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Papers by Christine Harrington
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Dec 19, 2023
The syllabus is an essential learning resource for students. Previous studies have highlighted th... more The syllabus is an essential learning resource for students. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the syllabus but to date, no studies have addressed whether the syllabus needs to continue as a stand-alone document given the information contained within it can be, and often is, shared with students via the learning management system. At conference sessions focused on the syllabus, faculty have questioned the need for essential course information to be conveyed in a document format as technology has progressed. In this study, 396 students and 75 faculty members at a community college and a public university granting undergraduate and graduate degrees completed a survey. Results indicated that both students and faculty agreed that a separate syllabus document is still preferred, with faculty more strongly agreeing. No significant differences among students were found based on race or type of institution, but women as compared to men were more likely to indicate a preference for a separate syllabus. Graduate students, as compared to undergraduate students, were also more likely to prefer a separate syllabus document. No significant differences in terms of the type of institution, years teaching overall or online, or race or gender were found in the faculty sample. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2018
Asynchronous online discussion boards are an effective tool for developing and enhancing critical... more Asynchronous online discussion boards are an effective tool for developing and enhancing critical thinking skills and writing in online as well as in-person courses. In this teacherready research review, we examine the literature on the benefits of implementing asynchronous online discussion boards as a way of fostering critical thinking and writing skills in psychology courses. We subsequently discuss some of the challenges associated with online discussion boards and offer solutions to address them. One of the primary challenges is the lack of participation or high-level participation of students. To address this challenge, we outline strategies for communicating the purpose and value of the discussion, setting clear expectations for responses, and designing a structure for the discussion. We also review best practices for designing effective question prompts, innovative approaches to discussion questions, and strategies to engage students in the discussion. Sample question prompts for psychology courses as well as a grading rubric for the discussions are provided. Finally, the role of the instructor in facilitating the discussion and techniques for doing so effectively are discussed.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
This article examined root causes of the equity gaps in dual enrollment through a systematic lite... more This article examined root causes of the equity gaps in dual enrollment through a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed literature, public scholarship, and practitioner perspectives. Root causes identified include access barriers, lack of advising and support, lack of awareness, and financial barriers for underrepresented students, all of which contribute to lower participation rates for Black and Latinx students when compared with White and Asian students. This article serves to provide community college practitioners with a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to this problem so that they can identify interventions that will address these root causes. Suggestions for mitigating equity gaps in dual enrollment for underrepresented students through the use of targeted messaging campaigns are discussed.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
The “on-time” degree completion crisis within the community college system is alarming. Only 5% o... more The “on-time” degree completion crisis within the community college system is alarming. Only 5% of students graduate in two years (Complete College America [CCA], n.d.-a). Many community college students are low-income and racially and ethnically minoritized, and their graduation rates are low (CCA, n.d.-a). Community colleges around the country have begun to implement intervention strategies to improve on-time graduation and close attainment gaps. One of the most successful interventions implemented across the country has been a 15 to Finish campaign, a campus-wide effort aimed to increase the number of college students taking 15 credits per semester (CCA, 2016a). A comprehensive review of the literature and conversations with college professionals were conducted to better understand the factors that contribute to a successful 15 to Finish campaign. The findings indicated that a successful 15 to Finish campaign includes: (a) maintaining a high level of institutional commitment and ...
Education in the Health Professions, 2018
Against the prevailing tide in higher education, Christine Harrington and Todd Zakrajsek argue th... more Against the prevailing tide in higher education, Christine Harrington and Todd Zakrajsek argue that lectures, when prepared well and incorporated appropriately, are one of the most effective ways to enhance learning. The first part of their book is focused on making this case and on delineating the different forms a lecture can take. The second part of the book focuses on ways to make lectures more effective for learners. That second part takes up the bulk of the book (7 of the 11 chapters). The third part provides tools and resources for preparing and evaluating lectures. These final two chapters give helpful rubrics, charts, and questionnaires that can easily be adapted for one's own lectures or for evaluating others' lectures. This book would be a useful addition to an individual professor's library and, most especially, to a center for teaching and learning library.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2015
Although the syllabus is one of the most widely used documents in higher education, research inve... more Although the syllabus is one of the most widely used documents in higher education, research investigating the effectiveness of this tool is minimal. The current study investigates student perception of the course and professor based on the syllabus. A total of 149 students were randomly assigned to one of six syllabus conditions focusing on syllabus length (i.e., short, medium, and long) and the inclusion of images. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a focus group regarding their perceptions of the course and the professor. Results revealed that students reviewing the medium or long syllabi, as compared to the short syllabus, had a more positive impression of the course and professor. No significant differences were found for images versus no images. The majority of students (i.e., 66.6%) indicated a preference for a long syllabus with all assignment details versus a shorter syllabus with assignment details being provided later in the semester. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The purpose of this article is to share an example of how an activism framework was used to desig... more The purpose of this article is to share an example of how an activism framework was used to design and launch a new EdD in Community College Leadership. Capper, Theoharis, and Sebastian’s (2006) framework for preparing leaders for social justice along with the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate’s (CPED) guiding principles and the American Association of Community College’s ([AACC], 2018) competencies for community college leaders guided program design and implementation. Marketing and recruiting efforts aimed at identifying a talented, diverse cohort and on-boarding strategies focused on creating a safe learning environment and a sense of urgency related to social justice and equity are shared. Examples of how activism is being emphasized through coursework and plans to nurture activism through experiential learning and the dissertation are also discussed. Doctoral programs seeking to promote activism will discover an effective framework and practical examples for this work.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
Envisioning Public Scholarship for Our Time: Models for Higher Education Researchers is an excell... more Envisioning Public Scholarship for Our Time: Models for Higher Education Researchers is an excellent resource for Ed.D. program faculty and administrators who are committed to developing scholarly practitioners. Doctoral students will benefit from having this book as required reading in their initial research course as it describes the value of scholarship and the significant impact various forms of public scholarship can make in terms of social justice and equity. Kezar et al. (2018) promote activism by sharing numerous examples of public scholarship, including their own, and outlining several paths for how researchers can engage in public scholarship to impact policy and practice in higher education. This book is organized into three main sections. In the first section, the authors describe the context for public scholarship. In the second section, approaches to public scholarship are shared and in the third section, the focus is on encouraging and learning public scholarship.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
The purpose of this article is to provide an example of how an EdD in Community College Leadershi... more The purpose of this article is to provide an example of how an EdD in Community College Leadership program is offered in an online format. First, the benefits of online programs, including increased access and flexibility for working professionals and higher levels of diversity among the student body are discussed. Then, several strategies to promote connection among students and to facilitate a supportive, engaging learning environment virtually are shared. For example, the value of using a cohort model, a carefully designed curriculum with assignments that have practical value, and a balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities is described. Finally, the important role of and strategies for incorporating models and mentors into an online doctoral program are discussed.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1997
Investigating the validity of classifying adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholis... more Investigating the validity of classifying adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholism (ACDFAs) as a unique population, this study compared ACDFAs with adult children of dysfunctional families without alcoholism (ACDFs) and adult children of functional families (ACFFs) on current relationship satisfaction. Participants (N = 126) were from a community sample. No significant difference between the ACDFAs and the ACDFs was found; however, both ACDFAs and ACDFs displayed significantly more difficulty with problem-solving communication than the ACFFs, Regression results indicated that dysfunction in the family of origin is significantly related to global distress and difficulties with problem-solving communication in current intimate relationships. Results do not lend support to the utility of classifying ACDFAs as a unique population. Adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholism (ACDFAs), typically referred to as adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), have numerous resources available that are based primarily on the assumption that they possess certain maladaptive characteristics. Investigations of these characteristics, however, have yielded mixed results. Some researchers have failed to find differences between ACOAs and non-ACOAs (
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Dec 19, 2023
The syllabus is an essential learning resource for students. Previous studies have highlighted th... more The syllabus is an essential learning resource for students. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the syllabus but to date, no studies have addressed whether the syllabus needs to continue as a stand-alone document given the information contained within it can be, and often is, shared with students via the learning management system. At conference sessions focused on the syllabus, faculty have questioned the need for essential course information to be conveyed in a document format as technology has progressed. In this study, 396 students and 75 faculty members at a community college and a public university granting undergraduate and graduate degrees completed a survey. Results indicated that both students and faculty agreed that a separate syllabus document is still preferred, with faculty more strongly agreeing. No significant differences among students were found based on race or type of institution, but women as compared to men were more likely to indicate a preference for a separate syllabus. Graduate students, as compared to undergraduate students, were also more likely to prefer a separate syllabus document. No significant differences in terms of the type of institution, years teaching overall or online, or race or gender were found in the faculty sample. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2018
Asynchronous online discussion boards are an effective tool for developing and enhancing critical... more Asynchronous online discussion boards are an effective tool for developing and enhancing critical thinking skills and writing in online as well as in-person courses. In this teacherready research review, we examine the literature on the benefits of implementing asynchronous online discussion boards as a way of fostering critical thinking and writing skills in psychology courses. We subsequently discuss some of the challenges associated with online discussion boards and offer solutions to address them. One of the primary challenges is the lack of participation or high-level participation of students. To address this challenge, we outline strategies for communicating the purpose and value of the discussion, setting clear expectations for responses, and designing a structure for the discussion. We also review best practices for designing effective question prompts, innovative approaches to discussion questions, and strategies to engage students in the discussion. Sample question prompts for psychology courses as well as a grading rubric for the discussions are provided. Finally, the role of the instructor in facilitating the discussion and techniques for doing so effectively are discussed.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
This article examined root causes of the equity gaps in dual enrollment through a systematic lite... more This article examined root causes of the equity gaps in dual enrollment through a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed literature, public scholarship, and practitioner perspectives. Root causes identified include access barriers, lack of advising and support, lack of awareness, and financial barriers for underrepresented students, all of which contribute to lower participation rates for Black and Latinx students when compared with White and Asian students. This article serves to provide community college practitioners with a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to this problem so that they can identify interventions that will address these root causes. Suggestions for mitigating equity gaps in dual enrollment for underrepresented students through the use of targeted messaging campaigns are discussed.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
The “on-time” degree completion crisis within the community college system is alarming. Only 5% o... more The “on-time” degree completion crisis within the community college system is alarming. Only 5% of students graduate in two years (Complete College America [CCA], n.d.-a). Many community college students are low-income and racially and ethnically minoritized, and their graduation rates are low (CCA, n.d.-a). Community colleges around the country have begun to implement intervention strategies to improve on-time graduation and close attainment gaps. One of the most successful interventions implemented across the country has been a 15 to Finish campaign, a campus-wide effort aimed to increase the number of college students taking 15 credits per semester (CCA, 2016a). A comprehensive review of the literature and conversations with college professionals were conducted to better understand the factors that contribute to a successful 15 to Finish campaign. The findings indicated that a successful 15 to Finish campaign includes: (a) maintaining a high level of institutional commitment and ...
Education in the Health Professions, 2018
Against the prevailing tide in higher education, Christine Harrington and Todd Zakrajsek argue th... more Against the prevailing tide in higher education, Christine Harrington and Todd Zakrajsek argue that lectures, when prepared well and incorporated appropriately, are one of the most effective ways to enhance learning. The first part of their book is focused on making this case and on delineating the different forms a lecture can take. The second part of the book focuses on ways to make lectures more effective for learners. That second part takes up the bulk of the book (7 of the 11 chapters). The third part provides tools and resources for preparing and evaluating lectures. These final two chapters give helpful rubrics, charts, and questionnaires that can easily be adapted for one's own lectures or for evaluating others' lectures. This book would be a useful addition to an individual professor's library and, most especially, to a center for teaching and learning library.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 2015
Although the syllabus is one of the most widely used documents in higher education, research inve... more Although the syllabus is one of the most widely used documents in higher education, research investigating the effectiveness of this tool is minimal. The current study investigates student perception of the course and professor based on the syllabus. A total of 149 students were randomly assigned to one of six syllabus conditions focusing on syllabus length (i.e., short, medium, and long) and the inclusion of images. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a focus group regarding their perceptions of the course and the professor. Results revealed that students reviewing the medium or long syllabi, as compared to the short syllabus, had a more positive impression of the course and professor. No significant differences were found for images versus no images. The majority of students (i.e., 66.6%) indicated a preference for a long syllabus with all assignment details versus a shorter syllabus with assignment details being provided later in the semester. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The purpose of this article is to share an example of how an activism framework was used to desig... more The purpose of this article is to share an example of how an activism framework was used to design and launch a new EdD in Community College Leadership. Capper, Theoharis, and Sebastian’s (2006) framework for preparing leaders for social justice along with the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate’s (CPED) guiding principles and the American Association of Community College’s ([AACC], 2018) competencies for community college leaders guided program design and implementation. Marketing and recruiting efforts aimed at identifying a talented, diverse cohort and on-boarding strategies focused on creating a safe learning environment and a sense of urgency related to social justice and equity are shared. Examples of how activism is being emphasized through coursework and plans to nurture activism through experiential learning and the dissertation are also discussed. Doctoral programs seeking to promote activism will discover an effective framework and practical examples for this work.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
Envisioning Public Scholarship for Our Time: Models for Higher Education Researchers is an excell... more Envisioning Public Scholarship for Our Time: Models for Higher Education Researchers is an excellent resource for Ed.D. program faculty and administrators who are committed to developing scholarly practitioners. Doctoral students will benefit from having this book as required reading in their initial research course as it describes the value of scholarship and the significant impact various forms of public scholarship can make in terms of social justice and equity. Kezar et al. (2018) promote activism by sharing numerous examples of public scholarship, including their own, and outlining several paths for how researchers can engage in public scholarship to impact policy and practice in higher education. This book is organized into three main sections. In the first section, the authors describe the context for public scholarship. In the second section, approaches to public scholarship are shared and in the third section, the focus is on encouraging and learning public scholarship.
Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice
The purpose of this article is to provide an example of how an EdD in Community College Leadershi... more The purpose of this article is to provide an example of how an EdD in Community College Leadership program is offered in an online format. First, the benefits of online programs, including increased access and flexibility for working professionals and higher levels of diversity among the student body are discussed. Then, several strategies to promote connection among students and to facilitate a supportive, engaging learning environment virtually are shared. For example, the value of using a cohort model, a carefully designed curriculum with assignments that have practical value, and a balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities is described. Finally, the important role of and strategies for incorporating models and mentors into an online doctoral program are discussed.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1997
Investigating the validity of classifying adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholis... more Investigating the validity of classifying adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholism (ACDFAs) as a unique population, this study compared ACDFAs with adult children of dysfunctional families without alcoholism (ACDFs) and adult children of functional families (ACFFs) on current relationship satisfaction. Participants (N = 126) were from a community sample. No significant difference between the ACDFAs and the ACDFs was found; however, both ACDFAs and ACDFs displayed significantly more difficulty with problem-solving communication than the ACFFs, Regression results indicated that dysfunction in the family of origin is significantly related to global distress and difficulties with problem-solving communication in current intimate relationships. Results do not lend support to the utility of classifying ACDFAs as a unique population. Adult children of dysfunctional families with alcoholism (ACDFAs), typically referred to as adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), have numerous resources available that are based primarily on the assumption that they possess certain maladaptive characteristics. Investigations of these characteristics, however, have yielded mixed results. Some researchers have failed to find differences between ACOAs and non-ACOAs (