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Examining strategies to enhance the arithmetic-to-algebra transition

Jessica Namkung, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is exploring ways to help students with math learning difficulties prepare for algebra.

For students struggling to learn math, confusion and frustration can be common denominators. But a recent University of Nebraska research project aims to help remove those negative factors from the equation.

According to previous studies, students with math learning difficulties experience the most severe and persistent underachievement in algebra compared to their peers. Jessica Namkung, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is exploring ways to help such students prepare for algebra. Full Article

Community research partnerships highlighted at NAECR Networking event

Community Research Partners panelists at the May 1 NAECR Networking event include, from left, Stephanie Knust, director of Dodge County Head Start; Karla Lester, pediatrician at Omaha's Children's Hospital and Medical Center; and Patty Smith, principal at Fairbury's Central Elementary School.

Strong partnerships among researchers and community organizations are crucial to enhancing and expanding early childhood research.

More than two-dozen researchers, faculty members and community partners attended the May 1 NAECR Networking event, “Connecting with Community Research Partners,” at the Nebraska Union — in person and via web conferencing — to discuss ways to enhance partnerships between researchers and the various community agencies. Full Article

Video available for Marc Goodrich presentation

Marc Goodrich, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, leads a March 29 Methodology Applications Series presentation at the Nebraska Union.

Marc Goodrich, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, led a March 29 presentation in the 2018-19 Methodology Applications Series. His presentation, “Addressing One Research Question Using Multiple Methodological Approaches,” is now available on video. Full Article

Identifying immigrant families’ health issues through Census data

Evan Choi, associate professor of child, youth and family studies, is using U.S. Census Bureau data to examine rural, low-income immigrant families and their health-related behaviors.

Although studies reveal that immigrants and ethnic minorities are among those at greatest risk for poor health outcomes, little research exists on rural immigrants who experience a disproportionate burden of poverty and economic hardship.

Evan Choi, associate professor of child, youth and family studies, is using restricted-access versions of U.S. Census Bureau data to examine rural, low-income immigrant families and their health-related behaviors — and how they relate to their children’s health and developmental outcomes. Full Article

Video available of Spring 2019 Emerging Scholar Workshop research presentation

Tim Guetterman, applied research methodologist at the University of Michigan, leads a March 7 research presentation to kick off the MAP Academy’s Spring 2019 Emerging Scholar Series.

Tim Guetterman, applied research methodologist and co-director of the Michigan Mixed Methods Program, led the Spring 2019 Emerging Scholar Workshop hosted by CYFS’ Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics.

The event’s March 7 research presentation, “Training and Assessing Communication Skills Using Virtual Human Technology: A Mixed Methods Investigation,” is now available on video. Full Article

Study examines STEM pathways in the community college

Elvira Abrica, assistant professor of educational leadership and higher education, is examining institutional factors within community colleges that affect students from underrepresented and underserved populations who wish to transfer to four-year institutions in STEM fields.

As demand increases for a growing workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the nation’s colleges and universities strive to recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds.

Open-access institutions, including community colleges, enroll the majority of U.S. college students and play a crucial role in increasing the number of graduates with STEM degrees. Full Article

‘Juntos’ shares evidence-based approaches to promoting Latino students’ success

“Juntos,” a new blog series launched March 13, will address topics relevant to Latino students and their families.

A new blog series aims to bridge the gap between research and practical ways to support Latino students, a growing U.S. population that continues to face disparities in educational outcomes.

“Juntos (Together): Building Partnerships with Latino Families” is an evidence-based resource for information on fostering culturally responsive partnerships with Latino students and their families, emphasizing connections between students’ experiences at home and school. Full Article