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Stories Of Learning And Instructional Practices In Traditional Hawaiian Hula Education, Lynn Kaleihaunani Melena

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers of traditional hula have preserved Native Hawaiian cultural knowledge despite societal changes that led to cultural suppression in Hawaii. However, little is known about how these teachers accomplished this feat. The purpose of this study was to understand how hula instruction has evolved to transmit cultural knowledge and how past methods influenced current instructor practices in sustaining a vibrant culture. Research questions explored the instructional approaches and innovations of hula teachers past and present in one traditional hula school. The conceptual framework integrated the Native Hawaiian worldview and a Western theory of participatory creativity. A qualitative study using Indigenous …

Stakeholders’ Communication During Learning Analytics Implementation In Higher Education, Grace Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Higher education institutions (HEIs) implementing learning analytics (LA) use student data to improve the learning experience. The problem for LA implementation originates from individuals responsible for analytic programs from different institutional departments and the lack of a framework for communication and productive dialogue about usages of data. As a result, LA implementation remains isolated and disparate, which impedes universal student benefit. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how HEI stakeholders use communication channels and engage in dialogue that occurs during the LA implementation process intended to improve student learning outcomes. The diffusion of innovation and let’s …

Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Implementing The Workshop Model In Their Classroom, Patience Ndidi Onyegwara

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Due to the increasing diversity in U.S. schools, there is a need for differentiated and individualized educational models for these learners to be successful in the future. However, little is known about innovative educational models allowing differentiation and individualized education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of middle school teachers implementing the innovative Workshop Model (WSM) of teaching and learning. The conceptual framework for this study included the diffusion of innovation, sociocultural, and andragogical theories, and the principles of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). The participants were 10 middle school teachers …

Understanding A Transitional Educational Program For Students With Autism And Intellectual Disabilities, Robin E. Ruiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of children in U.S. schools diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities disorders is increasing and they face low levels of employment after graduation. Without a viable education, including work skills training, these students cannot be successful citizens. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of educators implementing an innovative transitional secondary education program designed to prepare students who have intellectual disabilities and autism to be successful in college or the workplace. The conceptual framework for this study included the theory of self-efficacy, sociocultural learning theory, differentiated instruction, and experiential learning theory. …