Digital Commons Network^™

A Systematic Review Of School-Based Behavioral Interventions And The Symbolic Labor Of Inclusion For Children With Chronic Illness, Efthymia Efthymiou, Dimitra V. Katsarou, Maria Sofologi, Kalliopi Megari, Soultana Papadopoulou, Evangelos Mantsos, Salma Daiban

All Works

Background: Chronic illness affects children’s health and disrupts the spatial and temporal aspects of schooling by complicating attendance, interrupting learning routines, and exposing institutional rigidity. While many educational systems treat chronicity as an exception to be managed, this review reconceptualizes it as a pedagogical and symbolic challenge to normative assumptions about inclusion, care, and participation. Objective: To systematically examine how school-based behavioral and psychosocial interventions support children and adolescents with chronic health conditions (CHCs) in inclusive educational settings and to analyze what these interventions reveal about institutional practices of care and recognition. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a …

Cultivating Identity, Workforce Readiness, And Heutagogical Lifelong Learning: The Case For Student-Trained Ai Agents In Postsecondary Education, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The accelerated integration of human-centered artificial intelligence and human-computer intelligent interaction (HCII) into postsecondary education has inaugurated a paradigm shift in how learners develop cognitive, socio emotional, and professional competencies. This article argues that requiring students to iteratively build and refine custom AI agents—digital “clones” or GPTs trained on their evolving beliefs, knowledge, values, and interests addresses three pressing challenges facing contemporary higher education. First, the process of self-modeling via agent training compels deep self-reflection, fostering socio-economic development and identity formation during the critical neurodevelopmental period that extends into the mid-twenties. Second, as industry trends increasingly prioritize the creation of …

Navigating Spaces: Understanding Lgbtq+ Families Who Homeschool Amid Shifting Legislative And Societal Landscapes, Ana Ferrante

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the motivations and lived experiences of caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth who chose homeschooling amid escalating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan, 1980) and Queer Theory (Chevrette, 2013), the study examined how caregivers navigated educational decisions to construct affirming, identity-conscious learning environments in response to exclusionary policies and systemic marginalization. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four caregivers residing in politically conservative states in the U.S.. The findings revealed that homeschooling functioned both as a protective measure against institutional harm and as a proactive strategy for fostering …

Stand-Up Guys: Using Stand-Up Comedy Conventions To Reimagine Film Narratives, Dugald Graydon

Postgraduate

This project focuses on interdisciplinary genre blending, and how embedding oneself into a particular cultural perspective can serve to create more authentic film narratives. Research into established film genre and stand-up comedy conventions provided a starting point from which to explore how insights from the Brisbane stand-up comedy scene could be utilised to inform the creation of a dramatic screenplay.

Examples Of Mathematics Personified, Amenda N. Chow

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Synesthesia is a cognitive condition in which multiply senses are stimulated at once. There are different types of synesthesia. For example, in a documented study [9], a person with synesthesia when considering the number three associates it as a male and a jerk. This association is persistent, always the same and automatic. Presented here are a variety of examples about mathematics in personified form. These examples focus on using personification as a way to better understand and appreciate mathematics.

Memes As An Effective Approach To Increase Public Engagement With Mathematical Concepts, Juan M. Romero, Carlos Trenado

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A meme is a graphical concept or cultural item that is disseminated via the Internet, often through social media platforms. Memes serve as a mechanism for replicating cultural traits by incorporating aspects of cultural mutation and evolution. The potential of memes in learning and education has been emphasized in several recent studies. The present article examines the impact of memes in increasing public engagement with mathematics and mathematical concepts. By focusing on memes that exhibit specific attributes—such as emotional facial expressions of recognizable human characters and dialogues emphasizing the usefulness or beauty of a mathematical concept—we observe a significant increase …

Reflection On The ‘Power Of Us’ Conference: How Mainstream Schools In England Offer Provision To Children With Special Educational Needs (Sen), Grace H A Cooper

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

The majority of children in England with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) are educated within mainstream schools. Due to the broad range of needs of children, it is essential that mainstream schools are provided with adequate funding, preparation and training to ensure that the inclusion of every child is achievable and expected. Furthermore, sometimes schools feel that they cannot offer ample provision to give every child an equitable access to learning and therefore they are directed to SEND schooling – can a mainstream school be considered inclusive if they cannot support all children? This article will consider these arguments …

Creativity, Inclusion And Participation, Heather Knight

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled ‘Creativity, Inclusion and Participation’, which drew upon different theories to explore what is creativity and question why many people believe they are not creative. This raises questions about what happens to creativity and what is the role that education plays in developing or hindering creativity. The paper offers an insight into the session, sharing reflections from the discussions, and exploring the idea that creativity can be seen as a democratic and social process. It argues that everyone can be creative in the …

A Preston Bridge School (Pbs) Approach To Inclusive Multisport Practices Within Sen, Jack Smith

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This paper, originating from the ‘Power of Us!’ conference held in June 2025, reflects on the session titled A Preston Bridge School Approach To Inclusive Multisport Practices Within SEN, which captured the current physical provision offer at Preston Bridge, with a particular focus on how the implementation of inclusive practices enable young people with SEN to meet and achieve their EHCP targets through physical education. The paper offers an insight into the session delivered, sharing best practice, staff and student reflections, and calls for action to promote the inclusion of young people with SEN within the context of physical education.

Collaborating Through Place-Based Partnerships For Inclusion, Suanne Gibson

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This reflective paper presents thoughts and insights from an interactive session delivered by Professor Suanne Gibson at this year’s ‘The Power of Us’ Spaghetti Bridge with University of Plymouth conference, on May 1^st.

Suanne reflects on how her talk ‘Plymouth’s story: Place-based school improvement for inclusion 2021 onwards’ took shape, telling the tale of a city’s successful progression for inclusion via a series of cross city and cross sector partnerships and collaborations. Matters of educational leadership and effective management of inclusive ideals, innovative practices and policies for progress and evidenced impact across Plymouth are shared and critically considered. …

Foreword To The Special Issue: The Power Of Us Conference, Christopher Lore, Harriet Dismore

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

This introduction to the special issue of the Plymouth Institute of Education Open Journal summarises the thinking behind the organisation of the Power of Us Conference held at the University of Plymouth on May 1st, 2025. The theme of the conference was creating more inclusive schools and communities through fostering dialogue between all participants in inclusive spaces: students, families, local authorities, community organisations, leaders, and numerous others. This conference can form a model for creating other inclusive spaces for sharing best practice and enabling as many voices as possible to be heard.

Employing A Longitudinal Study Design In A Post-Conflict Zone: Strategies And Lessons Learned From The Field, Asia Mohamed Mohamud, Jennifer Sdunzik, Wilella D. Burgess, Abdirisak Dalmar, Mohamed Jimale

Somalia Education Evaluation Publications

Longitudinal methodology is a powerful study design that focuses on processes and patterns of change; yet it is rarely deployed in research to understand post-conflict circumstances. This article describes experiences and lessons learned from a longitudinal study of an education intervention programme in a post-conflict setting. It illustrates both challenges and successful mitigation strategies for conducting a longitudinal study in a fragile and demanding research environment. Our study identified both methodological (participant recruitment, attrition, contextual variability, instrument modifications and record-keeping) and contextual (community, environmental, security and civil perturbations) challenges that impact longitudinal studies in post-conflict societies. By describing the challenges …

Becoming Culturally Responsive: Cultivating Reflexive Ethics And Inclusive Practices In Qualitative Research, Tito Dimas Atmawijaya

The Qualitative Report

Maria K. E. Lahman's An Introduction to Qualitative Research: Becoming Culturally Responsive (2025) offers a compelling framework for conducting qualitative inquiry with cultural humility, reflexivity, and ethical rigor. This review examines how Lahman interweaves theory and practice across three parts—foundations, data collection, and making the most of qualitative data—to guide researchers toward inclusive, justice-oriented scholarship. By analyzing the book’s structure, key themes, and pedagogical features, this review highlights its transformative potential for scholars, students, and practitioners committed to meaningful, culturally responsive research.

Challenging Behavior In The Early Childhood Classroom, Ashley L. Hoag

Masters Projects

In early childhood classrooms, it is becoming increasingly common for students to exhibit challenging behaviors. These behaviors present as either internalizing behaviors, such as anxiety, or as externalizing behaviors, such as defiance and aggression. These behaviors are impacting student learning and contributing to an increase in teacher stress and burnout. Early childhood educators feel underprepared to address these behaviors effectively. The project is grounded in Behaviorist Theory and Constructivist Theory. These theories inform Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which is an evidence-based approach to managing challenging behaviors by focusing on reinforcement, the structure of the environment, and building important …

“Not Conducive To Good Education”: Insights From Interviews With High School Math Teachers About The Academic Impacts Of Covid-19 In The Classroom, Thomas G. Holtmeier, Brook K. Batch, Rebecca J. Allen

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This study explores the academic impacts of COVID-19 and virtual learning on high school math students in the United States. Previous research has found that COVID-19 led to significant declines in engagement and test scores, alongside a widening opportunity gap among students of different backgrounds. This study interviewed high school math teachers from two private schools to understand what they have observed of students both during the pandemic and now. The findings reveal that the virtual learning experience had a limited negative impact on most students in these two schools, but teachers expressed concerns about the limitations of the …

Envisioning Transgender Equity: Amplifying Global South Narratives Through Inclusive Archives And Education, Saloni Walia, Sukanya Mondal

Journal of International Women's Studies

In their 17 Sustainable Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the United Nations (n. d.) places the goal of “achieve[ing] Gender Equality and empower[ing] all women and girls” at the fifth spot as SDG 5. However, reports from 2016 reveal that the SDGs mainly focus on issues concerning heterosexual cisgender women and girls, with no reference to the LGBTQ community (United Nations, 2016). This oversight raises concerns about the inclusivity of SDG 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” (United Nations, n.d.), but its application to people with diverse gender identities remains unclear. This …

Belonging Starts With You: Exploring Trust, Belonging, And Spiritual Connection In The Success Of Culturally Diverse Students In Higher Education, Moises Aguirre

Theses and Dissertations

Cultivating trust and belonging is essential for student success in higher education, particularly for students from diverse cultural backgrounds (DCB) who face unique challenges in developing these connections. Research highlights lower levels of trust reported by DCB students toward peers and institutions, adversely impacting their academic performance and social integration (Van Maele & Van Houtte, 2010). The urgency of these issues is underscored by the demographic evolution in Utah's educational system, with projections indicating significant growth of students' diversity by 2065 (Hollingshaus et al., 2019). Because of these projected developments, this study investigates how DCB students conceptualize and experience trust …

Toxicological And Environmental Assessment Of Trace And Heavy Metals In Harnoi Coal Deposits, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Muhammad Sajid, Shaukat Khan, Muhammad Kashif, Khan Amir Khan, Muhammad Junaid

Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, dan Praktek dalam Bidang Pendidikan dan Ilmu Geografi

Mining and burning of coal release various toxic substances that can contaminate both surface and groundwater, thereby posing significant risks to human health, especially for households located near mines, coal deposits, or coal-fired power stations. This research examines the environmental effects of coal mining in the Harnoi Region of Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Four mining sites were randomly selected within the study area, and eight coal samples were collected and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of trace and heavy metals. The findings indicate that Harnoi coal contains elevated concentrations of arsenic, zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, …

July 30, 2025 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

More Schooling Can Delay The Onset Of Dementia Later In Life, Vikesh Amin, Jere R. Behrman, Jason M. Fletcher, Carlos A. Flores, Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, Iliana Kohler, Hans-Peter Kohler, Shana D. Stites

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of An Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program On Belonging And Success, Alexa Darracq

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in an undergraduate peer mentoring program led to increased feelings of belonging and success compared to students who have never received BYU ComD peer mentoring. Outcomes were measured using pre- and post-experiment surveys and focus groups. This study had ten participants in the experimental group and 12 participants in the control group with seven participants from the experimental group who participated in the focus groups. Analysis of the results determined there were three key findings from the study: mentees benefited from the peer mentoring program, students signed up to receive …

Social Justice & Advocacy In Human Services, Cailyn F. Green, Bernadet Dejonge, Nikki Golden, Kim Brayton, Carrie Steinman, Shannon Raybold

Milne Open Textbooks

Read this book online at: https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/social-justice-in-human-services/

Social Justice & Advocacy in Human Services delves into the complex realm of social justice, offering a deep dive into historical roots and theories to practical applications in the field. This text covers fundamental concepts, including power, privilege, and oppression, and explores critical issues like racism, gender, sexuality, poverty, religion, and disability in the context of the United States. The last section of the book hones in on the field of human services, discussing power, privilege, and bias in this context, and lastly exploring equitable distribution, human rights, and the systems and entry points …

Breaking The Cycle Of Burnout In Financial Aid, Ashlee Thayer

Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the causes and effects of burnout in financial aid staff and what potential strategies could be implemented to support staff experiencing burnout. Lack of work-life balance and increased work-related stress are a few causes of burnout seen throughout the literature. The intention of this project is to create a workshop that provides managers and directors with the necessary tools to identify the sign of burnout in their employees and provide the necessary support to mitigate the effects of burnout. Addressing and preventing burnout in financial aid staff will increase staff retention and …

Exploring Open Pedagogy Principles: A Qualitative Study Of Undergraduate Experiences, Staci Gilpin, Stephanie Rollag Yoon, Virginia Clinton-Lisell

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Open pedagogy, characterisedby students creating or co-creating artefacts that others may use, offers transformative opportunities for students to move beyond passive learning into active content creation. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 25 undergraduate students who engage with open pedagogy principles, including creation-centred learning, collaboration, audience engagement, and the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Creative Commons (CC) licensing. Using surveys and interviews, we identified three key themes: the importance of real audiences, authentic connections over prescribed collaborations, and rethinking the role of Creative Commons. Findings suggest that open pedagogy enhances student engagement and provides meaningful, real-world applications …

The Implementation Of Culturally Responsive Curricula: A Moral Obligation, Kira I. Vasquez

Masters Projects

Culturally responsive education has long been accepted as critical to supporting students’ academic, social and emotional success at school–particularly for those from historically marginalized communities. Under the current presidential administration, however, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have come under attack, and many educators avoid their professional and moral obligation to implement culturally responsive curriculum for fear of political and professional repercussions. Grounded in Gloria Ladson-Billing’s theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and Gholdy Muhammad’s framework of Culturally and Historically Responsive Education (CHRE), this project aims to reaffirm the value of culturally responsive teaching and learning. Chapter One outlines the problem, …

July 29, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

The Evolution Of Schooling: From Industrial Obedience To Techno-Autonomy, Seb Taylor, Ron Roberts Ii

Digital Laboratory: Publisher of Internet Journal

This paper examines the enduring architecture of the American education system as a mechanism designed for compliance, not creativity. Rooted in 19th-century industrial logic, the structure of schooling, its physical design, time constraints, and assessment methods, has remained largely static despite seismic cultural and technological shifts. Through historical analysis and contemporary critique, this work interrogates the persistence of standardized methods, institutional prestige, and top-down instruction as barriers to meaningful learning and value creation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and live case studies, including Alpha School’s AI-powered, mastery-based model, the paper advances the concept of techno-education: a student-centered paradigm informed by feedback …

Making The Macc: Communities Of Practice And Cultural Citizenship In Austin, Texas, Cassie Lynn Smith

Anthropology ETDs

Meaningful community engagement is a challenge for local governments without a thorough understanding of constituents’ histories and their relationship with City government. This dissertation investigates the City of Austin’s (COA) Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in Austin, Texas, to understand how this culture and arts institution engages with and is influenced by its patrons. This study analyzes the role of the MACC’s community of practice (Lave and Wenger 1991)—an evolving group of educators, activists, artists, and COA staff—in shaping public policy and educational programming as well as creating places of belonging for marginalized people in the city. …

Experiences Of Women In K–12 Educational Technology Leadership Positions, Natalie M. Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the lack of women in K–12 educational technology leadership positions in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of women in K–12 educational technology leadership regarding the challenges and successes they encountered in achieving and maintaining their positions. Feminist standpoint theory formed the framework for this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 women who were active or former K–12 educational technology leaders in public schools across the country. Open and pattern coding were used to support thematic analysis. An overarching theme of gender bias …

Lifestyle Factors Contributing To Occupational Heat-Related Acute Kidney Injury, Jonathan Specht, Fabiano Amorim, Flavio De Castro Magalhaes, Zachary Mckenna, Zachary Schlader

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Workers worldwide are at risk for acute kidney injury due to hyperthermia and dehydration as a consequence of exertional heat stress. Limited research has explored the impact which lifestyle agents such as beverages, recreational drugs, and medications have on core temperature, hydration, and risk of acute kidney injury during physical work in the heat. To address this research gap, we explored the impact of three agents frequently used by construction workers on thermoregulation and markers of risk of acute kidney injury. First, we investigated the effect which ibuprofen ingestion has prior to one hour of running in the heat on …