Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Role Of Power In Interdisciplinary, Undergraduate, Student Teams: A Critical Discourse Analysis, Andrea Lucia Arce-Trigatti

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is a cultural studies project that aims to understand how power manifests and influences knowledge construction between students working in an undergraduate, interdisciplinary, collaborative learning environment. Power – which holds the potential to empower and/or silence students - is intrinsic in social interaction and therefore inherent in collaboration. Exploring how power influences new knowledge construction in undergraduate, collaborative learning environments has the potential to uncover what type of interactions are valued and integrated or marginalized and excluded as part of these communicative exchanges.The purpose of this dissertation is thus not only to improve student learning within collaborative contexts, …

Making Sounds, Patrick Costello

Theses and Dissertations

Using collaboration and performance as tools, I situate my personal story, my body, and my skills and interests within a contemporary landscape that is intersectional, full of partialities, and rooted in evolving ecologies.

Transforming Traditional Teaching Practices With 21st Century Skills In K-12 Classrooms, Casey Mcguire

Culminating Projects in Information Media

This portfolio seeks to explore the four C’s of 21^st-century learning: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Utilizing academic journals and online resources specifically centered on the four C’s, this paper seeks to provide learners with definitive examples of what the four C’s look like in K-12 education, as well as provide educators with specific examples of how these skills can be enhanced in K-12 classrooms today. This portfolio examines academic journals regarding 21^st century skills, as well as provides training materials that can be used to develop a better understanding of the four C’s for K-12 …

Effects Of Collaboration On Elementary Teachers, Meghan M. Jackson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study investigated the effects of bi-weekly, guided, intentional and collaborative classroom material development on the teaching practice of elementary teachers. The study was conducted at a private Montessori school of 125 students, and two elementary teachers participated. Data was collected using a variety of research tools including participant self-assessments, a prepared environment rubric, post-collaboration meeting reflection pages, daily reflection pages and a final conference with the teachers at the end of the research period. Both teachers expressed positive feelings towards the collaborative approach of enhancing their classrooms. The teachers also appreciated the ability to share ideas and …

In It Together: The Impact Of Data-Driven Teams On Student Learning, Collaborative Practice, And School Culture, Marcie Wilson

Education Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this study was to determine the impact of data-driven teams on student learning, collaborative practice, and school culture. The participants in the study were the data-driven team members from four middle schools in a North Carolina county. The study used EOG test results in 6–8 reading and math from before implementation to after implementation of data-driven teams, EVAAS growth in 6–8 reading and math from before implementation to after implementation of data-driven teams, results on Gruenert and Whitaker’s (2015) School Culture Survey given after implementation, interviews with the principals of each middle school, and focus group interviews …

Teacher Perspectives Of Their Experiences In A Professional Learning Community And How These Experiences Contribute To A Collaborative School Culture, Kimberly Janette Kelley

Education Dissertations and Projects

Fullan (1998) stated, “Student achievement increases substantially in schools with collaborative work cultures that foster a professional learning community among teachers and others” (p. 8). Vandevoort, Amrein-Beardsley, and Berliner (2004) also found that the quality of the teacher in the classroom is the single most important factor in determining how well a child learns. The purpose of this study was to determine practices and experiences within a Professional Learning Community (PLC) that contribute to a collaborative culture and student performance. The research question for this study was, “What experiences in a PLC do teachers perceive contribute to a collaborative culture?” …

An Evolving Experiment In Community Engagement: The Philippine Co-Curation Partnership At The Field Museum, Sarah E. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last decade, Field Museum staff have worked to build enduring partnerships with local Filipinx-American community members. These partnerships engage participants in the stewardship of the collection, reinterpreting entangled object meanings and connecting the Museum’s collection to the lived experiences of modern communities. Through collaborative digitization efforts and events the Philippine Co-Curation partnership works to confront a colonial past while offering a gathering space for local Filipinx-Americans. As an emerging approach to collections management, it aims to embody the ideals of modern museology, bringing both partners and staff into uncertain territory and inspiring important questions about how collaborative relationships …

Stronger Together: A Case For Team Teaching In The Elementary School Setting, Jenna Christine Degan

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The focus of this study was to determine the impact of team teaching on teacher efficacy, burnout, and student engagement in an elementary school setting. Few if any studies have examined the relationship between team teaching and feelings of efficacy and burnout with elementary school teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine if team teaching was a viable and workable approach for teachers in the elementary school settings to develop teacher efficacy, avoid burnout, and increase student engagement. This study utilized a qualitative methodology to collect data from three participants who were team teaching at the same elementary …

Economized Sensor Data Processing With Vehicle Platooning, Kailash Kumar Yadav Yelasani

Theses

We present platooning as a special case of crowd-sensing framework. After offering a policy that governs platooning, we review common scenarios and components surrounding platooning. We present a prototype that illustrates efficiency of road usage and vehicle travel time derived from platooning. We have argued that beyond the commonly reported benefits of platooning, there are substantial savings in acquisition and processing of sensory data sharing the road. Our results show that data transmission can be reduced to low of 3% compared to normal data transmission using a platoon formation with sensor sharing.

The Impact Of Teacher Collaboration On The Implementation Of Best Practices With A Learning Management System In A Public School Setting, Sarah Vycital, Nicholas Zwick, Ross Nelson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to study the impact of teacher collaboration on

implementation of best practices with a learning management system (LMS) in a public school setting. Three researchers, 21 kindergarteners, 29 second graders, 113 eighth graders, and parents participated in this study for four weeks. During this study, quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. This data included: three parent assessments and researcher-completed observations . As a result, the researchers found that collaboration improved their personal attitudes, parent involvement, student engagement, and student learning outcomes.

A Qualitative Approach To Examining The Rules Of A Community College And Industry Partnership., Cara Dimattina-Ryan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the governance structure of a successful community college and industry advisory board that collaborate to improve regional workforce development initiatives. The institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework was used as a lens to describe the partnership. The results determined that there were many informal rules that governed the relationship between the community college and industry partners, which led to successful implementation of decisions. The community college leaders created the informal rules with the purpose of encouraging involvement among industry stakeholders, sharing power among all the participants, and facilitating communication. The findings …

Video Composition, Creative Discourse, And Facilitated Freedom: A Teacher's Journey To Reveal Student Potential, Michael A. Brinkmeyer

MSU Graduate Theses

This research project was conducted in response to students’ lack of engagement in traditional modes of instruction and composition in a high school English Language Arts course. In order to better understand students as creative composers of knowledge, this research project asked students to engage in the video production process in collaborative groups. The research was conducted over the course of eight class periods in three different sections of Junior-level English Language Arts courses. Analysis of the data from this study reveals three important findings: 1) students respond well to creative and relevant performance assessments; 2) students’ collaborative conversations, or …

Ji: Zimbabwe Rural School Development Program, Leor Rozen

Construction Management

Adjusting to the construction codes and processes of a foreign country is a very complex and involved process. There are considerations for different materials, procedures, costs, requirements, potential tribal or cultural conflict, corruption, and many other potential obstacles and challenges to overcome. While this project was seemingly simple, inexpensive, and straightforward, there was a significant amount of obstruction from the government concerning a coup that limited the team’s ability to apply for permission to begin construction. Additionally, there were significant changes in the design and budget as the project progressed, delaying our start date. Ultimately, this project should serve as …

An Analysis Of The Demand For Interdisciplinary Curriculum Within The Caed, Matthew S. Montijo

Construction Management

This study serves to demonstrate the demand and benefits of interdisciplinary curriculum within the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) at California Polytechnic State University. While the literature review serves to highlight the unique learning benefits of interdisciplinary coursework, the survey demonstrates student demand for such courses across all colleges in the CAED. This study provides possible solutions to an existing problem within the CAED through the avenue of the construction management department.

Creating And Implementing An Industry Mentorship Program Within The Women In Construction Club, Linnea Lavorico

Construction Management

The construction industry has made great strides in terms of catching the attention of and accepting more women. The industry has historically been dominated by men and, for the most part, that is still true today. But there are more and more women expressing interest in construction and construction management related career paths. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) continued that trend when the Women in Construction club was formed. The goal is to help women realize that they can participate in the industry and then encourage them to do so. A previous senior project was done …

Collaborative Practices In Special Education: An Exploratory Study, Blanka Pentek, Katherine Sadoff, Evelyn Tang

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: This exploratory survey study examined collaborative practices of professionals working in special education. The basis for the survey was the Conceptual Model of Collaboration (CMC), created by Hess and colleagues (2017).

Methods: 27 professionals who work in special education participated. Cross tabulation tests and Pearson's correlation tests were run to determine relationships between the variables.

Results: The findings indicated that the majority of participants value collaboration for student outcomes and professional development. Most participants agreed on common facilitators and barriers to collaboration. Collaboration primarily takes place in IEP meetings, through email and text messaging and is frequent in all …

Engaging The Disengaged: Using Every Trick In The Book, Brooke Prusaczyk

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Literacy

Researchers have affirmed a connection between students’ engagement in reading to their academic achievement. Struggling readers in particular are generally not engaged or motivated to read. While the construct of reading engagement is difficult to measure, a student’s motivation seems to be the driving force behind reading development. Additionally, today’s students are involved in and more motivated by the many different activities outside of school, which poses challenges for both teachers and parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of instructional techniques on student engagement in reading. To measure the academic progress of 21 fifth grade …

Employing Engagement To Enhance Literacy Learning, Kerry Zrenda

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Literacy

Numerous studies have identified a symbiotic relationship between student engagement and academic achievement. However, over the last three years, nearly half of Connecticut’s students have failed to meet the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts. Social constructivism and metacognitive theories frame this study, which aimed to examine instructional techniques that positively impacted student engagement. Specifically, we used engagement inventories to record student behaviors before, during, and after a six-week instructional period, throughout which we implemented several different engagement techniques. We coded student behaviors in order to analyze the effects that heightened student choice, structured peer discourse tools, and …

The Impact Of Responsive Partnership Strategies On The Satisfaction Of Co-Teaching Relationships In Early Childhood Classrooms, Caroline Lee Hulin

LSU Master's Theses

BACKGROUND: Lack of coordinated action between two adults in the classroom can lead to disjointed instruction for young children and teacher stress (Masterson, 2015; Nilsson, 2015). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to measure the effects of a Responsive Partnership Strategies intervention (Masterson) on teacher satisfaction with their co-teaching relationship. METHODS: Teachers were observed within the context of their classroom and during weekly planning sessions to record Responsive Partnership Strategies. Following baseline observations, teachers completed the Teaching Models Identification (Appendix B), Relationship Satisfaction Questionnaire (Appendix C), and the Responsive Partnership Strategies Checklist (Appendix D). The Responsive Partnership …

Identification Of Right Leadership Style For Agile Teams, Aashik Sekharan

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this research is to identify trends within leadership techniques applied in agile projects that lead to project success. Certain motivation and productivity drivers need to be defined in order to understand how to evaluate key project success metrics. My research approach involved reviewing papers that studied theoretical leadership frameworks in decision-making, motivation and information sharing. The methodology applied includes creating a mock project scenario, in which two leadership styles (authoritarian vs. servant) will be tested to understand the relationship between leadership, project performance and team morale. The project will have two team leaders applying the leadership style …

Fostering Organizational Change Through A Solutions-Driven Culture Of Collaboration: A Case Study Of A Teachers’ Union In The Mid-Atlantic Region, Terence Che Ngwa

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

This case study explored how the teachers’ union in a mid-Atlantic urban school district used collaboration with the school district to foster a change in its organizational culture that was previously characterized by adversarial relationships. The change in the union culture presented a unique opportunity that led both sides to believe that there was value to short-term and long-term collaborative partnerships. The study was framed on an open systems theory of organizations and an evolutionary change theory. Evidence for the study was collected from published and unpublished data, field observations, a focus group discussion, and participant interviews. Overall, the researcher …

Leadership Styles In An Online Higher Education Setting: A Phenomenological Study Of Online Professional Learning Communities, Cathy Busay

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The world of online higher education is still in its infancy. This provides the opportunity for universities to create environments where online adjunct faculty acknowledges a sense of belonging and collaboration working with leaders who inspire, support, and mentor. Leaders, who truly listen, are open and honest. Support will inspire online adjunct faculty to deliver a high caliber of instruction to students. In this study, leadership styles and working in collaboration within a virtual environment were investigated using a qualitative, phenomenological study design. Adult learners in leadership capacities in online higher education described their lived experiences in working with online …

The Operationalization Of The Theoretical Antecedents Of Collective Teacher Efficacy, Kathryn A. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Much research on collective teacher efficacy focuses on outcomes, mainly the benefits to students. However, there is no research that explores how teacher teams enact the theoretical antecedents to collective efficacy set out by Bandura (1977, 1993), namely vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, psychological arousal, and mastery experiences, to make such achievements possible. This qualitative study explores the experiences of two teams of secondary language arts teachers who were collectively efficacious and how they operationalized Bandura's theoretical antecedents of collective teacher efficacy in becoming so. After verification of levels of personal and collective efficacy, team interviews were held specifically addressing the …

A Survey Of Perceptions And Professional Boundaries Between Music Therapy And Speech-Language Pathology, Jennifer Rose Fromius

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between music therapists and speech-language pathologists in order to gain a better understanding of professional boundaries within each profession, frequency of co-treatment between the two professions, and perceptions of referral in clinical practice. Data for this research were collected through two online questionnaires with parallel sets of questions, which were distributed to a sample of boardcertified music therapists (MT-BC) and speech-language pathologists (CCC-SLP). Quantitative and qualitative data collected from the survey (N= 283; n = 45 MT-BC, n = 238 CCC-SLP) are analyzed to determine if there are correlations and …

Panelized Workforce Housing, Brock H. Armstrong

Construction Management

This study analyzes the utility of a panelized exterior wall system in workforce housing. First, it introduces why the need for the project exists. Second, it touches on how Cal Poly procured the project and who the client is. Third, it lays out how the project was dealt with as far as its structure and the roles of the students taking part in the cohort. Fourth, it looks at the process of designing the panels, the various restrictions the students had to deal with in designing them, and how the panels changed over time due to new constraints being made …

Change In The Middle: Implementing Professional Learning Communities For Sustained Instructional Change, Johnna L. Bryd-King

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the influence of school leaders and teachers on surface level vs. sustained change through the implementation of professional learning communities, furthering the understanding of why some schools increase student achievement and others do not. Two predominant psychological theories, Kruglanski’s lay epistemic theory and Schwartz’s value theory, were used to explore the influence of cognition formation and values on the phenomenon within a complex environment. This research studied three Southeastern Virginia suburban middle schools. Case study methodologies were utilized, including school leader and PLC teacher member interviews, and an online survey that included …

A Surprising Symbiosis: Examining The Mutualism In Department Of Defense Conservation Partnerships, Andrew J. Lankow

Theses and Dissertations

Because of the DoD’s unique and significant role in the conservation of natural resources, military leaders and natural resource managers need a trail guide to frame interagency collaboration in a way that shapes productive partnerships. The purpose of this research was to examine successful DoD conservation partnerships in order to identify key success factors (KSFs) and the most prominent challenges faced, and how those characteristics enable the accomplishment of each partner’s objectives. The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and the use of the multiple-case study method. 19 key informants from three installations participated in semi-structured interviews, …

Evidence Based Toolkit To Improve Oncology Referrals To Palliative Care, Katelyn M. Gettel

Doctoral Projects

As cancer related mortality decreases, the number of patients living with cancer symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment will continue to grow. In 2016, over 1.5 million Americans were newly diagnosed with cancer (American Cancer Society, 2016). Several major medical organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the World Health Organization (WHO) endorse the integration of palliative care into cancer care (Ramchandran, 2015). Although many cancer centers report offering palliative care, this remains largely limited to inpatient services.

The stakeholders of the hospice and palliative care division of a …

Analysis Of Cross-Cultural Training Provided To United States Air Force Civil Engineer Officers, And How Engineering Efforts Are Affected On Overseas Air Force Installations: A Delphi Study, Bianca E. Boney

Theses and Dissertations

U.S. military personnel perform a wide array of roles and missions at locations all over the world. As such, this research investigates and describes the current process of cultural training, its adequacy, and examines how cultural differences and collaboration efforts may impede or enhance project management and engineering efforts. This qualitative analysis is conducted through a Delphi study of U.S. Air Force officers consisting of 15 subject matter experts (SMEs) with experiences from 13 different countries. All reported to have daily to weekly interactions with locals and foreign partners due to job requirements; however, no set standard of cultural training …

Disordered: Conversations About Mental Health And Society, Rachel Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Disordered is a collaborative, participatory street art project designed to destigmatize mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, and reframe health as a societal issue. Through social practice and guerrilla strategies, Disordered intervenes in public spaces, creating conversations, stickers and metal signs to inspire personal, social and political transformations.