'Family and Community Focus' to Feature On-Air Interviews with Researchers

WBNY-FM 91.3, Buffalo State’s student-run radio station, has increased its broadcast range to about 25 miles. “This gives us the opportunity to share our research with the community,” said Gail Daniels, senior manager of the Collaborative Research Initiative. Daniels invites faculty members to partner with agencies seeking evidence-based approaches to issues faced by social workers, foster parents, teachers, and others involved with human services.

This year, families and community members can also benefit from the findings developed by faculty members and professionals from Buffalo State and the University at Buffalo. Researchers will appear on Family and Community Focus, which can be heard on Mondays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on WBNY. The shows will also be available as podcasts.

The program’s first guest is Lauren Copeland, who has served as an instructor, tutor, and adviser with the Academic Support Program for 18 years. On Monday, September 12, Copeland will discuss study habits and study skills—a perfect topic for students and for parents who want to help their children succeed. Copeland completed a project to help students and practitioners in the social work field improve their study skills by producing three videos.

“Most people don’t know how to study effectively,” said Copeland. “Reading and re-reading textbooks and notes is very inefficient. Often students understand a subject’s basic concepts but they don’t know how to master the subject and retain what they learn. Habits like setting aside time to study are important, but students also need to know how to take notes, use a textbook, and develop ways to remember the material.” Copeland’s three 15-minute videos help students take more effective notes, use textbooks as a learning tool, and understand academic articles.

The program will feature different hosts. Seth Oyer, assistant professor of communication, is hosting the first show on September 12.

Research is supported by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the Erie County Department of Social Services. The Institute for Community Health Promotion oversees the Collaborative Research Initiative.