Digital Commons Network^™

The Value Of Adding Nothing: A Call For Reform-Oriented Polynomial Division, Jonathan Clark, Jeneva Clark

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The call to implement reform practices in schools reflects the historical turn away from the behaviorist theory of learning in education. Yet the praxis of this turn remains a significant challenge, particularly within mathematics classrooms where procedural memorization is emphasized. In this article, we show one means of how to advance our pursuit of meaningful mathematics into polynomial division. Building on the literature for reform-based division methods, an alternative to the long division algorithm will be explored that relies solely on adding zero and fundamental algebraic principles.

Quantitative Reasoning: What’S Math Got To Do With It?, Pamela Burdman

Numeracy

This keynote address explores the history and role of college math requirements with a focus on ensuring math courses serve to expand students’ horizons, rather than serve as gatekeepers. It discusses the advent of general education math courses, which brought more students into math departments, which ultimately contributed to broadening the scope of the courses to align with more students’ interests and majors, since their purpose was to advance quantitative reasoning, not mathematics skill per se. It also examines several practices to address calculus’ gatekeeping role: revising placement practices and prerequisites, redesigning courses, and updating instruction and assessment practices. Lastly, …

The Integration Of Mathematical Concepts In Physics Curriculum, Paige Poindexter

Masters Projects

Research has shown that students are struggling to grasp mathematical concepts and skills, which carries over to other subjects, such as science. As the need for an improved STEM education approach continues to grow, the use of integration to guide curriculum development has proven to be effective. This project dives into the available research surrounding the overlap of subjects taught in a secondary setting, focusing on the techniques proven to improve student academic success. This project addresses the need to draw clear connections between mathematics and physics courses, with the goal of improving student scores in both areas. The result …

What Kinds Of Personal Data Do Primary School Pupils Share With Whom? Children’S View Of Personal Data And Its Implications For Teaching About Privacy, Martin Hermida, Raffael Meier, Iwan Schrackmann, Nina Imlig-Iten, Eva Marinus

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Safeguarding personal digital data is crucial and requires appropriate training. However, privacy remains a novel topic, leaving teachers with limited guidance. This study investigates how elementary school students perceive personal data and assesses pre-service teachers’ accuracy in predicting children’s responses. Employing Nissenbaum’s contextual integrity framework, the outcomes of this research offer a nuanced perspective on privacy, considering different recipients and data types. The study surveyed 94 Grade 3 and Grade 5 students, asking them to indicate with which recipients (no one, parents, best friends, class, all other people) they would share specific information. In addition, 75 pre-service teachers were asked …

The Influence Of Misconceptions On Pedagogical Choices Of Secondary Science Teachers: An Embedded Case Study, Tracey Beyer

Dissertations

This case study, using phenomenography within science disciplines, examines how educators' experiences with misconceptions affect teaching methods in high school physics, chemistry, and biology. Based on constructivist and interpretive theories it highlights that personal experiences shape learning and involve continuously reconstructing knowledge. The shared misconceptions of 13 educators across science disciplines reveal how those experiences influenced both their content knowledge and instructional practices. The findings indicate that educators who openly acknowledge and learn from their past experiences with misconceptions are better equipped to recognize and address gaps in understanding, an asset to furthering student learning. This research highlights the importance …

The Impacts Of Authentic Learning On Student Outcomes, Evan Sheppard, Cameron Conner

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the evolving American education system, emphasizing the role of authentic learning in bridging the gap between schooling and employment, especially in the context of the modern post-pandemic student. Authentic learning, characterized by hands-on activities and real-world applications, is posited as a solution to the skilled labor shortage impacting the economy. This study delves into the history and current practices of authentic learning, examining various programs and strategies implemented in educational settings. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, qualitative data was collected through interviews with recent high school graduates to assess the impact of authentic learning on their post-secondary trajectories. …

Elementary Science Teachers' Experiences: A Case Study On The Use Of Science+Cyber Curriculum, Laurie Salvail

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The field of science education in the United States has undergone a major reform since 2015. A little more than twelve years ago, work began on constructing a framework for elementary, middle, and high school science education. This framework emphasized the shift from science being merely a memorization of facts to experiences that include science and engineering practices applied through crosscutting concepts and focused on core ideas in the field of science. With new standards teachers also have to overcome a) not having adequate time available to devote to science instruction b) lack of updated instructional materials aligned to the …

Lived Experiences Of Special Education Co-Teachers With High-Leverage Instructional Practices At Secondary Title I Campus: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Aaron M. Logan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology study was to investigate the lived experiences of special education co-teachers with high-leverage instructional practices at secondary Title I campuses. The central research question of this study was how special education co-teachers at secondary Title I campuses describe their lived experiences with high-leverage instructional practices. Bandura's social cognitive theory guided this study. In particular, the triadic reciprocal causation defined in social cognitive theory guides the study's questions and analysis. Triadic reciprocal causation influences how people communicate, work through tasks, and conduct daily activities related to personal, behavioral, and environmental factors. The social cognitive theory …

Create An Educational Programme Based On The Entrance Of Steam And Assess Its Effectiveness In Improving Programming Skills And Computing Thinking, Izdihar Y. Alhujailan, Ahmad M. Alhussein

International Journal for Research in Education

The aim of the study is to create an educational program based on "STEAM” and assess its effectiveness to improve programming skills and computing thinking in middle female school. The research adopted a semi-experimental design, with two groups, control and experimental, and several tools have been created for that research:

- A test to assess the cognitive aspect of programming skills.

- A note card to assess the performance aspect of programming skills.

- A scale to assess computer thinking skills.

The study sample consisted of forty-six female students, and the study found that:

1. There are statistically significant variations between …

A Micro-Internship Model For Engaging High School Students: A Pilot Of The Illinois Math Badging Initiative, Dania Ibrahim

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Artificial Intelligence On The Efficacy Of Preference Assessments For Preservice Speech-Language Pathologists, Brenna Griffin, Elizabeth R. Lorah, Christine Holyfield, Nicolette Caldwell, John Nosek

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Publications and Presentations

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face many barriers to meaningful inclusion, including limited language and communication skills. Professionals, such as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), can provide personalized instruction to promote skill development and inclusion. Providing opportunities for individuals to express preferences and choice, such as the multiple stimulus without replacement preference assessment (MSWO; DeLeon & Iwata 1996), within these programs, further increases skill acquisition and social interaction. However, limitations in professionals’ knowledge and skills in performing assessments can be another barrier to meaningful inclusion for individuals with IDD and traditional training methods can be challenging and time consuming. …

Effective Leadership And Its Impact On The Educational Community, Betti Shahin, Susan Rowan, Toleen Mazloum, Nadia Kawar

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Background: In the contemporary era characterized by globalization and rapid technological advancement, education is a paramount force driving human progress, with academic performance as an essential metric for its efficacy. Researchers have diligently investigated various factors affecting academic performance, encompassing environmental and student-centered variables. Objective: This paper undertakes a distinctive exploration, directing attention to the nuanced impact of the principal's leadership on the overall performance of the educational community, including educators and students. Delving into factors beyond conventional metrics, such as the principal's leadership style, classroom size, teacher's salary, and faculty development and mentoring, the study unravels the complex dynamics …

Being And Becoming Global Citizens: Measuring Progress Toward Sdg 4.7. Monitoring Teacher And School Readiness To Enact Global Citizenship In The Asia-Pacific Region. Phase Ii Report, Lao Pdr, Rachel Parker, Payal Goundar, Karena Menzie-Ballantyne

Global education monitoring

This report presents the Phase II findings of a collaborative study by APCEIU and ACER which aims to expand efforts to monitor Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 by addressing critical evidence gaps regarding country participation and educational settings. Phase I of this study included three countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, Philippines and South Korea) and targeted primary school settings. Phase I answered research questions about the enabling conditions that support effective global citizenship education (GCED); how these conditions can inform instrument development to measure system, school, and teacher readiness to implement GCED; and recommendations for Phase II. Phase II …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 1, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Cte Can Be For Me: Middle School Counselors’ Perception Of Their Knowledge And Abilities To Guide Students In Career And Technical Education In The State Of Texas, Justin W. Hooten, Ronald S. Rhone, Lesley F. Leach, Juanita M. Reyes

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

A renewed emphasis on career and technical education has guided the transformation of high school education to support alternatives to college achievement. Research shows that career identity development begins in middle school or earlier, though the literature is scarce when discussing career guidance at the middle school level. Through phenomenological interviews, this research attempted to understand the processes and perceptions of middle school counselors when discussing career and technology education with their students. This study revealed recommendations for district officials and those in academia to assist in creating more robust career development programs at the middle school level.

Unveiling The Socioeconomic Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Academic Staff: A Qualitative Analysis Of Financial Perspectives And Job Satisfaction, Saheed Oluwaseun Lawal, Habibat Bolanle Abdulkareem, Omoniyi Adeyemi Rasaq, Tajudeen Ade Jamiu

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The study investigated how the Covid-19 pandemic affected lecturers' views on income and satisfaction in private Nigerian universities in Kwara State. It aimed to understand this impact as an opportunity for growth and resilience in the education system. Researchers asked four main questions and involved faculty members from various universities using purposive and convenient sampling methods. Results showed lecturers were generally satisfied with consistent salary payments and associated benefits, but the pandemic had diverse impacts on private universities: decreased spending, staff layoffs, reduced fee payments, and lower student enrollment. To enhance lecturer satisfaction, the study recommended exploring alternative income sources, …

Putting Creative Thinking At The Core Of The English School Curriculum: An Exploratory Study, Sladana Krstic

Assessment and Reporting

Across much of the world, in more than 20 educational jurisdictions, the ability to think creatively is seen as a core aspect of what it is to be a successful learner today and, consequently, it has been included within various national curricula (Taylor et al., 2020). In England this is not yet the case, despite strong arguments being made for creative thinking being a core part of the curriculum in the Durham Commission on Creativity and Education (2019). In 2023 Rethinking Assessment and ACER UK conducted an exploratory study to examine the feasibility of integrating creative thinking into five subjects …

Elementary Teachers' Self-Efficacy And Its Role In Stem Implementation, Caroline Buechel, Michael K. Daugherty, Vinson Carter, Emine Sahin Topalcengiz

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Publications and Presentations

To equip students with 21st-century skills, teachers must have both deep STEM content knowledge and the confidence to implement and teach appropriate STEM content. Many elementary teachers have inadequate STEM background knowledge, low confidence, and STEM self-efficacy for implementing STEM in the classroom; as a result, teachers' classroom practices are affected. The study examined how elementary teachers perceive their ability to implement STEM in the classroom. The STEM Efficacy Survey was sent to a randomized pool of 100 elementary educators, and 18 of them agreed to participate in the study. This instrument was designed to elicit responses related to the …

Teaching English Language Learners: Exploring The Instructional Modifications Mainstream Teachers Use, Nilufer Guler

Journal of English Learner Education

The number of language learners (ELLs) is increasing rapidly at U.S. schools. Mainstream teachers have an important role in the academic success of these students because ELLs spend most of their school time in mainstream classes and are pulled out a few hours in a school day for ELL services. This research aims to uncover the educational experiences of ELLs in mainstream classes. Using statewide systematic initiative and qualities of linguistically responsive teachers as theoretical frameworks, I collected survey data from 129 teachers and interviewed 15 teachers. The results have shown that teachers tend to translate language for their students …

Cooperating Teachers’ Views And Practices About Teaching Emergent Bilinguals In General Education Classrooms, Tunde Szecsi, Janka Szilagyi

Journal of English Learner Education

Cooperating teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices influence teacher candidates’ views and practices. Therefore, this study examined mainstream cooperating teachers’ perceptions about critical components of effective instruction for English learners, and the relationship between these teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices. We interviewed 55 teachers and completed a 90-minute observation in each classroom. We analyzed the interviews for common themes, and we used descriptive statistics to summarize the observation data. The findings indicated that teachers were well-versed in evidence-based instructional activities and strategies. However, many teachers found it challenging to infuse ELs’ language, culture and experiential background into their instruction.

Addressing Language And Content In Civics Through A Language-Based Approach To Content Instruction For Multilingual Learners, Jia Gui, Luciana C. De Oliveira

Journal of English Learner Education

This study explores the integration of a language-based approach to content instruction’s (LACI) six Cs of support into an existing civics lesson plan to improve content and language learning for multilingual learners. We used the Civics for All curriculum from the New York City Department of Education to identify lesson plans that could be enhanced for teaching multilingual learners. The findings of integrating the LACI framework indicated that the existing lesson plans could be enhanced by adding all the Cs to ensure full support for multilingual learners. We conclude with strategies for integrating the LACI framework into existing civics lesson …

The Global Impact Of The Hlrc Journal On Digital Teaching And Learning Research And Best Practices In Higher Education, Erwin Krauskopf, Gary J. Burkholder

Higher Learning Research Communications

We are pleased to publish the first regular issue (Volume 14, Issue 1) of Higher Learning Research Communications (HLRC) for 2024. Because of our strategic decisions, the journal has advanced in the Scimago journal rank (SJR), which measures the frequency with which content published in a journal was cited in other journals during the three previous years. The SJR provides a numerical indicator of a journal's relative importance and impact within its field. We announce that HLRC has been ranked 612 out of 1,506 journals among all education journals indexed by Scopus, classifying HLRC as within the second quartile of …

Student Partners In Ai Literacy: A Library And Writing Center Collaboration, A. P. Anderson

Velma K. Waters Library Faculty Publications

Student voices are valuable but often overlooked in discussions surrounding the role of AI in higher education. AI Literacy education efforts that treat students only as a potential audience for instruction rather than as potential instructors themselves miss out on the passion, curiosity, and complex questions that students can bring to these conversations. If we center student voices in AI Literacy education discussions, and encourage both their enthusiasm and skepticism, students can become comfortable and confident in leading discussions about AI in the classroom and in their lives. In my proposed poster presentation, I will share insights from an AI …

Gamification In Retail: Enhancing Grocery Customer Experience With Location-Based Strategies, Alireza Zandi, Yoones A. Sekhavat

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Student Research

This study explores how gamification impacts retail customer experience, emphasizing the need for businesses to differentiate in competitive markets. Gamification involves using game design elements in non-game contexts. The research presents a unique gamified shopping system using location-based (Beacon) technologies with a mobile application. This system engages customers through interactive games and challenges in specific store locations. With a sample size of 25, this study aimed to address the following research questions: What gamifying methods could be applied in a real store? What impact does gamification have on customer experience in a real-store shopping context? What role could gamification play …

Teacher Candidate Learning Of Interdisciplinary Controversial Issues: Linking Social Studies And Science In The Elementary School Curriculum, Brandon M. Butler, Stephen R. Burgin, Mark Diacopoulos, William Mcconnell

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

Teaching controversial issues poses challenges for teacher candidates, stemming from apprehensions about potential backlash and gaps in content and pedagogical knowledge. The prevailing emphasis on tested subjects such as mathematics and reading/writing in elementary school education often sidelines social studies and science, limiting opportunities for candidates to engage with these disciplines and their associated instructional strategies, including addressing controversial topics. Integrating social studies and science with other subject areas emerges as a viable approach to ensure comprehensive education. Teacher education coursework serves as a vital platform for exposing educators to interdisciplinary curriculum design and implementation. Such exposure prompts teacher candidates …

The Perceptions Of Elementary Teachers In An Inclusive Classroom Environment Related To Their Teacher Preparatory Programs: A Phenomenological Study, Jevauwn D. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe elementary general education teachers’ perceptions of teaching in an inclusive classroom environment related to their teacher preparatory programs while teaching in a public school setting in a rural southeastern state. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which describes how an individual will approach a task based on their level of competence and readiness. The central research question was: How do general education teachers describe their level of preparedness for inclusive education based on their teacher preparatory programs? This study used a transcendental phenomenological design to gain insight …

Blazing New Pathways For Digital Engagement In Mathematics Using Geogebra, Math Manipulatives, And Picture Books In A Stem World To Nurture Confident Young People In Mathematics, Joseph M. Furner

FDLA Journal

Using best practices for teaching mathematics like GeoGebra, math manipulatives, and children’s literature picture books can all be connected to each other and better help to prepare students for a STEM world to develop confident young people in doing mathematics in a world of AI and emerging technologies. This paper will highlight all the above best practiced and share how they can be connected and taught in a way that is make math meaningful and help students to be confident with technology and mathematics in a way that helps them see math in a hands-on, visual, and abstract way. Learners …

The Future Of Nursing Leadership: Incorporating E-Learned Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Pathways With A Precautionary Focus On Patient-Centered-Care, Jamie Anne Marcus Dr., Bonnette Villalba Webb

FDLA Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a data-driven mathematical process that incorporates machine-based-logic, usually in the form of algorithms. Education, training, and competencies are now conducted through virtual reality, robotics, simulation, and technology learning-based-platforms by healthcare organizations. This represents a significant change in the future of nursing practice. The adaptability of technology-based-learning platforms can impact the quality and efficiency of learning for some of the workforce population. Nurses' perception of technology and AI-driven nursing practice may vary based on generational orientation and can be a potential barrier to learning, practicing, and adaptability of this framework. The forging of well-trained resilient nurse leaders …

Self-Efficacy And Racial Identity For Undergraduate Music Majors, Rachel E. Lim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students’ identities can impact their self-efficacy, or their confidence in their ability to succeed in producing a desired outcome (Bandura, 1997; Klassen, 2004a; Klassen 2004b; Oettingen, 1995; Usher & Pajares, 2008); however, little peer-reviewed research explores the relationship between racial identity and self-efficacy for undergraduate music majors. In the United States, undergraduate music students of color often navigate educational experiences where they do not find their identities represented in the curricula (Ewell, 2020), their faculty (Higher Education Arts Data Services [HEADS], 2020), or their fellow students (HEADS, 2020).

This convergent mixed methods study utilized the theoretical framework of critical race …

Culturally Responsive Coaching: Supervision With A Cultural Lens, Jouanna Crossland-Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Culturally Responsive Practices (CRP) are a focal point for many districts across the country. The emphasis of CRP is on how the institution enacts policies and practices for the benefit of the students they serve. This study views CRP from a different lens. The focus of this study is to 1.) center the voice of Black teachers and 2.) explore culturally responsive practices for the support and edification of the teacher from their coach/supervisor. The eight Black teacher participants and their instructional coaches engaged in interviews discussing current coaching models and the dynamics of their coaching relationships.

The relevant findings …