Education Commons^™

A Study Of Computational Thinking Skills And Attitudes Towards Computer Science With Middle School Students, Lorien W. Cafarella

Theses and Dissertations

Many middle school students come to Computer Science (CS) classes without any previous CS instruction or any Computational Thinking (CT) skills that are needed to be successful. To overcome this, many curriculums and programming environments have been used to engage students and to instill a love of CS. Which curriculum should be used to develop CT skills that will also increase positive attitudes towards CS so students will continue in this field of study in higher grades? The purpose of this mixed method action research study was to evaluate how Code.org’s block-based programming curriculum affects middle school CS students’ CT …

An Examination Of Semester-Long Review Of Behavior Referral Data At A High School In A Southeastern State, Shalanda L. Shuler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine semester-long referral data from a ninth-grade cohort in a public school in a southeastern state. The research question for this study was the following: What will the examination of semester-long referral data from the entire ninth-grade cohort of a public school in a southeastern state reveal? The problem that prompted this study centered around the ninth grade having the highest number of office disciplinary referrals (ODRs) in the Henderson County school district (pseudonym). Students who routinely receive ODRs run the danger of failing their classes and are more likely to have been …

Empowering Teachers To Support Mtss Students: An Action Research Study, Sahalija Dentico

Theses and Dissertations

In 2018, the elementary school where I serve as an instructional interventionist adopted a data-based multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Although our process has evolved over the years, I saw room for improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this action research study was to improve the MTSS process at my school, specifically by addressing teachers’ lack of awareness of their role. Framing the study with a combination of social cognitive theory and curriculum ideologies, I explored 12 English language arts teachers’ perceptions of the MTSS model, curricular views, and sense of self-efficacy. Through a two-phase, mixed-method approach, I investigated how sharing …

Lindenwood University Student Handbook, 2023-2024, Lindenwood University

Student Handbooks

Information and guidelines for Lindenwood University students.

Goal Setting And Self Monitoring Among High School Students With Exceptionalities, Madison Worms

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Many students with learning difficulties struggle to maintain focus which leads to off-task behavior and missing assignments. This occurs with students of all ages but is most prevalent with students in middle school and high school. This project investigated the effects of goal setting and self monitoring among high school students with exceptionalities. It also includes research, evidence, and summaries of other studies conducted related to goal setting and self monitoring. These case studies include strategies used to increase student productivity in the classroom. All published literature used in this text have been published within the last nine years and …

Monthly Talking Points, July 2023, University Of Maine System Office Of Human Resources

General University of Maine Publications

Now that July is here, it’s important to streamline processes at work to allow time for enjoying our short and spectacular Maine summer.

Exploring Literary Responses To Culturally Relevant Texts Through An Asiancrit Lens: A Collective Case Study Of Chinese American Students In A Community-Based Book Club, Wenyu Guo

Theses and Dissertations

Building on AsianCrit, reader response theory, and critical literacy perspective, this dissertation study investigated how second-generation Chinese American students at age eight to twelve respond to culturally relevant texts which portray contemporary and historical Chinese American people’s lives and experiences in the United States. In addition, this study explored how these students negotiate their understanding of race, racism, and anti-Asian racism through associating with the stories, their everyday experiences, family traditions, and interactions with peers and researcher in a community-based book club. Specifically, this study examined how students of Chinese descent respond to xenophobia, discrimination, and racism towards Asian people, …

The Impact Of A Literacy Program On Summer Reading Setback: Providing Access To Books And Project-Based Learning, Tiffany Gayle Robles

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the impact of a summer literacy program on summer reading setback. Gaining Ground is a summer intervention program designed primarily for economically disadvantaged students in Grades K–5. By granting access to self-selected books and implementing project-based curriculum, Gaining Ground aims to improve reading proficiency during the summer break. Faucet theory illuminated the challenge of reaching and maintaining proficiency over break, and constructivism and self-determination theory framed the program’s efforts to resolve this problem.

As the curriculum director, I used mixed methods to assess Gaining Ground’s impact. Quantitative methods revealed maintenance, improvement, or decline in student …

Where Race Has No Place: English Teachers’ Efforts To Maintain Space For Diversity In The Ela Classroom, Muzical D. Waite

Theses and Dissertations

The anti-critical race theory movement began in 2020, propelled by the fear of topics on race and racism overtaking lesson objectives, course content, and class discussion, and, in turn, making some students feel uncomfortable (Duhaney, 2022). Opposition to critical race theory (CRT) and any initiative considered adjacent to the concept, such as the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, set in motion legislative proposals in nearly every state and enactment in many (Greene, 2022). Anti- CRT regulation of the content and activities teachers can use comes at a time when American student enrollment has never been more diverse (Carrillo, 2022). …

1, 2, 3: Counting On Problem Based Learning To Improve Mathematical Achievement In African American Students, Kelley P. Spahr

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is an important component of our everyday lives. It involves necessary skills, such as computation, problem solving, and critical thinking. In spite of this, a significant portion of our students are unable to demonstrate proficiency. These students are typically the underserved, marginalized students who are over represented in remedial classes and behavioral statistics (Gibson, 2022; Harper, 2010, 2021; Zilanawala, et al., 2018). This research study presented two instructional interventions, culturally relevant pedagogy and problem-based learning, to examine the impact of self-efficacy, critical thinking, and mathematical achievement. This study utilized a mixed-methods triangulation design. The participants of this study were …

The Evolution Of Contextualized, Discourse-Based Professional Development To Support Elementary Teachers In The Implementation Of Conceptual Mathematical Teaching Practices, Jennifer Aren Kueter

Theses and Dissertations

This holistic, mixed-methods action research case study aimed to determine the influence of professional development on participants' mathematical teaching practices and how the changes influenced students’ opportunities for discourse. In this two-year study, participants engaged in two professional development phases and implemented new conceptual teaching practices. Quantitative data were collected through surveys and observations. Qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews. Phase-one findings showed that while teachers changed their practices, they were not proficient in conceptual and discourse-based teaching practices. A second phase of professional development occurred using a Community of Practice model. Phase-two findings showed conceptual teaching practices …

Improving Global Competence In Classroom-Based Experiential Learning Activities, Juyoung Lee, Caroline Kobia, Jihyeong Son

Journal of Global Education and Research

The purpose of this research was to develop learning activities to improve global competence for a classroom-based course in the field of clothing and textiles and explore how those activities affected the global competence of college students. To achieve this goal, the researchers proposed the following objectives: (a) develop learning activities on global competence and (b) explore the influences of newly proposed learning activities on the global competence of college students. The authors analyzed students’ reflective essays to identify themes through constant comparative analysis. The authors found participants learned about the Japanese culture through diverse aspects of global competence—affective, cognitive, …

Staffing Remote Schools: Perennial Failure, Sally Knipe, Christine Bottrell

Journal of Global Education and Research

Educational and socioeconomic disadvantage in remote communities, and the inadequacies of government action to bring about significant change needs to be addressed. This article presents a descriptive study examining the complexities of staffing remote and very remote schools in Australia with appropriately-qualified teachers. The findings of analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on behalf of the Australian Government through the National Schools Statistics Collection (NSSC) indicate that the majority of students in remote schools in Australia live, and are educated in, Indigenous communities in three jurisdictions. This raises concerns of unacknowledged and unacceptable discrimination. Complexity within …

Teaching Non-Experimental Chemistry Content Through The Pairing Of Strategically Curated Data Sets And Model-Based Inquiry, Andrew Banker

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Historically science education has seemed to be in a pendulum swing battle between prioritizing teaching science content or science practices. The Next Generation Science Standards sought to synthesize both priorities in their Framework. Minnesota high schools will face a new wave of Science MCA tests in the 2024-2025 school year that will reflect the 2019 Minnesota science standards and thereby the Next Generation Science Standards. The curricular resource presented in this project is a valuable template for how high school science teachers can pursue meeting the parallel goals of teaching science content and science practices as the new standards …

Effects Of A Self-Monitoring Tracking System Combined With Blended Learning Intervention Time On Students’ Self-Regulated Learning Skills And Academic Performance, Jennifer E. Augustine

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the effects of the implementation of blended learning combined with a self-monitoring achievement system on students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) skills and academic performance in an eighth-grade English language arts classroom. SRL has been linked to higher academic achievement and success in and out of school. However, many students lack SRL skills, especially at the middle school level. This study addressed three research questions in order to better understand how students’ SRL skills and academic performance could be improved: (1) How and in what ways does the implementation of blended learning, combined …

Exploring Chinese International Students’ Motivational Factors In Non-Mandatory Event Participation, Aimin Liao

Theses and Dissertations

This action research investigated Chinese international students’ motivational/demotivational factors and their perspectives on Virginia Tech’s non-mandatory events. The theoretical framework guided the research questions, literature reviews, and data design collection/analysis process. The self-determination theory provided the primary motivational factors for Chinese international students. The literacy/discourse theory explained their difficulties when practicing secondary Discourses in an American college. This action research utilized open-ended surveys and semi-structured interviews to understand Chinese international students’ motivations, struggles, and feedback in non-mandatory event participation. The qualitative research findings indicated that Chinese international students are motivated by autonomy, competency, and relatedness. Some Chinese international students’ inadequate …

Examining Recommended Strategies For Accommodating Negatively Worded Items, Jungsun Go

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of four different models (bifactor, CTC(M-1), CTCU and unidimensional) as to optimal model selection when the wording effect associated with negatively worded items was present. A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to compare model-data fit and accuracy in parameter estimates of the four models. Design factors include: two true models (CTC(M-1), CTCU models) × three sample sizes (small N=250, moderate N=500, large N=1,000) × two item ratios (positive items:negative items = 2:1 or 1:1) × three distributions (distribution of negative items; symmetric, moderately asymmetric, and extremely asymmetric). The generated …

Reading Strategies: Impact On Fifth Grade African American Males’ Reading Comprehension And Motivation To Read, Patrice Antoinette Barrett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to implement four close reading strategies (Aha moment, Hmm moment, B.U.R.N. strategy, and R.A.P.) and evaluate its impact on fifth grade African American male students’ reading comprehension skills and their experiences with reading at Wisteria Lane Elementary. This intervention study focused on two research questions: how does the implementation of close reading strategies impact the reading comprehension skills of fifth grade male students, and in what ways does the implementation of close reading strategies influence fifth grade male students’ motivation to read in other classes? Nationally, African American boys suffer with weak reading …

Psu Student Housing Insecurity Interim Report, Jacen Greene, Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative, Portland State University

Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative Publications and Presentations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Background

This study on student housing insecurity and homelessness was funded as part of a HUD FY2023 Community Project Funding Opportunity awarded to Portland State University. Phase 1 of the study, which led to this report by PSU’s Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC), includes a literature review; a summary of PSU student survey results; a description of PSU programs based on interviews with staff and administrators; an analysis of programs at other institutions; and a set of recommendations for better addressing student housing needs. Phase 2 of the study will include the results of a comprehensive …

Mitigating Student Anxiety In The Secondary Classroom: A Culturally Sustaining Approach, Erin Hawley Cronin

Theses and Dissertations

This study emerged in response to broader trends of increasing anxiety among schoolchildren and my own observations as a teacher. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for youth (Curtin et al., 2022), and anxiety is a known factor in most deaths by suicide (Nepon et al., 2010). Teachers are often the first point of contact for anxious students, but a shortage of counselors in U.S. schools and other systemic barriers prevent widespread access to counseling services (Cratty, 2019). Moreover, identity-based anxieties are often misattributed to aggression or attention-seeking, and punished in school settings, instead of recognized and supported …

Utilizing Case Studies To Increase Critical Thinking In An Undergraduate Anatomy & Physiology Classroom, Sarah E. Lehman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of case-based learning compared to traditional lecture in increasing critical thinking skills in an undergraduate Anatomy & Physiology I classroom. Throughout the course of one semester, five units were taught with the addition of a case study as an instructional tool while the other four units were taught utilizing only didactic (lecture) methods and did not teach content utilizing case study methodology. Two types of content-specific critical thinking data were analyzed: selected multiple-choice exam questions and End of Chapter (EOC) assignments. The Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) …

What's Up Doc? An Examination Of The Lived Experiences Affecting Abd In The Ed.D. Student, Kimberly Carlo

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Doctorate students have unique challenges and needs. Many must complete their dissertations and become stuck in the all-but dissertation (ABD) phase. The design of a doctoral program can leave out the emotional aspect of these students. This study sought to understand the needs of doctorate students and focus on challenges that inhibit them from reaching their goals. It analyzed goal commitments, personal priorities, and their significance to dissertation completion. This study analyzed doctoral students' motivation, stressors, goals, and how goalsetting can work toward completing a dissertation. The results identified indicators of ABD in Ed.D. students while completing their dissertation. Several …

University, City, And Community: Athletics Urban Renewal Projects And The University Of South Carolina’S Carolina Coliseum And Blatt Physical Education Center, 1964–1971, Theresa M. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions (HEIs) often are characterized by how they compete with other institutions. Institutions try to secure the most resources for their benefit, and this often includes expansion and land accumulation.1 Increasingly common is land acquisition for athletics expansion or enhancement, because successful athletics programs build perception and prominence.2 Historically, for large public universities in urban centers, athletics expansion or enhancement has negatively affected surrounding areas. Often, city centers are populated by Black and Brown community members due to the migration patterns of Blacks after World War II and subsequent racial segregation efforts that further segregated Communities by Color. …

The Effects Of Technology Integration On Academic Performance And Engagement Of Third Grade Social Studies Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Ashley Megregian

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of technology integration on third grade social studies students' academic performance and their engagement with the content of map skills at Peony Elementary. The study took place during the Fall of 2022 with 14 third grade social studies students. There is low academic performance and a lack of engagement from elementary students both nationally and locally. This research explored three questions related to the effects of integrating technology on student academic performance and engagement. The first question looks at the impact of integrating technology on third grade students’ academic performance …

Proactive Conversational Agents In The Post-Chatgpt World, Lizi Liao, Grace Hui Yang, Chirag Shah

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

ChatGPT and similar large language model (LLM) based conversational agents have brought shock waves to the research world. Although astonished by their human-like performance, we find they share a significant weakness with many other existing conversational agents in that they all take a passive approach in responding to user queries. This limits their capacity to understand the users and the task better and to offer recommendations based on a broader context than a given conversation. Proactiveness is still missing in these agents, including their ability to initiate a conversation, shift topics, or offer recommendations that take into account a more …

Stacking The Deck In The Learner's Favor: Behavioral Skills Training Improves Safmeds Implementation, Lauren Olsen

Theses

“Say All Fast Minute Every Day Shuffled” (SAFMEDS) is a structured, evidence-based protocol for using flashcards. The protocol is a sequence of steps that are designed to promote accurate and quick responding to learn the information presented on flashcards. Although the benefits of using SAFMEDS have been well-documented, much of the literature fails to adequately describe the methods used to train participants on how to use the protocol. In addition, few studies measure participant procedural integrity (i.e., the extent to which the protocol is implemented as planned). To date, no study has systematically examined the effects of different training methods …

Generative Artificial Intelligence: University Student Awareness, Experience, And Confidence In Use Across Disciplines, Andrew Kelly, Miriam Sullivan, Katrina Strampel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The global higher education sector has been significantly disrupted by the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, especially in relation to its implications for assessment. However, few studies to date have explored student perspectives on these tools. This article reports on one of the first large-scale quantitative studies of student views on generative artificial intelligence at an Australian university (n = 1,135). When the survey was conducted, most students had low knowledge, experience, and confidence in using these tools. These results varied across disciplines and across some student sub-groups, such as mature-age students and international students. Confidence …

Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of Two Self-Efficacy Scales For Astronomy Understanding And Robotic Telescope Use, R. Freed, David H. Mckinnon, M. T. Fitzgerald, S. Salimpour

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents the results of a confirmatory factor analysis on two self-efficacy scales designed to probe the self-efficacy of college-level introductory astronomy (Astro-101) students (n=15181) from 22 institutions across the United States of America and Canada. The students undertook a course based on similar curriculum materials, which involved students using robotic telescopes to support their learning of astronomical concepts covered in the "traditional"Astro-101 courses. Previous research by the authors using these self-efficacy scales within a pre-/post-test approach showed both high reliabilities and very high construct validities. However, the scale purporting to measure students' self-efficacy in relation to their use …

The Reference Services And Users’ Satisfaction In Tertiary Institutions In Imo State, Nigeria, Ngozi Ike, Olivia Nwamaka Chinedu Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study focused on reference services and users’ satisfaction in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The study examined the extent of users’ satisfaction with reference services in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, the relationship with referral services, inter-library loan and current awareness services with users’ satisfaction. Four research questions were posed and three hypotheses were formulated for the study. Correlational design was adopted for the study while modified 4-point likert rating scale was used to elicit data for the study. A sample size of 393 respondents was drawn from the population of 15310 using Taro Yamane (1967) sampling …

An Analysis Of The Suitability Of Philosophy As A Core K-12 Public School Subject, Mark Christopher Blythe

Doctor of Education (EdD)

In 2005 Michael Katz invited philosophers of education to reinvigorate the inquiry into what is required to provide a proper education for everyone to lead a productive life. In the literature review, I analyze the suitability of philosophy in teaching K-12 students how to think and reason logically—essential abilities for a productive life. I also examine the educational landscape through the philosophy of Nicholas Rescher’s Cognitive-Values Theory and address the value of learning philosophy. I present a Philosophical Dialectic that shows how epistemic diversity (aporetic clusters) justifies making philosophy a K-12 core subject while analyzing philosophers’ reasons for including philosophy …