Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Gamification In Education: Its Impact On Engagement, Motivation, And Learning Outcomes, Hansika Ukgoda

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Gamification, integrating game design elements into educational contexts, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of gamification in education. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review evaluates the effectiveness of gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards. Key Findings indicate that while gamification can foster positive learning attitudes and competition, its effectiveness depends on the context. The impact of game elements on engagement and motivation varies based on the learning environment and …

The Demand For Educational Functions Of Study Tour Products: From Students’ Perspectives, Yaqi Yu, Azizan Marzuki

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Few academic studies have comprehensively examined the actual demands of students regarding the educational function of study tours. This paper develops a demand index system based on three dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral demands. A questionnaire survey was administered to 397 students. Initially, student demands were categorized using the Kano model. Subsequently, the “dependence” and “expectancy” characteristics were analyzed through the dissatisfaction index (DI) and satisfaction index (SI). The impact of fulfilling each demand on dissatisfaction and satisfaction levels was then determined. The results indicated that among the three dimensions, there were 7 must-be demands, 6 one-dimensional demands, 8 attractive …

Development Of E-Module Based On Game-Based Learning To Enhance Students' Conceptual Understanding And Interest In Vibration And Wave Concept, Suci Indah Wulandari, Arif Widiyatmoko, Tiara Dwi Wulandari

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study aims to determine the effect of using a Game-Based Learning e-module on improving students' conceptual understanding and learning interest. The research employed the Research and Development (R&D) method using the ADDIE development model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). The developed e-module was tested on eighth-grade students. Conceptual understanding was measured based on seven indicators: interpreting, exemplifying, classifying, summarizing, inferring, comparing, and explaining. Learning interest was analyzed through four indicators: interest and enjoyment in the material, motivation to learn, focus and attention during the learning process, and the level of participation, enthusiasm, and involvement of students. Data were collected …

Rasch Model Utilization Towards Developing An Instrument For Measuring Creative Drive, David W. Stenulson

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

Creativity is commonly assessed across undergraduate programs as a graduation requirement. However, a considerable amount of literature suggests that creativity is a complex, multidimensional construct, and more efficient ways of assessing it should be explored with multiple measures representing different creative aspects. This exploratory pilot study sought to take steps in developing a supplemental instrument designed to measure creative drive, a theoretical construct with predictive potential for future creative output. In order to gain a greater understanding of the nature of creative drive and gauge accuracy of initial thinking in terms of item writing, the Creative Drive Assessment (CDA), a …

Investigating The Fits And Functionality Of The Community College Survey Of Student Engagement Using Rasch Modeling, Olukemi O. Kolawole

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

Student engagement is a central variable in higher education research as it influences academic achievement, retention, and the development of problem-solving skills. The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) is a vital tool for assessing student engagement in community colleges. Previous validation studies were mainly conducted in the mid-to-late 2000s and have used Classical Test Theory frameworks despite the known limitations of this approach. The present study seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CCSSE survey using a Rasch Analysis framework. The two CCSSE datasets were obtained from the Center for Community College Student Engagement at The University …

From Engagement To Clarity: Understanding Career Exploration Activities And Their Influence On Career Clarity Among High School Students, Odunayo O. Omotilewa

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

This study examined the associations between career exploration activities and career clarity among high school students in the U.S.A. Using data from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment, collected from a national sample of 15 to 16-year-olds across 154 schools, the researcher first identified student and school factors associated with engaging in career exploration. The study then examined the influence of these activities on career clarity. Specifically, the analysis focused on internships, job shadowing, job fairs, career counseling, completing career questionnaires, researching careers and colleges online, attending college tours, and financing information, and on the level of engagement in …

Investigating The Psychometric Properties Of A Set Of Local Stem Literacy Instruments In Rasch Model, Lijun Shen

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This study investigates the psychometric features of the See Blue STEM literacy inventories (SBSTEMs, including the elementary version SB-E and the middle school version SB-M) to determine their validity in measuring STEM literacy. Using data from elementary and middle school students participating in the See Blue STEM camp in 2019 and 2021-22, this research employed the Rasch Partial Credit Model (PCM) to analyze item-level performance and identify DIF items across various demographic subgroups (race, gender, free-lunch status, and potential first-generation status) and camp delivery modes (online versus in-person). Results indicated that both the elementary (SB-E) and middle school (SB-M) versions …

University Studies First-Year Inquiry Student Success Pilot Year 1 Report 2024 - 2025, Sarah Dougher, Lindsey Wilkinson, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

During the 24-25 academic year, fourteen University Studies First-year Inquiry courses participated in a pilot supported by the Office of Student Success that embeds student support resources into course work, activities, and curricula. This is an effort to connect students more directly to support services they may need to be successful at PSU, to increase their sense of belonging, and ultimately increase their completion of FRINQ. The Pilot is being evaluated based on academic outcomes, PSU resource use, and measures of efficacy and belonging. For Information about our evaluation methods and data sources, please see the full report and the …

A Profile Of Sophomore Inquiry Students Fall 2025, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

In order to better understand the students who enroll in Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) courses and begin to identify areas where they may need support, University Studies (UNST) began collecting and compiling data on these students. This report presents a profile of SINQ students from Fall 2025. It presents an overview of all students enrolled in SINQ during Fall 2025 and then summarizes information from the Prior Learning Survey. It is organized around three areas that contribute to student success: academic preparation and concern; financial and physical wellbeing; and connectedness to campus.

“We Are The Future Of This Community”: Exploring Belonging And Rural Healthcare Practice Intent In A High School Medical Sciences Club: A Case Study Of Rural Youth Identity, Purpose, And Place, Sydney Ann Lyons

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Rural communities across the United States are facing critical healthcare workforce shortages, threatening access to quality care for underserved populations. Health career pathway programs offer a promising solution: a “grow our own” strategy to inspire local youth to pursue healthcare careers. However, little research has explored the role of belonging, identity development, and place-connection in strengthening these programs' outcomes. This case study investigates how participation in the Medical Sciences Club at Del Norte High School— located in rural Northern California— shapes students’, personal growth, career purpose, and rural healthcare practice intent. Through interviews with students, educators, and parents, I found …

The Impact Of The Implementation Of The Interconnected Systems Framework (Isf) On Educators, Kayla Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Amid growing concerns around teacher retention and educator job satisfaction, this study explored how system-level frameworks, particularly the Interconnected System Framework (ISF), could influence key teacher outcomes. While the ISF has been widely associated with improved student outcomes, this research investigated its potential to enhance educator experiences, focusing on working conditions, retention rates, and school climate. Quantitative analysis revealed that schools implementing the ISF or PBIS reported significantly more favorable working conditions and school climate compared to non-implementing schools. Although teacher retention rates did not significantly differ across implementation types, notable variability within the non-implementing group suggests a need for …

Assessing Stress, Anxiety, And Burnout In Undergraduate Veterinary Technology Students, Dean Ann Daughaday-Provine

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Academic stress, anxiety, and burnout can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of students pursuing degrees in veterinary medicine. This quantitative study was designed to investigate the effects of academic stress, anxiety, and burnout on undergraduate students enrolled in Veterinary Technology programs. This study gained critical insight from current students transitioning through a rigorous curriculum of standards designed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) has established standards, outlined in policies and procedures, to ensure the quality of assessments and enhancements in veterinary education within accredited Veterinary Technology programs.

The Role Of Faith-Based Adult Education In Black And Marginalized Communities, Brian Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how faith-based and strengths-based adult education programs impact the cognitive well-being, life purpose, and socioeconomic outcomes of Black, and marginalized adult learners. The research seeks to understand the lived experiences of participants, motivations, and barriers to inform more inclusive and effective adult education practices. Additionally, the study aims to understand what impact these organizations are having on the self-efficacy, socioeconomic outcomes of Black and marginalized students, while looking to align areas for improvement. While the study uses quantitative methods to answer research question, the focus of questions bring insight that would …

Explorations Of Social-Emotional Learning In The Arts, Lydia Boyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this Honors Research Project was to explore social-emotional learning as a practice, to find effective applications for schools, to highlight the connections between the arts and social-emotional learning, and to provide useful methods for the actual implementation. There is a focus on the five main competencies of social-emotional learning which are self- awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship-building, and responsible decision- making skills which are translated into various class practices and art projects. Social-emotional learning is a mindset rather than merely a practice and has been practiced latently in education. Art education and social-emotional learning share congruencies in standards, …

The Impact Of Stem Self-Efficacy And Sense Of Belonging On Academic Performance For Students Of Color In Introductory Stem Courses, Danyelle Nichole Stokes

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study explores the interplay between STEM identity development, race and gender in relation to academic performance in STEM at the beginning of post-secondary education. Statistical analyses of this study included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and a multiple linear regression. The quantitative results indicated no statistically significant differences in self-efficacy and sense of belonging scores between White students and students of color. However, participants’ open-ended responses warranted a holistic examination to look for qualitative differences in the STEM identities of students of color and White students. The findings supported existing literature on disparities in support, inclusion and access to …

An Examination Of Preservice Teacher Knowledge Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) In The Elementary Classroom, Breana K. E. Webb

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examines the knowledge of preservice teachers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how well prepared they might be when supporting students in elementary classrooms. ADHD is a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder in children and has been increasingly diagnosed over the past several years. Teachers play a crucial role in providing effective instruction to each and every student in the classroom. Managing classroom instruction with diverse learning capabilities and behaviors requires teachers to understand the characteristics of ADHD, as well as instructional adaptations and behavioral interventions, among preservice teachers. Findings indicate that while most preservice teachers recognize the basic …

Minding The Gap: How Do New Lcap Requirements Address Equity For English Learners?, Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D., Raquel Gonzalez, Ph.D., Elvira G. Armas, Ed.D., Gisela O'Brien, Ph.D., Hannah Catron, M.A., Jeimee Estrada-Miller, Ph.D., M.P.P.

Reports

California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), signed into law in 2013, centers equity as a key to increased and improved services for three targeted student subgroups, including English Learners (ELs), low-income students, and foster youth. As a component of LCFF, districts develop Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to specify their goals and strategies for using LCFF funds for equity and continuous improvement purposes. In this report, Lavadenz and colleagues use a sample of 26 California public school districts with high numbers/percentages of ELs, finding that although some progress has been made, public schools continue to miss the mark in …

Personalized Physics Learning Through Ai: Insights From Problem Generation, Chatbot Dialogues, And Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Atharva Dange

Physics Dissertations - Archive

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform science education, yet questions remain on how best to integrate these technologies into teaching and learning. This dissertation investigates the use of AI-driven tools in university physics courses through three complementary studies. In the first study, a generative language model (ChatGPT) was used to create novel physics homework problems aligned with course objectives. Analysis showed that, after expert vetting, AI-generated questions can foster higher-order problem-solving and reduce student reliance on solution memorization, though careful instructor oversight is required to ensure accuracy. The second study embedded an AI chatbot as a learning aid in …

Does Money Matter? An Analysis Between Per-Student Funding And Its Link To Student Achievement In Florida, Chloe Zwetschkenbaum

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examined the relationship between per-student funding and student achievement within four counties in the state of Florida (Clay County, Duval County, Flagler County, and St. Johns County) and whether higher per-student funding resulted in higher student achievement. Florida recently changed from the usage of the Common Core Standards to the Florida Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) and from the Florida State Assessment (FSA) to the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T.) test in 2022 (Sabina, Hartikka, and Viola, 2023). This research focused funding on the results of the F.A.S.T. test and the per-student funding of each district …

Extending The Applicability Of Thermal Protection System Ballistic Limit Equations Beyond The Testable Regime, William P. Schonberg, Michael D. Squire

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Spacecraft use thermal insulation in their design, which is usually placed on their exterior. As such, it is susceptible to high-speed impacts by meteoroids and orbital debris, which can damage it to a point where the protection it offers is below acceptable limits. It is important to be able to characterize expected levels of damage stemming from such high-speed impacts. In this paper, we extend the applicability of a previously developed ballistic limit equation (BLE) for one such thermal insulation material using the results of a series of Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics Code (SPHC) impact simulations at velocities in excess of …