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Articles 1 - 30 of 53
Full-Text Articles in Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Exploring Student And Faculty Perceptions Regarding The Availability Of On-Campus Counseling Services, Stephen Wade Baker
Exploring Student And Faculty Perceptions Regarding The Availability Of On-Campus Counseling Services, Stephen Wade Baker
Dissertations
This study sought to explore undergraduate and faculty perceptions about oncampus counseling services. On-campus counseling services for clarification purposes, could be understood as a behavioral health service used by undergraduate students to discuss and address identified personal issues during a semester-based academic school year. The data was collected via a written response survey and it was administered at a private Midwestern university throughout the spring, summer, and fall traditional undergraduate semesters of 2018. The study looked to understand students’ perceptions on the overall need and functionality of the current counseling services promoted at their university. Furthermore, faculty interviews were conducted …
A Mixed-Method Investigation Comparing Perceptions Of First-Generation And Non- First- Generation College Sophomores, Joshua Steven Hanke
A Mixed-Method Investigation Comparing Perceptions Of First-Generation And Non- First- Generation College Sophomores, Joshua Steven Hanke
Dissertations
The researcher focused on two groups of students, the First-Generation College Student (FGCS) and the sophomore student. First-Generation College Students completed degrees within six years at a rate of 34%, compared to 66% of non-FGCS (Engle & Tinto, 2008, p. 2). Researchers concluded that reducing support services after the first year led to a feeling of disconnection from institution and dropouts (Sanchez- Leguelinel, 2008). Researchers concluded the sophomore FGCS as the most susceptible group for attrition during a student’s second year (Ishitani, 2006). The purpose of the mixed methods study was to compare perceptions of the sophomore students from both …
A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports In A Midwest Middle School, Thomas Dittrich Jr.
A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports In A Midwest Middle School, Thomas Dittrich Jr.
Dissertations
The researcher investigated the difference between the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and student achievement scores and the number of failing grades in a Midwest United States suburban public middle school through a mixed methods research study. The collected and analyzed secondary data to complete quantitative research included numbers of office discipline referrals and failing grades, average daily attendance percentages, and percentages of students scoring proficient or advanced on the Missouri Assessment Program tests. Staff members, during the specified timeframe of the study, completed a Google Form survey and provided qualitative data. The z-test for difference in …
The Four-Day School Week: Teacher Retention And Recruitment, Perceptions, And Achievement, Peter Damian Fay
The Four-Day School Week: Teacher Retention And Recruitment, Perceptions, And Achievement, Peter Damian Fay
Dissertations
In order to explore various issues with the four-day school week in rural, Missouri school districts, the researcher conducted a mixed-methods study which utilized both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The researcher was primarily interested in the ability of the four-day model to attract and retain teaching staff, although he was also interested in the impact on student achievement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the four-day school week model on teacher attraction and retention in a rural school district in Missouri. The researcher conducted interviews with seven principals of schools that had adopted …
Educators’ Perceptions Concerning The Leading Factors Of Mathematics Achievement In Top-Ranking Nations Around The World, Kendra Snow
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of post-secondary mathematics educators from countries considered to be highly successful in the area of mathematics based upon results of international assessments. Four instructors were randomly selected from a homogenous sample within the nations of Canada, China, Japan, and Singapore to contribute information about the phenomenon of mathematical achievement. Frameworks from SRI International (2009), Matthews (2013), and Schoenfeld (2014) were integrated to design this study focused on curriculum, pedagogy and instructional approach, teacher knowledge and expectations, and organizational and social climate as possible factors that support student mathematical proficiency. Interviews …
A Comparative Analysis Of Student Achievement Of First Grade Students Using Fundations Vs. Heggerty And Words Their Way, Stephen Schwartz
A Comparative Analysis Of Student Achievement Of First Grade Students Using Fundations Vs. Heggerty And Words Their Way, Stephen Schwartz
Dissertations
The Orton Gillingham (OG) teaching method is commonly used in schools (Ritchey & Goeke, 2006, p. 172). However, there is little evidence to support the use of OG based reading programs to help students learn more effectively in tier 1, 2 and 3 settings (Ring, Avrit, & Black, 2017, p. 384). The researcher sought to shed light on the effectiveness of an OG based reading program in comparison to the use of Heggerty’s Phonemic Awareness Program and Words Their Way. The Investigator completed a study to shed light on the Fundations program. Fundations is an OG based reading program that …
A Comparative Study Analyzing Undergraduate Internship Participation And The Impact On Retention And Timely Degree Completion At A Four-Year, Private, Midwest Institution, Stefani Schuette
Dissertations
Declining enrollments, rising costs and increasing student debt have caused college administrators, potential students, and outside stakeholders to focus on certain student outcomes, including retention and timely degree completion. Colleges and universities are not only collecting data in these two areas, they are searching for strategies, which might have a positive effect. Research has provided a variety of factors, which contribute to retention and timely degree completion. High-impact practices, such as service learning, student faculty research and internships featured several characteristics that may contribute to retention and timely degree completion. Internships offer several advantages, such as preparation for future careers …
Retention Relationships: Connecting Higher Education Employees To Students Through Student Organizations, Michelle Sanford
Retention Relationships: Connecting Higher Education Employees To Students Through Student Organizations, Michelle Sanford
Dissertations
This mixed methods study investigated higher education employee involvement with student organizations to determine if a connection existed between an employee’s engagement with a student organization and the employee’s retention at the university. Research shows that student involvement in campus life and with student organizations increases student retention (Astin, 1984); however, few research studies have focused on the impact this type of involvement has on employee retention. In this study, the researcher explored the following research questions: How does employee engagement with student organizations impact employee retention? Why do employees choose to support student organizations? The researcher examined these questions …
Developing Moral Education To Combat Human Trafficking, Shima Rostami
Developing Moral Education To Combat Human Trafficking, Shima Rostami
Dissertations
Leaders are challenged daily to improve their organization's products and outcomes. “When the character of leaders is low, so are their standards” (Maxwell, 2010, p. 41), and accordingly the products and programs. No field or profession was exempt from this challenge at the leadership level. On this note, human trafficking as a humanitarian crisis was of particular interest for activists, but one that may still suffer from this same weakness at the leadership level. Consequently, having a concern for how to improve the character and standards of the leaders in the anti-human trafficking movement, the Investigator of this study questioned …
A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Student Achievement And Satisfaction In Traditional Versus Online Learning Environments, Jessica L. Manion
A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Student Achievement And Satisfaction In Traditional Versus Online Learning Environments, Jessica L. Manion
Dissertations
To evaluate student achievement and satisfaction in different course delivery modes the researcher investigated both traditional and online undergraduate accounting courses at a private Midwestern university. By comparing student achievement and satisfaction in traditional versus online undergraduate accounting courses, the study aimed to highlight what works best in education and provide guidance to administrators and instructors alike. This investigation included students enrolled in undergraduate accounting courses during the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 school years. The mixed-methods framework allowed the researcher to examine this educational issue from the quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Quantitatively, the researcher examined secondary data from both student …
A Mixed-Methods Study Of Applying Andragogical Practices To An Online Tesol Teacher Training Course At A Midwestern University, Daisy Anne Mary Skelly
A Mixed-Methods Study Of Applying Andragogical Practices To An Online Tesol Teacher Training Course At A Midwestern University, Daisy Anne Mary Skelly
Dissertations
Preservice teachers needed to be prepared to teach culturally and linguistically diverse learners, because English learners continued to enroll in new geographic areas. In response to the reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, requirements for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students were added to teacher certification programs at the state level. Universities offering teacher certification programs addressed new program requirements in different ways, including adding competencies to existing courses or creating new courses. The purpose of this mixedmethods study was to investigate the knowledge, pedagogical skill, and self-efficacy levels of preservice teachers and their perceptions of English …
A Qualitative Exploration Of Perceptions Of Down Syndrome And Student Disabilities In A Suburban Midwest High School, Gregory Wagener
A Qualitative Exploration Of Perceptions Of Down Syndrome And Student Disabilities In A Suburban Midwest High School, Gregory Wagener
Dissertations
The researcher explored the perceptions of typically-developing students, teachers, and parents of students with Down syndrome and students with disabilities at a suburban Midwestern High School. In exploring these perceptions of students with Down syndrome and students with disabilities, this study intended to explore how to increase effective inclusion of students with Down syndrome and students with disabilities in the general education setting, but more so, to explore the stigmas surrounding students with Down syndrome and students with disabilities in order to better understand the character of typically-developing students, teachers, and parents regarding students with Down syndrome and students with …
Beyond Curriculum: Information Literacy, Librarianship, And The Role Of The Faculty At A Rural Community College In Missouri, Michelle A. Lane
Beyond Curriculum: Information Literacy, Librarianship, And The Role Of The Faculty At A Rural Community College In Missouri, Michelle A. Lane
Dissertations
This case study was designed to evaluate faculty perceptions of teaching information literacy within the general education curriculum, the level of collaboration between faculty and library staff, and challenges regarding instruction of information literacy at a community college in Missouri. Using an adapted survey from a 2014 study by Dr. Sharon Weiner of Purdue University, faculty were asked to provide their current views regarding instruction of information literacy at the Missouri institution. Additionally, archival data provided by the institution were analyzed using triangulation to establish a baseline regarding the best path forward to improving instruction, assessment, and student learning. While …
Adult Learning Principles Used With Nontraditional Students In Higher Education To Enhance Learner Satisfaction And Retention, Brenda M. Smith
Adult Learning Principles Used With Nontraditional Students In Higher Education To Enhance Learner Satisfaction And Retention, Brenda M. Smith
Dissertations
As enrollment of adult learners increases in higher education, addressing their different needs and providing resources to aid their success and retention is important. The purpose of this study was to garner quantitative data regarding adult learning principles used in higher education with nontraditional students, as reported by faculty and students, and identify if any differences exist. The theoretical framework included adult learning theories of andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformative learning. Adult learning principles and learning strategies were explored utilizing the survey instrument, Principles of Adult Learning Scale, by Gary Conti (2004). Descriptive statistics and two sample independent t-tests were …
A Qualitative Exploration Of The School Resource Officer’S Role In Two K-12 School Districts, Christopher T. Muench
A Qualitative Exploration Of The School Resource Officer’S Role In Two K-12 School Districts, Christopher T. Muench
Dissertations
The researcher conducted a qualitative exploration on the role of the School Resource Officer (SRO) specifically on safety/security, law enforcement duties, and interaction with students. The idea of an SRO was present in school systems since the 1950s and over the decades showed considerable expansion. On the surface, the SRO position seemed to need little definition but attempting to clarify the role led to conflicts, vagueness, and confusion among organizations served, the community, and the SROs themselves. The research was diverse concerning the roles and responsibilities of the SRO whether it be from a legal, educational, or tactical standpoint. This …
Addressing The Theory-Practice Gap Relative To Teacher-Perceived Knowledge Of Effective Instructional Strategies, Laura Danielle O’Quinn
Addressing The Theory-Practice Gap Relative To Teacher-Perceived Knowledge Of Effective Instructional Strategies, Laura Danielle O’Quinn
Dissertations
In the field of education, a theory-practice gap occurs when research is not applied with fidelity by practicing teachers in the classroom (Ford, 2018). Student achievement is negatively impacted when teachers do not implement research-based practices consistently (Stronge, 2018). This study involved an investigation into teacher perceptions of research-based instructional strategies as a possible cause of the theorypractice gap in education. Data were collected through a mixed-methods study involving an online survey and teacher focus group interviews. The online survey was used to measure teachers’ accuracy identifying the impact level of selected research-based instructional strategies from Hattie’s (2009) meta-analysis. Survey …
A Teacher’S Perspective: Valued Leadership Behaviors As Related To Preferences In School Culture And Professional Motivation, Jeremy R. Philips
A Teacher’S Perspective: Valued Leadership Behaviors As Related To Preferences In School Culture And Professional Motivation, Jeremy R. Philips
Dissertations
Schools need effective leaders to embrace the many challenges of today’s school systems and to adequately prepare students for the 21st century (Bayar, 2016; Coggins & Diffenbaugh, 2013). Bartoletti and Connelly (2013) asserted, “Great schools do not exist apart from great leaders” (p. 1). The last few years have provided volumes of highquality research confirming leadership matters (Bartoletti & Connelly, 2013). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among the following variables: teachers’ perceptions of what they value in leadership behaviors (consideration and initiating structure), what they value in a school’s culture, and what they find professionally …
The Intersection Of Andragogy And Courtroom Practice, Grant Shostak
The Intersection Of Andragogy And Courtroom Practice, Grant Shostak
Dissertations
Learning takes place not only in a traditional classroom setting, but in a plethora of avenues outside of the lecture hall. Learning paradigms like life-long learning and Andragogy, the teaching of adults, have been used by adult educators for fields such as education, finance, accounting, law enforcement, nursing, technology, and many others. A review of the existing literature has revealed an absence of the application of andragogy to the courtroom setting. This paper investigates and discusses the andragogical orientation of successful trial lawyers in Missouri. This study has shown that successful trial lawyers have adapted and share particular principles of …
Exploring Restorative Justice, Suspensions, And Expulsions With African American Males, Dorothy L. Mosby
Exploring Restorative Justice, Suspensions, And Expulsions With African American Males, Dorothy L. Mosby
Dissertations
Zero tolerance programs led to unequal consequences for African American males because the programs targeted behaviors African American students were more likely to receive discipline for, which resulted in an increase of disciplinary situations for the students. With the disproportionate suspensions and expulsions of African American male students in public schools, Illinois Senate Bill 100 addressed the discipline issues to reduce the number of long-term suspensions and expulsions. In the 2016–2017 school year, the state of Illinois implemented Senate Bill 100. The bill reconstructed the procedures on how school administrators suspended and expelled students; Restorative Justice was a technique used …
An Examination Of The Attitudinal And Structural Barriers To Successful Implementation Of Personalized Learning, Jeremy Sullivan
An Examination Of The Attitudinal And Structural Barriers To Successful Implementation Of Personalized Learning, Jeremy Sullivan
Dissertations
Personalized learning has become a common term in the education lexicon; however, there is not an industry-accepted and universally adopted definition or model. While personalized learning is mentioned in 39 states’ Every Student Succeeds Act plan, the models vary greatly because personalized learning requires a full paradigm shift from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine the current barriers K-12 classroom teachers experience when implementing personalized learning. The four core strategies of flexible learning environments, personal learning paths, learner profiles, and competency-based progression identified by Pane et al. (2017a) were utilized to frame personalized learning. …
Teaching English Learners: A Study Of Procedures And Perceptions Of Missouri Program Directors And Mainstream Classroom Teachers, Merica Schoen Clinkenbeard
Teaching English Learners: A Study Of Procedures And Perceptions Of Missouri Program Directors And Mainstream Classroom Teachers, Merica Schoen Clinkenbeard
Dissertations
Professional development for mainstream classroom teachers to meet the influx of diverse learners is not adequately met by most school districts (Quintero & Hanson, 2017). The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to gain information from English learner program directors about English learner program practices and professional development specific to the needs of English learners in Missouri school districts. Mainstream classroom teachers from different-sized schools with high- and lowincidence of English learner students were interviewed to gather the perceived level of understanding of best practices for the implementation of research-based strategies. The Missouri Professional Learning Guidelines for Student Success guided …
Mixed-Method Study Exploring International Students’ Career Readiness At A Four-Year Private University In The Midwest, Chloe Bonnand
Mixed-Method Study Exploring International Students’ Career Readiness At A Four-Year Private University In The Midwest, Chloe Bonnand
Dissertations
This study explored international students’ career readiness in a four-year, private university in the Midwest. In order to measure career readiness, the researcher reviewed three factors: financial support, academic major, and country of origin. International students graduating in May 2018 received a survey from the researcher on career readiness. A total of 38 students completed the survey. The final question of the survey was an invitation to participate in an individual interview and/or a focus group. The qualitative data from the survey showed that financial support impacted international students’ career readiness. International students with financial support were more prepared to …
A Quantitative Study Examining Project Lead The Way Gateway Program Outcomes In A Suburban School District, Patrick Joseph Bellinger
A Quantitative Study Examining Project Lead The Way Gateway Program Outcomes In A Suburban School District, Patrick Joseph Bellinger
Dissertations
Within the confines of this study, the Researcher investigated Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway program outcomes at a Midwest suburban school district. The study examined specific academic achievement outcomes and attitudes regarding STEAM courses and STEAM careers among students who completed at least one semester in a middle school PLTW Gateway program. The Researcher attempted to determine if there was a difference in student attitudes related to STEAM between students who enrolled in a PLTW Gateway course and students who never enrolled in PLTW Gateway, as determined in an online survey. The Researcher also attempted to determine if there …
A Quantitative Case Study On School Climate, Student Behavior, Student Achievement, And Classroom Facility Factors In An Urban Midwest High School, Shamonda Owens
Dissertations
This research was a quantitative case study on the possible relationship between school climate, student behavior, student achievement, and classroom facility factors in an urban Midwest high school. Specific variables included lighting, wall color, classroom temperature, school climate, student behavior, and student academic achievement. The researcher collected the following data: student behavior, number of out of school suspensions (OSS) students received in 2014 through 2017, End of Course data, 2014-2017, in the areas of Biology, American Government, English I, and English II. To measure school climate, the researcher used the district’s annual climate survey. School climate survey data measured student …
Alternative Education Program Best Practices: A Comparative Analysis Of Three Mid-Missouri High School Alternative Education Programs, Elizabeth Christine Nelson
Alternative Education Program Best Practices: A Comparative Analysis Of Three Mid-Missouri High School Alternative Education Programs, Elizabeth Christine Nelson
Dissertations
School districts in the state of Missouri are required to provide an education to all students, including those on suspension, and many other states have similar requirements. The number of alternative programs has grown over the last 50 years, and most districts provide some type of alternative program for at-risk students. With few state regulations for evaluation of these programs, researchers in alternative education recommended districts perform internal evaluations to ensure program quality. The research identified six research-based best practices domains critical to the success of an alternative program. The six domains were curriculum, assessment, engagement, instruction, leadership, and structures. …
A Study Of Kindergarten Through Eighth-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Gender Plays On Students Involved In Divorce, Amanda Lukefahr
A Study Of Kindergarten Through Eighth-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Gender Plays On Students Involved In Divorce, Amanda Lukefahr
Dissertations
This mixed-methods study examined the perceptions of kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers on the impact gender had on the academics and behavioral performance of students from divorced settings. The researcher electronically contacted 332 kindergarten through eighth-grade educators from Mid-Missouri. Out of the 332 teachers, 84 chose to complete the on-line survey, Perceptions of Children of Divorce, consisting of 34 Likert-scale items and four open-ended questions. Based on the findings, the researcher determined kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers perceived the gender of the child from a divorced situation influenced the academics and behavioral performance. In addition, teachers perceived there to be more behavioral …
The Effects Of Rurality And Education Deserts On The Four-Year Degree Selection Of Aspiring Teacher Education Candidates In A Rural Community College Setting, Alice Faye Sanders
The Effects Of Rurality And Education Deserts On The Four-Year Degree Selection Of Aspiring Teacher Education Candidates In A Rural Community College Setting, Alice Faye Sanders
Dissertations
Teacher shortages exist across the nation, with greater shortages in middle school and secondary education (Center for Public Education, 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors and barriers presented to teacher education candidates affecting the selection of their teacher education degrees in a rural community college setting. The research questions were designed to use quantitative survey questions administered to the teacher education candidate population of ABC College. Qualitative interview questions were used to gather data from the Director and Assistant Director of Enrollment Services/Student Development at ABC College. As a result of data analysis, misconceptions were …
First-Generation Community College Transfer Students’ Perceptions Of Building A Sense Of Belonging And Its Subsequent Impact On University Retention, Tara E. Benson
Dissertations
Although attendance numbers are rising in both populations, transfer students and firstgeneration students have lower retention and completion rates (Bonet & Walters, 2016; Seider, Clark, & Soutter, 2015). All students, specifically first-generation and transfer students, have a better chance of succeeding if they feel they are academically and socially integrated into the university setting (Seider et al., 2015; Williams & Ferrari, 2015). The purpose of this study was to examine the success gap between firstgeneration transfer students and continuing generation community college transfer students who attend one Midwest university. The mixed methods study included an analysis of quantitative data of …
Social Media As A Primary Means For Parent Involvement In Missouri Rural Schools: Secondary School Principals’ And Superintendents’ Perceptions, Justin Paul Copley
Social Media As A Primary Means For Parent Involvement In Missouri Rural Schools: Secondary School Principals’ And Superintendents’ Perceptions, Justin Paul Copley
Dissertations
With a lack of research regarding the viability of social media use as a tool for learning in K-12 education, administrators are struggling to determine if this technology belongs in school settings (Piotrowski, 2015). Educators who have not reviewed current perceptions regarding technology may not use appropriate technology practices with students (Dietze & Kashin, 2013). Furthermore, since social media and technology use is an expected practice in classrooms, the responsibility of attending to this growing trend is assumed by school administration (Piotrowski, 2015). The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of school administrators in regard to social …
English As A Second Language: Adult Programs And Their Impact On Second Language Learners’ Aspirations, Hala Gheriani
English As A Second Language: Adult Programs And Their Impact On Second Language Learners’ Aspirations, Hala Gheriani
Dissertations
Over the years, millions of immigrants have made the trek to the United States to start a new life away from the known and the familiar (Lopez, Bialik, & Radford, 2017). English as a Second Language (ESL) centers are often the first formal introduction to the English language, and many immigrants will wait on long waiting lists for the chance to learn proper English and, therefore, ascend to a future identity sometimes years in the making (Jhangiani, Tarry, & Stangor, 2015; National Council of State Directors of Adult Education, 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate, through a …