University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism
UNM Lobo  
Janet Shiver, Ph.D.
 Ph.D., University of New Mexico
 Office: Room 218, 505-277-2158
 jshiver@unm.edu

Lecturer II 
Communication 

Research:

I am very interested in exploring the impact of team-based learning on students' abilities to engage in active learning, to develop problem solving skills, and to actively and continually improve their interaction skills. Employers say they want college-educated employees who know how to effectively work in teams. Team-based learning is designed to help students see the value of the team approach to solving complex problems, to contributing a high level of commitment and individual effort, and to the successful accomplishment of outcomes that are superior to individual performance. I am especially interested in studying the potential positive impact of team-based learning in public speaking courses where learning is aimed at accomplishing a specific set of learning objectives while gaining improved self-confidence and reducing speaker anxiety.

Sample Publications:

  • Shiver, J.L. (2005). What they see is what they get: Steps to achieving a positive professional image. Training manual.
  • Schuetz, J., & Shiver, J. (2001). Teams: An Approach to Business and Professional Speaking, 3rd  Ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
  • Schuetz, J., & Shiver, J. (1996). Teams: An Approach to Business and Professional Speaking, 2nd Ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
  • Schuetz, J. & Shiver, J. (1995). Teams: An Approach to Business and Professional Speaking. New York: McGraw Hill.
  • Shiver, J. L. (1995). Teams and successful teamworkTraining manual.

Methods: My research approach is predominately qualitative though the questions I explore sometimes require a quantitative approach. I have found that studying educational issues and human interaction within the organizational context using a qualitative approach results in a richer description of processes and the meaning behind experiences.

Authors: Larry Michaelsen, Peter Senge, Terrence Deal, William Rothwell, Peter Block, Henry Schein, Karl Weick.

Teaching Style: My beliefs about learning influence how I approach teaching.   I believe that engaging students in active learning makes a significant difference in the quality of their learning.  I use team-based learning as my primary teaching strategy. Team-based learning means that students take more responsibility for their learning outcomes by being accountable for individual pre-class preparation and for continuous development of their individual team member and communication skills while learning course content.  Additionally, it means contributing time and effort to the team in ways that promote success and learning. It is truly amazing to see what students can accomplish when they work together. Students report that the team-based learning approach is fun, has resulted in a heightened desire to succeed and has had a positive impact on the development of relationships and cohesiveness with their fellow students. These are the attributes I believe will encourage students to be life-long learners and will help them succeed in their careers.

Favorite Classes: Business & Professional Speaking, Public Speaking, Communication in Organizations, Small Group Communication and Training and Development.

Why UNM?: I have been associated with the C&J Department at UNM for several years as a student, teaching assistant, part-time instructor and now as a member of the full-time faculty. I have had the pleasure of working with an outstanding faculty of exceptional scholars and a department with an outstanding reputation.  It is an honor to be a part of this faculty and to have the opportunity to use my career experiences to give back to the C&J department, to my hometown community and to my alma mater.

Spare Time: I enjoy running, weight training, playing golf, reading and spending time with my family.

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