Digital Commons Network^™

Report On A Self-Directed Pilot Study (For Researchers), Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

Strategic Self-Regulation for Spiritual and Cognitive Enhancement

This pilot study investigates the impact of structured spiritual interventions on cognitive processing and emotional regulation. By integrating meta-cognitive tools—such as narrative accountability, systematic scripture application, and "mental toggles" via hymns—the research demonstrates a significant acceleration in learning efficiency and a reduction in emotional recovery time. The findings suggest that spiritual experiences are not merely random occurrences but "probability-controllable phenomena" that can be systematically cultivated through intentional environmental settings and habitual reflection.

Evaluating Participant Responsivness To The Chair Based Resistance Program, Eileen A. Nunez-Ortiz, Zakkoyya Lewis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major public health concern, with fewer than 15% meeting national guidelines. Resistance training has been proven to help prevent these outcomes, yet participation remains low. This research utilized the OYO Fitness Program, an 8-week chair-based intervention using the portable OYO double flex device to offer a more accessible and inclusive approach to resistance training for older adults. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine participants' responsiveness to the program, with a focus on post-program focus group findings. METHODS: Adults ages 65 and older (n = 28) completed the 8-week program across …

Fragmented Foundations: Interpreter Educator Resources And Uneven Student Preparation, Kierstin S. Muroski

Journal of Interpretation

The readiness-to-work gap among graduates of signed language interpreting programs has been widely acknowledged for decades. Efforts to address the gap have primarily focused on training methods and student performance. This paper shifts the focus to interpreter educators, examining whether the inconsistencies in their awareness and use of discipline-related books may contribute to the disparate educational outcomes of students entering the workforce. Drawing on survey data from 75 interpreter educators in the United States, this study explores demographic patterns of their book awareness and usage in teaching. Results indicate that awareness and utilization of discipline-related books to support teaching are …

What Representation Looks Like: A Content Analysis Of African American Characters In Louisiana’S Young Readers’ Choice And Teen Readers’ Choice Graphic Novels, Samantha J. Green

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this content analysis is to show how African Americans are represented in the novels selected for the Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice and Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice programs. Twenty-one graphic novels and one graphic story were used in this study. The primary source of data collection was analyzing the texts using the African American text features list. Findings indicated that when included, the representation of African Americans in the graphic novels was accurate and authentic. However, there was not a large number of graphic novels that have been selected for the lists. It is suggested that future research …

Teaching Numeracy For Social Justice: Educational Equity, Esther Isabelle Wilder, Crystal C. Rodriguez, Caterina Shost, Eduardo Vianna, Frank Wang

Numeracy

The special collection, “Teaching Numeracy for Social Justice: Educational Equity,” focuses on how quantitative reasoning (QR) can function as a vehicle for equity, empowerment, and democratic participation. Building on a longstanding tradition that treats numeracy as inseparable from social justice, these contributions highlight how progressive pedagogies (e.g., active learning, authentic research, and equity-oriented assessment) have the potential to broaden access for students historically excluded from quantitative fields. The studies span a variety of conceptual frameworks, introductory and advanced quantitative instruction, and interdisciplinary applications, showcasing how inclusive QR practices can build confidence, agency, and real-world understanding. These articles demonstrate that when …

Quantitative Reasoning In Calculus Iii: Advancing Student Engagement, Confidence, And Aspirations At An Hsi, Tanvir Prince

Numeracy

This study examines the impact of integrating Quantitative Reasoning (QR) into a Calculus III course at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) on student engagement, confidence, and aspirations. The course is offered at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx. It incorporated QR-focused projects on economic inequality, environmental pollution, and access to healthcare. These projects allowed students to apply advanced calculus concepts to real-world social issues. A pre- and post-survey design was employed to assess changes in students’ mathematical confidence, perceptions of relevance, and career and educational goals. Results showed statistically significant gains in confidence and in the belief that advanced math …

Toward Fairer And More Equitable Numeracy Measurement: Improvements To The Quantitative Reasoning For College Science Assessment, Vonna L. Hemmler, Isaac Rosenthal, Kate Follette, Catherine Sarosi, Erin Galyen, Sanlyn Buxner, Jackson Carter, Samantha Maynard, Sarah Bunnell

Numeracy

Numeracy has become an increasingly important 21st-century skill that, due to the relationship between math and science, is often formally developed at the college level in general education science courses. These courses serve a diverse group of students, many of whom have historically experienced science teaching, curriculum, and assessment on the margins. The well-documented biases of assessments in particular against Individuals of Color (IoC) have inspired us to approach numeracy for social justice in our work from this angle, and in this paper, we detail our efforts to revise our validated numeracy assessment to ensure it more fairly and equitably …

The Roles Of Mathematics In Teaching For Social Justice: A Framework For The College Classroom, Vivian Lim, Daniel Libertz

Numeracy

In this paper, we present a framework for understanding the multiple roles that mathematics can serve in the classroom towards social justice goals, developed through an analysis of 36 social justice mathematics curricular modules in college settings. The framework is grounded in Patricia Hill Collins's matrix of domination and consists of seven themes that represent the different roles mathematics can play: measuring inequality, illuminating conditions resulting in inequality, understanding the mechanisms of phenomena, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions, generating and evaluating solutions, communication and action, and criticizing quantification. Our framework supports the perspective that mathematics can serve important and distinct roles …

Analysis Of Lake Toba Ecoliteracy In High School Students, Jesika Aurelia Sianipar, B Manurung, Martina Asiati Napitupulu, Abdul Hakim Daulae

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

The Lake Toba ecosystem is currently experiencing increasingly worsening quality degradation, so that instilling environmental awareness through ecoliteracy has become urgent in the world of education. This study aims to measure the ecoliteracy abilities of students at High School 1 Ajibata and High School 2 Balige by reviewing three main aspects: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. Additionally, it will analyze the differences in ecoliteracy levels between the two schools. The type of research used is ex post facto with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through test instruments for the cognitive aspect and questionnaires for the affective and behavioral aspects. The …

The History Of Teaching Indonesian In The United States And Its Pedagogical Shift In The Late 20th Century, Eko Widianto, G.G. Weix, Michael Cullinane

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

The history of teaching Indonesian in the United States has received limited scholarly attention, despite the field's existence for over eighty years. This study traces its development and identifies three main phases. The first phase began during World War II, when Indonesian was taught primarily to meet military needs through a structural and drill-based approach. In the 1960s and 1970s, instruction was restructured to support academic research, with teaching materials and classroom practices aimed at developing reading skills and preparing students for fieldwork. From the late twentieth century onward, Indonesian programs increasingly adopted communicative approaches influenced by broader trends in …

Removing Barriers In Graduate Health Education For Students With Disabilities, Daniel Nuss

Pacific Journal of Health

Abstract

Students with disabilities continue to face barriers in graduate health education academic programs. As the number of enrolled students with disabilities increases, it is imperative that solutions are identified that remove these barriers to create inclusive and accessible learning opportunities. This study presents a narrative review of literature that examines current research on the topic of graduate health education and disability. Results identified four relevant themes for reducing barriers and improving inclusive access for students with disabilities. The themes include the need for modifying technical standards, faculty training, reasonable accommodations, and Universal Design of Learning (UDL). The findings are …

Acoustic Analysis Of Prosodic Speech Pause In Autistic And Neurotypical Adults, Rachel Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine prosodic speech pause across two groups: neurotypical and autistic young adults. Conversational speech samples were collected from 11 neurotypical and 11 autistic young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Speech samples were subsequently transcribed and analyzed using Praat Software. The boundaries of between- and within-utterance pauses were identified, as well as acoustically determining if the pause was filled, silent, or a combination of both. Results found a significant difference in the frequency of pauses as a function of location, pause type, and neurological status. As expected, combination pauses were the …

Perception Of Prosodic Speech Patterns Of Autistic Individuals, Rebecca Lunt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the perception that neurotypical individuals have of autistic individuals’ speech, including their speech prosody. Speech samples were collected from four neurotypical and four autistic young adults as they answered interview questions. Then, 50 neurotypical listeners (28 female, 22 male) were recruited to listen to the speech samples and rate the speech on visual analogy scales on their likeability and ability to communicate. Participants were told prior to listening to the speech samples whether or not the speaker had autism; however, there were both deceptive and truthful listening conditions, with some autistic speakers …

Bob And Ellen Kaplan's Brazilian Adventure: O Círculo Da Matemática Do Brasil, Angels Varea

Journal of Math Circles

Bob and Ellen Kaplan deployed their boundless energy to spread The Math Circle word in Brazil in what they called their “Brazilian adventure.” They are the inspiration for the project O Círculo da Matemática do Brasil and participated wholeheartedly in its implementation, travelling to Brazil six times over five years to train teams of young Math Circle leaders that taught over twenty-seven thousand underprivileged children within the framework of the project.

Pengujian High Fidelity Prototipe Media Pembelajaran Interaktif Bahasa Inggris Dengan Gamifikasi Menggunakan User Experience Questionare, Adhitya Prastyadi, Meizano Muhammad Ardhi, Daniel Rinaldi, Margaretha Karolina Sagala

Jurnal Sosial Humaniora Terapan

Abstract

Testing a Hi-Fi Prototype of Interactive English Learning Media with Gamification Using UEQ

This study aims to test and evaluate the User Experience (UX) quality of a High-Fidelity prototype for interactive English learning media integrating gamification elements. The research is motivated by the low English proficiency and motivation among Indonesian students, and the potential of digital media and gamification to enhance learning engagement. Inspired by the success of the Duolingo application, this prototype was designed to create an enjoyable and effective learning experience. A quantitative research methodology was employed, involving high school students as participants selected via purposive sampling. …

Teacher-Implemented Scaffolding, Sara Dominguez, Vanessa Svihla

Organization, Information and Learning Sciences ETDs

Teacher-implementing scaffolding is fundamental in teaching that was disrupted by the sudden move to emergency remote teaching during the pandemic.  A review of research found trends based on grade and subject and that teacher’s responsiveness was the main contingent processes reported.  Based on this a survey was developed and an exploratory factor analysis was completed.  An analysis of the survey results found differences in teacher agency, self-efficacy, and the supports used when comparing in-person and online teacher-implemented scaffolding.  Qualitative results further support findings and describe teachers’ perspective on the change to the environment, adaptations made, and hinderances noted while supporting …

The Kids Are Alright: A Preliminary Investigation Of The Effectiveness Of A Microaggression Training Series For Adolescents, Brea M. Banks, Bianca Sierra, Khyati Verma, Giselle Rivera

Faculty Publications – Psychology

Microaggressions are identity-based indignities that lead to significant negative consequences for receivers. Although most research has focused on the microaggressive experiences of adults, adolescents experience these transgressions in schools, and they find these experiences offensive. As such, preparing high school students to address microaggressions when they receive or witness them and to respond appropriately when they receive feedback about their microaggressive behaviour is imperative. Using a quasi-experimental design, we conducted a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of a microintervention training for adolescents at a high school in the Midwestern United States. The intervention was effective in producing improvement in assessed …

Advancing Screening For Intimate Partner Violence In Pregnant Individuals Throughout The Perinatal Period To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV …

Laila: A Doll Memoir Of 1947 Partition Of India And Pakistan, Maleeha Malik, Maleeha Fatima Malik

Children's Literature (MFA) Theses

This abstract examines a creative and critical work centered on the 1947 Partition of India, which displaced approximately fourteen million people and caused one million deaths. The narrative introduces Laila, an anthropomorphized doll who functions as both witness and archive, embodying the memories and traumas of multiple child survivors. Through Laila’s journey across India, Pakistan, and the diaspora, the text explores themes of identity, belonging, loss, and intergenerational memory.

Blending personal family history with historical analysis, the author situates Laila within lived experiences of migration, silence, and religious marginalization, particularly as part of the Ahmadi Muslim community. The narrative foregrounds …

Teacher's Use Of Google Classroom, David Hodgin

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the teachers’ use of features in Google Classroom and the factors influencing their integration, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework. Learning management systems like Google Classroom are commonplace in modern classrooms. A significant gap remains in understanding whether educators move beyond basic administrative functions to use features that support higher-order pedagogical goals, such as collaboration and differentiation. This study used a quantitative-based survey that sampled pre-pandemic K-12 educators, which examined external variables such as demographic, professional, training, and technology use, along with TAM constructs – perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, …

Policy: District, State, And National: A Selected Annotated Bibliography For English Learner Research, Policy, And Practice, Center For Equity For English Learners

Annotated Bibliographies

Policy: District, state, and national: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for English Learner Research, Policy, and Practice is comprised of 26 annotations from recent and seminal literature regarding policies across various levels impacting the education of English Learners (ELs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs). These annotations build on the annotations regarding policy in CEEL’s 2022 annotated bibliography, Ensuring Equity and Excellence for English Learners: An Annotated Bibliography for Research, Policy, and Practice (Center for Equity for English Learners, 2022) to include publications from 2022-2025. This selected annotated bibliography serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates who are working for …

English Language And Literacy Development/Proficiency: A Selected Annotated Bibliography For English Learner Research, Policy, And Practice, Center For Equity For English Learners

Annotated Bibliographies

English Language and Literacy Development/Proficiency: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for English Learner Research, Policy, and Practice is comprised of 16 annotations from recent and seminal literature English language and literacy development and proficiency for English Learners (ELs) and professional development for teachers of ELs. These annotations build on the annotations regarding English language and literacy development and proficiency in CEEL’s 2022 annotated bibliography, Ensuring Equity and Excellence for English Learners: An Annotated Bibliography for Research, Policy, and Practice (CEEL, 2022) to include publications from 2022-2025. This selected annotated bibliography serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates who …

Comprehensive National Research: A Selected Annotated Bibliography For English Learner Research, Policy, And Practice, Center For Equity For English Learners

Annotated Bibliographies

Comprehensive National Research: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for English Learner Research, Policy, and Practice is comprised of 4 annotations from national research publications regarding English Learners (ELs) and Dual Language Learners (DLLs). These annotations build on the annotations of comprehensive national research in CEEL’s 2022 annotated bibliography, Ensuring Equity and Excellence for English Learners: An Annotated Bibliography for Research, Policy, and Practice (Center for Equity for English Learners, 2022) to include publications from 2022-2025. This selected annotated bibliography serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates who are working for equity and excellence for ELs and DLLs.

The …

Biliteracy And Bilingualism: A Selected Annotated Bibliography For English Learner Research, Policy, And Practice, Center For Equity For English Learners

Annotated Bibliographies

Biliteracy and Bilingualism: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for English Learner Research, Policy, and Practice is comprised of 25 annotations from recent and seminal literature regarding biliteracy and bilingualism. These annotations build on the annotations regarding biliteracy and bilingualism in CEEL’s 2022 annotated bibliography, Ensuring Equity and Excellence for English Learners: An Annotated Bibliography for Research, Policy, and Practice (Center for Equity for English Learners, 2022) to include publications from 2022-2025. This selected annotated bibliography serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates who are working for equity and excellence for ELs.

The contributors provide a comprehensive selection of …

Teaching/Professional Development: A Selected Annotated Bibliography For English Learner Research, Policy, And Practice, Center For Equity For English Learners

Annotated Bibliographies

Teaching/Professional Development: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for English Learner Research, Policy, and Practice is comprised of 36 annotations from recent and seminal literature regarding teaching English Learners (ELs) and professional development for teachers of ELs. These annotations build on the annotations regarding teaching and professional development in CEEL’s 2022 annotated bibliography, Ensuring Equity and Excellence for English Learners: An Annotated Bibliography for Research, Policy, and Practice (Center for Equity for English Learners, 2022) to include publications from 2022-2025. This selected annotated bibliography serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates who are working for equity and excellence for …

Assessing The Possibilities And Speculations Of Blended Teaching-Learning (Btl) Based On The Online Teaching-Learning (Otl) Experience During Covid-19 In Bangladesh, Nazmun Chaitee

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

This research paper investigates the potential and viability of implementing Blended Teaching Learning (BTL) in Bangladesh, drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 Online Teaching Learning (OTL) practice experiences. The study specifically focuses on examining the advantages and challenges encountered by teachers and students in online classes during the pandemic. Through a mixed-methods approach, including questionnaire surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), data was collected from secondary-level teachers and students in Bangladesh. The findings highlight the dedicated efforts made by educators and students in embracing and adapting to online education during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, the study identifies …

Student Representation In Classroom Libraries: Teachers’ Influences And Reflections, Yaoeun Lieu

Education Dissertations

Classroom libraries are a staple within a classroom. They house books which students have access to and are used for various reasons such as independent reading practice, partner reading, and for read alouds. The student population in the United States is growing more diverse with every passing year. The purpose of this study is to research whether K-2 students in Washington are proportionately represented within their classroom libraries, to examine the factors teachers take into consideration when purchasing books for their classroom library, and to investigate how those factors change after their classroom libraries are audited and placed in context …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Use Of The Language Essentials For Teachers Of Reading And Spelling (Letrs) Professional Development Training, Colette Burgess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development course has been participated in by educators across the United States. The LETRS training focuses on research-based methods and the science of reading. The five components of the science of reading guide the LETRS course. These components include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives and experiences of teachers from West Virginia schools who participated in the LETRS professional development course as a cohort. This study examined the questions: What are the perceptions of K-5 educators in implementing …

Investigating The Practicality Of Parent-Implemented Intervention In Literacy For Children With Autism Residing In Under-Resourced Communities, Chasidy P. Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

The opportunity to learn how to read is a human right that should be available to all students. Developing strong reading skills significantly impacts a student’s quality of life, societal integration, and establishes the foundation for future academic success. Unfortunately, this belief is not always equally prioritized when it comes to educating students with developmental delays, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students with ASD often face unfair assumptions about their abilities, leading to delays in exposure to literacy instruction. Additionally, students with ASD from under-resourced communities face increased challenges, as access to timely diagnosis, high-quality educational facilities, and supportive …

A Case Study On Implementing Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education: Tesol Teachers’ Perspectives On Supporting Caribbean Immigrant Ell Students, Barbara Delaleu

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) teachers implemented Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education (CRSE) practices to support Caribbean immigrant English Language Learners (ELLs) in suburban schools. Grounded in Ogbu’s cultural ecological theory and the CRSE framework, the study examined teachers’ beliefs, instructional practices, and professional experiences to understand how culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP) influenced student engagement and academic growth. Eight middle school TESOL teachers who worked with Caribbean immigrant ELLs—speakers of Haitian Creole, Spanish, and English-based Creoles participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, …