Relationship Between Teacher Inquiry Science Instruction Self-Efficacy And Student Achievement,
2016
Walden University
Relationship Between Teacher Inquiry Science Instruction Self-Efficacy And Student Achievement, Grace Hanners
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Standardized test data indicate that student achievement in science is a problem both nationally and locally. At the study site, only a small percentage of fifth-grade students score at the advanced level on the Maryland state science assessment (MSA). In addition, the performance of African American, economically disadvantaged, and special education students is well below that of the general student population. Some studies have shown that teacher self-efficacy affects student achievement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between fifth-grade teacher inquiry science instruction self-efficacy scores and the scores of their students on the MSA. Bandura's …
High School Seniors' Knowledge About College And The Acquisition Of College-Readiness Skills,
2016
Walden University
High School Seniors' Knowledge About College And The Acquisition Of College-Readiness Skills, Karen Franklin Mcsherry
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Lack of college readiness, which affects persistence in college, is a problem for many students at a high school in New Jersey. Only 1 in 5 students in this school persist from first to second year in New Jersey public colleges and universities, and as many as 50% do not graduate in 4 years. This problem is important to study because low persistence may engender personal failure, familial debt, social stigma, and wasted public funds. Guided by Bandura's social learning theory, this qualitative case study addressed the lack of college readiness by exploring what high school students know about going …
Teachers Perceptions Of Barriers To Universal Design For Learning,
2016
Walden University
Teachers Perceptions Of Barriers To Universal Design For Learning, Mary Elizabeth Jordan Anstead
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been identified as a contemporary instructional model for promoting inclusion and equitable opportunities for diverse and struggling learners. However, research regarding teachers' perceptions of UDL and its effective implementation is limited, making planning, implementing, and providing professional development difficult for administrators. Guided by the constructivist views of Vygotsky and Piaget, this qualitative case study was designed to understand teachers' knowledge and perceptions of how UDL can be used to promote equitable inclusive instruction, implementation barriers, educational applications for UDL, and perceived needs to implement UDL. Participants were teachers who had implemented UDL from a …
Examination Of Resource Allocation And Student Achievement,
2016
Walden University
Examination Of Resource Allocation And Student Achievement, Jo Ann Neal
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Despite the raise in per-pupil expenditures, the achievement gap between economically advantaged and disadvantaged students continues to increase. Education proponents are scrambling to understand the complexities of local school funding. The No Child Left behind deadline stipulated that all students must be proficient in language arts and mathematics by 2014. The constructivist theory served as the conceptual framework for the study. Performance data were obtained from the State of New Jersey Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. This quantitative study determined whether a significant relationship exists between the allocation of fiscal resources and students' test scores. …
Faculty Perceptions On The Student Learning Accountability Movement,
2016
Walden University
Faculty Perceptions On The Student Learning Accountability Movement, Tara Rose
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Literature examining the impact of the student learning accountability movement on faculty perspectives is insufficient, as little is known about how faculty perceive the requirements related to federal, state, and institutional accountability initiatives. This case study investigated the threat posed by the accountability movement on the stability of faculty engagement, while exploring how faculty perceptions of the movement will impact institutional and state policy. Using Levin's system of accountability as the framework for this study, the central research question explored how understanding faculty perspectives on the student learning accountability movement could promote policy within an institution. Data were gathered via …
Relationships Among Middle School Teachers' Perceptions Regarding Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In General Education Classrooms,
2016
Walden University
Relationships Among Middle School Teachers' Perceptions Regarding Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In General Education Classrooms, Stacey O. Forrester
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Accommodating students with disabilities in a general education class often requires instructional modification and extra student support. Research has shown that making required changes can evoke different responses from teachers and can influence their willingness to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. However, research has not examined the relationships between middle school teachers' preparation for and experiences with inclusion instruction and their attitudes toward inclusion. The purpose of this correlational study was to explore possible relationships between middle school teachers' attitudes about including students with mild to moderate disabilities in the general education setting and the teachers' education level, …
The Effect Of State Financial Aid Policies On College Completion,
2016
Walden University
The Effect Of State Financial Aid Policies On College Completion, Sheri E. Ragland
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In 2008, state legislatures provided $6 billion in financial aid to 2 million low-income young adults. When low-income young adults receive state financial aid and do not complete college, states lose their investment because fewer people with degrees will contribute to the state's economy. Declining states' budgets have led to (a) the rising cost of higher education, (b) state merit-based aid that has targeted nonminority students from affluent backgrounds, and (c) state need-based aid that has targeted students further along in their college career. State need- and merit-based aid may contribute to the lack of college completion among low-income freshman …
Strategies For Managing A Multigenerational Workforce,
2016
Walden University
Strategies For Managing A Multigenerational Workforce, Ronald Lee Iden
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The multigenerational workforce presents a critical challenge for business managers, and each generation has different expectations. A human resource management study of organizations with more than 500 employees reported 58% of the managers experiencing conflict between younger and older workers. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the multigenerational strategies used by 3 managers from a Franklin County, Ohio manufacturing facility with a population size of 6 participants. The conceptual framework for this study was built upon generational theory and cohort group theory. The data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews, company documents, and a reflexive journal. …
Assessing Knowledge Of Evidence-Basedpractice Among Nurses,
2016
Walden University
Assessing Knowledge Of Evidence-Basedpractice Among Nurses, Suja Merin John
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is used worldwide to improve the quality of patient care to provide cost-effective care. EBP is a mandate for nursing practice combining individual clinical judgment with available expertise to generate a positive outcome for the patient. Investigators have documented that nurses have varying degrees of confidence and knowledge about EBP. The purpose of this project was to improve knowledge of EBP among registered nurses (RNs). The ACE Star Model of Knowledge transformation was used as the conceptual model. The key project question was to assess the level of knowledge and confidence about EBP among RNs in a …
Elementary General Education Teachers' Knowledge Of And Experience Teaching Students With Disabilities In Science And Social Studies,
2016
Walden University
Elementary General Education Teachers' Knowledge Of And Experience Teaching Students With Disabilities In Science And Social Studies, Diane Rice
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In Grades 3 to 5 at a suburban southeastern elementary school, the percentage of students with disabilities (SWDs) who do not meet state standards in science and social studies is greater than that of their nondisabled peers. To address this disparity, district administrators required that proficiency ratings increase for SWDs without providing general education (GE) teachers with training. A qualitative bounded case study was used to understand how GE teachers constructed their knowledge of and met SWDs instructional needs and to understand GE teachers' needs as they worked toward meeting the district goals. Piaget's constructivist learning theory served as the …
Impact Of Orientation Programs On Nontraditional Students' Perceived Academic Success In Adult Education Programs,
2016
Walden University
Impact Of Orientation Programs On Nontraditional Students' Perceived Academic Success In Adult Education Programs, Marsha Ann Webster
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Many administrators and faculty within higher education institutions have grappled with identifying and employing effective strategies to facilitate student success and persistence. The current study focuses on assessing nontraditional students' self-efficacy beliefs and their perception of the orientation program at a 2-year continuing education program in a Caribbean nation. The study is important as the findings have the potential to increase nontraditional students' persistence and learning. Bandura's social cognitive theory and the theory of self-efficacy served as the theoretical frameworks of this sequential mixed-methods design study. The quantitative research questions examined the reported self-efficacy levels of 77 participants and nonparticipants …
Understanding Attrition Among English As A Foreign Language Teachers In Online Training,
2016
Walden University
Understanding Attrition Among English As A Foreign Language Teachers In Online Training, Joseline Castaños
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Attrition among students in online courses worldwide is well-documented at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. However, little is yet known about the reason for attrition among in-service teachers in online training. Online education aims to provide access to education for the masses, but with higher attrition rates, it may be viewed as less effective than traditional education. This study explored factors that influenced attrition and persistence among teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in an online teacher training environment. Tinto's Community of Inquiry framework and Short, Williams, and Christie's Social Presence Model provided the conceptual framework for …
Exploring College Instructors' Integration Of Technology Into Their Curriculum,
2016
Walden University
Exploring College Instructors' Integration Of Technology Into Their Curriculum, Junior George Martin
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Technology integration in the curriculum remains a challenge at different levels in the education system. In one Caribbean 4-year college, faculty are expected to prepare preservice teachers to integrate technology in classroom instruction. When preservice teachers are not prepared for technology integration, interventions are necessary to address this challenge of technology integration. The purpose of this qualitative bounded intrinsic case study was to gain an understanding of the process of technology integration by instructors at the research site. Davies' theory for understanding technological literacy and the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge model conceptually framed this study. A purposeful sample of …
Response To Intervention Teachers' Perspective Of Tier 2 Intervention Fidelity,
2016
Walden University
Response To Intervention Teachers' Perspective Of Tier 2 Intervention Fidelity, Doretha Meissner
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In an urban Texas school district, teachers and administrators were concerned about students' achievement and the teachers' knowledge and implementation of Response to Intervention (RTI) Tier 2 interventions with fidelity. This study addressed teachers' perceptions of the reliability of the application of Tier 2 interventions at the study site, its influence on student achievement, and the appropriateness of current professional development at the targeted campus. The constructivist concept of how people learn and the implementation theory of scaffolding instruction, meaningful experiences, and active learning provided the framework for this study. The educators provided perspectives of how the quality and frequency …
Case Study Of Stakeholders' Views On Retention And Self-Efficacy In Texas Nursing Programs,
2016
Walden University
Case Study Of Stakeholders' Views On Retention And Self-Efficacy In Texas Nursing Programs, Durcilla Kay Williams
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Retention of students through the completion of the nursing degree is a problem that exists at local Texas nursing programs, adding to the nursing shortage at local Texas hospitals. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify the best practices used by a local Texas college with graduation rates above the benchmark of 85% set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The study framework was based on Bandura's theory of self-efficacy and Tinto's theory of student retention. The research questions for the study focused on reasons the college maintained a high retention rate, best practices currently used, …
Mentor Perspectives On Effective Mentoring For Beginning Elementary School Teachers,
2016
Walden University
Mentor Perspectives On Effective Mentoring For Beginning Elementary School Teachers, Betsy Holley Gross
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The attrition of beginning teachers is an ongoing problem for public schools as it impacts campus moral, results in economic losses, and maintains the number of newly-hired teachers. Although induction programs for beginning teachers have been found effective in reducing novice teacher attrition, funding for many induction programs have been eliminated due to budget constraints, leaving local school systems with limited support of the mentors and no consistency as to expectations or outcomes. Compounding this problem is that little research has examined what is most successful and supportive for mentors to be able to function most effectively. Guided by Knowles' …
Factors For Success In Community College Online Gateway Math,
2016
Walden University
Factors For Success In Community College Online Gateway Math, Lisa Marie Borzewski
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Researchers have found that student success rates in online classes are lower than in comparable face-to-face courses. Yet, the research is unclear as to whether student demographic and academic history variables are related to the lower success rates. At a large community college in Florida, low success rates for students in the online Intermediate Algebra course led to delays in the continuation of required coursework and graduation for many students and the factors associated with low success rates were largely unknown. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the associations between several student variables and student success in …
Compassion Fatigue In Emergency Department Nurses,
2016
Walden University
Compassion Fatigue In Emergency Department Nurses, Dionne Hutson Hendy
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Compassion fatigue (CF) is a problem seen within healthcare institutions worldwide, especially critical care units and emergency departments (EDs). The problem identified in this quality improvement (QI) project was CF, experienced by nurses in the ED. The effects of CF cross nurse-patient boundaries and negatively impact a patient's expectations of having a quality care experience. The Iowa model's evidence-based team approach was used to guide the development of the education initiative for nurses on recognizing, preventing, and identifying methods of coping with CF in the ED. The outcome products for the project included an extensive review of the literature, a …
Middle School Teachers' Experiences With Teaching Self-Regulation Skills To Adolescents With Disabilities,
2016
Walden University
Middle School Teachers' Experiences With Teaching Self-Regulation Skills To Adolescents With Disabilities, Jessica Traylor
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Research shows that adolescents with disabilities often lack self-regulated learning skills. Current research further indicates that explicit teaching of self-regulation skills is beneficial to adolescents with disabilities. The site of this study was a local middle school in rural Georgia that did not assess whether or not teachers were explicitly teaching self-regulation skills to adolescents with disabilities. It was unknown, therefore, whether adolescents with disabilities were learning self-regulation skills in school and whether teachers faced problems in teaching these skills. The study sought to explore this gap in knowledge and practice. Zimmerman's self-regulated learning theory and Bandura's self-efficacy theory served …
The Influence Of Nursing Academic Leadership On Faculty Retention,
2016
Walden University
The Influence Of Nursing Academic Leadership On Faculty Retention, Carol Turrin Turrin
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The critical nursing faculty shortage in the United States affects the ability of nursing schools to train an adequate number of nurses to meet increasing health care demands. Researchers have focused on the nursing faculty shortage; however, insufficient information exists on the relational influence leadership has on faculty retention. The research problem addressed in this study was the lack of information identifying how and in what ways leadership influences retention and intent to stay in academia. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptual views of current faculty, using the leader-member exchange theory. Focusing on baccalaureate nursing …
