Digital Commons Network^™

Early Childhood Educators’ Experiences Teaching Literacy Acquisition Skills, Dena Renee Crews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem investigated through this study was that early childhood educators struggle to help students with literacy acquisition skills in a Title 1 elementary school. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate early childhood educators’ experiences with the challenges of teaching literacy acquisition skills and their suggestions for improving resources and training for teaching literacy acquisition skills. The study was grounded in Clay’s emergent literacy theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews with 14 participants were conducted with the following themes emerging: Early childhood educators were challenged due to (a) students’ background …

Teacher Voices In Ethnic Studies: Bridging Policy And Practice Through Educator Insights In California, Isiah Peter Iniguez

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This study explores ethnic studies teachers’ perceptions of implementing ethnic studies as a required course in California. This study used both critical pedagogy (Freire , 1970) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK; Shulman, 1986) as theoretical frameworks. Through interviews with thirteen ethnic studies teachers across California, this research uncovered the pedagogical demands, implementation challenges, and transformative potential of ethnic studies education. The findings illuminated a fundamental tension between ethnic studies’ community-centered nature and pressures toward standardization. Teachers emphasized that ethnic studies had to be rooted in community, describing powerful outcomes when the curriculum reflected students’ identities, local histories, and lived experiences. …

Integrating Traditional Samoan Music With School-Aged Children In Fostering Culturally Appropriate Behaviors Within The Framework Of Fa'afaletui And Multimodal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Stormi Rachelle Winscot

Theses and Dissertations

Fa’aSamoa, the cultural framework shaping Samoan values, relationships, and daily life, deeply informs educational experiences in American Samoa. Music, as both cultural expression and communal practice, offers a powerful lens through which student engagement can be understood. This exploratory study employed multimodal interpretative phenomenological analysis (MMIPA), guided by the Fa’afaletui framework, to examine how Samoan and Pacific Islander students responded in embodied ways to traditional Samoan, culturally adapted Western, and other Western (folk, classical, pop) music in classroom settings. Drawing on focus group interviews and systematic observations, the study centered students’ movement, vocal expression, rhythmic participation, and peer interaction as …

Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2026, Swosu Office Of Sponsored Programs

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (URSAC) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, we are pleased to welcome you to the Thirty-Fourth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair.

Math In Melody: How Music Strikes A Chord With Memory And Learning, Aidan V. Waters

Honors Theses

As a result of personal curiosity, this thesis seeks to understand the current status of music integration within educational settings, discussing its importance and potential impact. By considering existing literature, it analyzes music’s effectiveness in K-12 education, particularly within the mathematics classroom. Based on the current body of research, the study identifies three key features of music integration: its effectiveness as an energizer, a memory tool, and a means of creating structure within the classroom. Building on these findings, a proposed ten-day, music-integrated Algebra I unit on functions is presented, applying the research in a variety of ways. The unit …

Traditionally Certified, Second-Career Teachers’ Perceptions Of Intent To Stay In The Classroom, Tara L. Wells

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was the high teacher turnover, including traditionally certified, second-career teachers (TCSCTs), in United States classrooms, despite support and additional resources provided. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine TCSCTs’ perceptions on the reasons and their recommendations to remain in the classroom. Ingersoll's teacher turnover and retention framework was used to conceptually frame this study. Using a basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 TCSCTs. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: TCSCTs remain in the profession primarily due to a sense of purpose in their …

Lanthorn, Vol. 60, No. 15, April 20, 2026, Grand Valley State University

Volume 60, August 4, 2025 – April 20, 2026

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Analysis Of Students’ Problem-Solving Errors Based On Newman’S Stages In Group Discussions, Ilfi Nur Diana, Nyamik Rahayu Sesanti, Sri Rahayu

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study aims to analyze students’ problem-solving errors during group discussions using Newman’s Error Analysis (NEA), while also exploring how social interaction influences error formation. This research addresses a gap in previous studies that predominantly focus on individual error analysis, with limited attention to collaborative learning contexts. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed involving 29 fifth-grade students at SDN Arjowinangun 1, Malang, Indonesia. Data were collected through classroom observations, written tasks, and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through triangulation and member checking. …

Development Of An Educational Book Based On The Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Dendang Lebah And Silat Pelintau As A Means Of Preserving Tamiang Malay Culture, Saiful Bahri, Rina Purnama Sari, Azrul Rizki

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study aims to develop an educational book based on the intangible cultural heritage of Dendang Lebah and Silat Pelintau as an effort to preserve Tamiang Malay culture in Aceh Province. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the Borg and Gall model. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the developed educational book, designed as a teaching material to preserve Tamiang Malay culture, was successfully validated. The book received excellent evaluations across all validation aspects. Content expert validation achieved an average score of 91.75%. Validation by design and …

Development Of Bestari Eco-Environmental Learning Teaching Materials To Enhance Critical Thinking Skills Among Fifth-Grade Students On The Topic Of “My Earth”, Mayna Aryunita, Siti Mayang Sari, Mhd. Syafii

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This research aims to develop contextual teaching materials based on the "BESTARI" eco-environment framework to enhance the critical thinking skills of 5th-grade students on the topic "My Earth." Utilizing the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), the study was conducted at SD Negeri 4 Aceh Tengah. Data collection involved expert validation, practicality questionnaires, and pretest-posttest instruments. Results indicate that the materials achieved a "Very Valid" status (90.6%) and "Very Practical" status (92.3%). Effectiveness tests demonstrated a significant improvement in critical thinking, with a student mastery rate of 88.7%. This study implies …

Proposisi Dan Argumen Dalam Diskusi Kelas Siswa Smp, Narimo Narimo, Anang Santosa, Yuni Pratiwi, Mujianto Mujianto

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study is to describe and explain the proposition and argument on classroom discussion of Junior High School students. The data are collected through observation techniques with the audio-video cameras supported by field notes to the subjects of this study; 235 students of the eighth grade of SMP Negeri 1 Watulimo Trenggalek, East Java. Data analysis is undertaken using qualitative data analysis by Miles and Huberman. The results of the study are the proposition and the argument on classroom discussion of Junior High School students. The proposition on classroom discussion of Junior High School students are the affirmation or negation …

Using Mind Mapping To Improve Students’ Ability In Writing Recount Text, Hayati Hayati, Adnan Latief, Emilia Iragiliati

Jurnal Pendidikan Humaniora

This study was aimed to improve the students’ ability in writing recount text through mind mapping strategy. The subjects of the study was the 20 second graders of SMPN 2 Lumbang Probo linggo. This was a classroom action research conducted in one cycle that consisted of five meetings. The mind mapping strategy was done through process writing, in the first three stages, pre-writing, drafting, and revising. The findings showed that the use of mind mapping strategy could improve the students’ abilities in writing recount text. It is recomended that the English teachers use the mind mapping strategy to improve their …

Salivary Mirna As An Early Biomarker For Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Shloka Potineni

Student Publications and Research

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is diagnosed at late stages in the majority of cases despite its physically accessible location, resulting in five-year survival rates that drop from 90% at Stage I to below 50% at Stage III or IV. Current screening relies on visual examination and invasive biopsy, neither of which can detect the molecular changes that precede visible tumor formation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in saliva reflect tumor biology before lesions appear, but the signal spans over 2,000 species simultaneously, making traditional statistical methods insufficient for reliable diagnostic pattern extraction.

This study applies a Random Forest classifier to miRNA expression …

2026 April 17 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Measurement Invariance Frameworks: A Comparison Of Mg-Cfa, Alignment Optimization, & Bayesian Approximate Measurement Invariance Using The Brigham Young University Counseling And Psychological Services Client Satisfaction Survey, Heidi Lula Lindsey

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers must establish measurement invariance (MI) before comparing latent constructs across groups to ensure construct validity. However, traditional multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) may impose overly strict equality constraints in applied settings. Alternative MI frameworks are less familiar to researchers, which limits their use. This study compares MG-CFA, alignment optimization (AO), and Bayesian approximate measurement invariance (BAMI) using archival data from the Brigham Young University Counseling and Psychological Services Client Satisfaction Survey (N = 1,278). Participants completed an exit survey after receiving individual (n = 1,063), couple (n = 83), or group (n = 132) therapy, answering 16 five-point Likert …

Teaching With S2scc-Ai: A Practical Framework For Sport Management Classrooms, Kimberly D. Bynum, Wendy T. Gillis

The COSMA Journal

ABSTRACT

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, are radically changing how higher ed students approach their college learning experience. These shifts are especially impactful in undergraduate sport management programs, where employers expect graduates to demonstrate teamwork, critical thinking and digital literacy skills. As AI becomes embedded across sport industry functions such as event operations, marketing, analytics, and fan engagement, higher ed pedagogy must evolve to reflect the professional contexts students are preparing to enter. In this paper, Student-to-Student Co-Creation enhanced by AI (S2SCC-AI) is advanced as a practical, COSMA-aligned pedagogical framework for leveraging …

Code-Switching Practices In The Nile Delta: A Comparative Study Of Linguistic Fluidity Among Gen Z And Gen X Efl Learners, Wesam Khairy Morsi

English Language and Literature

This study investigates code-switching as a form of linguistic fluidity among Egyptian EFL learners, focusing on how language practices are shaped by proficiency level, socio-cultural background, and generational positioning. Drawing on a convergent mixed-methods design, the research combines survey data from 154 participants with semi-structured interviews conducted with speakers from Generation Z and Generation X. Rather than treating code-switching as a random or deficient practice, the study situates it within established sociolinguistic theories that view language choice as socially meaningful, ideologically loaded, and deeply connected to identity construction. The findings reveal that advanced learners, particularly younger urban speakers, tend to …

Emergent Storylines That Influence Positions And Mathematical Status In Collaborative Small-Group Proof Activity, Brittney M. Ellis, Tenchita Alzaga Elizondo

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this paper, we used positioning theory to examine storylines that emerged in students’ discourse as they collaborated on a proof construction task. We purposefully selected a case of group work from an inquiry-oriented introduction to proof course as prior analyses showed it was highly collaborative (Alzaga Elizondo, 2022), yet power dynamics seemed unbalanced. We hypothesized that positioning theory could provide a useful lens to interrogate such power dynamics. Through this analysis, we identified several implicit storylines that influenced the interaction related to the nature of proofs, the nature of mathematics, writing proofs, the role of an external authority, …

Investigating Racial Bias And Attribution Error In Grading Student Performance, Tony Reibel, Rachel Roegman

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Standards-based grading (SBG) is a relatively recent alternative model of grading designed to increase the reliability of grading while reducing the influence of teacher biases that can distort student evaluations. This study investigated whether SBG mitigates race‑related bias and attribution errors through a mixed‑methods 3×2 factorial vignette experiment with in‑service teachers. A total of 219 teachers scored the same student essay using a common SBG rubric and provided a 1-4 proficiency score, a binary evaluation concerning success criteria and written feedback. “Learning profiles”– a description of the student’s current and past abilities – varied by tone (positive, negative, none: name-only) …

Exploring Ai-Generated Student Responses To Mathematics Word Problems: Dyslexia And Dyscalculia Perspectives, Karis Musgrave, Michele Cudd

2026 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

What Factors Cause Attrition In Space Systems: Engineering And Mathematics Programs In Kentucky?, Jaden Yates, Ethan Henderson, Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, Elijah Jensen

2026 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

2026 Celebration Of Student Scholarship Program And Abstracts, Morehead State University. Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

2026 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Ownership Duration In The U.S. Business Jet Market, Yuchen Hu

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study analyzes ownership duration in the U.S. business jet market using FAA registry data as of February 16, 2026 (N=12,359). The analysis reveals a structured distribution with a mean of 5.86 years and a median of 5.00 years. Crucially, retention varies by acquisition status: new aircraft owners exhibit an average hold of 7.36 years, whereas pre-owned aircraft holders show a significantly higher turnover of 5.11 years, with most resales occurring within a 3–7-year window. These findings suggest that ownership behavior is driven by structured asset management and lifecycle planning, providing a predictive framework for identifying aircraft replacement and trade-in …

Imsaloquium 2026 Event Booklet, Student Inquiry And Research (Sir)

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

Cover designed by Joyce Symoniak.

Welcome to IMSAloquium, our annual, school-wide symposium for research and inquiry! This booklet contains abstracts for over 220 outstanding projects conducted by IMSA students in the 2025-26 academic year. The topics range from biomedical research to artificial intelligence, from history to the social sciences, and from business to entrepreneurship. Many of our students are working with off-campus mentors at world-renowned universities, research laboratories, and businesses. Others are working on-campus with IMSA’s own outstanding Faculty. The SIR and IN2 Teams would like to thank all of our mentors for their efforts. Our experiential programs would not …

South Carolina Teacher Workforce Profile For 2024–25, Svetlana Dmitrieva, Brian Cartiff, Angela Starrett

Reports

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of South Carolina’s public school teacher workforce in 2024–25. Aligned with SC TEACHER’s mission, it offers data to support decision-making at both state and district levels. Using teacher-level information for 55,634 educators, this report describes key workforce characteristics and trends of classroom teachers (PK–12), special education teachers, and retired educators who have returned to the classroom.

In addition to exploring broad workforce patterns, the report highlights age profiles across different facets of the teacher workforce. Understanding the distribution of early-, mid-, and late-career educators is essential for anticipating retirement trends, identifying support needs for …

Mastery By Mistakes: Reframing Failure In Higher Education Skill-Based Teaching And Assessment, Maura Metheny

JWU Dissertations & Theses

Experiencing a mistake, error or failure while learning generates an additional inquiry process that activates prior knowledge and increases retention of subsequent feedback and new material (Kapur, 2008). The use of errors to guide practice has been shown to lead to skill-mastery and expertise (Ericsson et al., 1993). When classrooms are psychologically safe environments where penalty-free exploration and knowledge application are encouraged, students gain a deeper understanding of the content (Tulis, 2013). This qualitative exploratory descriptive study aimed to understand the ways that undergraduate faculty in skill-based disciplines involve errors, mistakes and failures in teaching and …

Unlocking The Organizational Roles For Effective Teacher Leadership, Diane E. Johnson, Shelly Allen, Frances Perez

School Leadership Review

Teacher leader (TL) retention has emerged as a critical concern as educators increasingly exit leadership roles due to policy pressures, inadequate compensation, limited administrative support, and diminished professional recognition. Although schools rely on teacher leaders to support instructional improvement and professional collaboration, many leadership structures fail to provide sustainable pathways for teacher leadership development. Guided by a Distributed Transformational Leadership Framework, which integrates transformational and distributed leadership theories, this qualitative study examined how teacher leaders perceive leadership opportunities, organizational barriers, and potential leadership structures within K–12 school systems. Data were drawn from archived capstone reflections of 39 teacher leadership master’s …

The Impact Of The Space Science Steam Enrichment Program On Grade 11 And 12 Gifted Students' Content Knowledge, Design Thinking, And Problem-Solving Skills In The United Arab Emirates, Nada Ali Mubarak Obaid

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study examines the impact of a Space Science Enrichment Program grounded in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education and designed for gifted secondary students in the Elite and Advanced Science Streams of UAE government schools. Informed by problem-based learning, project-based learning, and design thinking frameworks, the program aimed to enhance students' content knowledge, academic achievement, and design thinking and problem-solving skills. Over a two-month period, students participated in blended online and face-to-face theoretical and practical sessions introducing space science topics such as satellite missions and applications, CubeSats, rocket motion, thermal and vibration simulations, 3D modelling, and additive …

Attention To Their Uniqueness: Differentiation In A University Classroom, Robin Gingerich

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

University students come to campus with unique gifts and individual challenges. To meet the needs of diverse learners, one solution is differentiation. Differentiation involves deliberately planning lessons that address the unique learning styles of diverse learners by offering pedagogy informed not only by content, but also by the students themselves. While differentiation in elementary and secondary classrooms is considered best practice, professors in higher education face unique challenges when it comes to implementing differentiation. This paper examines definitions of differentiation, research on differentiation in universities, and, from the author’s personal experience, offers suggestions for university writing instructors.

Apprenticing Towards Deeper Learning In The Ela Classroom: Using Young Adult Literature To Support Students’ Mastery, Identity, And Creativity, Julianna Kershen, Kacy M. Price, Nynke Wimp, Evie Jackson, Kaitlin Rogers

Virginia English Journal

This practitioner focused article highlights the perspectives of pre-service teachers and undergraduate researchers investigating the kinds of learning interactions and instructional decisions that result in deeper learning outcomes for high school students. Deeper learning outcomes are often described as 21^st century skills, including mastery learning, support of holistic and scholarly student identities, and the ability to engage collaboratively with critical and creative problem-solving skills. The authors suggest a series of young adult literature texts that can serve as springboards into project-based learning opportunities that provide authentic and real world-connected activities, iterative cycles of learning, peer-peer collaboration, and in-depth disciplinary …