UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A longtime faculty member in the Penn State College of Education is looking to make an impact on workplace culture. William Rothwell, distinguished professor of workforce education and development in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems, has co-authored three books published this summer.
"Revolutionizing the Online Learning Journey: 1,500 Ways to Increase Engagement"
The release of “Revolutionizing the Online Learning Journey: 1,500 Ways to Increase Engagement,” published by Routledge, is the culmination of four years of work by Rothwell, senior partner of Rothwell & Associates with a dual-title doctorate from Penn State Aileen Zaballero; Penn State graduate and current Kansas State University faculty member Farhan Sadique; and Behnam Bakhshandeh, founder and president of Primeco Education who received a doctorate in workforce education and development from Penn State in 2021. The research for this book provides workable solutions for improving learner engagement in online learning, the authors said.
“The significance of preserving student involvement in an era where virtual learning is becoming more common cannot be overemphasized,” Rothwell said. “In autumn 2020, approximately 6 million students in the U.S. were enrolled in distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics. Research indicates that, compared to traditional classroom educational environments, online courses frequently have higher dropout rates, mostly resulting from lower levels of student engagement. Meeting this obstacle head-on is the goal of 'Revolutionizing the Online Learning Journey.'"
Rothwell and Sadique conducted in-depth interviews with participants, allowing them to reflect on their experiences and share their unique perspectives. They gathered what they called rich descriptions and practical techniques from experienced teachers at all educational levels, contributing to 1,500 strategies for boosting learner engagement in online learning environments.
"Our goal was to provide educators and corporate trainers with a comprehensive toolkit to enhance the online learning experience,” Rothwell said. “By putting these tactics into practice, educators can build more dynamic and productive online learning environments, which are crucial for student success.”
"The Inclusive, Empathetic, and Relational Supervisor"
Rothwell, Bakhshandeh and Zaballero's new book, “The Inclusive, Empathetic, and Relational Supervisor,” also published by Routledge, tackles the pressing need for improvements in how people are supervised in modern workplaces by cultivating a more diverse, compassionate and collaborative workplace.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 600,000 supervisors oversee teams and oversee operations in many industries in the United States. But few supervisors have received formal training in the art and science of supervision, despite the critical role they perform, the authors said. Significant issues in the workplace, such as increased employee turnover and decreased job satisfaction, are a result of this training gap.
“Excellent supervisors accomplish more than just assign tasks,” Rothwell said. “They help staff members take ownership of the work at hand, meet deadlines and maximize every team member's contribution to achieving the overall goals. They are concerned about their employees. 'The Inclusive, Empathetic, and Relational Supervisor' outlines the requirements for supervisors to show greater concern for their employees. Supervisors can reduce staff churn and boost engagement by doing that. They can also create an organizational culture that attracts top talent. ... The supervisor's position has grown crucial at a time when ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility are highly regarded. An inclusive, relational and empathetic workplace culture is fostered by supervisors who exhibit these qualities. Organizations need to give supervisory skill development a priority, since many departing workers cite it as the main reason they left their positions.”
The book was written to support a Supervisory Leadership Certificate credit program in the College of Education. The book is the second in a series following “Successful Supervisory Leadership,” published by Routledge in 2023.
"Beyond Symbolic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Creating a Culture of Enduring Organizational Social Impact"
The new book “Beyond Symbolic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Creating a Culture of Enduring Organizational Social Impact,” also published by Routledge, presents an approach for fostering a society that genuinely addresses the needs of all humanity. According to the authors, it goes beyond books limited to organizationally focused diversity programs to describe how to change the surrounding society to make it more inclusive.
The book challenges readers to re-evaluate the current paradigms of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which often remain confined within the walls of organizations. Rothwell and his colleagues argue for a broader, more expansive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion that transcends corporate policies and practices, advocating for systemic change that permeates every aspect of society. By weaving together personal anecdotes, extensive research and practical strategies, the book aims to inspire individuals, communities and leaders to create environments where every person can thrive.
Rothwell and his contributing editors, Jamie Campbell, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Penn State Smeal College of Business, and Philip L. Ealy, who currently works as the coaching coordinator for the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) grant program, examine DEI efforts, showing that DEI can mean more than traditional race and gender or traditional views of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“The book introduces a comprehensive framework that integrates empathy, compassion and humanity into DEI strategies, promoting a more inclusive society at all levels,” Rothwell said. “It also provides a useful, practical and step-by-step approach for organizational leaders to use as a roadmap to facilitate social change. Readers will find practical tools and actionable steps to implement meaningful changes in their organizations, communities and personal lives.”
Rothwell and the other contributing authors in the book share stories and examples to illustrate the transformative potential of moving beyond conventional DEI and CSR approaches.
“Let’s say for example, a leading software development company launches an internal diversity program to foster an inclusive workplace,” Rothwell said. “After a couple of years, they notice remarkable improvements in employee engagement and creativity. Inspired by this success, the CEO proposes extending their diversity efforts to the local community. ... So, the company partners with local non-profits and schools to create coding boot camps for underrepresented youth. They also offer mentorship programs, career counseling and internships. Then, the company hosts community forums to address broader social issues and collaborates with local businesses to promote equitable hiring practices. ... Over the next few years, the company’s initiative not only enriches the community but also enhances its reputation, attracting top talent and forging stronger community ties. The program becomes a model for other companies, demonstrating the profound impact of extending corporate diversity efforts beyond the workplace.”