NU OER Archive (Open Access)

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This collection contains open educational resources (OER) created by NU faculty and staff. This repository collection is open access. To learn more about this collection, please visit the NU Institutional Repository webpage for faculty OER projects.

> > Submit your work to the NU Institutional Repository's OER Collection.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Institutional Repository librarian, Tammy Ivins.

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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 20
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    Masters of Learning: 18 Educators Who Shaped the World
    (2025-06) Ryan, Mark
    Education is one of the most profound forces that shape civilizations. Throughout history, certain individuals have stood out as pioneers, visionaries, and reformers, leaving an enduring impact on the way societies teach and learn. The book Masters of Learning: The 18 Educators Who Shaped the World seeks to encapsulate the extraordinary influence of these thinkers. Each educator selected has not only transformed education in their respective eras but has also provided insights that remain relevant today. From ancient philosophers to modern reformers, this collection of figures represents the diverse and evolving nature of education.
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    The Research Design and Methodology Workflow Manual for Doctoral Students
    (2025) Marcello, Cynthia V.; Appunn, Frank; Hildebrandt, David
    In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the ability to conduct rigorous and meaningful research is both a foundational skill and a transformative journey for doctoral students. As academic disciplines become increasingly interdisciplinary and data-driven, the need for accessible, structured, and pedagogically sound guidance has never been more urgent. This Open Educational Resource (OER), The Research Design and Methodology Workflow Manual for Doctoral Students, answers that need with clarity, purpose, and innovation. Supported by a grant from National University, this project reflects a commitment to academic equity, excellence, and student empowerment. By removing barriers to essential research resources, this manual democratizes knowledge and provides a roadmap for students navigating the complex stages of the doctoral research process— from identifying a research problem to selecting appropriate methodologies, aligning theoretical frameworks, and executing ethical, evidence-based inquiry. Designed with both novice and experienced researchers in mind, this manual offers step-by-step workflows, real-world examples, and decision-making tools that align with current scholarly expectations. Whether used as a primary learning tool, a supplemental guide, or a reference during dissertation development, it encourages critical thinking, methodological precision, and scholarly integrity. We are proud to present this OER as a living document—one that will continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of doctoral students and the broader academic community. We thank National University for its generous support, and we invite educators, mentors, and students alike to explore, adapt, and contribute to this collaborative resource.
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    The Primacy of Emotions – The Secret Force Behind Intelligence
    (2025-05) Ryan, Mark
    This book explores the idea that human beings are feeling beings who think, not thinking beings who feel. Historically, intelligence was framed as a product of rational thought, with emotions viewed as separate or even disruptive to cognitive function. However, modern neuroscience challenges this assumption, demonstrating that emotions precede and shape rational thought, influencing memory, learning, creativity, and decision-making. Antonio Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis illustrates how emotions act as unconscious guides, helping individuals evaluate choices and assess risks. Recent studies confirm that emotional states are deeply embedded in cognition, reinforcing the view that intelligence cannot be separated from emotional awareness.
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    An American Paradox: A Monolingual Nation in a Plurilingual World Volume II // Brain Based Lesson Plan Samples for Plulingual Students
    (2025) Thorsos, Nilsa J.; Ryan, Mark; Cheung, George T.
    The American Paradox includes two volumes. In Volume I, The American Paradox describes how the paradox lies in the nation's persistent commitment to monolingual language policies despite its foundation as a land of immigrants enriched by linguistic and cultural diversity. Volume I provides a rationale for understanding the American Paradox and explores this contradiction more deeply by examining how the dominant emphasis on English-only education continues to shape policy and practice, even as research in neuroscience (Alexander, Aragón, Bookwala, Cherbuin, Gatt, Kahrilas, & Styliadis, 2021) and history highlights the benefits of embracing plurilingualism. The editors of American Paradox have chosen to embrace the newest technologies to create the most up-to-date resource for teacher candidates and educators in the field. Editors today are greatly assisted by an advanced array of tools that optimize both creativity and organization, ensuring their work evolves into coherent and polished content that is both insightful and accessible. At the forefront are AI engines, transformative resources that analyze content, offer real-time suggestions, and ensure alignment with intended audiences. These engines, powered by natural language processing, identify inconsistencies in tone, structure, and flow while proposing enhancements to maximize pedagogical impact.
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    Los ecos de dos idiomas: Historia de la educación bilingüe en los Estados Unidos.
    (2025-05) Ryan, Mark
    Language: English & Spanish Bilingual education in the United States has a complex and evolving history, shaped by policy decisions, cultural shifts, and educational needs. *The Echoes of Two Languages: History of Bilingual Education in the United States* is a bilingual (Spanish-English) text designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of this history. It examines key policies, challenges, and successes that have influenced bilingual education, offering valuable insights for those working with diverse student populations. Through historical analysis and educational perspectives, the book highlights the importance of inclusive and equitable learning environments. By fostering an understanding of language as a bridge, it encourages educators to support students in navigating linguistic and cultural identities.