Education Commons^™

Exploring School Counselors’ Perceptions Of How Poverty Impacts Elementary School Students’ Capacity For Academic And Emotional Success: A Phenomenological Study, Latesha Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate school counselors’ viewpoints regarding poverty’s influence on elementary school students’ executive functioning, self-regulation abilities, and academic performance. The impact of poverty on children’s academic achievement is widely acknowledged, and school counselors’ assistance to students from low-income families is considered paramount. The study provided a unique viewpoint regarding alleviating poverty by highlighting the crucial significance of education and skills. The guiding theory in the research study was the social cognitive theory that offers a conceptual structure for comprehending how school counselors’ observations and experiences within the educational setting influence their perspectives regarding …

Exploring The Post-Covid Lived Experiences Of Parents Of Middle School Children Who Continued Learning In Online Modality: A Phenomenological Study, Gladys Ode Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to explore the lived experiences of working parents of school children who transitioned to and continued online learning during and post-pandemic. Twelve parents were selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods, with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory guiding the study framework. Existing literature highlighted challenges faced by parents and schools during the pandemic, such as balancing work and children’s education, connectivity issues, and dissatisfaction with school support and communication. Analysis of interview data revealed that despite ongoing concerns, parents successfully adapted to managing work and online education responsibilities. They reported satisfaction with their children’s …

An Examination Of The Influences Of Critical Thinking Tasks On Mathematics Instruction: A Qualitative Study, Glen E. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to understand the mathematics critical thinking process for teachers in primary education in northern Virginia. The theory guiding this study is Kolb’s experiential learning theory, which applies to critical thinking processes. The central research question will be: What are the experiences of primary mathematics teachers implementing critical thinking? This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to determine the influences of critical thinking tasks on planning and instruction. Using qualified participants from northern Virginia, this study will collect data through interviews, a focus group, and document analysis. After data collection, the data will be …

Teacher's Experiences Of The Response To Intervention Model Implementation In State-Ranked New Jersey Schools: A Qualitative Case Study, Kimberly Myers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover and describe teachers’ experiences of RTI implementation for kindergarten through grade five general education teachers at state-ranked suburban New Jersey schools. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, as it applies to teachers’ experiences of the effectiveness of the RTI process. According to Bandura, self-efficacy is the perception of how well one can execute a task. Self-efficacy can connect to teacher efficacy through the feeling of understanding the job requirements and the intended goals. This case study assessed how teachers’ experiences of the RTI process impact the overall …

Parent Perspectives For Elementary Instrumental Music Participation, Scott Wayne Mcgowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted to understand participation issues surrounding elementary instrumental music programs from a parent's perspective. Many school districts’ elementary instrumental music programs have continued with a district-funded model with classes that meet during the school day. The school district in this study adopted an outside-the-school-day model that is tuition-based. The study utilized semi-structured interviews and observations from the researcher. A quality music education program should include the highest possible number of students. This study uncovers the motivating factors in elementary instrumental music participation. It also reveals potential barriers to entry. Music educators can use the results …

Ownership Behaviors In Children's Music Culture, Sarah Dworjan

Masters Theses

Adults may demonstrate cultural ownership of music in various ways, but children are limited in their artistic expression by the restrictions of youth, parental authority, and financial subordination. This project evaluates the ownership behaviors demonstrated by 60 third and fourth grade female students in Albany, NY. Considering self-reported behaviors and the completion of creative activities in the general music classroom, the study also examines a secondary question: is there a difference in the way children interact with music of their own choosing as compared to the music of a teacher’s choosing? Results from this project indicate that students naturally respond …

Improving Student Engagement Despite Lowering Attention Spans In The Classroom, Kaycee Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Attention spans have been decreasing throughout society for many years, partially due to the constant increase of technological advances. The average human attention span of eight seconds is particularly concerning to teachers and others in the classroom. It does not seem that the average attention span is ever going to increase, so teachers must implement intentional methods and strategies within their classroom to keep their students’ attention. Physical activities, technology and hands-on supports, small group instruction, shorter lessons, making intentional mistakes, flexible seating, and differentiated instruction are all strategies supported by research to improve student engagement within the classroom. Every …

The Inclusive Music Classroom For Elementary Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Benjamin Bartow Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Even though considerable research has been conducted regarding the inclusion of self-contained students in regular education settings, little research has been conducted specifically on elementary, self-contained students with EBDs in music classes. Given the fact that there are increasing numbers of students with EBDs, suggestions for empirically supported techniques specific to this demographic, as well as evaluation of unique challenges with educating this population, will prove beneficial to the overall classroom environment. Considering the negative impact of emotional outbursts on mainstream students, deciding when it is appropriate to exclude self-contained students from the inclusive classroom is crucial. Identifying proper utilization …

The Influence Of Teacher Exhaustion On Attrition Involving Primary Teachers: A Qualitative Study, Carson Kleinknecht

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single-case qualitative case study was to discover the perceived influence teacher exhaustion may have on educator attrition for primary school teachers in one urban school district in central South Carolina. Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation was utilized as the theoretical framework for this study as it explains how an inability to meet the needs of teachers can result in teacher exhaustion and an increase in attrition. Maslow’s theory assisted in understanding how the stress and exhaustion that teachers experience can influence teacher retention in primary schools. This qualitative case study utilized a central research question: …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Mainstream Classroom Teachers And Overly Active, Distracted Students, Elizabeth I. Minney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore those lived experiences that predispose some mainstream elementary teachers to initially modify in-classroom instruction to meet the needs of their overly active, distracted students before referring them for an ADHD evaluation. Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory was the lens through which this study was examined. In essence, social learning theory suggests that individuals learn what they know and how they should act through formal and informal interactions with others. The central research question around which this study revolved was: What are the lived experiences of mainstream classroom teachers who prefer …

Examining The Effect Of Utilizing 1:1 Ipad Technology On Third Grade Reading Achievement: A Causal-Comparative Analyis, Sharla E. Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined the effects of one-to-one (1:1) iPad instruction versus traditional instruction on urban third-grade students' English Language Arts (ELA) achievement. The research is significant given the rising use of technology, like the 1:1 iPad initiative, to combat declining reading proficiency. It highlights the pivotal role of third-grade reading proficiency in future success, aligning with education policies and catering to modern learners. This study provides valuable insights for educators, administrators, and education stakeholders by elucidating the impact of technology on reading achievement. As one-to-one instruction gains prominence, understanding its influence on students' reading performance is crucial due …

The Transformation Of Rural Elementary Classroom English Language Teachers During Distance Learning: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Cecilia Frazier Salzer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the transformation of rural elementary classroom teachers who transitioned to distance learning with English learners (ELs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the California Central Valley. The theory guiding this study is Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. At the same time the conceptual framework is Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), as both will ascribe meaning to how EL teachers transformed their perspectives, assumptions, feelings, and judgments while conducting distance learning. The research question guiding this study is: What transformation did teachers experience while providing distance learning instruction to rural elementary English …

Third-Grade Students’ Poor Performance On The Math Section Of The Stanford Achievement Test At Chapel Hill Elementary School: An Instrumental Exploratory Qualitative Single-Case Study, Giovanny Guillermo Gaviria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental exploratory qualitative single-case study was to explore the understanding of the principal, teachers, and parents related to the poor performance on the math section of the Stanford Achievement Test and the related factors of self-determination and self-efficacy of third-grade students in a private Christian elementary school in a city (pseudonym, Chapel Hill) in the Western United States. The theory guiding this study was Bandura's social cognitive theory, which is the foundation of self-determination theory, academic self-efficacy, and school-related parental monitoring. This case study contained a purposeful sample of ten participants (one principal, four teachers, and …

The Effects Of Motivational Messages On The Mathematics Anxiety Of Preservice Elementary Education Majors, Eric William Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the effects of motivational messages on the mathematics anxiety of preservice elementary education majors. A quantitative, quasi-experimental posttest nonequivalent control group design was used. The attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction model of motivation and control-value theories provided direction for this study. Sampling methods included convenience and voluntary response sampling of preservice elementary education majors in nine intact sections of required college mathematics courses. The number of participants sampled was 32. Participants in the treatment group watched supplemental videos embedded with motivational messages that covered concepts in the enrolled course. Participants in the control group watched supplemental videos …

A Correlational Study On The Influence Of Teacher-Student Relationships On Teachers’ Math Self-Efficacy And Mathematical Anxiety In Students In Lower Elementary Grades, Erica M. Bates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to discover the influence of teacher-student relationships on teachers’ math self-efficacy and math anxiety in first through third-grade students. This research was significant since the results inform and guide educational training, evaluations, and classroom management. This study was composed of 13 teachers and 84 students in the first through third grade classrooms in a Mid-Atlantic State. Teachers completed two surveys: Teacher-Student Relationship Scale and the Self-Efficacy for Teacher Mathematics Instrument. Students were surveyed concerning their math anxiety using the Math Anxiety Questionnaire for Children. Data analysis was conducted by using Pearson correlation …

A Culturally Responsive Implementation Process Of A School-Wide Behavior Program Within An Mtss Framework Among Elementary Schools: A Descriptive Case Study, Ina Ramos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive case study was to describe if the process of the implementation of a school-wide behavior program within a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) framework in elementary schools for educators, staff, and students would be culturally responsive and inclusive. The MTSS framework for behavior was generally defined as social-emotional behavior. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and self-efficacy belief was the framework for this study as it explained the significance of the relationship between the program using a framework, such as MTSS, and the importance of being culturally responsive. The methodology that were used included interviews, focus group interviews, …

A Multiple Case Study Of Primary Grade School Teachers' Experiences With Using Colors To Teach Writing, Rhonda L. Holcomb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this case study, I focused on understanding how primary grade school teachers in public schools in the United States use colors during writing instruction. During literacy instruction, the teacher communicates how to perform the writing process for students to become effective writers. Primary grade school teachers described how and why they use colors during writing instruction and how they learned to use colors for writing instruction and to assess their students’ writing. The theory guiding this study is Jerome Bruner’s instructional theory, supported by Cambourne’s conditions for literacy learning and the sociocultural writing theory. Data were collected through individual …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Influence Of Early Childhood Screenings: A Qualitative Case Study, Jennifer Youssif

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers' experiences with the Early Childhood Screening for students attending XYZ School in Eastern Saudi Arabia. The study was guided by the theory of social constructivism and the theory of self-regulation, as they explain how early experiences influence child and adult development. The central research question addressed the experiences of early childhood educators implementing mandatory screening assessments in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The central research question was “What are the experiences of early childhood educators that implement mandatory screening assessments in Pre-K and Kindergarten?” The study followed a …

Teachers’ Experiences With Providing Multi-Tiered Student Support For Students With Borderline Intellectual Functioning: A Qualitative Case Study, Teresa Davis Kelso

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to understand the obstacles that rural public school teachers encounter while delivering Multi-Tiered Student Support interventions for students with borderline intellectual functioning. The central question guiding this study was: What are the experiences of rural South Carolina public school teachers tasked with providing Tier III interventions for students with borderline intellectual functioning? The theory guiding this study was Bandera’s self-efficacy theory in that teachers are more effective when they are confident in their ability to use appropriate strategies and materials. The setting for the qualitative study was in a small rural district …

Culturally Diverse Literature And Social Inclusion In Elementary Classrooms, Amanda Works

The Kabod

This qualitative study explored the use of culturally diverse literature in correlation to social inclusion, which is crucial for students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being. The purpose was to identify if culturally diverse literature could effectively promote social inclusion in diverse classrooms.

Presented at the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University, January 2023.

See Senior Honors Thesis.

Understanding The Role Of Parent-Teacher Communication In Motivating Elementary School Students: A Case Study, Brittany Rose Powers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to understand parent-teacher communication and its role in motivating students in elementary school. The work was guided by the following central research question and two sub-questions: CRQ) How do parent-teacher relationships motivate students? SQ1) How does a met or not met basic need dictate the motivational outcomes of students? SQ2) How do elementary school students perceive the role of parents and teachers in their motivation to learn? A qualitative research design was used to gather individual experiences and participants’ perspectives. The multiple case study design allowed many participants to share varying perspectives …

The Perceived Impact Of A Global Pandemic On The Academic Achievement And Social-Emotional Health Of Students In The Title I Elementary Classroom: A Phenomenology, Tiffany Nicole Paige

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the perceived impact of the global pandemic on students' academic achievement and social-emotional health in Title I elementary schools in Northcentral Georgia. The central research question driving this research sought to explore teachers' experiences with perceived student achievement and overall social-emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theories of behaviorism and social learning guided this study as the researcher’s goal was to identify how COVID-19 has impacted students academically, as well as taking a more rigorous look at the social-emotional wellbeing of students who have experienced numerous educational changes due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic …

Interdisciplinary Studies In General Music Education: Enhancing Learning Across Content Areas, Tara Kathleen Roof Stradley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Some perspectives of educators and community members in small rural school districts fail to see the academic benefits of music education and the importance of integrated forms of study, despite the many clear connections that can be seen between the general music curriculum and other content areas such as math and language arts. Interdisciplinary studies in general music education are essential for student growth across content areas. This study reveals the importance of music integration and interdisciplinary music studies in small rural elementary schools. It gives example lessons of mathematics and language arts in the elementary music curricula. Guided by …

Parental Perspectives On The Role Of Music As A Core Subject, Justine M. Hansen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the designation of music as a core subject by federal and many state education policies, instructional time for elementary music classes is disproportionately less than that allocated to other core subjects. The perceptions held by parents of elementary school children may indicate the extent to which elementary general music education is valued by the public, affecting the allocation of instructional time. At present, no research exists examining the views held by parents concerning the designation of music as a core subject and its role in a well-rounded education. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions held …

Enhancing Culturally Responsive Practices: A Phenomenological Study On How Elementary School Leaders Demonstrate Cultural Proficiency In Teacher Development, Dana Synora Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In education, a lack of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) may mute the success of students of color. A lack of culturally responsive pedagogy practices can drastically alter students’ educational outcomes and their outlook on the value of education. This hermeneutic phenomenology explored the experiences of elementary school leaders on their mission to implement culturally responsive practices through teacher professional development. The theory guiding this study is Khalifa’s theory on Culturally Responsive School Leadership which was developed to make teaching and the entire school environment responsive to the schooling needs of all demographics of children. This phenomenological study focused on teachers’ …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Teachers' Attitudes Toward Science Teaching Based On Biological Sex, Teaching Experience, And An Instructional Resource In An Urban Elementary School Setting, Melissa Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative research study analyzed the difference in teachers’ attitudes toward science teaching in an urban elementary school setting based on biological sex, teaching experience, and the use of a science instructional unit of study. The study was significant because it revealed that teaching experience influenced elementary teachers’ attitudes toward science teaching, contributing to the body of knowledge about elementary teachers in an urban setting and related to science education. A convenience sample of 120 study participants in the Georgia urban area was selected. The teacher participants completed the online ten-minute Dimensions of Attitude Toward Science instrument that measured …

Educators’ Perceptions Of Implementing The Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence: A Multiple-Case Study, Terra Elizabeth Brown Jordan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to describe educators’ perceptions concerning the implementation of the Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence (SPIRE) as an intervention to help students meet state proficiency standards at a large suburban school district in Utah. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory served as the theoretical framework to guide an inquiry into educators’ beliefs and how well they executed the SPIRE intervention to answer the central research question, “How do educators explain their perceptions of the use of SPIRE in the classroom?” This study utilized a multiple-case study design that captured the perception of 12 educators who …

Occupational Stress And Burnout In K-2 Educators Postpandemic: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Jennifer M. Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe occupational stress and burnout as experienced by K–2 elementary educators in central Pennsylvania postpandemic. The theories guiding this study were Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping and Lazarus’s cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion, which provided a framework for understanding how educators process occupational stress. The central research question guiding this qualitative phenomenological study was: What is the lived experience of K–2 elementary school educators postpandemic? The sample consisted of 12 to 15 K–2 educators from across three school districts in central Pennsylvania. Data were collected using journal entries, …

Public School Teachers' Experiences With High-Stakes Testing: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Lamorris Nakita Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine how public school elementary teachers perceive high-stakes testing situations as it relates to the impact of test anxiety on young children. Bandura’s (1997) social cognitive theory guided this study as it sought to explain the role of human self-belief in cognition, motivation, and behavior. Eleven teachers who are elementary teachers within a North Carolina public school system, have been teaching at least three years, and have administered high-stakes testing over the course of their teaching careers shared their lived experiences of high-stakes testing through their answers to the following: How …

Elementary Teachers' Experiences Of Student Engagement During Forced Virtual Learning: A Phenomenological Approach, Heather Nicole Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe Virginia's Shenandoah Valley Elementary School teachers' experiences of student engagement during forced virtual learning. Teachers' experiences were defined by their positive or negative perceptions of virtual learning experiences. Bandura's social learning theory guided this study on the importance of student engagement in the classroom. This qualitative, transcendental phenomenological study included 12 elementary school teachers from the Madre school division. Data were collected through interviews, letter writing, and focus groups. The precoding and coding processes were used for data analysis to identify three final themes. The themes were online …