This study examines whether feelings of relatedness constitute a substantial means by which learning communities (cohorts) improve learning outcomes in higher education. It applies Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory to an analysis of the National Survey of Student Engagement. The SDT hypothesizes that environments that support perceptions of social relatedness improve motivation, thereby positively influencing learning behavior. The authors propose that participation in cohort programs constitutes such an environment. Measuring student perceptions of the contributions of their institutions, the study found increased relatedness to peers and faculty and increased higher order thinking assignments (a control variable included in the research model) to be substantial predictors of educational outcomes relevant to literacy, critical thinking, and, especially, job preparation. The researchers suggest that institutions will want to ensure that their learning community designs enhance student feelings of relatedness.

The authors, whose students find work primarily in small organizations, sought to understand what preparation these employers expect from recent graduates seeking IMC jobs. The authors invited managers at IMC agencies in a mostly rural state to participate in a survey. The response rate was 63%. Results indicate that respondents want new hires with multiple types of expertise: strong communication ability, computer and new-media skills, a broad liberal arts education, the ability to think strategically and creatively, a professional work ethic, productivity and experience with working in teams. In addition, small-agency employers seek what the authors identify as “a client-centered business perspective”. They need every employee to understand the financial concerns of businesses and contribute to the bottom line. Implications for curriculum development and revision are discussed.

Marketing communication agencies are in the business of branding other companies. In the current media landscape, ad agencies need to demonstrate their communication expertise through the Internet including their homepages. This pilot study collected data and user impressions on the websites of 42 randomly selected small advertising agencies. Companies with 10 or fewer employees were of specific interest because of the limited resources they bring to the competitive process. We used content analysis to compare the studied sites with validated criteria for quality websites in seven categories. These areas addressed design, navigation, technology, functionality and content. The content areas concerned reputation, relationship-building opportunities and distinctive branding features. Researchers found mixed results concerning the key branding elements of clarity, competence and credibility, distinctive personality, and demonstrations of expertise. There seems to be room for small ad agencies to improve the way they brand themselves through their websites. The conference presentation shares preliminary findings on how well agencies did at validating their credentials, building relationships, and communicating clearly. Recommendations are offered.

Aim/PurposeIt appears that humans can become mal-informed and often consciously or subconsciously resist revising their mal-informed perspectives BackgroundWe need to apply behavioral and/or cognitive psychological approaches rather than traditional "educational" approaches Methodology Literature review Contribution Suggests revising research focus to affective rather than cognitive solutions Findings Teaching critical thinking helps but is not enough Impact on Society Many important societal decisions may be made emotionally rather than rationally Future ResearchResearch affective as well as cognitive factors in decision-making

No abstract