Open Access Journalshttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/3116772024-03-06T03:34:08Z2024-03-06T03:34:08ZEmpowering Student Leaders Through Experiential Learning: The ArsenalLouis, Alex St.http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6249312023-12-13T01:49:33ZEmpowering Student Leaders Through Experiential Learning: The Arsenal
Louis, Alex St.
The Arsenal is a peer-reviewed, open-access, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing manuscripts from undergraduate researchers at Augusta University. The journal is the product of interdisciplinary collaboration between the Center for Undergraduate Research (CURS) and the AU Libraries.
In 2015, students at Augusta University began to express their desire to establish an undergraduate research (UR) journal, citing an increase in the UR culture across campus (Johnson et al., 2017). The first issue was published in the Fall of 2016. To date, there have been 19 published research articles and 178 published research abstracts from 204 undergraduate student authors (Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, 2023).
The Arsenal is an example of a hybrid publishing model in which students and faculty work together to organize, publish, and maintain the journal (Hart, 2012). Students participating in this process are integral to the success and longevity of the journal, and this process acts as a form of experiential learning. Experiential learning is when an intentional experience creates knowledge (Kolb, 1984; 2012).
Pilot Study: The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Adherence to an Exercise ProgramQuick, Erinhttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6249302023-12-13T01:49:40ZPilot Study: The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Adherence to an Exercise Program
Quick, Erin
Obesity has exponentially increased over the last few decades within the United States. In relation to obesity, several of the top leading causes of death in the United States are directly related to obesity, including cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and variations of cancer. To combat chronic obesity and comorbidities, current guidelines for management of obesity propose a multi-modal approach, including lifestyle modification and behavioral counseling. In this, self-efficacy is considered to be a reliable predictor of adherence or withdrawal from an exercise program. This study utilized the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) to observe an individual’s self-efficacy in relation to adherence to the exercise protocol. The fitness data was collected via provided FitBit, analyzing the participant’s daily active minutes, steps, and calories burned. The individual’s adherence was measured based on whether the individual met their assigned weekly exercise protocol. The individual’s self-provided GSE scale score and rate of adherence were analyzed at the end of the study. It was determined that no participant truly met all their weekly goals; however, some participants had higher step and moderate-to-vigorous (MTV) exercise averages compared to others. The preliminary data was inconclusive between the long-term relationship between self-efficacy and adherence to an exercise program due to limitations within the study; however, predictive conclusions can be drawn. This paper also discusses future practical implications for revision of this study to improve the quality of future results.
How Do K-12 Students Behaviorally Engage in Virtual Learning Environments Post-COVID-19?Jamil, Jerinhttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6249292023-12-13T01:49:25ZHow Do K-12 Students Behaviorally Engage in Virtual Learning Environments Post-COVID-19?
Jamil, Jerin
The effects of post-COVID learning in classrooms have affected how students are engaged, especially with the implementation of virtual learning. This qualitative study aims to investigate how students display behavioral engagement within virtual learning environments during participation in the iBEARS program. The constant comparison method was used to analyze classroom video observation of K-12 students engaging in scientific inquiry virtually with undergraduate mentors. Behaviors were grouped into three primary themes: behavioral engagement, disengagement, and interruptions and constraints. The findings help illuminate behaviors regarding student engagement within virtual learning. Future research is needed to better understand how behavioral engagement in the classroom has changed because of restraints like COVID-19 and how pedagogy and practice can adapt to student success in virtual learning.
The Effects of Urbanization on Euchee Creek Macroinvertebrate PopulationsFloyd, Kaylahttp://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/6249282023-12-13T01:49:17ZThe Effects of Urbanization on Euchee Creek Macroinvertebrate Populations
Floyd, Kayla
This study aims to determine the effects of urbanization on freshwater streams. Fresh water is a vital resource for a variety of species including humans. Euchee Creek in Evans, GA was selected as the primary focus for this study because the creek travels through several neighborhoods, a golf course, a housing construction site, and a paved walking trail. This study assessed several biological and chemical factors to determine the water quality at selected sample sites along the creek over four seasons. Abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrate populations inhabiting creeks have been shown to serve as good biomarkers because some macroinvertebrates are more sensitive to changes in water quality. This study did not find definitive evidence of water quality issues in Euchee Creek, but the limited abundance and diversity found in some of the macroinvertebrate samples suggest that there may be water quality issues present and that further studies are warranted.