Digital Commons Network^™

An Empirical Study Of Student Satisfaction At Selected Private Universities In Bangladesh, Mubina Khondkar, Abureza M. Muzareba

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Satisfying students in higher education has proven to be a difficult task, although universities are striving to meet student needs and expectations. Private universities are trying to become more student-oriented and are seeking to understand students’ perceptions of higher education facilities. This research was designed to measure the gap between students’ expectations and perceptions of various aspects of private universities in Bangladesh. It uses a SERVQUAL framework and the Gaps Model of Service Quality. The population of students at private universities in Bangladesh is represented by a sample of 412 respondents from five top-tier private universities. Findings indicate that the …

Using Case-Based Instruction To Support Teaching Self-Efficacy For Cultural Responsiveness In Pre-Service Teachers: A Mixed Methods Study, Marisa Nodine, Carolyn Hushman, Ashley K. Vaughan, Kira J. Carbonneau

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Using a mixed methods design we quantitively examined how case-based instruction (CBI) influenced preservice teachers’ (PSTs) cultural responsiveness teacher efficacy development across three classroom case studies. Qualitatively, we examined how PSTs were able to engage in self-insertion when writing about their reactions to the classroom cases. Specifically, PSTs were randomly assigned to one of two conditions; one group received a content-based text excerpt prior to reading and responding to two classroom cases (Text–Case). Another group was given a series of three classroom cases (Case–Case) that contained similar information to the Text–Case group. The Text–Case group maintained their cultural responsiveness teacher …

Innovation In Practice: Embracing Multilingualism In An Intensive English Programme, Hengzhi Hu, Lu Zhang

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to delineate and substantiate the adoption of multilingualism within an intensive English programme (IEP) conducted at a public Malaysian university. The target audience comprises international students categorised as English as a Foreign Language learners.

Innovation: A model encompassing multilingualism was formulated and applied in the specific context, involving various stakeholders. While acknowledging the primary purpose of IEPs is to develop English language proficiency, this model transitions from monolingualism to multilingualism by raising participant awareness of multilingualism, adopting translanguaging strategies, encouraging comparisons of different languages, and facilitating target language production that acknowledges the role …

Democratic Education As Expressed In Practice: An Integrative Literature Review, Rachel L. Wadham, Lynnette Christensen, Heather Leary

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Despite a strong theoretical foundation, teachers’ pedagogical practices that represent the principles of democratic educational theory are not holistically understood. This qualitative integrative literature review provides a more complete view of the practices used by those who define themselves as democratic educators. By analyzing and integrating existing literature on classroom practice this review discusses four pedagogical approaches that engage democratic educational practices including inquiry, artistic, oral, and student-centered methods.

English Language Learning At Tertiary Level In A Central Mexican Public University: A Case Study, Irasema Mora-Pablo, Edgar Emmanuell Garcia-Ponce

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: Our objective was to examine the perceptions regarding the teaching and learning of English of students in 16 undergraduate programs at a state public university in Mexico.

Method: In our qualitative case study, participating students responded to queries about their experiences learning English at the university, as well as their educational aspirations upon completion of their university studies.

Results: Despite their relevance to language immersion and competency, students struggle to combine prior experiences with current learning. Given Mexico’s English education system and past national initiatives, most participants say they still speak basic English. It is also clear that the …

Examining Technology Use And Competence Of Higher Education Academics During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Devrim Akgunduz, Aysegul Kinik Topalsan

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The present study describes the utilization frequency and competencies of educational technologies among academics at a university in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Participants were 391 faculty members and lecturers working in the faculties and vocational schools of a Turkish university during the 2020–2021 academic year. A survey included questions regarding the use of educational technologies and perceived competency in the use of those technologies.

Results: Academics are more familiar with distance education than hybrid or blended learning. Academics reported that blended learning, hybrid learning, and distance education provide more effective education on integrating technology but report that …

The Experience Of Multilingual Doctoral Students Related To Academic Success: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Deborah Lewis, Amy Bakke, Amber Cook, Julie James, Carol Griffiths

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

When multilingual students face the challenge of writing a doctoral capstone or dissertation, delays in academic progress may occur. The aim of this study was to identify writing challenges multilingual doctoral students face and provide recommendations regarding learner-centered resources to support timely academic success, as literature regarding multilingual students and language diversity in the doctoral environment is limited. A qualitative descriptive design was used for this study, and six multilingual DNP and PhD alumni participated. Data were collected using semi-structured audio interviews and analyzed using iterative content analysis. The findings support the need for community and culture to support language …

The Increasing Role Of Technology In Teaching And Learning Activities In Higher Education, Gary J. Burkholder, Erwin Krauskopf

Higher Learning Research Communications

We are pleased to publish the second regular issue (Volume 13, Issue 2) of Higher Learning Research Communications (HLRC) for 2023. If there is a common theme that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the increased role that technology did and will continue to play in teaching and learning activities in tertiary education. The range of articles reflects the interest in digital teaching and learning and includes the use of scaffolded simulations, the influence of immersive virtual reality in the classroom, and gamification. In addition, guidelines around instant messaging are proposed that should continue the conversation around the ethical …

Photovoice As An Act Of Agency To Decenter Whiteness In P-12 Classrooms, Crystal V. Shelby-Caffey, Jinan Al-Hunayan

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Given the lack of diversity in the P–12 teaching force, we contend that white normativity is prevalent and remains mostly unchallenged in these settings. Acknowledging such inequities requires an intentional focus on equity in teacher education programs. The project described here facilitated in-service teachers’ growth in becoming culturally competent and critically conscious by using Photovoice in P–12 classrooms. Photovoice is a participatory action research method that uses photography to examine the lived experiences of participants. Photovoice was used to examine school-based practices that erased and silenced students while offering an inflection point from which the in-service teachers could develop and …

Redefining “Lgbtq+ Interculture” In Academia, Samantha Winterberg, Michelle Mccraney

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face discrimination, harassment, and exclusion in academic settings, which can negatively impact their academic and personal success. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience negative mental health conditions, drop out of school, and struggle to find employment after graduation. Cultural humility fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is critical to ensuring an equitable educational experience for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Intercultural understanding is essential to develop cultural humility so that attitudes reflect empathy and tolerance of differences, including sexual or gender orientation variances or ambiguity. Understanding how …

Critical Education In Community Health Literacy For Brazilian Nurses: A Course Evaluation, Margareth S. Zanchetta, Walterlânia S. Santos, Onislene A. E. De Almeida, Katarinne Lima Moraes, Maria Wanderleya L. Coriolano-Marinus

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This article presents an immediate evaluation of a professional development course in community health literacy for Brazilian nurses. An evaluation based on an applied thematic analysis of the accounts of 63 attendees in three Brazilian cities (January 2020) was guided by the following themes: (a) expansion of understanding about community health literacy as a pillar for planning and providing health care; (b) encouragement of innovation in research and/or practice; and (c) plans to incorporate the information shared in the course into professional projects. The evaluation disclosed the complexity of social contexts for health literacy, which is intertwined with ethnocultural diversity …

Reading-Racetracks And Self-Graphing On Literacy Performance Of Struggling Students With Behavioral Problems, Anne Barwasser, Kerstin Nobel, Matthias Grünke

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Literacy influences all aspects of life. Unfortunately, a rising number of students struggle with reading and spelling, which can result in enormous educational barriers. Difficulties in literacy accompanied by learning-related problem behavior can create additional risk factors. Effective interventions for these students should consider individual needs and focus on multiple components of learning simultaneously. The present single-case study focused on the effects of motivational reading racetracks, with and without self-graphing, on the word-reading and spelling performance of three third graders with severe literacy and behavior problems. Our intervention was carried out three times a week over a 5-week period. The …

Emerging From Content And Language Integrated Learning And English-Medium Instruction, Is Clil-Ised Emi The Next Trend Of Education?, Hengzhi Hu

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The text aims to present a comparison of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and English-Medium Instruction (EMI), followed by a discussion of CLIL-ised EMI, a new educational phenomenon, regarding its feasibility in content-based bilingual programmes.

Method: The ideas presented in this paper are principally drawn from previous research and literature about CLIL and EMI, as well as from my personal experience with content-based bilingual education programmes.

Results: Although CLIL and EMI differ in nature, CLIL-ised EMI supplements traditional EMI, which has a single objective of content learning, with special attention to students’ needs, particularly their …

Case Study Method To Increase Preservice Teachers' Experience With Ell Accommodations And Self-Efficacy, Kelly M. Torres, Samantha Tackett, Meagan C. Arrastía-Chisholm

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The enrollment of English language learners (ELLs) in American public schools continues to increase each year. The substantial growth in this population of learners makes it imperative for future educators to understand how to effectively support ELLs’ acquisition of academic content and English language proficiency. In past studies, preservice teachers have reported lower levels of self-efficacy when supporting these learners. This investigation examines how case study approaches can be utilized with preservice teachers to understand how they recommend strategies/accommodations for ELLs and their levels of self-efficacy in implementing these instructional approaches. Findings from this research suggest case studies are effective …

Teachers’ Perspectives In Higher Education On Using Educational Technology During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Observations For Ghana, India, And Serbia, Nikola Koruga, Rohit Nainwal, Angela Kyerewaa Ayisi-Addo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: The purpose of this research was to understand the significant changes and challenges regarding teaching experiences during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in three universities, one each in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The study provides information on how teachers adapted to online teaching under COVID-19 conditions.

Methods: We employed a descriptive phenomenology approach and used an online survey with open-ended questions to collect the data. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis based on the traditions of descriptive phenomenology were employed to analyze the data.

Results: The teachers’ adaptive mechanisms to the COVID-19 crisis could be described through the …

Recovery Journey Of Diverse Populations Using Design Thinking Method: Recommendations For Practitioners And Policymakers, Lawrence Bryant, Monica Nandan, Sherrie Cade, Bianca Anderson

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Through a state grant-funded multicultural needs assessment, researchers from a U.S. southeastern state university captured the voices of underserved populations related to their unmet needs and recovery journey from the non-medical use of opioids and other substances. Specific voices of African Americans, Latinx, mature adults, veterans, people who are homeless, college students, and individuals within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities were captured utilizing design thinking protocol in focus groups. Participants recommended that providers be culturally responsive in disseminating information and providing affirming care. Moreover, participants felt that counselors and other professionals should be more empathetic and …

Enacting Inclusive Mathematics Teaching And Learning Using Biography Driven Instruction, Jessie C. Store

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

As schools become increasingly diverse, there is an increasing need for examples of classroom practices that create inclusive teaching and learning environments. Many research studies found that gaining knowledge of student home life and using it to bridge learning and home supports access and equity. Many scholars have called for exemplars of activities that connect students’ in-school and out-of-school cultural activities. This paper provides an example that may be used in teacher education and K–12 classrooms to bridge out-of-school and in-school activities. In this paper, we discuss the enactment of biography-driven instruction, specifically how cultural biographies can be used to …

Science Curriculum Requirements: Science Process Skills In Textbook Activities, Dilek Özalp

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Science textbooks play an important role in making scientific knowledge and applications available to learners. In most countries, science curriculum expects to cultivate scientifically literate individuals who are able to use science process skills. Critical analysis of textbooks is therefore crucial to determine whether they can facilitate this outcome. The purpose of this study is to find out to what extent science process skills are included in the activities of elementary and middle school science textbooks in Turkey. A total of 304 activities in six science textbooks were analyzed. A content analysis was employed to determine the frequency and percentage …

The Effect Of Scenario-Based Learning On 8th Grade Students’ Perceptions Of Scientists, Fatma Şaşmaz Ören, Ayşegül Karapinar, Kübranur Sari, Tuğba Demi̇rer

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of scenario-based learning on eighth-grade students’ perceptions of scientists. We used a semiexperimental design to conduct our research with 36 students from the eighth grade, who were divided into experimental and control groups. We collected the data through a “Draw-a-Scientist Test,” an opinion form, and semistructured interviews. According to the findings we obtained from the drawing test, students have stereotypical perceptions of the scientists’ working environment (indoor/laboratory). But the results showed that scenario-based teaching affects eighth-grade students’ perceptions of scientists and moves them forward on two points: (1) the physical …

Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Interventions For Immigrant Communities In The United States: A Scoping Review, Abha Rai, Kristen Ravi, Nibedita Shrestha, Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez

Journal of Social Work in the Global Community

Immigrants are at a higher risk of domestic violence (DV) victimization due to their unique positionality in the United States. The goal of this scoping review is to examine the extent to which cultural responsivity is incorporated in DV interventions developed for immigrant communities. Peer-reviewed articles between 2005–2021 were reviewed across 11 databases. Our sample included n = 15 articles that highlighted interventions designed for diverse immigrant groups, including Latinx and Asian groups. Building unique interventions for specific immigrant groups would allow for prioritizing the needs of survivors while engaging in direct service provision by social workers.

Digital Intercultural Education: A Comparative Study Of Self-Access Learning Experiences, Gareth Humphreys

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: Two sets of intercultural learning resources incorporating Global Englishes learning content were developed for self-access use in the higher education context. The resources were investigated in terms of student learning experiences across two contexts in Japan: an English language major program and a nonlanguage major program. The aim was to develop an understanding of student learning experiences to inform practical implications for self-access learning in these areas.

Method: The educational resources were investigated in a qualitative content analysis of reflective writing and supporting survey data from 30 students across the two university programs to understand how (and if) they …

“Esl Teachers Are Looked Down Upon”: Understanding The Lived Experience Of A First-Year Esl Teacher With Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Background, Chiu-Yin (Cathy) Wong

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Research indicates many new English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers leave the profession within 5 years. However, limited research has focused on these teachers’ experiences and far fewer studies examined those with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds to identify what contributes to the high attrition rate. This narrative study captured the experience of a first-year ESL teacher with CALD backgrounds. Data were collected using a three-step interview approach over the course of 1 year. The data show the protagonist’s identity as an advocate for Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) began during his extended clinical practicum and was further driven by …

Strategies For Creating Inclusive Learning Environments Through A Social Justice Lens, Beverly Araujo Dawson, Whitney Kilgore, Renee M. Rawcliffe

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Culturally situated and cross-cultural approaches to instructional design and research have become increasingly important in higher education, particularly in online learning environments. As higher education becomes increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, learning environments must be structured and facilitated to meet the learning needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) students. Based on the Community of Inquiry (CoI) and culturally inclusive pedagogy, this paper provides an overview of inclusive teaching practices and the necessity to take a holistic approach to online teaching with BIPOC students. This paper provides an overview of key instructional design elements to achieve equity-minded instructional design.

Improving A Culture Of Knowledge Transfer In A School Of Nursing, Margareth S. Zanchetta, Kateryna Metersky, Bridget Miller, Danielle Strachan, Elena Blackwood

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Introduction: A series of 19 unfunded knowledge transfer hands-on workshops were implemented (2017–2019) and delivered by 22 facilitators from disciplines of nursing, business, communication, plastic arts, engineering, and community studies. The purpose of this paper is to report on the post-appraisal of the workshops’ implementation; uncovering the attendees’ new ideas and reflections on the content; and the process of expanding knowledge for practice.

Methods: The qualitative program evaluation approach, using the standards of utility, feasibility, accuracy, and propriety of a given program, inspired the design of the immediate appraisal of the workshops delivered within a Canadian school of nursing located …

Book Review Of Rural Education In America: What Works For Our Students, Teachers, And Communities, By Geoff Marietta And Sky Marietta, Clifford Davis Jr.

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Marietta, G., & Marietta, S. (2020). Rural education in America: What works for our students, teachers, and communities. Harvard Education Press.

This review evaluates Geoff and Sky Marietta’s book, Rural Education in America: What Works for Our Students, Teachers, and Communities. As parents, community members, practitioners, and academics, the writers have a unique perspective on rural education. In this book, they seek to dispel the myth of the rural monolith of white poverty and social conservatism, arguing that rural communities and their challenges are far more complex and diverse than is presently reflected in the literature. This review …

Language Style Matching In Older Couples And Marital Satisfaction, Benjamin Burke, Amy Rauer

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Research on marital communication has focused on nonverbal behaviors (e.g., affect), leaving specific word use relatively unexplored. Recent work, however, suggests that similarity in function words (e.g., articles) may be associated with relational functioning in younger couples. We explored if this language style matching (LSM) also occurred in more established relationships and whether it was related to marital satisfaction within a sample of 64 older adult married couples. Using a dyadic, two-wave, observational research design, our results suggest that LSM is highly prevalent in older couples’ conversations across three different tasks (reminiscence, problem solving, and health support). Only LSM during …

Effective Teaching Of Literature-In-English In Nigerian Secondary Schools: The Persistent Problems, Eucharia Okwudilichukwu Ugwu

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Literature-in-English is a major school subject that equips students with language and other soft skills needed for entry into the workforce. For students to acquire the skills, effective teaching, which is dependent on the availability of basic teaching–learning resources, is essential. Education is underfunded in Nigeria. This affects the quality of teaching and impedes learning. The rate at which students fail Literature-in-English, which is getting worse each year, indicates that there is a problem in the teaching–learning process. Using a mixed-method research design, this study investigated the problems of teaching Literature-in-English in 51 public senior secondary school in Ibadan metropolis, …

Class Size And Self-Esteem As Determinants Of Student Learning Outcomes In Essay Writing, Kehinde Olufemi Ogunyemi

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study was carried out mainly to investigate the effects of class size and self-esteem on student achievement in—and attitude toward—English essay writing. The study was influenced by earlier research reports indicating that the large class sizes prevalent in Nigerian schools may be detrimental to student academic and emotional well-being. The study employed an ex post facto research design, as no attempt was made to alter the pre-existing conditions in the schools. Three hundred and thirty-five (335) Senior Secondary School 2 students from nine purposively selected schools participated in the study. An achievement test in essay writing (r = …

Evaluation Of The Control Of Water Sanitation And Hygiene Related Disease Through Community Hygiene Club Intervention In Rwanda, Amans Ntakarutimana, Elias Nyandwi, Nadine Rujeni, Chantal Marie Ingabire Dr, Kato Jonas Njunwa, Théoneste Ntakirutimana, Gaspard Rwanyiziri, Joseph Tuyishimire, Schaddrack Ngabonziza

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

This article consists of a review article reporting the results of previous evaluations of the control of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related disease through the Community Hygiene Club (CHC) intervention from 2010 to 2020. CHC constitutes the main intervention for the control of WASH-related disease in Rwanda and is implemented countrywide. The study objective was to evaluate if the CHC intervention significantly reduced the prevalence of WASH-related disease after 10 years of its implementation in Rwanda. The study utilized online existing policy documents, research reports, and experiences on the CHC intervention in Rwanda published between 2010 and 2020. We …

Experiential Learning Of School Counselors-In-Training To Work With English Learners, Qi Shi, Cielo Cournoyer, Ashlei Randolph, Matthew Scheffenacker, Jasmine Brown

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

While the need for school counselors to support ELs is prominent, school counselors believed they were not well prepared to effectively work with EL students. To inform and strengthen our practice, we engaged in a practitioner inquiry study to understand the lived experiences of school counselors-in-training (SCITs) in an experiential learning activity to work with English Learners. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of classroom observations, SCITs’ reflection journal entries, and transcripts of a focus group: (a) SCITs’ perceived challenges, (b) strategies used to overcome challenges and (c) how this experiential training benefited their future work as a school …