Education Commons^™

Through The Lens Of Latinas: The Influences Of An Out-Of-School Time Stem Program, Chaoyi Wang

Theses & Dissertations

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have been the foundation for discovery and technological innovation in the United States. The United States considers STEM education as a national priority to compete in the global economy and protect the nation’s innovation ecosystem. The high demand for careers in STEM fields promotes the importance of STEM education. However, Latinos, as the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, face many challenges in STEM education relating to a lack of progress, degree attainment, and participation in STEM professions.

This research aimed to explore the learning experience in an out-of-school (OST) STEM program, called …

Making Elearning Engaging: The Effect Of Technology Strategies On Student Engagement And Content Knowledge Development In A Secondary Mathematics Digital Classroom, Allison Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study employed a mixed-methods design to examine the effect of technology strategies on secondary students’ engagement and development of geometry content knowledge in an eLearning setting. Seeking to understand student preferences of the technology tools, this two-week study was conducted during a geometry unit on quadrilaterals and employed the following technology tools: student response systems (SRS), computer-assisted instruction (CAI), gamification, and teacher-made screencasts. Quantitative data was collected on student engagement, the usefulness of the technology, and student self-efficacy through a Likert-scale survey after each day of using technology. Qualitative data were collected through purposeful interviews with students …

Self-Efficacy And Its Effect On Student Achievement In Reading And Math, Morgan Van Hulzen

Master of Education Program Theses

This action research study investigated the degree of relationship between elementary teachers’ self-efficacy in math and reading and student achievement in math and reading in an elementary school in southeast South Dakota. The participants were 279 students in grades three through five along with 13 third through fifth grade teachers. Using NWEA Growth Map Test data, a comparison in student achievement in math and reading was made between students with highly self-efficacious teachers and students whose teachers reported low self-efficacy. The findings of this research did not show a significant difference between math or reading scores of students with teachers …

Effects Of Chair Testing In Orchestra On Student Motivation: Student Perspectives And Applications From Motivational Theories, Rosanna Christine Honeycutt

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine how string students perceive achievement on chair testing through the lens of attribution and achievement goal motivational self-theories. A teacher survey was administered to identify the goals of chair testing in two high school and seven middle school orchestra classrooms. A student survey was used to collect data in those same classrooms on (a) the reasons why students do and do not do well on chair tests, (b) the perceived goals of chair testing and (c) the ratings of motivation and self-achievement. Qualitative techniques were used to analyze attributions within both …

Assessing English Learners For Special Education Eligibility: Evaluator’S Perspectives And Procedures, Brenda Iveth De La Garza

Theses and Dissertations

There is a disproportionate number of English Learners (ELs) in Special Education across the United States (Kligner, Artiles, & Barletta, 2006). When educators are concerned about EL’s lack of progress and their underachievement they turn towards Special Education as a way of finding resources and a solution to their concerns (Kligner, Boile, Linan-Thompson & Rodriguez, 2014). This poses a challenge for evaluators, especially for those who lack or have little knowledge about the differences that exist between typical language acquisition differences and a learning disability. Evaluators who lack this knowledge might be more likely to confuse a student’s second language …

Predicting Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy In Content Area Reading: A Multiple Regression Analysis, Fatih Destebasi

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

The main purpose of this study was to predict secondary and middle school pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in content area reading by using demographic, academic achievement, literacy methods courses, faculty support, preparedness for content area reading, and attitudes toward teaching reading in content classrooms as variables. Based on that purpose, this study was guided by the following research question: What are the predictors of secondary and middle school pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in content area reading among variables from verbal persuasion of teacher education faculty, preparedness for content area reading, attitudes toward teaching reading in content classrooms, number of literacy method courses, …

Balancing Act: How Does An Interdisciplinary Art Unit Affect Student Self-Efficacy In A Stem School?, Cindy Hankins-Koppel

Ed.D. Dissertations

Abstract

Educators who use interdisciplinary methods in the classroom need consistent strategies to teach STEM content, and methods to help students increase self-efficacy. The focus on cognitive gains in STEM studies limits the number of students who pursue a foundation of STEM and 21st century skills to adapt to technological advancements for their futures. Student self-efficacy, perception of personal abilities, has become more critical as individuals need a range of academic and personal skills to adapt and persist in future endeavors. Social stereotypes and familial interests influence an individual's perception of their abilities to pursue a career in STEM from …

Corporate Trainers’ Intent To Adjust Training Programs For Fostering Employee Self-Efficacy, Peter Cronrath

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To stay current on technology trends, trainers are tasked with providing cost-effective training to meet the needs of the organization. It is not known if to develop employee self-efficacy, organizational trainers should consider making changes to their programs in accordance with (a) generational needs of employees, (b) methodology of training, and (c) position levels of employees in an organization. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was to determine whether there is a correlation between organizational training professionals’ intent to make changes to training programs and if self-efficacy development is considered in generationally different individuals at different position levels …

Teacher Perspectives Of Project-Based Learning Implementation In Middle-Grade Classrooms, Lyndria Regina Bland

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers at a middle school in a Southeastern U.S. state were not implementing project-based learning (PBL) as mandated by the district. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the perspectives of teachers concerning PBL implementation and how their self-efficacy shaped their perspectives. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected through interviews with 11 participants and examination of PBL artifacts. Data were analyzed using thematic, open and axial coding to discover patterns and themes. Findings indicated that teachers shaped their perspectives regarding PBL through their experiences while implementing PBL, collaboration among teachers is …

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. …

Professional Growth: How Do Cooperating Teachers Grow Through The Experience Of Having A Student Teacher?, Ashton D. Coppley

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Cooperating teachers and student teachers share a unique internship that allows the development of skills for both individuals. The literature states that cooperating teachers can grow from student teachers; however, there are a few sources that state the areas in which this growth occurs. The purpose of this study was to determine if growth or impact happened in the areas of instructional practices, coaching skills, and self-efficacy during the student teaching process. This mixed methods study included a survey, focus group interview, and single interviews to determine whether any change was made. The survey created descriptive statistics, a Pearson correlation …