Digital Commons Network^™

Expanding Traditional Literacy Frameworks: A Multiliteracies Approach In Elementary Classrooms, Caroline Cuenca

Doctoral Dissertations

Teaching literacy in elementary schools can provide students with a rich, meaningful, and engaging learning experience. Furthermore, cultivating a culturally responsive approach to teaching and learning can promote feelings of acceptance and belonging in young children (Comber, 2018). However, elementary educators are feeling increased pressure to emphasize literacy instruction with a sole focus on foundational literacy skills, standardized curriculum, and accountability measures (Unadkat & Ochoa, 2026). Unfortunately, these instructional practices often limit students' opportunities to engage in creative, collaborative, multimodal, and meaningful learning (Unadkat & Cuenca, 2025). This mixed-methods study examined how a critical multiliteracies curriculum was implemented in a …

The Effectiveness Of The Fishbowl Strategy Int Eaching Mathematics On Developing Creative Thinking For Fourth Grade Students In Basic Education In Dhofar Governorate, Sabah Abdalla Elsayed, Najawa Said Al-Hatmi

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The fishbowl technique improves the sharing of ideas in a structured conversational environment, adding depth and excitement to creative thought; it further promotes active observation and a secure discussion atmosphere, fostering the development of innovative solutions among learners, therefore; the current research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Fishbowl strategy as one of the active learning strategies in teaching mathematics to develop creative thinking among fourth-grade students in basic education in Dhofar Governorate. An experimental approach with a quasi-experimental design was applied, where a sample consisting of two groups was selected: an experimental group (which studied using the Fishbowl …

Deferred Action Theory As A Framework For Adaptive Educational Procurement: Navigating Uncertainty And Digital Transformation In Education Systems, Herdiana Herdiana, B. Yuliarto Nugroho, Andreo Wahyudi Atmoko

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Public procurement constitutes a significant portion of national expenditure and directly affects economic growth, service delivery, and governance quality. In Indonesia, education sector procurement absorbs more than half of the allocated budget but remains vulnerable to inefficiencies, rigid procedures, and corruption risks. This study aims to conceptualize an adaptive framework for Public Procurement Business Process Management (PP-BPM) that addresses environmental uncertainty, digital transformation, and governance challenges. This conceptual study integrates Deferred Action Theory (DAT), Emergent Business Processes (EBP), and Business Process Management (BPM) to develop a multi-level framework for procurement. The analysis covers strategic, managerial, and operational dimensions, emphasizing deferment …

Reimagining Instructional Planning: Balancing Real-Life Experiences With Ai Instantaneity, Shaanii-Grace Robinson-Ritzdorf

Essays in Education

Instructional planning challenges teachers to balance creativity, time, and application of real-life experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers rapid lesson ideas, personalized resources, and adaptive tools, yet uncritical use risks generic, disengaging instruction. This essay was based on the background study that examined elementary teachers’ integration of real-life experiences in science and math lessons in northwestern New Mexico through lesson plans, professional development materials, and interviews. Results revealed teacher-centered, procedural approaches with limited connection to students’ lived experiences, while personally designed lessons allowed greater flexibility for meaningful examples. Thoughtfully guided AI can bridge this gap, supporting scenario-based learning, differentiation, and student …

Perspective In Biomedical Sciences Field: Education And Career, Fitra Adi Prayogo, Mellyaning Oktaviani Sonya Kirana Sari, Isy Royhanaty, Poppy Fansisca Amelia, Heni Wijayanti, Ni Nyoman Maryaningtyas Adinatha, Dyah Wulandari, Anto Budiharjo

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The biomedical sciences represent a dynamic and multidisciplinary field pivotal to advancing human health through research, education, and innovation.

Objective(s): This review explores the evolving landscape of biomedical education and career pathways, driven by technological advancements, interdisciplinary integration, and global health demands.

Methods: We examine the distinctions between biomedical science, biomedicine, and biomedical engineering, highlighting their historical origins and contemporary roles. The education and career trajectories of biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) are analysed, emphasising diverse competencies, core curricula, and the impact of regional policies on professional qualifications. Emerging trends and ethical/regulatory challenges are discussed.

Result(s): Key trends include …

Improving Pre-Nursing Retention Through Structured Readiness Modules: Development Of The Pre-Nursing Information Hub, Amber M. Carter

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Amber M. Carter on March 30, 2026.

Copyright Information

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Publication rights to works is granted to Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, however, full copyright for works published in this journal is retained by the author(s). The author(s) may post their works online in an institutional repository, on their university departmental website, or on their own personal websites.

From The Editors..., Thomastine Sarchet-Maher

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Call For Manuscripts, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities is a peer-reviewed, open access, multi-disciplinary online journal with an international focus. We publish articles that reflect the best of research and practice related to inclusive science education, including works submitted by science and special education researchers, teacher educators, and teachers. Interesting topics have included innovative curricular ideas, instructional adaptations, research-based modifications, best practices, and management strategies in science education. JSESD adopts the philosophical perspective that all students can achieve in science, and that science benefits from the full participation of all students.

Secondary English Teachers’ Perceptions And Experiences With The Ela Guidebooks Curriculum: A Phenomenological Study, Bodie Dufrene

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

As standards-based curriculum reforms expand across the United States, school districts have increasingly adopted scripted curricular materials to promote coherence across classroom practice and strengthen alignment to standardized assessments. Within Louisiana, efforts to align English instruction to the Common Core State Standards manifested in the creation of the ELA Guidebooks curriculum by the Louisiana Department of Education. Guidebooks provides teachers with sequenced units of instruction organized around a central novel, explicit directions, pacing guidance, and cumulative writing tasks aligned to central unit questions. This qualitative study explored how secondary (i.e., grades 6-12) English teachers perceived and described their experiences implementing …

Reconceptualizing Educational Technology Integration In A Middle Level Teacher Preparation Program, Deborah H. Mcmurtrie, Bridget K. Coleman, Gary J. Senn

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

Our middle level education (MLE) faculty recently engaged in a self-study guided by this research question: How is our university preparing our MLE teacher candidates to integrate technology in teaching and learning? There were two overarching goals: 1) identify where we can introduce, practice, reinforce, and master technology skills and concepts. 2) reconceptualize our technology integration course. Our process included collaborating with stakeholders, surveying teacher candidates, examining theoretical underpinnings, exploring research-based best practices, and analyzing our programs. Data was collected through multi-year technology surveys and semi-structured focus group interviews. We grouped survey data into three broad technology categories: instructional delivery, …

Beyond The Survey: Performance Assessments For Higher-Order Sustainability Literacy In Higher Education, Gregory Vincent Massara, Courtney B. Ryan, Mary Ellen Mallia

Educational Policy & Leadership Other Graduate Student Scholarship

Purpose This study explores how a performance-based assessment measures students’ higher-order sustainability competencies in ways that multiple-choice or scaled-survey tools, common ways to assess sustainability literacy, may not.

Design/Methodology/Approach This exploratory case study created a performance task for a first-year honors writing and critical inquiry course. Students (n=9) analyzed a scenario across environmental, social, and economic domains. A rubric measured students’ abilities to address all three domains and articulate a feasible and balanced solution supported by credible evidence.

Findings Students demonstrated proficiency in defining the three sustainability domains but tended to struggle to balance them. Choosing scenarios in familiar local …

Culturally Responsive Stem Teaching With Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Eun Kyung Ko

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

This study examines how integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, specifically ChatGPT, into teacher education can enhance culturally responsive teaching (CRT) in STEM education. AI's potential to support lesson planning, streamline administrative tasks, and offer personalized learning paths is explored alongside its challenges, such as ethical concerns and contextual adaptation. The study involved pre-service elementary teachers who used AI modules to design CRT-aligned STEM lessons, reflecting on their experiences through surveys and journals. The findings reveal that AI enhances efficiency, generates creative ideas, and fosters inclusivity by providing culturally relevant materials. However, the study emphasizes that AI cannot replace human expertise …

Development Of A Problem-Based Learning Model Assisted By The Interactive Canva Application To Improve Critical Thinking And Collaboration Skills Of Fourth Grade Elementary School Students, Fitri Dwi Utami, Heris Hendriana, Galih Dani Septyan Rahayu

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Penelitian ini dimotivasi oleh rendahnya kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kolaborasi siswa kelas empat sekolah dasar yang disebabkan oleh pembelajaran konvensional dan kurangnya penggunaan media pembelajaran interaktif. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah (PBL) yang dibantu oleh aplikasi interaktif Canva yang layak dan efektif untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kolaborasi siswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah model Penelitian dan Pengembangan (R&D) Borg & Gall yang meliputi tahapan analisis kebutuhan, perencanaan, pengembangan produk, validasi ahli, revisi produk, dan uji lapangan. Subjek penelitian terdiri dari 21 siswa pada uji terbatas, 30 siswa pada uji luas, dan 60 siswa pada …

A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Dynamic Versus Static Visualization And Gender On Middle School Teachers' Mathematics Anxiety, Daniel Kobina Lindsay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a significant difference in teachers' mathematics anxiety on the effect of instruction-based dynamic versus static visualization and gender among teachers in middle schools. This study is critical because it addresses policies and pedagogical practices that address mathematics anxiety among middle school teachers. The gender of teachers and the medium of instructional delivery play a crucial role in assessing these teachers' engagement and achievement in the United States educational system. The sample (n = 293) was composed of teachers, divided into groups based on their instruction method and …

New Hampshire K–6th Grade Teachers’ Mathematics Professional Development Experiences On Classroom Instruction, Danielle C. Nutting

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of public school elementary teachers in New Hampshire who participated in math professional development. The problem this study addressed was students in U.S. public elementary schools have not made sufficient progress in mathematics (The Nation’s Report Card, 2022) and lack of progress in mathematics has been attributed to teachers not receiving adequate professional development in this subject area (Campbell & Griffin, 2017). Analysis of seven semistructured participant interviews revealed four findings: (a) elementary teachers understood the significance of an effective math coach; (b) elementary teachers recognized when their professional learning communities were not effective; …

The Need For Developing Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Education, Dustin Cox

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Chronic pain presents a multifaceted challenge for healthcare providers, often impacting patients' physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Research indicates that individuals with chronic pain process pain through emotional and reward pathways in the brain, underscoring the need for integrative treatment approaches. Evidence supports the effectiveness of combining psychological interventions with physical rehabilitation to improve outcomes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based behavioral therapy, has shown promise in addressing the psychological dimensions of chronic pain. However, physical therapists often lack formal training in ACT. This study protocol was designed to explore effective methods for educating physical therapists in ACT principles …

Introducing The Aasspectq Framework: A New Typology For Assessing Quality, Pedagogy, Outcomes, And Learning In Micro-Credentials, Felix Quayson

Journal of Research Initiatives

Micro-credentials have gained increasing attention as a flexible and competency-based approach to bridging the gap between formal education and workforce demands. Unlike traditional qualifications and degrees, micro-credentials focus on discrete, demonstrable skills that can be rapidly developed, assessed, and recognized across industries. I proposed the Auditing, Avoidance, Specificity, Skills, Personalization, Efficiency, Competency, Technology, and Quality Assurance (AASSPECTQ) conceptual framework to examine the current state of micro-credential implementation, highlighting the tools, learning outcomes, and assessment instruments necessary for effective program design. The challenges of quality assurance, portability, and recognition that continue to limit widespread adoption were also explored. By …

Creating Inclusive Educational Environments For Students With And Without Disabilities: Examining Dual Credential Pathways In California, Nat Hansuvadha, Andrew Wall, Meghan Cosier, Kaylie Holke, Audri Sandoval Gomez, Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Linda Blanton

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability Policy Reports

"In this report, we examined system-level alignment in educator preparation policy, with a particular focus on California’s efforts to prepare teachers to support inclusive PK–12 environments. Central to this analysis was the state’s 'Common Trunk' approach to teacher credentialing. Adopted in 2016 by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Common Trunk establishes a unified set of teaching performance expectations (TPEs) that apply across multiple subject, single subject, and education specialist credential pathways. This policy reflects a deliberate shift toward a shared professional foundation for all teachers that emphasizes competencies related to supporting diverse learners, fosters inclusive and culturally …

Demystifying Hardware Formal Verification For Undergraduate Education: A Risc-V Processor Case Study With Coursework Implementation, Riley A. Peters

Master's Theses

Hardware verification engineers apply formal methods to prove that a digital device always behaves according to its specification. This differs from traditional functional verification, in which engineers establish correctness by repeatedly sending test inputs to the device and comparing the outputs against a reference model. With the growing complexity of integrated circuits, the demand for digital verification engineers with formal methods experience has continued to increase. However, California Polytechnic State University: San Luis Obispo's current curriculum lacks dedicated material to prepare students for these roles.

This thesis seeks to address the lack of formal methods material through two efforts. First, …

Effects Of Peer-Assisted Reading To Enhance Reading Proficiency For Learners With Mild Hearing Impairment Included In A South African Mainstream Classroom, Gaone Molapisi, Nareadi Phasha

Journal of Global Education and Research

This paper reports on the findings of a case study investigating the effects of peer-assisted reading in relation to learners identified with mild hearing impairment included in South African general education settings. These learners are often confronted with considerable challenges in developing proficient reading skills, which are crucial for curriculum access. In this study, peers with no hearing loss assisted learners with hearing impairment in reading activities to enhance their reading proficiency. The study involved two female educators and 15 learners in Grade 8 presenting with hearing impairment. The study employed a case study design, with data gathered through direct …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Black Women In Undergraduate Stem Core Expansion Pathways, Lizzie L. Evans Martinez Alvarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of social incongruence in the film Hidden Figures, which juxtaposed with STEM education as the most powerful in contrast with Black women as the least powerful, supported the argument for the specific problem of practice to examine the unmet need for socially and ethnically diverse student populations in U.S. STEM higher education and careers. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological research study was to identify and analyze the lived experiences of Black women regarding barriers they perceive in the STEM educational and career decision-making processes, while exploring transformational pathways to STEM academic success. The study specifically analyzed …

Breaking Barriers, Transforming Digital Literacy, And Creating Immersive Learning Environments In The 21st Century, Romero D'Souza

Journal of Research Initiatives

This paper explores the future of educational technologies with a focus on breaking systemic barriers, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering immersive learning environments. Using Maharashtra, India as a case study, it examines disparities in infrastructure, internet access, and teacher readiness across government and private institutions. Local challenges are analyzed alongside initiatives like the Digital India Mission, while national policies and international best practices are reviewed for broader context. Cross-cutting themes of equity, access, and professional development highlight the need for inclusive technological integration. The pedagogical implications of emerging technologies—particularly AI and AR/VR—are assessed alongside ethical concerns around data privacy and …

Are Testing Accommodations Helping Or Not? A Review Of English Learner (El) Accommodations On Standardized Tests, Cole Forbes

Journal of English Learner Education

This paper examines and critiques English Learner (EL) testing accommodation policies. They have been ineffective at increasing test scores and accessibility. The policies have mandated that EL students participate in high-stakes assessments with accommodations, and sometimes without them. The purpose of the accommodation is to create an even playing field for all test-takers, so that no subgroup is put at a disadvantage, which would compromise their scores and lead to misclassification of students. Laws and Acts such as the Bilingual Education Act of 1968, No Child Left Behind, and the Every Student Succeeds Act have updated and mandated a more …

Differentiated Instruction For Multilingual Learners: A Thematic Analysis Of Research And Practice, Mohsine Bensaid, Jiayuan Jiang

Journal of English Learner Education

Differentiated instruction (DI) is widely promoted as a means of supporting diverse learners, yet its enactment for multilingual learners (MLs) remains uneven and under-theorized in mainstream classrooms. This study examines how DI is conceptualized and implemented to support MLs by attending to learners’ linguistic, cultural, and academic profiles. Using reflexive thematic analysis, this qualitative synthesis examines 20 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2010 and 2024 in English-medium K–12 contexts in the United States, with particular attention to elementary settings when specified. Analytic interpretation was supported by practitioner-based reflection functioning as an interpretive lens rather than a separate data source. Four …

Science Belongs To Everyone: Cultivating Identity And Inclusion In Stem, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

What does it take for our students to truly see themselves as scientists? Too often, young people imagine scientists as: the person in the white lab coat, the genius in the laboratory, the stereotype in the textbook photo. If we want our students to consider themselves in this role, we must intentionally design classroom experiences that build scientific identity. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to position their students as scientists, including: reframing every day labs as investigations, analyzing how representation shapes student perceptions, and engaging in role-play as scientists tackling real-world problems. We'll discuss ways to integrate …

The Course Of Empire: Romantic Art And The Origins Of American Conservation, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

This panel will discuss the creation of the world's first national park through the lens of nineteenth century nationalism. Specifically, we will answer the question: how does Romantic art lead directly to the creation of Yellowstone in 1872? This will include a run through of a full lesson plan, with audience participation, and include access to all necessary sources, slides, and a fun homework assignment. While I use this lesson in an environmental history class, it would also work well in a United States survey when discussing the rise of American nationalism in the nineteenth century.

Why Are There Microscopes In The Art Room?, Joyce Symoniak

Professional Learning Day

During this presentation we will explore how working cross curriculum enhances learning within the visual arts, science and mathematics. We will discuss how the visual arts curriculum can be created in order to bond with STEM courses for student success. Through exploration we will discuss how collaboration within these courses can be used to solidify cross curriculum understanding and learning.

Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality, Marti Shirley

Professional Learning Day

This session demonstrates how AI can streamline lesson planning for secondary mathematics without reducing instructional integrity or depth. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools to generate hooks, worked examples, misconceptions, guided practice sets, and exit tickets that are all aligned to specific mathematical standards. The focus is on using AI to save time, generate ideas, and support differentiation while maintaining teacher control over content accuracy and pedagogical intent. Teachers will learn how to use a predeveloped prompt to create and refine a complete lesson plan, and leave with a bank of effective lesson-planning prompts and editable mini-lesson templates.

From Equations To Innovation: Applying Mathematics In Engineering, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

This hands-on workshop invites educators to explore the critical role mathematics plays in engineering. Participants will discover how applied mathematics enhances problemsolving, precision, and innovation compared to purely theoretical approaches. Through engaging activities that connect mathematical concepts to real-world engineering challenges, educators will gain strategies to help students see math as a powerful tool for designing, analyzing, and improving solutions in authentic STEM applications.