Education Commons^™

A Narrative Study On High School Transition Programs And Student Attendance In Rural North Carolina, Terrie Bethea-Hampton, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

The move from eighth to ninth grade can be an emotional time. Students experience feelings of isolation and the fear of the unknown. In the transition, grade nine students experience a number of first times that challenge their abilities to manage their time wisely and stay focus. These first times include: (a) taking a class that counts towards graduation, (b) choosing their own classes, (c) less parental supervision, (d) increased peer influence, and (e) other freedoms that high school students enjoy (McCallumore & Sparapani, 2010).

To combat the “freshman problem” districts across the United States work in an effort to …

Leadership And Spirituality: Conceptualization, Definition And Future Directions In Higher Education, Simone Elias, Brian Cole, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

This conceptual paper addresses the increased need to better conceptualize and define leadership and spirituality in higher education. Over the past decade, empirical research related to spirituality and leadership has gained momentum and has attracted interest from scholars, worldwide. With the increasing diversity of cultures and beliefs, particularly in western societies, the academia's acknowledgment of spirituality and leadership's importance not only present potentialities but also to reveal challenges; since some researchers support a religion-based perspective of the concept, while others indicate that the concept goes beyond religiosity. Therefore, this systematic literature attempts to reconcile diverse viewpoints into a more cohesive …

Spirituality And Sense Of Coherence In Muslim Students : A Mixed Methods Study, Mohamed A. Ali, Franco Zengaro, Sally A. Zengaro

Journal of Research Initiatives

The purpose of this mixed methods research was to measure sense of coherence of convenient sample of college Muslim students in Tennessee and to investigate from their perspective, meaning attached to faith as a source of strength, motivation and courage. This research was framed in salutogenic model (sense of coherence). Two questions guided the research,1) to what degree do Muslim students indicate, through their education, age groups, place of birth, gender and marital status a sense of coherence? 2) Why and how is their faith important to them-when dealing with stressors- as sources of strength, meaning and courage to cope …

Students’ Perception Of Embedding Cultural Diversity Content Into Early Childhood Courses, Sheresa Boone Blanchard, Chia Jung Yeh, Shawnice Custis Johnson, Emily Elizabeth Schlierf, Ciara Dixon-Washington, Amy Lee

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study examined the incorporation of specific content framed with a diversity and equity lens into two existing early childhood courses. The purpose was to investigate how embedding the diversity and equity content impacted student perceptions and supported their cultural competence. Pre- and post-survey results (N = 50) show student awareness of biases and beliefs were positively influenced. Implications are examined related to course content and activities that could enhance students’ competencies and understanding to work with colleagues, children and families in diverse, inclusive settings.

Technology Competency Within The Non-Traditional Preservice Teacher Candidate Population: Survey Results, Marilyn Lanier, Cynthia B. Wooten, Noran L. Moffett, Tanya M. Hudson

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study utilized action research with quantitative data analysis to investigate the personal technological skills and use of web-based applications of nontraditional teacher candidates enrolled in elementary education courses at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the southeastern section of the USA. The goal was to gain a better understanding of the technological challenges encountered by non-traditional candidates and to determine how technology can inform instructional delivery of curriculum to improve this population’s representation, expression, and engagement of learning outcomes. Data were collected through an anonymous electronic survey distributed to each student enrolled in the elementary education courses. A total …

Learning In Field-Experiences: A Multiple Case Study Of Eight Preservice Teachers, Franco Zengaro, Sally A. Zengaro

Journal of Research Initiatives

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine the teaching beliefs of eight preservice physical education teachers. The following research questions guided this study. (1) In what ways do field experiences contribute to shape preservice physical education teachers constructs of teaching? (2) What theories of teaching emerge from field-experiences? (3) To what extent do contexts shape preservice teachers’ experiences as they teach? We framed this multiple case study through the lenses of personal and practical knowledge of teaching. Data collection included multiple interviews, field observation, and documentary notes. We analyzed the data using the constant comparative methodology. …

A Phenomenological Study Of Teacher Collaboration Using A Professional Learning Community Model, Kimberly M. Jones-Goods

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study explored teacher collaboration in a school in North Carolina. Through data collection and analysis of teacher focus groups and interviews using a semi-structured interview protocol, the perception of teacher collaboration on student learning outcomes was investigated. The study included 22 participants. Common themes were identified and explored. Participant’s statements were provided. The findings of this qualitative study align with relevant research in that school leadership cultivates effective teacher collaboration.

The Industrial Revolution Of Higher Education, Adriel Adon Hilton, Kevin Mcclain, Donavan L. Outten

Journal of Research Initiatives

For generations, higher education has accommodated its scholars through analog forms of instruction akin to blackboards and textbooks. As society blossomed into a globalized marketplace with information readily available at the stroke of a button, higher education has had to meet the needs of an evolving student population. Through the use of business models like Six Sigma, higher education has attempted to adapt and keep up with the times. This article will highlight the key impacts Six Sigma has had on higher education and supplementary improvements needed within the marketplace.

Career Pathways Program Annual Report, 2017-2018, Wie Yusuf, Chris Osgood

Career Pathways

Career Pathways launched in August 2017 as the university-wide initiative to provide graduate student professional development. It encompasses both the Preparing Future Faculty program and the Preparing Future Professionals program. Preparing Future Faculty was an existing program, started in 2007, while Preparing Future Professionals was launched concurrently with Career Pathways. The Career Pathways program prepares graduate students for successful transition into thriving careers. Career Pathways is a gateway to resources, programs, events, and planning tools for ODU graduate students and postdocs.

Ceteal News, July/August 2018, Ceteal, Coastal Carolina University

CeTEAL Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Technology-Rich Activities: One Type Does Not Motivate All, Jason A. Chen, Jon R. Star, Chris Dede, M. Shane Tutwiler

School of Education Articles

We report on data collected at three time points during a four-day intervention designed to explore the value added of technology-rich activities within an inquiry mathematics curriculum. Two of the activities were computer-based, whereas the third involved a professionally created movie. Using latent profile analysis we explored (a) the profiles of experiences (indicated by self-reports of immersion, interest, usefulness, and relatedness of the technology activity) that students in Grades 5–8 (n = 7774) reported regarding their participation in one of three different activities; (b) the motivational and achievement outcomes in mathematics that were evident by being a member of one …

Testing Future Teachers: A Quantitative Exploration Of Factors Impacting The Information Literacy Of Teacher Education Students, Samantha Godbey

Library Faculty Publications

This study assesses the information literacy skills of a sample of undergraduate teacher education students, as measured by the iSkills assessment, and aims to determine student demographic and academic characteristics that may predict success on this assessment. The study repeats the methodology of a study of first-year students at the same institution two years before in order to provide insight into the information literacy proficiency of future teachers. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, transfer credits were found to be a statistically significant predictor of higher iSkills performance. Results are also discussed in the context of the recent adoption of the …

Building Resilience In New And Beginning Teachers: Contributions Of School Librarians, Rita Reinsel Soulen, Lois Diane Wine

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Building beginning teachers' resilience may contribute to increasing teacher retention in the early years, in turn improving student academic achievement. School librarians contribute to developing teaching skills by mentoring new teachers. This qualitative study of first to third year teachers and school librarians investigated the contributions that school librarians made in building resilience of beginning teachers through a focus group of new teachers and interviews of school librarians. Findings show that school librarians may contribute to early career teacher resilience, especially during the first days of school, by encouraging perseverance, providing nourishment and empathy, and offering the library as a …

The Impact Of Professional Development Grounded In Social Learning On Community College Faculty Efficacy, Shanika Shantell Strickland-Davis

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Community college faculty have experienced a shift in focus from access to access and student success. Given this shift in responsibility for student learning, community college faculty should be sufficiently prepared to teach a diverse student body and subsequently uphold beliefs regarding their ability to bring about desired outcomes of student engagement and learning. Given preparedness is a measure of self-efficacy, professional development for community college faculty is a critical investment in the support and development of teacher efficacy and faculty skill.

Social learning theory specifically speaks to a means of increasing self-efficacy. As a professional development practice, social learning …

Proficiency-Based High School Diploma Systems In Maine: Educator Perceptions Of Implementation, Amy Johnson, Erika Stump

Maine Education Policy Research Institute

No abstract provided.

Leading School-Based Coaching To Evaluate Open Education Resources, Kathryn Moyle

Professor Kathryn Moyle (consultant)

This presentation was a people's choice session at the 2018 ISTE conference and engaged participants in conversations about coaching approaches that when coupled with strategies to evaluate Open Educational Resources (OER) can build the capacity of teachers and improve the learning by students. The session provided participants with opportunities to discuss leadership approaches to the evaluation of OER resources that are consistent with education policies, build the capacity of educators and improve the quality of learning by students; and coaching methods for school leaders that enables the identification, analysis, curation and incorporation of OER resources into classroom practices.

Editorial: A Turn To The Theological In Christian Tesol?, Bradley Baurain

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

No abstract provided.

Vocation In The Ivory Tower : A Personal Reflection On Christian Service And Secular Academics, Don Snow

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

This paper was originally presented in March 2017 at the plenary session of the Christians in English Language Teaching (CELT) conference at Seattle Pacific University. Dr. Snow reflects on the importance of academic research at different stages of his career as a TESOL educator. He encourages all Christians in TESOL to reflect and consider their own calling and the place of academic research.

Reviews, Polly Treviño, Emanuel Padilla, Dani Shepard, Marilyn Lewis, Robin Gingerich

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

No abstract provided.

Reflections On Incorporating Virtues In An Intercultural Communication For Teachers Course, Michael Lessard-Clouston

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

Christians teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) address cultural issues to improve students’ intercultural communication. In reflecting on my experience delivering a teacher training course, this article describes strategies for incorporating seven virtues in an Intercultural Communication for Teachers class. It first outlines foundational background and then offers examples of ways students in the course may go deeper with Christian virtues in their reflection and in their ESL/EFL teaching. It also introduces Scriptures and relevant resources that may be useful to professors involved in teacher training and to teachers who wish to incorporate virtues into ESL/EFL classes.

Early Literacy Abilities In Spanish-English Emergent Bilingual Children From Varied Dialectal Backgrounds, Antonietta Mastrota

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Hispanic population within the United States has grown to a considerable amount. The state of Florida’s population is 25% Hispanic, with projected estimates of this population continuing to grow in the coming years (Ortman & Shin, 2011). Statistics show that 28.3% of the state’s population, over the age of five, speak a language other than English at home. With this considerable number of Spanish-speakers comes the responsibility to adjust certain educational practices to best meet their needs. Literacy is an essential part of learning, and therefore assessing early literacy is an essential part to any child’s academic development.

Phonological …

Supporting Primary Students’ Story Writing By Including Retellings, Talk, And Drama With Strategy Instruction, Zoi A. Traga Philippakos, Sarah Munsell, Logan B. Robinson

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Story writing and story grammar have been studied extensively in an effort to improve students’ reading comprehension. Instruction on story structure and on elements of stories can improve the writing quality of students’ papers. This paper explains a process of supporting primary-grade students’ story writing. The approach is based on strategy instruction and incorporates talk and dramatic play as ways to support the development of characters, descriptions of characters and events, and dialogue between characters. Guidelines are provided and step-by-step directions for teachers to use this work with their students.

Front Matter

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

No abstract provided.

June’S Learning Laboratory: Cultural Competent Students Lend A Helping Hand, Sowmya Anjur, David Lundgren

Faculty Publications & Research

June’s Learning Laboratory is our first step to creating a better world by advocating for a more culturally accepting society that appreciates everyone regardless of their abilities. Our innovative curriculum along with 3D printed hands will encourage high school students to have more passion for everyone on our planet.

Pre-Service Teacher Micro-Hegemonic Construction Of Literacy Teacher Identity, Brian M. Flores

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents findings from a qualitative discourse analysis study of three pre-service teachers enrolled in the Urban Teacher Residency Partnership Program (UTRPP); a clinical teacher preparation setting at a major southeastern university. UTRPP is a full-time teacher preparation program that focuses on university student achievement through embedded coursework and provides preservice teachers (PSTs) with the opportunity to work with a content coach. Through coaching cycles, these PSTs work one-on-one with a literacy content coaches to enrich their teaching experiences and connect theory to practice through content coaching cycles. A content coaching cycle consists of a pre-conference, video-recorded observation of …

Special Education Teachers' Response To Consistent Changes In Curriculum Standards, Megan Fromme

Honors College Theses

This research explored how the changing standards have influenced special education teachers’ efforts to meet the needs of their students, and the teachers’ perceptions of the consistent changes in standards. A narrative, qualitative design was used, which involved eight participant interviews. In each interview, the participants answered questions pertaining to their level of comfort teaching the Common Core Standards and Georgia Standards of Excellence, whether or not they received professional development on the standards, and what they think of the new standards. Currently, there is a paucity of research regarding teacher’s perspectives on curriculum standards, and this research project fills …

Entire Issue

International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching

No abstract provided.

Great Libraries Open Doors: Collaborating With Career Services To Support Library Employees At James Madison University, Jennifer A. Keach, Chandra Lane

Libraries

Supporting the career development of your library faculty and staff can help you retain highly qualified employees and develop your next leaders. In 2017, the presenters’ university library embraced a new initiative to support our employees in their career goals. Through a partnership with the university Career & Academic Planning office, the mid-sized academic library developed and implemented an immersive program focused on the participants’ career goals. The blended program included self-assessments, 360-degree feedback, expert panels, informational interviews, networking strategies, resume reviews, and interview practice during in-person class sessions and online. This poster provides details about the program objectives, curriculum, …

Leading School-Based Coaching To Evaluate Open Education Resources, Kathryn Moyle

Digital learning research

This presentation was a people's choice session at the 2018 ISTE conference and engaged participants in conversations about coaching approaches that when coupled with strategies to evaluate Open Educational Resources (OER) can build the capacity of teachers and improve the learning by students. The session provided participants with opportunities to discuss leadership approaches to the evaluation of OER resources that are consistent with education policies, build the capacity of educators and improve the quality of learning by students; and coaching methods for school leaders that enables the identification, analysis, curation and incorporation of OER resources into classroom practices.

Correlation Between Instructional School Culture And Student Achievement In An Urban District, Wayman Graham

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The Teachers Talent Toolbox needed a tool that could compile usable information on any given learning institution through data collection and analysis and provide usable qualitative and quantitative data that could be used to identify the causes of low achievement and provide necessary interventions within the school to improve student outcomes. To answer this need, the Instructional Culture Index/Insight Survey was developed by the New Teacher Project in 2016 and has been widely used and implemented in many schools and districts. This survey instrument was validated and deemed reliable by the RAND Corporation also in 2016. The purpose of this …