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The Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Working Memory With A Covariate Of Exercise Among The Perimenopausal Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Karen Marie Veltri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intermittent fasting and exercise are tools to improve health. Current literature focuses on their impact on metabolic health and weight loss, leaving a gap in the research examining their effects on working memory during the menopause transition. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by recruiting perimenopausal participants and randomly assigning them to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group followed an 8/16 intermittent fasting regimen for two consecutive weeks. Both groups ate ad libitum without dietary restrictions. Participants completed a pre- and post-study Working Memory Questionnaire and self-reported average hours of exercise per week. …

Bringing Effective Coaching To Scale: Experiences Of Instructional Coaches In A Large-Scale Coaching Program: A Phenomenological Study, Kristen A. Skura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to understand the barriers that might exist for full-time instructional coaches in an established, large-scale coaching program in a large public school district on the East Coast of the U.S. The theories that guided this study were Knowles’ adult learning theory and the partnership philosophy put forth by Knight as a theoretical foundation for quality instructional coaching. The partnership philosophy is built on the ideas of adult learning theory. Knight suggests seven principles of effective instructional coaching, though this study was focused on only four: equality, reflection, praxis, and reciprocity. The methods of this study included …

Differences In Special Education Teachers' Applied Behavior Analysis Scores: A Causal-Comparative Study, Delilah Mae Fernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study aimed to determine if there was a difference in applied behavior analysis scores from the applied behavior analysis test between traditional and non-traditionally certified teachers and veteran and new teachers. This research also aimed to identify if there was an interaction effect between experience level and type of certification when considering understanding of applied behavior analysis. This study is important as the findings contribute to the education system within the central Texas area as it uncovered the level of knowledge specific special education teachers in self-contained classrooms have and determined if educators are implementing the best …

Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of White Male Teachers In An Urban Secondary School, Bryce M. Woerner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the commonalities and factors of retention for White male teachers at an urban secondary school. The focus was on the experiences of the White male teachers at an urban secondary school in Virginia. This research is an examination of the experiences and perceptions of White male teachers. The data included interviews, focus groups, and letter writing to fill the gap in literature for teacher retention in urban schools. The research questions included what are the lived experiences of White male teachers in urban secondary schools and why do they choose …

The Lived Experiences Of Parents Raising A Child With Albinism: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Quineesha D. Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of psychological barriers for parents of children with albinism in general education classes. The theory guiding this study was Goffman’s social stigma theory on stigmas, as it provides the framework for understanding the educational barriers faced in the general education classroom. This study answers the central research question, what are the lived experiences of parents of children with albinism in school? This transcendental phenomenological study emphasized the need for policy and practice changes focusing on assertiveness and coping skills for students with albinism in primary general education …

Teacher Observations On The Success Of Hard-Of-Hearing Students In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom: A Case Study, Hannah Abbott Mcpherson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to describe how deficits in foundational language among hard-of-hearing students influence mathematics instruction for general education middle school classroom teachers working to educate this student population in the South. The theory guiding this study was Paivio’s theory on dual coding, as it supports learning the necessary concepts needed to perform successfully in mathematics. The central research question for this study was: What are the experiences of middle school mathematics teachers working with hard-of-hearing students? Methodology defined as a descriptive case study included individual interviews, a focus group, and journal prompts to collect data …

The Experiences Of Teachers Implementing Co-Teaching Models: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Chad M. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of secondary teachers implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms at a public school district in northwest Arkansas. For this study, co-teaching is defined as the collaborative approach to instruction in which a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess a course that includes general education students and students with disabilities. Using Johnson and Johnson’s social interdependence theory as a theoretical framework, this study addressed the central research question: What experiences do teachers have implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms? A …

Low To Moderate-Intensity Exercise On Blood Pressure Response In Hypertensive Older Adults, David Farrell Robinson Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aims to investigate the blood pressure response of a single bout of exercise at low to moderate intensity in older adults with normal/grade 1 hypertension. 120 physically active adults (74.80 ± 6.3 years) randomly completed two aerobic exercise sessions of 30 minutes at low (30% heart rate reserve [HRres]) and moderate (50% HRres) intensity. Blood pressure was assessed pre-exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the completion of the exercise bout. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased after both exercise intensities without significant differences. Both exercise intensities saw a proportionate decrease in post exercise blood pressure response compared …

Keeping The Beat: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Retention Strategies And Their Impact On Historically Black Colleges And University Band Student And Alumni Success, Melton Randolph Harvey Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich cultural legacy, but there is still little understanding of how these programs impact students in particular ways. HBCUs provide Black individuals a chance to achieve equality, gain respect as a collective in the United States, and secure employment in professional fields. The purpose of this study aims to explore the factors concerning retention that contribute to participation in Historically Black Colleges and University band participation and analyze the effectiveness of its current retention initiatives.

the main research tool created to investigate the dynamics of recruitment and retention in HBCU …

School Counselor’S Perceptions Of The Influence Of Sudden Traumatic Loss On Secondary Urban Adolescents, Tiffany L. Hillian-Sullivan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When an adolescent has a traumatic experience, the impact of the incident may be manifested within the confines of the educational setting. Educators are then required to support the student as they attempt to handle the trauma. When a student experiences a sudden and traumatic loss (death) of a parent, family member, or close friend, they are not prepared to handle the trials that come with grief. Often, teachers are not equipped with best practices of trauma-informed teaching methodology in order to best meet the needs of traumatized adolescents. When students are unable to handle their challenges, they are typically …

Overcoming Barriers To Persistence: A Single-Case Study Of Student Veterans In Higher Education, Janet G. Hupel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic case study is to understand the lived experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence at a small, faith-based institution of higher education in the South. The theory guiding this study is Pascarella’s student-faculty integration model, as it explains the relationship between the student veterans’ unique background characteristics and other educational experiences to the degree of integration with faculty on campus and, ultimately, their persistence in higher education. What are the experiences of student veterans as they overcome barriers to persistence in higher education? The setting for the study is a small, faith-based …

The Perception And Lived Experiences Of African International Students During Their Studies In The United States Colleges And Universities: A Phenomenological Study, Ebere V. Chukwuezi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience and perceptions adapting to the process of college-level education for African international students at a four-year college in the southeastern United States. The theory that guided this study was Berry’s acculturation theory, which categorizes individual adaptation strategies into two dimensions. This study was guided by acculturation theory aligned with the central research question and sub-questions. Participants who completed their studies or were current students at the university were selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. Data was collected through individual interviews, online surveys, and focus groups and analyzed …

The Effects Of Social Media Presence On Historically Black College And University (Hbcu) College Student Band Selection, Kuronde Washington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research reveals the effects of social media presence on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) college student band selection. This quantitative correlational research study investigates the impact of social media presence and engagement on how HBCU band students select the college band they wish to attend. Variables in the digital space are the students’ influence of choice and social media. The researcher surveyed 75 HBCU band students from various athletic conferences to determine what social media content factors influence how college and university band students perceive and rank band programs. Participants were selected based on active college or university …

Teaching Aural Skills In Undergraduate Music Using World Music Concepts: A Narrative Inquiry, Eugene Seow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project recognizes the potential of pedagogical innovation through world music concepts, particularly in applying world music education techniques to acquiring undergraduate aural skills. The study examines concepts from African drumming, Indian tala, Arabic maqam, and Japanese gagaku, briefly inquiring into the psychology and theory behind these world musics, and determines how best to transfer the concepts to an undergraduate aural skill teaching curriculum alongside its core concepts rooted in the Western classical idiom. Thus, teachers can augment aural skills education at the collegiate level with cross-cultural perspectives and integrative techniques. This qualitative narrative inquiry research recognizes the imbalance in …

Exploring Health Science Students' Perception Of The Influence Of Health Precaution Practices During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Marquitta L. Foster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to address a lack of research on health science students’ perceptions and use of health precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory frames this study of bachelor's, master’s and doctoral level students at Liberty University, George Mason University, and Norfolk State University. Data was gathered via surveys, interviews, and observations from 35 students across the three universities, providing a diverse pool of age, gender, and ethnicity. The initial survey gathered demographic data on whether students considered themselves immunocompromised, their view on COVID-19's severity for the immunocompromised, and whether they felt …

Incorporating Aaron Copland's Philosophy Of Inclusion In Midwest Rural Band Programs: A Qualitative Study Of Attracting And Retaining Students Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Jonathan, S. Laflamme

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The field of music education has established the value of instrumental band music instruction as congruent with students’ intellectual, kinesthetic, psychological, and academic success. However, one should scrutinize the validity of the above data, as it addresses issues concerning access to instrumental music education that persist within underserved populations, particularly those characterized by low socioeconomic status (SES) in rural Midwest America. Researchers have synthesized very little data specifically to address the needs of Midwest rural schools and underserved student populations. This qualitative study explores the effects of applying Aaron Copland’s philosophy of inclusion, specifically regarding students of low SES, in …

Community Partnerships For Music Education In Rural Eastern New Mexico And West Texas, Joseph Manuel Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the availability of music education courses in rural America’s secondary school setting, the quality and quantity of music education offerings may be in a state of decline due to student retention, lack of collaborations between extra/co-curricular activities and their instructors, scheduling conflicts, or lack of community involvement. Music education opportunities allow students to engage in art forms that further life-long learning and music advocacy. This study will investigate the perspective of music educators in rural Eastern New Mexico and West Texas as they continue to create high-quality music-band programs. The qualitative phenomenological research study highlights perspectives of rural American …

Lateral Entry Secondary Career And Technical Education Teachers' Perception Of Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Chunnisee T. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe lateral entry career and technical education (CTE) teachers’ experiences with self-efficacy within a secondary school in the southcentral region of the United States. Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the study aimed to uncover the subjective experiences and perspectives of lateral entry CTE teachers as they navigated their teaching roles. The central research question addressed was: How did lateral entry CTE teachers describe experiences of self-efficacy development in a secondary school in the southcentral region of the United States? A sample of 10 lateral entry secondary CTE teachers who meet all …

The Lived Experiences Of Educators Leveraging Educational Technology And Connectivism For Fostering Academic Achievement In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Cynthia T. Plueger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of educators at public universities in the southern region of the United States who leverage educational technology to enhance student engagement and improve academic achievement through the application of connectivism principles in learning environments. This study was guided by the connectivism theory, which highlights the significance of interconnected networks, contemporary knowledge, and the interrelatedness of information in digital higher education learning environments. The central research question was: How do educators at public universities in the southern region of the United States describe their lived experiences with leveraging …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Factors That Contribute To First-Generation Minority College Students' Motivation In Bachelor's Degree Attainment, Garry Anthony Mebane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences that motivated and contributed to first-generation minority college student success (FGMCSS) at a university in the southeastern United States. This study involved 12 first-generation minority college students (FGMCS) enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Bandura's social cognitive theory guided this research, which explains that the human learning process develops through social context. Research questions emerged from understanding the problem and purpose statements. The question guiding this research was: What are the experiences that motivate and contribute to FGMCS success at a university in the southeastern United States? …

What Did They Forget? Learning Loss Of Rural Secondary Students Post-Covid: A Phenomenological Study, Tracey A. Wade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study describes the lived experiences of rural, secondary teachers in a southwestern Virginia school district. The central research question was “What are the lived experiences of rural, secondary teachers with student learning loss post-COVID?” Therefore, the focus of this study was to understand the experiences of teachers with student learning loss post-COVID and what innovative strategies they used to mitigate that loss. The guiding theory was Piaget's constructivist theory of learning as teachers utilize best practices through educational technology, and other innovative instruction techniques, to support students with learning loss post-COVID. Through qualitative methodology and phenomenological research design, …

The Role Of Pre-Collegiate Mentorship Programs In Orchestra Teacher Recruitment In South Carolina, Tamar Ben-Pazi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The looming crisis of teacher shortages has garnered attention from music education stakeholders worldwide. The search for causation and resolution of this critical issue has inspired innovative approaches to hiring, training, and the support of professional educators. While mentoring has been lauded by education experts as an essential component of educator career fulfillment, and mentorship programs designed for novice teachers have been recognized within the profession's ranks as effective tools in this pursuit, there has been little research evaluating the impact of mentorship programs designed to identify and recruit pre-collegiate future educators. This study aims to advance the cause for …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of First-Year Christian Student Success In Theological Studies During The Pandemic, Philip Lamar Nash

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the journeys of first-year undergraduate theological students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to figure out what, if anything, aided the students in completing their coursework with passing grades. COVID-19 has impacted organizations and individuals around the world, prompting changes to ensure that things kept moving forward safely. The research was conducted to discover what, if anything, brought about achievement for students in a COVID-19 collegiate environment. The research was guided through a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative approach by conducting interviews with students about their first year in a residential secondary educational setting that moved to being online because …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Preservice Educators' Mindsets Regarding Training In Identifying Pre-Violence Indicator Patterns, Aaron Glenn Walp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the mindsets of preservice educators regarding mandatory training in pre-violence indicator patterns at XYZ University. Pre-violence indicator patterns are defined as behaviors symptomatic of violent or aggressive behavior. The theory guiding this study was Dweck’s implicit theory of intelligence. The central research question was: What is the mindset of preservice educators regarding mandatory training in pre-violence indicator patterns? Qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological methods were used to study the beliefs of 12 preservice educators through a questionnaire, individual interviews, and a group discussion. The data were examined through line-by-line coding and …

Family Functionality And Social-Emotional Learning Skills For Middle School Students: A Predictive Correlational Study, Elisabeth Anne Chapman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if there was a predictive relationship between family functionality, based on the linear combination of expressiveness, cohesion, conflict, and social-emotional learning skills for middle school students. The findings of this study provided data to better understand the extent to which home life impacts the ability of middle school students to apply social-emotional skills at school and can provide educators with data to use as a baseline in understanding and evaluating the current levels of a child’s social-emotional learning skills. The research observed 80 middle school students, Grades 6-8, …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Writing Motivational Constructs Of Students With And Without Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder In Online College Composition Courses, Michelle Bianco

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in the writing motivation of students with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and students without ADHD in online college composition I courses. The study of writing motivation in relation to ADHD in online college composition courses is significant as writing motivation is a crucial predictor of academic success and persistence. Data was collected from a population of approximately 1685 students enrolled in online college composition I at an accredited online university within a larger midwestern land-grant public university system. Using the Writing Motivation Questionnaire and …

The Relationship Between High-Impact Educational Practices (Hips) And Institutional Integration And Persistence: A Predictive-Correlational Design, Amy L. O'Dell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive-correlational research study was to examine how well a linear combination of predictor variables, including course structure, is able to predict the levels of integration and rates of reenrollment among students at a regional, comprehensive university in the southwest. Higher education has a problem with attrition. Approximately 50% of undergraduates who begin their post-secondary education leave without completing a degree. Innovative classroom techniques, like high-impact practices (HIPs), may be a way to reduce student attrition. This study sought to investigate the affect that a unique HIP has on students’ levels of integration and rate of …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Teaching Motivation For Teachers Of Color In Predominantly White Schools, Jennifer Lynn Mcconnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The phenomenological study explores how teachers of color describe their lived experiences and motivations to teach at predominantly White K–12 public schools in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding the study is Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation, which postulates that certain factors in the workplace, known as motivators, lead to job satisfaction. In contrast, others lead to dissatisfaction, known as hygiene factors. Herzberg's theory provides a valuable lens through which to examine the motivations of teachers of color to teach at predominantly White K–12 public schools in Pennsylvania. The qualitative research study explores the underlying factors influencing these teachers' commitments via interviews, …

School Ethnic-Racial Socialization And Educator Practices: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Qualitative Study, Cyntrenna C. Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was aimed to discover and interpret the educator’s experience as ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) agents of adolescent youth in schools in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Saleem and Byrd’s school ethnic-racial socialization conceptual model, as it highlights the importance of the school context in shaping adolescent youth ethnic-racial identity and the examination of educators as school ethnic-racial socialization agents. The central question is, what are the lived experiences of educators of adolescent youth as ethnic-racial socialization agents in public schools in the United States? There were 13 educators of adolescent …

Hip Hop Performing Arts Charter Schools: The Future Of Arts Education In Predominantly Non-White, Low Income, Underserved Rural Areas Of Louisiana, Anthony P. Shelton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Some still view arts education as a non-essential extracurricular activity despite its benefits. Even though the Every Student Succeeds Act acknowledges arts education is a healthy and well-rounded subject, local, district, and state administrators still control budget allocation and cuts, which generally affect arts education. There has also been a decline or lack of interest in traditional learning methods in the arts and core subjects. Alternative student learning forms have shown benefits in suburban, urban, and inner-city schools. Still, there is little information about these methods in predominantly non-white rural schools. Research using qualitative methods examines the potential effectiveness of …