Nancy Remler
Honors students present research
Each year, the Georgia Southern University Honors College hosts a research symposium on both the Statesboro and Armstrong Campuses to feature the thesis presentations of graduating seniors as well as poster presentations from juniors, sophomores and freshmen.
Thesis presentations are a required component to graduate as an honors scholar. The spring 2022 thesis presentations on the Statesboro Campus included:
- Tamaya Varnedoe, Middle Grades Education
Mentor: Elizabeth Barrow, Ed.D.
“Student Well-Being in Middle Schools: The Impact of Mental Health on Young Adolescents”
Adolescence is a crucial period for emotional and physical development. It is important to acknowledge the connection between these changes to one’s mental state. This study will identify the role mental health plays in the lives of adolescents and gauge best practices among teachers and counselors to support their well-being. - NelSilva Wolf, Secondary Education (Mathematics)
Mentor: Elizabeth Barrow, Ed.D.
“Preparing for Multiculturalism: An Analysis of the Perceived Preparedness of Pre-service Teachers for Teaching in Diverse Classrooms”
This research examines the levels of preparedness of current pre-service teachers for teaching in the emerging culturally diverse classroom setting. Surveys and interviews will give more insight into how teachers are being prepared and areas of multicultural education that need more attention. This research can also give pre-service teachers the opportunity to reflect on their current understanding and experiences of multiculturalism to develop skills needed for culturally relevant teaching.
Thesis presentations on the Armstrong Campus included:
- Emily Ray, Elementary Education
Mentor: Abraham Flanigan, Ph.D.
“Teacher Strategies to Maintain Rapport in Elementary Classrooms”
Students learn best when they feel connected with their teachers, which is indicative of good rapport between the student and the teacher. However, good rapport requires maintenance as well. This study identifies strategies that help develop and maintain strong rapport between teachers and their students. - Alexandria Sledge-Tollerson, Elementary Education
Mentor: Alisa Leckie, Ph.D.
“Boys of Color and Literacy in the Elementary Classroom”
It is widely known among educators that by the third grade, Boys of Color and their literacy scores begin to lag behind compared to their white counterparts. This thesis explores how elementary literacy teachers communicate, create, and implement strategies to reduce this gap in score among Boys of Color.
A poster presentation was also made on the Statesboro Campus by Katie Jones, secondary education (English) student. She presented on “Teaching Creativity in a Standardized Classroom,” and is mentored by Nancy Remler, Ph.D.