Action Research Group

Mission

To bring together a diverse group of faculty committed to the scholarship of teaching and learning by investigating and documenting significant issues in the teaching and learning of their fields. While multiple methodologies are utilized the primary research vehicle is Action Research.

Action research provides a unique lens to investigate many issues central to teaching and learning. It is a valuable tool for assessing teacher effectiveness and student understanding. Action research can be defined as “a systematic approach to investigation that enables people to find effective solutions to problems they confront in their everyday lives (Stringer, 2007, p.1). Moreover, action research is a continual process of systematic investigation that focuses on observing, planning, and taking action towards a problem central to the participants involved (Stringer, 2007).

Faculty at Maryville University engaging in the SoTL are considered Action Research Associates and commit themselves to an intensive two years of study of their teaching in a seminar with other faculty members. This intense experience lays the ground work for continued work in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Stringer, E. (2007). Action research (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Action Research Group I (2005-2007)

Nadine Ball ,Ed.D.
Associate Professor of EducationJoni Barry, D.P.T.
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Kristen Bruzzini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology

Alice Jensen, M.S.N.
Associate Professor of Nursing

Mark Roman, M.S.A., M.S.T.
Associate Professor of Accounting

John Baltrashunas, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of ArtCynthia Briggs, Psy.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Therapy

Karen Fletcher, M.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Information Systems

Michael Kiener, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Rahabilitation Counseling

Action Research Group II (2006-2008)

Karen Cannon, M.A.T.
Assistant Professor of EducationJonathan Fahnestock, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Communication and Graphic Design

Geralyn Frandsen, Ed.D.
Professor of Nursing

Barbara Parker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling

Konrad Dias, D.P.T.
Assistant Professor of Physical TherapyCherie Fister, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design

Soo Jin Kwoun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Therapy

LaDonna Whitten, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Action Research Group III (2007-2009)

Catherine Bear, Ed.D.
Professor of Educational Leadership Paula Bohr, Ph.D. Associate
Professor of Occupational Therapy

Mary Curtis , Ph.D.
Professor of Nursing

Carrie Ellis-Kalton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology

Karen Tabak ,Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting

Robert Bertolino, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation CounselingKathy Cammack, M.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance

Dan Deschamp, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership

L. Keith Kinder, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership

Becky von der Heyde, M.S.O.T.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Action Research Group IV (2008-2010)

Elizabeth Buck, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of NursingNancy Cibulka, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Nursing

Larry Grieshaber, Ph.D.
Professor of Health Care Management

Paul Mack, Ed.D
Associate Professor of Education

Donna Ulmer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Accounting

Lottchen Wider, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Nursing

Michael Cibulka, D.P.T.
Assistant Professor of Physical TherapyLaurie Eisenbach-Bush, B.F.A.
Instructor, Graphic Design

Felix Kwan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics

Marja-Lisa Payne, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management

Jinfeng Wei, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Action Research Group V (2009-2011)

Darlene Davison, B.Arch.
Assistant Professor of Interior Design

Gina Oswald, M.Ed.
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling

Linda Schulz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Peter Green, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of PsychologyJen McCluskey, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for First-Year Experience and Retention

Diana Phares, M.S.N.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Jennifer Yukna, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Welcome to our newest cohort of action research associates who will begin their work in Fall 2010.

Action Research Group VI (2010-2012)

Russell Blaine, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyGeri Brandt,
Instructor of Criminal Justice/Criminology

Mary Carol Parker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Legal Studies

Jackie Saleeby, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Nursing

Michelle Unterberg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Physical Therapy

Kosha Bramesfeld, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology

Nina Caldwell, Ph.D.

Pradip Ghosh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Denise Pearl, Ph.D.
Instructor of Mathematics

Ann Willey,
Instructor of English