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A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Surgical Technology Graduates Who Achieved Transformative Learning, Anna Danielle Campbell Mar 2023

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Surgical Technology Graduates Who Achieved Transformative Learning, Anna Danielle Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of successful surgical technology graduates who achieved transformative learning during their CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program while encountering risk factors for failure. The study’s central research question is: What experiences of successful surgical technology graduates contributed to transformative learning? The theory guiding this study is Mezirow’s (1981) theory of transformative learning. Mezirow’s theory relates to this study as it requires individuals to find meaning in learning in order, through a disorienting dilemma, to acquire new perspectives on their subject matter. The setting of this study is Commission on …


Let Them Be Little: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Kindergarten Teachers During An Era Of Educational Reform, Rachel Denise Whites Dec 2022

Let Them Be Little: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Kindergarten Teachers During An Era Of Educational Reform, Rachel Denise Whites

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences and perceptions of kindergarten teachers who taught through an era of federally mandated, standards-based educational reforms. This study was guided by two theories as each contributes to an explanation as to how educational reform has strayed far from the central purpose for kindergartens. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development sought to explain how a child constructs a mental model of the world and postulated that there are four distinct stages of human development from birth to adulthood. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory stated that children learn through play and the …


Competing With Small Town Football: The Challenges Of Teaching High School Band In Rural America, Christopher John Libby Dec 2022

Competing With Small Town Football: The Challenges Of Teaching High School Band In Rural America, Christopher John Libby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project explored the many challenges band directors face while teaching in the rural United States. Despite the abundance of articles about recruiting for high school band programs, few have addressed high schools in the rural United States. The untold perspectives of novice and experienced band directors matter because it is a topic not addressed in undergraduate studies. This study highlights the perspectives of band directors and scholars who have firsthand experience building band programs in rural counties. Guided by scholarly journal articles, personal interviews, and other research, this qualitative research study identified perspectives that have not yet been explored …


The Residual Effects Of The Coronavirus Pandemic On Student Recruitment And Retention In Upper Secondary Performing Arts Ensembles: A Case Study, John W. Wilkerson Jul 2022

The Residual Effects Of The Coronavirus Pandemic On Student Recruitment And Retention In Upper Secondary Performing Arts Ensembles: A Case Study, John W. Wilkerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When the Coronavirus Pandemic made its way into the United States in 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all schools pivot to an online learning format as the country entered a lockdown in March 2020. The Coronavirus Pandemic made it harder for music educators to retain and recruit students into their upper secondary ensemble programs. The purpose of the proposed study is to determine that it is plausible that the residual effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic had an effect on the retention and recruitment of the band, choir, and orchestra programs of the George Bush …


A Missing Link: Exploring The Connection Between School Climate And Teacher Retention, Christine Lynn Whitt Apr 2022

A Missing Link: Exploring The Connection Between School Climate And Teacher Retention, Christine Lynn Whitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined the strength of the correlations between school climate and teacher retention in rural, low-income elementary schools in North Carolina. In addition to identifying the overall relationship of school climate to teacher retention, this study examined the relationships between the overall climate factors (autonomy, community, induction, shared leadership, responsibility, and recognition) and teacher retention. Utilizing data from the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey (NC TWCS), 150 teachers were surveyed. Teachers included in the data collection were identified as working in low-income and rural schools, serving pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Existing data was requested from school …


See Me: A Grounded Theory Study Of Aspiring Women Leaders In Student Affairs, Michele Anne Magliulo Mar 2022

See Me: A Grounded Theory Study Of Aspiring Women Leaders In Student Affairs, Michele Anne Magliulo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a model for a career development program for entry-level student affairs (SA) women professionals based on the lived experiences of current mid-level SA professionals and senior-level SA professionals. As new women professionals pursue their careers in SA, they must navigate many barriers and require support and guidance to overcome each obstacle. This study sought to answer the following research questions: (a) What necessary components do student affairs departments need to retain entry-level women’s professionals related to a career development model? (b) What components are needed for an entry-level professional woman …


Black Men's Perspectives On Their Student-Faculty Relationships In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tyson J. Askew Feb 2022

Black Men's Perspectives On Their Student-Faculty Relationships In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tyson J. Askew

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to explore Black men’s perspectives of their student-faculty relationships in higher education. Utilizing a qualitative research design and Noddings ethics of care theory, the findings of the inquiry are useful for institutions of higher education as they strive to facilitate effective relationships with their Black men students. The central question for this study was how do Black men describe their relationships with their faulty in higher education? The setting for this study was a social media platform that consists of 207,577 Black men; of that number, 100,000 of these men have reported being …


Systematic Approach To Recruiting And Retention Of Instrumental Students In Division One University Marching Band, Michael G. Yopp Jan 2022

Systematic Approach To Recruiting And Retention Of Instrumental Students In Division One University Marching Band, Michael G. Yopp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines recruitment and retention in Division One (D1) university marching bands, while understanding high school and university directors’ perspectives and impact on student choice. This project surveyed university band directors, seeking commonalities for recruiting and retention of instrumental students. Based on the results, universities will have better strategies on what, how, and why recruitment and retention issues should be addressed. Student enrollment is important to the well-being, development, and continuity of marching band programs. They may result in better recruitment and retention for other university ensembles, applied studios, the music department, and the university enrollment overall. This study …


The Relationship Among Learning Styles, Achievement, And Retention In Bible College Freshmen: A Correlational Study, Frances Ann Stetler Nov 2021

The Relationship Among Learning Styles, Achievement, And Retention In Bible College Freshmen: A Correlational Study, Frances Ann Stetler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This predictive correlational study used a multiple regression to examine whether learning style and achievement, or grade point average (GPA), can predict retention for first-year, traditional Bible college freshmen. Four small Bible colleges were the sites for the research: one in Florida, two in Ohio (Northern Ohio and Southwestern Ohio), and one in Pennsylvania. The first predictor variable, learning style, was generally defined as the preferred method for a student to process and learn information. The second predictor variable, achievement, was generally defined as the end-of-semester GPA. The criterion variable, retention, was generally defined as a participant’s attendance in the …


An Illumination Of The Road To Resilience For Black Millennial Teachers As A Means Of Addressing The Black Teacher Shortage, Jameka Tanae Jones Oct 2021

An Illumination Of The Road To Resilience For Black Millennial Teachers As A Means Of Addressing The Black Teacher Shortage, Jameka Tanae Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe Black millennial teachers’ self-perceived factors of resilience in Virginia public elementary schools. The central question of this study was: “What are the lived experiences that Black millennial teachers ascribe to their resilience in Virginia public school elementary settings?” The theory guiding this study was resilience theory by Masten (2014) which described positive human adaptation through the interplay of individual and contextual risk and protective factors that contributed to resilience. This study followed a qualitative design with a transcendental phenomenological design. A sample with a minimum of 10 participants from Woodrow …


A Collective Case Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors That Impact Teacher Retention At A Title I High School In A Southern U.S. State, Laronica Deniece Gilmore Aug 2021

A Collective Case Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors That Impact Teacher Retention At A Title I High School In A Southern U.S. State, Laronica Deniece Gilmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand secondary teachers’ perceptions of the factors that influenced teacher retention at a Title I high school in a southern U.S. state. Although researchers have investigated the problem of teacher retention, few have studied factors that have influenced teacher retention in Title 1 high schools. The theories that guided this study included job demands-resources theory which analyzes employee well-being. This collective case study captured the insights of 10–15 current and former teachers at a Title I high school in a southern U.S. state. Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, and …


Campus Recreation And Retention In Higher Education: A Predictive Correlational Study, Christopher John Misiano Jul 2021

Campus Recreation And Retention In Higher Education: A Predictive Correlational Study, Christopher John Misiano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Campus recreation facilities and programs provide various environments and opportunities outside of the classroom for students to socialize, participate in sports, improve their physical fitness, and learn new skills. Existing research has explored the relationship between participation in campus recreation and the social, academic, and physical impacts it has on the lives of students. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if participation in various types of campus recreation held predictive significance regarding year-over-year retention of first year college students at a large, private university. The predictor variables were participation in club sports, intramural sports, outdoor recreation, …


The Relationship Of Peer-Mentoring And Online Undergraduate And Graduate College Student Retention, Stephen W. Pray Jul 2021

The Relationship Of Peer-Mentoring And Online Undergraduate And Graduate College Student Retention, Stephen W. Pray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the strength of the relationship between peer-mentoring and retention rates of online undergraduate and graduate college students. Extant literature has reported consistently lower retention rates within the online college student community when compared to the retention rates of on-campus students. One possible means for countering low retention rates is providing a mentoring program to online students, which has had a positive effect on the retention rates of on-campus students, as reported by various studies. This quantitative correlational study examined the association between peer-mentoring and retention rates of online undergraduate and graduate students. The study utilized a sample …


The Recount: Black Men's Experiences Of Predominantly White Institution Undergraduate Stem Programs In The United States, James Hairston Jul 2021

The Recount: Black Men's Experiences Of Predominantly White Institution Undergraduate Stem Programs In The United States, James Hairston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the undergraduate experiences of Black men who completed bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at small and large predominantly White institutions (PWIs) of higher learning in the United States. This study focused on student engagement, mentorship, and experiences of racism and discrimination as three factors that might influence Black men’s completion of STEM bachelor’s degrees at PWIs in the United States. The central research question for this study was, “What contributes to the success of Black STEM undergraduate men at predominantly White institutions of higher learning?” The …


Understanding The High Attrition Rates Of Male Collegiate Basketball Student-Athletes, Landon P. Hughey Jun 2021

Understanding The High Attrition Rates Of Male Collegiate Basketball Student-Athletes, Landon P. Hughey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to gain a better understanding of the high attrition rates among male collegiate basketball student-athletes and to recommend practices that institutions can implement to address and solve this increasing problem. The study utilized a multimethod approach and collected data through a series of interviews, a focus group, and a survey. Based on the results of the data, a series of recommendations have been included to address the high attrition rates among male collegiate basketball student-athletes. Most of the recommendations are based on how the recruiting process can be better handled by representatives of …


Nudge Communication: A Causal-Comparative Study Of Interventions That Impact Persistence Of Higher Education Students, Helene Vance Jun 2021

Nudge Communication: A Causal-Comparative Study Of Interventions That Impact Persistence Of Higher Education Students, Helene Vance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study focuses on nudge communication and its impact within online higher education. Due to prior studies confirming the relationship between motivation and persistence, this study focuses on whether or not nudge communication, or intentional interventions that include reminders, encouragement, and other motivational factors, helps students persist toward successful completion of courses within a semester. This study included over 10,000 undergraduate students at a private institution that offers online education. The students were enrolled in over 98,600 general education courses, which were included in the analysis of the test and control populations. Successful course completion was defined as …


A Predictive Correlation Study Examining Attrition Among Ncaa Diii Student-Athletes Based On Roster Gender, Sport-Type, And Sport-Attrition, Rebecca Jean Kayda Apr 2021

A Predictive Correlation Study Examining Attrition Among Ncaa Diii Student-Athletes Based On Roster Gender, Sport-Type, And Sport-Attrition, Rebecca Jean Kayda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlational study examined whether gender, sport-type, and sport attrition can predict university attrition of student-athletes from a small, private, NCAA DIII institution. Student-athletes attending DIII institutions are considered a vulnerable population and are largely under-studied. Participation in extra-curricular activities, such as belonging to an athletics team, has been linked to higher rates of social integration on campus and smoother transitions into college life overall. This participation has not been shown to decrease academic performance; however, university attrition of student-athletes remains a problem. This problem is especially relevant in smaller schools, where a small percentage of student attrition can …


Continuous Enrollment Experiences Of Nontraditional Career And Technical Education Students At The Community College, Natunya Johnson Apr 2021

Continuous Enrollment Experiences Of Nontraditional Career And Technical Education Students At The Community College, Natunya Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study described the continuous enrollment experiences of nontraditional career and technical education (CTE) students at the community college. The focus was on understanding the collegiate experience to decrease students' chances of dropping out of college and contribute to the retention scholarship in higher education. The theory guiding this study was Bean and Metzner’s (1985) conceptual model of nontraditional undergraduate student attrition. It explains how background, academic, environmental, psychological outcomes, and social integration affect student retention. The design of this study was grounded in transcendental phenomenological research that explored the continuous enrollment phenomenon from the personal lived experiences …


Improving Teacher Retention In A South Carolina School District, Christine Proctor Gunter Nov 2020

Improving Teacher Retention In A South Carolina School District, Christine Proctor Gunter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study is to solve the problem of the teacher retention issue for a school district in South Carolina and to design a solution to address the problem. A multi-method design was used consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first approach was structured interviews with administrators. The interviews with administrators aimed to set the foundation on their school’s teacher retention and attrition and provided an outline for supportive opportunities they offer early-career teachers. Surveys with early-career teachers provided insight to their thoughts and feelings about their profession and school. The third approach is to …


Understanding What Contributes To The Persistence Of Teachers In Urban, Non-Fully Accredited Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Heather Marie Cobbs Aug 2020

Understanding What Contributes To The Persistence Of Teachers In Urban, Non-Fully Accredited Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Heather Marie Cobbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the persistence of veteran teachers in urban, non-fully accredited public schools in eastern Virginia. The central research question of the study asked, How do elementary and/or middle school veteran teachers describe their experiences in urban, non-fully accredited public schools? The sub-questions of the research study focused on teachers’ mindset, motivation, and environmental fit. The theories guiding this study were the mindset and motivation theory by Carol Dweck and the person–environment fit theory by John Holland, as these theories focus on an individual’s motivation to succeed and an individual being the correct …


Community College Academic Advising: A Study Of Effects On Gpa, Retention, And Engagement, Christy Lynn Genova Jun 2020

Community College Academic Advising: A Study Of Effects On Gpa, Retention, And Engagement, Christy Lynn Genova

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although research shows the utilization of advising services can impact academic performance and provide students with a point of connection to postsecondary institutions, the effect of advising services in the experiences of traditional-aged college student attending community colleges has only recently been explored. This causal-comparative research study was designed to address the gap in literature concerning the use and effectiveness of academic advising services in community colleges. The study included a convenience sample of 99 community college students, between the ages of 18 and 24 years, from a small community college. Participants completed an online version of the Community College …


The Relationships Between Online Adult Student Clep Transfer Credit Subject Types And Six-Year Graduation, Clifford James Stumme Apr 2020

The Relationships Between Online Adult Student Clep Transfer Credit Subject Types And Six-Year Graduation, Clifford James Stumme

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College Level Examination Program exams are accepted at thousands of schools, but the question remains as to whether College Level Examination Program students are prepared to graduate and whether accepting College Level Examination Program students benefits higher education institutions. While research has been done on College Level Examination Program student success, further research is needed to know whether increased College Level Examination Program exams and College Level Examination Program credits in specific disciplines correlate to an increased likelihood in online adult student graduation. College Level Examination Program exams’ relation to graduation and online adult learners’ use of College Level Examination …


Improving The Problem Of Teacher Retention In A Rural Middle School In Southwestern Virginia, Meagan Marie Goad Apr 2020

Improving The Problem Of Teacher Retention In A Rural Middle School In Southwestern Virginia, Meagan Marie Goad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of teacher retention for a rural middle school in Southwestern Virginia and to design training strategies to address the problem. A rural middle school in Southwestern Virginia is struggling to retain teachers. The research question for this study was: How can teacher retention at a rural middle school in Southwestern Virginia be improved. Interviews with former teachers of the rural middle school were conducted specifically to determine why these individuals left. Survey data was obtained to determine why teachers in this rural middle school choose to stay. Exit documentation …


The Relationship Between Academic And Social Satisfaction Among Post-9/11 Veterans In Higher Education, William Alton Hammac Nov 2019

The Relationship Between Academic And Social Satisfaction Among Post-9/11 Veterans In Higher Education, William Alton Hammac

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined reintegration of Post-9/11 military veterans into higher education as measured by their satisfaction with a private southeastern university. This research was accomplished through the study of the potential relationship between the academic satisfaction and social satisfaction of Post-9/11 military veterans attending a private southeastern university and how they felt about their overall educational experience. The research questions were derived from the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory which was administered by the university, surveying the quality of student life, and serving as a national benchmark comparison for educational institutions nationwide. This research was a non-experimental, ex post …


Comparing Perceived College Persistence Between Students Taking Online Or Residential Dual Enrollment In High School, Dustin Joseph Miller Nov 2019

Comparing Perceived College Persistence Between Students Taking Online Or Residential Dual Enrollment In High School, Dustin Joseph Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dual enrollment and online education are two factors of education that have become prevalent over the past decade. This rapid growth has resulted in higher attendance rates, but also higher dropout rates. It is the students’ persistence to graduation that demands the attention of all stakeholders. There is an abundance of research showing the value of dual enrollment leading to student success at the collegiate level, but the purpose of this study is to differentiate between online and residential dual enrollment. This study used a causal comparative design to compare the two group means of first-year residential college students taking …


A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Persistence Among National Junior College Athletic Association Division Iii Student Athletes, Carlton Hartsell Bryan Jr May 2019

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Persistence Among National Junior College Athletic Association Division Iii Student Athletes, Carlton Hartsell Bryan Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of Division III National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) student athletes in central North Carolina who successfully persist to a four-year institution. The theory that guided this study was Vincent Tinto’s Theory of Student Integration (1975) as it established the principle that student’s personal commitment or determination to earn a degree and their commitment to their college or university determines whether they will complete their educational goals. The central research question guiding this study is: What are the experiences of the Division III NJCAA student-athlete in central North …


Using A Student Success Course And Transferred Credit Hours To Predict Student's Likelihood To Retain In Online Higher Education, Bailey Patricia Anderson May 2019

Using A Student Success Course And Transferred Credit Hours To Predict Student's Likelihood To Retain In Online Higher Education, Bailey Patricia Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As online education permeates a larger percentage of postsecondary student attendance, higher education institutions place a greater focus on online student retention. Online learners are entering college with varied backgrounds, demographics, and prior experience, yet most institutions are not differentiating the first-year programs for their incoming students with previous college-level experience. The following research used a binomial logistic regression analysis to explore existing, archival data to determine whether college transfer credit and a student success course can predict short- or long-term online student retention. This correlational study evaluated a randomized sample of 3,000 students who took a student success course …


A Phenomenological Study Examining The Experiences Of First Generation, Low Income, And Students Of Color In A First Year Experience College Course, Related To Student Persistence And Retention, Joanna White May 2019

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Experiences Of First Generation, Low Income, And Students Of Color In A First Year Experience College Course, Related To Student Persistence And Retention, Joanna White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the experiences of underrepresented student populations (first generation students, students receiving federal financial aid and students of color) enrolled in First Year Experience (FYE) courses who then persisted to the following semester and remained enrolled at the college. The study examined students at a large, urban community college in central Connecticut and included 8 students as participants. The theories that guided this study were Astin’s Theory of Involvement (Astin, 1999) and Tinto’s Theory of Departure (Tinto, 1993). The central question for this study was: how do students describe their experiences …


A Phenomenological Exploration Of Early Childhood Educators' Perseverance Experience, Alison Lee Mellott Apr 2019

A Phenomenological Exploration Of Early Childhood Educators' Perseverance Experience, Alison Lee Mellott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences which motivated early childhood educators to persevere in their positions at the same early childhood education center, for five or more years, in south-central Pennsylvania. For the purpose of this research, perseverance was generally defined as continuous teaching at the same site for five or more years. The theory guiding this study was Herzberg’s (1968) motivation hygiene theory as it addressed experiences which impacted job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, directly impacting perseverance. One central research question and two supporting research questions were used to guide the study. The central …


Is Utilization Of University-Sponsored Social Media Associated With Increased Social Integration And Retention Among Online Students?, Gary C. Eaton Apr 2019

Is Utilization Of University-Sponsored Social Media Associated With Increased Social Integration And Retention Among Online Students?, Gary C. Eaton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the growth of online higher education, online student retention remains a problem for many colleges and universities. The seminal higher education retention models developed for residential students also explain the contribution to retention resulting from connecting online students with other students, faculty, staff, and connecting with the daily life of the university in order to create a sense of belonging and community. The difficulty for the university is that online students may live at such distances from the school that participation in on-campus activities or even a singular campus visit is impractical. Further, online students are often non-traditional students …