Creating a Predictive Model for Flowering of Virginia Orchid, Cypripedium pubescens

This research investigates the native Virginia orchid, Cyprepedium pubescens, or the large yellow lady-slipper. Researchers at Lynchburg College, located in central Virginia, collected orchid activity data over the span of nine years from 2006-2014. This data included the following information: when the first sprout appeared, the number of leaves, the number of flowers, and the number of flowers per each plant. Using collected data about nine orchids on the campus of Lynchburg College as a basis, we wanted create a model that would predict when we might see flowering on a yearly basis. Flowering is important because researchers are investigating the pollination of these flowers, and pollination happens when the flowers are in full bloom. Using a multiple linear regression, we created a model which used the number of flowers as the dependent variable, and the independent variables of: temperature, yearly rainfall, average humidity, and the number of days since the last freeze. It was found that the most significant factors in this model are the number of days since the last freeze, rainfall, and temperature. The model provided insight towards the insignificant role that humidity played in predictive measures

Practice Makes Progress: Using the Lifespan Course as an Example for Role-Play Implementation

This conceptual article addresses specific clinical and practical implications for the utilization of role-play in the human growth and development course. Specific approaches to integrating role-play into the human growth and development course, including what we coin as Structured Role-Play, Semi-Structured Role-Play, and Unstructured Role-Play implementation strategies, are discussed at length. Sample vignettes and experiential activities for each developmental stage are provided. Finally, we address ethical considerations regarding role-play implementation

Healthy Options: A Community-Based Program to Address Food Insecurity

The objectives of this study are to better understand the lived experience of food insecurity in our community and to examine the impact of a community-based program developed to increase access to local, healthy foods. Participants were given monthly vouchers to spend at local farmers’ markets and invited to engage in a variety of community activities. Using a community-based participatory research framework, mixed methods were employed. Survey results suggest that most respondents were satisfied with the program and many increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. However, over 40% of respondents reported a higher level of stress over having enough money to buy nutritious meals at the end of the program. Photovoice results suggest that the program fostered cross-cultural exchanges, and offered opportunities for social networking. Building upon the many positive outcomes of the program, community partners are committed to using this research to further develop policy-level solutions to food insecurity

Enhanced Browsing of Digital Archival Collections: A Pilot Study

This is a pilot study investigating how users navigate a digital repository with enhanced search and browse functions. The paper explores user-interaction with the thematically structured, visually appealing browse interface of the Smithsonian's Ernst Herzfeld Papers digital collection, as well as use of the collection's faceted search engine and electronic finding aid. The findings support previous research on finding aid design, indicating the implications of "Ctrl F and Command F" use, and the presence of language and conceptual knowledge barriers as significant factors in accessing archival materials. The findings of this research will inform a future usability study structured to investigate how interface design impacts users of variable archival and Internet proficiencies to optimize user-experience and access

Students’ Experience of Family Counseling Role-Play with Developmental Considerations

A need exists to explore student experiences with pedagogical approaches, particularly those commonly used in counselor education such as role-play. Nine counselors-in-training (CITs) who participated in a semester-long family counseling role-play shared their experiences with the pedagogical approach. Through semi-structured interview protocol, we explored CITs’ lived experience and meaning-making with the learning strategy. Existing literature denotes that cognitive complexity influences how CITs make sense of their experiences. As such, cognitive complexity scores, rooted in Perry’s intellectual development model, are provided for each participant. Data were analyzed using transcendental phenomenology, which resulted in three superordinate themes: impact of class structure, increased confidence, and gained meta-awareness. Findings suggest the value of role-play as a pedagogical strategy for counselors-in-training of various cognitive developmental levels

Impact of Service-Learning on Student Counselors’ Self-Reported Measures of Program Evaluation, Counselor Advocacy, and Interprofessional Education

Abstract: Academic service-learning encompasses a reciprocal relationship among university and community partners. Service-learning can familiarize student counselors with future client populations, community resources, and other service providers. Service-learning pedagogy is flexible and may be particularly useful to promote development in counselor competencies more abstractly related to day-to-day client services, including program evaluation and professional advocacy. Interprofessional education serves as a means of enhancing interprofessional collaboration and, in turn, the well-being of individuals seeking healthcare services. Service-learning may provide a vehicle to promote interprofessional education, however, researchers have not yet explored this connection. This quantitative research project evaluates pre- and post- changes of 18 participants using the Effective Practices Survey, Advocacy Competencies Self-Assessment scale to measure experiences in program evaluation, counselor advocacy, and interprofessional education. Results indicate that student counselor scores significantly increased for each of the three variables of interest, with the largest changes observed for counselor advocacy. What is the public significance of this article? Academic service-learning leverages relationships between university and community partners. Service-learning may be a particularly effective pedagogical strategy to promote applied and potentially abstract concepts. This article explores the impact of engagement in an experiential service-learning project on 18 student counselors’ learning outcomes related to program evaluation, counselor advocacy, and perceptions of interprofessional education