Villanova educators collaborate for success - professors and student represent University at conference

Villanova, PA, April 15, 2010 — An education professor, a nursing assistant professor, and her son—a senior with a double major—were part of a Villanova University team that presented at the National Social Science Association’s National Technology and Social Science Conference in Las Vegas on March 29th. Bette Mariani, Ph.D., R.N., clinical assistant professor in the College of Nursing, and son Brett Mariani, an education and history major from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences joined Ray Heitzmann, Ph.D., professor and program coordinator, Undergraduate Teacher Education, Department of Education and Human Services in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in presenting Case Study Instruction: Professors as Students. Mr. Mariani received an educational grant from his college to support his conference experience.

The group demonstrated that case study pedagogy can provide excellent insights to the teaching-learning process. Dr. Heitzmann relayed his expertise in the pedagogy of case study instruction, and shared the case study contest format that he developed and organized for education majors at Villanova. Dr. Mariani gave an overview of the areas in Villanova’s nursing curriculum in which case studies are used, including as a foundation for clinical simulation experiences. She also presented some of the College’s current research relating to clinical judgment and student satisfaction. Mr. Mariani discussed the use of case studies and their effectiveness in education from his perspective, both as a student and a pre-service teacher.

According to Dr. Mariani, “the conference was a great opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues in education and share successful strategies in teaching. I am proud of Brett’s accomplishments here at Villanova. His contribution to the presentation as a novice educator and student added a valuable dimension to the presentation.”