Education Commons^™

A Quantitative Study Examining Project Lead The Way Gateway Program Outcomes In A Suburban School District, Patrick Joseph Bellinger

Dissertations

Within the confines of this study, the Researcher investigated Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway program outcomes at a Midwest suburban school district. The study examined specific academic achievement outcomes and attitudes regarding STEAM courses and STEAM careers among students who completed at least one semester in a middle school PLTW Gateway program. The Researcher attempted to determine if there was a difference in student attitudes related to STEAM between students who enrolled in a PLTW Gateway course and students who never enrolled in PLTW Gateway, as determined in an online survey. The Researcher also attempted to determine if there …

A Quantitative Case Study On School Climate, Student Behavior, Student Achievement, And Classroom Facility Factors In An Urban Midwest High School, Shamonda Owens

Dissertations

This research was a quantitative case study on the possible relationship between school climate, student behavior, student achievement, and classroom facility factors in an urban Midwest high school. Specific variables included lighting, wall color, classroom temperature, school climate, student behavior, and student academic achievement. The researcher collected the following data: student behavior, number of out of school suspensions (OSS) students received in 2014 through 2017, End of Course data, 2014-2017, in the areas of Biology, American Government, English I, and English II. To measure school climate, the researcher used the district’s annual climate survey. School climate survey data measured student …

Alternative Education Program Best Practices: A Comparative Analysis Of Three Mid-Missouri High School Alternative Education Programs, Elizabeth Christine Nelson

Dissertations

School districts in the state of Missouri are required to provide an education to all students, including those on suspension, and many other states have similar requirements. The number of alternative programs has grown over the last 50 years, and most districts provide some type of alternative program for at-risk students. With few state regulations for evaluation of these programs, researchers in alternative education recommended districts perform internal evaluations to ensure program quality. The research identified six research-based best practices domains critical to the success of an alternative program. The six domains were curriculum, assessment, engagement, instruction, leadership, and structures. …

A Mixed Methods Approach To Study The Effects Of A Naturalist Summer Program On The Perceptions Of African American Children About Nature, Kendrick Buford

Dissertations

African Americans have been reported to have a more negative outlook on nature than people of other races. Much work has been done to explain this phenomenon through the lenses of social and environmental justice. However, most of this information pertains to adults, and little to no exploration has been done to understand how children could be affected. This lack of information creates a novel research topic. This study addressed the problem using a mixed method analysis to better understand both the narrative of the children and any generalizable conclusions to better understand their attitudes in a summer program titled …

St Math Intervention Participation By Gender On Motivation And Engagement For Elementary Students In Arkansas, Darlene Hatfield

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in the Spatial- Temporal (ST) Math program as an intervention increased students’ positive motivation and engagement in two Northwest Arkansas schools as measured by the Motivation Engagement Scale (MES), a self-reported survey. School A participated in ST Math, and School B did not participate in ST Math. Students from all tier levels of instruction composed the sample of 160 fourth-grade students (80 participating and 80 not participating) and 160 fifth-grade students (80 participating and 80 not participating). The gender was equally distributed (40 males and 40 females from each sample …

1:1 Technology Initiatives, Socioeconomic Status, Gender, And Native Language On Student Academic Performance, Nic Mounts

Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the effects of socioeconomic status, gender, native language, and 1:1 initiative participation on academic performance as measured by ACT composite scores for 11th-grade students in seven high schools in Southwest Arkansas. In this study, 1:1 initiative participation was defined as providing all students in a school with a laptop or other mobile-computing device for school and home use each day. Scores chosen for this study were from the 2017 and 2018 11th-grade students in seven high schools in Southwest Arkansas. The samples were chosen from the two main accessible populations, which included …

A Study Of Kindergarten Through Eighth-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Gender Plays On Students Involved In Divorce, Amanda Lukefahr

Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined the perceptions of kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers on the impact gender had on the academics and behavioral performance of students from divorced settings. The researcher electronically contacted 332 kindergarten through eighth-grade educators from Mid-Missouri. Out of the 332 teachers, 84 chose to complete the on-line survey, Perceptions of Children of Divorce, consisting of 34 Likert-scale items and four open-ended questions. Based on the findings, the researcher determined kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers perceived the gender of the child from a divorced situation influenced the academics and behavioral performance. In addition, teachers perceived there to be more behavioral …

Moderating Effect Of Homeschooling On Retention And Academic Achievement Of Stem Majors At A Private, Faith-Based, Liberal Arts College, Aresia Watson

Dissertations

Previous research has indicated that homeschooling is a growing trend within the U.S. Previous research has also indicated that less than one half of students who begin a STEM major at postsecondary institutions will complete their degree. This study sought to look at the possible moderating effect homeschooling has on the academic achievement and retention of STEM majors at a private, faith-based liberal arts college using a modified version of Tinto’s Model of Student Departure.

Independent sample t-tests were used to compare means and intercorrelations of homeschooled students and traditionally schooled students in unmatched and matched samples for several academic …

Soft Skills In Mississippi Community Colleges' Online Career And Technical Programs, Joanna Sue Alston

Dissertations

Soft skills are an essential piece in the employment puzzle, and most students’ behavioral characteristics require development, if not complete transformation, before learning can subsequently be transferred to the workplace. To that end, this facet of occupational education in community colleges’ online courses was in need of exploration to determine whether instructors were having success in implementing instructional and assessment methods for both teaching and grading students’ soft skills behaviors. This mixed methods study narrowed the focus of an extremely broad topic to four skills, specifically communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and work ethic. A look at how those skills related …

Historically Black College And Universities Compared To Historically White Institutions: Factors Influencing Graduation Rates, Carlos Young

Dissertations

Historically black colleges, whose graduation rates have been low when compared to white institutions, are facing some serious issues (Kelderman, 2012). Nichols (2004) notes that institutions of higher learning play an important role in preparing students for professions, promoting equality for women and minorities, providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged and low income students, solving socioeconomic problems, servicing government and industry, complying with rules and regulations that ensure the rights of all people, trying to keep tuition low, paying competitive salaries to faculty and staff, providing a quality education, and providing social and cultural services to the community (Jones, 1984; Nicholas, …

Validation Of A Scale To Measure Phonological And Morphological Knowledge And Skill Of Speech-Language Pathologists And Elementary Teachers, Susan S. Perry

Dissertations

Phonological and morphological skills are crucial to the process of reading. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have received advanced trained in these basic foundations of language and could be an untapped resource in our school systems for teaching beginning reading skills. The purposes of this research were to examine SLPs’ and general education elementary (K-6) teachers’ attitudes toward SLPs taking part in reading instruction, to compare the differences in phonological and morphological knowledge and skill among SLPs and teachers, and to assess the performance of the Revised Basic Language Constructs Surveywhen administered to SLPs and teachers.

Results indicated that, although fewer …

Fundamental Attribution Error: Perspectives Of Principal, Teacher, And Parent Influence On Student Growth, Sonja Rayner

Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine principals’, teachers’, and parents’ attributions of their own and the other groups’ relative influence on student academic outcomes measured by standardized tests. The secondary purpose was to determine whether and how fundamental attribution error and self-serving bias predicts or explains the responses of each group. Descriptive analyses were conducted to compare responses from these three constituent groups. Additionally, repeated measures MANOVA was conducted in order to explain the effect the moderator variable, school performance level, had on the strength of the relationship between the independent (school rating and group) and dependent …

The Cultural Adaptation Experiences Of Chinese Higher Education Students In The American Deep South: A Comparison Across Disciplines, Xiaonan Song

Dissertations

In the past decade, Chinese international students have been found as one of the largest international student groups at American institutions across the country. However, the American Deep South was not less frequently studied in the past. Due to the distinctiveness of the Deep South, the researcher conducted this qualitative research on Chinese international students studying in this historically and culturally distinctive region. Mississippi was chosen as a representative state of the Deep South in the current study. The researcher collected data from in-depth interviews from three publicly funded institutions in Mississippi. Besides reporting many common issues regarding to cultural …

A Mixed Method Study: Assessing Critical Thinking, Metacognition, And Motivation In A Flipped Classroom Instructional Model, Phyllis Brown

Dissertations

Technology has changed pedagogical methods in higher education. Educators are using technology more and integrating more active learning techniques. One pedagogical method, the flipped classroom, is suitable for integrating technology and active learning techniques. The pedagogical efficacy of the flipped classroom has not been determined despite being a potential solution for technology savvy millennial students. This mixed method study assessed critical thinking, metacognition, and motivation in higher education flipped classrooms in the United States. Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) members teaching traditional and flipped format science courses were purposefully selected to participate in the study. A sample of 14 …

Student Loan Default Prevention And Management Practices At Mississippi Community & Junior Colleges, Lashanda Chamberlain

Dissertations

Cohort default rates can impact an institution’s ability to participate in the Title IV aid programs. Title IV aid programs such as the federal Pell grant, federal work-study program, and the federal loan program is critical to student enrollment. If an institution loses its participation in the Title IV aid programs, this would be detrimental to both students and the institution. Cohort default rates at Mississippi community and junior colleges are currently above the national average. This qualitative study examines the default prevention and management practices at Mississippi community and junior colleges. Using an interview protocol, the researcher interviewed financial …

Factors Influencing Career And Technical Professionals’ Career Advancement, Deidra Minor

Dissertations

To remain globally competitive, the U.S. must address the need for a more technical- skilled workforce (United States Department of Labor, 2013). A technical-skilled has workforce occupations that require vocational associate’s degrees (Lewis, 2004). It is evident that the initiative to meet the demand for a highly competitive workforce for the 21st century requires a combination of progressive education, advanced skills and professional experience (Threeton, 2006). Historically, the technical worker gained skills without definite planned opportunities for higher education and career upward mobility (Skolnik, 2010). Further, some post-secondary institutions tend to dismiss the importance of recruiting the technical community college …

Effectiveness Of Technology In An English Grammar And Punctuation Course, Deborah Brandon

Dissertations

As enrollment in online courses continues to climb, technology also continues to advance to provide students with course designs that promote optimal learning environments. New communication tools continually evolve that help improve learning outcomes in online course designs. The lack of physical class meetings in online classes necessitates a comprehensive focus on course design to optimize learning, including a focus on communication and collaboration opportunities.

Much of the available current research regarding the outcomes of increased online learning investigates the effectiveness of this learning format primarily in the fields of healthcare, foreign language, and the study of English grammar as …

Music Integration And Self-Efficacy Among Middle School Teachers, Cassandra L. Weiss

Dissertations

Middle school teachers have a difficult task of finding new and creative ways to help their students achieve academic success. Research has shown that integrating music into regular academic classes has tremendous results. Music has the ability to help students relax, memorize, and engage, using their whole brains. Self-efficacy is an individuals’ belief in their ability. One’s level of self-efficacy can play a major role in one’s motivation to carry out certain tasks.

Despite that music has many benefits in the classroom, it if is not being used, the students will not benefit from it. Low musical self-efficacy could be …

Simulation As Replacement For Traditional Clinical In Pre-Licensure Nursing Education: Outcomes Of Different Ratios Of Replacement Time For Traditional Clinical With Simulation, Tiffany Zyniewicz

Dissertations

The use of simulation in nursing education has grown over the last 30 years. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing National Simulation Study indicated that up to 50% of traditional clinical hours can be replaced with simulation at a 1:1 replacement ratio and produce the same outcomes. A review of the literature indicated that there is no standard replacement ratio for simulation time to traditional clinical time being used in pre-licensure nursing education in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of utilizing a 1:1 simulation-to-traditional clinical time replacement ratio and a …

Classroom Response Systems: Does Instantaneous Feedback Affect Students' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In A Secondary Science Course, Shani Bourn

Dissertations

Technological advancements have enabled educators to bring excitement in student success with instantaneous feedback utilizing classroom response systems (CRS). A quantitative, quasi-experimental research design was used in this dissertation research to build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of instantaneous feedback with student knowledge and student self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the benefits of instantaneous feedback and student self-efficacy with incorporation of CRS in a secondary science course. Statistical analyses were conducted with quantitative formative scores, summative test scores, and self-efficacy questionnaire results prior to the incorporation of CRS, and perceived self-efficacy questionnaire results after experience …

Perspectives On English Language Learner Programs: A Case Study, Stacie Thompson

Dissertations

English language programs across the country have experienced a recent swell in English language learner enrollment (McFarland et al., 2017). In this qualitative case study, the researcher elicited the perceptions of multiple groups of individuals directly impacted by the English language program in District B. Two elementary principals, five general education classroom teachers, three English language teachers, two English language paraprofessionals, and five English language learners were interviewed to gain perspective on the current status and effectiveness of the English language program in District B. Little research has been conducted on the perceptions of teachers and the implementation of English …

The Effects Of Rurality And Education Deserts On The Four-Year Degree Selection Of Aspiring Teacher Education Candidates In A Rural Community College Setting, Alice Faye Sanders

Dissertations

Teacher shortages exist across the nation, with greater shortages in middle school and secondary education (Center for Public Education, 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors and barriers presented to teacher education candidates affecting the selection of their teacher education degrees in a rural community college setting. The research questions were designed to use quantitative survey questions administered to the teacher education candidate population of ABC College. Qualitative interview questions were used to gather data from the Director and Assistant Director of Enrollment Services/Student Development at ABC College. As a result of data analysis, misconceptions were …

First-Generation Community College Transfer Students’ Perceptions Of Building A Sense Of Belonging And Its Subsequent Impact On University Retention, Tara E. Benson

Dissertations

Although attendance numbers are rising in both populations, transfer students and firstgeneration students have lower retention and completion rates (Bonet & Walters, 2016; Seider, Clark, & Soutter, 2015). All students, specifically first-generation and transfer students, have a better chance of succeeding if they feel they are academically and socially integrated into the university setting (Seider et al., 2015; Williams & Ferrari, 2015). The purpose of this study was to examine the success gap between firstgeneration transfer students and continuing generation community college transfer students who attend one Midwest university. The mixed methods study included an analysis of quantitative data of …

Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation To Teach Mathematics And Science In An Integrated Stem Framework, Kelly Overby Byrd

Dissertations

This study investigated the extent to which successful completion of integrated mathematics and science methods of instruction courses related to elementary preservice teachers’ attitudes toward and confidence in teaching integrated STEM lessons, and the extent to which their attitudes and confidence correlated with their proficiency in planning integrated STEM lessons. A mixed-methods, longitudinal research design, with a sequential, explanatory approach was used. Participants included twenty-four elementary preservice teachers enrolled in their final two semesters of a teacher preparation program at a four-year public university in the southeastern U.S. To address the research questions in this study, both quantitative and qualitative …

Social Media As A Primary Means For Parent Involvement In Missouri Rural Schools: Secondary School Principals’ And Superintendents’ Perceptions, Justin Paul Copley

Dissertations

With a lack of research regarding the viability of social media use as a tool for learning in K-12 education, administrators are struggling to determine if this technology belongs in school settings (Piotrowski, 2015). Educators who have not reviewed current perceptions regarding technology may not use appropriate technology practices with students (Dietze & Kashin, 2013). Furthermore, since social media and technology use is an expected practice in classrooms, the responsibility of attending to this growing trend is assumed by school administration (Piotrowski, 2015). The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of school administrators in regard to social …

English As A Second Language: Adult Programs And Their Impact On Second Language Learners’ Aspirations, Hala Gheriani

Dissertations

Over the years, millions of immigrants have made the trek to the United States to start a new life away from the known and the familiar (Lopez, Bialik, & Radford, 2017). English as a Second Language (ESL) centers are often the first formal introduction to the English language, and many immigrants will wait on long waiting lists for the chance to learn proper English and, therefore, ascend to a future identity sometimes years in the making (Jhangiani, Tarry, & Stangor, 2015; National Council of State Directors of Adult Education, 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate, through a …

Student Conduct Officers’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices Based On Educational And Professional Background, Gregroy William Robert Weaver

Dissertations

Student conduct officers have the ability to provide learning and growth opportunities for every student with whom they interact (Hyde, 2014; Jackson, 2014). It is important that student conduct officers be willing and able to utilize an array of tools, including alternative dispute resolution techniques to provide learning experiences (Bennett, Gregory, Loschiavo, & Waller, 2014; Clark, 2014; Hyde, 2014; Waryold & Lancaster, 2008). The educational and professional experiences of the student conduct officer vary, as many institutions employ conduct officers with an educational background and others employ conduct officers with a more formal legal background (Hyde, 2014; Jackson, 2014). In …

Andragogy And Lean Six Sigma In Today’S Business Environment, Teresa A. Anderson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify andragogical leadership educational traits/competencies that are associated with effectively educating/training employees/participants. The andragogical competencies were compared with the six identified soft skills of the Lean Six Sigma Trainer. The researcher also assessed the perceived level of employee satisfaction with the lean six sigma training program at the Monsanto Corporation. When compared with the andragogical competencies, five of the six articulated soft skills of the Lean Six Sigma Trainer had a very minimum explanation [which provided a very extensive gap] in the actual training: Vision, Leadership, Empowerment, Communication, Influence, and Testing. …

Education And The Art Viewing Experience: The Evolution Of Learning In Museums And Corporate Art Collections, Piper Hutson

Dissertations

By investigating the history of corporate art collections and the evolution of educational frameworks in museums, this case study questions the differences between exhibition formats to illuminate possible areas of improvement. Museums were initially formed to display collections donated by wealthy or royal families and constructed around the ‘Curator’s Gallery’ format. This exhibition type focused on the aesthetic arrangement of objects based on the established art historical canon hierarchy and were accompanied by minimal ‘tombstone’ labels with little, if any, didactic information. Science museums emerged in the middle of the 19th century and were among the first informal learning institutions …

A Mixed Methods Study Comparing Nursing Preceptored Clinical Learning Experiences And Nursing Simulation Clinical Learning Experiences Of Nursing Students In A Midwest Community College, Teresa R. Hamra

Dissertations

Among schools of nursing nationwide, the competition for clinical sites, and insufficient numbers of nurse preceptors led nursing schools to turn away thousands of qualified applicants. Due to a shortage of clinical sites, shortage of nurse preceptors, and an increase in simulation technology, nursing schools used simulation clinical in place of traditional clinical experiences. Much of the literature supported using simulation as a replacement for traditional clinical hours. The literature discussed a gap in transition to practice from student nurse to professional nurse and pointed to safety issues as the highest concern in practice settings. One Midwest community college faced …