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Experiences Of Girls And Mentors With An Urban Kenyan Afterschool Support Program, Benta A. Abuya, Nelson Muhia, Peter Mokaya

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This article explores the experiences of female mentees and their mentors in an afterschool support program in two informal urban settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. We sought the perspectives of mentees and mentors to identify what has changed concerning the education and social lives of the girls because of this education intervention. Data come from a qualitative component of the midterm survey collected in May 2014 using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results show improvements in the English and math courses in which support with homework was given; girls were motivated to stay in school and had a higher …

Building A Stem Mentoring Program In An Economically Disadvantaged Rural Community, Seema Rivera, Jennifer M. Knack, Kathleen Kavanagh, Joshua Thomas, Mary Margaret Small, Michael Ramsdell

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Rural, economically disadvantaged communities face a bigger challenge than urban communities in recruiting and retaining high school (HS) students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) because many of these students do not have access to high-quality STEM opportunities. In this article, we describe a mentoring program we developed as part of a larger New York State education grant. This program was implemented in a rural community to connect undergraduate STEM students with HS students to increase HS students’ interest in these fields. In this program, HS students visited colleges, explored their interests in STEM, and learned about opportunities available …

Why Is This First? Understanding And Analyzing Internet Search Results, Chris D. Ham

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Primarily due to their convenience, online search engines such as Google and Bing are becoming a central location for obtaining information. As a result, societies give search engines tremendous control over the spread of information to the public. Through a high-school-level sample lesson plan, the article was written to promote dialogue with teachers on the importance of teaching the intricacies of search engines. The sample lesson plan begins with fundamental knowledge on the functionality of search engines with emphasis on algorithms. With this instruction, students can understand not only search engines, but also their manipulation potential, which leads to ramifications. …

Exploring The Relationships Between High School Course Enrollment, Achievement, And First-Semester College Gpa, Jeffrey M. Warren, Camille L. Goins

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study explored the impact of Advanced Placement and honors course enrollment and high school grade point average (GPA) on first-semester college GPA. Data were collected from 131 college freshmen enrolled at a minority-serving institution who graduated from a public school during the previous academic year. A four-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that family structure, college status, enrollment in one or more Advanced Placement courses, and enrollment in five or more honors courses accounted for a significant amount of variance explained in first-semester college GPA, both individually and in combination. High school GPA intervened in these variables relationships with …

Exploring Puerto Rican Preservice Teachers’ Resilience: A Focus Group Study, Yitza A. Arcelay-Rojas

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study explored the experiences of 10 Puerto Rican middle and high school preservice teachers at the end of their student teaching experience. The qualitative design, using the focus group technique, provided insight into the phenomenon of teachers’ resilience. The analysis incorporated the main constructs of resilience-building proposed by Jordan’s model of relational resilience: mutuality, empowerment, and development of courage. This study reinforced the notion of the importance of promoting supportive relationships with mentors and students. These relationships empowered teachers and helped them become more skilled in their profession. Addressing more aspects of resilience-building including before, during, and after their …

How Generation Z College Students Prefer To Learn: A Comparison Of U.S. And Brazil Students, Corey Seemiller, Meghan Grace, Paula Dal Bo Campagnolo, Isa Mara Da Rosa Alves, Gustavo Severo De Borba

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The purpose of this study was to engage in a comparative analysis of Generation Z college students in the United States and Brazil regarding characteristics, motivations, interpersonal styles, learning styles, and learning methods. Quantitative data in both countries were collected and analyzed to formulate comparative findings. Themes that emerged include learning that makes a difference, achievement orientation, logic-based learning, intrapersonal and interpersonal learning, applied and hands-on experiences, learning through words, recognition, and lacking vision, inspiration, and creativity. More similarities than differences were found across themes in both populations.

Effect Of Student Teams-Achievement Divisions And Think–Pair–Share On Students’ Interest In Reading Comprehension, Eucharia Okwudilichukwu Ugwu

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The study investigated the effect of two cooperative learning strategies (the student teams-achievement divisions and think–pair–share methods) on students’ interest in reading comprehension. Seventy-eight senior secondary II students were randomly selected from three schools in Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was adopted. The Interest in Reading Inventory (R = 0.09) was the instrument used. Two hypotheses were tested at .05 levels of significance. Three intact classes were randomly assigned as Experimental Group 1, Experimental Group 2, and the control group. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and analysis of …

Instructional Design And Strategies For Multicultural Education: A Qualitative Case Study, Shamila Janakiraman, William R. Watson, Sunnie L. Watson, Papia Bawa

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

With more people moving abroad for education and work, many countries are becoming multicultural in population. Hence, developing multicultural attitudes is becoming imperative to prevent negative thoughts and feelings toward minorities that may translate into discriminatory behaviors toward them. One way to ensure this is through multicultural education. The aim of multicultural education is to ensure that students from diverse racial, ethnic, and social-class groups will experience educational equality. This qualitative case study analyzes the course design and instructional strategies implemented by a professor in a multicultural education course offered in a U.S. university. We have examined how the professor …

Exploring Ways To Support Preservice Teachers’ Use Of Udl In Planning And Instruction, K. Alisa Lowrey, Audra Classen, Anne Sylvest

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

There is limited research documenting current efforts to support preservice teachers to use the universal design for learning (UDL) framework in authentic teaching experiences. To increase knowledge on the effects of preparing preservice teachers to incorporate the UDL framework, researchers examined the effects a UDL professional development seminar that was delivered during the student teaching phase had on eight teacher candidates during their K–12 placement. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed-method design, researchers examined lesson plans, video footage of teaching, teacher candidate reflections on their teaching sample, and university supervisor measures of the same sample before and after the UDL seminar. …

Impact Of Acculturation On Body Mass Index In Haitians, Nirva Berthold Lafontant

Journal of Excellence in Nursing and Healthcare Practice

Longer term immigrants residing in the United States exhibit physical health decline related to higher body mass index (BMI). Theories on immigrant acculturation have been used to examine health patterns by length of stay in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, guided by the Schwartz model of acculturation, was to examine the effect of acculturation and length of stay in the United States on BMI in a sample of Haitian immigrants living in a northeast metropolitan area. The research question was developed to examine the effects of acculturation and how long immigrants reside in the United States …

Overcoming Second-Order Barriers To Technology Integration In K–5 Schools, Lisa Durff, Maryfriend Carter

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The use of technology engages students and increases academic achievement, as Tamin, Bernard, Brookhovski, Abrami, and Schmid (2011) found in a study summarizing 40 years of research on this topic. Educators face attitudinal, sociocultural, and pedagogical barriers to technology integration in spite of its positive impact on academic achievement. In this qualitative multicase study, three groups of educators were interviewed to determine how some teachers successfully overcame barriers to technology integration. Each case contained two or three teachers, one administrator, and one technology support person in each of three schools in a rural northeastern school district. The findings showed that …

Teacher Attitudes Toward The Principal Of Multilingual Education: Advancing Research On Mother-Tongue Education In Turkey, Hasan Aydin, Fatma Dogan

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of teacher toward heritage (mother tongue) languages based multilingual education and based on these findings to determine how teachers within public school settings perceive multilingual education. The sample comprised 150 teachers employed in public schools in Turkey. The survey method was used in this study, which used a 5-point Likert-type scale based on the multilingual education attitudes. The scale included 25 items and was prepared through the SurveyMonkey database. The survey was designed to determine the attitudes of teachers on heritage-language–based multilingual education and was conducted through the snowball sampling …

Multiple Levels Of Metacognition: Circumstances Interfering With Students’ Spontaneous Metacognitive Activities, Young Rae Kim, Tamara J. Moore

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

A theoretical model of metacognition in complex modeling activities has been developed based on existing frameworks, by synthesizing the reconceptualization of metacognition at multiple levels by looking at the three sources that trigger metacognition. Using the theoretical model as a framework, this multiple-case study explores students’ spontaneous metacognitive activities while they collaboratively solve complex mathematical modeling tasks. This study used a series of model-eliciting activities—a type of problem-solving activity in which participants are required to verbalize their thoughts while working within a group—as an authentic method for analyzing verbal metacognitive actions. This study identified the circumstances facilitating or interfering with …

Testing The Psychometric Properties Of The Modeling Self-Efficacy Scale, Anu Sharma, Stephen J. Pape, Jonathan Templin

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The Modeling Self-Efficacy Scale was developed to measure middle and high school students’ confidence in understanding and solving modeling tasks. The scale was administered to 225 eighth- and ninth-grade students. Participants read modeling tasks adapted from Programme for International Student Assessment’s 2003 problem-solving assessment and rated their confidence on a 100-point self-efficacy scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that modeling self-efficacy is a unidimensional construct, best elicited by a repeated-measures-style survey design in which participants responded to the same self-efficacy items across multiple modeling problems. The omega reliability coefficient for the scale was .88. The findings suggest that the Modeling Self-Efficacy …

Dangerous Abusive Relationships And Sources Of Resilience For South Asian Immigrant Women Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Bushra Sabri, Shreya Bhandari, Anuja Shah

Journal of Social Work in the Global Community

This study explored South Asian immigrant women survivors’ perspectives on intimate partner relationships that could lead to severe violence or a homicide and sources of resilience for South Asian immigrant survivors in the United States. The study recruited 16 South Asian immigrant survivors for in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Survivors shared some characteristics of dangerous partner such as controlling behavior, anger issues, infidelity, alcohol and drug problems, and history of childhood abuse. Incidents of severe physical abuse, threats to kill, possession of a weapon, and suspicious behavior led survivors to feel fearful for their …

Creating Positive Learning Environments In Early Childhood Using Teacher-Generated Prosocial Lessons, Callum B. Johnston, Teresa K. Herzog, Crystal R. Hill-Chapman, Caitlin Siney, Ashley Fergusson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

A primary motivation for people to behave as they do is the need to belong socially to a group and to have relevance. A positive learning environment for young students is created when students are recognized and accepted by their peers and their teachers, and studies reveal that in such environments, students perform better academically and tend to have fewer behavioral issues. These environments may also act as a buffer against school dropout rates. This study examined whether teaching prosocial lessons to first-grade students in the southeastern United States would create positive learning environments for children who otherwise may not …

Neighborhood-Level Predictors Of Obesity Among African American Children In California, Uche Onyeka

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The increased prevalence of childhood obesity is a major public health concern nationally and globally. Childhood obesity is primarily caused by the imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure; however, its increase over the past decades may be due to environmental and behavioral factors. The purpose of the current study was to examine if any relationships existed between childhood obesity, level of physical activity, and neighborhood-level risk factors. This study used the California Health Interview Survey 2009–2014 data sets for African American children aged 5–11 years (n = 1,049). The dependent variable was body mass index (BMI) while the …

Executive Leadership Challenges In Today’S Environment, Herbert J. Degraffe Jr.

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Abstract

Individuals in top management positions often have conflicting interpretations concerning the authoritative qualities that align with the intrinsic and external relations of an organization. Although, researchers may still debate about the extent to which athletic development personality factors are important internal components of an individual. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine if athletic development personality factors correlate with decision making at the executive leadership level. The research questions focused on determining if there was a relationship between athletic development personality factors and decision making. Social exchange theory, social representations theory, and leadership theories comprised the theoretical …

Job Transitioning Experiences Of Blue-Collar Employees After Federal Downsizing, Eduardo Hurtado

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Downsizing, realignment, and closure of military bases have forced many low-skilled, blue-collar federal employees into involuntary job loss and job transition. The impact of involuntary job loss on blue-collar workers has been linked to stress and other adverse psychological effects. There is gap in the literature regarding the lived experiences of federal blue-collar employees following downsizing of military bases. The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was to examine lived experiences of job loss and job transition for federal blue-collar employees following downsizing of military bases. Schlossberg’s transition theory provided a conceptual framework for the study. Ten ex-federal blue-collar …

Gender Differential Effect Of Business Education Students’ Human Capital On Sustainable Economic Development, James E. Edokpolor

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This research investigates the relationship between business education students’ human capital and core values of sustainable economic development from a gender perspective. This research specifically investigates four interrelated questions. First, do male and female business education students experience different types of general human capital? Second, do male and female business education students possess different types of specific human capital? Third, do differences in both male and female business education students’ general human capital have a differential effect on sustainable development of Nigerian economy? And finally, do differences in both male and female business education students’ specific human capital have a …

Hidden Curriculum In A Special Education Context: The Case Of Individuals With Autism, Mona F. Sulaimani, Dianne M. Gut

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This article examines the issue of hidden curriculum as it pertains to the experiences of individuals with disabilities, primarily those diagnosed with autism disorders. Examining the assumptions regarding the hidden curriculum, this article explores the challenges these assumptions create for individuals with autism. We provide suggestions for how these challenges could be overcome through the use of specific strategies.

Social Ecological Predictors Of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Young Adults, Maureen Muchimba

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Most studies on sexual behavior outcomes are restricted to adolescents. However, rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are highest among young adults. This study examined social–ecological predictors in adolescence that predict risky sexual behavior in young adulthood. Using longitudinal data, logistic regression was used to determine social–ecological factors that predict early sexual debut and a high number of lifetime sexual partners among 3,109 young adults. Risk-taking was associated with early sexual debut and a high number of lifetime sexual partners. Father–child connectedness decreased the odds of early sexual debut and a high number of lifetime sexual. School connectedness also decreased …

Increasing Engagement Of English Learners Through Universal Design For Learning, Melinda S. Eichhorn, Amanda E. Lowry, Kristen Burke

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

English learners (ELs) are the fastest growing segment of K–12 students. When ELs do not respond to instruction as quickly as their English-speaking peers, teachers may focus on their deficits and wrongly label them as having a learning disability. In this article on the universal design for learning engagement guidelines, we summarize how we have anticipated learning barriers and increased engagement with academic content for ELs in our practice. By teaching strategies for self-regulation and individual coping skills, providing guided practice and support to sustain effort, and giving students various ways to achieve the same goal in a safe learning …

African American Male Ex-Offenders’ Perceptions Of A Reentry Program’S Impact On Recidivating, Latoya Rochelle Burt

2019 Program & Posters

African American male ex-offenders struggle with lack of assistance during their transition from incarceration, and they encounter many barriers when returning back into the community. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of whether a reentry program impacted African American male ex-off enders’ likelihood of recidivating within 1 year. The findings indicated that the reentry program enhanced participants’ well-being, improved their communication, and increased their resourcefulness. Findings may be used to develop and improve reentry programs to promote better reentry outcomes and safer communities.

Resiliency Factors In African American Female Students In Single- Gender Educational Settings, Phyllis Lynette Hill

2019 Program & Posters

Resiliency is key to educational success, yet strategies to support the resiliency in educational success of African American female students are not understood. In this phenomenological study, four African American alumnae of single-gender secondary and postsecondary schools explored, described, and shared their experiences of educational resilience and competence in single-gender education. These women attributed their academic success to racial identity/socialization, single-gender education, support systems, GRIT (Guts, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity), and Cultural (Re)Appropriation Unity (emergent concept) spiritual relationship to their resilience. A framework to support the future success of these students was developed.

Factors Deterring Male Enrollment In Higher Education In Barbados, Debbie Samantha Bovell

2019 Program & Posters

Barbados is experiencing low male enrollment in higher education. The purpose of this case study was to provide insight into the factors deterring young men from enrolling in higher education. The frameworks used were Cross’s chain of response theory, Bourdieu’s social capital theory, and Knowles’ theory of andragogy. The focus was on the factors deterring male enrollment, suggestions for increasing enrollment, and benefits of nonenrollment. Seven men participated in semistructured interviews. Five educational leaders participated in a focus group. Institutional factors accounted predominately in deterring young Barbadian men from enrolling in higher education.

An Analysis Of Mothers And Fathers Who Kill Their Children: Examining Offense Characteristics And Adjudication Outcomes, Kristen R. Beyer, Eric Hickey, Deanna Bishop-Deaton

2019 Program & Posters

Filicide is a crime that conflicts with nature in that it undermines our genetic fitness and parental investment and defies attachment theory. Yet, despite the crime of filicide being counterintuitive, the media frequently reports on cases involving parents who have killed their own child. This analysis involves examining open-source cases of 100 mothers and 100 fathers who have killed their children. Analyses will compare the differences between mothers and fathers in terms of offender and victim demographics, as well as mental health and criminal histories. Offense characteristics and adjudication outcomes will also be examined.

2019 Walden University Research Symposium, Daniel W. Salter

2019 Program & Posters

Welcome to the 2019 Walden University Research Symposium. We are glad you can join us for our first symposium in conjunction with Winter Graduation in seven years. The Research Symposium is an annual event that showcases research projects from our academic community, especially work by our recent graduates. The poster presentations provide an opportunity for researchers to engage with all individuals attending the symposium and potentially to network with other interested researchers. If there is a theme this year, beyond the shared focus on social change, it would be research aimed at understanding how to respond to the challenges that …

Predictive Relationship Between Treatment Adherence, Glycated Hemoglobin, And Diabetic Complications Among Jamaicans, Christian Anaba Nwaukwa

2019 Program & Posters

Patient nonadherence to physicians’ prescribed medication is the greatest challenge in the effective treatment of diabetic patients. Nonadherence to medication could result in various diabetic complications. The theory of planned behavior was used to guide the study. Data regarding diabetic complications were collected from 119 records during a cross-sectional review of patient dockets. Level of adherence was determined from an eight-item interviewer-administered adherence scale and HbA1c levels. A multiple regression analysis revealed that lower levels of patient adherence to treatment and higher HbA1c levels predicted greater severity of cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and neuropathic foot ulcer.

Police Use Of Force Decisions: A Gender Perspective, Tina Jaeckle Ph.D., Barbara Benoliel Phd, Orville Nickel

2019 Program & Posters

To examine gender differences in U.S. police officers’ use of force, data from focus groups of male and female officers responding to escalating scenarios of risk were analyzed. Results compared to studies conducted in Canada and the United Kingdom indicated a similar finding: Use of force differed on gender lines. The social change contribution is in informing community policing strategies.