The yearly event provides an opportunity for local college students to share their experiences while teaching in area schools. Students of Dr. Scott Biola and department chair Melanie Gribble attended the event and made presentations on “The Science of Reading” and “21st Century Strategies for Evaluating Online Sources.” 

“This annual event highlights some of the research that D&E students are doing both in their college classes and during their student teaching experiences in area schools,” said Kump Education Center Communications Specialist Nanci Bross-Fregonara.

“It is impressive how today’s education majors, such as those participating in the Research Seminar, are able to integrate college coursework skills into the real-world teaching environment.” 

Davis & Elkins College students Kelsey Mahanes, Hannah Phillips, Hattie Pilcher, Anna Kate Okraski, Marshall Mounts, Haley Shaffer, Daimere Wilson-Turner, Haden Wamsley and Tori Webster presented teaching-related research during the seminar. The topics of research from the students included the science of reading systems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and memory, building skills with autism, and ways of evaluating online digital sources.  

Kump Education Center board member Priscilla Gay speaks with Kelsey Mahanes, left, and Hannah Phillips, center, about their poster presentation during the annual Kump Education Research Seminar held at the Kump House on Thursday.

“Teaching methods are evolving so quickly and it’s exciting to see how this young generation of teachers are inspired by today’s technology to enhance young students’ learning experience,” said Bross-Fregonara. “Their enthusiasm about bringing what they’ve learned into the first classrooms they’ll soon be teaching in, is contagious. It makes one feel optimistic.” 

The Kump Education Center provides professional development for teachers, outdoor education opportunities, and historic restoration guidance. The KEC works with several groups to provide quality hands-on science curriculum. 

For more information about the Kump Education Center, contact Heather Biola at 304-637-7820, or visit kumpeducationcenter.org.