Education Commons^™

The Prediction Of Grade Point Average From The Linear Combination Of Persistence Factors For Hispanic College Students, Laurel Lucy Mo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlation study was to address the lack of research regarding the impacts of persistence factors on the educational outcomes of Hispanic college students. The study was a predictive correlation design with a criterion variable of grade point average (GPA). Predictor variables were the persistence factors of institutional commitment, degree commitment, academic integration, social integration, advising effectiveness, collegiate stress, financial strain, scholastic consciousness, academic efficacy, career integration, and academic motivation. The study setting was a two-year public community college serving a county with a population of 218,000 in Northern Arizona. A college persistence and academic …

Understanding The Process Of Persistence In Non-Traditional Adult Education Students, Stephanie Nuttall Patton

Theses and Dissertations

In the state of Utah, adult education students often leave their programs before 100 hours of instruction. This can leave students without the necessary academic knowledge, skills, and credentials to move forward with postsecondary education and training or employment opportunities. This phenomenological study examines the key factors of persistence in non-traditional students ages 25 and over in an urban adult education program who continued beyond 100 hours of instruction. Fourteen students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol to identify factors that caused them to stay in an adult education program. The interviews with students examined dispositional, institutional, situational, and …

Self-Efficacy, Locus Of Control, And Their Effect On Online Returning Students' Graduation, Matthew Dean Greene

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to understand the factors that affect returning students' ability to complete their degrees through online degree programs. Logistic regression was used to determine which factors had a significant relationship with persistence to graduation and how they contributed to the odds of students graduating. The findings show that academic locus of control and academic self-efficacy had a significant positive relationship with returning student persistence to graduation, with the locus of control contributing to the odds of graduation more than self-efficacy. Additionally, the amount of time between the student's initial dropout and subsequent return to complete …

Motivation In Student Retention: A Phenomenology Of Non-Traditional Undergraduate Students In Online Learning, Jasmine Monique Reynolds

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of non-traditional undergraduate students taking online courses at a public or a private university in Virginia. The self-determination theory, which guided this study, explained the motivated behaviors of intrinsic and extrinsic needs that affect the determination in non-traditional students completing a task. Self-determination theory provided the theoretical framework to answer the central research question for this study as well as the sub-questions: (1) What are the lived experiences of non-traditional students while taking online courses at a public or private university in Virginia? (2) What influences non-traditional students …

Teaching Anxiety And Its Relationship With Mind Habits Among New Teachers In The Sultanate Of Oman, Bahia Abdullah Al Rashdi Ms, Tahya Mohammed Al-Twbi Mrs

International Journal for Research in Education

The study aimed at investigating the relationship between teaching anxiety and mind habits among new teachers in The Sultanate of Oman. The random sample of the study consisted of 373 teachers, (198) teachers of humanity sciences and (175) teachers of applied sciences. The study used the descriptive correlational method. To achieve the study’s objectives, the researchers designed teaching anxiety scale and mind habits scale which consisted of 3 domains (persistence, thinking flexible, and thinking interdependently). The results revealed that the level of teaching anxiety among new teachers is low while the level of mind habits is high. They also showed …

The Predictable Relationship Between Demographic Factors And Persistence Of First-Year Students At A Historically Black College & University, Dominic Thomas, Syreeta Landy-Blacklock, Jessica D. Davis, Lillian Poats, Ronnie Davis, Dwalah Brown-Fisher

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship and predictability of demographic factors, on the persistence rates among first-year, full-time, four-year degree-seeking students at a Historically Black College and University. Specifically, this study focused on the predictive power of demographic factors (gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status), and (high school GPA and number of hours passed) on the persistence rates among first-year, full-time, four-year degree-seeking students attending a Historically Black College and University.

The study approached the research questions from a correlational research design perspective. This type of research design was the most appropriate for this study because the …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Experiences Of Homeschool Parents Who Use Online Courses As Scaffolding To Improve Their Children's Self-Efficacy, Andrew Scott Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The number of homeschooling families in the United States has rapidly increased since the 1970s, and in particular since the COVID-19 pandemic. This influx of families has brought differing motivations for homeschooling and expectations for curriculum. Online course implementation has been linked to improved self-efficacy, as well as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career selection. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how homeschool parents utilize online courses as scaffolding to improve self-efficacy in their children as a means of college or career preparation. The theories guiding this study were Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy and Bruner’s …

Factors Related To Online Doctoral Program Retention And Completion Rates: A Phenomenological Study, Paula Rae Dietz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand doctoral students’ experiences participating in an online doctoral program at a university. The study was conducted to answer the central research question: What are the experiences of online doctoral students who attended a program requiring a dissertation? Sub-questions included: (1) Among doctoral candidates in online degree programs, what are the perceived barriers to completing the dissertation? (2) In what ways do online doctoral candidates think the barriers to the dissertation component could be eliminated? The theories guiding this study are Tinto’s (1994), theory of student departure and Bandura’s (1997) theory …

A Case Study On Persistence Among Financially Stressed College Students From Low-Income Families, Steven E. Mcdaniel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of low-income undergraduate students concerning the effects of financial stressors and the persistence to academically succeed at Anytown University. Anytown University is a large institution of higher education with over 100,000 total student enrolments, 46,438 undergraduate students and 154 programs of study. The theory supporting this study is Deci and Ryan’s theory of self-determination which is concerned with the motivation behind one’s choices and their goal to fill a psychological need. As applied to this study, the psychological need is the motivation to pursue the attainment of a …

Persistence And Retention Of Adult Learners: Results Of A Program Evaluation Of Tuition Funding Provided By Employers, Andrea J. Gross

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the looming enrollment cliff approaches and more adult learners return to higher education, understanding the factors that affect their persistence and retention is vital for higher education institutions. Previous studies have shown that external factors influence post-traditional learners’ pursuit of higher education. This program evaluation aimed to acquire knowledge of up-front employer tuition funding and its effects on adult learners' persistence, retention, and time to degree completion. Through a quantitative approach, this program evaluation examines the differences between students receiving up-front employer tuition funding and those who do not. The results indicated that students who received employer funding retained …

Determining The Relationship Between First Time Therapist Multiple Choice Exam High Cut And Clinical Simulation Exam Pass Rates Of Recent Respiratory Therapy Graduates From An Ohio University And Their Well-Being And Persistence, Rebecca Elizabeth Fox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A recent trend in health care education, especially in respiratory therapy (RT), is the decline of applications to undergraduate programs. With the aging population and projected increase in health care costs, the future RT workforce will need to be strong and increase by 23% in the next 10 years. With applications to RT programs down 42%, recruitment has become an issue of utmost importance. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between first time Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam high cut and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) pass rates of recent respiratory therapy graduates from an Ohio university …

A Phenomenological Study That Examines The Perseverance Of Young Single Mothers Who Have Earned A College Degree, Christine Marie Kirkpatrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand perseverance in young single mothers who have earned a college degree. The theory guiding this study is Duckworth’s theory of grit since many students who complete undergraduate degrees experience barriers related to the components of grit. Participants for this study were single mothers who have completed a college degree from an institution of higher learning in central Pennsylvania by the age of thirty. Data for the study were collected utilizing one-on-one interviews, personal timelines, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ data analysis processes, including horizonalization, reduction, and …

The Second And Third-Year College Experiences Of Online Nontraditional Adult Learners Following An Online Remedial English Course, Jenny Marie Walter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of nontraditional adult learners (NALs) in online education who persist after completing an online remedial English course. This study sought to answer the central question, “What is the motivation of NALs taking all online courses who persist to their second or third year of school after completing at least one remedial English course?” The theories that guided this study were Knowles’ (1977, 1980) theory on andragogy, Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory, specifically, organismic integration theory and cognitive evaluation theory, and Tinto’s (1975) theory on attrition as there …

Policy And Leadership Accountability On Black Special Education Teacher Persistence, Brittany M. Holmes

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There is a persistent shortage of qualified special education teachers in schools across the country. This issue is exacerbated by the need for special education teachers of color who can help serve the disproportionate number of minority students in schools. Over time, researchers and government entities, alike, have considered ways to increase the recruitment and retention efforts of Black teachers However, given the lack of investigation regarding the needs of Black teachers in special education and what encourages their persistence, efforts to increase representation have been unsuccessful. For this reason, using a qualitative methodology, the purpose of this study is …

(Re)Envisioning Factors Contributing To Black Men’S College Success: An Ecological And Critical Reflection Using Photovoice, Collette Brown Rogers

Dissertations

This research uses modified photovoice combined with an ecological and antideficit approach to amplify the voices of Black men who have completed college degrees. The study explores the question: What factors contribute to college completion for Black men? Using a qualitative approach and the Ethos platform to collect images, photo captions, and critical reflection data from a purposive sample of five Black men. Data analysis included inductive and deductive coding, data organization within the ecological systems, and member checking to validate the findings. The study acknowledges the unique challenges Black men face in pursuing higher education. It emphasizes the importance …

Self-Determination And Student Persistence: A Case Study Of A Higher Education Institution Exclusive To Students With Disabilities, Nachole Marie Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative embedded single case study was to understand how the unique experience of attending a post-secondary school exclusive to students diagnosed with LD and ADHD affects student success in developing and using self-determination skills to increase persistence to graduation. Guiding this study is the theory of self-determination while seeking to explain the reasoning for student persistence to degree completion and the execution of self-determination skills autonomously. This study uses a qualitative embedded single case study design to examine a post-secondary educational institution that exclusively services students with learning disabilities from different perspectives. The research setting is …

First-Year Engagement And Intention To Return In Higher Education: A National Study Of Undecided Major Students, Jacqueline Galler

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research suggests that a student’s persistence in higher education is influenced by their academic preparation, commitments, and involvement, (Tinto 2005). Predictors including student demographics, academic preparation and commitments have shown in previously studies to affect the rate at which students persist in higher education, (Pascarella & Terenzini 2005, Astin & Oseguera 2005, Terenzini & Reason 2005). Involvement at an institution contributes to a students’ engagement and intent to persist in higher education or at a specific institution. Researchers have found that students engage in the university, academically and socially, based on how their values align with the institution, feedback they …

How Do Faculty And Staff Perceive The Effectiveness Of Student Support Systems That Promote The Retention Of First-Generation College Students?, David Shawn Wolff Dr.

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Research showed faculty-student interactions impact student engagement and was a primary factor to student retention (Kuh & Hu, 2001; Means & Pyne, 2017; Swecker et al., 2013; Tinto, 1987). The literature revealed while retention may be an issue for many institutions, there is a greater need to address retention specifically related to first-generation college students (FGCS). Students often seek advice from faculty and staff when faced with questions about their academic progress. Faculty and staff voices need to be collected regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness of the support systems used within an institution that promote retention for FGCS. This …

Empowerment Agents: How Student Affairs Professionals Facilitate The Persistence Of Undocumented Students, Tiffany Paige

Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated how student affairs professionals (SAPs) assist undocumented students in their designated institutional roles, and how their support empowers undocumented students to persist. This research sought to document and assess how student affairs professionals—who interact with undocumented students— identify and respond to the issues they face in their work. Built on the theoretical frame of social capital, and using a thematic analysis design set forth by Braun and Clarke (2012), the researcher interviewed seven SAPs and used a phenomenological approach to design the study and to collect and analyze the data.

Two findings and five corresponding themes …

Unfit For Slavery: A Qualitative Exploration Of African American Male Perceptions Of Persistence And Academic Achievement At A Midwest Public Community College, Lavada Rebecca Rice

Dissertations

While African American males enrolled in community colleges, persistence and graduation rates remained low compared to all other demographics. Educational literature and research examining the performance of African American male students in community colleges was scarce (Bush & Bush, 2010). The most recent research focused on African American male students in the community college systems was 2010 (Harris & Wood, 2013) and focused on ways to keep African American male students enrolled. Ignoring the socio-ecological factors can affect decisions to stay enrolled. The researcher believed examining institutional and socio-ecological influences might be necessary to improve the persistence and academic achievement …

The Majority As The Minority: A Single Case Study Exploring Campus Environment And The Retention Of Racial Minority Students Attending A 2-Year Technical Hbcu In South Carolina, Meaghan Sharon Avery

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The existing retention literature focuses on White students and non-White students in predominantly White institutional (PWI) environments. Furthermore, prevailing literature tends to concentrate on varying factors that influence these students to be retained at their respective institutions. Retention factors in differing contexts, such as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), have been studied to a much lesser degree. Moreover, even fewer studies exist on how the campus environment at 2-year HBCUs influences retention or departure. Using a qualitative case study methodology, this study explores how the institutional environment of a rural southern 2-year technical HBCU influences the retention of racial …

The Influence Of Campus Facilities On The Satisfaction And Retention Of Students In A Higher Education Setting, Tim Norton

Culminating Projects in Higher Education Administration

The goal of this quantitative study was to provide insight into the influence of facilities on satisfaction and retention of students in a single higher education setting, St. Cloud State University (SCSU). I used a survey research design with current undergraduate and graduate students to examine relationships among various aspects of facility design, student satisfaction, and student intention to persist to graduation. The survey was used to explore (a) the influence of specific campus facilities on students’ current level of satisfaction and intention to continue enrollment; (b) specific types of facilities most affecting student choice and satisfaction; and (c) how …

Factors Influencing African American Women To Attend A Rural Community College And Persist To An Associate Degree, Lorraine Anita Justice

Educational Foundations & Leadership Theses & Dissertations

African American women utilize the community college environments as an avenue to attain an education and eventually pursue career and educational goals while remaining in their own communities. However, not much is known about the unique perceptions and experiences of African American women impacting their enrollment and persistence at rural community colleges. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive research study was to examine the reasons African American female students choose to enroll and attend a rural community college to further their education and persist towards graduation with an Associate degree.

The data were collected using semi-structure individual interviews. Twelve African …

Enhancing Institutional Support Through A First Year Transfer Experience Program, Jade E. Bowman

Culminating Experience Projects

There is a great deal of literature revolving around the transfer student population. Many researchers argue that transfer students do not receive adequate attention and support within their first academic semester, considerably when transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution. In order to improve retention rates and overall persistence, postsecondary institutions need to prioritize transfer student initiatives for proper academic and social integration. This project aims to identify key components that impact the transfer process, while recognizing successful, adaptable interventions that can support the unique needs of the transfer student population. The design and implementation of a First Year …

Fostering Persistence Of College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Transitional Orientation Programming At Gvsu, Emily Zeliasko

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has shown that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) persist to degree completion at lower rates than neurotypical students. ASD can present unique challenges and strengths related to higher education for each student. This project discusses common experiences of students with ASD and related accommodations traditionally provided by higher education institutions. Recognizing the need for additional skill-building opportunities, this program builds upon the previously structured peer mentorship program implemented by the Disability Support Resource office at GVSU. In addition, this program provides parents and supporters with opportunities to also connect with the institution while learning best practices related to …

An Exploration Of The Role Persistence Plays For First-Generation, African American Males Enrolled At Four-Year, Primarily White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Daniel Michael Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many first-generation, African American male students who enroll in primarily White institutions do not persist. This phenomenological study aimed to understand academic persistence in first-generation African American male students enrolled at a four-year, primarily White institution. The theory guiding this study is the theory of human motivation developed by Abraham Maslow. Maslow's theory of motivation provided the necessary framework that assisted in understanding the basic needs required first-generation, African American male students to persist academically. A qualitative research methodology was appropriate as it is designed to increase understanding of first-generation African American male students' lived experiences as they endeavor to …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Investigation Of Perceived Spirituality And Persistence Of Jamaican Women Who Have Received A Tertiary Degree, Ashleigh Jacqueline Yearde

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the perceived spirituality and persistence for Jamaican women who had received a tertiary degree at schools in Jamaica. At this stage in the research, a tertiary degree was generally defined as all formal post-secondary education, including public and private universities, colleges, technical training institutes, and vocational schools. The theory guiding this research was Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory. Constructivists believe that knowledge was informed by perspective and shaped by values. The theoretical framework for the study was based on the positive foundation of social support in the learning process. Moustakas’s …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Parenting Adult Learners Regarding Persistence In Two-Year Community Colleges, Michelle T. Webb Ed.D.

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the results of semi-structured interviews conducted with six parenting adult learners (ParentALs) enrolled in three public two-year community colleges in the United States. This study investigated the problem of a lack of understanding of the experiences of ParentALs enrolled in community colleges. The purpose of this study was to examine how the lived experiences of ParentALs enrolled in community colleges may influence their persistence. Three themes emerged from the literature review and data analysis: the identity of the ParentAL, characteristics and intersectionality of factors, experiences, and perceptions that may influence ParentAL persistence in community college, …

The Lived Experiences Of First-Generation Black Male Graduates Who Participated In A Black Male Initiative Program, Rah'shad Ra'hyim Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of first-generation Black male graduates who participated in a Black male initiative in the Southeast region of the United States. The theory guiding this study is Astin’s theory of student involvement. In support of the theory guiding this study, the central research question for the study is What are the lived experiences of first-generation Black male college graduates who participated in Black male initiatives? This research study will utilize the phenomenological design, which will consist of 10-12 first-generation Black male graduates who were involved in a Black …

Understanding Involvement And Integration Factors For International College Student Persistence, Linda Okoye Fagan

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement and integration factors that contribute to the persistence of international students. Persistence and retention are central to improving higher education, and individual student persistence as well as the rates at which students persist have direct ramifications on the university retention rate. With an increased focus on campus diversity as well as a global focus on the internationalization of higher education, it is evident that gaining a firmer grasp on the experiences of international students is necessary in order for institutions to effectively achieve their mission. This study aims to better …