Views From The Margins: A Multiple-Case Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Women Senior-Level Student Affairs Administrators, Tamekka L. Cornelius

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of senior-level Black women student affairs administrators at four-year degree granting institutions. Moreover, this study documents Black women in nonfaculty administrative roles in student affairs at both predominately White institutions (PWIs) and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). A multiple case study research design was used to investigate this phenomenon. Two frameworks were used to ground the study: Black feminist thought and representational bureaucracy. The following questions guided it: (1) What are the work experiences of Black women in senior leadership positions in student affairs? (2) What barriers/issues to obtaining senior leadership …

Language Learning Effectiveness (Outcome) Of An Online Synchronous Efl Program Compared To An Esl Face-To-Face Program, Eduardo L. Trindade Ph.D.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Abstract

To provide English learning opportunities to International students while in their home countries, I designed an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) synchronous online program delivered via videoconferences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an Online EFL program when compared to a regular in-person Intensive English Program (IEP) where students are immersed in the American culture. The control group was composed of 88 students from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries in South America that took the IEP offered by a private university in Kentucky in the past five years. Students in the control group had …

Untold Stories: A Phenomenological Study Of Parent And Educator Perspectives Of Parental Engagement In Title One Elementary Schools, Alexandra Rogers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored parent and educator perceptions of parental engagement in Title One elementary schools. Twelve participants were included in this study. Six parents and six educators from the Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions of the United States defined parental engagement and how parental engagement impacts student achievement. The following research questions guided this study: (a) What are parent perceptions of parental engagement in Title One schools? (b) What are teacher perceptions of parental engagement in Title One schools? (c) What are the similarities and differences in parent and teacher perception of parental engagement? (d) How can these …

Okay Boomer: Overcoming Cringe To Teach A Unit On Meme Analysis, John Sparks

Undergraduate Theses

This project goes over a detailed explanation for why and how memes should be included in the classroom. It explains the components of a meme in detail, describes how to teach them, and how to overcome those awkward embarrassing moments that come from trying to be relevant known as “cringe”, in the classroom. The unit itself is split into 5 days of lessons that discuss the structures, allusions, and multiple creators that make up a meme. Content such as propaganda and how memes impact the broader conversations is also taught in these lessons. There is an accompanying slide show and …

Science And Writing And Apes, Oh My! An Iterative Interdisciplinary Approach To Argumentative Writing And Forensic Science In The Secondary English Classroom, Lexi Cox

Undergraduate Theses

This hybrid thesis consists of a research base that informs the creation of an interdisciplinary English Language Arts and forensic science unit for tenth grade students. Using “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” by Edgar Allan Poe as an anchor text, students explore argumentative writing, the nature of science, and various technologies as they construct their own experiments and write an argument identifying the criminal of the story. This unit went through three iterations in its evolution, receiving feedback from university professors and high school English teachers. Emerging themes from this feedback included modeling expectations, emphasizing interdisciplinarity, and alternative schedules …

The Influence Of Martial Arts On The Quality Of Life Of College Students, Benjamin Harris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Students come to college in order to attain a degree that allows them to improve their quality of life (QOL) after graduating (Morris, 2017). However, the stressors associated with attending, including anxiety depression (Beiter et al., 2014), insomnia, and headaches (Caldwell et al., 2017), negatively impact their ability to be successful. It is then necessary for higher education institutions to address those issues by exploring and creating opportunities that can improve student QOL. The objective of this study is to understand the health-related experiences of students enrolled in a university martial arts club during college.

This qualitative case study is …

From The Margins: Impact Of Academic Advising On First-Generation Student Retention, Xavia Harrington-Chate

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This study examines the influence of academic advising on first-generation student retention using secondary data via data from an online survey. Specifically, the researcher explored advising experiences to explain the retention of freshman first-generation college students from Year One to Year Two. A total of 1,716 freshman students during the 2017-2018 academic school year participated in this study. The survey's setting is a mid-sized, four-year public university in the Midwestern United States. The research questions seek to identify if first-generation students' status or self-reported data of academic advising experiences affect student retention during the critical first year of college enrollment. …

Mask Off: Students’ Of Color Traumatic Experiences In K-12 Education And Why Historically Black Colleges And Universities Make A Difference, Diane Courington

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 11 participants who had four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The theoretical frameworks guiding this study are Culturally Responsive Teaching (Crt) (Hammond 2014; Gay 2000), Critical Race Theory (CRT) (Crenshaw, 1988; Ansley, 1988), and Abolitionist teaching (Love, 2019). This study's data collection is based on semi-structured and conversational interviews via Microsoft Teams with Students of Color (SOC) who graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and had an ACEs score over 4. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include one or more events such as growing up in a household with an …

Experience Between Mentors And Coaches: A Phenomenological Case Study To Examine Effective Coaching Conditions, Brittany Adkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The study uses a phenomenological case method to explore the lived experience of the mentor-coach coaching phenomenon and examines the case of the Literacy Center (university partnership) in providing professional development to build instructional capacity in elementary reading coaches through a coaching model in order to improve reading achievement in students (kindergarten through third grade). The study is guided through the theoretical frameworks of Social Learning Theory (Vygotsky, 1978) and the Capacity-Building Model for Teacher Development (Cooter, 2004). It is focused on two research questions: 1) How does the mentor and coach experience change over time? and 2) What facilitates …

Navigating The Murky Middle: Understanding How Career Aspirations And Experiences Influence The Career Progression Of Women Identifying, Student Affairs, Middle Managers, Lindsey Gilmore

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Even though women have made tremendous strides in many facets of education, ascending the administrative and leadership ranks within universities at a proportionate ratio to the number of women who peak as middle managers is not one of them. In the past 40 years, the number of women serving as presidents of universities across the nation has increased less than 10% from 21.1% in 1975 to 30.1% in 2016 (ACE, 2018). If a woman does find herself serving at the helm of an institution, it is more than likely at a “private, liberal arts schools rather than at doctoral granting, …

Trauma And Intersectionality In Trauma Informed Ministry, Caitlin Simpson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Seminary students have reported feeling underprepared to work with traumatized individuals in pastoral care (Logan, 2017; Resane, 2014). Statistics reported that 82% of pastoral care recipients had a trauma history (Foreman, 2018). Understanding trauma (Herman, 1992) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989) were used to consider the varying impacts each can have on an individual. Scholar Fredericks Streets (2015) used the social services understanding of theology and trauma (Beh, 2012; Weems, 1988) trauma informed ministry (Wolf, et al., 2013) to develop trauma informed ministry. This qualitative study using constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2013) explored the experiences of nine participants in learning about …

Teaching Non-Cognitive Skills For College: A Qualitative Case Study Of A Low-Income, High-Minority, Urban School District In Southeastern United States, Elizabeth Byron

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This instrumental, multisite case study examines the role of secondary teachers in preparing high school students for the non-cognitive skills needed to persist in and graduate from college, using Bourdieu’s (1984) and Lin’s (1999) social capital theory as a guiding framework. Non-cognitive skills are defined as the “behaviors, thoughts, and feelings” of students (Borghans, 2008). Data collection for this study is based on semi-structured interviews via telecommunications with secondary educators and postsecondary student success practitioners and electronic archived documentation of non-cognitive skills found to be important for college success by the interviewees. In this study, college success is defined as …

Ambiguous Loss, Boundary Ambiguity, And English Learning: How Immigrants' Functionality Is Impacted By Language Proficiency, Shakir Ali

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Due to conflicts in different parts of the world or the prospect of a better life, there are tremendous numbers of immigrants around the world. This study investigates the effect of language learning by immigrants on the level of boundary ambiguity they experience as a result of being separated from extended family. Through the lens of acculturation theory (Schumann, 1976), the study examines if learning a new language helps the immigrant to function within the culture of the host country. In addition, the study relies on the Contextual Model of Family Stress to ascertain if individual, family, or community resources …

Assessing The Effects Of Restorative Practices On Teacher Practices In Elementary Classrooms, Cheng Fisher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Restorative practices have been broadly adopted in American schools. However, few empirical studies have rigorously examined the effects of restorative practices on teacher practices through direct observations. This quasi-experimental designed study tested the hypothesis that restorative practices experience would increase positive interactions between teachers and students. Measurably, it would improve positive teacher practices and positive student behavior. The study analyzed data from a school-randomized evaluation with two rounds of observations in a single school year. Observational data of 140 elementary teachers and their students from nine restorative schools were used to examine the impact of restorative practices on teacher practices …

Assessing The Effects Of Restorative Practices On Teacher Practices In Elementary Classrooms, Cheng Fisher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Restorative practices have been broadly adopted in American schools. However, few empirical studies have rigorously examined the effects of restorative practices on teacher practices through direct observations. This quasi-experimental designed study tested the hypothesis that restorative practices experience would increase positive interactions between teachers and students. Measurably, it would improve positive teacher practices and positive student behavior. The study analyzed data from a school-randomized evaluation with two rounds of observations in a single school year. Observational data of 140 elementary teachers and their students from nine restorative schools were used to examine the impact of restorative practices on teacher practices …

Reading Knowledge Transfer From The Pre-Service Teaching Phase To The Novice Teaching Phase: A Phenomenological Study, Natalie Sajko

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the experiences of eight novice teachers as they transferred knowledge of reading instruction from their teacher education programs (TEPs) into their first classrooms in a rural district. Specific mechanisms for learning transfer (prior knowledge, motivation, context, and culture) and their perceived influences were also explored. Phenomenology was utilized to help explore these experiences and perceptions. Social constructivism, Situated Learning Theory (Lave & Wenger, 1991) and critical pedagogies (hooks, 2014; Love, 2019) were used to interpret findings in this study. This study centered on the following questions: (1) how do elementary novice teachers perceive reading knowledge transfer …

Does Anywhere + Anytime = Success? Mobile Learning, Engagement, And Student Success In Higher Education, Sarah Nichter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This study aims to understand the possible impact of mobile learning on engagement and student success in the online environment. The research questions ask what impacts mobile learning has on student engagement, measured with Self-Regulated Learning (SRL); what impact mobile learning has on the SRL constructs of environment structuring, task management, and time management; and what associations mobile learning might have with student success and persistence. One hundred sixty-two undergraduate online students participated in the study through the survey instrument, utilizing the Online Self-Regulated Learning Questionnaire (OSLQ). ANOVA results showed that lower levels of mobile learning use engaged in SRL …

The Impact Of A Holistic Admissions Review Process In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Carrie Hawkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Holistic admissions processes in doctor of physical therapy (DPT) education programs are perceived as a means to increasing the diversity of the profession. While previous research has correlated the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to success on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the grade point average (GPA) to success in the program coursework, the impact of a holistic admissions process on the academic factors or on the demographics of the applicants offered admission has not been extensively studied for DPT education programs. This study was conducted to determine if the addition of a holistic application review process rubric to …

Exploring A Qualitative Approach To Arts Advocacy And Evaluation, Lycette C. Belisle

Undergraduate Theses

The quantitative impact of the arts has become an increasingly important factor in determining the overall value of a project, and is often used to determine acceptance of submissions, public recognition and funding disbursement. This project evaluates current understandings of how the arts function within society, popular methods for determining the value of the arts and explores how qualitative reasoning can be utilized to communicate the value of supporting artistic endeavors. While placing a numerical value on the arts based on data collection can be important, this project will aim to evaluate the implications of relying so heavily on facts …

Mindfulness And Testing: An Exploration Of The Benefits Of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Meditation Practice On Test Anxiety, Anastasia Quirk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Test anxiety is a growing concern for students as it can negatively impact student performance. Mindfulness is a practice of focused breathing meditation intended to increase awareness of oneself and the present moment and decrease anxiety. With the recent increase in mindfulness practices in schools, this research examines the potential impact of mindfulness-based cognitive practice on anxiety levels, test anxiety, and standardized test scores through the use of the ACT standardized placement test, the TAI-G, a self-administered Test Anxiety Inventory, and the Biodot, a device measuring physiological indications of anxiety. Using analysis of variance and paired samples t-tests, a significant …

“We Live In Two Worlds”: Foreign-Born College And University Presidents – Perspectives, Leadership, And Resiliency, Kristie Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of foreign-born college and university presidents in the United States to determine how their cultural background and traditions influenced their leadership and prepared them to lead. The study also examined the strategies foreign-born university presidents, who self-identify as people of Color, utilized to navigate to and through the presidential pipeline and ways in which resiliency was demonstrated. The study was grounded in asset-based community development and resiliency which provided a framework to understand how the presidents contribute to their campus and local community and how they were resilient in their presidential roles.

Fifteen …

The Effects Of Small-Group Collaboration On Student Attitudes Towards Mathematics, Philip Golden

Undergraduate Theses

Collaborative group work has become a prevalent teaching strategy in high school mathematics classrooms, and for good reason. When implemented effectively, studies show that collaboration improves student learning outcomes. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding on best practices for teaching, one being student attitudes towards the content. In particular student attitudes towards mathematics (which are not generally positive) are important to consider. In this study, students in a high school mathematics classroom took a survey before and after a unit that implemented collaborative strategies. Results of the study indicate that student attitudes towards math improved after working …

High School Counselors As Social Capital In A Career Academy High School Model For Low-Income Students: A Case Study, Onyejindu Oleka

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the idea that high school counselors, acting as a form of social capital, could influence the postsecondary opportunities of low socioeconomic students. This study used case study design to analyze freshman academy counselors and their influence in the career pathway selection process to answer two research questions: 1) Using the knowledge available regarding college and career opportunities, how do freshman academy counselors influence low socioeconomic students’ career pathway selections? and 2) How do freshman academy counselors’ perceptions of college and career opportunities for low socioeconomic students influence low socioeconomic students’ career pathway selections? This study uses …

Hidden Identity: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Of Black Male Identity Development At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Therron Rogers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This qualitative study used constructivist grounded theory to create an identity development theory for Black males who attended an historically Black college or university (HBCU). Cross’s (1991) Black identity development theory was used as the theoretical framework for this study. Guiding this study were two research questions which were: 1) how do the experiences at a historically Black college and university influence the identity development for Black males; and, 2) what external factors influence the identity development for Black males who attended a historically Black college and university? Eight Black males participated in this study. Criterion sampling was used to …

Analyzing Two-Year College Student Success Using Structural Equation Modeling, Jessica Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The goal of this study is to more fully understand the scope of community college student success using the principles of mindset, engagement, and college readiness. Using structural equation modeling ensures this study is able to measure the combined effects these concepts have on student success, group differences, and the combined model of student success. Findings suggest student success can be significantly impacted by self-belief and mindset behaviors that can outweigh the initial effect of academically under-prepared students. Groups included in this study are non-traditional students, minority populations, first generation students, and Pell eligible students.

Job Satisfaction Of Student Conduct Administrators And Their Use Of Restorative Justice Practices, Leslie Maxie

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effects of restorative justice practices on the job satisfaction of student conduct administrators. This study focuses on Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene theory’s intrinsic and extrinsic factors of motivation for student conduct administrators who use restorative justice practices (RJ). This quantitative study used a member sample from the Association of Student Conduct Administrators (ASCA) with 176 electronic responses received.

Significant results found that student conduct administrators are more satisfied intrinsically if given the opportunity to take on new responsibilities, given appropriate responsibility and recognition from their supervisor, and if they can make a …

An Examination Of The Use Of Reading Fluency Indicators To Predict Act Sub-Scores Of First-Year College Students, Elizabeth Cassady

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Using Tinto’s student departure theory (Tinto, 1975, 1993, 2012) and the simple view of reading (Hoover & Gough, 1990), this study explores the relationship between reading fluency indicators and achievement on the ACT reading sub-test and the ACT composite score. The study utilizes reading samples obtained from first-year college students attending a small, private university in the southeastern United States. A non-random sample of students (n = 95) was recorded while reading a college-level, informational passage measured at the 1470 Lexile level. Results of using hierarchical linear regression revealed that word reading accuracy as measured by reading miscues predicted …

The Relationship Between Young Alumni Participation And Giving, Glenn Kosse

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

This study sought to determine the relationship between young alumni participation in alumni association sponsored events and young alumni giving through the research questions (a) is there a relationship between young alumni participation and giving to the university?; and (b) is the giving behavior of young alumni who are donors to the university affected by attendance at alumni association events?

This study utilized a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis with three separate dependent variables: pre-event giving, post-event giving, and total giving. The independent variables were factors describing specific young alumni behaviors: (a) attend but do not give, (b) do …

Choice As An Antecedent Intervention Provided To Children With Emotional Disturbances, Alexandra J. Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

It is estimated that 0.7% (349,000) of students aged three to 21 have been diagnosed with an emotional disturbance (ED; NCES, 2018). Students with ED typically demonstrate social, behavioral, and academic deficiencies within the school setting. A large part of educating students with ED is providing positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) embedded within the structured school day. Antecedent behavior interventions (ABI), including the provision of choice-making opportunities, are examples of effective practice within the PBIS framework. Although there have been studies addressing choice-making for students with ED, most of the literature has focused on choice-making provided during mathematics and …

Privilege, Bias, And Cultural Competence: An Examination Of How Lived Experience Shapes Academic Advising Practices, Jennifer Englert-Copeland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

As college campuses become increasingly diverse, the need for multicultural awareness among faculty and staff has become a critical component of student success. Though rising diversity among students promotes a rich and more robust learning environment (Gurin, 1999; Gurin, Dey, Hurtado, & Gurin, 2002; Hurtado, 2007; Sleeter & Grant, 1994) and correlates with various positive educational outcomes (Hu & Kuh, 2003; Umback & Kuh, 2006), student affairs and higher education professionals may be ineffective when managing and responding to diversity. For faculty and staff within community college settings, the need for multicultural awareness, including awareness of privilege and bias, is …