Published Journal Articles
Transformative Learning Science Experiences Beyond the Classroom: A Longitudinal Case Study of One Organization’s Approach. 2021. Dr. Doreen Sams, Dr. Kalina Manoylov, and Jeniffer Sams, MA. The International Journal of Pedagogy and Curriculum, 28(1) p. 111-129.
Actionable sustainability is a timely topic for the current learner in higher education institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this case study is to showcase best practices by dedicated and passionate faculty grounded in pedagogical theory. This study summarizes relevant learning beyond the classroom that provides transformative learning experiences for the student and successfully connects students with career opportunities and community involvement for the betterment of society. This longitudinal study was conducted across a ten-year period and addresses how the development and actions of a grassroots educational organization lead to successful transformative learning experiences that inspire actions and changes across institutional and community members. The grassroots environmental sustainability organization’s educational offerings are presented through a timeline that highlights the interconnected interdisciplinary events for which students are active participants. The subject organization is a collaborative faculty grassroots organization from a medium-sized university located in Southeastern USA that brings businesses interested in sustainability, sustainability leaders, community members, college students, faculty, and staff together to share and learn from each other. The organization’s board members communicate with businesses and organizations seeking their participation in inspiring college students in sustainability dialogues and actions. To collect and analyze the data for this case study, the researchers utilized three analytical methodologies (i.e., secondary data, stakeholder surveys, and observational research). This study provides a successful model whereby dedicated faculty and community members can inspire change and a commitment to support a healthy ecosystem. Typical lecturing is not going to work in the twenty-first century.
Arts Education as a Vehicle for Social Change: An Empirical Study of Eco Arts in the K-12 Classroom. (2017). Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 33(2), 61-80. Jeniffer Sams and Dr. Dee Sams (Available on Eric)
Australian Journal of Environmental Education, v33 n2 p61-80 Jul 2017
Arts education has been part of the United States K-12 educational system for over a century. However, recent administrative policy decisions addressed the economic bottom line and the 1983 report, "A Nation at Risk," and complied with the "No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001" (U.S. Department of Education, 2001). These decisions resulted in "standardisation" of both core curricula and testing, leaving arts programs to function in a diminished capacity, curtailing both individuality and creative thinking. This study unpacks the role of the arts as change agents with the ability to: address current discourse; question ideologies and culture; convey complex problems in artistic form; engage the viewer in aesthetics; provide a perspective not found in regimented thinking; and empower creative problem solvers. This work also highlights the role of eco-art as a medium for addressing complex environmental challenges. The study also empirically examines, through a self-report survey, K-12 arts educators' perceptions of integrating eco-arts into curricula. Findings revealed respondents' desire to integrate eco-arts into the arts curricula and identified the most significantly perceived barriers to integration, as well as the role of policy on practicality. The authors also identify the study's limitations and recommend areas for future research.
Arts education has been part of the United States K-12 educational system for over a century. However, recent administrative policy decisions addressed the economic bottom line and the 1983 report, "A Nation at Risk," and complied with the "No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001" (U.S. Department of Education, 2001). These decisions resulted in "standardisation" of both core curricula and testing, leaving arts programs to function in a diminished capacity, curtailing both individuality and creative thinking. This study unpacks the role of the arts as change agents with the ability to: address current discourse; question ideologies and culture; convey complex problems in artistic form; engage the viewer in aesthetics; provide a perspective not found in regimented thinking; and empower creative problem solvers. This work also highlights the role of eco-art as a medium for addressing complex environmental challenges. The study also empirically examines, through a self-report survey, K-12 arts educators' perceptions of integrating eco-arts into curricula. Findings revealed respondents' desire to integrate eco-arts into the arts curricula and identified the most significantly perceived barriers to integration, as well as the role of policy on practicality. The authors also identify the study's limitations and recommend areas for future research.
Master's Writing
An Empirical Examination of the Feasibility of an Online Museum Education Program: The Museum of Arts and Sciences, Macon, Georgia. (2012). (Master's dissertation, University of Florida). Jeniffer Sams
In an age of globalization, the Internet, budget cuts in education, and No Child Left Behind, one third of the Museum of Arts and Sciences’ (MAS) revenue which is provided by students’ field trips has been reduced causing the MAS revenue to struggle. Factors such as funding cuts for the arts and cutbacks in school-sponsored fieldtrips has the MAS pursuing alternate solutions to increase museum revenue and visitor attendance. (Bellamy, Birdsong, Connaly & Walters, 2011) This capstone research study examined the feasibility of adaptation of the Denver Art Museum (DAM) Creativity Resource Website (CRW) at the MAS. In order to examine the feasibility of adapting of the CRW by the MAS hypotheses were formulated, methodology for research developed, resources reviewed, research questions were developed, a pilot survey was conducted, a purified survey was delivered, and a visit on site at the took place in January 2012. This capstone research project paper is a combination of first-hand information obtained via onsite meetings with the DAM Creative Resource Website and Education Department in January 2012 and the empirical research derived from the Bibb County educator surveys. The culmination of this research has resulted in statistically sound recommendations and action plans AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION 9 for the benefit of the MAS and patrons. The survey results convey that the CRW is desired and feasible for adaptation at the MAS.
Undergraduate Writing
Reading Art Historian, Psychological, Philosophical, Historical, Education, and Religious articles have improved my overall understanding of how the art world obtained particular genres during specific periods of time, in different cultures, and for many societal reasons.
Writing
Allessandro Botticelli’s Iconography of 'Mystic Nativity' and 'Mystic Crucifixion'; Fra Girolamo Savonarola’s Influence
Raphael 'School of Athens' - Pagan Iconography in the Papal Library
Boucher's 'Orestes Pursued by the Furies'
Benjamin West's 'Death on a Pale Horse'
Reviews
"Leonardo da Vinci and A Memory of His Childhood"
Response to Fredrick Anatal's "Florentine Painting and Its Social Background"
Article Review - Christopher Gulton's "The Boys Stripped Bare by his Elders: Art and Adolescence in Renaissance Florence"
Michelangelo "Selected Scholarship in English"
'The Sacred Made Real' - Art Review of exhibit at the National Gallery, D.C.
Analysis of Wolffin's 'Principles of Art History'
E-Learning Ethics - A Journal Review
Designing Educational Cases for Intercultural Information Ethics
Writing
Allessandro Botticelli’s Iconography of 'Mystic Nativity' and 'Mystic Crucifixion'; Fra Girolamo Savonarola’s Influence
Raphael 'School of Athens' - Pagan Iconography in the Papal Library
Boucher's 'Orestes Pursued by the Furies'
Benjamin West's 'Death on a Pale Horse'
Reviews
"Leonardo da Vinci and A Memory of His Childhood"
Response to Fredrick Anatal's "Florentine Painting and Its Social Background"
Article Review - Christopher Gulton's "The Boys Stripped Bare by his Elders: Art and Adolescence in Renaissance Florence"
Michelangelo "Selected Scholarship in English"
'The Sacred Made Real' - Art Review of exhibit at the National Gallery, D.C.
Analysis of Wolffin's 'Principles of Art History'
E-Learning Ethics - A Journal Review
Designing Educational Cases for Intercultural Information Ethics