ENG101 for Health Sciences
Christine Jones; Lori Walk; and Aaron Fried
Executive Summary
In the summer of 2021, five people were thrown together in the whirlwind experience of the Maricopa Summer Institute. The result of that institute was a desire to help Health Sciences Field of Interest students successfully complete First-Year Composition through the contextualization of topics and vocabulary regularly used in the Health Sciences FOI. By focusing on entry-level students in the Health Sciences field, the team felt they would be able to impact the greatest number of students.
We began with contextualization based on the research that supported college completion rates, the positive impact of students recognizing the context, and the benefits to the retention of students in college programs (Wisely, 2009; Perin, 2011; Sorenson, 2019; Lourey, 2000; and Mcleod, 2019). We integrated the idea of using OER materials with further research supporting retention rates and pass rates for underrepresented minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged students (Fischer, Hilton, and Robinson, et al., 2015; Smith, Grimaldi, & Mallick, 2020).
In 2022, the project continued with three of the original five team members working to put the ideas into practice with the support of The Maricopa Center for Learning and Innovation.
Although there are existing OER and possibly Pressbooks related to ENG101, what distinguishes this project is the focus on contextualization in support of health sciences. This ENG101 Pressbook contains assignments and readings curated with input from Health Sciences FOI members and includes ideas such as: creating a published journal entry, researching and evaluating information, comprehending exercise science terms, creating a resume, starting a blog with exercise science info, and telling a story for their future business. We have existing materials and integrate them into this new contextualized ENG101 course.
Topics for the contextualized course have also been created with input from the Exercise Science and Nursing faculty. They include the effectiveness of personal feedback/tracking devices (Fitbit, Apple Watch, or other wearable technology); changing a sedentary lifestyle; sugar, salt, or fat and their effect on Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, or Heart Disease; body image; recess or PE classes in K-12; disordered eating; and balancing school, work, and life.
We are providing contextualized examples and clear organization so that this ENG101 Pressbook can be adapted to support other Fields of Interest or contexts.
For Instructors: A Note About This Textbook
This textbook engages students to become better thinkers, writers, and communicators through the contextualized environment of Health Science.
Final Product
Contact Information
Lori Walk: lori.walk@gccaz.edu
Christine Jones: christine.jones@gccaz.edu
Aaron Fried: aaron.fried@gccaz.edu
