Browsing by Author "Esquivel, Christi"

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15
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    Analyzing the Feasibility of a Game-Based Learning Program to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: A Case Study
    (2020-07-15) Esquivel, Christi; Wilson, Kelly L; Garney, Whitney R; McNeill, Elisa B; McMaughan, Darcy
    While teen birth rates are at an all-time low for the United States, teen pregnancy remains a public health concern as significant disparities remain among demographic groups and geographical regions. There are 40+ evidence-based programs (EBPs) available, yet few exist for rural populations. Through a community-academic partnership, a community-based organization (CBO) in a rural town of North Carolina developed an innovative teen pregnancy prevention, game-based learning program for youth, Using The Connect (UTC). The purpose of this dissertation was to analyze the feasibility of UTC in a CBO. The researcher focused on three aspects of feasibility – acceptability, implementation, and practicality. Michael’s Angels Girls Club, Inc. (MAGC) implemented UTC with middle-school aged youth three times in Spring 2019, during which the researcher collected four sources of data from youth and facilitators. Observations documented facilitation of, and participation in UTC. Youth surveys assessed experiences, likes and dislikes, perceived learning, and interest in participating in UTC again. Facilitated discussions allowed youth to vocalize their experiences and opinions about UTC. Through interviews, facilitators described their experiences and perceptions of delivering UTC. For each aspect of feasibility (acceptability, implementation, and practicality) the research team analyzed varying combinations of data. Acceptability revealed youth insight on UTC and what made it acceptable to them. Implementation identified factors affecting the implementation process. Practicality gauged expediency of implementing UTC to affect sexual health knowledge and skills. Results from the three studies provide insight on UTC feasibility for the developers to make modifications and researchers to formally evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of UTC. The results suggest: 1) regarding acceptability, youth liked UTC because it felt like playing actual games while learning about sexual health; 2) implementation of UTC required minimal organizational capacity aside from time, space, and facilitators; and 3) UTC is a practical option for CBOs to equip youth with sexual health knowledge and skills. Through this dissertation, the researcher concluded UTC is a feasible option, particularly for rural CBOs as it is fun and engaging for youth, easy for organizations to implement with minimal burdens and a flexible structure that can be tailored to the community.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: COM 01 - Asking effective questions
    (2024) Leggette, Holli R,; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra W.; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: COM 01 - Asking effective questions. It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: In the workplace, people must know when and how to ask questions because asking effective questions solves difficult problems, increases productivity, and lessens confusion. Employees also must be able to ask good questions about tasks that need to be completed. Asking questions can offer clarity, increase interest, and encourage further thought on a topic. This content provides students with an overview of how to ask effective questions with examples from agriculture.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating accurately and concisely (COM02)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra W.; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating accurately and concisely (COM02). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Accurate and concise information is important in the decision-making process. Without accurate and concise information, scientists cannot conduct research, interpret scientific findings, or make recommendations based on their findings. These are all important as those who use this information—the majority of the global population—usually lack specialized knowledge but still look for and need understandable, usable scientific information.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating in writing (COM04)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating in writing (COM04). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: We communicate using written words every day. Signs, menus, instructions, stories—much of our daily life is devoted to decoding the meaning behind writing. Communicating about science is no different as most scientific findings are communicated in writing, but the type of writing used can vary depending on the audience who will be reading it. The Communicating in Writing module will provide an overview of best practices for four different types of writing to arm you with skills to express clear ideas.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating on social media (COM03)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating on social media (COM03). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Social media is present everywhere and consumed by nearly everyone. As such, social media are powerful tools that can help people and companies improve their reputations and share information widely when used correctly. However, missteps on social media can also have massive negative effects. The Communicating on Social Media module provides learners with an overview of how to communicate appropriately and professionally using social media.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating orally (COM05)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating orally (COM05). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Presentation and oral communication skills are important skills for students who are often expected to give presentations as part of course assignments or for employees who must speak at work. From speaking to a future employer in an elevator to presenting research at a conference, individuals need to understand how to communicate orally. Being an exceptional scientist is not enough—individuals must learn to communicate beyond the lab. This module will walk learners through the process of creating and delivering an oral presentation, from understanding your audience to body language during presentation.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating pleasantly and professionally (COM06)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Communicating pleasantly and professionally (COM06). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: This module introduces how to communicate pleasantly and professionally with examples based in agriculture. Although much of the information shared may seem obvious, brainstorming how to apply these tactics in various business communication modes is often highly beneficial to students.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Listening effectively (COM07)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Leggette, Holli R.; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Esquivel, Christi
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Communication in agriculture - Listening effectively (COM07). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Listening is a crucial part of communication for two major reasons. First, we spend more time listening than writing, reading, speaking, or using other forms of communication. Second, listening is not the same as hearing. Effective listening includes attentiveness, thinking critically about the information, engaging in the conversation through head nodding, and watching nonverbal movements and cues. Without effective listening, messages might be misunderstood. Therefore, employers look for those who can listen effectively and identify keywords and concepts needed to make informed decisions.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Generating creative solutions (DM04)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Generating creative solutions (DM04). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Creativity is not just used in the arts but is an essential skill needed for creating solutions in any situation. It is not an inherent characteristic but a skill that can be developed and nurtured. This content focuses on habits and mindsets that students should adopt to better generate creative solutions to problems and situations encountered daily.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Identifying and analyzing problems (DM01)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Identifying and analyzing problems (DM01). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Decisions are made daily and affect every facet of life. Although in some situations this activity is simple and straight forward, other situations are more complex, and consequences of a poor decision can be devastating. The decision-making process can be more effective by first critically examining the problem—identifying and analyzing the problem are the key first steps in making decisions. This content focuses on four major steps to begin decision making (understand the issue, identify and analyze the problem, cause and effect analysis, and the five whys) and offers a “deep dive mini lesson” on structured and unstructured decision-making.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Lifelong learning (DM06)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Lifelong learning (DM06). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Learning does not—and should not—end when students graduate from high school. Lifelong learning should continue for personal and professional topics, and positive self-talk can help individuals keep a growth-oriented mindset. After deciding what to learn, lifelong learners find resources, set goals, and evaluate the finished product.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Realizing effects of decisions (DM03)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Realizing effects of decisions (DM03). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: Every decision made or left unmade can affect one’s future path. Although predicting the future with 100% accuracy is a skill known only in fiction, one can learn to think through what positive and negative effects decisions may have. This module will focus on processes and skills students can use to realize the effects their decisions may have on themselves and others.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Taking effective and appropriate action (DM02)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Taking effective and appropriate action (DM02). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: If you were presented with a problem that needed a quick solution, what actions would you take toward a possible answer? This packet includes a curriculum guide and five classroom-ready assignments with grading considerations. The content focuses on how to take effective and appropriate action when faced with a problem. Furthermore, the content goes into detail about assessing the situation, evaluating your options, and identifying the hidden dangers that need to be avoided during the decision-making process.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Thinking abstractly about problems (DM07)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Thinking abstractly about problems (DM07). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: The problems that society will face in the future—those that do not exist now and that we have never seen before—will require abstract thinking.
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    Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Transferring knowledge from one situation to another (DM05)
    (Texas A&M University. Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, 2024) Esquivel, Christi; Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Richburg, Audra; Leggette, Holli R.
    This packet contains instructional materials and online modules prepared for Fueling the mind, feeding the world: Decision making – Transferring knowledge from one situation to another (DM05). It includes curriculum, PowerPoint slides, activities, handouts, grading considerations, and notes for instructors. These materials were created as part of the USDA Grant entitled "Fueling the Mind, Feeding the World: Enhancing Communication and Decision-Making Skills of Secondary Agricultural Education Students." MODULE OVERVIEW: How do expert decision-makers reliably make good decisions? They draw on knowledge from past situations and apply it to future decisions. This module focuses on four steps students can take to transfer knowledge from one situation to the next to aid decision-making.