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Student Choice & Engagement Within High School English Classrooms
No full textThis research synthesis explores how student choice in reading and writing assignments impacts engagement in high school English classrooms. Providing students with the autonomy to select texts and topics fosters a sense of ownership, increasing motivation and investment in their learning. When students can choose materials that align with their interests, they are more likely to engage deeply, think critically, and produce higher-quality work. Carol Ann Tomlinson’s framework for differentiation underscores the importance of tailoring instruction to address students\u27 varying readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. As Tomlinson (1999) states, “Differentiation can be defined as an approach to teaching in which teachers proactively modify curricula, teaching methods, resources, learning activities, and student products to address the diverse needs of individual students and small groups of students to maximize the learning opportunity for each student in a classroom” (p.121). Choice empowers students to navigate personalized learning paths, resulting in greater academic success and engagement. Recent studies further demonstrate that students are more likely to complete assignments, participate in class discussions, and develop positive attitudes toward reading and writing when they select their own books or essay topics. This autonomy encourages intrinsic motivation, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable. Vygotsky\u27s (1978) social constructivism theory reinforces this approach by emphasizing the role of social interaction in cognitive development. When students engage with self-selected texts, they are more likely to engage in collaborative dialogue, share insights with peers, and challenge each other\u27s interpretations. These interactions deepen critical thinking skills and foster a more dynamic, student-centered learning environment. Ultimately, integrating student choice into English classrooms not only enhances academic outcomes but also cultivates lifelong readers and writers. This research synthesis highlights the need for educators to embrace choice as a powerful tool for promoting engagement, equity, and student success. It underscores the need for educators to integrate choice into curriculum design, not only as a motivational tool but as an evidence-based strategy for improving literacy outcomes and fostering lifelong learners
Carolyn Nadeau
No full textInterview of Carolyn Nadeau, Posse 4 mentor and Byron S. Tucci Professor of Spanish at Illinois Wesleyan University on July 1, 2025.
Carolyn\u27s interview is available at https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/oral_hist/194/https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/oralhistory_gallery/1167/thumbnail.jp
Cell Motility on Micro-fabricated Substrate
No full textTitle: Cell Motility on a Microfabricated Substate Abstract: Biological cell motility is modified as a result of chemotactic exposure, cell density, and substrate characteristics (rigidity, structure, and composition). Using a variety of mechanisms, most commonly the rearrangement of actin and myosin molecules, cells undergo directed deformation and adhesion to produce motion. This study has also shown this contractile/ stick-slip motion is also representative of human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF) mechanism. Mazes have been used as a means of determining navigation skills and environmental awareness. Using two highly decontaminated micro-fabricated silicone substrates- one with a repeating maze wall pattern and another with random maze-like wall structures- human foreskin fibroblast cells were placed in varying densities (1,000 to 5,000 cells per 1002 um micro-maze) and imaged and monitored over 5 hours. Modes of motility, aspect ratio and mechanisms were observed and categorized into directed migration, constrained motility, random walk, and at-least one mode that wasn’t expected and non-categorized. Interestingly more than half the cells would “cheat” and climb over the micro-fabricated walls, some even forming trenches, within the 5 hour study period. The cell aspect ratio major axis was shown to be in the direction of motion for a majority of the cells in the study. These results prompt many questions regarding intercellular communication and cellular behavior. Information regarding aspect ratio also provides more information about actin filament tension changes. Overall this study provides important information that has applications in biological tissue formation, and is directed towards future work studying and comparing this behavior of healthy cells to that of cancer cells to understand the mechanisms behind metastatic cancer. Acknowledgments: A very deep appreciation for Dr. Abel Isakovic for inviting me into and guiding me through this project. Sources: K. Doxzen, S. R. Vedula, M. C. Leong, H. Hirata, N. S. Gov, A. J. Kabla, B. Ladoux and C. T. Lim, Guidance of collective cell migration by substrate geometry, Integr. Biol., (5), 1026–1035. (2013) T. E. Angelini, E. Hannezo, X. Trepat, J. J. Fredberg, D. A. Weitz, Cell migration driven by cooperative substrate deformation patterns. Phys. Rev. Lett. (104), 168104. (2010
Lost in Translation? Empowering Hispanic Entrepreneurs through Cultural Competent Resources
No full textHispanic-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial groups in the United States, contributing significantly to economic development and job creation. According to the U.S Small Business Office of Advocacy, in Illinois, Hispanics made up 16.7 percent of small business workers and owned 9.8 percent of businesses in 2022. However, despite their increasing presence in U.S. society, many Hispanic entrepreneurs encounter persistent challenges extending beyond language barriers. Traditional Spanish-language business resources, such as directories and informational flyers, often fail to meet the needs of this population because they focus exclusively on direct translation rather than negotiating cultural difference. While translation is a step forward toward accessibility, it does not fully account for the diverse values, traditions, and business practices that shape decision-making within Hispanic communities. This study explores the role of business resources in supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs to enhance business success. By integrating cultural relevance into business resources, business development programs can significantly improve the effectiveness of their outreach efforts. Through an analysis of available business resources and interviews with business owners and advisors in McLean County, while comparing with other counties in Illinois, this research highlights key areas where cultural awareness is necessary, including financial literacy programs, regulatory compliance guides, and mentorship networks that align with Hispanic cultural frameworks. The findings of this research will be the base to develop guidelines for business development programs that integrate cultural awareness alongside language translation, so they foster greater trust, engagement, and economic participation within Hispanic communities. Culturally competent resources empower Hispanic entrepreneurs to navigate complex business environments and systems more effectively. This paper advocates for a paradigm shift in business support services, arguing that effective entrepreneurship programs must move beyond translation alone and incorporate cultural awareness as a fundamental component of accessibility and success. By recognizing cultural nuances and adapting resources accordingly, policymakers, financial institutions, and business support organizations can play a vital role in reducing barriers and promoting long-term growth for Hispanic-owned businesses
The Impact of Access: What Structural Factors Prevent or Allow Sustainable Lifestyle Choices?
No full textThe climate crisis has never been more urgent, yet action to solve it continues to stall, from the individual to the international level. The systemic injustices preventing adequate top-down action are well understood, but what is preventing bottom up action? Why are individuals not making more sustainable choices? This paper will attempt to provide some possible answers to this question, specifically examining what is preventing middle class individuals in urban areas of developed countries from making sustainable lifestyle choices. The results of this study reveal that the accessibility of sustainability is a key factor, particularly access to renewable energy options and economic incentives to choose them. Taking the concept of ecological habitus as the framework for understanding environmental decision making on the individual level, this paper will argue that accessibility must be understood as a key feature in the complex landscape of habitus. It will also offer the beginnings of guidance to local policy makers and urban planners on some of the most effective policies for reducing their area’s carbon footprints, specifically recommending focusing on adding renewable options for home energy consumption and building incentives for consumers to choose them