Education Commons^™

Developing An Instrument To Measure Food Insecurity Among College Students, Hannah Wright

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a reliable and valid survey instrument to measure the prevalence and degree of food insecurity among college students with respect to their demographic characteristics. This survey instrument was piloted to a sample of college students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The College Student Food Insecurity (CSFI) survey instrument was designed using a Likert format with 5 levels of agreement. Items for the CSFI were created through brainstorming, a review of the USDA Food Insecurity Modules, and a review of the literature with a focus on three concepts: access or awareness of …

Mathematics Anxiety: A Mixed Methods Approach To Understanding Secondary Students' Avoidance Of Mathematics Impacting Secondary Mathematics Enrollment, Indrani Singh

Doctoral Dissertations

Empirical research has determined the detrimental effects of mathematics anxiety on students, but little is known about the influence of mathematics anxiety-avoidance behaviors on secondary mathematics enrollment in urban private schools in India, the purpose of the current study. This study followed a concurrent mixed methods approach and triangulation design to investigate the research problem. Participants were grade eleven students (n=16) and secondary mathematics teachers (n=4) from four private schools in an eastern state in India.

Data were collected quantitatively from students via an online questionnaire (RMARS) to measure their anxiety levels under mathematical situations and …

Science Education To The Rescue? Assessing The Relationship Between Scientific Literacy And Carbon Emissions, Anthony Schmidt

Doctoral Dissertations

Human activities have radically changed the climate, negatively impacting all life on earth. The technical means to address this climate crisis exist, but there are major social and political hurdles that stand in the way. Education has been touted as one possible means for helping to move forward necessary action on climate change. A hybrid model of planned behavior and human capital helps explain how education can affect climate change. The current dissertation sought to assess what relationship may exist between changes in per capita carbon emissions and science education as measured by the Programme for International Student Achievement (PISA). …

Preschool Children's Understanding Of Nature And Environmental Stewardship, Maureen D. King

Masters Theses

Exposure to nature is important for children’s development and the future of the natural world. Children’s time spent outdoors has the potential to increase biophilia, one’s connection with nature, impacting their attitude towards nature and nature conservation over their lifetime. Environmental stewardship begins with an understanding of nature and how one can protect the environment around them. This study sought to explore children’s understandings of nature and stewardship by engaging a small group of preschoolers (n = 6) in photographing nature in their school’s outdoor playspace and asking prompting questions using the photographs in a semi-structured follow-up interview. Photographs …

Defining The Hourglass Framework Of Technical And Musical Concepts In Music Technology Education With Two Case Studies In Course Development, Timothy Hsu

Journal of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction

As the field of music technology connects music with a vast array of technical fields, a mature music technology program ideally challenges and develops students that incorporate musical contexts of technical ideas and the technical concepts of musical ideas. The educational challenge of music technology programs lies in the balancing of technical and musical material in the curriculum. In structuring this balance, this paper proposes an hourglass framework, where music technology sits at the neck of two sides, where one side is built on the tradition of Western and non-Western music history, theory, and repertoire, and the other side is …

Efficiency Analytics Of Ncaa Division I College Football Programs, Frank A. Bouchet, Mike Troilo, Wen-Chyuan Chiang, Jennifer Shang

Journal of Applied Sport Management

College athletics are a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, but how well do university athletic programs employ their resources? The question is germane in light of increasing costs of higher education and scrutiny of university budgets. This study furnishes a template to weigh the tradeoffs inherent in collegiate sports, which is the main contribution of the paper. A dataset of 117 American college football programs from 2011-2015 is analyzed using DEA and AHP methods to assess the efficiency and perception of these programs. The result is the aforementioned framework measuring the programs' success and answers the question of …

Athletics, Academics, And The Financial Condition Of U.S. Private Colleges, Jody W. Lipford, Jerry K. Slice

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Abstract

Many private colleges in the U.S. face financial difficulty. The role of athletics in the financial condition of U.S. colleges is subject to controversy. Supporters argue that collegiate sports draw students, improve student quality, and increase donor support. Detractors argue that athletics are costly and undermine the academic mission of the institution. In this paper, we examine metrics of athletic and academic quality to determine their effects on the financial health of a sample of U.S. private colleges. Our findings indicate that higher spending on athletics reduces an institution’s financial health and that academic quality increases an institution’s financial …

From Mission To Competition: The Experiences Of 10 Lds Missionary Student-Athletes Returning To Competition In The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, Matthew J. Moore, Leslee A. Fisher, Lindsey A. Miossi, Zach T. Smith, Jacob C. Jensen,

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

The purpose of the current study was to explore the experiences of LDS missionary student-athletes returning to competition in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (DI). Using Consensual Qualitative Research methods (CQR; Hill, 2012) including a semi-structured interview guide, 10 DI student-athletes/returned LDS missionaries were interviewed regarding their experience (i.e., mean age of 25 years; baseball, cross-country/track and field, football, and swimming). A research team with five members constructed four domains and 16 categories representing DI student-athlete/returned LDS missionary chronological identity changes during this experience: (a) the development of an LDS missionary identity; (b) challenges associated with returning …

The Effect Of Decreased Government Funding On University Policy To Attract International Students, Lauren Elizabeth Gateley

Haslam Scholars Projects

The United States has maintained a dominant role in International Higher Education for decades. However, changes to public university budgets and difficulties in retaining international students after graduation has caused the United States to lose its grip in this industry. Data from 690 public 4-year or above institutions were accessed through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to measure the effect of decreases in state appropriations as a percent of core revenues on the number of international students enrolled each year from 2008-2018. After controlling for tuition and fees as a percent of core revenue, land grant status of …

Paying Attention: The Lived Experiences Of Female Adhd Graduate Students In Higher Education, Tiffany Michelle Devol

Doctoral Dissertations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) rates have been increasing, and while adult learners with ADHD have maintained some success to get to college, they still underperform their non-ADHD peers despite having normal intelligence. There is some research on the impact ADHD has on adult learners as they enter college, but there is little research on how ADHD impacts graduate students seeking to continue their education. Given the fact that this population of adult learner is still struggling, it begs the question, why? And what can be done about it? The purpose of this study was to understand the essence of …

“Putting Coyolxauhqui Together”: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of Identifying And Healing Fragmentation Through Decolonial Feminist Creative Writing Practices, Elizabeth Parker Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations

There has been a chronic need for more high-quality children’s books by minoritized authors, yet few scholars have examined the historic contexts and formative processes impacting such authors’ success. This critical autoethnographic study employs a decolonial feminist lens and creative practices to help one children’s book writer examine the formative sources impacting both her fragmentation and her inner strength. The Vietnamese American author specifically examines historic sources of Anti-Asian racism in the United States including those that influenced her directly during her childhood. On a personal level, she explores artifacts from her K-12 and college experiences that help her understand …

Latino Engagement: Investigating The Effects Of High Impact Practices Participation On Students' College Outcomes, Noelia N. Pacheco Diaz

Doctoral Dissertations

Latino students are a growing minority in higher education in the United States, but they still lag behind their peers to have a successful college experience (Hussar et al., 2020; Schack et al., 2019). On the other hand, research has indicated that participation in purposeful educational activities such as so-called High Impact Practices (HIPs) is an effective way to foster college success (Kuh, 2003; Kuh, Schneider, et al., 2008). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate how participation in high-impact practices influences student engagement, satisfaction, perceived learning gains, and self-reported GPA in college for Latino students. Also, this …

T-Pess And Special Education Teacher Attrition And Retention: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Teacher Perceptions Of Administrator Effectiveness, Janna R. Crow

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenology study was to explore special education teacher retention in a large school district in Texas and the perception of campus principal’s support as defined through the domains from the Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System (T-PESS). Participants in the study came from 550 special education teachers in Desert ISD, a school district in North Texas. I completed semi-structured interviews with a minimum of three special education teachers from elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

The Devil Did Not Make Me Do It: Understanding Factors That Influence College Choice Of A Faith-Based Institution, Phillip Lowell Cook Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations

The process of choosing a college can be quite difficult for high school students and their families. If the student considers issues of faith in this process, it can cause additional complexity. While researchers have examined many factors that influence the college selection process (Baliyan, 2016; Espinosa, Bradshaw & Hausman, 2000; Noel-Levitz, 2012; Nurnberg, Schapiro, & Zimmerman, 2012; Perez, 2008; Tucciarone, 2007), there is little research that focuses on the factors that influence the selection of a faith-based institution. Research shows the factors that affect this process are varied and include the influence of parents (MacCallum, Glover, Queen, & Riggs, …

Transformative White Identity As A Teacher Educator: A Poetic Narrative Autoethnography, Scott E. Jenkinson

Doctoral Dissertations

Whiteness, white privilege, and white supremacy are oppressive power structures that invisibly condition educational relationships among all students, teachers, and teacher educators. To undermine this destructive pattern, white teacher educators must actively commit to an ongoing and life-long process of white identity (re)formation that informs antiracist pedagogical praxis and models self -reflective practices for their pre-service teachers. The purpose of this poetic narrative evocative autoethnography is to show but one example of how a white teacher educator might begin this emotionally forward transformative experience.

The researcher, a white teacher educator at a southeastern United States public 4-year institution, developed a …

"I Can't Say That I Hate It": Reading And Ela Teachers' Experiences With A Scripted Curriculum, Amanda Rigell

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand how teachers implemented, modified, or resisted the implementation of a scripted English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. This critical case study used qualitative interviews to investigate reading and ELA teachers’ experiences with implementing a scripted ELA curriculum in a single school district. Findings include teachers’ observations about the role of the curriculum in their teaching, the role of their self-efficacy as teachers, the role of reciprocal trust between administrators and teachers, and the role of power in the adoption and implementation of the curriculum. These findings may be of interest to school and …

What Am I Reading To My Students? A Critical Content Analysis Of Best-Selling Latinx Children's Picture Books, Amy Maples

Doctoral Dissertations

Diversity in children’s literature has been explored significantly within the past several decades. For Latinx children’s books, scholars have found issues surrounding representation and authenticity. Books involving Latinx stories and themes are underrepresented in the publishing industry, and portrayals of Latinx individuals and groups are often stereotypical and culturally inauthentic. This study sought to contribute to the research base surrounding representation in Latinx children’s literature by critically analyzing narratives and themes in best-selling Latinx children’s picture books. Using a qualitative critical content analysis guided by Latinx Critical Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies, I examined the top ten best-selling Latinx children’s …

“In The Skin I’M In…I Represent A Different Version Of What Help Looks Like:” Black Women Sport Psychology Professional’S Experiences In Applied Sport Psychology, Sharon R. Couch

Doctoral Dissertations

Black Feminist Applied Sport Psychology (BFASP) is a culturally inclusive theoretical framework for centering Black women’s experiences in applied sport psychology (Carter et al., 2020; Couch et al., 2022). For the past two decades, (White) Feminist applied sport psychology professionals (FASPPs) described the experiences of Black women as unique but were overlooked in research and participant pools due to the prioritization of White women's and Black male sport experiences. (Carter & Davila, 2017; Carter & Prewitt-White, 2014; Gill, 2020; Hyman et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to explore the life and work experiences of BASPPs (i.e., faculty, …

Beyond Compliance: Critical Perspectives In Supporting Institutionally Underserved Survivors Of Sexual Violence, William A. Martinez

Masters Theses

Interpersonal and sexual violence on college campuses is rampant. While federal legislation exists to support survivors of interpersonal violence in higher education via the Violence Against Women Act, Title IX, and Clery Act, support specifically for institutionally underserved survivors of interpersonal violence (IUS) tends to be limited in nature. Because of this deficit, institutionally underserved students and survivors of interpersonal violence are often left unsupported by interpersonal violence prevention staff members (IVPSM). Through semi-structured interviews, this critical multisite case study collected information on the perceptions of IVPSM on IUS support and resources, identified gaps in education on how to respond …

The Student-Athlete Leadership Academy Experience: A Case Study, Hannah M. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations

This study sought to advance the understanding of how leadership education affects student-athletes interpersonally, as athletes, and as students while providing insight into the importance of leadership development for institutions and athletic departments for student-athletes who participate in a yearlong leadership program. The purpose of this study is to explore how a yearlong leadership development program influenced the personal and leadership growth and development of student-athletes during the 2020-2021 academic year. Two research questions guided the present study: How does the Student-Athlete Leadership Academy curriculum and experience contribute to student-athletes’ progress through the theory on leadership identity development and understanding …

Creating A Backyard Buzz: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Using A Video Infographic To Increase Knowledge About Mosquito Populations And Diseases In Tn, Caroline M. Barnes, Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell, Cristina Barroso, Julie Andsager

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

College Is A Scam Full Of Leftist Liberal Ideas: An Exploration Of Rural And First-Generation College Students' Memorable Messages About Higher Education, Margaret Keene

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence Vocational Anticipatory Socialization (VAS) and memorable messages have on rural first-generation college students’ interest in higher education. This study will utilize methodology regarding Vocational Anticipatory Socialization Messages and Sources from Powers and Myers (2017), the College Influence Choice Scale from Martin and Dixon (1991), as well as thematic analysis derived from survey questions designed by the researcher. The results of this study found that students report family as their most influential source to encourage higher education, peers as their most influential source to discourage higher education, and numerous encouraging and …

Relationship Between A Reflective-Formative Model Of Team Brand Associations And Behavioral Intentions: The Mediating Effect Of Fan Identification, Ho Yeol Yu, Neal Ternes, Claudia B. Ambs, Sanghoon Kim

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Understanding fans’ perceived associations with their favorite teams is crucial for the successful management of sport teams. In the current study, team brand associations are measured as a reflective-formative construct to examine the role of the fan identification on the relationship between team brand associations and behavioral intentions. Data from professional soccer spectators (n = 101) were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicated that the reflective-formative construct of team brand associations and fan identification influence behavioral intention, whilst fan identification was found to mediate the relationship between team brand associations and behavioral intentions. Managerial implications include strategic marketing how …

The Advancement Of Asma: Highlights From The 2022 Annual Conference, Marshall Magnusen

Journal of Applied Sport Management

The Applied Sport Management Association (ASMA) is a scholarly organization that aims to builds research partnerships between faculty and students as well as strong connections between scholars and students studying sport and practitioners working in the sport industry. Each year, ASMA hosts a national (international) conference.

Since 2005, ASMA has progressed to become the preeminent outlet for students and faculty to present research in a collegial and professional environment as well as build strong connects with sport industry practitioners. As evidence of the continued growth of ASMA, several noticeable events took place at the 2022 annual conference. A brief summary …

Adding Value To The Applied Sport Management Association, Mike Martinez

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Dr. Martinez is the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for the Applied Sport Management Association (ASMA). He offers his thoughts on adding value to ASMA to advance the association and sport management.

In Remembrance Of Dr. Samantha Rachel Gorse Roberts, Clayton B. Bolton

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Dr. Samantha Roberts, a professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was a significant member of the association’s leadership team. Dr. Roberts had a strong passion for student development and mentorship and was heavily involved with the undergraduate and graduate case study competitions. Dr. Clay Bolton provides a touching tribute to our dear colleague and friend.

Bringing Students With Low Agreeableness To Attend Collegiate Sports: A Moderated Mediation Model With Team Identification And Student Involvement, Chanwook Do, Jun-Phil Uhm, Heetae Cho, Hyun-Woo Lee

Journal of Applied Sport Management

In a college athletics setting, we investigated a moderated mediation model of the effect of team identification on attendance intention where student involvement was the mediator and agreeableness was the moderator. Results showed that student involvement mediated the relationship between team identification and attendance intention, and agreeableness moderated the effect of student involvement on attendance intention. In particular, the interaction effect by agreeableness indicated how less agreeable students would be more willing to attend games when they are more involved in campus activities. Details of this study, including theoretical and practical implications, research limitations, and future directions, are discussed.

The Point Spread As A Reference Point: Evidence From The National Basketball Association, George Diemer, Michael Leeds

Journal of Applied Sport Management

A contentious literature surrounds the claim that heavy favorites’ failure to cover the point-spread in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball could indicate point-shaving. This paper extends the literature by using a new methodology to show that favorites in the National Basketball Association (NBA) also frequently fail to cover the spread. However, the high salaries in the NBA make point-shaving by players unlikely. Moreover, heavy underdogs also fail to cover the point spread and lose by more than expected. These seemingly anomalous findings are consistent with underdogs’ using the point-spread as a reference point.

Growing Up And Growing Older: Books For Young Readers: Counteracting Ageism And Promoting Positive Aging, Sandra L. Mcguire Dr.

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Nursing

Ageist attitudes permeate society, are readily transmitted, and are perpetuated from generation to generation. These attitudes are a prejudice against our future selves. Research has consistently shown that children as young as preschool evidence ageist attitudes, these attitudes become more negative as the child grows older and tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. It is important to counteract ageism and promote accurate concepts about aging with young children. Carefully selected children’s literature can help to prevent and counteract ageist attitudes. This annotated booklist is a compilation of early children’s literature (PS-3^rd grade) that contains positive, meaningful portrayals of aging. Booklist …

The Christian Sportsperson: An Introduction, Brian R. Bolt Phd, Chad Carlson

Movement and Being: The Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Studies

Introduction to the Special Edition of the Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sport Studies dedicated to scholarship generated from papers presented at the the Second Global Congress on Sport and Christianity, October 23-27, 2019, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.