Research

“Learning about teaching from student learning is indeed an adventure….One student chronicled in her journal…, “We had to use flashlights to find our way through this new and strange environment.” High ambiguity? Purposeful frustration? Assignments that make an actual difference in the world? The flashlight of scholarly inquiry is needed as we seek to maximize the transformative power of communication education.”

Carrell, The Adventure of Teaching and Learning (2007)

Sabbatical Research Project:

Transformative Sermon Communication

The preaching phenomenon is one of the last contexts in the U.S. in which face-to-face public speaking occurs on a regular basis. Millions of people show up each week to listen. The stated purpose for this communicative event? Change! As a communication professor, I find this context riveting to research.

In this extensive sabbatical project, a group of pastors are receiving personalized communication coaching. Pre- and post-testing are being done with surveys of their 5,000+ listeners as well as expert evaluation of sermon tapes.

Does the sermon communication education make a difference?
Do the sermons impact the lives of listeners?
Stay tuned for results…

This project is being conducted in conjunction with the Center for Excellence in Congregational Leadership ( http://cecl.glcc.org/ ) and funded by a Lilly grant and the UW-System. I am grateful for the support and participation of all involved.

Other Current Research Projects:

The Adventure of Teaching and Learning: An Exploration to Discover Learning Catalysts
Following an amazing teaching and learning adventure in the Amazon rainforest, I was compelled to investigate the catalysts that motivated my students to high levels of learning. A content analysis of “learning moments” revealed in student journals and papers for this Intercultural Communication course led to some surprises and new directions for research and practice. Learning catalysts included: high ambiguity, anxiety, frustration, interdependence with classmates, significant service, and teacher authenticity. (See teaching section for photo.)

Students and Lori CarrellOral Language Instruction in the Elementary School Curriculum:
A Longitudinal Study of Efficacy (Photo)

In the photo on this page, I am rehearsing with Green Meadow Elementary School students for an upcoming speech festival. UW-Oshkosh students have provided speech instruction for these children through a service-learning project that began in 1998. After a five-year longitudinal comparison study, the efficacy of elementary level communication education was established.

Research Track Record:

Seventeen articles; one book; five instructional manuals; two multi-media instructional packages; forty-seven papers presented at professional meetings; ten internal grants; and four external grants.

Research-Related Awards: