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Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

2023

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Healthy Use Of Technology & The Internet Among University Students, Stefano Cueto Dec 2023

Healthy Use Of Technology & The Internet Among University Students, Stefano Cueto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focused on technology and internet use among university students. The focal issue is unhealthy use of technology and the internet, as in overuse on a daily basis. What is constituted as overuse of technology and internet use are reduction of physical activity and poor posture, eye strain, poor sleep habits, and anxiety. Given this issue, there is a need for a service that detoxes from overuse of technology, gauges relationships with technology, and informs alternative, mindful means of technology/internet use in everyday lives. This service was a one-time workshop service conducted in fall, 2023, intended to detox …


Impact Of Technology On K-8 Students' Learning Post-Covid-19, Vincent Rodriguez Dec 2023

Impact Of Technology On K-8 Students' Learning Post-Covid-19, Vincent Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This research project aims to examine the impact of technology on K-8 students' learning post-COVID-19 and how technology in the classroom helps students achieve academic success. With the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic had on students, this study will dive deep into the depths of technology's use in today's education system. Through the use of a literature review, interviews with teachers, and surveys from 7th & 8th-grade students, the findings indicated that technology plays a crucial role in students learning and teaching. We are moving away from the traditional classroom of books and paper and into a new era of …


Homework Perpetuating Inequalities For Low-Income Families In Education, Eileen Boyd Dec 2023

Homework Perpetuating Inequalities For Low-Income Families In Education, Eileen Boyd

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project delves into the persistent issue of homework perpetuating inequalities among low-income families. Drawing on insights from North American public school teachers who have shared their perspectives and experiences, this research employs a combination of literature reviews, teacher interviews, and anonymous surveys. The collective evidence underscores the unsettling fact that homework drives educational disparities. Consequently, it calls for a broader acknowledgment among educators and schools that homework often hinders rather than enhances a student's academic achievements.


Implications Of California State Standards In Relation To Disordered Eating For School Aged Children, Jessica De Mott Dec 2023

Implications Of California State Standards In Relation To Disordered Eating For School Aged Children, Jessica De Mott

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food is a part of people’s lives, even when it is not acknowledged. It is distinctly tied to various cultures, ethnicities, and religions; with elements of restriction and gluttony abundant. Then, there is the complication of modern nutrition and health education that is taught in American, and more specifically in Californian schools. But, the education received on this issue has failed some students. Many school aged children reported that they experienced disordered eating, and learning content has further exacerbated this issue. This senior capstone research will examine the implications of California State Standards in relation to disordered eating for school …


Increasing Social And Emotional Competencies Among Special Education Preschoolers, Alix Li Katz-Polowitz Dec 2023

Increasing Social And Emotional Competencies Among Special Education Preschoolers, Alix Li Katz-Polowitz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project focused on preschoolers’ emotional competence, which is defined as the ability to purposefully and truly experience a variety of emotions while regulating behavior patterns (Domitrovich et al., 2017). It is difficult for preschoolers to regulate their emotions and even more challenging for SPED children. Children who have difficulties associated with being in SPED are often rejected by other children and do not have opportunities to develop strong social skills. This can result in these children avoiding social situations in general, which causes them to fall further behind their peers with their social abilities (Schmitt et al., 2021). …


Teaching Strategies In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Education For Kinesthetic Learners, Analilia Robles Dec 2023

Teaching Strategies In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Education For Kinesthetic Learners, Analilia Robles

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this capstone project is to examine effective teaching strategies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for kinesthetic learners and how taking a hands-on approach to teaching STEM can facilitate learning for our students. The research provides an overview of the history and evolution of STEM and highlights how students benefit from learning through experience and hands-on activities by integrating the STEM disciplines. This research gathers insight from both public and private school teachers in Monterey County based on their experience and observations teaching STEM education. Through the use of literature reviews, teacher interviews, classroom observations, …


Benefits Of Existing Educational Programs For Migrant Elementary School Students, Jasmin Rodriguez Dec 2023

Benefits Of Existing Educational Programs For Migrant Elementary School Students, Jasmin Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Due to the constant mobility of migrant families, migrant students face disadvantages in their academic performance. This senior capstone research project is to examine the benefits of existing education programs for immigrant elementary school students on migrant students available for a largely Hispanic community on the Central Coast of California. Through the use of literature review, interviews with migrant teachers, migrant coordinators, and migrant directors, the results show that even though migrant students obtain physical and emotional support for the Migrant Education Program, their academic achievement and personal identity are constantly being challenged. In order to help mitigate these effects, …


Effects Of Bullying On Elementary School Students' Education And Well-Being, Andrea Lopez Dec 2023

Effects Of Bullying On Elementary School Students' Education And Well-Being, Andrea Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone project identifies the relationship between students’ learning and bullying, and how educators/parents can learn to identify signs of bullying and how to prevent it. Through the use of literature review and two anonymous interviews, one with a parent of a child who has been bullied and one with a person who has personally been bullied themselves, the result findings showed that bullying has a significant amount of negative effects in students education and overall well-being. However, the relationship between bullying and its effects on students' education and well-being can be complex as identifying the root causes of …


Middle School Children's Leadership Development, Cottrell Ealey Dec 2023

Middle School Children's Leadership Development, Cottrell Ealey

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the development of leadership skills development amongst a group of ethnic minority students at a middle school in an advisory class. Developing leadership abilities benefits students' personal development and impacts how they connect with their classmates. It teaches students the importance of looking out for one another inside and outside of the classroom, resolving their own social disputes as a role model, and encouraging them to participate in team sports and class activities. However, low-income ethnic minority students do not get many opportunities to develop leadership skills, compared to middle-class students. This may be due …


Informing Adolescents From Latino Immigrant Families About The Effects Of Their Family Responsibilities, Roxanna Emigdio Hernandez Dec 2023

Informing Adolescents From Latino Immigrant Families About The Effects Of Their Family Responsibilities, Roxanna Emigdio Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the different types of responsibilities that Latino immigrant families give to their adolescents and the effects it may have on them. Children play an active role in many immigrant families because of cultural traditions and immigration challenges (Fuligni & Telzer, 2012). Adolescents of immigrant parents are often involved in responsibilities such as caring for their younger siblings and cousins, cleaning, cooking, and translating for family members. Adolescents are given these duties because their parents often work multiple jobs and long hours to provide for their families. It is also important to note how difficult a …


Benefits Of Learning Without Homework For Middle School Students, Ashley Garcia Marquez Dec 2023

Benefits Of Learning Without Homework For Middle School Students, Ashley Garcia Marquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this senior capstone is to examine the benefits of learning without homework for middle school students. The research draws on the experiences of teachers in Monterey County, who provide personal input and teaching philosophies on this topic. Throughout the use of the literature review, three teacher interviews, and fifty anonymous student surveys, the findings indicate that learning without homework is essential, and in-class workshops have a positive impact on middle school student's academic success. Thus, teachers should recognize that learning without homework and in-class workshops plays a vital role in educating the growing minds of middle school …


Basic Needs Housing Advocate Program, Loyce Jewell Bryant Dec 2023

Basic Needs Housing Advocate Program, Loyce Jewell Bryant

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students are severely impacted by high priced housing costs. This paper will demonstrate how imperative it is that Basic Needs implements a separate housing infrastructure to help support students with their housing needs during and upon graduation. CSUMB currently houses over 55% of their students and still many students have housing insecurities. To assess the micro-level housing insecurity problem; CSUMB students work with case managers to evaluate their needs. To assess the macro-level housing insecurity problem, a survey was distributed to random students throughout the campus. Of the 6,577 currently enrolled students; 60 students …


The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez Dec 2023

The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project enhances the social-emotional skills of preschool children, which are fundamental for relationships, emotional management, and empathy. Children lacking these skills may struggle in learning, behavior, and socializing when they progress to elementary school. Studies have shown that social-emotional competence and cognitive competence are critical predictors of academic accomplishment (Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Core Elements, n.d.). Children in preschool who lack these skills may experience difficulties in learning, behavior, and socializing as they progress to elementary school (Amy Morin, 2019). A significant issue arises when children encounter obstacles …


Effects Of One-On-One Support For English Language Learners Through Collaboration, Compassion, And Engagement, Jocelyn Chiquito May 2023

Effects Of One-On-One Support For English Language Learners Through Collaboration, Compassion, And Engagement, Jocelyn Chiquito

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

English language learners (ELLs) make up a huge student population in schools. As this trend continues, there is a need for educators to support these ELL students academically. Given this, one-on-one support for them is crucial for their academic success. The purpose of this capstone research project is to examine how one-on-one support for ELL students through teacher collaboration, compassion, and student engagement. Through the use of a literature review, a survey of four teachers, and an anonymous survey of sixty-two ELL fourth grade students in a fourth-grade class and two third-grade classes, the result findings revealed that one-on-one from …


Building Anger Management Skills In Preschoolers, Manuelita Valdez Aceves May 2023

Building Anger Management Skills In Preschoolers, Manuelita Valdez Aceves

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many young kids have not yet developed social-emotional skills, which prevents them from controlling their feelings and emotions. When children do not learn to regulate their emotions, anger, frustration, and aggression issues are more likely to arise. However, when they do develop these skills, children can build self-awareness and confidence, increase empathy for others, and build positive relationships. Therefore, to support young children in developing self-regulation skills and dealing with feelings, I created a three-day lesson for teaching anger management skills to preschool children at Migrant Seasonal Head Start in Gonzales, California.


Improving Workers’ Effectiveness When Working With Unhoused Individuals, Danika J. Bralek May 2023

Improving Workers’ Effectiveness When Working With Unhoused Individuals, Danika J. Bralek

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

When volunteering with individuals without housing, volunteers may not know what to expect or how to act when assisting this population. Without proper preparation, these volunteers may end up further marginalizing the population they are working with, putting themselves in danger, or failing to assist these human beings. When volunteers know more about how to assist these individuals in need, they can properly manage each client’s case and assist them in receiving proper aid. In order to address preparedness for volunteers working with these vulnerable populations, I have created an instructional video addressing proper rapport building, understanding needs and correct …


Developing Science Education For Early Elementary Students, Caty Rodriguez May 2023

Developing Science Education For Early Elementary Students, Caty Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Children in early elementary school lack science education. They lack science because it is not a subject that schools concentrate on. Schools are more concentrated on math, English, reading, and writing, while science is just put aside. Our students need science in order to create a better vocabulary, open their minds to new things, and to move on to the next grade.


Increasing Science Curriculum In Preschool, Sandra Rogel May 2023

Increasing Science Curriculum In Preschool, Sandra Rogel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Early preschool curriculum often needs more attention to science. When the science curriculum is missing from the preschool curriculum, children may not recognize early science concepts, develop little interest in scientific concepts, and lack sufficient skills for kindergarten readiness. When preschool children are exposed to a science curriculum, they begin to apply scientific concepts, acquire scientific language, and develop scientific thinking. Therefore, to address the insufficiency of science in the preschool curriculum, I developed a three-day lesson for 3 to 5-year-olds at MCOE Early Learning Program at Creekside in Salinas, California.


Empowering Female College Students In Pursuing Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics (Stem), Jordan Armstrong May 2023

Empowering Female College Students In Pursuing Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics (Stem), Jordan Armstrong

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

As the STEM field continues to grow, it is evident that there is a need to close the gender gap between males and females. This senior capstone examines the evolution of the acronym STEM and how programs have attempted to narrow the gender gap, but it is not easy to completely close the gap. Through a literature review and surveys with educators at the high school and university levels, this research project looks at the factors that have empowered female students to pursue careers in STEM. The findings provide insight into what has led female college students to pursue careers …


Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Marion Ramos May 2023

Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Marion Ramos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the impact of high school academies on student success. This is important because high school academies provide students with cross-curricular experiences related to a specific pathway or field they are interested in. An evidence-based argument is offered that high school academies provide specialized programs catering to students' interests and career aspirations. These academies provide students with a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for college and career readiness. By focusing on a particular subject or field, students receive a high-quality education that fosters their skills and knowledge in a …


Growing Leaders: Empowering Youth Through Enhanced Ffa Programs, Kristen Measell May 2023

Growing Leaders: Empowering Youth Through Enhanced Ffa Programs, Kristen Measell

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is on the benefits of an FFA program and how it could be improved. This is an important issue for current and future FFA students because the program is a basis for future leaders in the industry. An argument is made that students who join their high school FFA program will gain tools and experiences they will use throughout the rest of their lives. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were previous and current FFA students because they have not only been through the program but are reaping its benefits in their current lives. Three …


If Stress Is The Lock Is Communication The Key, Riley Romero, Bailey Julian, Danielle Carter May 2023

If Stress Is The Lock Is Communication The Key, Riley Romero, Bailey Julian, Danielle Carter

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project was meant to analyze the possible issues high school student-athletes may face academically as well as mentally while in school. This issue is important to note because there is an increase in students participating in sports and the offered school support should reflect the growing population. An argument that was found was the possible overlook of the mental well-being of the student-athletes if they are academically succeeding or are accomplished athletes. The primary stakeholders perspectives chosen were current high school student-athletes because they are able to provide insight into the current issues that student-athletes …


Benefits Of Multicultural Education On Diverse Student Populations, Liliana Moreno May 2023

Benefits Of Multicultural Education On Diverse Student Populations, Liliana Moreno

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone proves the benefits of multicultural education that promotes and brings about an inclusive and equitable education to all students, including diverse student populations. Through the use of literature review, interviews of two professors and educators, and surveys of college students, the result findings reveal that incorporating multicultural education approaches in the classrooms promotes inclusiveness that improves students’ learning experiences and academic performance in the classroom. It further fosters empathy among students. It is recommended that educators, school administrators, and pre-service teachers learn what multicultural education is and know how to implement it in the classrooms to benefit …


Better Budtender Training, Vincent Mcdonald Castillo May 2023

Better Budtender Training, Vincent Mcdonald Castillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

A survey conducted by the cannabis education program in the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) concluded that around 57% of users in the county do not feel educated enough in the subject to form their own educated opinions about cannabis use (Cannabis Education Survey 2022). The MCHD decided to address this concern by collaborating with local dispensaries to provide an educational course in video form for budtenders. This video provides factual information on consumption methods, how differently they may affect people and the recommended time to wait before operating a vehicle. Following this education, consumers of cannabis will have reliable …


Prevention Of Mental Health Problems In K-8 Students, Kaylee Bays May 2023

Prevention Of Mental Health Problems In K-8 Students, Kaylee Bays

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research examines the methods being used to prevent mental health problems in K-8 students. Research from Chandra and Minkovitz (2007) shows that due to the lack of knowledge, confidence, and resources, teachers and on-site staff are not able to provide the necessary help to students who need mental health services. Through the use of literature review, interviews with three elementary teachers and three administrative staff, and 30 anonymous student surveys, the result findings indicate that the K-8 school in the Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) currently tackles student mental health issues primarily by onsite counselors and Social-Emotional …


Benefits Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy For In-Service Educators, Megan E. Roberts May 2023

Benefits Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy For In-Service Educators, Megan E. Roberts

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There is a plethora of different teaching styles, all grouped under an umbrella term of pedagogy. This capstone focuses on the advantages in specifically incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy into the classroom. This method of pedagogy provides an inclusive environment in which students are able share their culture, as well as personal experiences to add to the overall academic achievement. By straying away from traditional teaching styles, in service educators are able to create a space for students to embrace their unique differences and incorporate inclusivity into learning. This integral approach provides real life experiences that have a qualitative depth that …


Preparing Teachers For Integrating Visual Arts For Academic Success Of Elementary School Students, Jennifer Roux May 2023

Preparing Teachers For Integrating Visual Arts For Academic Success Of Elementary School Students, Jennifer Roux

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The majority of people agree that students’ education should provide them with the essential skills to be successful in the 21st-century workforce. Although these same sets of skills are commonly practiced through the process of making art, art education continues to hold an inferior status in schools. This disconnection raises the question, what has led to the devaluation of art in academics? This senior capstone will explore how teachers are prepared to integrate visual arts into the classroom. Through the use of a literature review, interviews with three in-service teachers, and a survey of students majoring in Liberal Studies at …


Increasing College Students Awareness Of Technologies Impacts In Their Daily Lives, Melissa Gutierrez May 2023

Increasing College Students Awareness Of Technologies Impacts In Their Daily Lives, Melissa Gutierrez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many college students today may spend an excessive amount of time on technology. Excessive technology may leave an impact on their mental and physical health leading to poor eating habits or obesity, anxiety and can even have an impact on their academics. When college students learn about how to manage their technology use, it is likely they will focus more on the negative impacts to benefit their health and wellbeing. To address the overuse of technology, I created a one-day workshop for Theta Alpha Sigma sorority college students at Cal State Monterey Bay.


Supporting English Language Learners In California K-12 Classrooms, Emma Borrelli May 2023

Supporting English Language Learners In California K-12 Classrooms, Emma Borrelli

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

English Language Learners face struggles in the classroom that students who only speak English do not encounter. First I will highlight the problems and difficulties English Language students encounter in all aspects of their learning environment, using Ajay Srikanth’s essays on the equity of funding for English Learners. Then, I will propose solutions and strategies to help them based on thorough research and studies by Roselle Chartock in “Strategies and Lessons for Culturally Responsive Teaching : a Primer for k-12.” Chartock also talks about culturally responsive teaching in “Strategies and Lessons for Culturally Responsive Teaching : a Primer for k-12” …


Increasing Awareness On Unhealthy Romantic Relationships For High School Students, Daisy Gonzalez Tena May 2023

Increasing Awareness On Unhealthy Romantic Relationships For High School Students, Daisy Gonzalez Tena

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many high school students have not yet developed sufficient skills in having healthy romantic relationships. Because adolescents have not yet developed healthy relationships, they may experience more relationship problems such as toxic dating environments and poor relationship expectations. When adolescents get training in healthy relationships, they can have better communication with their partner and practice healthy boundaries in relationships. In order to address this issue, I created a one-day lesson for 12th grade students at Alisal High School in Salinas, California.