Digital Commons Network^™

Self-Perceptions On Efficacy In Reading Teacher Education: A Case Study In An Online Literacy Clinic, Mary L. Hoch, Michelle Fry

The Reading Professor

As our educational landscape continues to shift, so must our practices in higher education, including those of the literacy clinic. As we transition to various digital modalities, it is essential to research the self-perceptions and feelings of preparedness that result from the completion of the practicum experience. This case study was designed to examine participants' perceptions of their ability to plan, design, and implement literacy interventions with school-age students. Participants were in-service teachers who were seeking a graduate degree and/or reading endorsement in an online program. As part of their reading endorsement practicum requirement, they served as tutors in an …

Effects Of Professional Development On Secondary School Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, And Attitudes About Adhd, Rebecca Jeanne Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Educators in general are not likely to have an accurate understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including its etiology, how it presents, or how it is treated. Teachers also report lower satisfaction with students who have ADHD, including frustration with classroom experiences. Additionally, teachers express a desire to learn more about ADHD and how to manage related behaviors in their classrooms. Students with ADHD report wishing their teachers liked them more and understood that they aren't trying to be difficult. Accurate knowledge of ADHD has been shown to improve teacher efficacy. The current research study is adapted from Latouche …

Differences Between Male And Female Welding Students’ Tinkering Self-Efficacy, Kjersti Decker, Michael Pate, Tyson Sorensen, Michelle S. Burrows, Katie N. Kraus, Don Edgar

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Welding, agricultural mechanics and blue-collar trades have traditionally been perceived to be reserved for males, yet many females in recent years have enrolled in training programs and have entered these careers (England, 2010). In previous research, females have indicated lower levels of tinkering self-efficacy and confidence in mechanics settings (Baker & Krause, 2007). This study examined difference between male and female welding student’s perceptions of welding technology, tinkering self-efficacy, and perceptions of learning welding technology. Students were engaged in designated tinkering activities throughout the semester to promote developing tinkering abilities. Activities included but were not limited to GMAW and …

A Phenomenological Investigation Of North Carolina's General Pre-Kindergarten Teachers' Attitudes And Perceived Self-Efficacy Toward Inclusion, Susanne Williamson Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate and describe North Carolina’s general Pre-Kindergarten teachers’ lived experiences concerning their attitudes and perceived self-efficacy towards inclusion. The theories guiding this research study were Bandura’s social learning theory and Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The social learning theory laid the foundation for the importance of positive attitudes and a high sense of self-efficacy toward inclusion. The theory of planned behavior grounded the idea that teachers’ attitudes influence their behaviors and actions. Therefore, negative attitudes can cause teachers to be negative towards including special needs children. Ten general NC Pre-K teachers …

Neurodiversity Persistence In Stem Programs: A Phenomenological Study Of Self-Efficacy Among Autistic Students In Higher Education, Cecil Anthony Banning

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions of self-efficacy among neurodiverse students in STEM programs at four-year universities. Albert Bandara’s social cognitive theory (SCT) guided this study as it relates to the influence of environment, social interaction, and communication on learning development and academic mastery. Improving academic self-efficacy among neurodiverse students in STEM programs in higher education begins with understanding how these students encounter the academic world. SCT provided the framework for this study to answer the central research question and sub-questions: (1) What are the self-efficacy experiences of neurodiverse students currently enrolled in a …

The Perceived Influence Of Mathematics Anxiety On Self-Efficacy Among Adult Learners At A Technical College In Georgia: A Phenomenological Study, George Asare Ofosu-Anim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the perceived influence of mathematics anxiety on self-efficacy among adult learners at a technical college in Georgia. The theory of self-efficacy introduced by Albert Bandura which explains how learners develop their self-efficacy beliefs by executing a series of actions while dealing with diverse situations, guided this research study. The central question, “What is the perceived influence of math anxiety on adult learners at a technical college in Georgia?” was answered through this study. Data collection followed a systematic criterion with 10 interviews conducted from a purposeful consideration of the diverse …

The Perceptions Of Principals, English Language Arts Teachers, And Librarians Regarding The Role Of School Librarians In Their Schools Being Identified As National Blue Ribbon Award Winning Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools: A Qualitative Case Study, Beth Mcguire

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover the perceptions of the role and programs in school libraries that support academic achievement in the school community for educational professionals at National Blue Ribbon Schools in the United States. Perceptions regarding the role of school librarianship surrounding academic achievement were explored from four National Blue Ribbon Schools locations during 2022 and 2023 in kindergarten through Grade 12. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The central research question was: How did educational professional self-efficacy influence the implementation of school library programs during the attainment of the National Blue …

Multiple Perspectives Examining How A High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (Jrotc) Program Affects Student Development: A Case Study, Kurt Duane Barry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to examine how a high school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program affects student development of their personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment by fusing the perspectives of the school administrators, JROTC instructors, and school guidance counselors for a more holistic view. The theories guiding this study are Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation and Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, which relate to secondary student development for cadets in the JROTC program. The central research question focused on the benefits of a school’s JROTC program to the cadets enrolled. The research setting …

High School Teachers' Perceptions Of The Factors That Foster And/Or Inhibit Self-Efficacy During Emergency Remote Teaching, Andrea Padelsky

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

This qualitative research study explores high school teachers' perceptions of the factors influencing their self-efficacy during emergency remote teaching (ERT) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted in a New Jersey high school, investigates the immediate transition from traditional in-person instruction to fully remote learning. By utilizing semi-structured interviews, the research focuses on five emergent themes: Adaptability and Flexibility, Student-Centered Approach, Communication and Transparency, Resourcefulness and Connection, and Challenges and Uncertainty Management.

The research study aligns with Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory, examining how mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological arousal contribute to teachers' self-efficacy during …

Understanding Parents’/Caregivers’ Experiences With School-Based Technology At Home, Marcus J.W. Borders

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to understand parents’/caregivers’ experiences as supporters of their elementary-aged children’s use of school-based technology at home. Research questions of this case study focused on the experiences, perceptions and needs of parents/caregivers within their support of school-based technology. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, along with digital document collection, and a focus group interview. Transcripts for each interview and the focus group were analyzed as a means of establishing parents’/caregivers’ unique experiences, their perceptions of their ability to support the use of school-based technology, and the needs they required to be successful within …

Using Efficacious Content Area Literacy Practices To Support Student Improvement And Perception Of Self-Efficacy, Christine Mccabe

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and motivation change when students use content area literacy practices in math. This study was guided by the affective theories of Bandura, Maslow, and Guthrie & Wigfield. This study used qualitative research, focusing on collecting data through anecdotal evidence, student self-evaluation surveys, student journal responses, and a teacher research journal. Throughout the six week study, students participated in lessons focused on improving self-efficacy, confidence and motivation. Additionally, students learned to make connections between math and literacy through math literacy tasks, such as numberless word problems. Following the study, data was analyzed through triangulation …

Campus Ministry And Spiritual Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Achievement Among Black Male Students At An Historically Black College And University, Mitchell Stevens

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in motivation and achievement (Bandura, 1994), provided a lens through which to analyze the influence of Historically Black Colleges and University’s (HBCUs) campus ministry on the development of spiritual self-efficacy and academic achievement among Black males. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a long history of providing higher education opportunities to Black students, and they have been instrumental in fostering academic, personal, and social growth (Smith & Allen, 2014). However, little is known about the specific impact of campus ministry programs on the development of Black males’ spiritual self-efficacy and …

Teachers’ Self-Efficacy And Cyberbullying: A Qualitative Investigation Of Teacher Perspectives, Shanda Salvant Theriot

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

This qualitative study explored the self-efficacy of middle school teachers as they address cyberbullying in the classroom. A phenomenological research design using a purposive sampling method was used. To understand the teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives on cyberbullying, open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventh-grade teachers from two parochial schools and three charter schools. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, which was used to gather additional information regarding the teachers’ background and experience. Seven themes emerged from coding the data collected from the teacher interviews and focus group session: 1) collaboration and communication, 2) professional development and training, 3) support and …

Exploring The Connection Between Self-Efficacy And Preparedness Among First-Year College Students, Marianne Hale

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

The goal of the American education system is to prepare students for college. I wondered, “Do students feel ready?” That question led me to investigate the literature on the development, implementation, and effectiveness of our current standards. The gap I found was that the standards do not address an important aspect of student achievement, that of student self-efficacy. Self-efficacy in writing helps students have the confidence to engage in the task of writing, regardless of the situation. I focused my study of student writing self-efficacy on one English 1010 class. I administered a self-efficacy evaluation in class and conducted a …

Fear Of Failure In High School Band Sight Reading: Effects On Student And Teacher Experiences, Andrew D. Lightner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students' fear of failure among social, cultural, experiential, and internal pressures influence sight-reading abilities in the high school band classroom. Investigating the error culture in band sight-reading skills can affect the learning and teaching methods found in current practice, emphasizing the need to understand the experiences of both students and teachers. Band teachers may refine their teaching and learning methods to address student fears while enhancing sight- reading skills implied throughout the study. Although copious research exists on high school sight-reading methodology and rehearsal strategies to help music educators provide an all- encompassing musical experience, students may need help applying …

Teacher Motivation And Student Behavioral Defiance: A Phenomenological Study, Gwendolyn Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the influence of student behavioral defiance on elementary educators in Virginia. The research question was, “What are the lived experiences of elementary educators in Hampton Roads, Virginia, having experienced student behavioral defiance?” Bandura’s self-efficacy theory guided this study. It analyzed subjective changes affecting teachers and their motivation by applying four significant sources of self-efficacy: performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. The primary source of data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, in addition to a focus group and journal prompt. Transcendental phenomenology aided in analyzing semi-structured …

Quality, Meaningful Educational Experiences: An Autobiographical Study Of Teaching And Learning Algebra 1, Marya Ray

Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Dissertations

This autobiographical study of teaching and learning Algebra 1 was developed to examine classroom experiences through the lens of the researcher and to explore the perceptions of teachers and students involved in the study. The goal was to identify the quality, meaningful educational experiences in the classroom which led to the development of algebraic thinking and self-efficacy among students who previously demonstrated a struggle to learn mathematics. The inspiration for this study was my personal experience as a student, as I also struggled to develop algebraic thinking as a high school student. The school district in which this study was …

Teachers' Lived Experiences Of Implementing Reading Interventions At The Middle School Level In Small Rural Districts To Meet The Requirements Of The Colorado Read Act: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Misty M. Cronsell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of small rural middle school teachers who are mandated by the Colorado READ Act to implement reading interventions for all students on READ plans. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy as it pertains to the self-efficacy beliefs the teachers have who are providing these reading interventions. The study involved 10 middle school teachers from across the state of Colorado who were responsible for the reading interventions at the middle school level. The use of individual interviews, focus interviews, document analysis, and a self-efficacy survey …

Exploring The Writing Center's Role On At-Risk Students' Self-Efficacy And Writing Performance: A Phenomenological Study, Lacey Sipos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the beliefs and attitudes regarding at-risk higher education students’ experiences with using their institution’s writing center services at a public state university in the Northwestern United States. The research was a transcendental phenomenological approach that used psychologist Moustakas's methodical data analysis procedures and guidelines to construct descriptions that captured the essence of the lived experiences of at-risk students who participated in the study. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Previous research continues to examine multiple factors that may contribute to at-risk student populations' underutilization of …

The Impact Of Trauma-Informed Training, Self-Efficacy, And Work Task Motivation On Meaningful Work For K-12 Public Education Teachers, Alicia M. Kahrs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over the past decade, schools have increasingly adopted trauma-informed practices (TIP) due to research confirming the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma on children and youth. This study explored how trauma-informed training affects teachers’ experiences of meaningful work. The study is based on the theoretical frameworks of Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory (SDT) and Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, as well as Rosso et al.’s (2010) research on meaningful work. The research used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group posttest-only design to measure the impact of trauma-informed training on teachers’ sense of meaningful work. Additionally, this study examined the relationship between …

Returning To School After A Pandemic: K-6 Education Teachers Perspectives On Low- Income Students Returning To School With Regard To Academic Achievement, Behavior, Mindset, And Social Connections, Sarah Orendorff

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine K-6 educators’ perceptions of the impact on low-income students returning to school after the trauma of a pandemic for 2 years with regard to behavior, academic achievement, mindset, and social connections.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 12 K6 teachers who taught before, during, and after the pandemic in Orange County, CA. Semi-structured open ended interview questions was the main source of data collection with other sources including observations, and artifacts. Data was coded and the researcher analyzed the data for themes and patterns.

Findings: After analyzing data, codes, and themes …

Implementing Writing Strategies In Secondary Classrooms Across Multiple Content Areas, Julia R. Campie

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan integrates different writing strategies, such as (a) collaborative writing; (b) peer editing; (c) technology integration; and (c) writing for a specific task, purpose, and style to improve writing scores in a rural school district in the Midwest. Through the use of a pilot team, members will test what specific writing strategies are effective in each content area and apply it in their own classrooms. Then, the pilot team will coach staff members in writing strategies and implementation in their own content areas for a building-wide initiative to increase self-efficacy with writing and improve student Iowa Statewide …

The Effects Of Self-Efficacy On The Accuracy Of Self-Assessments, Griffin Forberg

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Self-efficacy plays an important role in academic performance and self-concept development. This action research investigates the effects of self-efficacy on self-assessment accuracy among engineering students during a 3D modeling unit. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study contains Likert scales to assess self-efficacy and quantitative methods to determine student's predicted and actual performance. Findings reveal that while self-efficacy improves over time, students become more likely to underestimate their abilities. The study suggests the need for a variety of feedback sources and highlights potential limitations in the tested self-assessment practices. Future research should explore other subject areas and different assessment formats to …

Physical Educators’ Self-Efficacy To Teach Students With Disabilities Across Instructional Placements, Lindsey Ann Nowland

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Although there are several well used self-efficacy instruments designed to measure PE teachers’ self-efficacy to teach students with disabilities, limitations to these scales exits, such as a narrow focus on integrated instructional placements and an absence of theoretically relevant sources of self-efficacy information built within the scales. These limitations translate to a significant gap in the literature between measuring PE teachers’ self-efficacy and understanding how sources of self-efficacy information interact to shape PE teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, as well as understanding how different instructional placements may inform efficacy. This dissertation was structured in a two-manuscript approach. The purpose of the first …

Best Practices In Professional Learning Communities That Influence Teacher Self-Efficacy, Silian Molly Hornsby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined best practices in professional learning communities (PLCs) that influence teacher self-efficacy. Participants were primary and intermediate teachers and teacher leaders from a large suburban elementary school in Texas. Participants had to have at least 1 year of teaching and PLC experience. The semistructured teacher and teacher-leader interviews were recorded and transcribed in real time using Otter.ai software. After members checked the transcription, the transcription was uploaded into the NVivo software for coding and identifying common themes. The findings were separated into themes based on the study’s research questions. Research question 1 explored what teachers and …

Impact Of Financial Literacy And Financial Capability On Students' Self-Efficacy, Darren Scott

Dissertations

Low-income, first-generation college students experience unique obstacles in their pursuits of a college degree. One of the biggest stressors that exist within this population is financial stress which has led to money being the number one reason students do not persist to graduation. Despite this being one of their biggest stressors, many higher education institutions do not put an emphasis on financial literacy initiatives that research has shown can help alleviate this type of stress. This mixed methods study explores the impact financial literacy and financial capability has on a students’ self-efficacy. This research is guided by Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy …

Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Of Swimming Coaches Towards The Inclusion Of Swimmers With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eleftheria Kasagianni, Dimitrios Kokaridas, Panagiotis Varsamis, Vasilis Tsimaras

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and self-efficacy of swimming coaches regarding the inclusion of swimmers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sample consisted of 150 Greek swimming coaches with an average age of 29.58 years. Each participant completed the Swimming Coaches Attitudes towards Inclusion Questionnaire for perceptions assessment and the Biddle and Goudas (1997) self-efficacy questionnaire. The statistical analysis used SPSS 27 to calculate Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson product-moment correlations, independent t-tests, and ANOVA. The findings of the study showed that the swimming coaches expressed positive attitudes and a high percentage of perceived self-efficacy towards the …

Classical Growth Grid: A Proposal For Classical Formative Assessment, Kristen Hampton

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

This research endeavor seeks to explore how to assess a classically educated student. A classical Christian education differs from modern education, and the evaluation of the student must differ. This research focuses on determining how a classical student could best be assessed using strategies already proven by educational research. Overall, there needs to be more tools to equip a classical educator to evaluate students, and the existing tools need to be supported by research. This research seeks to give sound evidence to develop a potential method of classical assessment to measure a student’s academic growth that could be utilized by …

Understanding Teacher Perceptions Around Feedback, Cari Ann Sloan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This narrative research study sought to better understand teachers’ perceptions around feedback, specifically the significant drivers of quality teacher feedback and the effect of the evaluator/teacher relationship. The theoretical frameworks of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, adult learning theory, social learning theory, and self-determination theory were examined to determine what the research reveals about adults’ incentive to improve. Research around accepted best practices in feedback was also reviewed in order to understand current implementation in educational settings, specifically what motivates teachers when given feedback on instruction. Four teachers, chosen for their specific characteristics, gave first-hand accounts of their experiences with the …

The Effects Of Debriefing Methods On Athletic Training Students’ Self-Efficacy, Amy Brzoska, Lori Kupczynski, Julie L. Murphy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based education is a teaching method used successfully in nursing and medical education, as well as in the military and aviation fields. It provides students with safe learning environments and opportunities to practice skills not seen or used during clinical rotations. Debriefing is an essential component of simulation where learning occurs while also fostering critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and promoting self-efficacy with clinical skills. However, the evidence rarely indicates which debriefing method is best at increasing clinical evaluation skills self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of debriefing methods on students’ clinical evaluation self-efficacy. Methods: …