Jindra, Michael. “Natural/supernatural conceptions in Western cultural contexts.” Anthropological Forum13, no. 2 (November 2003): 159-167. doi: 10.1080/0066467032000129824
Abstract: Focuses on the concept of natural and supernatural conceptions in Western culture. Description of the concept of ideals being natural or supernatural; Definitions of spirituality in the Western world; Relevance of supernatural and natural in the context of institutional faith.
Woods, Robert H. “How Much Communication Is Enough in Online Courses?- Exploring the Relationship Between Frequency of Instructor- Initiated Personal Email and Learners’ Perceptions of and Participation in Online Learning.” International Journal of Instructional Media 29, no. 4 (December 2002): 377–394.
Abstract: The researcher, an online instructor at the graduate level, considered whether more frequent delivery of instructor-initiated personal (text-only) emails outside of required class discussion formats would result in more favorable student perceptions of the student/faculty relationship, higher student ratings of perceived sense of online community, and a higher degree of satisfaction with the overall learning experience than would less fequent delivery of such instructor-initiated personal emails. The researcher was also interested whether more frequent delivery of personal emails would result in higher levels of student participation in required group discussion formats. Results: regardless of the number of personal emails sent to students throughout the semester, a statistically significant difference between groups could not be identified along the lines of perceived sense of of community, satisfaction with the overall learning experience, or personal relationship with the instructor. More frequent delivery of personalized email did not increase the amount of student participation in required discussion formats. The same positive results were achieved whether the instructor sent two (2) or fifteen (15) personal emails. Explanations for the findings are offered along with suggestions for future research. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
Wilhite, David M., and Bruce W. Baldwin. “Triboluminescent Crystals from the Microwave Oven.” Journal of Chemical Education 79, no. 11 (2002): 1344.
Abstract: Anthranilic acid was acetylated in a microwave oven (1,000 W) by irradiating for one minute at full power in a 100 mL beaker fitted with a glass funnel as condenser. After cooling, yellow fluorescing crystals were often obtained; but, if not, recrystallization from 10% water–methanol yielded cubes that fluoresced brightly under 360 nm light. Crushing the crystals between two watch glasses in a darkened room demonstrated the triboluminescent effect (i.e., the production of bright blue sparks when the crystals are fractured).
Ebersole, Samuel E., and Robert Woods. “Virtual Community: Koinonia or Compromise?-Theological Implications of Community in Cyberspace.” Christian Scholars Review 31, no. 2 (2001): 185–216.
Abstract: With the growth of computer-mediated communication and the rise of virtual communities, theological issues relating to the nature of these relationships must be addressed. The authors first define community and then explore recent trends in online communities. The discussion of virtual community and new media technologies is grounded in a historical context focusing on the introduction of the telegraph and radio broadcasting. Buber’s dialogic communication is proposed as a normative base for community in light of the interpersonal character of online community. And finally, six virtues of community are discussed in light of the technologies and practices of online community.
Brauch, Jeffrey, and Robert Woods. “Faith, Learning and Justice in Alan Dershowitz’s The Genesis of Justice: Toward a Proper Understanding of the Relationship between the Bible and Modern Justice.” Valparaiso University Law Review 36, no. 1 (October 15, 2001): 1-71.
Abstract: We first want to commend you for undertaking the challenge to interweave your legal education with a biblical perspective. The Seminar correctly recognizes what generations of scholars have clearly demonstrated: the Bible is foundational to our modern American conceptions of law and justice.(FN1)
We were delighted to hear Professor Dershowitz’s report on the amount of interest in the Seminar when it was first offered at Harvard in the Fall of 1997: 150 students for twenty places!(FN2) The interest displayed for this class, not to mention the very existence of the Seminar itself, is consistent with what has been called the “religious revival” at American law schools that is changing the face of legal education as we know it.(FN3) And since we were unable to attend the Seminar, we have accepted Professor Dershowitz’s gracious invitation to “continue the dialogue” in this format and trust that our comments will be submitted to you so as to add to the “dialogue among generations.”(FN4)
Woods, Robert, and Jack Keeler. “The Effect of Instructor’s Use of Audio E-mail Messages on Student Participation in and Perceptions of Online Learning: a preliminary case study.” Open Learning 16, no. 3 (October 2001): 263-278. doi: 10.1080/02680510120084977
Abstract: The researchers, in the context of LEAD 713, a graduate-level online course at Regent University, consider whether the systematic use of instructor-initiated audio e-mails (as a supplement to regular textual forms of communication) will increase students’ participation in group discussion and result in more favorable student perceptions of student/faculty relationships and quality of group discussion, a greater sense or feeling of online community, and a higher degree of satisfaction with the overall learning experience. The results as a whole appear to challenge the researchers’ initial assumptions. Benefits of audio e-mails are discussed and future research designs are suggested.
White, Charles Edward. “Spare the Rod and Spoil the Church.” Christian History 20 no. 1 (2001): 28.
Abstract: Though Methodism thrived on big crowds, its survival depended on the discipline of small groups. When the Methodist movement began to grow, John Wesley faced the problem of dealing with converts who returned to their old ways. Many Methodists came from the lowest social classes, so nothing in their background or environment helped them live the “sober, quiet, godly lives” Wesley prescribed. Their backsliding discouraged those who were trying to follow Christ and gave Methodism’s detractors ammunition.
Hauger, Garnet S. “Instantaneous rate of change: a numerical approach.” International Journal Of Mathematical Education In Science & Technology 31, no. 6 (November 2000): 891-897.
Abstract: The calculus reform movement has encouraged numerical and graphical approaches to functions in addition to the more traditional analytical approach. While valiant efforts have been made to use these other approaches in newer calculus curricula, more numerical approaches should be introduced. Research on student learning in calculus indicates that particular numerical approaches hold promise for students’ learning of instantaneous rate of change. Numerical approaches involving the average rate of change over successively smaller intervals can be used to obtain the instantaneous rate of change for a given function at a given value of x. These approaches can help students appreciate the fundamental relationship between average and instantaneous rates of change. They can also be used to obtain general expressions for the derivative of most elementary functions. Standard computer spreadsheet programs facilitate this process and make numerical approaches a more viable option for calculus instruction. These are underutilized resources for instruction in calculus, even in reform or other new calculus curricula.
Metts, Wallis C. Jr. “Home sweet hassle.” Educational Leadership 54, (October 1996): 72-73.
Abstract: Part of a special section on school choice and charter schools. The writer discusses his own and his partner’s experiences as home schoolers. They have no delusions that home schooling was easy. It became a political decision, as they had to lobby for the right to do it. They have also had to defend their decision to school officials, in-laws, close friends, and even total strangers, all of whom believed that their children would become social misfits. However, their children are socialized, civilized, and sensitive. The writer states that home schooling is a labor of love and contends that no child will be the worse for having experienced the focused attention of a caring adult, particularly the child’s own parent.
White, Charles Edward. “Teaching Mark’s gospel to Muslims: lessons from an African university.”Christianity Today 37, no. 2 (1993): 39.
Abstract: A Spring Arbor College professor found teaching Christian studies to Muslim students rewarding. Mark’s gospel was used as a means of clearing up some linguistic, cultural and religious differences that caused confusion.
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