Education Commons^™

Placing Value On Environmental Literacy: A Case Study Of Biology Faculty Experiences, Ilene Sigrid Eberly

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to explore how contingent biology instructors place value on environmental literacy in their instruction and the instructional strategies used to foster their student's environmental literacy. This study also investigated the contextual experiences of contingent instructors influencing the value they place on environmental literacy. Participants included 11 faculty teaching introductory biology courses from two public universities in the Northeast. Our analysis focused on triangulation of participants semi-structured interviews, instructor-generated artifacts, and field notes from classroom observations, interviews, and artifacts. Findings revealed contingent biology instructors understand the importance of placing value on environmental literacy in …

Planning And Teaching For Student Learning In Mathematics: How Graduate Student Instructors Develop And Implement Instruction, Jennifer S. Crooks-Monastra

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore undergraduate mathematics teaching from the perspective of a graduate student serving as a first-time precalculus instructor of record. A multiple case study was designed to follow three mathematics graduate student instructors (MGSIs) through one semester of teaching to understand their goals for student learning, efforts to achieve these goals, influences on planning, and to identify challenges they encountered. For each MGSI, data collection included four interviews, three observations of teaching, weekly journal entries, and written assignments from a pedagogy course. A focus group, field notes from the pedagogy course, audio from mentor …

#Blackfemaleteachersmatter: The Experiences Of Three African American Female Teachers Who Left The Classroom During Their Induction Years, Ashlye Victoria Wilkerson

Theses and Dissertations

This study captured the lived experiences of three African American, female classroom teachers who left the profession within three years of beginning their careers. The main goal that led this research was to center the perspectives of African American women in the conversation about teacher retention, turnover, and attrition percentages that plague the field of education. The primary questions that guided this study were: (1) “What can be learned from the life stories of former African American female teachers who left the teaching profession from South Carolina public classrooms during their induction years?”, (2) “What do their life stories reveal …

Improving Outcomes Assessment Through Silo Integration, Jeffrey Scott Harmon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to leverage the experiences and perceptions of academic administrators at Mountain State University to disrupt the negative aspects of silo-based decision-making within closing the loop assessment practices. Siloed operations naturally begin to operate in contradiction to one another and often to the detriment of the organization. Focusing specifically on siloed operations across academic schools at Mountain State University, this study reveals issues of inefficiency and redundancy, and develops intervention strategies in an effort to improve closing the loop assessment efforts. These strategies include structural changes leading to a more integrated assessment model …

On The Socialization Of Transfer Physics Majors Enrolled Within Upper-Division Physics Courses At Transfer Receiving Institutions: Qualitative Research, Patrick Lee Chestnut

Theses and Dissertations

A host of individual and institutional sociocultural factors mediate transfer physics students' socialization experiences at 4-year transfer receiving institutions. The purpose of this study is to understand how sociocultural factors mediate transfer physics students' socialization while participating in upper-division physics coursework at a 4-year public transfer-receiving university. This study, rooted in sociocultural constructivism, aimed to shape discussion of seven transfer physics students, six regular admit physics students, and a physics course instructor's experiences connected to physics studies that emerged from qualitative data. These data included student and faculty surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. Several key findings emerged. First, a multitude …

Misunderstood: A Phenomenological Study On Intersectionality And The Lived Experiences Of Black Millennial Student Affairs Professionals At Pwis, Emily P. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to further understand the lived experiences of Black millennial student affairs professionals navigating and advancing through a predominately white institution in the southern United States. This phenomenological study, framed by critical race theory and intersectionality, sought to ultimately use these lived experiences to advocate for change. A review of the literature highlighted the needs, values, and experiences of Black Millennials based on both identities, the experiences of working in student affairs/higher education with these experiences, and the need for intentional diversity efforts by higher educational institutions.

The researcher interviewed nine participants to learn more about …

The Effects Of Entrepreneurial Education On Haitian Entrepreneurs Of The Bel Initiative Program, Ronald Cetoute

Theses and Dissertations

Entrepreneurship is seen as a vehicle to improve the economy of communities and countries. BEL Initiative is a program that provides entrepreneurship education and resources to entrepreneurs based in Haiti. The program supports the ecosystem in Haiti with the intention to contribute to Haiti’s economy through education and promoting investment. Though the program seems to be helping educate entrepreneurs, what effects do participants of the BEL Initiative have on the Haitian economy? What do they take away from the program? Furthermore, what concepts and information are they able to apply in Haiti’s business environment from American influenced entrepreneurship education?

The …

Thinking For You, Thinking For Two: Uncovering Student-Parent Experiences In Higher Education, Brandi Blanton

Theses and Dissertations

The literature addressing non-traditional students in higher education is broadening, nevertheless, the experiences of non-traditional, adult students who are raising children (i.e., student-parents) in academia continue to be inadequately explored. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of student-parents pursuing a college degree while raising children. The use of a qualitative approach in this research study presented the opportunity to gather rich data to help explain the phenomenon (Creswell, 2007, Denzin & Lincoln, 2013). Specifically applying a hermeneutic phenomenological research design allowed adult non-traditional student-parents to explain their college experience in their own words through …

The Facts Of Life: Professional Identity Narratives Of Expatriate Language Instructors In Egypt, Sierranicole Butler

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses a narrative approach to investigate the lived experiences of two expatriate TESOL instructors at a private university in Egypt. Through the use of observations and interviews, the researcher analyzed how the emotions and beliefs of experienced expatriate TESOL instructors influence, shape, and are shaped by their Language Teacher Professional Identities. Farrell’s (2011) Professional Role Identities codes were used. The study revealed that expatriate language instructors face a number of trying experiences when teaching students, interacting with colleagues, and taking on various leadership roles within their institutions based on a number of factors including their own beliefs, backgrounds, …

The Value In Marketing: The Influence Of Memory On Marketing Campus Activities, Melissa Banuelos

Theses and Dissertations

The following mixed methods study sought to uncover relationships among value, identity, and memory to aid in the utilization of value in marketing campus activities. 12 students participated in a free recall memory task as well as a word value ranking task to help better understand possible relationships. There were no significant differences in the number of words recalled based on a participant's affiliation with a specific identity group. There was also no significant relationship between word value and frequency was found. However, following the completion of the quantitative portion of this study, four of the 12 participants engaged in …

More Than A Job: An Exploration Of Student Employee And Professional Staff Perceptions Of The Relationship Between On-Campus Employment And Student Development, Maeve K. Mckinney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this sequential exploratory mixed methods study is to explore the relationship between on-campus employment and student development through examining student employees' and professional staffs' perceptions. While certain impacts (i.e., retention and grade point average) of on-campus employment have been researched, the impact this experience has on student development is understudied. Furthermore, the formation of a dueling narrative (the inclusion of both student and professional perceptions) is even less present in research. By analyzing the perceptions held by both populations, these findings compare what student employees are truly gaining from their employment experience versus what professional staff believe …

Non-Cognitive Skills And Student Perception Of Importance, Laura Adriano

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to look at student perception of non-cognitive skills and if they put an importance on those skills as they relate to academic achievement. Surveys were distributed to students at a midsized university located in the northeast, who had earned senior status by earning 90+ credits. Additionally, interviews were also conducted to take a more in-depth look at themes discovered in the survey. Findings show that students recognize the importance of non-cognitive skills, also referred to as soft skills. They felt that acquisition of those skills was critical to their academic success, while there were …

The Role And Awareness Of Sexual Violence Initiatives At Rowan University Through Undergraduate Students' Perceptions, Alyssa M. Paluch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the overall role and awareness of Rowan University's sexual violence programs through the perceptions of undergraduate students. An online survey was distributed to all enrolled Rowan University undergraduate students to determine their perceptions of the sexual violence initiatives. After the survey was closed, semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted to further investigate those perceptions. Out of the 16,874 surveys distributed, 301 complete responses were recorded, which was about a 1.8% response rate. Out of the 43 participants who signed up after the survey to complete an interview, eight of them followed …

Non-Traditional Undergraduate Students, Anis Nooshadi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative research was to discover some of the common challenges that non-traditional undergraduate students go through when they return to learning institutions to increase their education. This study focused on some mechanisms that, when put in place, will ensure that students will feel a part of the academic institutions in which they are attending. Another purpose of this study was to comprehend the challenges that non-traditional students go through when trying to balance their family and academic life. The research questions were asked to the participants who had been randomly sampled, and they were to help …

Developing Critical Consciousness In Traditionally White Fraternities In Higher Education, Jason J. Artrip

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of fraternity members within the higher education system in New Jersey. One major goal of this study was to analyze the level of critical consciousness developed through involvement in a fraternity. While research exists on the fraternity experience in relation to race, and whiteness, not much has been examined to understand the experience of fraternity members in relation to these issues. By expanding this research, fraternity and sorority affairs professionals, student affairs professionals and fraternity national office staff can better understand the fraternity experience in relation to racial injustice …

Resident Assistants And Title Ix: The Hypocrisy Of Compelled Disclosure, Samantha Contrini

Theses and Dissertations

Resident Assistants juggle various roles as student staff members to ensure residents are supported and safe. Yet, RAs are widely considered to be some of the most under-trained and ill-prepared employees on college campuses (Letarte, 2012). At many institutions, RAs are considered Responsible Employees under Title IX which means they are required to report instances of sexual misconduct when they are made aware of them. Often times, this is done against the will of the survivor; a phenomenon referred to as compelled disclosure (Holland et al., 2018). The purpose of this study was to explore the potential harm caused to …

Supports Needed For College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jaclyn Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to better understand how colleges can aid in the success of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder using a needs-based assessment. Many studies have been conducted regarding the needs of students with learning disabilities and special education needs, but not much research has been done for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The number of postsecondary students with Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to grow each year, yet little research has been conducted in this area. The objective was to hear from college students and alumni that identify as having Autism Spectrum Disorder to find …

Rape Myth Prevalence Among Resident Assistants At Rowan University, Erin Flynn

Theses and Dissertations

College campuses have become the front lines in the battle to end sexual assaults. One in five college-aged women will experience sexual assault during their time in school (Muehlenhard et al., 2017). This study explores whether mandatory reporters may disregard a report of sexual misconduct due to their belief in rape myths. Rape Myths are defined as any belief that exonerates the perpetrator while placing blame on the victim. This study aims to explore the relationship between rape myths and the largest population of mandatory reporters on campus, Resident Assistants. This study explores the degree of understanding Resident Assistants hold …

The Adult Student Decline: A Review Of The Long-Term Impact Of The Rowan University Strategic Plan, Trayvonne Jones

Theses and Dissertations

As education continues to advance, we are beginning to see that adult students are considerably different compared to their traditional counterparts. Adult students face many barriers that may hinder their receiving a proper education. These barriers can range from things such as time commitment or a technological barrier. With Rowan University's change from a commuter institution to a more residential university we have started to see an increase in full time students and less part-time students. This change could result in the needs of adult students not being met, which would pose a problem for the university. In 2008 Derrell …

Cross-Campus Collaboration And Its Impact On Resident Students At Rowan University, Serafina R. Genise

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of cross-campus collaboration at Rowan University and understand the impact it has on resident students. By conducting multiple semi-structured interviews, I sought to understand the view of cross-campus collaboration from professionals from both academic and student affairs. After conducting a thematic analysis on the collected data, the findings of the study illustrated that there are some instances of cross-campus collaboration happening at Rowan University. These instances occur when they are integrated into one's position and or department, and through committee involvement at the university level. Outside of these instances cross …

The Effects Of The Superwoman Schema On African American Women Receiving Their Graduate Degree At Rowan University While Also Holding An Assistantship, Corrine Smith

Theses and Dissertations

As an African American or Black woman, there is an expectation to be strong at all times. They are often glorified for their resiliency. Unfortunately, that strength and the expectation of it, can prove to be detrimental to African American or Black women's health. The Superwoman Schema, originally studied in 2010 by Woods-Giscomb, is the double edge sword that is handed to African American or Black women at a young age. The purpose of this qualitative study was to expand Wood-Giscomb's research by examining the perceptions of the impact of the Superwoman Schema on African American or Black graduate students …

A Comparative Case Study Exploring The Experiences Of Women Leaders In Academic Affairs And Administration In Higher Education Through The Lens Of Intersectionality, Johniqua S. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

There is an increasing concern about the absence of women in senior positions in academia and administration within institutions (Johnson, 2016). There is limited research to compare the journeys of women leaders in academics and administration. This study is an examination of women’s experiences of perceived barriers to leadership roles in faculty and administration. Using comprehensive interviews, this study explores personal accounts to emphasize apparent barriers to career advancement. The goal of the study is to explore women in senior positions in academia and administrative paths to leadership. The male dominated society has made it challenging for women to grow …

Academic & Cultural Perceptions And Experiences Of International Students At A Hispanic Serving Institution Of Higher Education, Samantha Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

International student enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions is steadily increasing. In 2018/2019, more than one million international students were pursuing their higher education in the U.S.

This study aims to discover and learn more about the academic and cultural perceptions, as well as on-campus experiences of the international students in relation to their campus life, academics, and student services at a Hispanic Serving Institution of higher education in South Texas.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis to describe the philosophical assumptions and inquiry method. The quantitative research was designed as an online survey, which included several areas of student interest in …

Perceptions Of Nontraditional Students Towards Extracurricular And Student Leadership Programming, Allison V. Niemiec

Theses and Dissertations

Nontraditional student populations at higher education institutions have been continuously growing, which requires institutions to become better prepared to address their unique needs. The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to explore the perceptions of nontraditional students towards extracurricular and student leadership programming at Rowan University. This research study involved a cross-sectional survey that identified characteristics of nontraditional students enrolled at Rowan University since at least the fall of 2019 and identified their satisfaction with and interest in extracurricular and leadership opportunities. Optional one on one interviews were administered to gain a better understanding of the survey …

Gender Involvement At The Graduate Level, Ann Elizabeth Nitsche

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative research study identifies the attitudes and opinions of the target population on identifying a gender gap in graduate-level education. The target population consists of 28 female graduate students enrolled in the spring 2021 semester at Rowan University. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge about the gender gap and female involvement within the graduate programs at Rowan University, a public research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey. The literature review for the study examines the current research on a woman's place within the realm of higher education. It also discusses the background of women's education …

Effective Advising Practices: Undergraduate Students' Perspective On The Impact Of Academic Advising At Rowan University In The Health And Exercise Science Department, Meghan Michele Mcgahey

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to analyze current undergraduate students' perceptions of academic advising practices within the Health and Exercise Science Department (HES) at Rowan University. The department provides a rigorous and enlightening intellectual environment for the professional development, achievement and distinction of leaders in Education, Athletic Training, Public Health and Health Promotion and Fitness Management. Although there has been much research on student perceptions of academic advising, there has not been any done specific to Health and Exercise Science majors at Rowan University. Rowan University is currently undergoing massive changes during the COVID-19 crisis. With the transition to …

The Relationship Between High-Impact Practices And First-Year Experience In First-Generation Students, Alexis Graesser

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of first-generation college students participating in high-impact practices during their first year. High-impact practices have been defined by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (2018) as first-year seminars, writing intensive courses, undergraduate research, learning communities, diversity/global learning, service learning, and internships. The goal of this study is to offer new discussions and recommendations based off findings and existing literature. While there is research on first-generation college students, first-year experiences, and high-impact practices, little is known about how the first-year experience of first-generation students is affected by their participation …

Yo Pertenezco Aqui: Uncovering The Experiences And Sense Of Belonging Of Latinx/A/O Students At A Predominantly White Institution, Brittany C. Passano

Theses and Dissertations

As human beings, it is essential that we feel included in and connected to the communities in which we function. These feelings of inclusion and connection are referred to as feeling a sense of belonging. As a minoritized student population, Latinx/a/o students experience the difficulty of transitioning into an educational culture that is not prepared to welcome and serve them. The purpose of the following phenomenological qualitative study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of Latinx/a/o students and the ways in which their perceptions shaped their sense of belonging at a predominantly white institution (PWI). The …

International Graduate Students' Involvement And Overall Satisfaction With Their College Experience, Lauren Pollara

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this mixed method explanatory study was to examine the involvement patterns and priorities of Rowan University international graduate students and their overall college experience and satisfaction. The study further explored what services are most used from international graduate students at Rowan University. The survey sample included the available population of all international graduate students on an F-1 student visa studying at Rowan University's main campus in Glassboro, New Jersey who were registered for classes during the 2020-2021 academic year. Of the 145 students, 33 responded to the survey in its entirety, yielding a 22.8% response rate. The …

Campus Resources, Dara Law

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined how aware first semester college students are about Rowan Thrive, and if students have utilized any of its well-being resources. The study's goal was to determine if students were using this program on campus. This research's main goal is to bring awareness to first year college students about the Rowan Thrive program. This will help students who are experiencing mental health issues. This study found that more students have not utilized Rowan Thrive campus resources during their first semester. The study found that those who did utilize Rowan Thrive campus resources, the three areas utilized were physical, …