Conscious Choices: A Model for Self-Directed Learning Paperback - 2003 - 1st Edition

Elaine Gray, Ph.D. Elaine taught student success courses in the classroom and on-line at Valencia Community College from 1995 to 2001. During this time, she was nominated for Who's Who in American Teachers. She holds a Masters in Liberal Studies from Rollins College and has completed postgraduate work in learning theory at Florida State University. Her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Integral Studies focused on learning and change in human systems. The topic of her dissertation research centered on the study of emotional intelligence in on-line student success courses.

She has worked with publishers as an author, trainer, and developer of Web-based student success curricula. She has an extensive background in multimedia design and audio/video production. Elaine appears as a keynote speaker at student success conferences throughout the country.

Elaine's teaching strategies are influenced by social constructivism as well as active and collaborative learning. She uses dialog and selfreflection as primary teaching tools. In her own studies, she learned firsthand the value of peer-to-peer learning as a method to widen and deepen perspectives. Her emphasis on case studies and reflective inquiry derives from the belief that a student's experiential involvement creates lasting and meaningful learning experiences. This book is grounded in exercises designed to help students become self-directed learners with principle-driven goals. Elaine believes that through conscious choices students can create success and prosperity in life.

Dr. Grayis the recipient of the Brantzaward at Appalachian State for Outstanding Teachingin First Year Seminar
http: //www.news.appstate.edu/2010/06/17/gray-outstanding-teaching/

Sharon Ainsley brings her experience as a college student to the book through writing the Student Perspectives and by providing ideas for the chapter case studies and summary materials.

Sharon began working with Elaine Gray in 1999 as a teaching assistant for an on-line student success course. While performing the roles of wife, mother of three children, full-time college student, and member of the workforce, she learned ways to integrate her choices and balance the values of her life with the demands of the college environment. She believed so profoundly in the value of self-directed learning that she worked for over three years as a student mentor, using her personal experience to help fellow students make similar learning connections for themselves.

Sharon has earned a number of academic distinctions, including the Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation Award, the National Communications Foundation Scholarship, National Dean's List recognition, and Who's Who in American junior Colleges awards. She was recently awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship for the 2003-2004 school year. She is currently a computer science major who plans to teach at the university level and conduct research in learning implementations for computer-based artificial intelligence technology in the areas of distance education and learning disabilities. Sharon earned her associate's degree with honors from Valencia Community College. She remains at the top of her class while pursuing her degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.

She dedicates her work here to her husband, Richard, for all his love, support, and inspiration and to her children, Bastian, Heather, and Monica.

"