Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 63

Full-Text Articles in Education

Exemplary High School Teachers’ Practice Of Embedding Career Exploration In Stem Curricula, Cara Pekarcik Jan 2023

Exemplary High School Teachers’ Practice Of Embedding Career Exploration In Stem Curricula, Cara Pekarcik

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of individuals entering the workforce with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers is low across the United States. Although exposure to STEM careers through the intentional integration of career exploration can positively influence career choice, most student exposure to STEM career exploration occurs in after-school programs and dedicated summer programs but is limited in the general education curricula. The purpose of this study was to understand how and why high school STEM teachers embed career exploration into curricula even though local and national standards do not include these objectives. The conceptual framework for this …


Arkansas Teachers’ Perspectives And Experiences Implementing Stem In Kindergarten Classrooms, Aranda House Jan 2023

Arkansas Teachers’ Perspectives And Experiences Implementing Stem In Kindergarten Classrooms, Aranda House

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Kindergarten teachers in one large district in Arkansas are inconsistently implementing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-integrated lessons into their curriculum despite a systemic plan for increasing equitable access to high-quality STEM-focused education for all students by the state department of education. While researchers suggest that barriers for lower elementary teachers in implementing STEM include low STEM content and pedagogical efficacy, few studies explore how kindergarten teachers implement STEM lessons with their students. Hence, the purpose of this descriptive-interpretive study was to explore Arkansas teachers’ experiences with and perspectives on implementing STEM lessons in their kindergarten classrooms within the context …


Comparing The Assessment Knowledge And Self-Efficacy Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Faculty With Faculty From Other Disciplines, Karen Elizabeth Braley Jan 2022

Comparing The Assessment Knowledge And Self-Efficacy Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Faculty With Faculty From Other Disciplines, Karen Elizabeth Braley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Based on reported success and retention rates, there is a need to improve education in 2-year colleges for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. Instructors’ assessment knowledge and self-efficacy have not been studied in 2-year or STEM higher education. The problem addressed in this study was that scholars do not know the extent of differences in assessment knowledge and assessment self-efficacy of STEM and non-STEM faculty that could be a contributing factor in student success rates. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the extent of differences in STEM and non-STEM instructor assessment knowledge and self-efficacy as …


Novice Teachers’ Perceptions Of Liminality In Building Self-Efficacy Through Technology During Covid-19 Closures, Ashley Jane Mcintyre Jan 2022

Novice Teachers’ Perceptions Of Liminality In Building Self-Efficacy Through Technology During Covid-19 Closures, Ashley Jane Mcintyre

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic created a social-educational problem in understanding how novice teachers developed self-efficacy through technology amidst distance learning. Exploring the social-educational problem of novice teachers’ liminality and construction of self-efficacy during coronavirus-related school closures is an emerging issue that justifies further research. A gap in research and understanding currently exists regarding novice teachers’ establishment of self-efficacy and liminal experience as first-year professionals during COVID-19-related school closures. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how novice teachers developed self-efficacy through technology amidst the liminal first-time experiences of distance learning. To explore this topic, three concepts were used: the …


A Phenomenological Examination Of African American Men’S Experiences In Community College, Abdulhalim Faruq Jan 2022

A Phenomenological Examination Of African American Men’S Experiences In Community College, Abdulhalim Faruq

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe community college, given its accessibility and affordability, has become the institution of choice for many African American men pursuing academic, vocational, and technical advancement. However, African American men attending community colleges are less likely to graduate and persist than their European American male and female peers. Limited research exists on academic persistence among African American men attending community colleges and their academic self-efficacy. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American male community college students regarding their academic persistence, formal and informal interactions with their instructors, and self-efficacy. Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy …


Influence Of Online Professional Learning Networks On Teacher Self-Efficacy For Using Information Communication Technology, Jeremy A. O'Toole Jan 2022

Influence Of Online Professional Learning Networks On Teacher Self-Efficacy For Using Information Communication Technology, Jeremy A. O'Toole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Information communication technology (ICT) is increasingly used to enhance teaching and learning, but many teachers lack mastery-level experiences using these computing technologies in the classroom. To further their knowledge, some teachers have turned to online professional learning networks (PLNs) for development, but further research is needed to explore how and why these networks change teachers’ practice. Framed by Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of online PLNs on teachers’ perceptions of their technological self-efficacy for implementing ICT in the classroom. The research question of this basic qualitative study with interviews addressed …


Preservice Teacher Efficacy To Teach Informational Text Comprehension Through Literature Circles, Amy J. Clark Jan 2021

Preservice Teacher Efficacy To Teach Informational Text Comprehension Through Literature Circles, Amy J. Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preservice teachers in an elementary education teacher preparation program are tasked with teaching informational text comprehension through literature circles during a literacy field experience. The problem addressed is that even after receiving explicit classroom instruction on this topic, preservice teachers expressed apprehension and self-doubt and may not have the self-efficacy to effectively teach informational text comprehension. The purpose of this project study was to explore preservice teachers' perceived self-efficacy to teach informational text comprehension. This study was grounded in a constructivist paradigm centered on Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy. The research questions concerned preservice teachers perceived self-efficacy to teach informational text …


Novice Secondary Teachers’ Perceived Efficacy And Projected Responses To Bullying Behaviors, Jennifer L. Greineder Jan 2021

Novice Secondary Teachers’ Perceived Efficacy And Projected Responses To Bullying Behaviors, Jennifer L. Greineder

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was a quantitative exploration of the relationship between novice secondary teachers’ perceived levels of self-efficacy and their projected responses to specific bullying behaviors. The theoretical foundation was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The relationship between novice teachers’ perceived levels of self-efficacy, their reported ability to recognize different types of bullying behaviors, their responses to these bullying behaviors, and importance of a mentoring program were explored in this quantitative study. The sample was a convenience sample consisting of 159 teachers in different school settings in Pennsylvania. Vignettes about different types of bullying behaviors were presented to the participants. Likert scale questions …


Influence Of Online Professional Learning Networks On Teacher Self-Efficacy For Using Information Communication Technology, Jeremy A. O'Toole Jan 2021

Influence Of Online Professional Learning Networks On Teacher Self-Efficacy For Using Information Communication Technology, Jeremy A. O'Toole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Information communication technology (ICT) is increasingly used to enhance teaching and learning, but many teachers lack mastery-level experiences using these computing technologies in the classroom. To further their knowledge, some teachers have turned to online professional learning networks (PLNs) for development, but further research is needed to explore how and why these networks change teachers’ practice. Framed by Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of online PLNs on teachers’ perceptions of their technological self-efficacy for implementing ICT in the classroom. The research question of this basic qualitative study with interviews addressed …


Professional Development, Elementary School Teacher Self-Efficacy, And Instructional Strategies, Keisha Migail Gunter Jan 2021

Professional Development, Elementary School Teacher Self-Efficacy, And Instructional Strategies, Keisha Migail Gunter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractTeacher self-efficacy is positively related to student achievement; however, the impact of specific training protocols to increase teachers' self-efficacy were unknown. The research purpose was to clarify the effect of a professional development training on elementary school teacher self-efficacy to promote better instruction. Guided by social cognitive theory, the quantitative purpose of this embedded mixed-method study related to the first research question, that investigated the difference between elementary school teachers’ perceived self-efficacy before and after attending a professional development training that was designed to improve teacher self-efficacy. Qualitatively, the study sought to unpack instructional themes that the teacher participants intended …


Paraprofessionals’ Perceptions Of The Need For Professional Development In An Afterschool Program Setting, Terry Chapman Walker Jan 2021

Paraprofessionals’ Perceptions Of The Need For Professional Development In An Afterschool Program Setting, Terry Chapman Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfterschool workers often lack the training and formal education that would help them perform their jobs effectively. There is little research on professional development available to such paraprofessional workers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore afterschool workers’ perceptions of needed training. The central question focused on the perceptions of paraprofessional workers in afterschool programs regarding how professional development supported their work. Subquestions included what paraprofessional workers in afterschool programs identified as their primary learning needs and what approaches to professional development supported their work. The conceptual framework centered on Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy and Knowles’s model …


Teacher Perspectives On Integrating Technology In Early Childhood Classrooms, Crystal Renee Crozier Jan 2021

Teacher Perspectives On Integrating Technology In Early Childhood Classrooms, Crystal Renee Crozier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The integration of technology in early childhood classrooms can be advantageous when used in meaningful ways. Early childhood teachers are utilizing technology in instruction; however, they are not always doing so effectively. There is a gap in practice regarding the factors that affect the choices of technology activities that early childhood teachers use. A study on what influences the decisions early childhood educators make when choosing the types of technology to integrate in the classroom was necessary to fill the gap in literature and enhance the technology practices of early childhood teachers. Using Bandura’s social cognition theory, the purpose of …


Exploring Community College Student Persistence In Mandated Developmental Coursework, Karen Lynn Beck Jan 2021

Exploring Community College Student Persistence In Mandated Developmental Coursework, Karen Lynn Beck

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem investigated in this study was the low completion rates of students in mandated developmental education courses at a local community college in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that may contribute to the persistence of community college students who have completed mandated developmental education courses. The qualitative study uses Tinto’s student departure theory as the conceptual framework to examine the lack of persistence of students in developmental education classes. The study included interviews with eight students who have completed at least one developmental education course in the past …


The Role Of Corporate Healthcare Instructors' Credentials And Experiences In Corporate Training, George Edmond Napier Jan 2020

The Role Of Corporate Healthcare Instructors' Credentials And Experiences In Corporate Training, George Edmond Napier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Corporate healthcare education has changed drastically in the last few decades with few rules for compliance or standardization. A large healthcare company in the Southeastern United States was experiencing inequitable training due to differing teaching styles and instructor skill levels. Guided by Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how corporate healthcare instructors' credentials and experiences affect their perceived self-efficacy and teaching style. Interviews were conducted with 11 purposefully selected corporate healthcare instructors from a physician education team; collected data were then coded and themed. Findings revealed 3 major themes: (a) credentials enhanced the …


Teachers' Perceptions Of A One-To-One Teacher Laptop Program And Teacher Technology Efficacy, Johnson Kulangara Jacob Jan 2020

Teachers' Perceptions Of A One-To-One Teacher Laptop Program And Teacher Technology Efficacy, Johnson Kulangara Jacob

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Schools all over the world are embracing technology because they view technology as a catalyst to improve teaching and learning, leading to further investment in technology initiatives for school improvement. The 1:1 teacher laptop program is one such initiative that continues to gain interest and momentum. Despite widespread adoption, teachers continue to face challenges with the use of technology. Furthermore, while research has indicated that teacher technology efficacy is a significant enabling factor for technology use, there is limited evidence for how the 1:1 teacher laptop program has influenced teacher technology efficacy. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic study was …


Corporate Trainers’ Intent To Adjust Training Programs For Fostering Employee Self-Efficacy, Peter Cronrath Jan 2020

Corporate Trainers’ Intent To Adjust Training Programs For Fostering Employee Self-Efficacy, Peter Cronrath

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To stay current on technology trends, trainers are tasked with providing cost-effective training to meet the needs of the organization. It is not known if to develop employee self-efficacy, organizational trainers should consider making changes to their programs in accordance with (a) generational needs of employees, (b) methodology of training, and (c) position levels of employees in an organization. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was to determine whether there is a correlation between organizational training professionals’ intent to make changes to training programs and if self-efficacy development is considered in generationally different individuals at different position levels …


Teacher Perspectives Of Project-Based Learning Implementation In Middle-Grade Classrooms, Lyndria Regina Bland Jan 2020

Teacher Perspectives Of Project-Based Learning Implementation In Middle-Grade Classrooms, Lyndria Regina Bland

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers at a middle school in a Southeastern U.S. state were not implementing project-based learning (PBL) as mandated by the district. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the perspectives of teachers concerning PBL implementation and how their self-efficacy shaped their perspectives. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected through interviews with 11 participants and examination of PBL artifacts. Data were analyzed using thematic, open and axial coding to discover patterns and themes. Findings indicated that teachers shaped their perspectives regarding PBL through their experiences while implementing PBL, collaboration among teachers is …


Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching In An Inclusive Classroom, Maya Johnstone Jan 2020

Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching In An Inclusive Classroom, Maya Johnstone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Classroom teachers often experience feelings of ineffectiveness and struggle to meet the needs of students in the inclusion classroom setting within the local school district. Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate elementary teachers’ perceptions of their confidence to teach in the inclusive classroom. Semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of 7 elementary inclusion teachers (3 general education teachers; 4 special education teachers) from the local district were conducted. Data analysis using open and axial coding revealed 7 emergent themes: (a) need for inclusion-specific professional development and training on differentiated instruction, (b) …


Understanding A Transitional Educational Program For Students With Autism And Intellectual Disabilities, Robin E. Ruiz Jan 2020

Understanding A Transitional Educational Program For Students With Autism And Intellectual Disabilities, Robin E. Ruiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of children in U.S. schools diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities disorders is increasing and they face low levels of employment after graduation. Without a viable education, including work skills training, these students cannot be successful citizens. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of educators implementing an innovative transitional secondary education program designed to prepare students who have intellectual disabilities and autism to be successful in college or the workplace. The conceptual framework for this study included the theory of self-efficacy, sociocultural learning theory, differentiated instruction, and experiential learning theory. …


Teachers' Perceptions Of A One-To-One Teacher Laptop Program And Teacher Technology Efficacy, Johnson Kulangara Jacob Jan 2020

Teachers' Perceptions Of A One-To-One Teacher Laptop Program And Teacher Technology Efficacy, Johnson Kulangara Jacob

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Schools all over the world are embracing technology because they view technology as a catalyst to improve teaching and learning, leading to further investment in technology initiatives for school improvement. The 1:1 teacher laptop program is one such initiative that continues to gain interest and momentum. Despite widespread adoption, teachers continue to face challenges with the use of technology. Furthermore, while research has indicated that teacher technology efficacy is a significant enabling factor for technology use, there is limited evidence for how the 1:1 teacher laptop program has influenced teacher technology efficacy. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic study was …


Exploring Teacher Confidence Using Behavioral Interventions In The Classroom, Etoile Denise Swift Jan 2020

Exploring Teacher Confidence Using Behavioral Interventions In The Classroom, Etoile Denise Swift

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The original purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative quasi-experimental study to compare a treatment group of teachers with training in the cognitive behavioral ABC model to a control group and examine differences in the average count of referrals to school counselors for students who exhibited disruptive behaviors. However, due to lack of participation, this study examined teacher perceptions of their confidence to use behavioral interventions with students who are disruptive in the classroom and the relationship to the number of referrals teachers made to the school counselor. This study included 99 teachers from pre-K through 12th grade …


Middle School General Education Teachers' Instruction Of English Language Learners, Lakisha Mitchelle Nelson Jan 2020

Middle School General Education Teachers' Instruction Of English Language Learners, Lakisha Mitchelle Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In a southeastern state, Grade 7 and 8 middle school general education teachers were not implementing cultural and individual instructional strategies consistently to support the academic achievement of the growing population of English language learners (ELLs). The purpose and key research questions of this qualitative study were designed to (a) identify what cultural relevant instructional strategies Grades 7 and 8 middle school general education teachers implement, (b) identify what individual relevant instructional strategies, and (c) understand what perceptions teachers have regarding strategies to facilitate consistent implementation of cultural and individual instruction to support ELLs. The conceptual frameworks guiding this study …


Impact Of A Geography-Literature Collaborative On Secondary School Pedagogy, John Matthew Mccormick Jan 2019

Impact Of A Geography-Literature Collaborative On Secondary School Pedagogy, John Matthew Mccormick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Geography education has been relegated to a subset of social studies standards in most of the United States and has been overshadowed by a history-centered curriculum. Student achievement in geography has not improved for several decades due to the focus on history content in the social studies curriculum. Rooted in a conceptual framework encompassing elements of self-efficacy and the whole teacher approach, the purpose of this case study was to examine the impact of the West Virginia Geographic Alliance (WVGA) professional development workshop on teachers' practices in delivering cross-disciplinary geography education. The research questions addressed teachers' perceived self-efficacy in delivering …


Teacher Efficacy And Achievement Of Students With Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Study, Bailey J. Koch Jan 2019

Teacher Efficacy And Achievement Of Students With Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Study, Bailey J. Koch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students with special needs in secondary schools are not meeting standards as indicated by adequate yearly progress. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between general education teacher self-efficacy and academic achievement among students with disabilities. Quantitative data were collected from 23 general education teachers using the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice Scale and Collection of Classroom Assessment Data Form, in which general education teachers reported student academic achievement data in the form of end-of-chapter and end-of–unit summative quiz and test scores. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to …


Understanding Of Self-Confidence In High School Students, George Ballane Jan 2019

Understanding Of Self-Confidence In High School Students, George Ballane

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students at a private high school in New Jersey exhibited low academic self-confidence as compared to other indicators on the ACT Engage exam. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain an understanding of academic self-confidence, academic performance, and learning within a sample of students. This research explored students' and teachers' perceptions of self-confidence and their impact on academic performance. The research was guided by Weiner's attribution and Bandura's self-efficacy theories. The research questions focused on 3 areas: students' and teachers' perceptions of academic self-confidence as factors impacting students' academic performance; and the perceived relationship between academic self-confidence, …


Self-Efficacy Of Novice And Experienced Special Education Teachers Of English Learners, Deborah Escalante Montoya Jan 2018

Self-Efficacy Of Novice And Experienced Special Education Teachers Of English Learners, Deborah Escalante Montoya

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Special education teachers in California acquire advanced degrees, credentials, and authorizations to serve students with disabilities who are English language learners (SWD-ELLs), yet continue to be challenged to meet the complex instructional needs of these students. Performance on statewide tests of achievement show continued disparities between the academic achievement of SWD, ELLs, and their non-disabled English-only speaking peers. Bandura's theory of self-efficacy was the theoretical foundation for this research study given that teachers' perceptions of their abilities across the span of their careers can directly affect the achievement of their students. To compare and examine the self-reported sense of self-efficacy …


Early Interventionists' Perspectives Of Self-Efficacy With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Adrienne Anderson Jan 2018

Early Interventionists' Perspectives Of Self-Efficacy With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Adrienne Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An increasing number of infants are diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) as a result of prenatal opioid exposure. Early intervention services are recommended for this population of children and families to mitigate developmental delays associated with NAS. The effectiveness of early intervention is dependent on the ability of interventionists who deliver these services. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore early interventionists' perspectives of self-efficacy when working with infants diagnosed with NAS and their families. Bandura's self-efficacy theory and Rotter's concept of locus of control provided the conceptual framework for this study. The study's guiding research …


Relationship Between Prekindergarten To Grade 12 Teachers' Mindfulness And Self-Efficacy, Ketra Gardner Jan 2018

Relationship Between Prekindergarten To Grade 12 Teachers' Mindfulness And Self-Efficacy, Ketra Gardner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers throughout the United States show low levels of self-efficacy which not only affects their own well-being in the profession but also their students' opportunity to learn. The gap in the literature addressed by this study is the relationship between self-efficacy and mindfulness. Grounded in Shapiro's model of mindfulness and Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between prekindergarten to grade 12 teachers' 5 facets of mindfulness scores and their perceived level of self-efficacy score at Regional School District (RSD, a pseudonym). The study is a nonexperiemental correlational design for which 130 prekindergarten …


Experiences Of Correctional Principals Of Teacher Attrition In Juvenile Correctional Facilities, Sherese Moton Jan 2018

Experiences Of Correctional Principals Of Teacher Attrition In Juvenile Correctional Facilities, Sherese Moton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retention of teachers in correctional organizations is an ongoing challenge. A correctional education setting is a nontraditional unstable academic setting where teacher turnover is one third within the first 5 years. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of leaders in correctional organizations who are challenged with finding ways to reduce teacher turnover in a juvenile correctional facility. The conceptual framework that guided this study was Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Using purposive sampling, 6 former juvenile correctional principals participated in the study. Data were collected through systematic open-ended semistructured interviews with 4 occurring via …


Beliefs Vs Behavior Of Elementary Teachers Integrating Technology In Mathematics, Annette Huzzie-Brown Jan 2018

Beliefs Vs Behavior Of Elementary Teachers Integrating Technology In Mathematics, Annette Huzzie-Brown

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many elementary students struggle to meet expectations on mathematics assessments despite an increase in science, technology, engineering, and math instructional strategies. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore elementary math teachers' technology integration self-efficacy, their level of technology adoption, and their actual technology integration behavior. The conceptual framework used in this study included Bandura's social cognitive theory, which is often used in the investigation of self-efficacy. Additionally, the International Society for Technology Education Classroom Tool, which is in alignment with the National Educational Standards for Teachers, was used to gauge the level of technology integration in the …