A university is a place of learning for teachers as well as students, but both groups had a chance to learn yesterday in Booth Library’s lobby, where the College of Education and Professional Studies held its 11th annual research fair.

The topics ranged from those that may be expected – like the effectiveness of the No Child Left Behind Act – to more unusual fare like the connection between that law and Thomas Jefferson’s philosophy.

Gus Albear, secondary education and foundations instructor, and David Barker, secondary education and foundations assistant professor, looked into the latter.

The two compared the philosophical positions of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to the goals of the NCLB act.

“In the Jefferson model, the end is the safety of society,” Barker said.

He added he and Albear concluded the 2001 law misses that goal of education.

Most of the other presentations focused on more current ideas with some presentations being connected in theme.

One project looked at cultural differences between America and China with the goal of helping teachers understand Chinese students, aiming to quiz visitors on how Chinese people look at homework and why parents and students from the nation may deprecate their own work.

Another project’s goal was to help students studying abroad in China deal with culture shock and awkward moments in a foreign culture with helpful tips. Tips like clarifying the question, “Have you eaten?” The question is a way of saying hello, not an invitation to dinner in China.

One project focused on the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of fraternities and sororities. Another looked at perception of hazing in those organizations based on gender, race and membership status.

The surveys done for each study found that acceptance of homosexuality has increased greatly since 1960 and how someone looks at hazing is connected to race and gender.

Other topics included Eastern students’ tanning trends, relaxation techniques, using new technology like podcasts to improve teaching, and whether teachers use research-backed techniques to help students with disabilities.

Diane H. Jackman, dean of the college of education and professional studies, said the annual fair improves every year.

“We’re gaining momentum and we’re presenting our research more in public forums,” she said.

Many of the presenters said the research is far from complete. Even research that is already done can be rendered outdated by new work.

“Until someone comes along with a better set of data, this is the best we’ve got,” Charles Eberly, counseling and student development professor, said.

Josh Van Dyke can be reached at 581-7942.