Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Land, Language And Culture Through Playworld Translanguaging: One Child’S Meaning-Making Practices, Carly Steele, Toni Dobinson, Sender Dovchin, Christine Robinson, Grace Oakley, Wendy Cumming-Potvin, Graeme Gower, Katie Grace, Samina Manado

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foregrounded in the work of Elizabeth Povinelli and drawing on semiotic theory, translanguaging and play-based learning pedagogies, this article presents findings from a critical participatory action research project conducted in an early years classroom in a remote Aboriginal community school in Western Australia. It describes how two educators, from both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal backgrounds, collaborated to create spaces for the children in their classroom to engage deeply with their land, language and culture through intentional, purposeful and planned play, specifically Playworld Translanguaging. Findings are presented as a narrative account of one child’s meaning-making practices in collaboration with their teachers and …

Towards Transgressive Inclusion In Physical Education? The Experiences And Perspectives Of People With Disabilities In Western Australia, Steven Connelly, Dawn Penney, David Aldous

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper foregrounds the voices of people with disabilities (PwD) and their experiences of Physical Education (PE) in Western Australia (WA) in exploring interests in transgressive inclusion that are grounded in social justice and equity for PwD (DeLuca, 2013). Towards an interdisciplinary framework for educational inclusivity. Canadian Journal of Education, 36(1), 305–348. https://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/1157/1475). The study employed a questionnaire method to pursue the perspectives of PwD in relation to (i) their experiences of lower secondary PE (years 7-10), (ii) teacher support in PE classes, (iii) experiences beyond PE in sport and physical activity, and (iv) their views regarding ways to improve …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 6: Quality, Leadership And Governance (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Peter D’Cress, Kasie Jackson, Karen Hunter, Stacey Mckenzie, Avalon O’Dowd, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Henry Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Quality, Leadership and Governance are central pillars in the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. By meeting regulatory requirements and quality standards through stringent business procedures and continuous improvement practices, services can provide high-quality food environments for all children – shaping their thoughts, feelings, and practices around food and eating.

This Quality, Leadership and Governance (QLG) module aims to:

- Provide critical context for how the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) food environment is intertwined with National Law and Regulations.

- Support services to meet regulatory requirements, through specific resources and guidance.

- Provide …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 5: Sustainable Food Practices (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Caterina Benati, Fiona Champion, Bek Clancy, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Lorraine Hingston, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Rebecca Lindberg, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Leah Stuart-Douglas, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

ECEC food environments are uniquely positioned to support sustainability by implementing practices that can reduce environmental impacts while creating meaningful opportunities for children to experience and explore the interconnections between people, animals, plants, lands and water through food.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Version 2.0) recognises sustainability as an important consideration for children’s learning and development and that educators and children have active roles to play in contributing to more sustainable communities.1 Through the food provided, mealtimes, and food education, ECEC services can provide meaningful opportunities for children to experience and engage with sustainable food practices.

This Sustainable Food …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 2: Menu And Meal Quality (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Caterina Benati, Fiona Champion, Bek Clancy, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Lorraine Hingston, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Penny Love, Stacey Mckenzie, Tamia Matthews, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Erin Wild

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Menu and meal quality is central to the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. The food provided across the day shapes children’s nutrient intake, their developing relationship with food, and the eating patterns they carry into later life. At the same time, services must balance nutritional quality with food safety, food allergen management and dietary needs, cultural diversity, family expectations, and practical constraints such as budgets, time and access to supplies.

This Menu and Meal Quality (MMQ) module aims to:

- Support ECEC services to provide menus and meals that align with the Australian Dietary …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 1: Mealtime Environment And Practices (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Rebecca Byrne, Fiona Champion, Laine Chilman, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Shae Haylen, Judith Howard, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Eloise Litterbach, Jodie Mcgough, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Gabrielle Orr, Asha Rojahn, Hilary Smith, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Sally Whitaker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mealtimes in early learning settings are more than a routine to help children eat. They are important opportunities for connection, learning and development, and for supporting children’s confidence and comfort around food and eating. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The Mealtime Environment and Practices (MEP) module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create mealtimes that are safe, calm, inclusive and responsive to each child, while reflecting …

From Awareness To Articulation: How Character Strengths Support Wellbeing Literacy In Pre-Service Teachers, Narelle Lemon, Marnie Harris, Rozita Dass, Carli Sanbrook, Rikki James, Tammy Green, Bev Adkin, Gail Berman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teacher wellbeing demands urgent attention given documented attrition and burnout, yet teacher education programmes often treat wellbeing as peripheral to professional preparation. Sustained teacher wellbeing is also linked to enhanced pedagogical efficacy, professional engagement, and the modelling of wellbeing for learners. This study examines how character strengths function as a scaffolding language through which wellbeing literacy, the intentional language to comprehend and compose wellbeing for self and others, is integrated within initial teacher education for pre-service teachers. Six podcast episodes from the Teachers Supporting Teachers series captured conversations between pre-service teachers and university academics exploring character strengths understanding and enactment. …

Music Teacher Wellbeing And Flourishing In Australian Primary Schools, Han Meng, Jason Goopy, Narelle Lemon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teacher wellbeing is often generalised across roles, while a nuanced understanding of specialist teachers is often overlooked. This study used the positive psychology strengths-based PERMAH model to investigate factors that support wellbeing and flourishing of primary school music teachers in Australia and opportunities for growth. As part of a larger mixed-methods research project, data for this article were generated through interviews with 14 music teachers who deliver primary school class music and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicated that music teacher wellbeing was promoted by joy derived from students’ learning, passion for teaching music, and recognition and support …

School Is No Longer A Lone Wolf Effort: Leadership Strategies For Inclusive, Community-Based School Cultures, Stuart Woodcock, Elias Avramidis, Umesh Sharma, Pearl Subban, Caroline Sahli Lozano, Harry Kullman, Tim Lorman, Sergej Wüthrich, Margarita Knickenberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Based on the premise that the successful implementation of inclusion is largely dependent on the educators’ commitment to inclusive ideals, this study sought to examine the ways principals promote an inclusive vision and foster the development of associated practices in their school community. The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 12 principals of highly-ranked inclusive schools from four countries: Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. In so doing, the emphasis was placed on the principals’ perspectives and practices that contribute to the development of an inclusive school culture. The iterative process …

Leading Against The Odds: School Leadership In Under-Resourced Community Schools In Nepal, Shankar Dhakal, Chet Nath Panta

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Community schools in Nepal, particularly in remote areas, face persistent challenges in managing human, financial, and physical resources, which hinder educational quality and equity. Through a multiple case study design guided by Ecological Systems Theory, this research conducted semi-structured interviews with six headteachers from diverse geographical contexts, revealing critical issues including teacher shortages, financial instability, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these barriers, headteachers demonstrate remarkable resilience through community engagement, strategic resource mobilization, and adaptive leadership strategies that paradoxically become more sophisticated under severe constraints. Positioning Nepal as a critical case for understanding educational leadership in resource-constrained environments globally, the study advances …

Young People Healing And Growing In Trauma-Informed Positive Music Education, Jason Goopy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Trauma-informed positive education (TIPE) is a recent approach that combines trauma-informed practices and strengths-based positive psychology. This study investigated how young people use music to heal and grow in a community music education programme informed by TIPE. A narrative inquiry was conducted at an Australian community music organisation supported by a global record label to offer a specialised programme developing music and life skills for youth experiencing adversity, such as mental illness, homelessness, abuse, and discrimination. Data were generated by participation and observation in programme sessions, and individual narrative share and tell interviews were conducted with three programme participants. Stories, …

The Interaction Between Academic Self-Efficacy And Social Support: Exploring Moderation Effects On Academic Performance And Emotional Well-Being During The Transition To Secondary School, Luis Josué Ortiz Martes

Theses and Dissertations

The transition to secondary school can intensify academic demands and emotional strain, making it a critical context for examining students’ psychological and social resources. This applied dissertation examined whether perceived social support (SS) moderates the association among academic self-efficacy (ASE), academic performance (AP) and emotional well-being (EWB) among seventh-grade students at a private, multilingual school in Puerto Rico. Using a time-lagged, nonexperimental correlational design, 14 students completed the academic subscale of the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) and the Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) at the start of the academic year; EWB was assessed at midyear with the Negative and …

Experiencia Del Consejero Profesional Estableciendo Una Alianza Terapéutica En Entornos Virtuales, Rosa E. Conde Paz

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación explora a profundidad la experiencia subjetiva de un grupo de consejeros profesionales en el proceso de establecimiento de la alianza terapéutica en entornos virtuales. El estudio parte del interés de ampliar la comprensión de este fenómeno desde la perspectiva de las personas que lo han vivido, ante un mundo donde predominan otros enfoques. El objetivo principal consiste en generar conocimientos que contribuyan al campo de la salud mental, especialmente exponiendo el significado que los participantes atribuyen a sus experiencias.

Para esta investigación se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo mediante el Análisis Fenomenológico Interpretativo (IPA), una metodología que facilita examinar …

Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Differentiating Tier 1 Reading Instruction Within A Multi-Tiered System Of Support Framework, Ivonne Ciresi

Theses and Dissertations

This generic qualitative dissertation explored elementary teachers’ perceptions and experiences of implementing Tier 1 differentiated reading instruction within a Multi- Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. Establishing effective systems and supports for comprehensive reading instruction in the Tier 1 classroom is a critical component of MTSS. Given the range of structures required, including instructional routines, resources, and ongoing professional development, it is important to understand how teachers navigate the challenges of differentiating reading instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine how teachers implement differentiation during core reading instruction, the challenges they encounter, and the role of professional learning …

Perceptions And Experiences Of Teachers Regarding How Their Students’ Attendance Rate Impacts Their Academic Achievement, John Logan Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic absenteeism has emerged as a critical educational concern nationwide, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. National data indicate that chronic absence rates increased from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022, and in the targeted rural South Carolina district, 25% of students were chronically absent in 2022–2023, rising to 28% in 2023–2024. Persistent absenteeism is associated with lower academic performance, widened achievement gaps, and diminished long-term educational and workforce outcomes, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students.

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine teachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding how students’ attendance rates influence academic achievement in …

The Influence Of Metacognition On College Readiness And Persistence, Michael L. Fitzgerald

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examined the influence that metacognition has on college readiness and its most traditionally used metrics: performance-based outcomes and persistence. Specifically, this study addressed to what degree underlying metacognitive structures differ between college students’ successful metrics of performance and persistence compared to a more general sample of college students.

The research characterized metacognition along three domains of analysis: (a) selfefficacy/ motivation, (b) soft skills/psychological capital (Psycap), and (c) expected value of control (EVC). The quantitative study included 54 college students and a crosssectional design. Participants completed a four-part Likert-style survey, where their responses were measured along the three …

Why Educators In South Florida Are Leaving The Profession, Keyona Burnes

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide better access to current information for the students and staff in a middle school. The printed materials located in the school’s media center were outdated, scarce, or inadequate. Electronic databases were available in the media center for online searching and information retrieval. However, the students did not know how to use databases as a source for completing class assignments or how to browse within these online services to find additional information. Teachers also did not know how to use electronic information to enrich their lessons.

The researcher developed lesson plans and strategies to …

Effect Of Employees’ Breakfast Choices On Energy Levels In The Hispanic Population Working In Healthcare In South Florida, Jennifer Rivas

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the effect of employees’ breakfast choices on perceived energy levels among Hispanic healthcare workers in South Florida. As breakfast consumption has been widely associated with cognitive function, productivity, and metabolic stability, this research focused on understanding how specific breakfast patterns influence daily energy in a population that plays a critical role in regional healthcare delivery.

A qualitative survey was developed by the researcher and was used to collect data from Hispanic employees working in a variety of healthcare settings. Participants completed a structured survey assessing breakfast habits, nutritional quality, frequency of consumption, and …

Instructional Systems Design In Lesson Planning For Substance Use Treatment Groups: A Mixed Methods Exploratory Study, Michelle Robin Gould

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored lesson planning for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment groups, investigating the presence of components from the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) instructional systems design (ISD) process in routine facilitator lesson planning practices. Using an exploratory mixed-methods convergent parallel design, data were collected via an online survey featuring closed- and open-ended questions regarding self-reported planning activities and perceived effectiveness. Quantitative analysis confirmed that SUD facilitators perform tasks associated with all five ADDIE phases. Qualitative findings showed that facilitators perceive themselves as effective planners despite logistical and organizational constraints. However, facilitators do not appear to conceptually link instructional …

Employee Perceptions On The Role Of Job Demands And Burnout On Employee Engagement In Nonprofit Sector: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Tania P. Sierra

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to explore how nonprofit employees perceive the role of job demands and burnout in shaping employee engagement. The study focused on nonprofit organizations in Southern Arizona and used a qualitative descriptive methodology to center employee voice and provide context-rich insights into workplace well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants representing diverse roles and career stages. The study aimed to inform nonprofit leaders and stakeholders about the relational and structural conditions that influence engagement, resilience, and emotional labor in mission-driven environments.

Thematic analysis revealed six interrelated themes, including role multiplicity, time pressure, emotional labor, and …

A Case Study Of Employees’ Perception Of Leadership Styles In Law Firms, Naylet M. Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation explored employees' perceptions of their supervisors’ leadership styles and how those perceptions shape their job performance and satisfaction within a mid-sized personal injury law firm operating across multiple offices in the Southeastern United States. The effectiveness of leadership styles in law firms significantly influences employee performance, productivity, and organizational success, yet the unique contextual factors of legal practice environments have remained substantially underexplored in the leadership literature. Much of the existing research has focused on general organizational settings rather than the knowledge-intensive, hierarchical, and high-pressure dynamics that characterize law firms. This applied dissertation was designed to address …

The Investigating Factors Affecting Teacher Retention In Rural Areas, Lajada Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the factors influencing teacher retention in Mississippi's rural communities. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific variables that contribute to teacher retention in rural areas within Mississippi and to investigate strategies for improving teacher recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction. A mixed-methods research design was utilized, which included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with teachers, administrators, and education stakeholders in rural Mississippi.

By conducting a mixed-methods research design incorporating quantitative and qualitative interviews, the study sought to collect comprehensive data from teachers, administrators, and education stakeholders in rural Mississippi. The study explored key factors such …

Factores Motivacionales, De Aprendizaje Y De Enseñanza Que Median En La Elaboración De Un Rediseño Instruccional Para Un Curso Práctico A Nivel Doctoral De Evaluación Cognitiva, Carlos F. Sellas-Hernández

Theses and Dissertations

La impartición de cursos de Práctica en Evaluación Cognitiva representó un desafío pedagógico, principalmente por la amplitud y complejidad de los contenidos que deben abordarse en un marco temporal limitado. Esta investigación exploró los factores motivacionales y las estrategias de aprendizaje y enseñanza que median en el diseño instruccional del curso integrando la estrategia del Aula Invertida como enfoque metodológico.

El estudio se enmarcó en un enfoque de métodos mixtos con un diseño tipo paralelo convergente. Se condujo un análisis de necesidades con estudiantes que estuvieron o hayan tomado el curso utilizando el Cuestionario de Motivaciones y Estrategias de Aprendizaje, …

Balancing Care And Chaos: A Phenomenological Study On The Emotional And Mental Health Challenges Of Emergency Department Nurses, Shantilee Green

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of emergency department nurses related to emotional and mental health challenges, coping with stress, and ways to provide them with better workplace support. Emergency department nurses are required to work 12-hour shifts in a high-stress environment with a significant patient load and an inadequate patient-to-nurse ratio. Emergency department nurses are exposed daily to patient events that can be traumatic and affect their mental and emotional health, and nurses may find it challenging to cope with the resultant stress.

The researcher created an interview protocol of 14 questions to …

First-Year Academic Success Strategies For Student Veterans, Vincent Ciarla

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the perceptions and experiences of student veterans regarding academic success strategies during their first year of college. The study was guided by three research questions examining perceived difficulties, needed support systems, and overall transition experiences. Five student veterans who had successfully completed their first year at a community college participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using multi-cycle coding procedures, including open coding, pattern coding, and cross-case analysis, resulting in the identification of recurring themes.

Findings indicated that participants experienced initial confusion related to institutional processes, challenges navigating educational benefits, and difficulty adjusting to differences …

Educación Financiera Y Adquisición De Vivienda En Adultos Mayores: Desafíos Y Estrategias En El Condado De Dade, Florida, José Rafael Torres Arocha

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación examinó la influencia de la educación financiera y legal en la adquisición y mantenimiento de vivienda en adultos mayores de 55 años en el Condado de Dade, Florida. El estudio surgió ante el incremento sostenido de los costos de vivienda, la limitada asequibilidad habitacional y la persistente brecha de conocimiento financiero y legal que afecta a esta población, condicionando su capacidad para tomar decisiones informadas.

Se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo mediante un estudio de caso instrumental, que permitió comprender en profundidad las experiencias vividas de cinco participantes que habían atravesado recientemente procesos de adquisición de vivienda. La recolección …

The Perceptions Of Parents, Teachers, And Administrators On The Transition Of Latino Migrant Students Into Colleges, Sylma Samuel Ferreira

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined the perceptions of Latino migrant parents, teachers, and school administrators regarding barriers affecting Latino migrant students’ transition to higher education in rural Mississippi Delta schools. Guided by achievement goal theory and culturally responsive pedagogy, the study explored how structural, cultural, and institutional factors shape students’ educational pathways. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, including parents, teachers, and administrators.

Findings revealed that Latino migrant students face interconnected barriers to higher education, including financial constraints, language barriers, family responsibilities, and limited access to college preparation resources and transportation. Participants emphasized the influence of family …

Planes De Sucesión En Los Hospitales De La Región Metro De Puerto Rico, Eddie Correa Medina

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación aplicada ha sido diseñada con el propósito de conocer las percepciones, experiencias, vivencias y conocimientos de los líderes y gerentes en enfermería sobre la implementación de los planes de sucesión en los hospitales del área metropolitana de Puerto Rico. La utilidad de esta investigación parte del argumento que tienen estos planes para mejorar la retención de empleados, facilitar la transferencia de conocimientos, evitar la rotación excesiva en puestos críticos, entre otros elementos. En el primer capítulo se presentó la introducción de la disertación, lo que incluyó aspectos como el propósito, objetivos, audiencia, rol del investigador, contribuciones al campo …

Effects Of Mental Health Services On Adolescents’ Mental Health-Related Behavior Problems And Academic Performance, Marsha Bernard

Theses and Dissertations

The problem to be addressed in the research study was that students who are marginalized and racially profiled exhibit behavioral problems in school and lack the resources to understand and manage their emotional behaviors. The purpose of the study was to determine how mental health counselors in schools and in the community can assist marginalized families with adequate mental health services. The study sought an understanding of the underlying causes of disruptive behaviors and miscommunication between students and administrators. Overall, the study revealed that mental health has an impact and plays a critical role in the day-to-day experiences of marginalized …

El Estrés Laboral Como Factor De Riesgo En El Rendimiento De Los Docentes De Una Institución Privada De Educación Superior En Puerto Rico, Sarahi Alvarado Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Los seres humanos en diferentes momentos de su vida han experimentado lo que es el estrés, y las organizaciones de una forma u otra han buscado disminuir o eliminarlo dentro del entorno laboral. El estrés laboral es un factor determinante en el desempeño laboral, las enfermedades y la estabilidad emocional de los recursos humanos en las organizaciones. Este trabajo se enmarca en un enfoque cualitativo a través de un estudio fenomenológico.

El propósito de este estudio fue valorar la incidencia del estrés laboral como factor de riesgo en el rendimiento de los Docentes de una Institución Privada de Educación Superior …