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The Learning Grants program supports projects that enhance and enrich student learning throughout the Maricopa Community Colleges. This year, 40 projects were completed representing a wide-variety of disciplines. One common theme among the completed projects is the desire to create unique and meaningful learning experiences for students. Described below are three projects that create unique opportunities for Maricopa students through the support of the Learning Grants program.
Incorporating Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning in Psychology 102
Derek Borman, Ph.D.
Mesa Community College
This project brought together three Psychology Faculty in an effort to incorporate more critical thinking into the curriculum for the Introduction to Psychology Laboratory (PSY 102), an open-entry/self-paced course. The effort resulted in a complete re-tooling of the curriculum activities.
In the previous PSY 102 manual, students' learning experiences were largely centered on the viewing of videos and completing multimedia activities on various psychology CD-ROMS. While some of the previous activities have been retained, the revised curriculum now invites students out of the classroom to apply their psychology understanding to the real world. For example, students completing a unit on social behavior have the option of performing a content analysis of gender stereotypes portrayed on their favorite television shows. Within this activity, students become more conscious of the extent of stereotyping in mass media, perform data collection using an observation checklist, and reflect on their own views of gender.
According to Derek Borman, the primary applicant of the learning grant, "This learning grant has afforded our department the opportunity to improve upon a course that is becoming increasingly popular. Student feedback has been collected via surveys and positive feedback has been virtually unanimous. In fact, some students have indicated that their PSY 102 learning experience has been as valuable as their experience in PSY 101."
Dr. Borman indicated that the learning grants program definitely had a valuable short-term impact on his teaching. But, as he explains, the long-term benefits are truly exciting too. "This project has led to discussions, within our department, about our vision and mission. Additionally, as we have re-considered our approach to open-entry/self-paced courses, we have also envisioned new possibilities for online courses. Truly, the benefits of this project will be unfolding for some time to come."
Diabetes Awareness Outreach Program/Student Internship
Laura Avila
Glendale Community College
The purpose of this project was to develop an outreach course to educate Glendale Community College students about diabetes. This project was used as an internship for students to acquire skills used in their particular fields. Currently there is no internship in the Food and Nutrition Department. This internship not only allowed nutrition students to gain knowledge about diabetes, but it also allowed them to acquire skills needed in their field and to work with people who are in a variety of health care related industries.
Another aspect of the project involved the development of a prevention course covering the following major areas: etiology, medications, carbohydrate exchange system, meal planning, physical activity, and foot care and circulation. The course provided students with hands-on activities, such as menu planning, meal preparation and serving sizes, exercise training sessions, and personal foot care.
When asked about the impact of the learning grants program for her students, Laura Avila responded that, "Our students have learned so much about interacting with people from industry like physicians, nurses, and dietitians. It has been a great learning experience for them."
FISH Simulation
Elizabeth Cooper, Ph.D.
Glendale Community College
This Learning Grant project enabled Dr. Cooper to develop a computer program introducing students to the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique. The program uses MPEG video files to illustrate the procedures and photographs of chromosomes treated with appropriate probes to provide students results of the technique. Students attempt to diagnose a genetic problem by means of patient symptoms and then collect supporting data using the FISH technique. About 27 different genetic aberrations and mutations have been incorporated into the program.
Although Dr. Cooper was not able to complete the program in time for use this semester, it will be ready for use this summer and next fall. She emphasized that this program is vital to students in the biotech program. "Students in our bio tech program need to know how to use this technique and to interpret the data collected. Until the department can afford to purchase the equipment required for the technique, this program will make it possible for students to become familiar with the technique." Dr. Cooper adds that once the department does have the equipment, the program developed through the support of the Learning Grant will continue to be an effective training vehicle before actually using the technique in the lab with expensive materials.
Learning Grant Awards Announced for 2005-2006
The 2005-2006 Learning Grant Awards have been made. For the 2005-2006 application cycle, the MCLI received 67 proposals from ten colleges requesting approximately $420,000. In December and January, a comprehensive review process was completed involving Maricopa faculty from all ten colleges. With the $185,000 available to support Learning Grants, 44 projects have been awarded full or partial funding. All ten colleges received awards for the enhancement of teaching and learning in the District. To see a list of awardees, please visit the Learning Grants web site.
The MCLI wishes to thank the numerous faculty that participated in the 2005-2006 Learning Grants program as either applicants or evaluators. It is through the support of faculty that the Learning Grants remain a strong and thriving program.
 Eric Leshinskie, mcli
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