student learning outcomes and professional development. Internships are not without challenges, however, and the literature identifies factors important to their success. The purpose of this program evaluation SOTL project is to explore student perceptions of learning experiences with internships in health promotion and recreation, to contextualize those perceptions with stakeholder perspectives and an environmental scan, and to make recommendations for program refinements accordingly. This participatory project will include an environmental scan of relevant programs, a survey of past, present, and future internship students and qualitative interviews and focus groups with students andstakeholders. We anticipate findings will tell us more about student experiences in this internship context and help make recommendations for the associated programs.

Assessing Student Experiences of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) at the College of Sustainability, Dalhousie University

Recipients	Project Lead Laurel Schut, Instructor, College of Sustainability Co-applicants Georgia Klein, Instructor, College of Sustainability San Patten, Instructor, College of Sustainability Will Langford, Assistant Professor, College of Sustainability and Department of History Andrew Bergel, Instructor, College of Sustainability Debra Ross, Manager of Outreach, Partnerships and Communication, College of Sustainability Tastrophia Pham, ESS Student & College of Sustainability EDIA Committee Member Divya Thomas, ESS Graduate & College of Sustainability EDIA Committee Member
Amount	$2958.30
Abstract	Most post-secondary institutions in Canada have or are in the process of developing advisory groups focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) (Universities Canada, 2019). However, a lack of EDIA data on students remains a challenge cited by senior EDIA leads throughout Canada, which can impact recruiting and retaining diverse students as well as integrating EDIA considerations in teaching and learning (Universities Canada, 2019). Despite the strides made by EDIA advisory groups and the integration of EDIA into program and course-level learning outcomes, faculty and student experiences do not always align with desired outcomes, as there can be gaps between the intended curriculum, the taught curriculum, and the learned curriculum. As such, this SoTL project explores student experiences of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) at the College of Sustainability, Dalhousie University, including what EDIA means for them as students and how the College is performing against these student-defined standards. It also seeks students’ feedback on the specific teaching and learning activities and practices that (1) best support and (2) actively detract from EDIA within our courses and our undergraduate learning environment. Results from this study will contribute towards continuing EDIA efforts with respect to the College of Sustainability’s governance, practices, and processes.

Does Bridging Analogies on Recursion Facilitate Students’ Learning With Visualizations?

Recipients	Project Lead Eric Poitras, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science Co-applicants Angela Siegel, Senior Instructor, Faculty of Computer Science Stephanie Bernier, Educational Developer, Faculty of Computer Science
Amount	$2948.00
Abstract	The goal of this project is design and evaluate the effectiveness of multimedia in facilitating students’ shifts to more sophisticated mental models of recursion. Research shows that novice programmers hold alternate conceptions or misconceptions about methods that call themselves from within their own code. Drawing on this literature and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, the proposed instructional design consists of bridging analogies interleaved with visualizations in the form of animation combined with narration. Students enrolled in CSCI 1105 Introduction to Computer Programming will learn with the material while performing code tracing and writing tasks to measure learning processes and outcomes and ascertain the effects of bridging analogies. We predict that intuitive examples support students in assimilating and reinstating knowledge of recursion semantics while performing programming tasks. The project will serve as example to instructors on how to apply Mayer’s principles for multimedia learning design to create instructional materials.

Conceptual Transfer for Students Learning New Programming Languages

Recipients	Project Lead Eric Poitras, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science Co-applicants Angela Siegel, Senior Instructor, Faculty of Computer Science Stephanie Bernier, Educational Developer, Faculty of Computer Science
Amount	$2948.00
Abstract	Students can learn a new programming language more deeply from memory diagrams that illustrate how the state of data changes during the execution of a program than from examples of code alone. How does memory diagrams support students to transfer their understanding of conceptual and semantic knowledge as they learn new languages? The aim of this project is to design novel representations of semantics specific to the transition from Python to Java that facilitate meaningful learning. We distinguish bridging and contrasting memory diagrams. A bridging memory diagram makes explicit the same semantics between two programming languages despite the different syntax. A contrasting memory diagram depicts the similarities in syntax between languages and compares the different semantics. We predict that students will make fewer errors on code reading tasks while learning from memory diagrams that promote conceptual transfer.

Process evaluation of the implementation of an inaugural Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in a Collaborative Healthcare Setting focusing on student integration into hospital inpatient clinical pharmacy services

Recipients	Project Lead Natalie Kennie-Kaulbach, BSc (Pharm), PharmD, RPh Assistant Professor, Practice Experience Program College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Co-applicants Harriet Davies, BSc (Pharm), CDE, M.Ed., Coordinator of Clinical Education
Amount	$2974.12
Abstract	The College of Pharmacy is in the process of implementing the entry level Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. In their final year, students undertake a 12-week Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in a Collaborative Healthcare Setting (CHC). The inaugural rotation will be offered in rotation blocks between May 2023-April 2024. As part of rotation activities, integration of pharmacy students into clinical pharmacy services as ‘care extenders’ will be a focus. This project aims to evaluate the CHC APPE rotation to gain insight on how the rotation is implemented in different hospital settings, understand student contribution, and identify facilitators and barriers to student integration. Data for the process evaluation will be collected by record of site activities, course evaluations, and site/preceptor/student interviews. As contextual differences between practice sites can impact fidelity of an education program, process evaluation can help inform adaptations to ensure program effectiveness that will impact future pharmacy students.

Fall 2021

Lending libraries as tools for peer and experiential learning: A case study of Dalhousie’s ‘Recreation Library

Recipients	Project Lead Dr. Karen Gallant, Assistant Professor, Health & Human Performance (HAHP) Co-applicants CJ Blye, Instructor, HAHP Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Associate Professor, HAHP, and Assistant Vice Provost Equity and Inclusion Dr. Susan Hutchinson, Associate Professor, HAHP Dr. Sarah Moore, Assistant Professor, HAHP Dr. Laurene Rehman, Director, HAHP RJ Roggeveen, undergraduate Therapeutic Recreation student and Recreation Library Coordinator, HAHP Dr. Son Truong, Associate Professor, HAHP
Amount	$2,997.60
Abstract	The aim of this SoTL grant is to support research and evaluation of the Recreation Library. The Recreation Library is a collection of supplies, equipment, and written and electronic resources, that is available for use by students and student clubs within the School of Health and Human Performance (funded by a CLT Teaching and Learning Enhancement Grant). The Recreation Library offers opportunities for experiential learning, particularly related to supporting peers in accessing the library, contributing to the creation and maintenance of library items, and using items to enhance course-based and extracurricular learning. Evaluation will be carried out via online survey, and by collecting data related to frequency and purpose of use. Beyond evaluation, focus groups with Recreation Library volunteers and participatory evaluation activities with Recreation Library users will constitute a case study exploring the role of this lending library in facilitating experiential and peer-assisted learning.

The Evolution of Teaching Effectiveness: A bibliometric perspective

Recipients	Project Lead Ms. Samantha Taylor, Senior Instructor, Rowe School of Business, Faculty of Management Co-Applicant Dr. Philippe Mongeon, Assistant Professor, School of Information Management, Faculty of Management
Amount	$2,976.91
Abstract	United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all" (Goal 4 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.). There exists an overwhelming abundance of research on teaching effectiveness. Educators need a way to rigorously navigate through the available literature to ensure quality education. We will use bibliometric methods to perform a large-scale empirical analysis of global teaching effectiveness scholarship, its structure, and its evolution over the last four decades, and provide a detailed overview of teaching effectiveness research during that time. The resulting map of teaching effectiveness literature will assist in identifying potential gaps in the literature and possible interdisciplinary bridges to be built or strengthened. Finally, this comprehensive multidisciplinary overview of teaching effectiveness literature may encourage scholars, educators, and administrators to step out of their disciplinary silos and embrace a more holistic view of teaching effectiveness.

Towards inclusivity in health education: a blueprint for inclusion of diversity markers within clinical case-based learning material

Recipients	Project Lead Dr. Kyle Wilby, Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Co-applicants Dr. Emily Black, Associate Professor Heidi Framp, Associate Director (Education) and University Teaching Fellow
Amount	$2,933.00
Abstract	There are urgent calls and emerging strategic priorities for incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion within health professional training programs. Systemic racism and discrimination against underrepresented populations must be dismantled by reviewing all aspects of program design, including student learning material. Preliminary evidence from Dalhousie University shows that diversity markers are rarely incorporated into case-based learning materials for pharmacy students and yet when present, may be contributing to reinforcement of negative stereotypes or cultural biases towards minority populations (Indigenous persons, racial minorities, sexually and/or gender diverse individuals, or persons with disabilities). The goal of this project, through community engagement, is to produce a research-informed blueprint for introducing diversity markers within learning materials using an integrated and scaffolded approach across the PharmD program. The blueprint will aim to guide when, where, and how diversity should be incorporated, in order to ensure representation occurs accurately and free from cultural biases and stereotypes.

Virtually Simulated Patients in Education: Using Virtual Reality in OSCE for Teaching and Learning

Recipients	Project Lead Dr. Parisa Ghanouni, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Co-applicants Dr. Diane MacKenzie, Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Jonathan Harris, Senior Instructor, Fieldwork Education Coordinator, Occupational Therapy
Amount	$2,989.00
Abstract	Continuous development of technology and educational methods are key factors to improve the clinical skills taught to students in the healthcare settings especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of performance-based assessments such as OSCEs, has the critical role in preparing healthbased learners including occupational therapy students. Despite the benefits of using OSCEs, its implementation highly depends on the availability of resources, as its costs is high. With the technological advancement, using “virtually simulated patients” in a form of virtual-reality can help overcome challenging related to resources and provide sustainable teaching and learning environments. Thus, this project aims to collect stakeholders’ ideas on the application of virtually simulated patients in teaching and evaluation. We will interview at least 15-18 stakeholders including students, instructors, and regulatory bodies. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. This project can enhance instructors’ knowledge about potential use of technologies in simulation to facilitate students learning.

Culturally Responsive Teaching–faculty members’ critical reflections on CRT practices

Recipients	Project Lead Scott Comber, PhD, Faculty, University Teaching Fellow, Rowe School of Business, Faculty of Management Co-investigators Liz Wilson, Staff, Faculty of Management Jenny Baechler, Faculty, School of Public Administration Sandra Toze, Director, School of Information Management Melanie Zurba, Faculty, School of Resource and Environmental Studies
Amount	$2,969.00
Abstract	The objective of this project is to engage all Faculty of Management (FoM) faculty members to learn about and understand their culturally responsive teaching (CRT) practices, by employing a structured, weekly approach to critically reflect upon their CRT pedagogies during one semester of teaching. The framework used to guide this research is drawn from the eight competencies for culturally responsible teaching (Muñiz, 2020). We believe faculty, reflecting weekly, using structured, critical reflective questions regarding CRT competencies may, 1) increase their knowledge regarding CRT practices, 2) change some of the ways they interact and teach students in ways that are CRT aware, 3) disseminate their knowledge to students in their classrooms and other faculty and staff, and 4) develop their capacity in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. To our knowledge, this is the first CRT study aimed to engage an entire faculty in a structured, critical reflection of their CRT practices.

Use of Written Reflections to Understand the Evolution of Pharmacy Student Professional Identity Formation

Project Lead:

• Natalie Kennie-Kaulbach, College of Pharmacy

Co-Applicants:

• Harriet Davies, BSc(Pharm), CDE, M.Ed., Coordinator of Clinical Education
  Anne Marie Whelan, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, FCSHP, Professor & Associate Director of Program Evaluation
  Heidi Framp, BSc(Pharm), MSc, University Teaching Fellow, Associate Director, Education
  Sheri Price, PhD, Associate Professor

Amount: $2,173.25

Abstract:

Professional identity formation (PIF) is a process internalizing a profession’s core values and beliefs such that one will “think, feel and act” like a member of a community. In pharmacy practice and education, the development of a strong unified professional identity is needed to support practice transformation. Currently, the process of PIF in pharmacy students is poorly understood. The College of Pharmacy has recently undergone curricular change and there is a need to invest in generating evidence to inform curricular changes relate to PIF in students. Evidence shows that experiential education and reflection play a key role in PIF. This project aims to use written reflections to understand the evolution of PIF in pharmacy students during their first experiential education rotation in community pharmacy.

Investigating the Efficacy of Discussion Boards in Student Engagement in Large Online Gateway Chemistry Classes

Project Lead:

• Dr. Jennifer L. MacDonald, Senior Instructor and First-Year Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science

Co-Applicants:

• Dr. Angela Crane, Instructor and First-Year Chemistry Lecture Coordinator, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
• Robert Foisy, Undergraduate Microbiology and Immunology Student and First-Year Chemistry Senior Teaching Assistant, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science
• Nicholas Roberts, Undergraduate Chemistry Student and First-Year Chemistry Senior Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
  

Amount: $2,578.42

Abstract:

First-Year Chemistry is the largest gateway course in at Dalhousie University (~1000-1300 students). Due to the rapid transition to online learning in Winter 2020, the First Year Team began to deliver tutorial support via Discussion Boards. While there are many examples in the recent literature about the usage of discussion boards for online course engagement in chemistry classes (both before/during the COVID-19 pandemic), these studies report on the usage of discussion boards which are used as part of the class assessment scheme, are often seeded with question prompts, and students are required to post and/or respond to posts as part of their course engagement credit.

This study aims to analyze the efficacy of discussion board usage in large gateway chemistry classes for tutorial support and engagement when discussion board usage is optional, has a loose structure, and is supported by a teaching team

Challenging Conversations and Scenarios Lab

Project Lead:

• Dr. Caitlin McArthur, Assistant Professor, School of Physiotherapy

Co-applicants:

• Kate Grosweiner, Instructor, School of Physiotherapy
• Dr. Marie Earl, Assistant Professor, School of Physiotherapy

Amount: $1,199.92

Abstract: 

Health care professionals often encounter challenging conversations and scenarios in clinical practice involving legal, ethical, and safety concerns. While students may understand the theory of how to respond, they may lack the comfort or confidence for managing these challenging scenarios in the moment, particularly at entry to practice. Simulation based learning has been shown to improve students’ motivation for learning about engaging in challenging conversations. However, this work has mainly focused on medical and nursing training and has not examined the effect of simulation-based learning on students’ comfort and confidence in engaging in challenging conversations. We will examine the effect of simulation-based learning in a Challenging Conversations and Scenarios Lab in the final course of the MSc in Physiotherapy program at Dalhousie University. Data will be collected through three online student surveys and a student response paper.

Assessing and Building ESS Students’ Conflict Communication Competency within the College of Sustainability

Project Lead:

• Laurel Schut, College of Sustainability

Amount: $1,573.39

Abstract:

Arriving at decisions can be easy when we are communicating with people with similar values, interests, and needs – but conflict can arise when we find ourselves in conversations with individuals who do not see the situation as we do. Working towards sustainability goals requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, disciplines, and fields, which inevitably leads to situations in which disagreement is present. As such, skilled communication around conflict management is a particularly imperative skillset in the context of sustainability. This SoTL project explores the comfort levels and capacities of sustainability students with respect to engaging with conflict communication in sustainability-related contexts, both before and after participating in an Introductory Conflict Management for Sustainability course. It also seeks students’ feedback on the specific teaching and learning activities that best support the development of these skills. Results from this study will contribute towards course-level, program-level, and certificate-level development at the College of Sustainability.

Embedding self-regulated learning experiences in blended first-year physiology courses: a quest to increase the use of active studying strategies and improve academic success

Project Lead:

• Dr. Marie-Soleil Beaudoin, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine

Amount: $2,159.85

Abstract:

Covid-19 forced most Canadian undergraduate students to engage in online learning, in environments that offer increased flexibility, autonomy, and choices to learners. Self-regulated learning (SRL) – a process whereby learners set goals for their learning and then monitor and regulate their behaviors to achieve these objectives (Zimmerman, 2000) – has been positively associated with academic performance (Broadbent, 2017; Cho & Shen, 2013). However, most entry-level undergraduate students fail to adopt appropriate SRL behaviours (Bjork et al, 2013; Dunlosky et al, 2013; McCabe, 2011). This negatively impacts their academic satisfaction, motivation, and performance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine whether integrating SRL-focused learning activities within first-year blended physiology courses promotes SRL skills, enhances the use of active learning strategies, and improves academic success. It is hypothesized that participation into SRL-focused tasks will encourage the adoption of active studying strategies, improve the accuracy of students’ self-assessments, and enhance academic performance.

Are short lectures better? An investigation of the impact of short design for asynchronous lectures

Project Lead:

• Dr. Colin Conrad, School of Information Management (primary appointment) Department of Psychology and Neuroscience (cross appointment)

Amount: $2,989.88

Abstract:

It is commonly believed that it is a best practice to design asynchronous courses to be delivered in short segments so that they can better attract user attention. However, it is unclear whether this best practice is warranted because it is difficult to measure attentional variances during pre-recorded lecture use without disrupting a users’ experience. In this study we will explore the impact of asynchronous lecture design by investigating differences in electroencephalography (EEG) signals generated during different asynchronous lecture formats. 50 students will be recruited from the Faculty of Management or Faculty of Science to watch an asynchronous lecture while wearing EEG and will answer questions about mind wandering and complete a pre/post quiz on the content. Brain patterns, questionnaire responses and quiz results will be compared to determine whether lecture design impacted participant mind wandering. This study will provide empirical evidence for asynchronous lecture design best practices.

Providing Metacognitive Scaffolding for Interpreting Problem Prompts in Computing Education: The Faded Worked Example Effect

Project Lead:

• Eric Poitras, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science

Co-Applicants:

• Angela Siegel, Senior Instructor and BACS Program Director, Faculty of Computer Science
• Alexander Brodsky, University Teaching Fellow, Faculty of Computer Science
• Stephanie Bernier, Educational Developer, Faculty of Computer Science
  

Amount: $1,841.73

Abstract:

Students in large-scale introductory programming courses acquire knowledge by studying worked examples and solving practice problems with the benefit of feedback. Solving a programming problem requires a valid understanding of the task but students who misinterpret the problem prompt are most likely to fail in their efforts towards a solution. Previous research in the context of automated assessment systems has addressed this issue by asking students to solve a test case immediately after reading the problem prompt and before writing code. However, students may still fail to build a comprehensive mental model or revise misconceptions by simply re-reading the prompt. This exploratory design-based study examines the effects of faded worked examples for the design of solutions to address misconceptions using worksheets in OneNote Class Notebooks. The findings will inform the design of a content library and analytics dashboards to support instructors to address deficient or erroneous understandings.

Participatory university curriculum development for land-based education on Indigenous perspectives on resources and the environment, School for Resource and Environmental Studies/College of Sustainability

Melanie Zurba
Amount: $2,985

The utility of a psychiatry faculty-resident clinical skills co-tutoring model for enhancing resident teaching skills

Cheryl Murphy
Amount: $2776

Privacy Concerns and Privacy Seeking in Online Courses

Recipients	Keith Lawson
Amount	$1788.00
Students are taught to protect their privacy online; however, online courses assume students will give up privacy and allow fellow students and instructors to scrutinize and evaluate activities and collaborative processes. Students may be willing to give up some privacy when they can see a benefit, but at the same time, they may be fearful of the judgment of peers or instructors and worried about potential violations of personal limits. These concerns could lead them to seek other ways of communicating or it could lead them to avoid online courses altogether. This study seeks to understand what concerns students in online courses have about personal privacy, and to discover what strategies students have to establish and protect their personal privacy.This study will be useful to those seeking to create online courses where students feel their privacy is respected and where they are comfortable participating.

A Formalized Framework for Mentorship of Teaching Assistants

Recipients	Lara Gibson and Mindy McCarville
Amount	$1,092.00
Teaching Assistants (TAs)in three undergraduate Biology classes will be invited to participate in a formalized mentoring program. The mentoring program will 1) helpTAs to focus on specific skills they wish to develop through their employment, 2) allow the TAs to practice these skills in a teaching setting, and 3) give opportunity for the mentor to provide feedback on these skills in a formalized way. TAs that choose to participate in the mentorship program will be asked to complete two measures of teaching effectiveness at the start and end of their employment. The first measure is The Teaching Perspectives Inventory (TPI) which examines a teacher’s beliefs and approaches to teaching, and the second measure is a survey designed to measure a person’s Teaching Self-Efficacy, or the belief that they can enact change in their students learning. It is expected that formal mentoring will lead to positive changes in one or both of these measures.

A proposed evaluation framework for a new core course: "Introduction to Indigenous Health and Wellness" for first year nursing, medical and dentistry students

Recipients	Dr. Katherine Harman, Amy Bombay, Dr. Margot Latimer, Martin, D., McNally, M.,  Castleden, H.
Amount	$3,000
We propose to evaluate a new course "Introduction to Indigenous Health and Wellness". In addition to providing important education for our health professions students, by piloting the course with faculty, we will also be addressing the limited capacity of faculty to develop and deliver content related to Indigenous health and history. Evaluation is central to the scholarship of teaching as it helps us to understand how learners are responding to the course material, the teaching style, the sequence, the context and more (Gurung, Wilson, 2013). The course has received support from Dalhousie’s Academic Innovation Fund, and it is also being closely watched because it is our first course offering in response to the TRC Calls to Action #22-24. We therefore are proposing this evaluation framework for three principle reasons: to be accountable, to assess the impact of the course on the learners and to have feedback for improvement.

Assessment of Student Learning to Evaluate the Use of an On-line Text through Top Hat Technology

Recipients	Dr. Numer, School of Health and Human Performance Phillip Joy, PhD in Health Program Rebecca Spencer, School of Health and Human Performance
Amount	$3,000
Technologies and social media are changing the way students learn and engage with course materials. Innovative teaching tools, such as multi-media on-line texts, are needed to address this changing environment. Technological platforms, such as Top Hat, are enabling students to engage with course materials in a variety of ways. Top Hat allows for the production of textbooks that feature dynamic content and are customizable to a course. This project aims to assess the impact of an interactive, on-line text developed through the Top Hat platform on student learning. A mixed methods approach will be utilized. Focus groups, anonymous on-line questionnaires, and surveys will be used to collect data to evaluate students’ thoughts, experiences, and learning after using the Top Hat text in the course HPRO 4412: Human Sexuality. The results will inform the development the on-line texts and provide insight on student engagement with them.

 

Impact of Research Consults: Development and Implementation of Assessment Tool

Recipients	Robin Parker, MLIS Librarian Melissa Helwig, MLIS Librarian
Amount	$3,000
Research consultations in academic libraries are often unrecognized teaching moments. These consultations take information skills introduced through classroom instruction or online tutorials and further develop them in support of assigned research projects or research assistant duties. The objective of this research is to contribute to the evidence base concerning individual research consultations conducted in academic libraries by addressing the fundamental research question: “How do users apply the knowledge and skills taught in individual research consultations?” The project goal is to validate a research consult evaluation tool to learn more about the impact of individualized instruction in a health sciences library setting with the intention to share the tool with other academic libraries and adapt to different disciplines. The findings of this project will inform teaching practice in the context of library-based research consultations and improve methods to further learning outcomes related to research and information skills.

 

Development of R-based Active Learning Exercises in ERTH 2205 – Introduction to Paleontology

Recipient	Dr. Owen Sherwood, Department of Eartch Sciences
Amount	$3,000
This proposal will test the efficacy of computer modeling exercises in ERTH 2205 (Introduction to Paleontology) as an active learning pedagogy. By manipulating pre-written code in the open source platform “R”, students will explore concepts in Paleontology using a series of data mining and modeling exercises to accompany lecture units. The coding exercises will be designed to promote active learning, improve comprehension and retention of conceptual knowledge, and develop competencies in computer coding, data management, quantitative reasoning and hypothesis testing. The efficacy of this active learning approach will be testing using pre-post exercise testing and through implementation of the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (ROTP) scoring rubric.

 

Using Detailed Rubrics to Enhance Self-assessment Among 1^st Year Management Students.

Recipient	Paulette Skerrett, School of Information Management, Faculty of Management
Amount	$1,040
This project sets out to understand whether student’s self-assessment of the quality of their own work, using detailed grading rubrics could increase the student’s ability to more effectively assess their own work in the future. Self-assessment is a process of formative assessment during which students reflect on and evaluate the quality of their work and learning, judge the degree to which they understand explicitly stated goals or criteria, identify strengths and weaknesses in their work and revise accordingly (Andrade & Boulay, 2003; Paris & Paris, 2001). Students are required to assess the quality of their own work on three assignments throughout the Winter term in MGMT 1001. This course is required for all 1st year Management and Applied Computer Science Students. There is an expectation that students who enter university are accomplished learners who take responsibility for their own learning, however Kift, Nelson and Clarke (2010) suggested that from the perspective of the professor this assumption is incorrect. The more learning becomes self-assessed, the more students assume control over their learning and are less dependent on external professor support. Students who are engaged in the process of self-assessment are more likely to apply the technique of self-assessment actively in the future (Boud & Molloy, 2013) and get better at doing it. The regular use of self-assessment builds habits and becomes a natural part of the students learning experience.

 

Exploring Mindfulness Meditation in the Introductory Health Promotion Classroom

Recipients	Lead: Becky Spencer Co-applicant: Matthew Numer Co-applicant: Madison MacQuarrie Undergraduate Student Researchers: Nicole Blinn, Megan Flynn, Monica Johnson, Elyse Leefe, Kristi Levy, Michelle Lincoln, Samantha Maclellan, Jessie Meisner, Phoebe Owen, Sierra Palachi
Amount	$2,843
Students experience many transitions, such as that from high school to university. HPRO 1195: Introduction to Health Promotion offers a unique setting to explore transitions. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, enhance attention, and support empathy. Mindfulness meditation is increasingly used in educational settings, though its use in postsecondary classes needs more study. Our purpose is to explore how mindfulness meditation in HPRO 1195 relates to transitions experienced by Health Promotion students. We are using a participatory approach, with students as part of the research team. Qualitative data collection will include anonymous open-ended questions, focus groups, and interviews. Findings will provide insight into student experiences with mindfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation’s relation to transitions experienced by students, and the strengths and limitations of using mindfulness meditation in the postsecondary classroom. The participatory approach will engage students in research early in their studies, and challenge traditional teaching methods through the use of mindfulness meditation to enhance educational experience.

The Development of a Research Trainee Competency Framework: Creating Meaningful Learning Opportunities for the Student Research Scholars of the Healthy Populations Institute

Recipients	Dr. Lori Weeks, Dr. Sara Kirk, Dr. Brad Meisner, Dr. Lois Jackson, Maureen Summers, Caitlyn Ayn, and  Ariane Seguin
Amount	$3,000

Innovative approach to get the best of Flipped the classroom and Team based learning: Adding value and excitement to class time. 

Recipients	Dr. Thejodhar Pulakunta, Dr. Gary V Allen, and Dr. Akram Jaffer
Amount	$1,598

Preparing learners for practice through simulation: Competency-based boot camps for fieldwork

Recipients	Dr. Niki Kiepek, Dr. Diane MacKenzie, Jonathan Harris, Dr. Joan Versnel, Dr. Brenda Merritt, Dr. Cathy White, Carmel O’Keefe, Dr. Heidi Lauckner, and Karen Landry
Amount	$5,000

Factors influencing BScN student knowledge, critical thinking, self-confidence, satisfaction, psychological safety, and experiences of postpartum home visit simulations: A mixed methods approach – Phase 2.

Recipients	Dr. Faith Wight Moffatt, Dr. Jill Hatchette, and Dr. Cathy Sheffer
Amount	$1,940

Sequencing Collaborations Between Writing Centre Teaching and Library Research Assistance

Recipient	Dr. Margie Clow-Bohan , Writing Centre, Student Services
Amount	$2,148.50

Teaching and Learning About Oppression

Recipient	Dr. Wanda Thomas-Bernard, School of Social Work, Faculty of Health Professions
Amount	$3,800

Promoting Students Deeper Learning Through Virtual Teamwork

Recipient	Dr. Martine Durier-Copp, CFAME, Faculty of Management
Amount	$4,996

 

Math Readiness Assessment and Learning Plan to Identify and Support At-Risk BScN Students for Optimal Success: A Pilot Study

Recipient	Dr. Shelley Cobbett School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Professions
Amount	$2,500

 

Critical Thinking Technology in the Classroom: Self and Peer Assessment of Critical Thinking Presentation

Recipient	Dr. Scott Comber, School of Business, Faculty of Management
Amount	$2,500

Investigating the Affective Component of Students' Learning Experiences in Blended and Fully-Online Introductory Biology Classses

Recipient	Dr. Jennifer Van Dommelen, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Amount	$2499.80

A Comprehensive Analysis of Evaluative data: Promoting a Meaningful Interprofessional Education for Dalhousie Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Recipient	Kathryn Hayward, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Professions
Amount	$2,500

Factors that Influence Successful Learning in Undergraduate Medical Sciences Students

Recipient	Dr. Tim Lee, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine (BSc Medical Sciences Program)
Amount	$2,500

Relational Life World Relevance and the New Media Edge: Enhancing and Tracking Student Engagement in a Large Enrolment Introduction to Anthrolopology

Recipient	Dr. Brian Noble, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Amount	$2,500

The Challenges and Rewards of Cross-boundary Teams: Assessing the Impact of Experiential Learning Group Projects in Management Without Borders (MWB)

Recipient	Jenny Baechler, Faculty of Management
Amount	$2,500

Partner for Success: Evaluation of Course-Specific Studying for Success Workshops in First Year Chemistry

Recipients	Patricia Laws, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Jessica Chubbs, Student Success
Amount	$2,500

Using Canadian Case Studies in a First Year Environmental Science Class as a Means of Engaging Students in Deeper Learning

Recipient	Dr. Susan Gass, Environmental Science, Faculty of Science
Amount	$3,500

Using e-Learning Tools to Enhance Learning within a Role-Play Simulation

Recipient	Dr. Matthew Schnurr, International Development Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Amount	$5,000

Learning (Research) by Doing: Undergraduate Education in Data-Oriented Environments

Recipient	Dr. Talan Iscan, Department of Economics, Faculty of Science
Amount	$5,000

Testing TopHat: Examining the Impact of Bring Your Own Device Technology on Student Learning Experiences in Large Classrooms

Recipients	Dr. Matthew Numer, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health Professions Rebecca Spencer, PhD (candidate), Interdisciplinary Program, Teaching Assistant
Amount	$2,400

 

Creation of Podcasts for Online English Class Offerings: Redesign of Existing Class(es)

Recipient	Dr. David McNeil. Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Social Science
Amount	$4,935

 

Creating Opportunities for Integrated Experiential Learning Across Courses Within Undergraduate Recreation and Leisure Studies Programs

Recipients	Dr. Karen Gallant, Leisure Studies, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health Professions Barb Hamilton-Hinch, PhD(candidate ) Dr. Susan Hutchinson Dr. Laurene Rehman Dr. Jerry Singleton, Leisure Studies, Faculty of Health Professions
Amount	$4,986

 

A Randomized Control Trial Investigating Online versus Face-To-Face Clinical Simulation in Relation to Student Knowledge, Anxiety, and Self-Confidence in Maternal-Newborn Nursing

Recipients	Dr. Shelley Cobbitt, School of Nursing, Yarmouth Campus, Faculty of Health Professions Dr. Erna Snelgrove, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Professions Dr. Faith Wight-Moffatt, , School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Professions
Amount	$4,999

 

Building Ethics Courses and Ethics Capacity in the Sciences

Recipient	Dr. Letitia Meynell, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Amounts	$4,700

 

Hexapod Robotic Demonstration Tool To Improve Student Experiential Learning from Technology in the Engineering System Dynamics, Control Design and Mechatronics Fields

Recipient	Dr. Robert Bauer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Amount	$4,996.58

 

Exam Item Complexity and Student Knowledge: A Calibration Study of Upper Year Undergraduate Psychology/Neuroscience Students

Recipient	Dr. Kim Good, Psychology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Science
Amount	$2,500