Educational Methods Commons^™

Investigating The Use Of Socio-Scientific Issues As Phenomena Through A Storyline Framework In A High School Biology Course, Dana Marie Delpha

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation investigates the efficacy of a socio-scientific phenomena-driven biology curriculum in a Title 1 Massachusetts High School. Grounded in social constructivism, culturally relevant pedagogy, and self-determination theories, the study explores the impact of socio-scientific phenomena on students’ perceived importance of science education, motivation, engagement, and achievement. A mixed-methods approach was used, and data was collected through student engagement reflection, Science Motivation Questionnaire, and pre- and post-assessments to holistically evaluate the efficacy of the curriculum. The findings include increased student engagement, motivation, and achievement after participating in the intervention, which supports the motivation-engagement-achievement feedback loop. Student agency was …

Gateways To Reading: Action Research With At-Risk Students At An Alternative School, David Sean Goff

Theses and Dissertations

There is no shortage of research on how low levels of literacy disproportionately affect students of color, but this research was interested in how three theoretical models may impact this trend. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the reading experiences and engagement levels of students in an alternative school English class, applying culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), self-determination theory (SPD), and zone of proximal development (ZPD). CRP is a theoretical model that upholds students’ cultural identities, while pursuing academic success. ZPD is a theoretical model that suggests learning occurs when content is within students’ ability. SDT is …

Systems Check: A Qualitative Case Study Of Educators And Parent-Educators Supporting Adolescent Readers From An Ecological Systems Perspective, Kristi Nicole Grooms

Theses and Dissertations

In spite of decades of research and an abundance of well-intentioned intervention efforts, supporting adolescent readers, particularly at the middle level, remains a significant area of concern for educators in the United States. The struggles are present for educators working to help underperforming readers reach grade-level and keep advanced readers motivated and engaged. At home, parents and guardians experience similar challenges. Data on adolescent comprehension performance continues to be frustrating in terms of producing consistent positive results. This qualitative action research study investigated the ongoing challenge of supporting adolescent readers, specifically within the context of 7th grade, through a systems …

Breaking The Pipeline: Exploring Exclusionary Discipline, Restorative Justice, And The Attitudes And Beliefs Of Educators, Ericka J. Varnedoe

Honors College Theses

This study explores the connection between exclusionary disciplinary practices and the school-to-prison pipeline. It highlights how exclusionary discipline, including suspensions and expulsions, disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth, further contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. In contrast, restorative justice, a non-punitive approach, offers a promising alternative. Initially adopted from the criminal justice system, restorative justice has been integrated into school environments to foster positive school climates, improve experiences, and mitigate challenging behaviors. This research examines educators' attitudes toward both exclusionary and restorative practices, as well as their awareness and implementation of restorative …

Reducing Barriers To Entry: Enhancing Inclusivity And Engagement In Elementary School Extracurricular Programs, Katie A. Monahan

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study explores the barriers and strategies related to developing inclusive extracurricular programs in an urban elementary school. Through stakeholder surveys, interviews, and archival data, the study investigates how extracurricular activities support student engagement, social-emotional learning (SEL), and a sense of belonging, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds.

Findings highlight persistent barriers, including funding limitations, staffing shortages, logistical challenges, and the absence of a centralized system for tracking participation. These issues disproportionately impact students with disabilities, English Language Learners (ELLs), and those from low-income households. The study also identifies key supports, such as community partnerships and culturally …

Evaluation Of Online Learning And Educational Resources On Learning Outcomes In Medical Education: A Systematic Review, Ryan Victor-Joseph, Misa Mi, David Stewart

Posters

No abstract provided.

Structured Unfreedom: Improving Schools, Society, And The Relationship Between Them Through Meaningful Learning And Autonomy, Meghan Carroll

Educational Studies Honors Papers

This paper seeks to explore critiques of the structure of traditional US public schools and investigate alternative methods of schooling that have looked to address these critiques in various ways. I draw upon various educational theorists to argue that the structure of traditional public schools, through their lack of freedom and choice given to students (and oftentimes teachers), creates an environment where students do not care about or feel connected to their education and what they are learning in school. There are various foundational elements that contribute to this structure of school, such as the switching of classes and the …

The Bluey Effect: Using The Children’S Cartoon To Connect Social-Emotional Learning And Core Content In The Classroom, Marra Becker

Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, there has been a push for incorporating SEL, or social-emotional learning, into the classroom. As important as this movement is, many teachers have expressed concerns about their ability to intentionally address SEL concepts during the school day. This stems from a lack of time, accessible SEL programs, and training for teachers and staff. During this time, studies have also shown that as students go through school into higher education, rates of engagement tend to drop significantly. This has only increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to address both of these challenges is to create a way …

Equipping Teachers To Support Comic Literacy: An Analysis Of The Educational Potential Of Toon Book, Kayla Whitlock, Jewel Yoder Kuhns, Sara Kersten-Parrish Dr.

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

Teachers frequently reach for leveled readers to help facilitate their guided reading groups; however, there can be limits in using these leveled readers. One such limit relates to enjoyment and engagement. An answer to this is using TOON books during guided reading time. TOON books are graphic novel leveled readers and were created in response to a need for high quality books for readers of all levels. However, in reading these books teachers need to be aware of the comics form and how those features impact the reading process. In this article, we outline the features common in graphic novels …

Using Social Emotional Learning To Connect Social Awareness And Classic Literature, Erin Anderson

Honors Projects

The following case study explores how social-emotional learning (SEL) teaching strategies enhance seventh-grade students’ engagement with classic literature during English Language Arts (ELA) class. Using S.E. Hinton’s classic novella The Outsiders as a foundation for this research, this study examines whether SEL-based lesson plans help adolescents make deeper connections between literature and their own lives. Two groups of students were compared in the study: one group received traditional, comprehension-based instruction, while the other participated in SEL-based assessments, encouraging perspective-taking and personal reflection. This study utilizes qualitative assessments like character analysis, reflection, and surveys to affirm that students who are exposed …

Enhancing Student Engagement And Support With A Discord Ticketing And Ai-Driven Faq System, Benjamin Cisneros, Jorge Fonseca Cacho

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

As the CS 202 Coordinator overseeing seven sections per semester, I introduced a Discord-based ticketing system to streamline student support and engagement. Traditional methods like office hours and email often created delays, whereas the ticket system allows students to receive timely help from any available TA, regardless of section. To further enhance accessibility, we added a public FAQ channel that displays resolved tickets, helping students quickly find answers without combing through chat logs. This approach supports learners with shorter attention spans and builds a shared knowledge base. Additionally, we are compiling these interactions to train an AI chatbot capable of …

The Power Of Connection: Fostering A Safe And Supportive Classroom, Michelle A. Arroyo

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

One of the most effective teaching practices is building strong relationships with students and creating a safe, supportive classroom environment. When students feel valued, respected, and comfortable, they are more likely to engage in learning, take risks, and persist through challenges. In my classroom, I prioritize getting to know my students personally, establishing consistent expectations, and fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. By emphasizing trust, encouragement, and open communication, I create a space where students feel safe to ask questions without fear, advocate for themselves, and develop confidence in their abilities. This approach is particularly …

Teaching With Roleplaying Games, Bryan Blankfield

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Roleplaying Games (RPG) offer a uniquely dynamic teaching practice. Educational RPGs invite students to roleplay as historical figures or character types navigating complex scenarios. My students have roleplayed as golden age hip hop artists, presidential campaign teams, and citizens debating for/against Maya Lin’s proposed Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1980. Any scenario is possible! The length of these games can span from one class period to an entire semester. It just depends on your objectives.

From Page To Perspective: Book Clubs & Book Reviews Enhance Learning In The College Classroom, Kim Nehls

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Incorporating book clubs and book reviews into my International Business Capstone course (UNLV BUS 498) offered a dynamic and fun learning experience that enhanced both academic development and personal growth. Following this assignment, students demonstrated strengthened skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and global awareness.

Using Game-Based Learning As An Active Learning Technique In Nursing Education Classes, Margaret Trnka

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

In nursing education it is essential to prepare the students for complex clinical settings. The use of active learning activities such as game-based learning combines nursing content with gaming to increase engagement, knowledge retention, and critical thinking. This poster presentation shares information on game-based learning, how to use it, where to gather more information on the topic, and resources to implement game-based learning in the classroom. Game-based learning offers students an engaging and active way to learn in not just nursing education but all areas of education. Game-based learning is a strong activity that promotes deeper learning in both didactic …

Leveling The Playing Field: The Power Of Pre-Class Structure In Inclusive Education, Andrew Kauffman

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Many students enter UNLV without prior instruction on effective learning strategies or class preparation, and their limited classroom contact hours further hinder the development of essential study and self-regulation skills. This challenge is particularly pronounced among students from underrepresented and underserved communities. To address this, I created structured pre-class activities designed to equip students with effective study habits and learning strategies that support their success both in and out of the classroom. Before each class session, students complete a “Pre-Class Guided Practice” handout, which includes an overview of the new material, clearly defined learning objectives, a QR code linking to …

Helping Students Frame Their Educational Experiences, Nathan Slife, Joseph Ervin

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

What separates a good instructor from a great instructor? One crucial aspect of a great instructor is their ability to help students frame their educational experiences. This framing assistance occurs for both good and challenging student experiences. Instructors play an important role in helping students understand their educational experiences. An instructor may not recognize that they have such a role. We encourage instructors to be intentional about their role in students’ framing.

When Realism In Testing Backfires: Lessons From An Unstructured Practical Exam Pairing, Jennifer Nash

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Physical therapists must adapt quickly and independently in diverse neurologic settings. To reinforce diagnostic readiness and self-sufficiency, students were not assigned partners in advance and received their exam schedule only on the day of testing. This format was designed to challenge adaptability under realistic conditions, promote independent preparation across all course skills, and reduce reliance on rehearsed teamwork.

Designing Futures: Embedding Life Design Into Second-Year Seminar, Janel Doll, Lauren Gatto, Chelsie Hawkinson, Anne Jacklin

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

In COE 202: Second-Year Seminar (SYS), students engage in Life Design to build purpose-driven academic and career pathways. We use design thinking to help students:

• Identify values, strengths, and goals
• Explore possible life and career directions
• Reflect on academic choices in relation to future plans

Life Design Portfolio — Includes:

• Worldview & Lifeview reflections
• Odyssey Plans
• Decision-Making Matrix
• Prototyping conversations and experiences

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply design thinking to life and career planning
• Demonstrate reflective decision-making skills
• Articulate personal and professional values
• Connect coursework to long-term aspirations

Enhancing Engagement And Accessibility With Ai, Dynamic Camera, & Multi-Device Integration, Jorge Fonseca Cacho, Benjamin Cisneros

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

One of the biggest challenges in both in-person and remote learning is maintaining student engagement. Traditional lecture recording setups rely on static cameras, keeping the instructor locked in one position. However, research shows that students are more engaged when instructors move naturally throughout the room, using gestures, proximity, and dynamic body language to reinforce key concepts. Our solution integrates the Insta360 Link AI-powered facial tracking camera, which autonomously follows the instructor's movement across the classroom. This allows for a more natural, interactive teaching experience where students remain visually and cognitively engaged. Paired with a Laptop for presentations, an iPad Pro …