Education Commons^™

Multisensory Phonics Instruction In Struggling Readers, Amanda M. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

This paper describes a problem of practice that arose from a lack of consistent, systematic phonics instruction within a small rural school with a large percentage of students not mastering skills in a way that builds the needed foundation for reading. To address this problem, action research was conducted through a mixed methods approach to determine the impact of multisensory Orton-Gillingham based reading instruction on a small population of students’ phonetic development and how this specific type of instruction affected their attitudes about reading. In an attempt to collect quantitative data, this study was guided by two research questions: How …

The Impact Of Extended Professional Development In Project-Based Learning On Middle School Science Teachers, Margrett Caroline Upchurch-Ford

Theses and Dissertations

This Mixed-Method Action Research study aimed to implement an extended Project-Based Learning professional development series with middle school science teachers. The professional development series took place during the teachers’ Communities of Practice, offering them high-quality support, active participation, and content-specific conversations.

The study collected data on (a) changes in teachers’ attitudes toward in-district professional development, (b) teachers’ perceptions of students’ 21st-century skills, and (c) changes in science teacher self-efficacy. Findings from this study add to the growing body of research indicating the need to offer teachers content-specific, supportive, and extended professional development opportunities. Additionally, the findings of this study indicate …

How Prepared Are Educators To Work With Students Of Color, Ja're Thorn

Dissertations

From what I have experienced, there has been a lack of preparation when it comes to preparing educators to work with students of color. This research aimed to explore the importance of early childhood teachers’ cultural preparation programs when it comes to working effectively with students of color. Most of the time, teachers teach to the common core standards set in place by the state. They also implement a curriculum that is considered “best practices” for students instead of paying attention to and considering the individual student’s specific culture, family, and community values and ways of life before planning (Spies, …

Ua45/6 Commencement Program, Wku Registrar

WKU Archives Records

Commencement program listing graduates.

Ua19/16/2 Women's Basketball Press Releases, Wku Athletic Media Relations

WKU Archives Records

Press releases and game statistics for WKU women's basketball team from January to July 2023.

Accessibility Of Medical School To Students With Physical Disabilities, Shelby A. Cowan

Senior Theses

This thesis is an exploration of perceived and institutional barriers to matriculation into medical school for students with physical disabilities. Factors such as the lived admissions experience, available accommodations and supportive resources, and legal considerations surrounding a student's disclosure of their disability are examined; however, future work is needed to better access this population of students and empower them to become physicians and use their unique perspective to benefit patients.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 64 Number 1 Spring 2023 [Print Issue 62:2], Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

16 - A BRIDGE TO TOMORROW How one university can change the world when it widens the path to opportunity. SCU Staff

22 - THE INTERNET'S LAST TRUE BELIEVER For more than two decades, Law Professor Eric Goldman has been one of the most influential legal voices fighting for the ’net. Chris O’Brien

26 - OPPORTUNITY ON SET Meet five Broncos who scored the opportunity of a lifetime—production assistants on an indie film crew—via Professor Nico Opper. Nicole Calande

28 - SPIRITUAL SOUP With a little bit of this, a dash of that, and a sprinkling of something else, humans …

Community College Students’ Awareness Of Their Reading And Writing Proficiency, Martha Paulina Campusano Rojas

Dissertations

Student’s low reading and writing proficiency in higher education has been the subject of a large body of research (e.g., Bahr, 2011; Bailey, 2010; Carlino, 2005, 2010, 2012; Flink, 2017; Jaggars, 2014 Pacello, 2014; Perin, 2011; Perin et al., 2013).The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how students in a first-year developmental Spanish course at the Dominican community college think of the connection between their reading and writing abilities and their performance in both their current and future undergraduate courses. The study also explored how these students view the importance of the developmental course and how they understand …

Experiences Of Female Muslim International Graduate Students With Children In The U.S.: Strategies To Cope With Academics And Family Life, Nizoramo M. Haitova

Dissertations

The literature on adult students, and in particular, graduate students with children, reveals that female students often struggle to balance their studies and home life due to juggling multiple roles. To date, research on student mothers has primarily focused on domestic students, with few studies examining the experiences of international student mothers, and even fewer studying Muslim international student mothers. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of female Muslim international graduate students with children in the U.S., as well as to explore the coping strategies they employ in both academia and family life. Thus, the …

Research Training And Certification Protocol For Medical Students, Michelle Arisleida Padley

Dissertations

Early and frequent exposure to research is imperative to initiating and sustaining long term for medical student research interest. The attitude and approach of physician mentors has been demonstrated to have a substantial effect on student perceptions of research involvement. The purpose of this study is to determine best practices for assessing student perceptions for a research certification program. An additional long-term objective is to utilize these findings to help maintain interest in research throughout their medical careers. Research is an essential aspect of the prestige of medical schools, and the benefits of academic research institutions have numerous facets, including …

The Role Of Story In The Creation And Life Of Man, Leah Ginion

Senior Honors Theses

Story was created by God as a vehicle for the revelation and glorification of Himself. Man, made in the image of God, was created as an innate storyteller. The world was created through story, and story is how it progresses and is sustained. As such, story is the foundation of all culture and the most natural and effective method of human communication. Research points to all of man’s stories being derivatives of the Great Story: the metanarrative of Scripture. Exploring man’s relationship with story reveals his place within the metanarrative and ultimately provides evidence for the existence and active presence …

Anti-Queer Policy & Rural Schools: A Framework To Analyze Anti-Queer Policy Implementation In Rural Schools, Clint Whitten, Courtney Thomas

The Rural Educator

No abstract provided.

There’S Land Between Us: Rurality In The Northern Great Plains, Jarrett D. Moore, Louise M. Yoho

The Rural Educator

While there is a significant body of educational literature addressing the character and needs of rural communities in the Appalachian and southern regions of the US, there is a need for a better understanding of rural communities outside of this region. Existing literature focused on US rurality revolves around four main themes: the rural idyllic, isolation and deficits, rural identity, and community. The voices, experiences, and needs of future teachers of the Northern Great Plains are missing from this dominant narrative and this study begins to address this gap. This qualitative study is based on data collected from 16 semi-structured …

A Systematic Review Of Research On Race In Rural Educational Scholarship Since 2001, Timberly L. Baker, Joy Howard, Amy Swain

The Rural Educator

This systematic review of literature on race in rural educational scholarship addresses the research question: 1) How are race and racism typically represented (defined, discussed) in rural education literature? a) What factors have been explored at length in regard to race and racism? b)Where are the predominant gaps in the research literature? In answering these questions we reviewed literature published in three rural education journals from 2001-2022 and used a systematic approach to the data collection, extraction, and analysis. The overall findings about race yielded four themes: Race as– descriptor, located within a racial hierarchy, socially constructed, and an element …

The Maldivian Language Predicament: Language Loss Through The Lens Of Students, Azka Hassan

Senior Theses and Projects

This study dives into Maldivian students’ experiences of learning languages in classrooms, as well as how they perceive their proficiency in English relative to their first language, Dhivehi. I investigated the issue of language loss and its contributors via a qualitative study which consisted of 9 semi-structured 45-60 minute interviews with lower secondary Maldivian students who are in public schools in Male’ city. (Key stage 4, ages 13-17) Through this study, I argue that the Maldives is suffering from language loss among youth because students often have negative experiences in Dhivehi classrooms and feel pressure rooted in higher social and …

Anti-Racist Education Assessment In Hartford Schools, Yusong Chen

Senior Theses and Projects

Anti-racist content has been lacking in the education system in the past. When it comes to addressing issues of race and racism candidly in schools and classrooms, most teachers and administrators tend to ignore race and racism questions. Based on a survey that evaluated anti-racist education and training at their school, the questionnaire measured participants' perceptions of anti-racist education and their satisfaction with the training. 44 participants completed all of the survey questions. This study analyzed the effectiveness of the anti-racism training and the challenges faced by the participants in the teaching. The results of the survey showed that participants …

Gender Stereotypes And Representation Of Women In Roald Dahl's Books, Sarah Hunt

Senior Theses and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the role and representation of women in Roald Dahl’s children’s novels. To do this, I conducted a document analysis of five of Dahl’s books - “James and the Giant Peach” (1961), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (1964), “Danny, The Champion of the World” (1975), “The Witches” (1983), and “Matilda” (1988) - in order to answer the following questions: How does Roald Dahl portray women and girls in his novels? What gendered stereotypes are present, and how does this portrayal change over time? I was able to answer this question through utilizing …

Outdoor Programming In Higher Education: Exploring Goals And Sense Of Community In The Trinity College Quest Program, Catherine Doyle

Senior Theses and Projects

Outdoor education is a nuanced aspect of experiential learning which is growing in relevance across all levels of education. Such programming greatly contributes to student growth and community building. Previous literature has highlighted the benefits of outdoor programming in the higher education setting, noting that it allows students to adapt better to their college, feel a greater sense of community, and engage in personal growth. Trinity College’s Quest program is an outdoor education program which aims to contribute to students’ experience at Trinity. Through a quantitative study focusing on Quest, this paper attempts to answer the questions: Do students who …

Special Education Teacher Perceptions On The Nature Of Resources Of Respective Programs Across Contexts, Hannah Tjalsma

Senior Theses and Projects

Special education teachers must have access to adequate resources in order to provide their students with the opportunities they need to succeed. However, there are significant disparities in the access to resources across different contexts. Previous literature has identified team support, administrative support, and training to be significant resources perceived by special education teachers. The purpose of my study was to examine the perceived nature of resources by special education teachers and investigate the variation of these perceptions across different socioeconomic contexts. I conducted seven interviews with special education teachers in Massachusetts to gain greater insight into this topic. This …

The Effects Of Trinity College’S Campus Culture On The Social And Academic Experiences Of Queer Male Students, Erica Desmond

Senior Theses and Projects

This qualitative study aims to examine the effects of Trinity College's campus culture on the social and academic experiences of queer men on campus. In order to properly uncover a possible relationship between queerness and the historic marginalization of minority identities at Trinity College, I conducted seven one-on-one interviews with queer male students to understand their first-hand experiences. Through analysis of data from these interviews, I uncovered that Trinity College’s campus culture significantly impacts the social and academic experiences of queer men. Within the context of this culture, queer men with alternate intersections are at an increased risk of social …

Effective Cte Program Administration: Assumed Or Developed?, Adrian L. Eaglin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The recognition of the potentially transformative effects of having a quality career and technical education program has grown exponentially over the past two decades in the United States. As such, it is paramount that those serving as administrators of this co-curricular content area be prepared, trained, and developed to effectively lead these important programs at the campus level. This qualitative action research is a case study, using two types of interviews of 38 specific personnel within the career and technical education departments and leadership in that district to determine whether effective career and technical education administration is assumed or developed …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Underrepresentation Of Division I Minority Women Athletic Directors, Jacquelyn K. Timmons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the factors women of color in athletic administration perceive to be contributors to the underrepresentation of minority women in Division I athletic director leadership positions. The study sought to identify and understand barriers that ostensibly impact women of color. Moreover, it serves current and future minority women to overcome similar trials to advance their collegiate athletic careers. Furthermore, the study sought to provide a lexicon of strategies that minority women regard as bridges to the racial and gender leadership gaps within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) organization. Previous studies are …

An Examination Of The Relationships Between Campus Administrators And Special Education Teachers And Its Influence On Teacher Retention, Tai Lea Peacock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher shortages have plagued U.S. school districts for many years now as special education and other high-need fields struggle to retain highly qualified teachers. School leaders must gain a better understanding of why special education teachers are leaving at such alarming rates in order to formulate a plan for improving retention. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine how campus administrators’ relationships influence the retention of special education teachers. Leader-member exchange theory, which contends that the relationships between leaders and followers impact our work environment and job satisfaction, served as the theoretical framework of this study. A …

Exploring The Indicators Of The Two Social And Emotional Learning Competencies And Their Relationship To Community College Grade Point Average, Arvinder Kaur Gill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was done to help understand how social emotional learning impacts student academics and performance for incoming freshmen college students. The study looks at students who have had some social-emotional learning versus those who have not had any social-emotional learning skills and if impacts them at a community college setting. Also, this study looked at the relationship between instructors and students and how instructors can play a positive role in student success. A student survey on incoming freshmen entering a community college was recorded along with instructor/professor interviews to get a better idea of student experiences and outcomes. The …

Professional Learning Community Conflicts And Teacher Leader Conflict Management From Multiple Stakeholder Perspectives, Amanda B. Dunn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological study examined the nature of conflict within professional learning community (PLC) collaborative groups and the teacher leader’s management of the conflict from the teacher, teacher leader, and administrator perspective at suburban secondary schools. Purposive, criterion sampling based on job title and having at least one year of experience at a PLC campus qualified participants to capture the phenomenon’s characteristics. Semistructured interviews of three administrators, four teacher leaders, and two teachers were recorded and transcribed before an initial round of open coding. After analyzing open codes, the data were analyzed using closed coding, which established common themes. The …

A Par Reflection: The Power Of Teacher Voice, Anna Marie Warren

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher voice is missing in systemic change. This PAR study explored some of the barriers in education today that prevent teachers from using their voices and the leadership skills needed to empower teachers to use their voices in change processes. The study was implemented on two secondary school campuses with two teams of PAR researchers. Data were collected using a triangulation of PAR forms, journal reflections, and Likert surveys. While identifying barriers hindering teachers from using their voice, the qualitative study also aimed to provide a platform where teachers could express and use their voice to cause change in their …

Exploring The Upward Transfer Advising Experience Of First-Generation Latinx Community College Students, Lizette Avalos-Morales

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the student experience of Latinx first-generation community college students who graduated from a community college and transferred to a 4-year university. The research examined if intrusive advising served as a mechanism to aid academic persistence despite the challenges of first-generation Latinx students. Eleven first-generation community college students who graduated from a Hispanic Serving Institution in southwest Kansas were interviewed. The thematic analysis conducted led to five themes emerging. The themes included family, meaningful relationships, belonging, independence, and embracing uncertainty. The theme of family was separated into two subthemes: family support and …

Honoring The Gift: An Epistolary Exploration Of An Alternative Approach To Learning Grounded In Reciprocity And Gratitude, Tegan Keyes

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

In this project, I explore what it means to honor knowledge as a gift. This document includes a selection of letters I wrote to my teachers to express my gratitude to them, along with a written narrative in which I describe my vision of an alternative approach to undergraduate education that centers gratitude, reciprocity, and self-determination. This narrative weaves together lessons from emergence theory, Indigenous systems of education, and gift economies to tell a story of a life-sustaining education system that is grounded in the understanding that knowledge is a gift.

Racial Diversity And Retention Rates Of Psychology Faculty In Washington State Public Universities, Chiyo Aoki-Kramer

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Racial diversity is extremely important in higher education; not only for the students but for the faculty, as well. Diversity within education is important because it can show students of color examples of people who look like them succeeding in higher education as well as giving White students a broader education of being taught by people who have different backgrounds than themselves. Along with diversity, it is important to know that Universities are also supporting their faculty so that their Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) faculty retention rates are as high as the White faculty. This paper reviews …

The Three R'S Of Exercise: Review, Reframe, Recommend, Liam Arenas-Field

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Physical inactivity presents itself as a public health crisis worldwide, with significant risks to all populations. Two causes we identified are environmental factors and a lack of education. By providing a brief overview of bioenergetics and exercise prescription to the inexperienced, we can help educate and enable people to improve their activity level. Publicly available exercise guidelines often present themselves as very broad and nonspecific. Through further exploration, it becomes apparent that the concepts within more detailed exercise guidelines can be hard to interpret by those inexperienced in kinesiology. A key theme of exercise enjoyment leading to exercise adherence promotes …