What We Can Learn From Comenius About Why We Educate, David I. Smith

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

As we wrangle repeatedly over the purposes of schooling and who gets to define them, what might we gain by taking a moment to listen to a thoughtful voice from a place and time not defined by our own mix of prejudices? I invite you to listen to such a voice, one speaking from a different era amid different anxieties and in a different idiom yet addressing questions that remain pressing. It is a voice shaped by a lifetime of educational engagement and reflection in the constant shadow of violence, yet, to the last, invested in the pursuit of delight. …

Building From The Ground Up: Informing Inclusive Curriculum Design Through Qualitative Inquiry: Development Of An Early Childhood Curriculum For Children In Mississippi, Alicia Deaver

Theses and Dissertations

Curriculum is a vital component of high-quality early care and education programs. Barriers such as cost, limited education and training, and restricted access to materials often make it difficult for many programs to adopt or implement developmentally appropriate curricula. Effective curriculum implementation relies on individualization and cultural responsiveness to be fully inclusive of children of all abilities. This study addressed the formative and summative processes of the My Mississippi Adventures project, a curriculum developed for use by early childhood educators throughout the state. The curriculum was designed with direct input from early childhood educators to address the unique challenges faced …

The Effects Of Bullying Victimization And Bullying Perpetration On Academic, Social, And Emotional Self-Efficacy Among Adolescents, Amber Crenshaw

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying remains a persistent challenge in schools and has been linked to diminished perceptions of capability across multiple domains. This quantitative, cross-sectional study examined how bullying victimization and bullying perpetration relate to domain-specific self-efficacy, academic, social, and emotional, among students in grades 4-12 in the southern United States. Students (N = 81) completed the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI-BT) measuring victimization and perpetration across verbal, social, and physical behaviors. Students also completed the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) measuring domain-specific self-efficacy. Analyses included descriptive statistics, internal consistency estimates, bivariate correlations, and hierarchical multiple regressions. Moderation by parental education and socioeconomic …

What Makes A Good Leader? Ms Lili: Mississippi Library Leadership Institute, Anita L. Winger

Theses and Dissertations

What is leadership? The goal of this research is to develop leaders, but what does that mean? It is true that leadership is needed at every level in an organization, and a leader does not need to be at the administrative level of the organization but can lead from any role and any level in the organization. Everyone has their own style of leadership that needs to be developed. The research explored different styles and theories of leadership and focused on implementing a Character Strength-based framework of leadership. Through this research, identified topics will be presented to participants in the …

The Need For Policy Pathways To Phone-Free Schools: A Desk-Based Analysis For A Rural K-12 District, Kelsey Upton

Theses and Dissertations

This capstone project addresses the growing concern over mobile device use in secondary schools by analyzing the implications of implementing a comprehensive mobile device restriction policy. While many schools maintain cell phone policies, inconsistent enforcement reduces their effectiveness, leading to ongoing challenges such as decreased student attention, diminished face-to-face interactions, and increased mental health concerns. Guided by the Adapted Policy Analysis Triangle Framework, this study uses a qualitative, desk-based policy analysis approach to examine existing literature, district policy documents, and publicly available case studies of schools that enact mobile device restriction measures. The analysis evaluates how such policies are designed, …

Unpacking Identity Work Mechanisms For A Person-Centered Approach To Business And Management Education, Carla Campana, Pablo Leao

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

We explore identity work among undergraduate business students who resist the identity prevailing in traditional business schools. The study investigates an educational program that fosters identity work, allowing students to add facets to their emergent identity. Through in-depth interviews, the researchers uncovered a process in which students resist the hegemonic identity of business administrators, seeking alternative experiences that redefine their identity. Our research contribution is two-fold. First, we extend the concept of identity workspaces by introducing three mechanisms: autonomy, a psychological safe space, and group embeddedness. These mechanisms enable students to engage in an identity work process and reidentify with …

Belonging Is A Verb, Becca Lory Hector

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This essay explores belonging as an active process rather than a fixed state, particularly through the lived experiences of Autistic adults. Drawing from community practices of care, mutuality, and interdependence, it reframes belonging as a collective verb, something created through shared action rather than conformity. By centering Neurodivergent ways of connecting, this piece argues that Autistic models of community offer transformative insights into authenticity, inclusion, and the repair of social harm.

“I Learned How To Be More Autistic”: Experiences Of Autistic-Centered Constellation Mentoring, Helen Rottier, Ben Pfingston, Tamar Heller

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

Peer mentoring is a common support service for autistic students in postsecondary education. This study explores the potential of peer mentoring as a space for autistic-centered connection and proposes a novel mentoring model, constellation mentoring, to enhance peer mentoring for this population. Constellation mentoring is informed by mentoring literature, critical disability praxis, and lived experiences of autistic community members to address limitations in existing mentoring programs. This article presents findings from the inaugural constellation mentoring program. Four autistic young adults who were past or present group members participated in focus group interviews about their experience. Researchers used reflexive thematic analysis …

Neurodivergence-Affirming Practice In The Classroom: Critical Reflections Of An Autistic Artist And Educator, David Prescott-Steed

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This paper provides insight into the author’s lived experience as an autistic artist and educator within the creative arts. Attention is drawn to how personal, creative, and professional encounters, combined with formal education in the field of autism studies, can inform a neurodiversity affirming learning environment that drives reflective practice.

The author is an educator at the Hester Hornbook Academy (HHA), delivering the Certificate 2 in Visual Arts as part of their Vocational Education in Schools program (VETiS). A human-centred and inclusive school, HHA engages learners from across the neurodiversity paradigm. As such, VETiS Visual Arts is well-positioned to support …

Creating A Neurodivergent Peers Network For Faculty, Staff And Librarians, Nancy C. Johnston

Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture

This article describes the creation of a peer-led group of neurodivergent faculty, staff and librarians at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. It introduces both the author’s personal motivations for launching a network and seeking partners. It offers suggestions for other neurodivergent educators or organizers to support their peers in higher education workplaces.

Community Health Nursing And The Spiritual Domain: Clinical Rotations In Faith-Based Residential Communities For Prelicensure Nursing Students, Paulette D. Slowinski, Amy Sweeney

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Contextualized spiritual education in undergraduate nursing programs is often limited. Community-based clinical rotations present an opportunity to introduce nursing students to professional practice in faith-based communities. Junior and senior undergraduate nursing students from a state university worked with the wellness nurses at a residential community for older adults funded by the county Catholic diocese. In this unique environment, students participated in nursing care focusing on health promotion and disease prevention and management. This learning opportunity allowed students to have meaningful interactions with residents while gaining insight into faith-based nursing practice and the value of spiritually focused care for vulnerable populations.

December 2025 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

2025-12-11 Message From The President, Morehead State University. Office Of The President.

Staff Congress Records

A message sent by the Office of the President to the campus community on December 11, 2025, regarding upcoming events on campus, winter break procedures, and campus personnel updates.

Spiritual Booster, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

Are you experiencing spiritual stagnation amidst the noise of a busy life?

This Spiritual Booster is not just knowledge—it’s a practical, high-performance toolkit designed to switch your spiritual journey from "idle" to maximum momentum.

Inside, you will find four core methodologies distilled for high impact:

1. Zoom Out to God's Perspective: The "Zoom-Out Technique" to shift instantly from anxiety to an eternal viewpoint.

2. Habits of Revelation: Use the "Revelation Notebook" and "Retrospective Analysis" to consistently hear the Lord’s voice.

3. Strategic Defense: Apply Chief Moroni's "Anti-Temptation Strategy" and routines to keep the "fire" of your covenants burning.

4. The Art of Focus: Practical …

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The Effect Of Early Intervention Programs On Literacy Performance Scores Of Kindergarten Students In One Central Arkansas School District, Abigail M. Stone

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This study was conducted in a central Arkansas school district to see if going to the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Early Intervention Program located in that central Arkansas school district made a difference in how well kids did on their kindergarten reading test (NWEA MAP Growth). This was a quantitative, causal-comparative study, meaning the researcher looked at archived test scores from kindergarteners in Fall 2021 where some of the participants attended ABC Pre-K, and some did not.

The main goal of the study was to answer this research question: Is there a significant difference in kindergarten readiness literacy scores between …

Toxic Behaviors In Higher Education Institutions: Examining Demographic Factors Affecting Faculty Perceptions, Patrice C. Elder

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the relationship between demographic factors and faculty perceptions of organizational toxicity at four-year higher education institutions. Using the Perceived Organizational Toxicity Scale (POTS), data were collected from 131 faculty members across Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The study investigated four dimensions of toxic behaviors: narcissistic, aggressive, unethical, and rigid behaviors. Key findings revealed that unethical behaviors were the most prevalent form of organizational toxicity (M=2.59, SD=1.05), followed by narcissistic behaviors (M=2.32, SD=.93). Significant demographic differences emerged across academic rank and seniority. Assistant and associate professors reported significantly higher levels of …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Culturally Responsive Curriculum On Pre-K Social-Emotional Development, Deeanne Elaine Miree

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Fostering social-emotional intelligence (SEI), which affects relationships with peers, emotional regulation, and long-term academic success, requires early childhood development. One popular SEI program that supports social-emotional development in diverse Pre-K classes is the Second Step curriculum. However, little study has been done on the relationship between students' social-emotional development and teachers' use of Second Step, especially in culturally diverse settings. This study employed a correlational research design with a mixed methods approach to examine the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of the Second Step curriculum and its impact on Pre-K students’ social-emotional development and behavior. It also investigated the potential effects …

Counseling And College Access Programs Impact On College-Going Rates In Rural Tennessee, Dustin Lee Rawls

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative comparative case study examined the sharp decline in Tennessee's college-going rates (CGR), which fell from a high of 64.4% in 2015 to a low of 52.8% in 2021, creating significant concern for the state's workforce and economic future. Despite state initiatives and the presence of school counselors and grant-funded college access programs, substantial disparities in post-secondary enrollment persist, especially across the state's rural counties. Using the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA, 2003) National Model as a theoretical framework, this research examined the processes and perspectives of school counselors and college access professionals in the top and bottom 10% …

Socioeconomic Influences On Parent Engagement From Birth To Age Five, Mercedes Ford-Miller

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined how socioeconomic status influences the level and nature of parent engagement during the early learning years, defined as birth to age 5. Grounded in the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) framework, it explored how income and education disparities shape opportunities, barriers, and perceptions of engagement among families enrolled in early learning programs in Middle Tennessee. Using a grounded theory approach, data were collected through demographic surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups with parents representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Findings revealed that while all parents valued engagement as vital to their child’s development, socioeconomic conditions …

Factors Influencing Rural Teachers To Stay In The Classroom: A Qualitative Study, Marti Elizabeth Lomax

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The problem was teacher attrition was a pressing problem in the United States. The National Center for Education Statistics (2023) reported that 40% to 50% of teachers exited the profession within 5 years of commencing their careers which influenced the quality and consistency of education provided to rural students. The purpose was to explore how teachers felt about remaining on the job in rural classrooms in Southern Middle Tennessee. There was little research that investigated these teachers’ experiences regarding remaining in the profession. The study was guided by a basic qualitative design (Quick, 2024). The sample was six teachers selected …

Predicting First-Year Retention Rates Of First Generation College Students, Trena Barksdale

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

First-generation college students (FGCS) often encounter academic, financial, and social commitments that elevate their risk of attrition. Although academic preparation and engagement are recognized persistence factors, predictive research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) remains scarce. This quantitative study utilized binary logistic regression to identify key predictors of first-year retention among FGCS at a public HBCU. The analysis specifically tested the influence of high school GPA, Pell Grant status, and on-campus housing. Findings confirmed that both GPA and on-campus housing were strong, statistically significant predictors of retention, while Pell Grant status was not. These results underscore the vital role …

Paradigm Pivot: Envisioning A New Education System To Cultivate An Era Of Human Intelligence, Heather J. Leslie Phd

Learning Design Center: Staff Scholarship

This think piece proposes a new paradigm for the education system that moves towards more humane practices and away from more mechanistic, standardized practices in order to cultivate intrinsic motivation, authenticity, and the capacity for each person to develop their unique human abilities in the era of artificial intelligence.

Implementation And Evaluation Of A Wellness Program In A First-Year Medical Student Anatomy Course, Gina R. Lepore, Gavin Turner, Benjamin Abramoff, Daniel Depietro, Nicole Robinson

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Cadaveric dissection is a central component to anatomy education. However, for many students, dissection can be emotionally taxing, highlighting a potential area for increased support. This project evaluated the implementation of a wellness program within a dissection-based anatomy course.

Methods: Throughout a 12-week first-year medical student anatomy course, two teaching assistants (TAs) served as “Wellness TAs” and implemented a structured wellness program that included weekly office hours, supportive emails to students that addressed emotionally challenging coursework, and scheduled “wellness breakfasts/snack breaks.” An anonymous survey was distributed following the course. The survey assessed demographics, perceptions of the anatomical …

Exploring The Experiences Of White Passing And White-Assumed Latine College Students, Emanuel Magaña

Dissertations and Theses

Between 2009 and 2019 Latine college enrollment has increased, yet retention and graduation rates lag those of their white peers. While barriers for Latine students are well-documented, the influence of colorism, particularly among lighter-skinned or white passing students, remains understudied. This study utilized a qualitative case-study approach grounded in CRT and LatCrit and based on a Street Race Praxis framework. This study explored the experiences of twelve white passing and/or white-assumed Latine students at an emerging HSI in the Pacific Northwest. Using Testimonio informed approach and Counterstory, I drew from interviews, pláticas, site observations, and document analysis to create four …

Guest Editors’ Introduction, Maurits Bastiaan Meerwijk, Nicolo Paolo P. Ludovice

Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints

This introduction examines the historical evolution of health messaging in the Philippines, tracing its roots from early twentieth-century colonial public health campaigns to contemporary pandemic responses. It argues that health messaging, initially termed “medical propaganda,” has consistently served as a tool for persuasion and governance, intertwining communication, politics, and medicine. The introduction highlights how visual technologies and simplified narratives have been used to normalize biomedical authority, often obscuring complex realities. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a broader epistemic repertoire to navigate health knowledge in an era of misinformation.

Enhancing Graduate Employability Through The Role Of The School Career Center (Bursa Kerja Khusus) At Smkn 1 Bandung, Dwi Purwanto, Didik Nurhadi, Widiyanti Widiyanti

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study examines the role of the Bursa Kerja Khusus (BKK) in enhancing graduate employability at SMKN 1 Bandung. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through interviews with BKK staff, teachers, alumni, and industry partners, supported by observations and document analysis. The findings reveal that BKK functions as a strategic bridge between school and industry by providing digital job information services, facilitating structured recruitment processes, and maintaining strong industry partnerships. These practices effectively support graduates’ transition into the workforce. However, challenges persist, particularly related to limited soft skills and occasional mismatches between school competencies and industry demands. Supporting …

The Chemistry Of Color: A Comparative Analysis Of Natural And Synthetic Dyes In Textile Application, Caitlyn Pinaga Cpht

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

The Chemistry of Color: A Comparative Analysis of Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Textile Application examines how color functions at the intersection of chemistry, culture, and environmental responsibility. This project traces the evolution of dyeing from ancient natural pigment traditions, rooted in ecological knowledge, agricultural practices, and cultural identity, to the industrial rise of synthetic dyes, whose laboratory precision enabled unprecedented consistency, brightness, and global textile expansion. Through experimental swatch analysis, the study compares the behavior of natural dyes derived from plants and food sources with modern fiber-reactive and synthetic dye classes on a range of fibers including cotton, bamboo …

Sustainability In Culinary Arts Education, Nimra Farooqui

Education Department Student Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Rural Justice Gap: A Scalable Solution Rooted In Clinical Legal Education, Michelle Paxton

Northwestern Journal of Law & Social Policy

The rural justice gap significantly impacts child welfare legal representation, exacerbating the challenges families face when navigating juvenile courts in rural America. Attorneys in these communities frequently encounter geographic isolation, limited access to specialized training, professional burnout, and inadequate resources, all of which hinder effective advocacy for vulnerable children and families.

This article argues that clinical legal education, when paired with structured post-graduate training and multidisciplinary consultation, offers a replicable model for addressing the rural attorney shortages in juvenile court advocacy. The Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (NCJC) illustrates how this model can be designed and scaled to …

From Liahona To Talk: An Inspired Method 2, Yoshihiko Ariizumi

Spiritual Proficiency

In my previous series, Actionable Insights from the Liahona, I introduced many principles that felt like tightly cut jewels. This time, I'm changing the tempo and delivering those same principles set to a heart-stirring melody. I've set aside the rigid outlining and repackaged the principles with relatable stories and humorous metaphors that I hope will make you chuckle and think, "Oh, I know that feeling!" My wish is that this new approach helps these vital principles to gently drop anchor deep within your heart.