Digital Commons Network^™

Effective Classroom Management Practices And The Training Needs For Beginning Educators, Hannah Sinclair

Education | Master's Theses

Driven by the overarching goal of enhancing classroom management practices and addressing the training and support needs of new educators, this qualitative research project aimed to uncover insights necessary for enhancing learning environments and improving teacher and student well-being. Conducted across diverse elementary school settings in California and Washington, the study engaged eleven elementary school teachers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, who were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data included a combination of surveys and individual interviews, which were analyzed using an initial coding process to identify themes and a focused coding approach to refine and deepen …

The V.O.I.C.E Workshop: A Verbal Outreach And Interpersonal Communication Empowerment Workshop For The Staff At An Lgbtq+ Homeless Program, Nayla A. Long

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Youth who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community often end up homeless and without a support system due to rejection. Fortunately, Montrose Grace Place (MGP), a non-profit organization, that serves the LGBTQ+ homeless youth in Houston, Texas gives them the support that they need due to these unforeseen circumstances. MGP has made it a priority to give these youth a comfortable environment, however, they do face some barriers. Currently, the organization has police security during their outreach nights, which can at times result in an uncomfortable environment for some youth. This capstone project utilizes an occupational therapy stance to …

Application Of Ultrasound For Difficult Vascular Access In Obstetric Patients, Carly Mccleland

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This project aimed to create a three-tiered educational program to introduce the benefits of ultrasound application for peripheral IV placement in obstetrical patients. The main goals of this project were to increase successful first-attempt IV placement in obstetric patients who may be difficult to obtain IV access on. The first tier of education consisted of presenting findings from the literature review as an educational PowerPoint to all project stakeholders. The second tier of education included stakeholders practicing using the ultrasound for PIV placement on mannequin arms. The third tier, which is still on going, included implementation of the first two …

Procedural Sedation Training: Competency Verification Through Simulation, Christine Hawknuff

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

A 450-bed tertiary hospital in Central Illinois lacked a standardized process for competency verification for procedural sedation care by registered nurses (RNs). Despite recommendations by many organizations, there are no consistent or standardized guidelines for verifying competency in nursing care of the procedural sedation. This project implemented a Procedural Sedation Training Course which comprised an in-person prelearning lecture, a group simulation learning experience, and an individual verification of competency through simulation.

Fifty-six RNs completed the Procedural Sedation Training Course and demonstrated competency through simulation, and 24 of these RNs completed a procedural sedation within the eight-month pilot period. Qualitative and …

The Vital Role Of School Bus Drivers In Supporting Students With Special Needs, Georgina Solano Zepeda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the challenges faced by new and experienced bilingual school bus drivers who transport special education students. According to the California Department of Education, transportation must be provided at no cost to those special education students ages 3-21 who are eligible as part of related services. The training for school bus drivers typically covers safe driving, vehicle operation, and basic student management. However, they often receive minimal or no specialized training to work with students with special needs. California had an estimated 38,000 school bus drivers in 2020, making it one of the states with the highest …

Development Of An Evidence-Based Crna Preceptor Training Program, Emmanuel Mensah

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

A preceptor is an experienced clinician who is expected to facilitate a student's learning experience. Preceptorship is the relationship between a staff nurse and student, focusing on the development of clinical skills and knowledge. Initially introduced by Florence Nightingale in the 1800s, the concept was quickly adopted by nurse anesthetists and is a staple of the anesthesia practice today. As it stands, many Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) preceptors do not receive formal training in their role, which may lead to a decrease in teaching ability and confidence to face broad teaching-learning issues. A lack of preparation hinders preceptor outcomes …

4-Week Neuromuscular Training Program On Peak External Power In The Back Squat In Division Ii Collegiate Athletes, Noah Smith

Honors Theses

Neuromuscular training has been shown to have many benefits to athletes ranging from increases in performance to decrease in injury risk by decreasing knee valgus in some athletes. The purpose of this study is to determine if neuromuscular training can influence power in athletes. It is hypothesized that with the intervention program there will be a significant increase in power in the sample. A 4-week neuromuscular training program was implemented with resistance trained athletes (Age: 20.13±.99 yrs., n=14). This training involved balance and plyometric exercises. A pretest and posttest consisted of 2 sets of 6 repetitions of a back squat …

Development Of Teacher Training Program, Manual, & Curriculum Guide For Inclusive Dance Studio, From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Susanna C. Dunn

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with MOVE Inclusive Dance, a nonprofit, inclusive dance studio specifically serving individuals of all ages with various disabilities. A needs assessment conducted with the staff at MOVE necessitated a cohesive teacher manual, including teacher training protocol, disability index, safety precautions, sample class activities, curriculum guide, and more. The focus of this capstone was to create and distribute a teacher training manual to dance teachers at MOVE Inclusive Dance. The teacher training manual was created using anonymous pre and post test qualitative and quantitative surveys to assess teacher perceptions regarding feelings of confidence and …

Case Study Exploring Training For Assembly Of God Pastors, Robert W. Shader

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Abstract Pastors in the Assembly of God fellowship have several options regarding types of pastoral training. Conducting a multiple case study qualitative study, the researcher interviewed 12 pastors with 2-6 years of ministry experience who had primary training in a specific category: higher education, on-the-job training, hands-on internships, or credentialing programs. The researcher utilized a transformational leadership framework and asked questions related to idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. The findings suggest each training method (higher education, hands-on internship, on-the-job training, and credentialing programs) equipped pastors to demonstrate aspects of transformational leadership.

Exploring Extended Reality In An Aqueous Processing Test Bed For Nuclear Material, Sam Wald

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research aided in the ongoing creation of an extended reality training experience for Beartooth, an aqueous processing test bed for nuclear material, by exploring what will be comfortable and effective for users of the experience. Participants consisted of staff members from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and authorized members of the Augmented Learning Lab at BYU. We conducted usability testing with participants who were given extended reality (XR) equipment to explore the Beartooth virtual training system. We also performed a heuristic evaluation on the system using an augmented reality evaluation checklist. Findings were discussed with the INL team and recommendations …

Development Of A Work-Conduct Training For Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, Katharine J. Robershaw

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

At the nonprofit organization that was the site of this study, Agency A, formerly incarcerated employees’ lack of appropriate professional work conduct was preventing them from maintaining successful employment. The purpose of the study was to develop a program to train Agency A’s formerly incarcerated employees about appropriate professional work conduct. The practice-focused questions for this qualitative study were used to determine topics to be included in the training program, reasons for inappropriate work conduct, and interventions already in place to assist formerly incarcerated employees manage their behaviors. The study was guided by the paradigm for counterproductive behaviors and adult …

Implementation Of Unit-Based Preceptor Orientation: The Effects On Perceived Orientee Competence And Self-Confidence Of The Precepting Cvicu Nurse, Laura K. Marcum

DNP Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess how unit-specific preceptor training impacted the perceived readiness of new graduate nurses, self-confidence of preceptors, and the correlated job satisfaction.

Background: The nurse attrition rate is resulting in inexperience at the bedside. Nursing inexperience leads to lower quality patient care. If improving the efficiency of training and education can improve perceived readiness, then in turn we can increase the longevity of our new nurses. Improving the longevity of nurses has significant implications on the budget of each hospital, the patient outcomes, and the staff’s resulting job satisfaction.

Methods: New graduate nurse …

Mentoring The Mentor: A Mentor Training Program, Sheri Gillis

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Mentorship has played an important role in nursing and nursing education for decades. However, there have yet to be any standard qualifications or training programs for those who mentor others. Poor mentorship increases faculty turnover, stress, and poor student outcomes. A quality improvement initiative was implemented in the Associate Degree Nursing Program using an evidence-based approach. Using a pre-post survey design with convenience sampling, five (N=5) nursing faculty met the qualifications to participate in the mentor training program. The Mentor Efficacy (MES) survey, which consisted of 30 questions, was administered to measure the participants' feelings of self-efficacy in the mentoring …

Pepperoni Roll Studios: Prototype Design For Creating And Operating A Podcast And Audio Production Student Organization At West Virginia University, Nicholas Kirk Kratsas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

As technology and audience demand change the traditional media landscape, student organizations at the university level, such as West Virginia University’s Student Media, are looking for ways to expand experiential learning opportunities for their students. This professional project seeks to address this need at West Virginia University by proposing and developing a prototype for a stand-alone community of practice for podcasting and audio editing as a student organization under the management of an advisor and professional staff. This project will not only justify the importance and timeliness of an experiential learning environment centered on podcasting but also culminate in generating …

A Leadership Strategy To Train And Equip African Pastors And Lay Leaders For Effective Ministry To Central African Refugees And Immigrants In Phoenix, Arizona, Joel Mpabwanimana

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

Since 2010, there has been a growing number of Central African refugees and immigrants resettling in Arizona. This transition adds many other challenges to the trauma some of them have already endured. Unfortunately, there is a lack of trained pastors and lay leaders to effectively minister to them. I designed this project to develop and implement an effective strategy to train and equip pastors and lay leaders to minister to Central African refugee and immigrant communities in the Ubumwe Seventh-day Adventist Church and Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

Method

This project had several primary objectives: (1) to …

Assessing The Impact Of Human Resource Management (Hrm) Practices On Organizational Commitment: An Examination Of The Role Of Temporal Focus, Monty Clint Taylor

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study explores how organizational commitment is associated with employee satisfaction regarding the human resource management (HRM) practices of training/development and compensation. Drawing on Affective Events Theory (AET), this research also examines the role of past temporal focus as a moderating variable of the proposed relationships. During times of historically low unemployment rates below 4% in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), organizations face major challenges in hiring and retaining employees to fill existing job vacancies (Conklin, 2022). Overall organizational stability (i.e., productivity and financial capabilities) is maintained when skilled employees are successfully recruited and trained as …

Training Paraprofessionals In The Implementation Of Aided Language Modeling With Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities And Ccn, Julianne Hill

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this research is to train special education paraprofessionals in the implementation of Aided Language Modeling (ALM) through a coaching program. A single-case multiple probe design across three paraprofessional/student dyads was used to analyze data. Coaching procedures included a single 20-minute training workshop with the researcher between baseline and intervention and post-session conversations after each intervention trial. The research took place in a public school in the southeastern United States. The school was located outside of a metropolitan area in a suburban school district. The study took place to answer the following questions: (1) With the implementation of …

Examining The Experiences Of Dei Practitioners: A Look At The Racial Disparity In Policing Of Black People And The Subsequent Need For Adaptive Leadership, Lashawn Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

For centuries, Black people in the U.S. have had to navigate structural and institutional racism. This is especially true for the system of policing, which evolved from pre-emancipation slave patrols. Though law enforcement agencies have made strides in the past 160 years, Black people continue to be targeted and killed by police at a disproportionate rate. Evidence shows that DEI training initiatives within policing often fail to reduce this racial disparity that exists in policing. Yet, improved training outcomes surrounding racial relations continues to be a priority. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of …

Ministry Formation: An African American Pastor's Perspective On The Use Of Non-Seminary And Secular Work Training For Pastoral Leadership, Jerry Kelvin Maynard

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In contemporary society, the role of pastors and religious leaders is crucial in guiding communities towards spiritual growth and providing support during times of hardship. However, the traditional path to becoming a pastor typically involves seminary training and theological education. This project aims to explore how an African American pastor utilizes his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to serve in pastoral leadership. By examining the unique background and experiences of this pastor, the researcher seeks to shed light on the ways in which non-traditional forms of preparation can contribute to effective pastoral ministry, particularly in diverse pastoral selection and …

Implementing Change: Training For Adult Emergency Assessment, Recognition, And Stabilization For Novice And Non-Critical Care Nurses, Shannon C. Clancy-Burgess

Master's Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Background At a macrosystem in New England hospital nurses are requesting more training for better preparedness in situations of clinical deterioration in the patient. Current education offerings were focused on cardiac and respiratory arrest situations. Review of the literature reveals the need for training in recognition and response to clinical deterioration. Simulation training can be a useful training tool.

Methods Several assessments were conducted to determine the need for a new course that focuses on recognition and response for stabilization. These assessments included an AHRQ Gap Analysis, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, Stakeholder feedback using Qualtricsä, …

Behind The Scenes: Instructional Coaches’ Perceptions Of Curriculum Leadership Development, Cora C. Garner

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations

Since the 20th century, instructional coaching has influenced curricular and pedagogical practices that impact student achievement in K-12 schools; however, the existing literature provides minimal evidence of their experiences in curriculum leadership development. To fill the research gap, this study explores instructional coaches’ perceptions of their professional learning related to curriculum development and leadership. The research questions included (1) How do ICs perceive professional learning opportunities for curriculum leadership? and (2) How do instructional coaches describe the development of their curriculum coaching knowledge and practices? Upon applying the conceptual framework, which included the Saylor et al. (1981) curriculum development model …

Developing And Implementing An Infection Prevention Practice Fellowship Program, Sejal Naik

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Developing and Implementing an Infection Prevention Practice Fellowship Program

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed huge demands on infection prevention programs (Blanchard et al., 2022), seriously taxing a profession already mired with progressively increasing workload and responsibilities (Bryant et al., 2016).

Local Problem: In a rapidly changing environment, infection preventionists (IPs) contend with pandemic surges, emerging infections, and supply chain disruptions. The NCAL Region of an integrated health system experienced IP turnover, and in the absence of a formal training program, newly hired IPs experienced variable to no opportunities to develop their competencies.

Methods: A literature review on infection prevention …

P-12 Teachers' Perceptions And Knowledge About Students' Mental Health And Their Willingness To Provide Mental Health Supports Within Their Classroom, Tamara Engel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

P-12 students are experiencing higher rates of mental health needs, which generates a growing concern among teachers, parents, and educational leaders. Students with mental health challenges may struggle socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically and become at a risk for lower academic achievement, reduced graduation rates, and increased school suspensions and expulsions. While most of the literature is qualitative and has consistently identified schools as the ideal location to provide targeted mental health supports to students, teachers have reported having insufficient knowledge, skills, and resources to provide these supports to students. This correlational study aimed to move forward the quantitative methodology …

Paraprofessional Training Materials, Program Implementation & Review, Breann Brewer

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

If ever you enter a special education classroom, you may encounter a few events. You may witness a classroom of impressive, almost automatic interactions, delivered in a way so eloquent that the students and staff seem to be in an effortless dance with one another. Or, you may witness a classroom that feels heavy with needs; needs of more staff, more help, more hands, and more time. This visual exercise demonstrates how the structure of a special education classroom sets the tone for student growth and success.

One pivotal part of a special education classroom is the paraeducators. Paraeducators, also …

Transformational Leadership Training For Leaders, Kristie Gilliland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of transformational leadership training on improving a leader’s skills and knowledge in performing daily operations and interacting with frontline staff, decreasing attrition. Ineffective leadership contributes to staff dissatisfaction, poor performance, and attrition. The literature supports transformational leadership is effective in leading teams of nurses and contributes to staff autonomy, staff satisfaction, decreased attrition, and improved patient outcomes. A quasi-experimental research study was completed on a leadership team in a managed care organization. Fourteen leaders with anywhere from 1 to more than 6 years of leadership experience were evaluated. Lewin’s change …

Exploring Midwives’ Challenges And Strategies To Provide Care In Maternity Settings During The Harsh Winter Weather In The Northern Areas Of Pakistan: A Qualitative Study, Sana Sultan

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Midwives play a vital role in enhancing the quality of care and achieving substantial reductions in maternal and newborn mortality rates. However, in Gilgit Baltistan, the harsh winter weather and frequent heavy snowfall present distinct challenges for midwives providing essential maternal care. These challenges can lead to an increased risk of maternal infections and newborn hypothermia. Consequently, the limited accessibility to healthcare facilities due to frequent harsh winter weather and the resulting scarcity of resources like heating, electricity, and water exacerbate the situation.
Objective: The study aims to explore the challenges and barriers midwives face in maternity settings and …

Restrictive Pursuit Policies And Rising Violent Crime, Ryan Kelly

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

Consequences can be a driving factor for why citizens follow laws in the United States. Financial and physical freedom is valued. Citizen’s behavior may change if police officers threaten to take these things away for breaking laws. Policymakers today are working to restrict when law enforcement officers can chase criminals for breaking the law. Suppose the ability of law enforcement to hold criminals accountable is restricted. Would this not lead a reasonable person to believe that criminals may think they are free to commit crimes? This paper will cover current trends in violent crime in both the United States and …

Effectiveness Of Staff Training On Trauma-Informed Care, Brandy Tramel Williams

Doctoral Projects

The connection between experiencing trauma and the development of substance use disorder is widely recognized. Although trauma is more prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders, healthcare professionals have limited access to training focused on trauma informed care. It is crucial for those working in addiction treatment to receive training and education on trauma informed care to understand the impact of trauma and its association with substance use disorders.

This DNP project's objective was to develop and evaluate an educational presentation for staff emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in the context of addiction. The effectiveness of this intervention was …

Expanding The Volunteer Role To Include Advance Care Planning Knowledge, Andrea C. Leomo

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Transition patients at the end-of-life are those patients who are not mentally ready or physically eligible for hospice thus not enrolled in a Palliative or Hospice Program. Only one-third of the Transition patient census had completed and filed advance care plans. Healthcare providers are obligated to perform life-saving measures unless documented otherwise. A lack of advance care planning can create complicated scenarios and cause discordant care incidents.

Context: End-of-life care is a delicate subject to navigate conversations with patients. With holistic care being a large component of hospice and palliative care, it is important to have updated and accurate …

Recognition Of And Response To Obstetric Emergencies: Developing A Virtual Competency-Based Orientation Program, Susan Morrison

Student Scholarly Projects

In order to improve outcomes in the perinatal setting, the development of a Virtual Competency-Based Orientation Program (CBO) toolkit is vital. Two toolkits, namely the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) and the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC), have been identified as effective in enhancing perinatal outcomes. AIM is a national initiative focused on improving maternal health outcomes, promoting safer birth practices, and saving lives through the implementation of best practices. CMQCC is a multi-stakeholder organization in California committed to eliminating preventable morbidity, mortality, and racial disparities in maternity care. Both AIM and CMQCC CBO toolkits incorporate research, …