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- Convenors:
-
Brian Holtz
Chelsea King (University of North Texas)
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- Format:
- Workshop
- Location:
- G16
- Sessions:
- Tuesday 25 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/London
Short Abstract:
Explore techniques and tools to develop project-based learning for student-led ethnographic engagement. Review pedagogical case studies in K-12 anthropology instruction, meet middle and high school student researchers from the Alpha School, and leave with a ready-to-implement project.
Long Abstract:
Applied anthropology is a field rich with untapped pedagogical potential. Alpha School, a trailblazing K-12 institution, champions student-driven learning initiatives that embody this potential. Alpha middle and high school students adopt the "student-as-researcher" model, a cornerstone of Alpha's educational philosophy to develop lifelong learners. In school workshops, students explore anthropology-related projects that cultivate life skills such as critical thinking, empathy, cultural sensitivity, close listening, pattern recognition, and data interpretation. Projects range from ethnographic studies like "eGaming Community Ethnographies" to creative endeavors such as "World-Building through Fashion Design" and "Jokes as Cultural Artifacts." Alpha students will be present for poster presentations and a Q&A session, offering firsthand insights into their projects. Anthropologist and Alpha Instructional Coach Megan McQuaid, an expert in integrating anthropology into K-12 curricula, will present pedagogical case studies, introduce student researchers, and guide workshop participants through an interactive project development workflow.
Workshop participants will be equipped to implement project-based learning in their own anthropology classrooms with a comprehensive process guide that details a variety of project types and pedagogical forms suited for diverse content areas. The workshop aims not only to provide actionable strategies for educators, but also to serve as a catalyst for inspiration and discussion about the future of anthropology education, including how social sciences and humanities curricula and skills can be scaffolded from lower to higher education. Leave the workshop with a ready-to-implement project plan and a renewed sense of the transformative power of applied anthropology in pre-university education.
Accepted contributions:
Session 1 Tuesday 25 June, 2024, -Elle Liemandt (Alpha High School)
Contribution short abstract:
The pandemic has given rise to a striking decline in traditional dating activities among U.S. male teenagers. This study investigates the causes of this trend by comparing the current dating experiences of young men with those of past generations.
Contribution long abstract:
"The Lost Courtship" examines the reasons behind a significant downturn in dating initiatives among teenage boys in post-pandemic America. By conducting surveys and interviews with teenagers, their parents, and adults who had firsthand knowledge of dating customs before the pandemic, we seek to understand the impact of extended social isolation and the dominance of digital communication in shaping the contemporary dating paradigm. The research will compare the new patterns of courtship with the practices of previous generations, aiming to uncover the emotional and social consequences of this shift. The findings will provide insights into how adolescent social skills and future romantic relationships may evolve in the absence of traditional dating experiences.
Clara Aboel-Nil (Alpha High)
Contribution short abstract:
Comparing the effectiveness of AI health coaches, traditional human health coaches, and independent endeavors through mixed-method research.
Contribution long abstract:
This research aims to investigate the most effective weight loss strategy for women in their 40s and 50s, comparing the impact of human coaching, independent research, and AI-based health coaching. Leveraging a mixed-methods approach, this study incorporates data from pre-existing online research for the human coaching and independent work aspects, supplemented by primary data collected for the AI coach component. It also includes interviews and surveys on the experience and motivational aspects of losing weight through each method. The research question addresses a critical question in health and wellness: which approach yields optimal results in weight loss for women in their 40s and 50s? How do these methods impact participant’s motivation and results? By synthesizing information from diverse sources, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview and nuanced understanding of the varied strategies employed in weight loss efforts. I expect to find that the AI health coach is most effective in terms of numerical results, with the human coach close behind. I suspect that independent research and efforts will have the poorest results. However, I also expect the human coach to have higher ratings in the motivational aspect and the AI and individuals to have lower ratings in the motivational aspect. The findings of this research will not only contribute to the field of health sciences but also offer valuable insights for individuals seeking effective weight loss strategies in their middle years.
Sara Way (alpha)
Contribution short abstract:
Investigating the Influence of Board Games on Texas Families with Generation Alpha Children.
Contribution long abstract:
In this research I delve into the influence of popular traditional board games such as Monopoly and Life on the youngest generation, Generation Alpha. This research seeks to understand the role and impact of board games in shaping the experiences and cognitive development of children in the digital age. Utilizing methods such as surveys, direct observation, and interaction, I aim to uncover patterns, challenges, and the outcomes associated with board games, specifically within the context of Generation Alpha.
As I investigate the impact of traditional board games on Generation Alpha, my goal is to compare my findings with existing research on the impacts of board games, including studies that demonstrate how participating in board games can lead to neural reorganization in brain regions associated with attentional control, working memory, and effective problem-solving. Additionally, I aim to explore their effects across different generations by delving into previous research on board game communities and their influence on social interactions. This approach allows me to provide a comparative analysis of how board games shape the experiences of Generation Alpha when contrasted with previous generations. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights into the evolving role of board games in the digital age.
Understanding how board games affect Generation Alpha can inform parents and educators on the value of incorporating board games into the lives of children living in the digital age. The investigation aims to shed light on whether board games can contribute to cognitive development and overall well-being in this unique generation.
Austin Way
Contribution short abstract:
Investigating how teens engage online and the emotional impact of these interactions.
Contribution long abstract:
This research dives into the world of teen connections online, exploring how they communicate in digital spaces and the emotions that come with it. I am curious about the ins and outs of how teens interact virtually, aiming to uncover patterns, challenges, and positive outcomes. Through chats, surveys, and observing online behavior, I am on a mission to understand the factors influencing these interactions and the range of emotions experienced by teens afterward. This study contributes to our understanding of how technology shapes the emotional well-being of teens in digital environments. The goal is to inform strategies for promoting positive online experiences, fostering emotional well-being, and enhancing overall connectivity in the virtual world for teens.
Maddie Price (Alpha High)
Contribution short abstract:
This study investigates how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok empower teenagers (13-19) to collaboratively innovate in theater, examining their motivations for creative engagement and the impact on the future of theatrical production and youth's role in the arts.
Contribution long abstract:
This study investigates how social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok empower teenagers (13-19) to collaboratively innovate in theater, examining their motivations for creative engagement and and the impact on the future of theatrical production and youth's role in the arts. This study seeks to understand how social media acts as a catalyst for youth-driven artistic endeavors, facilitating unprecedented access to collaborative and creative opportunities, specifically in the theater community. The project provides a unique lens through which to examine the ways in which teenagers navigate, contribute to, and reshape the landscape of contemporary art and performance. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and social media analytics, this research aims to uncover the underlying factors that motivate young individuals to partake in creative processes such as songwriting, acting, and editing for the larger goal of creating a musical. It investigates how the desire for community building and digital engagement influence their involvement. Additionally, this study considers the broader implications of these artistic practices for the future of theatrical production and the evolving role of youth in theater. By analyzing this project, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between teenagers, social media, and artistic innovation, offering insights into the motivations that drive the next generation of artists, musicians, and creators.