Two Educational Psychology and Counseling projects receive 2010 Academic Outreach and Engagement Incentive Grants
Two Educational Psychology and Counseling projects received a 2010 Academic Outreach and Engagement Incentive Grant awarded by the University of Tennessee Academic Outreach and Engagement Council. Projects awarded were “Orientation Guides to Public School for Families with Refugee Status,” a project directed by Allison Anders, and “Research to Successfully Expand Services Provided to Children in the Community Coping with Grief, Loss or Trauma,” a project directed by Tricia McClam who coordinates the Grief Outreach Initiative in CEHHS and Mary Alice Varga, Graduate Assistant for the Grief Outreach Initiative.
Orientation Guides to Public School for Families with Refugee Status” was created in response to requests from families with refugee status for educational information regarding public schools in the U.S. Many families have specific questions about assessments, like the ACT and TCAP, about ESL (English as a Second Language), and Special Education. Over the past two years, we have tutored children with refugee status and volunteered in public school classrooms. As a team, along with the families and the School Liaison with Bridge Refugee Services, we are developing guides that provide answers and resources to specific questions families have about U.S. public schools. Graduate students in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling in Applied Educational Psychology and Cultural Studies in Educational Foundations are leading conversations with experts in TPTE and EPC, Knox County Schools, Bridge, and the families to make sure the guides are both accurate and useful. Once produced, the guides will be translated into Arabic, Kirundi, and Spanish and put on disks for Bridge so that they can be used by families in the tutoring lab and during the Cultural Orientations Bridge facilitates throughout the year.
“Research to Successfully Expand Services Provided to Children in the Community Coping with Grief, Loss, or Trauma” was created as an opportunity for the Grief Outreach Initiative to collect and analyze data on various facets of the program including research pertaining to services requested by the community, services provided by the program, and graduate students working with the program. Graduate students in CEHHS who are training to become school psychologists, mental health counselors, school counselors, and college student personnel administrators complete training to work as mentors with children referred to the program. Mentors provide the children with support, acceptance, and a safe place for the expression of thoughts and feelings about grief and loss. Although a targeted area for the Grief Outreach Initiative are schools in the Empowerment Zone, a 16-square mile area in East Knoxville designated as a high poverty community, referrals come from school counselors, principals, parents, guardians, grandparents, case managers, and social workers from across Knox County and surrounding counties.
Jeannie Studer receives Counselor Educator of the Year Award
Jeannie Studer, School Counselor Program Coordinator and Professor of Counselor Education, received the Tennessee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (TACES) Dr. Charles Thompson Counselor Educator of the Year Award. Studer received the award on November 21, 2010 at the 2010 Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA) Annual Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee.
UT, Partners Receive $2.8 Million Grant for Teacher Residency Program
KNOXVILLE — TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency initiative through which the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is helping to prepare highly skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton county schools, has received $2.8 million from the National Science Foundation through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program.
UT College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Dean Bob Rider, Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntrye, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Jim Scales and Public Education Foundation Board Chair Jim Hall gathered in Knoxville on Friday to celebrate receiving the grant and pending completion of the agreement formalizing the TEACH/Here partnership.
Although the official paperwork is just now being completed, TEACH/Here has been up and running since July. The first group of 17 aspiring math and science teachers are currently working with mentor teachers in Knox and Hamilton County schools. Full Story
Thankful for Each Other: UT Students Share Sport, Exercise with Iraqi Refugees
KNOXVILLE — On Saturday, a group of Iraqi refugees and a group of undergraduates from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will sit down to a Thanksgiving feast and talk about what they’re thankful for.
Chances are, they will give thanks for what they’ve learned from each other.
Fifteen undergraduates, all kinesiology or recreation and sport management majors, spent this semester in a first-of-its-kind service learning class sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. The course is taught by Adjunct Professor Sarah Hillyer and doctoral student Ashleigh Huffman, director and assistant director of Sport 4 Peace (http://www.sport4peace.org ). Full Story
CEHHS at AAACE
Several students, alumni, and faculty from the Adult Learning program (Dept. of Educational Psychology and Counseling) recently attended the annual American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference in Clearwater Beach, FL. The following is a list of presentations made by these participants:
Carrie Bailey & Amelia Davis. We’re There To Care for Them as a Whole: Implementation of an Arts–based Clinical Nursing Curriculum
Jeffrey Beard, Lila Holt, & Debra Lee. Participatory Learning for the Digital Workforce
Ralph Brockett. Self–Directed Learning: An Updated Model A new model of self–directed learning is presented.
Vickie Dieffenderfer & Debra Wood. What does adult training have in common with sports training? Introducing the ADVISER model.
Stephen Frye & Shannon Collins. Challenging Beliefs: A Study of Writing Institute Participants and Their Learning Experiences
Lila Holt & Jeffrey Beard. Computational Thinking? Not just for Computer Scientists: Implications for problem solving in Adult Education
Jeral Kirwan & Jeffrey Beard. The Processual Instructor Development Model: A Dynamic Model of Teaching and Learning.
John Peters & Jonathan Taylor. Action Research on Collaborative Learning: A Metasynthesis of Findings.
Rebecca Smeltzer, Jonathan Taylor, & Ralph Brockett. Ethical Considerations of Mitigating Learning Resistance in Adult Learners
Jonathan Taylor. Learning Resistance in a Mandatory Workplace Context: Validation of a Resistance Inventory
Thelma Woodard. Four Proficiencies Model for Teaching and Learning Reflective Practice
Step to it: Tennessee researcher encourages Americans to walk 10,000 steps a day
Everybody, walk your body. Everybody, walk.
That’s the message from a University of Tennessee researcher who’s found that American adults take fewer steps than their counterparts in some other countries.In a recently published study, David R. Bassett Jr. and fellow researchers estimate that American adults take more than 5,000 steps a day on average.But adults in Japan average more than 7,000 steps a day, and adults in both Western Australia and Switzerland average more than 9,600 steps a day. Those other countries also have better obesity rates than the United States, said Bassett, co-director of the University of Tennessee Obesity Research Center.”It’s not a perfect correlation,” said Bassett, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies at UT in Knoxville. But “certainly, we think that one of the reasons that people in the United States are heavier is that they walk less than people in other countries. Full Story
David Bassett and Dixie Thompson named as Fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology
Champaign, Illinois—The National Academy of Kinesiology is pleased to announce the recent induction of its newest Fellows at its 80th annual meeting, held October 7-9, 2010, in Williamsburg, VA. Eight U.S. and two international scholars were inducted during a special banquet and ceremony held on the last evening of the conference. Professors Dixie Thompson and David Bassett from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville were among those inducted into the National Academy of Kinesiology.
The National Academy of Kinesiology is an honorary organization composed of Fellows who have made significant and sustained contributions to the field of kinesiology through scholarship and professional service. The dual purpose of the National Academy of Kinesiology is to encourage and promote the study and educational applications of the art and science of human movement and physical activity and to honor by election to Fellow those individuals who have contributed significantly to this purpose. Fellows in the National Academy of Kinesiology reflect a “who’s who” of eminent scholars in the field.
Bassett is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies. His area of expertise is exercise physiology. Much of Bassett’s research focuses on developing tools and techniques that allow physical activity energy expenditure to be objectively monitored. Bassett’s research has been funded by various agencies including the National Institutes of Health. Bassett is a fellow and a Board of Trustees member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He has served as a member of the science advisory board of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He is co-director of UTK’s Obesity Research Center.
Thompson is a professor and head of the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies. Her area of expertise is exercise physiology. Thompson’s research focuses on the link between physical activity and health. She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, is Editor-in-Chief of the Fit Society Page Newsletter, and is Associate Editor-in-Chief for ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal. Thompson is a past president of the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine and past chair of Physical Fitness Council of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
For additional information on the National Academy of Kinesiology (formerly the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, AAKPE), refer to the academy’s website at www.aakpe.org or call the Business Office at (217) 403-7545.
Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism to be Offered on the UTK Campus
The University of Tennessee’s Center for Literacy
Studies, Connections for Disability and Employment is one of 27
recipients across the United States to be awarded funding under the
Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities by the
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. Under
the direction of Liz Fussell, Connections for Disability and Employment;
Melinda Gibbons, Counselor Education in Educational Psychology and
Counseling; and David Cihak, Special Education in Theory and Practice in
Teacher Education; and in connection with the Korn Learning, Assessment,
and Social Skills (KLASS) Center, the Program will focus on academics
and instruction, social activities, employment experiences through
work-based learning and internships, and independent living. We are very
excited to expand our longstanding partnership with the University of
Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University
Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). For more
information, contact Liz Fussell at lizfuss@utk.edu. Press release at:
http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-duncan-announces-109-million-awards-under-new-programs-he
2010 College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Fall Convocation
2010 College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Fall Convocation held in the University Center Ballroom on Wednesday, September 22nd from 3:00 to 5:00. Those attending enjoyed good food and fellowship as we begin our new academic year and welcome our newest colleagues to our College family.
Generous gift from Ruby Falls
KNOXVILLE — The Center for Sustainable Business and Tourism (CSBT) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recently received a generous gift from Ruby Falls to support sustainability efforts identified by the center.
“We are tremendously excited about participating in the UT Center for Sustainable Business and Tourism,” Mr. Morrow, the president of Ruby Falls said. “Our donation is to help the center further advance its initiatives of providing operational solutions, improving quality of life, developing sustainable business models and promoting green tourism via interdisciplinary research, community collaboration, leadership and education.”
“We sincerely welcome the newly established partnership with Ruby Falls,” said Rachel Chen, CSBT director and associate professor in the Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management, the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “I am very grateful for Ruby Falls’ support and appreciate very much Mr. Morrow’s vision and great efforts in the field of sustainability.”
For the full article, Click Here
To learn more about the CSBT, visit Click Here. For more info on Ruby Falls, visit Click Here.
CONTACT: Rachel Chen, CSBT director (865-974-0505, rchen@utk.edu)
Grief Outreach Initiative
Dean Bob Rider, originator of the Grief Outreach Initiative, welcomed over 100 students, clergy, social workers, counselors, hospice workers, volunteers, and others who attended a one day workshop on “Children, Adolescents, Grief, and Trauma” on September 24 at the UT Visitors Center.
Ken Doka, well-known consultant, author, and professor, reviewed how concepts of death change throughout the life cycle and explored the ways children and adolescents experience loss. He also discussed strategies to assist children and adolescents, focusing particularly on the issues raised by traumatic loss. In addition to the UT Grief Outreach Initiative, other sponsors were Bereavement Services of East Tennessee, Berry Funeral Home, Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society, Mane Support, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, and the Wellness Community.
UT’s Steve Morse Honored by Southeast Tourism Society
KNOXVILLE — Steve Morse, an expert in the economics of the travel and tourism industry, has received a special Shining Example Award from the chairman of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), a professional association that promotes travel in a 12-state region.
Morse is director and economist of the Tourism Institute in the Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“Steve is a talented academic who also understands the business workings of the tourism industry. He has developed a system that allows those who work in tourism to demonstrate to local officials and policymakers the economic impact tourism has on their communities,” said Rob Varley, executive director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism and chairman of STS.
In presenting the award, Varley praised Morse’s outreach and service to the tourism industry, noting that Morse also teaches at the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College, a development program for working professionals; leads webinars; and speaks to numerous tourism conferences.
Looking for Home, is now available
Professor Emeritus Clint Allison’s memoir, Looking for Home, is now available on Amazon.com either as a soft back or an e-book. He discusses with candor and humor his thirty-year UT College of Education career, his relations with students and faculty, his involvement in faculty governance, and his term as faculty senate president. Amazon Link
UT-Pellissippi State Culinary Arts Partnership is Recipe for Success
KNOXVILLE — Combine instructors and facilities from the Culinary Institute at the University of Tennessee with 46 students enrolled in the new concentration in culinary arts at Pellissippi State Community College….
And voila!
The result is what officials believe to be a first-of-its-kind partnership between a UT institution and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution. Full Story
Hot! Hot! Hot! UT Culinary Institute Adds Hot Peppers to its Kitchen Garden
KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Culinary Institute this summer added a new crop to its kitchen garden: bhut jolokia, a Thai pepper that is the hottest pepper in the world. Full Story
AmeriCorps Awards Grant for TEACH/Here, a UT Partnership Program
KNOXVILLE — TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency initiative through which the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is helping to prepare highly skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton county schools, has received a $154,000 grant to support training and stipends for participants. Full Story
UT’s Carol Costello is Tennessee Hospitality Educator of the Year
KNOXVILLE — Carol Costello, professor in the retail, hospitality and tourism management department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named the 2010 Tennessee Hospitality Educator of the Year. Full Story
NEW! Department of Public Health
On June 24th, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Department of Public Health (DPH) within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS). The effective start date for the new DPH is July 1, 2010. The building blocks for the DPH include the Programs in Public Health, currently housed in the Department of Nutrition, and the Center for Public Health in CEHHS. Paul Erwin, MD, DrPH, who has served as the Director of the Center for Public Health, will assume responsibilities as Department Head. The DPH is housed in the HPER building, suite 390. The main contact telephone number will be 974-5041, and email at phealth@utk.edu . The Department’s website should be available by July 1, accessible through the main CEHHS website.
Katie Kavanagh, assistant professor in Nutrition, has been awarded a USDA Grant in the amount of $900,000
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn., $900,000; Infant formula, when not prepared correctly, can be a source of too many calories, potentially contributing to childhood obesity. This study will assess how mothers prepare formula, teach them about proper infant formula preparation and develop learning modules to change knowledge and attitudes.
Polite attends Wharton Roundtable in San Francisco
Recently a group of twelve scholars from across the country convened in San Francisco for the Wharton Black Scholars Roundtable II Symposium, sponsored by the Wharton Sport Business Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. The guest of honor was Harry Edwards, Professor Emeritus, Cal Berkley and NFL consultant. Fritz G. Polite, Director- Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Diversity and Director- Outreach and Global Engagement ( College of Education, Health and Human Sciences) was one of the selected scholars. “ This is a momentous occasion and I am very humbled to represent The University of Tennessee alongside some of the elite universities in the country as well as some of the brightest and esteemed scholars in our field, Polite said.” The purpose of the symposium was to attempt to develop a national agenda addressing the past, present and future role of the black athlete in professional and collegiate athletics. Harry Edwards is a pioneer in this regard and many of his seminal pieces were on display for discussion. Edwards served as the moderator for the sessions and offered his expertise on many of the discussions. Polite has published several articles on Edwards and is currently writing a book on the accomplishments and significance of Edwards work. The University of Tennessee has been considered as a possible site for the next session.