Jason S. Wrench - Author / Virginia Peck Richmond - Author / Joan Gorham - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Communication, Affect, & Learning in the Classroom was original published by Virginia Richmond and Joan Gorham in 1992 and then updated a decade later by Virginia Richmond, Jason S. Wrench, and Joan Gorham in 2001. As we enter into the revision of the 3rd edition of the text, the basic content has not been drastically altered over the years. However, the research in Instructional Communication has clearly become more prominent and stronger. Probably the single most important development in the past two decades was the publication of the Handbook of Instructional Communication: Rhetorical and Relational Perspectives edited by Mottet et al. (2006). The purpose of the handbook was to synthesize the first three decades of research in instructional communication into a single volume that could help both researchers and instructors understand the value of communication in the instructional process.
Nathan Beel - Author / Christine Chinchen - Author / Tanya Machin - Author / Carol du Plessis - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Common Client Issues in Counselling: An Australian Perspective focuses on common mental health issues, such as grief and loss, anxiety, and depression, experienced by clients presenting for counselling. The focus throughout is on providing an Australian perspective, highlighting contemporary understandings, as well as suggesting practical and integrative responses to each common issue. All of the authors, reviewers, and editors work within Australian counselling settings, including private practice, not for profit organisations and academic contexts. By drawing on the authors’ extensive experience, and using a contextual rather than diagnostic approach, each chapter is brought to life with valuable insights and suggestions.
Joy Morris - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Combinatorics is an upper-level introductory course in enumeration, graph theory, and design theory.
Kenneth P. Bogart - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
This book is an introduction to combinatorial mathematics, also known as combinatorics. The book focuses especially but not exclusively on the part of combinatorics that mathematicians refer to as “counting.” The book consists almost entirely of problems. Some of the problems are designed to lead you to think about a concept, others are designed to help you figure out a concept and state a theorem about it, while still others ask you to prove the theorem. Other problems give you a chance to use a theorem you have proved. From time to time there is a discussion that pulls together some of the things you have learned or introduces a new idea for you to work with. Many of the problems are designed to build up your intuition for how combinatorial mathematics works. There are problems that some people will solve quickly, and there are problems that will take days of thought for everyone. Probably the best way to use this book is to work on a problem until you feel you are not making progress and then go on to the next one. Think about the problem you couldn't get as you do other things. The next chance you get, discuss the problem you are stymied on with other members of the class. Often you will all feel you've hit dead ends, but when you begin comparing notes and listening carefully to each other, you will see more than one approach to the problem and be able to make some progress. In fact, after comparing notes you may realize that there is more than one way to interpret the problem. In this case your first step should be to think together about what the problem is actually asking you to do. You may have learned in school that for every problem you are given, there is a method that has already been taught to you, and you are supposed to figure out which method applies and apply it. That is not the case here. Based on some simplified examples, you will discover the method for yourself. Later on, you may recognize a pattern that suggests you should try to use this method again.
Richard W. Beveridge - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
This College Algebra text will cover a combination of classical algebra and analytic geometry, with an introduction to the transcendental exponential and logarithmic functions. If mathematics is the language of science, then algebra is the grammar of that language. Like grammar, algebra provides a structure to mathematical notation, in addition to its uses in problem solving and its ability to change the appearance of an expression without changing the value.
Allison L. Hurst - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
There are a few major themes that come up over and over again during the course of classical sociological theory’s development. All three classical theorists were writing at a time when sociology was a new and emerging discipline. This new discipline was called forth by momentous social changes taking place in European (and American) society during this time period. These changes were related to the rise of capitalism, industrialization, and new political representation for the majority of people (or, at least, a desire for such by many). Calls for socialism emerged as a response to recognition of new social divisions. Each of the three theorists you will read here weighed in on these historical changes, theorizing the contours and dynamics of this new “modern” society.
Jos van Kan - Author / Guus Segal - Author / Fred Vermolen - Author / Hans Kraaijevanger - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Partial differential equations are paramount in mathematical modelling with applications in engineering and science. The book starts with a crash course on partial differential equations in order to familiarize the reader with fundamental properties such as existence, uniqueness and possibly existing maximum principles. The main topic of the book entails the description of classical numerical methods that are used to approximate the solution of partial differential equations. The focus is on discretization methods such as the finite difference, finite volume and finite element method. The manuscript also makes a short excursion to the solution of large sets of (non)linear algebraic equations that result after application of discretization method to partial differential equations. The book treats the construction of such discretization methods, as well as some error analysis, where it is noted that the error analysis for the finite element method is merely descriptive, rather than rigorous from a mathematical point of view. The last chapters focus on time integration issues for classical time-dependent partial differential equations. After reading the book, the reader should be able to derive finite element methods, to implement the methods and to judge whether the obtained approximations are consistent with the solution to the partial differential equations. The reader will also obtain these skills for the other classical discretization methods. Acquiring such fundamental knowledge will allow the reader to continue studying more advanced methods like meshfree methods, discontinuous Galerkin methods and spectral methods for the approximation of solutions to partial differential equations.
Cheryl Lowry - Editor
2026 · Book · Open Access
Choosing & Using Sources presents a process for academic research and writing, from formulating your research question to selecting good information and using it effectively in your research assignments. Additional chapters cover understanding types of sources, searching for information, and avoiding plagiarism. Each chapter includes self-quizzes and activities to reinforce core concepts and help you apply them. There are also appendices for quick reference on search tools, copyright basics, and fair use. What experts are saying about Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research: “…a really fantastic contribution that offers a much needed broadened perspective on the process of research, and is packed to the brim with all kinds of resources and advice on how to effectively use them. The chapter on plagiarism is really excellent, and the chapter on searching for sources is utterly brilliant.” – Chris Manion, PhDCoordinator of Writing Across the Curriculum at Ohio State University “… an excellent resource for students, with engaging content, graphics, and examples—very compelling. The coverage of copyright is outstanding.” – J. Craig GibsonCo-chair of ACRL's Task Force on Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
Joan Giovannini - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Children, Families, Schools, and Communities is an introductory text in the field of Child and Family Studies. It provides a lens for understanding the evolving definition of “family” through socially constructed and ecological theory frameworks. It promotes strategies for culturally sustaining and deeply collaborative relationships between families, schools, and communities through the use of home-grown advocacy strategies based on community-driven data. Children, Families, Schools, and Communities is an adapted OER text from Rebecca Laff’s and Wendy Ruiz’s Child, Family, and Community.
Jennifer Paris - Author / Antoinette Ricardo - Author / Dawn Rymond - Author / Alexa Johnson - Editor
2026 · Book · Open Access
Welcome to Child Growth and Development. This text is a presentation of how and why children grow, develop, and learn. We will look at how we change physically over time from conception through adolescence. We examine cognitive change, or how our ability to think and remember changes over the first 20 years or so of life. And we will look at how our emotions, psychological state, and social relationships change throughout childhood and adolescence.
Rebecca Laff - Author / Wendy Ruiz - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Over the years researchers have found the necessity to develop theories of behavior that are specific to family settings. These theories have been developed by people with a variety of areas of emphasis, from family therapists to gerontologists to child development specialists. In this chapter we will briefly discuss six such theories: Bioecological Model, Family Systems, Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, and Psychological Perspectives.
Aimee Samara Krouskop - Author / Ben Cushing - Author / Kimberly Puttman - Author / Avery Temple - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Changing Society offers a foundational exploration of the causes, impacts, and dynamics of social change. Informed by the tenets of universal design, equity and belonging, and a commitment to a decolonizing approach, it is written for undergraduate students majoring in social sciences, social work, ethnic studies, or social justice studies.
Reed Hepler - Author / David Horalek - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
This book goes over a wide range of cataloging schemata, tools, and norms. It presents a concise but thorough view of the basics of library cataloging practice.
Geraldine L. Palmer - Author / Todd L. Rogers - Author / Judah Viola - Author / Maronica Engel - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
There is no better way to demonstrate the work and impact of community psychologists and allies than by showcasing actual projects conducted in partnership with communities. This textbook displays this work in a dynamic case study format that will ignite students' desire and passion to study and become future community psychologists or those whose heart beats with the beloved community. You can find community psychologists and allies partnering with communities to change racist policies, end health disparities, create alternate settings for youth, foster community-based models to heal trauma, evaluate programs, and much more!
Joy Egbert - Author / Seyed Abdollah Shahrokni - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
This book takes as its organizing principles both the system of conditions that are known to support effective language learning and the goals that a variety of standards in the field have set out for us and our students, and what constitutes effective computer-enhanced pedagogy and why.
James Callahan - Author / David Cox - Author / Kenneth Hoffman - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Designing the curriculum We believe that calculus can be for students what it was for Euler and the Bernoullis: a language and a tool for exploring the whole fabric of science. We also believe that much of the mathematical depth and vitality of calculus lies in connections to other sciences. The mathematical questions that arise are compelling in part because the answers matter to other disciplines. We began our work with a "clean slate," not by asking what parts of the traditional course to include or discard. Our starting points are thus our summary of what calculus is really about. Our curricular goals are what we aim to convey about the subject in the course. Our functional goals describe the attitudes and behaviors we hope our students will adopt in using calculus to approach scientific and mathematical questions. Starting Points Calculus is fundamentally a way of dealing with functional relationships that occur in scientific and mathematical contexts. The techniques of calculus must be subordinate to an overall view of the questions that give rise to these relationships. Technology radically enlarges the range of questions we can explore and the ways we can answer them. Computers and graphing calculators are much more than tools for teaching the traditional calculus. The concept of a dynamical system is central to science. Therefore, differential equations belong at the center of calculus, and technology makes this possible at the introductory level. The process of successive approximation is a key tool of calculus, even when the outcome of the process--the limit--cannot be explicitly given in closed form. Curricular Goals Develop calculus in the context of scientific and mathematical questions. Treat systems of differential equations as fundamental objects of study. Construct and analyze mathematical models. Use the method of successive approximations to define and solve problems. Develop geometric visualization with hand-drawn and computer graphics. Give numerical methods a more central role. Functional Goals Encourage collaborative work. Enable students to use calculus as a language and a tool. Make students comfortable tackling large, messy, ill-defined problems. Foster an experimental attitude towards mathematics. Help students appreciate the value of approximate solutions. Teach students that understanding grows out of working on problems. Impact of Technology Differential equations can now be solved numerically, so they can take their rightful place in the introductory calculus course. The ability to handle data and perform many computations makes exploring messy, real-world problems possible. Since we can now deal with credible models, the role of modelling becomes much more central to the subject. The text illustrates how we have pursued the curricular goals. Each goal is addressed within the first chapter which begins with questions about describing and analyzing the spread of a contagious disease. A model is built: a model which is actually a system of coupled non-linear differential equations. We then begin a numerical exploration on those equations, and the door is opened to a solution by successive approximations. Our implementation of the functional goals is also evident. The text has many more words than the traditional calculus book--it is a book to be read. The exercises make unusual demands on students. Most are not just variants of examples that have been worked in the text. In fact, the text has rather few "template'' examples. Shifts in Emphasis It will also become apparent to you that the text reflects substantial shifts in emphasis in comparison to the traditional course. Here are some of the most striking: How the emphasis shifts: increase: concepts, geometry, graphs, brute force, numerical solutions decrease: techniques, algebra, formulas, elegance, closed-form solutions Since we all value elegance, let us explain what we mean by "brute force." Euler's method is a good example. It is a general method of wide applicability. Of course when we use it to solve a differential equation like y'(t) = t, we are using a sledgehammer to crack a peanut. But at least the sledgehammer works. Moreover, it works with coconuts (like y' = y(1 - y/10)), and it will even knock down a house (like y' = cos2(t)). Students also see the elegant special methods that can be invoked to solve y' = t and y' = y(1 - y/10) (separation of variables and partial fractions are discussed in chapter 11), but they understand that they are fortunate indeed when a real problem will succumb to such methods.
Marta Susana Bonacina - Author / Claudia Teti - Author / Alejandra Haidar - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Esta comunidad tiene como fin construir un texto base, que pretende ser la puerta de entrada al mundo de las matemáticas superiores y sus aplicaciones en el campo de las Ciencias de la Ingeniería.
Genesis Manuela Villanueva-Conforme - Author / Ximena Paola Cervantes-Molina - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
El incremento de los residuos sólidos plantea desafíos ambientales y económicos, la cadena de valor se enfoca en optimizar su gestión para promover la sostenibilidad desde la generación hasta la disposición final. Esta investigación se desarrolló en la parroquia Velasco Ibarra con el objetivo de evaluar la cadena de valor de los residuos sólidos urbanos en el cantón El Empalme. Para ello se realizaron encuestas con escala de Likert a 368 hogares, 334 empresas y 5 centros de reciclaje, utilizando muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Además, se entrevistó al funcionario municipal responsable del manejo de residuos. En el programa SPSS se analizó la confiabilidad de las encuestas con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, obteniendo valores de (0,929) para los hogares, (0,949) empresas y (0,908) recicladoras. También se efectuó un análisis de normalidad utilizando la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y correlaciones con el coeficiente Rho de Spearman. Se elaboró una matriz FODA para los factores que afectan la gestión de residuos y se diseñó una cadena de valor para mejorar su manejo de manera eficaz. Los resultados revelaron correlaciones significativas entre la frecuencia de recolección de residuos y la satisfacción de la población (0,718), entre el cumplimiento legal de residuos peligrosos y el monitoreo regular en empresas (0,504). Existe una débil correlación (0,395) entre las preferencias de las recicladoras y la eficiencia de las operaciones. Se destacaron fortalezas, debilidades, oportunidades y amenazas en la gestión de residuos, que requieren atención inmediata. La cadena de valor diseñada proporciona actividades para mejorar la problemática. En conclusión, la gestión de residuos sólidos es ineficiente por la descoordinación entre los actores involucrados.
Rhiannon Evans - Author / Nicole Gammie - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
This volume addresses various ways that we interact with, refashion and reuse aspects of ancient Greece and Rome. Its studies range from the political engagement of Italian fascists with ancient Rome, to the use of ancient Greece in video games. The chapters each take on a ‘burning issue’ of identity or ownership, that is, how we identify with ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as drawing (often troubling) elements of our identity from them. In addition, they address the question: which of us feel that we own the past? Does Classics belong to everyone, or has it been coopted by an elite few?
Robert W. Maloy - Author / Torrey Trust - Author
2026 · Book · Open Access
Designed as a core or supplementary text for upper elementary, middle and high school teachers and students, Building Democracy for All offers instructional ideas, interactive resources, multicultural content, and multimodal learning materials for interest-building explorations of United States government as well as students’ roles as citizens in a democratic society. It focuses on the importance of community engagement and social responsibility as understood and acted upon by middle and high school students—core themes in the 2018 Massachusetts 8th Grade Curriculum Framework, and which are found in many state history and social studies curriculum frameworks around the country. Building Democracy for All has been developed by a collaborative writing team of higher education faculty, public school teachers, educational librarians, and college students who are preparing to become history and social studies teachers. The primary editors and curators are from the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Education. Contributing teachers come from school districts in the Connecticut River valley region of western Massachusetts (Amherst, Gateway, Westfield, Hampshire Regional, and Springfield). As an open resource, the book is being revised constantly by the members of the writing team to ensure timely inclusion of online resources and information.
