Madeline Brainerd

Child development and Reading Aloud Go Hand in Hand

My English service practicum has focused on the benefits of reading aloud with children. This presentation brings together scholarly research and my own experiences volunteering with students at the Creswell Clubhouse, which serves students ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade. The Clubhouse is a nonprofit afterschool and summer camp program for the kids of Creswell. As part of my English service practicum, I read aloud with them and help them with homework and packets provided by the program. Throughout the semester, I have been noting my observations, especially as they relate to the importance of reading aloud and how it enhances a child’s development. I am so grateful to have this opportunity because not every child experiences one-on-one reading time at school or at home. I have discovered just how important reading with children is, and how many benefits there are in doing so.

ENG 395, Service Practicum

Connie Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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William Callahan, Davis Kyser & Sayer Pescosolido

Final Research Project

We as a group are developing a business idea that represents a form of holistic mission to serve others. Our business that we are developing is a private school for students that focuses on career paths and more opportunity for what the student wants to learn. Along with that we intend to incorporate Christian values and teachings as well.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Tierra Dumlao

CC’s

CC’s is a profitable business that sells drinks and pastries. In addition, they offer Christian supplies that customers can read, talk about, etc. This cafe will be a safe environment for Christian college students to come and have study groups, read on their own, do homework, or just enjoy a meal. The location of this business will be close to college campuses, so college students who do not have transportation can walk. In addition, this cafe will support diversity, accepting others no matter who they are. Competitors such as: Perugino, Palace Coffee | Bakery, and Studio One Café will be addressed. Along with the starting cost that would range from $100,000 to $1 million.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Tierra Dumlao & Halliday Hubbard

Examining the Use of the Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal has opened up many opportunities for collegiate athletes. However, due to NIL deals and other factors, the transfer portal has led to issues in Ethics, specifically where athletes’ morals and values lie within an athletic program. This tool has brought questions to the term “loyalty” among student-athletes. Issues include the increase of athletes entering the portal each year, coaches cannot create a culture if their players come and leave each year, coaches saving money for transfers rather than incoming freshmen, etc. Our solution to our ethical dilemma is implementing a new rule restricting undergraduate student-athletes from transferring until they fully complete two years at their current university. This solution gives them an opportunity to face their problems and try their best to work with the environment they are in. In addition, more money can be used for incoming freshmen rather than coaches saving money on transfers.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Harmony Goodman, Sidney Lane, & Sayer Pescosolido

Final Research Project

We are intending to research the topic of sports betting and how it impacts the sports culture and regulations. Whether it is impacting the fans, players, or organizations, we want to understand the negative and positive outcomes such as sports marketing strategies and gambling addiction. There are many arguments for and against sports betting. Some say betting is unethical and corrupt, while others suggest sports betting can be beneficial to the sports industry. We decided to research this topic so we could gather information and decide if sports betting is ethical or if it should be discontinued based on the health and well-being of the sports society.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Candy xiaohui He

BAM Project

I developed a Child daycare business, “Candy’s Home Day Care,” a unique home-based childcare service in our community that integrates the rich traditions of Chinese culture with Christian values. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving, and culturally enriching environment where every child is valued and embraced as an individual. By drawing inspiration from Christian teachings of love, compassion, and community, as well as the vibrant heritage of Chinese culture, we aim to nurture young minds and hearts. Our holistic approach includes language, customs, and spiritual growth and fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. At Candy’s Home Day Care, we strive to be more than just a childcare facility. We are a bridge that connects diverse cultures and a sanctuary where faith and heritage merge to create a foundation for lifelong learning and a harmonious community.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Dylan Hough, Elizabeth Mathis, & Benjamin Randol

Injury Policies in Professional Sports

We are going to evaluate and compare injury policies in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. Injury policies include injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation. We are also going to look at the financial impact of injuries on the players and the organization.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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William Jewell

Composition Kiosk

For the poster presentation, I intend to cover what my business plan is and how its mission will be involved in it. I will take a look at costs and what will be required to make my business.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Katie Johnson

Continuous Glucose Monitors

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are changing the way providers treat and manage diabetes. It is time to utilize the power of connection through technology for our health and well-being. The number of people with diabetes is increasing around the world. Assistive technology can play a vital role in addressing major complications associated with diabetes. Studies show that utilization of CGM devices can dramatically help patients make smarter decisions about food and activity in the moment to better control blood glucose levels. Better control means fewer health complications and a better quality of life for those struggling to manage this disease.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Olivia Kelzenberg, Sydney Myhre, & Mai Tomlin

Athlete Mental Health Management.

Taking a look at what institutions are doing to protect and treat athletes mental health at a collegiate level of play.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Zoe Kingsley & Janea Robertson

Impact Threads – a Christian Clothing Brand

Impact Threads is a proposition for a Christian for-profit business that donates a portion of profits to a partnered organization of the customer’s choice. The presented prkyseroduct will be a posterboard providing details to the proposed business, ranging from the mission statement to a SWOT analysis and more.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Nate Rasmussen & Garrett Vohs

Examining MLB Player Value

The issue that we are looking at is how players are valued and the factors that go into the evaluations. Specifically in the sport of baseball. Mainly what we are looking at is how these crazy amounts of money are being determined for the value of the players. Also if the player is a bust and the teams still have to pay them how does that affect them.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Hana Slayden, Jayden Soriano & John Stephens

Renewal L+L

We are presenting our business as mission idea of Renewal L+L, a laundry and landscape buisness that focuses on hiring homeless or people of low income to get them back into the work force.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Noel Balderston & Anna Cardwell

Healthy habits and hobbies  

Our presentation is on how physical activity and nutrition affects an elementary students behavior in the classroom.  We examined the lack of both physical activity and nutrition in a students life and how that affects their behavior when in school. We found that six out of ten students in grades K-8 come to school hungry because they are not getting enough to eat or anything to eat at home. We also found that 1 in 3 elementary aged students are over weight due to a lack of physical activity and eating habits. Both over weight and underweight kids in America may be deemed as malnourished. A lack of proper food intake is known as malnourishment and it does not imply there is a lack of food, but it signifies a lack of nutrients. Malnutrition can result in long term neural issues in the brain which can impact a child’s emotional response, reactions to stress, learning disabilities, and other medical complications. Also, most students rely on food provided by the school during their school day, and if the school only provides lunch, then that is the only meal they are eating most days. The benefits of physical fitness go beyond health and wellness of the body. Besides strengthening the cardiovascular and muscular systems and lowering the risk of many diseases, research suggests that physical activity also positively impacts the brain and improves mood and attention in students. Also, providing daily aerobic activities to children can help to reduce symptoms of ADHD such as moodiness and inattentiveness. Research shows that even short bursts of movement deliver big benefits for brain health and academic performance, relative to sitting quietly and preventing unwanted behaviors. 

Our project is important because healthy students perform better. Poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity can affect not only academic achievement, but also other factors such as absenteeism, classroom behavior, ability to concentrate, self-esteem, cognitive performance, and test scores. To support positive outcomes for both health AND learning, it’s important that educators incorporate movement into their classroom routine. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #2 

10 AM – Noon 

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Teresa Branson & Savanna Breiholz

The Pros and Cons of Incentives in an Elementary Classroom 

This poster presentation addresses the pros and cons of incentives in an elementary school classroom. The pros that are being considered include appropriate behavior, increased motivation, joyful students, boosted self-esteem, completed homework, and improved results. The cons that are being examined include addiction, devaluation, race against the clock, control and manipulate, increased pressure, and bribes. The examples that will be shared are a good behavior chart, a class store, coupons, and points.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #3 

10 AM – Noon 

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Blake Carpenter & Jestyna Mosttler

The Effects of Trauma on Children 

Trauma is something that seems to affect the majority of the world’s population at least once in their lives. In some cases, this can mean it takes place during a child’s fundamental learning years. Our assignment will begin with looking at how exactly Childhood Trauma is defined, as well as key questions on what scenarios can cause this. It will then be followed by signs and symptoms an educator can look for that point to this affecting their student’s lives. It will end with how educators can take Childhood Trauma into account and help their students exposed to this within the classroom environment. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #4 

10 AM – Noon 

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Alaina Cloer & Mikayla Rodriguez

Affects of Hunger on Students Success 

Food insecurity has a negative impact on students success, while food security has a positive impact on student success. As teachers we can help students with food insecurities by having opportunities for the students to eat while at school. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #5 

10 AM – Noon 

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Georgia Cook & Amelia Geist

What are the benefits of having a classroom pet in an early elementary classroom? 

The research question posed was: “What are the benefits of having a classroom pet in an early elementary classroom?” According to our findings, having a classroom pet makes students feel more at ease, reduces stress, encourages healthy development of caring and empathetic relationships, and increases compassion. In regards to other areas of development, having a classroom pet increases student self-efficacy, increases responsibility, promotes healthy social interactions, enhances self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, and reduces egocentrism. Some challenges to having a classroom pet include student allergies, taking care of the pet on weekends and holidays, licensing regulations, school policies, and health and safety liabilities. In connection to theories of education and child development, having classroom pets encourages industry rather than inferiority according to Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development. In Erikson’s theory, there are eight different crises, and the developmental crisis that affects early elementary aged students is known as Industry vs. Inferiority. The crisis of Industry vs. Inferiority involves whether a student has confidence in their abilities or if they feel incompetent and doubtful. Having a classroom pet allows students to demonstrate their ability to take care of something else and to be responsible, thus encouraging them to identify with the industry side of the crisis. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #6 

10 AM – Noon 

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Stacy Cook & Skyler Tidwell

What are the homelessness impacts of students attendance and how can we help? 

Our research is going to answer what are the homelessness impacts of students attendance and how can we help. Homelessness is defined by The McKinney-Vento Act as children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Wharton University of Pennsylvania defines social impact as an organizations actions that have on the wellbeing of the community. Research from Allison Howland’s article: Exploring socio-demographics, mobility, and living arrangement as risk factors for academic performance among children experiencing homelessness showing homeless students are more likely to be held back from grade to grade, be chronically absent, fail courses, have more disciplinary issues, and drop out of high school than their non-homeless peers. What we can do as educators include targeted interventions, increased interactions with family members, collaboration with supportive district, community-based program, ensuring emotional safety of students, and create support, structure and opportunity. Another avenue of help is a district wide homelessness liaison. We can connect the effected youth and family with this liaison who can connect them to a variety of programs such as housing, health care and shelters. To ensure the attendance of these youth in crisis, we can learn about the homeless student stability program implemented in Washington for a preventative measure and can also teach value to oneself and take the focus off the economic culture.  

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #9 

10 AM – Noon

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Grace Dawson

Hunger  

In my research, I have found a correlation between malnutrition and the cognitive development of young children. Hunger is a major problem in the US, and as I work in my practicum, I am witnessing it first-hand. As a future teacher, this is something that will affect how I approach my students and how I teach them. To introduce my topic, I have included some recent facts and statistics about hunger within the state of Oregon as well as the nation. Next, I will discuss both the internal and external outcomes of hunger in the classroom, such as student performance and behavior. The bulk of my information will be focusing on the effects that malnutrition has on the brain – how the brain functions and looks when it is malnourished compared to how it looks and functions normally. I plan on ending my presentation with a few solutions that teachers can do to help solve the issue of hunger within the classroom.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #10 

10 AM – Noon 

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Natalie Downes & Molly Holmberg

What are the positive and negative effects of a token economy? 

Our research question is; What are the positive and negative effects of a token economy? A token economy is a system of contingency management based on the systematic reinforcement of target behavior. The reinforcers are symbols or tokens that can be exchanged for other reinforcers. A token economy is a beneficial tool used in many elementary classrooms due to its high success rate in promoting voluntary good behavior from students. The benefits heavily outweigh the negative attributes of using a token economy in the classroom. This is not to say that there are not negative components. In some cases, using a token economy can discourage a student if they do not receive a reward every time they perform a desired behavior. While it is true that a token economy might encourage students to follow directions solely for their own personal gain, performing the desired behavior teaches the student that they can follow directions. It also allows the teacher to set the standard that the student is capable of behaving. A token economy also allows the teacher to give students instant feedback regarding their behavior, as well as strengthen target behaviors that the teacher deems necessary for their classroom. Token economies are a positive tool when used correctly, and have the power to transform the behaviors that students perform drastically and can overall help them learn appropriate behavior.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #11 

10 AM – Noon 

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Kylie Hecker

How does water support student cognitive function? 

Water is essential to all beings and greatly affects how the human brain functions, mostly in children. Multiple studies show that water impacts a students cognitive function particularly in the classroom. A lack of water hinders there ability to pay attention, and to properly absorb information. Students are not drinking water because they often fear the safety of the water, water isn’t accessibly offered in their schools, or often time they prefer other beverages like soft drinks . So how do we encourage them to drink water? Make it more easily accessible, make it fun by adding fruit, and make an emphasis on it are a simple few options out of many. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #12 

10 AM – Noon 

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Elena Kazakevicius

Transforming FYS: an Analysis of Other Institutions FYS Courses  

As institutions are becoming increasingly aware of the individual concerns of incoming students, higher education intends to find a way to make the transition smoother Danitz, Suvak, Orsillo (2016). Through this, First-Year Seminar courses have been implemented within different institutions in varying ways. Analyzing the research on three institutions’ First-Year Seminar courses, one might draw on the benefits of these programs for integration in such existing courses. For example, it has been suggested by Danitz, Suvak, Orsillo (2016), that in order to create the smoothest transition possible, one must first focus on how to interact with one another appropriately and in a helpful way. In response to the literature on First-Year success courses, recommendations for future First-Year Seminar courses at Northwest Christian University will be addressed.   

FYS 101, First Year Seminar 

Falyn Edwards & Nani Skaggs 

L203, poster #1 

10 AM – Noon 

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Elyse Smith

rauma in the Classroom   

One in four children attending school have been exposed to a traumatic event. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Children are the most vulnerable and susceptible people to be affected by trauma making schools a likely place to find trauma behaviors. Unfortunately, teachers and administrators, in large, are not informed about what trauma looks like. They are also not informed on how to facilitate teaching strategies in an effort to improve trauma effected students academic performance and behaviors. Two of the most impactful strategies that have been proven to improve students GPA, test scores, absences, detentions, etc include creating a safe classroom environment and building relationships. Some more teaching strategies that are helpful for behavioral issues regarding trauma impacted students include using specific praise, consistent expectations, practicing active listening and modeling empathetic behavior. It is crucial that teachers and administrators are made aware of what trauma looks like in the classroom and how to support their students to improve their academic performance and behavior.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #13 

10 AM – Noon

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Hannah Adams

What is the Impact of Trauma in the Classroom?
Trauma and stress related instances are a huge concern in the lives of children and young adults around the world. However, one aspect of trauma and stress that we tend to not think about, especially as educators, is how those two factors impact the students that we teach and interact with on a daily basis. This presentation highlights just that and focuses on the six main different types of trauma on the trauma spectrum, as well as various triggers brought on by daily classroom activities that might spark outbreaks with those affected by trauma. Additionally, a traumatic experience gets depicted in the perspective of the teacher, as well as that of the child who has experienced it, and different trauma signals and signs that could occur within the students one might be teaching are also highlighted and explained. Lastly, this presentation covers several different de-escalation strategies that could be used in a potential outburst with a traumatized student(s), A national poll that depicts how trauma has affected children and students long-term who are now adults, as well as what teachers and schools can do to be more informed about the topic of trauma and what they can do to best help their students. My hope is that by presenting this topic to the viewers, they will be able to better understand how crucial it is for future educators to be highly prepared and able to handle and care for traumatized students, as well as to gain a bit of perspective as to what life is like on a daily basis for students who have been affected by trauma and stress.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Katelyn Allen & Corina Gemini

Classroom Design This presentation explores the ways in which classroom design can both positively and negatively affect classroom management. The purpose of this presentation is to help teachers and future educators alike use classroom design as an effective classroom management strategy. Our research includes seating arrangements, zones of proximity, and effective ways to organize a classroom. Our findings stem from Fred Jones’ book “Tools For Teaching” and our 16-week classroom management course here at NCU.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Katie Hastings & Emily Shinkle

Classroom Arrangements
For this research project, we explored the impact of seating arrangements on classroom management. For the purposes of this presentation, we looked into proximity, student behavior and engagement, and the different types of seating arrangements. The proximity of the teacher to the students determined the successfulness of both the behavior of the students and the seating arrangements. From our experiences in the classroom, we have observed the benefits and down falls to various seating arrangements. To conclude, we will address the effectiveness of room arrangements according to different subjects.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Shahaley Holzgang & Bri Reay

What Research Says About Behavior Charts
Research says that using behavior charts in the classroom can be incredibly harmful to a student’s self-efficacy. Any good that can be accomplished (self-regulation skills, motivation, management) can be accomplished using other methods.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Morgan Newton

Why we should have classroom jobs in the third grade?
My research question is “Why should we have classroom jobs in Third-Grade?” My main points as to why will be to teach students responsibility, it builds a sense of community, so as a teach you don’t “bop ‘til you drop,” you should never do something for your students that they are capable of doing themselves. Also, Erikson’s stages of development: Industry vs. Inferior which students at this age want a sense of industry. Children start to have a sense of pride and accomplishment for their work. I will then discuss a few examples of how to go about classroom jobs including applications, rotating students and my own personal experiences.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Jessica Sacker

How Can Teachers Best Support Students With ADD or ADHD in the Classroom?
To best answer the question, “How Can Teachers Best Support Students With ADD or ADHD in the Classroom?,” one must first define Attention Deficit Disorder as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Characterized by developmentally inappropriate and pervasive levels of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder were present in 6.1 million children in the year 2016 according to a study conducted by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
ADD and ADHD is a common disorder that presents behavioral and social challenges for students as well as the academic challenges. Primarily, the aforementioned behavioral challenges consist of attention based issues as students who struggle to maintain focus as well as students who are hyperactive have difficulty self-managing. This concludes with inappropriate responses to social situations as well as noncompliance, aggression, and a lack of organizational skills.
The academic challenges tend to result from behavioral challenges if not from the disorder itself. Students with ADD or ADHD are more likely to have poor grades and lower scores on standardized tests. Their absenteeism rate is higher. They are also more likely to be expelled, suspended, or repeat a grade.
To counteract these challenges and support the students, teachers can conduct particular practices within the classroom. Teachers can implement behavior intervention such as modifying the environment to reduce distractions or providing fidget tools. Teachers can modify academic instruction to support the students’ attention needs. They can also establish a home and school communication program to better track behavior between school and support.
Conclusively, while students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may struggle with multitudinous challenges inside and outside of the classroom, there are actions that can be taken by the teacher to best support the student and create an atmosphere for said students to thrive and achieve their personal best.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Hannah Adams & Brianna Reay

How Does Sleep Affect Child Development and Academic Achievement?

This project analyzes the affects of both positive and negative sleeping patterns on the cognitive and physical development of children as well as their academic achievement. Poor sleeping habits increase irritability, decrease immune system repairs, growth, and classroom focus while good sleeping patterns do the opposite.

EDUC 330, Child Development

Brian Kaelin

L203, Poster 14

10 AM – Noon

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Tony Alcala

Historical Locations: Study Abroad Mexico

Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Guanajuato City, Guanajuato, and Mexico City were locations filled with rich Mexican history and heritage. From historic buildings turned into world class museums to ancient structures built in the pre-Hispanic years, our study abroad journey was filled with visits to many locations which provided enriching knowledge on the many layers of Mexican culture and patrimony. Queretaro fascinated us with its famous colonial aqueduct and it’s Theater of the Republic, the location of the signing of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. Guanajuato impressed us with its colonial era fervor, the historic Alhondiga de Granditas, the neoclassical Juarez Theater, and the colossal statue of El Pipila overlooking the city. Mexico City graced us with pre-Hispanic architecture and ruins both in and outside of the city, with a Royal Castle nestled in the vast metropolis, and with incredible monuments and theaters that celebrate distinct eras of Mexican history. All of these historic locations added an invaluable opportunity to experience and immerse ourselves in locations we learned about in our studies and influential to the history of the incredible country we resided in.

GLST 295, Study Abroad

Lauren Riley

L203, Poster 13

10AM – Noon

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Kaitlyn Bailey & Kelly Willyard

Pyramids, Mummies, and Home Stays…Oh My!

Our poster presentation will target current Northwest Christian University students interested in the faculty led Mexico Study Abroad Program. We will focus on three main areas we experienced on the trip, pyramids, mummies, and the home stays. Many people don’t realize mummies and pyramids exist outside of Egypt so we will explain their presence and history in Mexico. We will also talk about our experience with our home stay families, as that was a huge and impacting part of the trip and has led to friendships and relationships that last well beyond the month long stay. Lastly, we will give brief and basic information about what the Mexico Study Abroad trip entails and the steps to sign up.

GLST 295, Study Abroad

Lauren Riley

L203, Poster 9

10AM – Noon

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Angela Cusano & Katy Noel

Outside Perceptions of Relational Status Based Upon the Use of Humor

This study aims to identify if an outside observer will be able to accurately predict relational pairs’ statuses based only off of nonverbal behavior displayed during a humorous encounter. It is well documented through past research that humor effectively and consistently creates relational closeness among varying degrees of relational partners. With this in mind, we suggest that it is likely that an outside observer will accurately guess what the status of each relational pair is through watching a relational pair’s nonverbal expressions toward one another while the pair tells jokes to one another. In order to study the suggested phenomenon, five relational pairs (strangers, siblings, friends, dating, and married couples) were recorded taking turns telling jokes to one another. Anonymous participants were then recruited to watch excerpts of the relational pairs telling jokes and report which relational status was most likely. The results did not ultimately support our original hypothesis.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203, Poster 11

10 AM – Noon

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Tanner Dean, Tiffany Howell & Maya Jenkins

Connections Between Audio and Visual Stimuli in Interpreting Relational Statuses: A Research Study

A great deal of research has been conducted regarding how individuals interpret emotions via nonverbal communication. However, little has been researched that analyzes the connections, or lack thereof, of visual and auditory stimuli’s impact on inferring relational status. Can an individual best judge the relationship status of a pair based on visual stimuli, auditory stimuli, or a combination of the two? That is the question this study set out to address. Based on prior research done regarding interpretation of emotion, we hypothesized that visual stimuli without audio coupling would produce the fewest inaccuracies in gauging the relational status of a pair of individuals telling scripted jokes to one another. Results of the study supported our hypothesis and found that the video with only visual and no audio stimuli produced the least amount of inaccuracies.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203, Poster 2

10 AM – Noon

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Tessa Galindo & Miranda Gutierrez

Exploring Mexico’s Art: Murals, Sculptures, and More

After embarking on a month long trip to the heart of Mexico, we learned how important art is to the Mexican culture. No other form of art has struck our hearts like this. We have seen, smelt, tasted, heard, and touched the cities of Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Miguel, and Mexico City. Our presentation will give you a small glimpse of all the beauties we were able to witness. The sculptures and murals were much better to experience in person, but the photos displayed should be sufficient. Hearing and seeing people’s stories in person is much better than watching a video, reading a book, or listening to a lecture. We are so glad we took the opportunity to study abroad and we hope that our decision can inspire you too!

GLST 295, Study Abroad

Lauren Riley

L203, Poster 4

10 AM – Noon

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Corina Gemini & Shahaley Holzgang

Are break spaces as effective in the classroom?

Break spaces in the classroom have become more and more popular throughout the years. But the question is are they effective? Corrina and Shahaley propose that break spaces inside the classroom are not nearly as effective as break spaces in another classroom where it is supervised with trained teachers (SPED). We discovered that having a break space inside of a classroom is often not used correctly and does not serve the children who need them. When they are inside of a classroom children often misuse it when they do not want to do their work. Break spaces or cool down rooms are supposed to be designed for students who are at there breaking point-crisis mode. When children are in crisis mode or the red zone, they have a hard time calming themselves back down, they need a separate space to help themselves calm down. This space is also used when the student feels themselves heading to the red zone, to prevent them from reaching that point. An effective break classroom needs to have not so much toys, but multisensory objects and ways help them move to get out their anger. It also important that there is emotion charts and ways to help regulate their emotion. Children in this zone are incapable of verbally communicating their thoughts.

EDUC 330, Child Development

Brian Kaelin

L203, Poster 10

10 AM – Noon

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Harley Gilpin, Jordan Norris & Abby Spencer

What’s Your Status? Detecting Relationship Status Through Nonverbal Cues

Interpersonal sensitivity was defined as the accuracy of nonverbal cue processing. Nonverbal behaviors included tone of voice, facial expressions, and body movements. This study aims to determine if higher interpersonal sensitivity played a role in determining the relationship status of our video participants. With little previous research conducted on the specific links between a person’s interpersonal sensitivity in detecting nonverbal cues via online videos, this research study aims to explore the possible relationship between the two. Hypothesizing that participants would not be able to detect the relationship status of the targets, participants were exposed to five videos containing a different dyad. Based on the interaction, they were asked to determine the relationship status: married, dating, siblings, just friends, or just met. The results did not support the hypothesis as many of participants were able to determine the correct relationship status.

Keywords: Interpersonal sensitivity, nonverbal cues

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203, Poster 6

10 AM – Noon

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Katie Hastings & Lauren Kogutkiewicz

Projects vs. Project-Based Learning

This presentation covers the differences between projects and project-based learning in our schools. Often these two methods get confused, as they both circulate around a project. However, there is a difference to the two methods. Through our research we found differences in the two, examples, benefits and disadvantages to these practices. Projects are individual or collaborative work that is planned and designed with a particular aim. These are often teacher directed and done after the learning to demonstrate what they learned. Some examples are book reports, poster projects, and an art project. Project-based learning are projects done over an extended period of time that engages students in solving a complex real-world problem and solving the problem. This method is student-directed as students are leading the investigation and problem solving. Examples are coming up with ideas to improve the community, a science project with its results presented to the public and acting out a scene from a famous piece of literature. Schools tend to stick to the traditional methods of projects rather than implementing a project-based system into their lessons because this style of projects “fit” easier into their scheduling and curriculum given by the school board. However, research shows that students under a project-based learning have higher test scores and are better prepare for their future in future education and work.

EDUC 330, Child Development

Brian Kaelin

L203, Poster 3

10 AM – Noon

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Brad Keller & Kayla Miller

Nonverbals and Relationships

The purpose of this study was to examine the relational status of a pair and their nonverbals. The question being asked was: Can an observer identify the relational status of a couple after watching them carry out a task? The predicted outcome was that people will be able to accurately determine if the couple is married or just met based off of their nonverbals. However, casual dating, siblings, and friends will be more difficult to determine their relational status. Thirty-seven people participated in a survey. The survey consisted of five videos with a range of relational pairs. Those pairs included married, in a dating relationship, siblings, just friends, and strangers (just met). After viewing each video, participants were asked to select the relational status of the paired couple. The study found that participants scored 11.8% accuracy in determining the relational status of the married couple. Whereas, they scored 52.9% accuracy in determining the relational status of strangers. Participants were most accurate in determining the relational status of the dating couple, with 61.7% accuracy, and scored low accuracy in determining the relational status of siblings and friends. Through this study and further research, there is a minimal amount of accuracy to fully support either hypothesis.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203, Poster 15

10 AM – Noon

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