Ryan Tainsh


Professor College of Arts & Sciences Biological and Physical Sciences Providence

Biography and Expertise

Ryan Tainsh’s current scientific scholarship interests include plant nutrient uses and the process of plant nutrient resorption, especially in salt marsh habitats. He also has a professional interest in the field of teaching and learning, specifically self-directed learning, adult education, online learning and the impact of teaching strategies on science education.

Currently, Tainsh teaches both the coastal ecology and seminar courses in the Biology major. He also teaches a variety of non-major courses, online courses and courses in the sustainability minor. In all his courses, Tainsh deeply enjoys engaging with students in an active and collaborative manner to help them develop as learners and scholars.

Education

EdD
University of the Cumberlands

MS
University of Rhode Island

BS
University of Rhode Island

Microcredential – ‘Teaching with AI’
EduCause

CITI Certification
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

CITI Certification
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

JWU Athletics Gamechanger Award – Baseball (Sam Schoenberg)
JWU Athletics Department

JWU Athletics Gamechanger Award – Softball (Amanda Madigan)
JWU Athletics Department

JWU Athletics Gamechanger Award – Softball (Madi Wong)
JWU Athletics Department

JWU Athletics Gamechanger Award
JWU Athletics Department – Softball

Teacher of the Year
Johnson & Wales University

Teacher of the Year: School of Arts and Sciences
JWU School of Arts and Sciences

Adult Higher Education Alliance

Association of College and University Biology Educators

Adult Higher Education Alliance

Association of College and University Biology Educators

Association of College and University Biology Educators

International Society for Self-Directed Learning

Association of College and University Biology Educators

Masschusetts Association of Biology Teachers

National Association of Biology Teachers

National Science Teachers Association

Tainsh, R.
The Impact of Self-Directedness on the Academic Success and Persistence of Postsecondary Online Learners
International Journal of Research in Education and Science9
9
1
92-108

Tainsh, R.
Thoughtfully designed online courses as effective adult learning tools
Journal of Adult Education
45
1
7-9

Dimos, C. & Tainsh, R.
Scientific Literacy – Primary Research Article vs. Lay Press Secondary Article
Life Science Teaching Resource Community

Tainsh, R.
The Botany of Desire: The Missing Chapter
Life Science Teaching Resource Community

Killingbeck, K. & Tainsh, R.
Does leaf size influence resorption of nutrients from senescing leaves?
Northeastern Naturalist
9
2
213-220

REAL Learning in Action: Integration of Course-based Undergraduate Research and Workforce Readiness Across a Biology Curriculum
Oral Presentation
50th Annual AHEA Conference
Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA)
The University of South Florida
Tampa
FL
United States

The Self-Directedness and Grit Characteristics of College-Level Biology Students
Oral Presentation
49th Annual AHEA Conference & 38th Annual ISSDL Conference (joint conference)
Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA)
The University of South Florida
Tampa
FL
United States

Considering Learner Self-Directedness and Grit in Higher Education STEM Learners: Preliminary Findings
Oral Presentation
2024 Sunshine State Teaching and Learning Conference
University of Central Florida
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Orlando
FL
United States

Leveraging Andragogical Principles in the Development of Two Major-Level STEM Courses
Oral Presentation
47th Annual Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA) Workforce Development: Micro-credentials, Badges, & CEUs
Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA)
The University of South Florida
Tampa
FL
United States

Learner Self-Directedness: Implications for Two College-Level STEM Programs
Oral Presentation
Sunshine State Teaching and Learning Conference
Faculty Center at University of Central Florida
Daytona
FL
United States

The Self-Directed Learning Characteristics of College-Level Biology and Health Science Students
Oral Presentation
33rd International Self-Directed Learning Symposium
International Society for Self-Directed Learning
Cocoa Beach
FL
United States

Thoughtfully Designed Online Courses as Effective Adult Learning Tools
Oral Presentation
Adult Higher Education Alliance Annual Conference – Giving Voice to Adult Learning
Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA)
University of Central Florida
Orlando
FL
United States

Student Perceptions of Critical Thinking Writing Assignments in Non-Major Science Courses
Poster
USG Annual Teaching and Learning Conference – Best Practices for Promoting Engagement and Student Learning
University System of Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens
GA
United States