Heartland Community College

About: Heartland Community College is a education organization based out in Normal, Illinois, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Foreign language & Interlibrary loan. The organization has 13 authors who have published 19 publications receiving 281 citations.

Throwing the sociological imagination into the garbage: using students' waste disposal habits to illustrate c. wright mills's concept*

Abstract: Sociologists agree that the sociological imagination fosters students' critical thinking skills. The challenge lies in motivating students to develop their sociological imaginations. Convincing them of its importance and practical value takes creativity beyond requiring readings, class discussions, and papers describing its theoretical importance. Students need to see the relevancy of C. Wright Mills's work applied to everyday living. In this paper I outline an interactive technique using garbage to teach the relevancy of Mills's sociological imagination.

Assessment that Matters: Integrating the “Chore” of Department-Based Assessment with Real Improvements in Political Science Education

Abstract: Assessment requirements often raise great concerns among departments and faculty: fear of loss of autonomy, distraction from primary departmental goals, and the creation of alien and artificial external standards. This article demonstrates how one political science department directly responded to their own unique circumstances in assessing their current program in order to effect improvement. We suggest that assessment does not have to be a long and arduous process but can be relatively painless for the department and produce numerous benefits that go beyond the actual planning and engaging in assessment. This case study identifies ways to turn assessment from an external chore to an internal quest for information that provides answers to important departmental questions. It also identifies the ongoing nature of assessment and the way the lessons learned influences future decision making. By demonstrating how the department interpreted the collected data and evaluated its own performance, this c...

Teaching About Family Science as a Discipline

Abstract: Throughout the chapters in this Handbook, research, theory, and methodology have been presented on marriage and family. The content provides much of the background for one to understand the study of family and family science as a discipline. In this chapter, the goal is to explore ideas around teaching family science as a discipline. We will examine the terms used to describe the science and the profession, and where the field fits among social science disciplines as primary, secondary, or tertiary. We will discuss the ethics, theories, and methodologies that many scholars believe should be included in the study of marriage and family and provide a discourse on whether or not a separate discipline of family science exists today. The seven criteria for a field to become a true discipline as described by Burr and Leigh (1983) will be explored. We will examine what “teaching” about families entails as the field prepares professionals. Finally, we will identify some emerging and futuristic topics for family science educators to consider.

Conexión intrínseca entre la pragmática y la gramática

Abstract: Previous studies suggest that grammar is a prerequisite to Language 2 or second/foreign language (L2) pragmatic acquisition, although high grammatical competence does not guarantee high pragmatic competence. This study more extensively examines the correlation between these two competencies. In the year 2013 at a North American university, 29 Spanish students at the intermediate-high level took a grammar test and a pragmatic test. The pragmatic test assessed requests, invitations, refusals, and apologies in Spanish. In comparing the two, the results suggest a positive relationship between pragmatic and grammatical competencies. Therefore, this research supports previous studies showing that the grammatical competence of students of foreign languages is necessary for the development of pragmatic competence; however, it is not sufficient for it in and of itself.

Increasing Efficiency and Decreasing Waste by Overhauling Interlibrary Loan Procedures at a Small Community College

Abstract: While the ideal of a paperless library may be unobtainable, striving for a paperless interlibrary loan department is both possible and desirable. Interlibrary loan departments at smaller academic libraries are often understaffed and overworked. In this environment, streamlining and efficiency become priorities; implementing practical changes that save time, effort, and money are critical. Changes may include going paperless, improving shipping techniques, using custom holdings wisely, and training staff for efficiency.