Education Commons^™

Exploring Entrepreneurial Orientation In First- And Continuing-Generation College Graduates, Ryan D. Butt

College of Business Theses and Dissertations

Numerous studies have explored first-generation college student experiences leading up to and throughout their time seeking a bachelor’s degree. Other research has investigated the relationship between risk perception or self-efficacy traits and entrepreneurial orientation. The purpose of this study is to fill the gap between these two research streams by exploring the relationship of entrepreneurial orientation in, and between, first- and continuing-generation college graduates, specifically evaluating their post-graduation experience. This project explores entrepreneurial orientation, risk-taking, self-efficacy, and familial obligations to explore potential similarities and differences between first-and continuing-generation graduates. Specifically, this study hypothesized that first-generation college graduates would have greater …

In The Service Of What? A Phenomenological Exploration Of African American High School Students' Self-Efficacy In Service Learning, Charemi A. Jones

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored how African American high school students from a large Midwestern city make meaning of their service learning experiences within the framework of mandated service learning participation required for high school graduation, and how their lived experiences inform their self-efficacy development. Scholars have previously posited, “student voice in service learning projects positively correlated with improved self-concept, political engagement, and tolerance” (Morgan and Streb, 2001). Within this context, voice is synonymous with students’ self- reflection.

One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted utilizing a pre-printed protocol consisting of open- ended questions designed to elicit authentic responses, allowing the voice of …

The Social Context Of Urban School Reform: Collective Efficacy And Student Achievement, Carla E. Ellis

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this correlational study was to determine if between-school variance in school-level student achievement is related to collective teacher efficacy in 10 urban elementary schools in Chicago. It also examined the effects of teacher leaders’ implementation of a School-University partnership and the leadership characteristics of principals on school collective efficacy. Collective teacher efficacy was measured using Goddard’s (1998) 6-point 21-item Likert Collective Teacher Efficacy scale. There were 280 teachers and 53 teacher leaders who completed the scale. The Collective Teacher Efficacy scale results were analyzed and examined in relationship to school-level Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test …