Pick Up A Frog, Or Pet A Dog; Animals Are Our First Teachers,
2025
Antioch University
Pick Up A Frog, Or Pet A Dog; Animals Are Our First Teachers, Allison Ratner
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This dissertation’s goal was an attempt to answer the question: What are the emotional, cognitive, and/or spiritual effects of children’s relationships/interactions with animals that potentially impact their development? By utilizing autoethnography, I analyzed instances from my own life where interacting with animals changed me permanently; my thinking, my knowing, my feeling, my judgement, my empathy, my attitude, and my ethics. With a standpoint rooted in the research of experts from the fields of psychology and education, I combined my personal knowledge gained over a lifetime, to grant merit to the profundity of children’s relationships with animals. With the analyzed data, …
Developing Waldorf Teachers: An Analysis Of The Practical Effects Of Teacher Training And Professional Development On Teachers' Sense Of Self-Efficacy And Personal Transformation,
2025
Antioch University
Developing Waldorf Teachers: An Analysis Of The Practical Effects Of Teacher Training And Professional Development On Teachers' Sense Of Self-Efficacy And Personal Transformation, Emily Macdonald Merchant
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This mixed-methods study explores the concept of Pedagogical Instinct (PI) in Waldorf education by examining its relationship to the teacher’s sense of self-efficacy and professional development. Connected to Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy, PI refers to the intuitive and adaptive capacity of teachers to respond to students’ individual needs, integrating technical skills, relational awareness, and ego development. Quantitative data from 168 survey respondents were analyzed to assess relationships between self-efficacy, PI, teacher training, and demographic variables. Qualitative data from 65 respondents to 9 open-ended questions provided insights into the lived experiences of Waldorf teachers in relation to PI. Findings revealed a …
Effective Policy Implementation And (Trans)Forming The K-12 Education (Cis)Tem,
2025
Antioch University
Effective Policy Implementation And (Trans)Forming The K-12 Education (Cis)Tem, Megan Carlson Murray
Antioch University Dissertations & Theses
This research addresses the critical need for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) students within K-12 public schools, recognizing the detrimental effects of overlooking their unique needs. Current policies often fail to address these needs adequately, leading to mental health challenges and negative educational outcomes. The study aims to identify the key factors influencing the successful implementation of transgender-supportive policies in schools. A review of current research underscores the importance of challenging existing gender-binary norms and promoting inclusivity for TGNC students. By creating affirming spaces and addressing systemic barriers, schools can foster a safe and supportive environment for TGNC youth, …
Teacher Practice Improvement Tool. Preliminary Version,
2025
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
Teacher Practice Improvement Tool. Preliminary Version, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)
School and system improvement
Research shows the profound impact teachers can have on student outcomes. The Teacher Practice Improvement Tool (TPIT) describes the practices of highly effective teachers, based on an extensive review of international research. Five domains—or aspects of practice—have been identified from this evidence. These areas of teachers’ work are strongly interrelated. The TPIT provides a point of reference for teachers to reflect on their current practices and identify areas for professional growth. This tool can be used for teacher self-reflection and to identify specific areas for further professional growth. The TPIT can also be used by aspiring teachers and other education …
Persistent Reading Deficiencies In Early Education,
2025
Abilene Christian University
Persistent Reading Deficiencies In Early Education, William Steven Reed
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative case study investigated early reading teachers’ perceptions of the instructional practices they use to identify early elementary student reading proficiency, including unique challenges they face when addressing the development of early reading skills. The researcher investigated eight first and second grade teacher classrooms during the 2023–2024 school year through collective interviews, observations, and related school data. The researcher performed a qualitative analysis of the collected data to reveal varying themes that support recommendations to reduce persistent reading problems among early elementary students. Using purposeful sampling to select licensed, experienced participants, the insights of eight early elementary reading teachers …
Predicting The Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (Ocbs) Of Junior High School Teachers,
2024
Berkeley School Inc.
Predicting The Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (Ocbs) Of Junior High School Teachers, Alfonso B. Astudillo Iii
Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students
Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) plays a crucial role in enhancing organizational effectiveness. This study examines the predictors of OCB among junior high school teachers in the local educational context. Utilizing a quantitative approach, stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify situational and dispositional variables that predict OCB. Seventeen predictors, including situational variables (type of school, organizational climate, and organizational justice) and dispositional attributes (sex, job satisfaction, work motivation, and personality traits), were analyzed. The findings reveal that while the initial hypothesis was not fully supported, specific variables significantly predicted OCB. Teacher job satisfaction emerged as a significant predictor of …
Leveling Up: Students' Perceptions Of Digital Game-Based Learning,
2024
Seton Hall University
Leveling Up: Students' Perceptions Of Digital Game-Based Learning, Maryan Al-Houssein
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
This case study investigated middle school students’ perceptions of digital game-based learning (DGBL) in the classroom, focusing on engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. Using Piaget’s (1962) Constructivist Learning Theory as a framework, the research examined the influence of interactive digital games on students’ educational experiences. A qualitative study was utilized, using Likert scale surveys and open-ended questions to gather rich, descriptive data from students across grades 6-8. The findings revealed three primary themes: (1) Engagement and Interest, with students reporting increased enjoyment and interactivity in learning; (2) Motivation and Focus, indicating that competitive elements and rewards in games encourage student …
Developing Problem-Solvers: Cultivating A Scientific Way Of Thinking In Early Learners,
2024
Student at Winona State University
Developing Problem-Solvers: Cultivating A Scientific Way Of Thinking In Early Learners, Sarah Oeltjenbruns, Matthew J. Weyers, Maya Fogarty, Bryan Matera
Essays in Education
Adopting a science mindset in the early education years is critical for supporting critical thinking, curiosity, and systematic inquiry in students, setting a foundation for lifelong learning and problem-solving. This mindset, which values continuous learning and persistence, enables students to approach challenges across disciplines with a scientist’s curiosity. Through approaches like the Socratic method, problem-based learning, and hands-on activities, educators can enhance students' critical thinking and collaborative skills. By creating opportunities for inquiry-based learning, such as entry events, the See Feel Think Wonder protocol, and the Question Formulation Technique, teachers cultivate curiosity and guide students toward self-directed exploration. For example, …
Employing The Next Generation: Defining The Need For Employability Skills Integration Through The Lens Of School District Superintendents,
2024
New Mexico State University
Employing The Next Generation: Defining The Need For Employability Skills Integration Through The Lens Of School District Superintendents, William Norris, Shannon L. Norris-Parish
Journal of Research in Technical Careers
Since its inception, agricultural education has been instrumental in equipping secondary graduates with the necessary skills to be successful in their future career endeavors. While this has remained a priority over time, many employers claim that secondary graduates do not possess the necessary skills to be successful in the workforce. This study sought to assess the perceptions of school-district superintendents on the importance of integrating employability skills into agricultural education courses and evaluate differences in the perceptions of male and female superintendents. We used a descriptive research design to collect the data. The instrument assessed 41 individual skills in nine …
A Comparison Of Sixth Grade Student Academic Performance In Indiana Elementary Schools And Middle Schools,
2024
Indiana State University
A Comparison Of Sixth Grade Student Academic Performance In Indiana Elementary Schools And Middle Schools, Bret Bailey
All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this quantitative study was to provide school district leaders and policymakers information of the impact grade configuration had on academic performance using math and ELA ILEARN scores over a three-year period. The study included data from 585 schools that were classified into four groups: Elementary Setting, Intermediate Setting, Middle School/Junior High Setting, and Unified Setting. The study analyzed IDOE publicly released ILEARN math and ELA data for each of the three years. A one-way ANOVA test was utilized to run the statistical analysis, and a Games-Howell Post Hoc test identified which had statistically significantly different mean pass …
Exploring The Interplay Among Effort, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy In High School Mathematics And Act Math Achievement,
2024
The University of Southern Mississippi
Exploring The Interplay Among Effort, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy In High School Mathematics And Act Math Achievement, Katrina Lightsey
Dissertations
This study examines the relationship between high school students' attributions of effort, motivation, and self-efficacy as they relate to ACT math scores. Despite the important role of standardized tests in determining college admissions, there has been little research conducted to determine how students feel about these attributions and how they relate to math grades and ACT scores. A total of 52 juniors and seniors from local high schools participated in this study, which was conducted over the summer through voluntary participation following email invitations. The study was designed to measure students' self-reported effort, motivation, and self-efficacy using a survey instrument. …
21st Century Community Learning Centers: Program Evaluation Evidence From Texas,
2024
Stephen F Austin State University
21st Century Community Learning Centers: Program Evaluation Evidence From Texas, Rosilyn Jackson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Texas afterschool programs strive to enhance academic performance and meet students' needs, yet gaps in program quality persist. This study evaluated 21st Century Community Learning Centers’ performance in reading, math, GPA, attendance, in-school suspension, and engagement, both within these categories and against program goals and demographics. Theoretical frameworks used in this study include the logic model, social justice theory, and cultural relevance theory. This quantitative study utilized a nonexperimental and secondary data research design which utilized five statistical tests: the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, One-Way repeated ANOVA, Spearman Correlation, the Independent Samples t-Test, and the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results showed that …
Mission Possible: Motivating Students Toward High School Completion,
2024
UNO
Mission Possible: Motivating Students Toward High School Completion, Terri Howard
LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations
Celebrated each spring, high school graduation yields many positive, long-term impacts on an individual’s life. These include better overall health, lower reliance on government resources, higher lifetime earnings, and eligibility for post-secondary educational opportunities (Levin et al., 2007; Rowley et al., 2011; McFarland et al., 2019; Uretsky, 2019). While the benefits of high school completion are clear, each year hundreds of students fail to meet diploma requirements. Autonomous motivation, both intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation, drives engagement in activities perceived as relevant to desired outcomes and is closely associated with positive academic performance, school persistence (Deci et al., 1991; Vallerand …
Early Career Teachers' Perceptions And Preparedness For Culturally Responsive Teaching When Teaching Black Youths With Behavior Challenges.,
2024
University of Louisville
Early Career Teachers' Perceptions And Preparedness For Culturally Responsive Teaching When Teaching Black Youths With Behavior Challenges., Erica Brooks
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In my study, I explore the perceptions and preparedness of early career teachers in the context of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) when instructing Black youth with behavior challenges. Early career teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of their students. Their beliefs and readiness to employ CRT practices are critical factors in addressing the unique needs of Black youth, particularly those facing behavioral difficulties. I investigated the perceptions of early career teachers regarding the importance of CRT and its effect on the learning environment. I examined how these teachers perceive the value of cultural responsiveness in managing …
K-3 Teachers’ Self-Efficacy For Teaching Reading And Its Relationship On K-3 Students Reading Achievement: A Mixed-Methods Study,
2024
Xavier University of Louisiana
K-3 Teachers’ Self-Efficacy For Teaching Reading And Its Relationship On K-3 Students Reading Achievement: A Mixed-Methods Study, Adrienne Dowden
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Educators persistently grapple with heightened levels of accountability concerning their professional job performance, concomitant with the imperative to maintain commensurate standards in facilitating student achievement. Such circumstances engender heightened personal strain, potentially precipitating diminished self-esteem and consequently impeding the delivery of effective educational services to students, thereby compromising overall professional performance. Bandura (1997) delineated self-efficacy as the cognitive appraisal of one's capacity to orchestrate and execute specific tasks effectively. Moreover, he posited that individuals' anticipated outcomes are significantly influenced by their assessments of their competence to execute tasks in various contexts. Analogously, teachers' perceptions and attitudes regarding their students' overall …
An Examination Of The Effect Of The Implementation Of A Trauma-Informed School Initiative On The Attitudes Of The Staff In A School,
2024
East Tennessee State University
An Examination Of The Effect Of The Implementation Of A Trauma-Informed School Initiative On The Attitudes Of The Staff In A School, Michael Riddell
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to investigate the change in the attitudes of teachers pre and post implementation of a trauma-informed school initiative in a school in the Eastern Grand Region of Tennessee. As adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have become more recognizable in school age children by teachers and school staff members due to an increase in knowledge about ACEs, there has been an increase in the number of trauma-informed initiatives undertaken by schools across the United States. Due to the challenges associated with the implementation of trauma-informed initiatives in schools, it is important for administrators …
Qualitative Insights Into School Improvement Practices: Stakeholder Perceptions In Ghanaian Junior High Schools,
2024
University of Education, Winneba
Qualitative Insights Into School Improvement Practices: Stakeholder Perceptions In Ghanaian Junior High Schools, Mark Quansah Dr., Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah Dr
The Qualitative Report
This study aims to explore diverse perspectives on strategies for enhancing academic performance in Ghanaian Junior High Schools (JHSs). Recognizing the importance of context and stakeholder input, the research investigates the perceptions of teachers, headteachers, and school improvement support officers (SISOs) regarding effective school improvement practices. The study examined two Ghanaian districts using a qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm. Purposive sampling with maximum variance was used to target 20 participants, including 10 teachers, five headteachers, and five SISOs. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering, and the results were subjected to thematic analysis to find trends and …
A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education,
2024
University of Isfahan
A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education, Seyed Mohammad Reza Marvasti Zadeh, Azizollah Dabaghi Varnosfadrani Advarnosfadrani, Mohammad Amiryousefi
The Qualitative Report
Because Iran is a country of learners of diverse languages, socio-economic classes, genders, and ages, digital diversified education seems appropriate to address needs in English language education. However, there is a notable gap in research on teachers’ perceptions about this type of education. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding a diverse digital education. Data were collected via an open-ended survey with 30 EFL teachers, both male and female, who were selected through convenience sampling. Analysis revealed several key themes, including the utilization of diverse …
Getting Out Of The Starting Blocks Well: Analyzing The Impact Of An At-Risk First-Year Mentoring Program At A Rural High School In The Southeastern United States Of America.,
2024
Clemson University
Getting Out Of The Starting Blocks Well: Analyzing The Impact Of An At-Risk First-Year Mentoring Program At A Rural High School In The Southeastern United States Of America., Jeffrey Duncan
All Dissertations
As the US educational system recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts around the country search for ways to help students who have struggled to have academic success. Navigating the transition from middle to high school is critical for reaching on-time graduation for at-risk first-year high school students. A critical step in graduating is ensuring students feel that school is where they belong. Building relationships with a trusted adult on campus through weekly mentoring sessions is a strategy that can impact student academic outcomes. This dissertation uses the methodology of education improvement science through a Plan Do Study Act cycle …
Perceptions Of School Readiness Through The Lens Of Sel,
2024
Seton Hall University
Perceptions Of School Readiness Through The Lens Of Sel, Lisa Goncalves
Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)
School readiness includes a range of competencies and is influenced by both parental beliefs and teacher perceptions. Despite its significance, only a small number of states have an established definition of school readiness, which raises questions about how well stakeholder understandings align and the effectiveness of parental activities in promoting school readiness. In New Jersey, significant investments are being made to expand early educational opportunities, emphasizing the critical nature of this topic. With no standardized definition of school readiness and given the gaps in existing research, it is essential to explore the alignment between parent and teacher perceptions of school …
