The research and scholarly contributions made by College of Education faculty, staff, and students investigate areas of study across the field of education. Disseminating research findings and other scholarship is integral to the college’s goal of renewing and advancing teacher preparation, PreK-12 instruction, and educational policy and leadership.
In order to share research findings in new ways with new audiences, Trisha Klass, Ph.D. ’96, interim associate dean for research, graduate, and international programs, has invited scholars to participate in a project called Ten-Minute Research Break Broadcasts.
The audio broadcasts are published weekly throughout the academic year and can be found on the College of Education website. Each broadcast features one or two scholars talking informally with Klass about their research.
“I think it is another way of letting others know what good work our faculty, staff, and students are doing in the area of research,” Klass said.
The idea for the broadcasts came out of Klass’ own teaching interests.
Before her role as interim associate dean of the college, Klass served as a professor and chair of the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations. She primarily taught research methods courses and focused on teaching students how to read research articles critically.
Klass recalled that initially, her students were afraid to question anything in print. But by the end of the course, they learned that reading is not passive; it requires inquiry and interaction. This philosophy is carried out in the broadcasts.
“Because of that, I always have a methods question for guests,” Klass said. “Through the broadcasts I am able to discuss the ideas that intrigue me. I always learn from the authors, and it is truly a lot of fun.”
Klass keeps the conversations with her guests casual. Beyond discussion of research methods and findings, Klass asks her guests to share their personal motivations and passion for a topic.
“We have learned that providing this background tends to encourage people to examine the actual research,” said Klass. “And for those who have already read it, the broadcasts provide a human side that they wouldn’t otherwise have based only on the publication.”
Last year, 26 faculty members and two students, including a Fisher Thesis Award Winner, participated in the broadcasts. These interviews are accessible in the archived section of the website.
The fall broadcast series has already been kicked off with an interview of Phyllis McCluskey-Titus, associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, and co-author Adam Dralle M.S. ’13, who was a graduate student in the college student personnel administration master’s program.
Klass is currently scheduling interviews for the project. College of Education faculty, staff, and students who are interested in participating should contact Trisha Klass at phklass@IllinoisState.edu.
