Digital Commons Network^™

A Culture Of Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Trauma-Informed Practices Among Teachers In Christian Elementary Schools, Christina Michelle Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions and utilization of trauma-informed practices of Christian elementary school teachers in classrooms in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development, as it highlights how teachers are instrumental in promoting developmentally healthy practices for trauma-affected children through building relationships and interacting with others at varying levels of their ecosystem. The study was designed to answer the following central research question: How do elementary Christian school teachers utilize trauma-informed practices in the classroom? The study used a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design …

Measuring Comfort Levels Of General Education Students When Interacting With Peers With Severe Disabilities: A Quasi-Experimental, Pretest-Posttest, Quantitative Research Design, Kaila Olivia Khai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest research study was to determine whether a disability awareness program would increase high school students' self-reported comfort level when interacting with peers with disabilities. This study is important because student comfort levels when interacting with peers with disabilities has a direct impact on inclusion, social acceptance, and positive relationships throughout the school and community; therefore, this study adds to the literature regarding comfort levels by examining the difference between comfort levels of general education students that have and have not received a disability awareness program. The sample was composed of 90 high school …

The Unseen Realities: A Phenomenological Study Examining How K-12 Female Administrators' Experience Stress While Leading In Rural North Carolina, Danielle A. Perkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of K-12 female administrators in rural North Carolina public school districts. The theory guiding this study is the cognitive appraisal theory as it will explain the relationship between appraisal, work-related stress, coping, and the well-being of female K-12 administrators. The central research question for the research study is: How do K-12 female administrators describe their lived experiences with work-related stress in rural North Carolina public school districts? The study participants consist of 11 female K-12 administrators who are leading in rural public school districts in North Carolina. …

Investigating The Difference In Social Media Violations Between Novice And Experienced Teachers In The Virgin Islands Based On A Self-Report Measure Of Seriousness Of Ethical Trespass And Frequency Of Social Media Use, Vernon R. Callwood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to investigate social media violations among novice and experienced teachers in the Virgin Islands, using a self-report measure of the seriousness of ethical trespass and the frequency of social media use. Research on the appropriate use of social media by teachers was still inchoate in developing social media literacy and establishing a protocol among educators, especially in the US Virgin Islands. Additional research can help to develop a framework for educators’ use of social media, thus influencing their praxis and student achievement. Very little research exists on the appropriate use of social …

A Case Study Examining Why Students Succeed When Exposed To Peer Tutors, Van E. Carpenter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to identify the impact of online peer tutoring on students’ perceptions of their success for students who participated in online peer tutoring at Summit Faith University (a pseudonym used for this research). This research was grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which provided a comprehensive framework for examining the factors influencing the effectiveness of peer tutoring among students. This study answered three research questions: How do online students use peer tutoring at Summit Faith University, how does online peer tutoring at Summit Faith University shape students’ perceptions of their success at Summit Faith …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership Tenets On The Soft Skills And Self-Efficacy Of Individuals From A Performing Arts Program: A Phenomenological Study, Carissa Hawksworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university students who develop soft skills and self-efficacy while working with a director who utilizes transformational leadership qualities to direct a performing arts event. The theory guiding this study was Bass’s theory of transformational leadership, which encourages leaders to develop as individuals, thereby enhancing the performance of the entire group. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of university students who participate in a performing arts program led by a transformational leader?” This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology study focused on understanding the lived …

Cross-Gender Teaching Dynamics In Single-Gender Schools: A Case Study On School Leaders’ Perspectives On Gendered Teaching Practices, Support, And School Culture, Kelsie R. Copeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this comparative case study is to examine the gendered experiences of teachers through the perspective of school leaders at single-gender schools. The theory guiding this study is Tomlinson’s theory on differentiated instruction, as it explains how the recognition and response to student differences allows for effective teaching in order to optimize learning experiences. The central research question is: How do school leaders perceive and navigate cross-gender teaching dynamics in single-gender schools? This study uses semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and journal entries from school leaders. The sample consists of 10 school leaders with current experience in single-gender schools, …

The Experiences Of The Free Application For Federal Student Aid In Parents Of First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenological Study, Travis Anthony Richard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the experiences of parents of first-generation college students in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. The theory guiding this study was the Cultural Capital Theory, initially conceptualized by Pierre Bourdieu, as it focused on how cultural capital was transmitted within families and how it reinforced class distinction. With the increasing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to socioeconomic mobility, understanding the barriers and facilitators faced by these parents was crucial. The central research question guiding this study is: "What are the lived experiences of parents of first-generation college …

The Successful Transition Of Military Veterans To Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Kenneth Hollis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of student veterans as they transition into 4-year universities in the southern region of the United States. The problem guiding this work is that student veterans often face significant challenges in achieving academic and personal success during the transition from military service to civilian campus life. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg's transition theory, as it provides a framework for understanding the factors that influence individuals' experiences during change and transition how veterans navigate the academic, social, and psychological dimensions of this pivotal life change. The …

Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and understand the role of higher education leadership in providing institutional support to women of color. The lived experiences of women of color as students was analyzed to understand the factors influencing their persistence at higher education institutions nationwide. The theory guiding this study was Rendón’s theory of validation as a process that encourages and supports students’ academic and personal growth, initiated by both in-class and out-of-class influences. This study focused on the Central Research Question: How do leadership practices and institutional supports in higher education influence the persistence of …

Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Biblical Principles In Curriculum: A Phenomenology Of Christian Educators' Mental Health Instruction, Keri Mankos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical study was to explore the experiences of Christian K-12 educators who are in instructional roles who integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with a biblical worldview in their curriculum design and instructional practices at three Christian K-12 schools in the Eastern United States. The integration of a biblical worldview and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques was generally defined as using biblical principles to help students change their thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health. This study examined how educators incorporated biblical principles into the design and delivery of academic courses, such as mental health education and …

Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Neuroinclusive Teaching Practices For Open Pedagogy Projects, Amanda C. Larson, Hanna N. Primeau

All Things Open

In this presentation, we will share how we intentionally incorporated neuroinclusive teaching practices into our three-credit General Education course Information, Citizenship, and Social Justice where students participated in a semester-long open pedagogy project culminating in the publication of a Pressbook. We will offer best practices for attendees who would like to do the same in their courses. Situated within evidence based practices, such as Universal Design for Learning and empathetic pedagogy, we will share practical in-person teaching recommendations, student reactions to our interventions, as well as asynchronous recommendations so as to accommodate a range of teaching types with low barriers …

Sau Physical Activity Website (Paw)*, Lisbette Sanchez, Alberto Elizondo, Caleb Tenold, Evelyn Shtereva, Siegwart Mayr

Campus Research Month

Problem: Southern’s Physical Activity Website (PAW) used to track physical activity from students and faculty was no longer functional. Aside from unsupported API versions, there was also an issue with authorization and role assignments.

Solution: Southern’s Center for Innovation and Research in Computing (CIRC) adopted the assignment of restructuring a new web application to track physical activity. This project focuses on building a secure and scalable architecture that connects user devices, third-party fitness APIs, and a centralized database to support activity tracking, workout analysis, and fitness history. By combining modern web development practices with API integration and backend data processing, …

Wired Youth: How Technology Shapes Adolescent Minds And Behavior, Kimario Davis '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Social media and digital technology are a huge part of adolescent life, and people worry a lot about how they affect mental health, behavior, and brain development. It’s easy to think technology is either “good” or “bad,” but the reality is more complicated. This thesis looks at social media’s evolution from early platforms controlled by users to today’s algorithm driven, highly visual environments and how these spaces interact with the developing adolescent brain, which is especially sensitive to social feedback and reward. These features make online interactions feel more intense and harder to step away from. At the same time, …

Roll Me A History Check: Role-Playing Games In Education, Andrew Thede '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Roll Me a History Check explores the use of Role-Playing Games (RPGs)—a style of narrative game where players create and pilot distinct characters and play through a storyline run by a Game Master (GM)—in education. The primary goals of the project align with its three principal parts. First, a brief review of the existing literature on the benefits of both purely educational and purely entertaining RPGs, with Reacting to the Past and Pathfinder first edition serving as respective examples, will demonstrate the merits of a hybrid system. Next, the rules for the new system, Ludus, will be presented to bridge …

Family Support And Counseling: Predicting Family Relationship Quality And Self-Management In Women With Epilepsy, Tiffany A. Winch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, can impede many aspects of daily life for individuals diagnosed with it (Beghi, 2020; Kanner & Bicchi, 2022). The problem is that women with epilepsy may struggle with family relationships and epilepsy self-management, and it is not known to what extent family support and epilepsy counseling ameliorate this detriment. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the extent to which family support and epilepsy counseling predict family relationship quality and epilepsy self-management among women who suffer from the condition. Surveys measuring the variables family support, epilepsy counseling experience, family …

Good Neighbor Physician Gives Distinguished Service To Fsu, Kathy Whitlock

Documents

DR. T.L. Bennett, Jr. and his service to the university as university physician--The Flor-Ala

Roy Stevens Hall Dedicated, Vincent Toney

Documents

Dedication of the Education/Nursing building as Roy Stevens Hall--The TimesDaily

A Blueprint For Success, Una Publications Office

Documents

Brochure for the Education-Nursing Building at UNA

Understanding Teacher Wellness: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Mental Health, Physical Health, And Job Satisfaction Of Current First Through Fifth Year Rural Minnesota Elementary Specialist Teachers, Jessica E. Thompson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study explored teacher wellness among early-career elementary specialist teachers in rural Minnesota schools to address low retention among specialists. The research was guided by self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1987) and the job demands-resource model (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007), which together examined teacher wellness through understanding what motivates teachers and the role of demands and resources in their job, with relation to understanding teachers’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being and overall job satisfaction. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized, with data being collected through interviews with six participants. Findings suggested that teacher wellness is a balance among internal motivation, …

Building Better Schools: Evaluating Canadian Restorative Justice Programs For U.S. Implementation, Courtney Marsh '26

Honor Scholar Theses

The pervasiveness of problems within K-12 education in the United States requires systemic change in order for education to be more equitable and keep students engaged in the classroom. Exclusionary disciplinary actions, while designed to deter misbehavior, in reality have very costly impacts. Pushing students out of classrooms in the wake of zero tolerance policies disproportionately punish minority students, create harsher consequences for problems that can be solved person-to-person, facilitates a growing adversity to schools, social ostracization, fuels the unignorable school-to-prison pipeline, hinders students’ academic achievement, and avoids the behavioral growth of conflict resolution. Keeping students in the classroom and …

Development And Evaluation Of An Iot-Based Data Analytics System For Optimizing Football Learning In Higher Education, M. Said Zainuddin, Sudirman Sudirman, Ahmad Zakaria

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: While smart technology and big data have advanced, football instruction at Indonesian universities lags. Most local classrooms lack high-tech tools, presenting an opportunity to modernize sports science. Objective: This research aimed to develop an IoT-based system and analytics platform for higher education, equipping students and coaches with data-driven insights for modern football training. Methods: Conducted at Universitas Negeri Makassar over five months (August–December), the study followed a Research and Development approach with six phases: needs analysis, design, development, expert validation, field trials, and effectiveness evaluation. Participants included Physical Education students divided into experimental (IoT system) and control (traditional methods) …

Effects Of Three-Month Fartlek Training On Resting And Dynamic Blood Pressure In Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Fatoni Fatoni, Bilal Ahmad Qureshi, Agam Akhmad Syaukani, Bekir Erhan Orhan, Hasbi Asyhari

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Blood pressure regulation is an important indicator of cardiovascular function, which is influenced by physical activity. Aerobic exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. However, studies on the effects of varying intensity training, such as fartlek, on resting blood pressure and dynamic responses during physical activity are limited, particularly in younger populations. Objective: This study aimed to analyze resting blood pressure adaptation and the dynamic blood pressure response after participation in a 3-month fartlek training program. Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study involved 59 male adolescents (13-14 years) selected through purposive sampling. A three-month fartlek program was conducted. Blood …

Physical Fitness, Body Mass Index, And Physical Activity Among Senior Secondary Students: A Cross-Sectional Study In An Indonesian Islamic Secondary School, Ilona Pratiwi Hutabarat, Acep Rohmat Nurhidayat, Aprizal Fikri, Teguh Andi Prabowo, I Bagus Endrawan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Physical fitness is a fundamental component of adolescent health and contributes to academic performance, mental well-being, and lifelong health outcomes. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in sedentary behavior, evidence on the fitness profiles of Indonesian senior secondary students—particularly in Islamic secondary schools (Madrasah Aliyah)—remains scarce. Objective: To assess the physical fitness level of Madrasah Aliyah students and to examine its association with body mass index (BMI) and self-reported physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 35 students (18 male, 17 female; aged 15–19 years) at MA Raudlatul Irfan, South Tangerang, using purposive sampling. Physical fitness …

Development And Validation Of A Basic Skill-Based Swimming Training Model For Beginner Athletes: An Addie Approach, Martinus Martinus, Hilmy Aliriad, Karmila Utari, I Bagus Endrawan, Muhamad Rohadi

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Mastery of basic swimming skills is foundational for the development of beginner athletes, yet structured, validated training models tailored to the Indonesian context remain scarce. Objective: This study aims to develop a basic skill-based swimming training model that is content-valid, practical, and effective in improving swimming technical ability in beginner athletes aged 8-12 years, through systematic, staged development procedures. Methods: The research used the Research and Development (R&D) ADDIE model approach with staged procedures: (1) drafting the initial model based on needs analysis, (2) expert validation by four active swimming coaching validators using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) instrument …

Global Trends And Research Directions Of Augmented Reality In Sports: A Bibliometric And Scoping Review, Novri Gazali, Ahmad Rahmadani, Romi Cendra, M. Fransazeli Makorohim, Syed Kamaruzaman Syed Ali, Joseph Lobo, Edi Setiawan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Advances in digital technology have accelerated the adoption of augmented reality (AR) in sports, enhancing training quality, performance analysis, and learning experiences. However, comprehensive studies that systematically map global research trends and sport-specific applications remain limited. Objective: This study aims to analyze global trends and applications of augmented reality (AR) in sports using a mixed-method approach combining bibliometric analysis and a scoping review. Methods: Bibliographic data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering the period 2016–2025. Following a PRISMA-ScR-based selection process, a total of 520 articles were included. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and …

Improving Academic Learning Time Effectiveness Through Lesson Study In Elementary Physical Education, Nora Antika, Meirizal Usra, Wahyu Indra Bayu, Iyakrus Iyakrus, Herri Yusfi, Arizky Ramadhan, Asha Hasnimy Mohd Hashim, Japhet Ndayisenga, José Vicente García-Jiménez

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Academic Learning Time in Physical Education (ALT-PE) is a key indicator of instructional effectiveness, reflecting the time students spend actively engaged in meaningful learning activities. However, PE lessons often involve excessive Management and waiting time, reducing opportunities for active participation. Although Lesson Study (LS) is recognized as a collaborative professional development approach that can improve instructional quality, its impact on ALT-PE remains underexplored. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Lesson Study (LS) in improving instructional effectiveness and optimizing ALT-PE among elementary school PE teachers. Methods: A qualitative-dominant mixed-methods action research design was employed involving 10 PE teachers from …

Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Indonesian Adolescents: Limited Role Of Bmi And Dominant Influence Of Age And Sex In A Large Cross-Sectional Study, Anies Setiowati, Sri Sumartiningsih, Nur Ilhaini Sucipto, Fatih Hazar, Philip X. Fuchs

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a crucial indicator of long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health. Whether body mass index (BMI) independently predicts CRF beyond demographic factors in large, real-world adolescent cohorts remains inconsistently defined. Objective: To determine the independent contributions of body mass index (BMI), age, and sex to cardiorespiratory fitness among Indonesian adolescents using a large community-based dataset.. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using community-based fitness screening data from Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 2,730 adolescents aged 10-18 years (mean 13.3 +/- 2.2 years; 49.6% male) were included. The primary outcome was CRF measured by the 1,600-meter run …