JOAN E. AITKEN

Professor, Communication and Leadership, Park University, joan.aitken@park.edu
229 Copley, 8700 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152

816-584-6785 (office)

 

EDUCATION

 

·        2009.  University of Missouri – Columbia.  Completed 15 hours, nondegree seeking student in Gifted Education.

·        M.A., 2007, University of Missouri – Kansas City.
Curriculum and Instructional Leadership.

·        Ed.D., 1985, University of Arkansas.
Higher Education (51 doctoral semester credit hours earned in education).
Academic emphasis: Communication (51 doctoral semester credit hours earned in communication).

·        M.A., University of Arkansas.
General Speech.
Emphasis in Media.

·        B.A., Michigan State University.
Communication Theory.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

 

  • Professor, Communication Arts, Park University (2005-Present).
  • Professor, Communication Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City (1987-2005). Worked up through the ranks from Visiting Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with tenure, to full Professor. Granted Professor Emerita in 2005.
  • Director, Basic Communication Course, University of Louisiana-Lafayette (1985-1987).
  • Administrator, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, Springdale, Arkansas (1980-1985).
  • Faculty, St. Louis Community College—Meramec (1974-1980).

 

 

TEACHING

 

Park University (2005-Present)

 

Course taught during 2009-2010:

Fall

CA103HOEG Public Speaking   (Professor)   - Onground

CA235HON Multicultural Communication (Professor) - Onground

CA419 Senior Project –5 independent study

CA567DL (GR) Communication Teaching, Training, and Consulting—Online

CA517 Exper Methods of Comm Research--Onground

CA700MCBN Graduate Project

CA797MCBN Thesis Design and Research

 

Spring

CA104 Interpersonal 1

CA301 Interpersonal 2

CA419 Senior Project

CA529 Cross-Cultural Communication             S2P2010          DL

CA670 Measuring Leadership   S1P2010          DL

 

 

New courses taught (2009-2010)

  • Multicultural Communication (undergrad)
  • Multicultural Communication (graduate)

 

 

University of Missouri – Kansas City (1987-2005)

 

Teaching focused on computer-mediated communication and interpersonal communication.

 

Frequently taught communication courses at undergraduate and graduate level included the following: Intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, public speaking, communication education, research methods.

 

Taught writing intensive courses and first year experience course. Directed graduate research.

 

Consulting experience has emphasized instructional improvement.

·        Consultant for teacher education program at Leshan Teachers College in Leshan, People’s Republic of China, 2004.

·        Teacher consultant to Migrant Education Program, Bonner Springs Elementary School, Kansas, 2003-2004.

·        Provided faculty development instruction to K-12 teachers with 3-30 years teaching experience (under approval of the Minister of Education, Jamaica), 2002.

·        Worked with the Assistant Superintendent for Division III (30 Elementary Schools), District of Columbia Public Schools, 2002.

 

 

SCHOLARSHIP

 

Books

 

Berko, R. M., Aitken, J. E., & Wolvin, A. D. (Under Contract). I COMM:  Interpersonal concepts and competencies. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

Shedletsky, L. J. & Aitken, J. E. (Eds.) (Under Contract). Cases on online discussion and interaction: Experiences and outcome. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Sharp, T., & Aitken, J. E. (Under Contract). Stories of convicted felons in the urban core. Lewiston, NY: Mellen.

Aitken, J. E. (Under Review). Public speaker's digest: Speeches through technology. Lewiston, NY: Mellen.

Shedletsky, L. J., & Aitken, J. E. (2004). Human communication on the Internet. Boston: Allyn & Bacon/Longman.

Aitken, J. E., & Shedletsky, L. J. (Eds.) (1997). Intrapersonal communication processes. Annandale, VA: National Communication Association.

Nitcavic, R., Buckrop, J., & Aitken, J. E. (1995). Fundamentals of public communication. Second edition. Plymouth, MI: Midnight Oil Multimedia.

Nitcavic, R., & Aitken, J. (1989). Discovering public communication. Second edition. Scottsdale, AZ: Prospect Press, Gorsuch Scarisbrick.

 

Editorships

 

Editorial Board, Communication Education, Annandale, VA: The National Communication Association.

Web Editor and Editorial Board Member, Women and Language.

Editor, National Communication Association's Communication Teacher Resources Online.

Editor, The Communication Teacher, Annandale, VA: The National Communication Association.

 

Refereed Journal Articles & Refereed Book Chapters (Double-blind Peer Review)

 

Aitken, J. E. (2009). Creating motivated online learning communities. In D. Russell (Ed.) Cases on collaboration in virtual learning environments: Processes and interactions. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.

Aitken, J. E. (2009). Blended learning for adaptation to needs. In Y. Inoue (Ed.). Cases on online and blended learning technologies in higher education: Concepts and practices. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.

Aitken, J. E. (2009). A case study of instructional delivery formats. In C. Schreiner (Ed.), Handbook of research on assessment technologies, methods, and applications in higher education. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.

Aitken, J. E., & Shetletsky, L. J. (2008). The Internet and a theory of meaning-making for communication harmony. China Media Research, 4(4), 39-49.

Shedletsky, L. J., & Aitken, J. E. (2001, July). The paradoxes of online academic work. Communication Education, 50(3), 206-217.

Aitken, J. E., & Shedletsky, L. J. (2001, May). Administrative strategies for successful adoption of computer technology. Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, 30(2), 39-49.

Shedletsky, L. J., & Aitken, J. E. (2001, July). The paradoxes of online academic work. Communication Education, 50(3), 206-217.

Aitken, J. E. (1997, Winter). Creating a World Wide Web homepage. The Communication Teacher, 11(2).

Neer, M. R., & Aitken, J. E. (1997, May). Using cognitive assessment testing to evaluate and improve a university program in communication studies. Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, 95-109.

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. (1993, Fall). College student question-asking: The relationship of classroom communication apprehension and motivation. Southern Communication Journal, 59(1), 73-81.

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. (1992). A faculty program of assessment for a college level competency-based communication core curriculum. Communication Education, 41(3), 268-286.

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. (1992). The public relations need in assessment reporting. Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, 81, 53-59.

 

Research Reports and Book Chapters

 

Aitken, J. E., & Linas, M. W. (2009, February 27). Culturally competent communication in urban schools. A paper presented at the annual meeting of the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders. 

Aitken, J. E. (2008, December). Comments on Kozol and Suskind: Reflections on teaching the city. Academic Exchange Extra, 10(12).

Aitken, J. E. (2008). A content analysis of communication purposes in an online support group. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED502098)

Aitken, J. E. (2008). Teaching speech communication using physical activity. Academic Exchange Extra, 10(8).

Aitken, J. E. (2007). Communicating about and with learners diagnosed with emotional or behavioral disorders. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED493870.

Aitken, J. E. (2007). Connecting required and needed assessment measures for English as a Second Language/English Language Learners. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED4938700).

Aitken, J. E. (2006). Meaning-making in children's literature. Published conference proceedings on "The Life, Conversion, Thought and Legacy of C. S. Lewis." Overland Park, KS: International Institute of Christian Studies.

Shedletsky, L. J., & Aitken, J. E. (2002). Collaborating on teaching intrapersonal communication online and onground. In Patricia Comeaux (Ed.), Collaborative endeavors with interactive technologies: A communication perspective. Bolton, MA: Anker Publishers.

Shedletsky, L. J., & Aitken, J. E. (1998). Teaching intrapersonal communication with the World-Wide Web. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 426 426)

Aitken, J. E., & Shedletsky, L. (1998). On-line strategy to teach intimate and safer sex communication skills. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 426 425)

Aitken, J. E. (1997). A typology of inner speech patterns. In J. E. Aitken & L. J. Shedletsky (Eds.) Intrapersonal communication processes. Annandale, VA: National Communication Association.

Aitken, J. E. (1996, Winter). A CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) and World Wide Web computerized-assisted approach to teaching basic public speaking. The Communication Teacher, 10(3).

Aitken, J. E. (1994). Assessment tests, portfolios, and computers. In S. Morreale, M. Brooks, R. Berko, R., & C. Cooke (Eds.) Assessing college student competency in speech communication. Annandale, VA: The National Communication Association.

Rinck, C., Aitken, J., & Naragon, P. (1995, April). Family Friends evaluation: Profile of families. Kansas City, MO: Institute for Human Development.

Rinck, C., Aitken, J., & Naragon, P. (1995, April). Family Friends evaluation: Profile of volunteers. Kansas City, MO: Institute for Human Development.

Aitken, J. (1995, March 14). Computerized communication assessment management: A multi-method approach to skills and field assessment. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 375 444)

Rinck, C., Naragon, P., & Aitken, J. (1995). Kansas HIV prevention services: A needs assessment. Kansas City, MO: Institute for Human Development.

Aitken, J. E. (1995, January 12). The assessment in specific programs: Employment, program, and course student portfolios in communication studies. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 373 376)

Aitken, J. E. (1993, May 15). Light the fire: Communicate with your child. Vital Speeches of the Day, LIX(15), 474-477.

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. (March-April, 1993). Assessing communication competencies at program stages. Assessment Update: Progress, Trends, and Practices in Higher Education, 5(2), 8-9.

Aitken, J. E. (1993, November 18). Privileges: A student activity. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 362 932)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1993, September 3). Multiple approaches to communication program assessment. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 347 598)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1993, August 6). Empowering student and faculty through portfolio assessment. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southern States and Central States Communication Associations, Lexington, KY. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 355 599)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1992, October 29). The relationship of classroom communication apprehension and motivation to college student question-asking. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association, Atlanta, GA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 347 598)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1991, July 19). Communication studies assessment report: A program for implementing a competency based core curriculum. University of Missouri-Kansas City. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 327 910)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1991, October 31). An assessment program designed to improve communication instruction through a competency based core curriculum. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association, Atlanta, GA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 337 833)

Aitken, J. E., & Neer, M. R. (1991, October 31). Variables associated with question-asking in the college classroom. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 337 832)

Aitken, J. E. (1991, August 27). Teaching interpersonal communication through an analysis of students' initial interaction: A Q-Methodological study of style. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 330 017)

Aitken, J. E. (1990, October 11). Pharmacist-patient communication: A structure of intrapersonal processes. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 319 077)

Aitken, J. E. (1990, April 9). Teaching communication: Ideas for teachers and directors of the basic interpersonal or public speaking college course. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 312 731)

Aitken, J. E. (1990, March 13). College student perception of alcohol use as related to interpersonal communication interaction. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 311 514)

Aitken, J. E. (1990, January). In memoriam William Stephenson 1902-1989: Remembrances of things past. Operant Subjectivity, 13(1), 44-48.

Aitken, J. E. (1989). The Transformers: A product-driven cartoon for children. In Beyond boundaries: Sex and gender diversity in communication, (Eds.) C. M. Lont and S. A Friedley. Fairfax, VA: University Publishing Associates.

Comeaux, P., & Aitken, J. E. (1989, November 20). Assuring quality and standard evaluation in the basic course: Training and supervising graduate students. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 315 801)

Aitken, J. E. (1989, August 31). Governmental immunity for public education: A shield of legal protection. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 304 714)

Aitken, J. E. (1989, August 31). Using Q technique in teaching humanities. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 304 719)

Aitken, J. E.,& Palmer, R. D. (1989, August 7). The use of plants to promote warmth and caring in a business environment. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 303 843)

Aitken, J. E., & Palmer, R. D. (1989, March 10). Selecting a Q sample: A study of communication types among students, faculty, and administrators in higher education. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 298 590)

Aitken, J. E. (1988, October 7). Stephenson's Q methodology: A unique tool for research and instruction. (ERIC document Reproduction Service ED 294 271)

Syrett, M., & Aitken, J. E. (1988, September 7). Perceptions of the politicalization of southern women. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 293 185)

Aitken, J. E. (1988, September 7). The role of language and gender in The Transformers: An analysis of messages in cartoons for children. ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 293 187)

Dobkins, D. H., Aitken, J. E., & Jacobs, R. (1988, September 7). The communicative response repertoire of children's television cartoon characters. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service ED 293 183)

Aitken, J. E. (Summer, 1988). Using Q Methodology to teach interpersonal communication. Operant Subjectivity, 11(3).

Aitken, J. E. (1987). Home computers as tools to strengthen the family. In J. King and P. Freudiger (Eds.), Building family strengths: A foundation for wellness. State University, AR: Arkansas State University Press.

 

Instructional Manuals

 

Aitken, J. E. (2009). PowerPoint lectures and online resources. Communicating, by Berko, Wolvin, & Wolvin. (11th ed.) New York: Pearson.

Berko, R. M., & Aitken, J. E. (2007). Handbook of instructional options: Communicating, by Berko, Wolvin, & Wolvin. (10th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Berko, R. M., & Aitken, J. E. (1997). Instructor's manual for this business of communicating, by Berko, Wolvin, Ray. New York: St. Martins.

Aitken, J. E., & Berko, R. M. (1997, 1994). Connecting: Teaching a competency-based, interculturally oriented course in interpersonal communication, by Berko, Rosenfeld, Samovar. (2nd ed.). Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Aitken, J. E. (1997, 1995). Instructor's manual for human communication: A communication competency approach, by O'Hair, Friedrich, Wieman, and Wieman. Second edition. New York: St. Martins.

Aitken, J. E., & Arnett, N. C. (1994). Instructor's resource manual for public speaking, by Beebe and Beebe. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

 

Instructional CD

 

Nitcavic, R. G., Aitken, J. E., Buckrop, J., & Rovelo, F. C. (1995). Public Speaking 2000: An interactive multi-media approach for CD ROM instruction. Plymouth, MI: Midnight Oil Multimedia.

 

Web Publications

 

Aitken, J. E. (2005-2009). Communication. Kansas City, MO: OnlineAcademics.Org. http://onlineacademics.org/

Aitken, J. E. (2001). Commcentral: Your introduction to communication course. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill. http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/speech/commcentral/mghome.html

 

Professional Development

 

Completed 15 hours in graduate education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a grade of A (2008-2009). The courses included the following:

EDUC-CI 5515 Integrating Arts

EDUC-RP 5513 Life Span Human Development

EDUC-SP 5513 Methods of Teaching

EDUC 5501     Teaching of Reading

TCH-ED 404   Education of Exceptional Student

 

Conference Attendance 2008-2009

Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, February, 2009.

PRSSA of Greater Kansas City, November 7, 2008.

 

 

SERVICE

 

University

  • Graduate Advisory Council, member, 2009.
  • University Assessment Committee (UAC), Secretary, 2007-2009, Membership Fall, 2009.
  • Requested to be on Honors and Scholarship Committee for 2009-2010.

 

Communication Arts Department

·        Wrote and submitted Liberal Education proposal for CA 104 (Interpersonal Communication 1)

·        Wrote proposal for Communication and Leadership graduate track in Military Leadership for graduates of the Army Command and General Staff Officer's Course (CGSOC)

·        Advisor for undergraduate students, 2009-2010.

·        First contact and advisor for all new students to the graduate program in Communication and Leadership, 2009-2010.

  • Directed successfully defended MA thesis for the following graduate students in Communication and Leadership:
    1. JaneAnne Belmore
  • Directed successfully defended MA Project for the following graduate students in Communication And Leadership:

1.      Kellie Mzik

  • Served on graduate thesis committees:
  • Service on graduate project committees:
    1. Candace Williams
  • Served on comprehensive exam committee:
  • Provide job and events blog for Communication Arts students at Park. http://parkca.blogspot.com/

 

Community and National

 

 

 

HONORS

 

Top Paper Award, Communication Assessment Division, National Communication Association, 2008.

 

Golden Key International Honour Society, University of Missouri-Kansas City Inductee, 2008.

 

"Outstanding Faculty, Graduate School," Park University, 2007-2008. "In recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning at Park University."

 

Phi Kappa Phi, National Scholarship Honorary, Nominated by the University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2007.

 

Pi Lambda Theta, International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education, Inducted by Invitation, 2007.

 

National Communication Association’s National Award of Recognition, 1998.

 

Kendall Hunt Basic Course Award, for CD ROM development, Central States Speech Communication Association, 1995.

 

Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, College of Arts and Sciences, UMKC, Alumni Award, 1991.

 

US Presidential Citation from President Ronald Reagan for "Outstanding dedication to the career development of our Nation's youth."