Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Students' Attendance On Their Academic Success: A Ypar Study, Quennella Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a collaborative research approach that empowers students to examine issues affecting their lives and communities. This action research aimed to investigate the relationship between students’ attendance and academic success on middle school students, focusing specifically on eighth-grade students based on the theoretical framework of the critical race theory (CRT) in education and the self-determination theory (SDT). Three research questions were explored related to the impact of students’ attendance on their academic success: 1) What do students consider factors that lead to their poor attendance? 2) How do students feel they can be supported in …

The Digital Forum: A Pedagogical Approach To Teaching College English Composition, Thomas Edward Plichta

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study focused on the identification of ways to improve the curriculum of freshman Writing Intensive Seminars using an innovative multimodal pedagogical methodology, the Digital Forum, in addition to formal papers and in-class writing. The research examined a Writing Intensive Seminar with approximately 20 students; There were two Research Questions for the present study. RQ1: How does the incorporation of the Digital Forum as a pedagogical approach in college freshman writing classes influence students' levels of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement? RQ2: How does the incorporation of Digital Forums in freshman English Composition courses affect the quality of …

A Study Of Ci3t Implementation: Middle School Ela Teachers' Perceptions Of Tier 1 Academic Practices On Student Performance, Martha Kathryn Jenkinson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods action research study was to understand teachers’ perceptions of Ci3T tier 1 academic practices following the first year of implementation. Tier 1 instruction, delivered primarily by classroom teachers, is meant to meet the needs of a majority of students. Understanding teachers’ perceptions of program implementation, as well as reviewing student data to seek impacts of Ci3T on student learning, are important considerations when deciding how to improve the system. This study focused on the experiences and perceptions of English Language Arts teachers and Special Education teachers who work in ELA classes.

Data were gathered …

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning (Sel) Lessons On Students’ Mental Health Surrounding Standardized Testing, Margaret Denning

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research examined the emotional impacts of standardized testing on 4th and 5th graders and the effects of targeted social-emotional learning lessons in a Title 1 school. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered through surveys (Children’s Test Anxiety Scale) and focus group interviews. By employing thematic and narrative analysis, findings revealed significant initial cognitive anxiety, physical symptoms, and difficulties in self-regulation. Following the SEL intervention, the data indicated that students exhibited improved emotional resilience, reduced anxiety symptoms, and enhanced coping skills. Although the SEL interventions enhanced overall emotional well-being, anxiety was not fully eliminated. This study highlights the …

Instructional Design: An Overview Of Critical Sources, Robyn Hartman

Library Faculty Publications

Instructional design serves as the backbone of effective education and training across diverse learning environments. From traditional classrooms to corporate training programs and online learning platforms, thoughtfully designed instruction creates the foundation for meaningful learning experiences. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of key resources in instructional design in higher education, offering both historical context and contemporary applications for professionals in the field. This essay is intended for novice higher education instructional designers seeking to build their foundational knowledge and experienced subject-matter educators looking to deepen their understanding of design principles and practices for their courses.

Preparing For The Inclusive Classroom: The Self-Efficacy Of Teachers Towards Implementing Inclusive Educational Practices In South Africa, Nicole C. Drude, Luzaan Schlebusch

Journal of Global Education and Research

The South African Department of Basic Education has launched a phased initiative to transform ordinary mainstream schools into full-service schools (FSS) as part of its strategy for inclusive education. To ensure the success of this initiative, it is crucial to select schools that can equitably address the diverse learning needs of all students while maintaining high standards of instruction, intervention, and support necessary for achieving success in the core curriculum. Despite this, teachers have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the initiative, particularly due to their lack of expertise in supporting students with varied educational needs. This study aimed to …

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Pediatric Depression And Anxiety: Hope Through Healthcare, Andreas Mozny, Arjan Goenaga Castillo, Audrey Millar, Ebony Williams, Griffin Lotze, Haytham Al-Qasmi, Kamontip Jongnarangsin, Tricia Jain

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

Chronic Illness Education 2025: Treatment, Resources, And Prevalence Of Depression Among Adolescents With Chronic Health Conditions, Daeho Kim, Elyse Vanderwoude, Francesca Settineri, James Moss, Karen Crile, Matthew Mellor, Rachele Willard, Sarah Farhat

Patient Education Projects

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Psychological Immunity-Based Program On Enhancing Emotional Competence And Gratitude Among Gifted Students With Learning Difficulties, Waleed Fathi Abdul Karim Abdulkader, Naglaa Ibrahim Abu Al-Wafa

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The study aimed to measure the effectiveness of a training program based on the dimensions of the Psychological Immune System (PIS) model in enhancing emotional competence and gratitude among gifted female students with learning difficulties. The study adopted the experimental approach (quasi-experimental design) using two groups (experimental and control) with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements The sample consisted of 124 students, of whom 14 were divided into two equal groups (7 students in each group) based on specific criteria, including the mental abilities test, a list of creative activities, and a scale of characteristics of gifted students with learning difficulties. …

The Effectiveness Of University Administration In Performing The Function Of Community Service: Enhancing Lifelong Learning Opportunities As A Model In The Saudi Context, Abdullah Dhaifallah Alharthi

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

we would like to inform you that the current study aimed to determine the degree of effectiveness of university administration in performing its function in serving the community in order to improve lifelong learning opportunities in the dimensions of availability and diversity. the thesis also aimed to determine effectiveness, access and dissemination, and the researcher used the descriptive approach, relying on the questionnaire as a tool to collect data that he collected according to the facilitated sample, which numbered (2048) individuals from the saudi community in the first semester of the academic year 2024. the study extracted a number of …

The Relative Contribution Of Psychological Capital In Predicting Compassionate Communication Skills Among A Sample Of Psychological Counselors, Mai Hassan Omar Atiya, Hosni Mohamed Awad

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

This study aims to uncover the relative contribution of psychological capital in predicting compassionate communication skills among a sample of psychological counselors. It examines the levels of psychological capital and compassionate communication, explores the relationship between them, and employs a descriptive methodology. To achieve its objectives, two developed scales were applied: the Psychological Capital Scale and the Compassionate Communication Skill Scale. The sample consisted of 217 psychological counselors (male and female) from northern governorates in the West Bank and southern regions in Gaza, selected via snowball sampling. The results revealed that psychological capital among counselors was 81.2%, indicating a high …

The Effect Of Integrating Augmented Reality (Ar) Technology In Science Education Teaching On Improving The Biological Concepts Learning Among Kindergarten Children, Kawthar Habeeb

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

This quasi-experimental study explored the impact of AR on acquiring biological concepts among kindergarteners. The sample comprised 30 second-level kindergarteners from a school in Farwaniya Educational Directorate, Kuwait. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 15), taught using AR, and a control group (n = 15), taught traditionally. Results revealed statistically significant di erences in biological concept understanding, favoring the experimental group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement from pre-test to post-test stages. These findings highlight the potential of AR to enhance learning outcomes in kindergarten biology education. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating AR …

Transforming K-12 Classrooms: Ten Essential Strategies For Cultural Responsiveness, Sandra Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Regina Reber

Journal of English Learner Education

Across the United States, in K-12 classrooms, diverse student populations continue to increase, challenging educators to meet student cultural, linguistic, and academic needs. The study examined the best practices related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies to better meet all students' needs. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from licensed K-12 educators in New Mexico and Colorado. The findings revealed three essential themes: culturally responsive pedagogy, the positive impact of CRT, and the creation of physical spaces to support inclusivity. The findings revealed the significance of building strong relational capacity, encouraging collaboration, supporting multilingualism, and creating effective physical …

Foreign Language Learning Enjoyment And Anxiety: The Effects Of Teacher Variables And Online Class Environment, Xiaoyan Wei

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

This study explores the relationship between foreign language classroom enjoyment (FLE), foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA), teacher-related factors in online classroom environment. An online survey was conducted with 118 English as second language learners from junior high schools in China. The results indicate a moderate negative correlation between FLE and FLA. Overall, students in online classrooms reported higher levels of FLE compared to offline classrooms. Five teacher personality traits (e.g., teacher likability, humor, and friendliness) account for 60.4% of the variance in foreign language enjoyment, while they can only predict 12.9% of the changes in anxiety and 39.6% in motivation, …

Wisdom Responses To Troubled Times: Healing Through Contemplative And Somatic Approaches, David Smith, Thomas Falkenberg, Remy Y.S. Low, David Chang, Åsa Jarskog, Jason Brown, Randy Persad, Anna Rumjahn, Charles Scott, Heesoon Bai

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

Humanity is facing troubled times, as witnessed by increased polarization and division that are exploding into various forms of violence. Collectively, we are facing unprecedented ecological and environmental disasters. On campuses throughout North America, and closer to home, student anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are increasingly prevalent. The academic fields of contemplative inquiry and somatic studies, which highlight holistic approaches to education, are responding to these troubled times by showing how we can accomplish presence of mind, promote healing, and embrace the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and ecological dimensions of wellness.

Centering English Language Learners’ Literacy Through The Use Of Ai-Powered Tools To Enhance Teacher And Student Success, Shalander Samuels, Alecia Blackwood

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

There has been an increase in the number of English Language Learners (ELs) and, therefore, an increase in the number of linguistic diversities in the general classroom nationwide (Clark-Gareca et al., 2020; Cullen, 2015). Technology has been utilized to promote and support English Learners' success as it can be a significant tool for scaffolding and differentiating instruction (Abobaker & Moleta, 2025; Wolf et al., 2016). Artificial Intelligence (AI), to be specific, has emerged as transformative when supporting ELs across K-20 academic spaces, especially with the increasing demand to integrate technology into learning. AI creates pathways to effectively support the needs …

The Squandering Of Critical Thinking In Our Schools And What We Can Do About It, Nick Pocius

Essays in Education

In the face of increasing disinformation, reduced student engagement, and rigid educational structures, this article critiques the current U.S. public school system’s failure to cultivate critical thinking in students. Drawing from over two decades of classroom experience, the author argues that the systemic emphasis on standardized testing, prescribed curricula, and diminished access to arts and physical education have contributed to a decline in curiosity and creative inquiry. Furthermore, the omnipresence of smartphones and social media has robbed students of the boredom that often sparks critical thought. The article proposes several pragmatic solutions, including banning phones during school hours, reintroducing recess …

Teaching Cultural Awareness To Dental Hygiene Students Through Project Based Learning, Jennifer Fehrenbacher

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

I implemented a cultural awareness project (CAP) to enhance dental hygiene students’ understanding of diverse cultural needs and beliefs related to oral health. This 2-year quality assurance project aimed to assess student perceptions of the CAP.

Two cohorts of 23 junior students each participated. I collected data via post-project surveys adapted from the Student Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) instrument after obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and consent. Both cohorts (n = 23 each) demonstrated positive perceptions of the CAP, with mean scores of 4.9 and 4.8, respectively (p = .024). These data suggest that the CAP …

إدارة الصراع التنظيمي وعلاقتها بالإبداع الإداري, Ola Ahmad Hmedoush, Ahmad H. Kartali, Youssef F. Shahin

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

هدف البحث تعرف مستوى إدارة الصراع التنظيمي والإبداع الإداري في مدارس التعليم الثانوي في محافظة اللاذقية من وجهة نظر المديرين، ودراسة العلاقة بين إدارة الصراع التنظيمي والإبداع. وتعرف الفروق بين متوسطات درجات العينة على الاستبانة تبعاً لمتغيري عدد سنوات الخبرة والمؤهل العلمي، واستخدم المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتكونت العينة من (150) مديراً ومديرة من مديري المدارس الثانوية في محافظة اللاذقية، واستخدمت استبانة مكونة من (24) بنداً موزعة في محورين، وتوصل البحث إلى أن مستوى إدارة الصراع التنظيمي والإبداع الإداري في مدارس المرحلة الثانوية في محافظة اللاذقية من وجهة نظر المديرين كان متوسطاً. وتوجد علاقة طردية قوية ذات دلالة إحصائية بين إدارة …

Movement As Metamorphosis: An Examination Of Transformative Learning In Dance, Whitney Egstad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Using the arts-based methodology of Educational Criticism and Connoisseurship (Uhrmacher, Moroye, & Flinders, 2017) to examine the curriculum and pedagogy of a Colorado-based dance studio, this qualitative dissertation explores how transformative learning (TL) unfolds within the context of adult dance education. Grounded in Mezirow’s (1991) theory of transformative learning, the study investigates how dance becomes a medium for personal transformation, identity reconstruction, and emotional healing. Data collection included six hours of interviews with instructors and students and twelve hours of class observations, focusing on how adult learners experience curriculum not just as technical instruction, but as an embodied, relational journey …

Reading Interventions In The Modern Era: Reconceptualizing The Utility Of Video Games, Senaida Mehmedovic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Youth in the United States continue to have difficulty developing reading skills, with only 31% of fourth graders reading at a “proficient level” (NAEP Reading: National Average Scores, 2024). Youth struggling to develop reading skills often have reading anxiety (Chow et al., 2021; Martinez, 2019; Ramirez et al., 2019), which impacts their reading skill development even more (Mohammadpur & Ghafournia, 2015); the interwoven and cyclical relationship between reading anxiety and reading comprehension requires interventions to address these needs concurrently (Francis et al., 2019; Francis et al., 2021; Grills et al., 2012). The increased avoidance and paired aversion of reading-related tasks …

Game-Based Learning As A Dynamic System: A Review Of The Literature, Meadow Mcgalliard

University Honors Theses

Game-based learning (GBL) in its development as a field has found itself at an ever-increasing complexity with regard to theories, design elements, and outcomes that define it. It's been long since proven that games produce learning and the ways in which this benefits educators and designers have broad applications, from direct game implementation to integrating GBL knowledge into non-game spaces. The density and complexity of design in GBL prove beneficial for learning opportunities, as the adaptability of design can create an almost infinite series of outcomes in a highly replicable manner. In this broad review, I attempt to display the …

Exploring The Effects Of Africana Studies On Black Undergraduate Students: A Qualitative Case Study, Lanaya M. Butler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Particularly in the context of American K-12 schools, education has been manipulated to control—rather than liberate—students through the erasure and distortion of Black history, experiences, perspectives, and capabilities. Additionally, American schools prioritize memorization and obedience while failing to equip students with critical thinking skills. As a result, students are trained to become workers rather than innovators, worldbuilders, and change-makers. For nearly a century, Black educational critics have stated that these systems were designed to subjugate Black community members through dehumanization and enslavement of the mind. These critiques are foundational to the aims of Afrocentric education which posits the life experiences …

Paving The Way: Cultural Relevance In College And Career Readiness Programs, Jacqueline Turner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students of color face persistent educational and systemic barriers that impact their success in college and career readiness (CCR) programs. Standardized approaches to CCR often fail to address the cultural identities, lived experiences, and needs of diverse learners (Castro, 2013; Malin et al., 2017; Welton & Martinez, 2014). Guided by the theoretical framework of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, with the extension of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, this instrumental case study investigates how one CCR initiative—the Legacy Scholars Program (LSP), implemented by a Western Urban School District—integrates culturally responsive practices to better serve students of color. Through interviews, observations, and artifact analysis, this …

Farewell, Emperor: Incorporating Novelty Breathes Life Into Student Assessments & Retention, Arminda Elizabeth Lawrence Sr.

Teaching Social Studies in the Peach State

In this action research project, a high school AP European History teacher explores the impact of novelty-based assessment on student learning and information retention. By replacing traditional lecture and quiz methods with a creative Napoleon eulogy project, the teacher investigated whether novel assessment strategies could enhance student achievement. Students were tasked with researching an individual in Napoleon's orbit and delivering a eulogistic speech, departing from conventional evaluation methods.

The study revealed promising results: student comfort with Napoleonic history increased by 41.9%, and long-essay scores improved by 5.25%. Interestingly, while students did not initially recognize the project's educational value, follow-up assessments …

Intervention For Struggling Learners In K-5 Social Studies: Exploring A Tiered Model Of Support, Joshua M. Duggan

Teaching Social Studies in the Peach State

The K-5 social studies curriculum introduces students to foundational knowledge in civics, geography, economics, and history. Social studies is also a vehicle through which students: (a) synthesize content knowledge which in turn supports reading comprehension, (b) learn about community structures around them, and (c) build social-emotional skills through an in-depth understanding of the human condition. Yet, instructional time allocated to social studies has decreased over the past few decades, and scores on national social studies assessments indicate that most students do not attain proficiency in acquiring social studies knowledge. Furthermore, there is an absence of a robust system of intervention …

Rethinking “Key-Chain Swap” And Other Decontextualized Algorithm Teaching Practices For Rational Number Learners, Connor B. Desai

Education Dissertations

Mathematical literacy is critical in an increasingly data-driven society, yet many students struggle with rational number concepts due to the prevalence of decontextualized algorithmic instruction. This study investigates the impact of targeted professional development (PD) on sixth-grade teachers’ instructional strategies and their students’ rational number achievement. The research examines whether explicit, conceptually grounded teaching of rational number operations improves student understanding compared to traditional algorithm-based instruction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from students at two middle schools. The intervention was statistically significant at School A, where students in the intervention group demonstrated greater achievement …

2025 Nsu Graduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

• College of Psychology
• H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
• College of Computing and Engineering
• Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center

Sg-Met: Past To Present Day Evolution, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care,
• negative attitudes,
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

Race, Reflection And Resistance: An Autoethnographic Journey In Social Studies Curriculum Development, Jesse Nicholas Hendryx-Dobson

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this qualitative, self- study, autoethnography is to explore my instructional practices, strategies and decision making as I navigate my attempts to build a more anti-racist, racial justice social studies curriculum in a predominantly white school environment. Critical Race Theory as well as racial literacy provided me with a conceptual framework, but also with the language I need to articulate the research problem and my findings. Three research questions guided how I collected and analyzed my data: 1) How do I plan social studies lessons that address the topic of race/racism? 2) How can I use social studies …