Digital Commons Network^™

Training In The 21st Century: A Transcendental Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experiences Of Virtual Reality Integration For Training Industrial Vocations, Christina M. Bardine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experience of the application of virtual reality (VR) for trainees at a VR training lab for vocational training. The theory guiding this study is the technology acceptance model (TAM), as it encompasses the experiences and perceptions that influence overall acceptance of VR technology in training. The central research question of this study asked, What is the lived experience of the trainees that framed their acceptance of the use of virtual reality and gaming technologies for vocational job training. This transcendental phenomenological study explored the experiences of 19 adult vocational …

Exploring The Motivations And Educational Needs For Undergraduate Nursing Students To Enter Into Critical Care: A Qualitative Study., Christina S. Pradhan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Critical care nursing is a specialty that demands a high level of skill and dedication. In this high-stress, fast-paced environment, nurses must think fast and act decisively with sound clinical judgment and knowledge. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the motivating factors that cause nurses to enter the field of critical care, as well as to explore the ways in which undergraduate nursing studies may be improved to better prepare future critical care nurses. Knowles’ adult learning theory was well suited for nursing students bound for a critical care path. Students at two different baccalaureate …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Former Teachers Transitioning Into Instructional Design And Technology: A Phenomenological Study, Denise Lynne Spencer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of former teachers who have transitioned into instructional design and technology (ID&T) roles within noneducational organizations. The theory guiding this study was Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning theory, as it provided a theoretical framework for former educators to successfully transition their skills from teaching children to designing effective training for adults, particularly within noneducational organizations. The central research question asked, What are the unique challenges former teachers face when transitioning to ID&T when working for noneducational organizations? Data were collected through three data collection methods, including semi-structured interviews, …

Examining The Impact Of School Resource Officer Training: A Survey Of North Carolina Officers In Schools, Jennifer M. Osborn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Recent increases in violence in schools have led to greater attention on the training and effectiveness of School Resource Officers (SROs). This study analyzes the effects of SRO training programs in North Carolina educational institutions, concentrating on two principal law enforcement agencies: the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and the Fayetteville Police Department. This research uses surveys and qualitative analysis to examine how SRO training relates to school safety and the development of positive relationships with students.

SRO training protocols and their efficacy in enhancing school safety and cultivating positive student relationships. The study examines four primary research questions concerning the …

Teachers’ And Parents’ Perception Of The Impacts Of Social Skills Education Among Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Marian Baffoe Bonnie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of the impacts of social skills learning for teachers and parents at a preschool in a central African country. The theory that guided this study was Premack and Woodruff’s theory of mind as it provides a scholarly underpinning for understanding the social and communication deficits experienced by individuals with autism. The central research question that guided the study was: How do teachers and parents perceive the impacts of social skills education among children with autism spectrum disorders? A qualitative methodology using a phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling was …

Leadership Role In The Formation Of Leadership Qualities, Culture Of Business Communication, And Emotional Intelligence Of Future Higher Education Professionals, Larysa Hren, Arseniy Khaziyev, Kostiantyn Kachailo, Ivan Kirsanov, Mykola Chebotarev

Higher Learning Research Communications

Introduction/Aims: The study was conducted among 2nd- and 3rd-year undergraduate students and 1st-year master’s students majoring in three specialties: psychology, social security, and medicine. The research examined the influence of leadership qualities on professional training, emotion management, and business communication skills of students in higher education institutions. It explored how these competencies collectively enhance adaptability and preparedness for professional activities in fields such as psychology, social work, and medicine, addressing gaps in educational methodologies.

Methods: We employed a comprehensive, four-stage methodology with content analysis as the primary data collection method. The study involved 63 participants from the National …

Valuing Music Education: A Comparative Study Of Elementary Programs In Canada And The United States, Johanna Katelyn Hatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music education is widely recognized as an important component of a well-rounded education and is frequently associated with numerous educational, social, and developmental benefits. Despite this perceived value, support for music education remains inconsistent across elementary school contexts. Differences in funding, instructional time, and administrative priorities raise questions about how the value of music education is understood and enacted within schools. The purpose of this qualitative comparative study was to examine how music education is valued within elementary schools in Canada and the United States. Guided by Comparative Education Theory, interviews were conducted with elementary music educators to better understand …

A Qualitative Case Study: Learning, Teaching, And Using Social-Emotional Skills In A Post-Covid Era, Camille Louise Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to discover the influence that COVID-19 has had on teaching and learning social-emotional skills in grades K through 2 in a local public school in a central metropolitan area in the northeastern United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools worldwide were forced to shut down, providing online instruction using tablets and other media devices. Students and teachers suddenly became limited in how they socialized with each other. COVID-19 changed how teachers use social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. The study included 10 participants. This study’s purpose was to answer the central research …

Empowering Elementary Music Students To Compose And Perform With Ipad, Matthew Martin Massengale

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

iPad is a popular device commonly used an educational tool, yet little information is available about how iPad can be used to supplement gaps in music education in elementary classes. It is widely accepted that music education increases student achievement across multiple curriculums: therefore, any techniques and tools available to deliver music lessons that may close gaps in access to quality music education are important to study and understand. Through qualitative research techniques, this study will examine and analyze the efficacy of using iPad in music lessons. Students will access music history and theory through apps installed on iPad. Students …

High School Teachers’ Experiences Fostering Empathy At A Florida Charter School: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Angela Lynn Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of high school teachers fostering empathy at a charter school in Florida. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s social constructivism as it provided the framework for exploring the phenomenon of fostering empathy in the classroom while considering the role of teacher and student interactions. The Central Research Question was as follows: What are the lived experiences of high school teachers with fostering empathy in their classrooms at a charter school in Florida? This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach with a purposeful sample of 10 high …

The Impact Of Student Behavioral Demands On Teacher Burnout In Secondary Education, Adrienne J. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Teacher burnout is a growing concern in secondary education because it affects teacher well-being, instructional effectiveness, and retention (Anton & Ryzin, 2024; Madigan & Kim, 2021). This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between behavioral demands and emotional exhaustion among 64 Texas secondary public-school teachers. Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model and Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the study also examined whether teacher self-efficacy and school climate moderated this relationship. Behavioral demands were measured as a composite of student aggression, defiance, and inattentiveness. Pearson correlations and moderation analyses conducted in Jamovi indicated that behavioral demands were positively associated …

Transmogrifying Coding Into A Social Studies Technology Tool: Using Participatory Design With Engineers And Social Studies Educators To Design Data Visualization Tools For Social Studies Data Literacy Education, Bahare Naimipour, Jessica Zhang, Tamara Shreiner, Mark Guzdial

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Our work aims to inform, design, and create data visualization tools that are meant to be integrated specifically into social studies classes. In this essay we discuss the use of participatory design methods to learn what social studies teachers (both pre-service and in-service) want in their classrooms and test the usability of real tools with these participants. Through this approach we iteratively engage our users, and they inform the design and development of learning tools for the learning and instruction of social studies data literacy. Using a social construction of technology lens, we describe the scaffolding embedded in our tools …

From Compliance To Inclusion Through Collaborative Action Research (Car): Service-Animal Access In Experiential Settings In Higher Education, Allison Christina Gainer

Theses and Dissertations

Experiential learning is essential for degree completion, licensure, and professional preparation, although access to service animals in practical contexts is often ambiguous and inconsistently implemented. This study examined the disconnect between legal access protections and institutional practices in real-time access decisions driven by safety, program integrity, accrediting standards, and decentralized decision-making. The purpose of this qualitative Collaborative Action Research (CAR) study was to examine Rowan University’s understanding, interpretation, and implementation of service animal regulations and procedures and to suggest alternatives for legal and equitable access. The study was based on the social model of disability and used four CAR cycles. …

Generative Ai Adoption And Perceived Academic Impact Among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-National Study In Indonesia, Tajikistan, And The United States, Vyacheslav Dushenkov, Ernawati Sinaga, Astri Rozanah Siregar, Alamkhon Akhmedov, Saidbeg Satorov

Publications and Research

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming higher education, yet comparative evidence from diverse international settings remains limited. This cross-national study examined undergraduate students’ adoption and perceived academic impact of generative AI tools at institutions in Indonesia, Tajikistan, and the United States. A harmonized online survey was administered to 584 undergraduates during Spring 2026 (Indonesia n = 235; Tajikistan n = 226; United States n = 123). The survey assessed AI familiarity, adoption patterns, frequency and purpose of use, perceived academic impact, and factors encouraging AI engagement. AI adoption differed significantly across sites, with the highest adoption observed in Indonesia …

The Question Is A Node: Online Quizzes As Interactive Non-Fiction, Michael Merriam

ELO (un)supervised 2026

The quiz is the most widely deployed form of interactive text in education. Even when it is not digitally administered, it presents a prompt, receives a response, and contains within it a formula determining the consequences of that response. A wrong answer is taken as a failure of learning (not mere recall) and, by virtue of their quasi-digital objectivity, a batch of low quiz scores might warn of difficulty in reaching benchmarks. Ergo, quizzes embody the automation of the supervisory function of the instructor, and the supervision of curricula. 

Quiz questions have something in common with nodes in digital interactive …

Exploring Stress And Mindfulness In Central Asia: Perspectives Of English Language Students In Uzbekistan, Laurie A. Wolfe, Rakhmatullo Akhmedov

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

Stress is a growing concern among university students worldwide, yet little is known about how stress is conceptualized and experienced within Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan. This study explores how Uzbek university students understand and experience stress, identifies the primary sources of stress in their daily lives, and examines their perceptions of mindfulness as a potential stress‑reduction strategy. Participants were 60 students, primarily Muslim women, at a large public university in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Open‑ended questions on a post‑intervention survey were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive coding. Students most frequently described stress in emotional terms, including irritability, sadness, and …

Re-Reading The World: Why Critical Literacy Must Accompany The “Back To Basics” Movement, Carl Bryan

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

Recent literacy reforms in the United States have prioritized systematic phonics as part of the “science of reading,” backed by extensive evidence on the importance of phonemic awareness and decoding for early reading development. While these skills are essential, narrowing literacy to mechanics alone overlooks its broader cultural and civic purposes. Drawing on Freire’s (1970/2000) conception of literacy as both “reading the word and the world,” this paper argues for a balanced framework that integrates foundational instruction with comprehension, knowledge building, and critical literacy. Building on the work of Luke (2000) and Vasquez (2014), it positions literacy as both a …

Cipropad Learning Model To Improve Elementary School Students’ Hots In Geometry, Ria J. Salman, Heris Hendriana, Masta Hutajulu

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

The latest digital technology developments demand innovative learning models that are able to integrate active learning approaches, problem-solving, and digital collaborative platforms. This study aims to develop a CIPROPAD (Circuit Learning, Problem-Based-Learning, Padlet) learning model designed to improve students' HOTS. This study uses the Borg and Gall R&D method which includes the stages of needs analysis, model design, initial product development, expert validation, limited trials, revisions, and field trials. The research subjects consisted of 74 elementary school students divided into experimental and control groups. The research instruments used included expert validation sheets, HOTS tests, student activity observation sheets, and student …

Higher Education Faculty’S Perceptions On Generative Artificial Intelligence Use In Teaching And Learning Practices, Inez Mitchell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that higher education (HE) faculty are challenged to integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their teaching and learning practices. Grounded in Mishra and Koehler’s technological, pedagogical and content knowledge framework and Knowles’ theory of andragogy, the purpose of this study was to explore HE faculty’s perceptions on their content, andragogical, and technological knowledge and their instructional strategies used in integrating GenAI. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with nine HE faculty who self-identified as having at least 3 years of teaching and GenAI usage experience from across the …

Blended Learning Development In Mongolian K-12 Education: A Systematic Review And Psychometric Study Of Teacher Readiness, Batbold Bukhchuluun

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines blended learning (BL) in Asian K-12 education through a systematic review and an empirical validation study in Mongolia. The first study reviews peer-reviewed K-12 BL research published between 2000 and 2024 using PRISMA procedures. We analyzed 42 studies to identify publication trends, geographic representation, BL model adoption, articulation of physical and pedagogical design layers, implementation challenges, and reported outcomes. Findings indicate that BL research is concentrated in a limited number of countries, frequently employs flipped learning models, and often lacks detailed pedagogical specification. Common challenges include infrastructure limitations, teacher preparedness, and institutional support. The second study adapts …

Open The Case, Detective! A Story-Driven Game Approach To Combat Human Trafficking In Hospitality, Aili Wu, Wei Wei, Lu Zhang

ICHRIE Research Reports

Executive Summary: Human trafficking is a pervasive global crime that significantly impacts the hospitality industry, with several major hotel chains facing lawsuits for human trafficking negligence. As a highly sensitive issue that is often misunderstood, it poses challenges for hospitality businesses to effectively educate their customers. Meanwhile, existing interventions remain limited and largely rely on passive methods, highlighting the need for interactive interventions to help individuals respond effectively. This research addresses these challenges by proposing and testing a story-driven detective game as an interactive alternative. In the game, hospitality customers play the role of a detective investigating a trafficking case …

The Role Of Perceived Academic And Peer Support In Mitigating Imposter Syndrome Among Adhd Students, Eden Morley Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in higher education is associated with significant executive functioning deficits and performance inconsistencies. These challenges, alongside heightened rejection sensitivity, may predispose students to the Imposter Phenomenon (IP)—the persistent belief that one’s success is undeserved. While social and academic supports are known to buffer psychological distress, their specific role in mitigating IP within the ADHD student population remains under-researched.

Objectives: This study investigated the severity of IP among undergraduate students with ADHD and examined the protective roles of Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Perceived Academic Support (PAS), while exploring gender as a potential moderator.

Methodology: A cross-sectional …

The Effect Of Part-Time Vs Full-Time Integrated Clinical Education On Student Physical Therapists’ Self-Efficacy And Clinical Reasoning, William J. Buchala

Student Dissertations

Integrated clinical education (ICE) varies across Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, particularly in the use of part-time and full-time clinical experiences. Limited research has examined relationships between ICE structure, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning. The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to examine relationships between part-time and full-time ICE models and self-efficacy and self-assessed clinical reasoning in DPT students. Survey responses were collected from DPT students who had participated in ICE experiences. Self-efficacy was measured using the Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale, and self-assessed clinical reasoning was measured using the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning Scale. Independent-samples …

20260716: College Of Arts And Media, 1942-2006, College Of Arts And Media

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the Departments of Theatre, Art, and Dance at Marshall University from 1942-2006. Items were received at an earlier date, were accessioned in 2026, and processed in 2026. Items include copies of the Creation Newsletter from the 1990s, an Applied Music and Ensemble Handbook, Marching Thunder's Visionary Plan from 1993, the Shane Ross Internship, and the Robert Hinchman Endowment for the Dramatic Arts. Please download inventory for full list of contents.

Ohio Beef Quality Audit – 2021: Survey Of Carcass Characteristics Related To Quality Attributes And The Investigation Of Meat Processor Needs, Bo M. C. Garcia, Benjamin M. Bohrer, Stephen Boyles, Joy N. Rumble, Alejandro E. Relling, Lyda G. Garcia

Journal of Extension

While beef quality audits have been conducted on a national level in the United States every 5 years since 1991, state-level audits are uncommon. Our team believed that Ohio beef producers would benefit from a state-level audit, so in 2021 we developed and conducted an Ohio Beef Quality Audit, evaluating Ohio meat processing facilities and assessing Ohio meat processors' needs and views on factors that influence meat quality. This paper details the results of that audit, which demonstrated that Ohio beef quality was similar to national beef quality; our audit also highlighted the need to increase fundamental meat science education …

Liberation Landscapes: Writing Freedom In A Black Geographies Classroom, Cornel Grey, Muna-Udbi A. Ali

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

Exploring Student And Faculty Perspectives On Professionalism In Occupational Therapy Education, Mary Roduta Roberts, Jilaine Barton, Amy Janzen, Carolina Johnson, Lauren Painchaud

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The development of professionalism is critical for occupational therapy (OT) students to become competent occupational therapists. This paper reports on the first phase of a multi-phase project to develop and pilot a situational judgement test to support teaching, learning, and development of professionalism in an OT program. The purpose of this study was to explore faculty and students’ perspectives on professionalism and OT. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were completed with students (n = 18) and faculty (n = 4). The main insights shared included challenges in defining professionalism in OT, the importance of context, and differing perspectives on the effectiveness of …

Occupational Therapy Holistic Admissions At A Public, Urban Research University: Process, Outcomes, And Transitions, Ashley Stoffel, Dalmina Arias, Toni Van Denend, Caitlin Smith, Jenica Lee, Maria Larson, Gail Fisher

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Implementing a holistic admissions process reflecting the mission of the university provides the means to expand enrollment of students from diverse backgrounds who have life experiences and values that are well matched to the communities they serve. This article explores the historical significance, outcomes, and transitions of a holistic admissions process in a public, urban research university.

The holistic admission process outlined in this article offers a balanced and equitable approach to student selection by considering a broad array of backgrounds, experiences, and attributes beyond traditional metrics, such as grades. With a commitment to inclusivity, access, and belonging, the department …

Evaluation Of Music Education Implementation Under The Merdeka Curriculum At The Junior Secondary School Level In Tanggamus Regency, Andrean Pramudyo, Kun Setyaning Astuti

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Music education in Indonesian junior high schools often faces persistent structural challenges, particularly in regions where the implementation of Kurikulum Merdeka remains uneven and under-evaluated. This study evaluates the implementation of Music Education under Kurikulum Merdeka at state junior high schools in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province. Stufflebeam's (1966) CIPP evaluation model, encompassing Context, Input, Process, and Product components, was employed within a quantitative descriptive-evaluative design. Data were collected simultaneously using three instruments: a primary questionnaire and two supplementary instruments comprising structured observation sheets and documentation analysis sheets. Respondents included 6 school principals and curriculum vice-principals, 10 Music Education teachers, and …

A Chorus Of Voices: Student And Teacher Shared Dialogical Experiences And Insights, Jennifer Anne Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

Dialogue is inherently tied to learning, but as a secondary English Language Arts (ELA) classroom teacher it can be difficult to facilitate classroom dialogue that provides authentic learning opportunities for every student. I wanted to learn more about the student experience, so I implemented an action research study to increase my understanding of how students learn through dialogue. My research question was: How does collaborative languaging, to facilitate student-teacher interaction, lead to improved classroom mediation, authentic learning, dialogue, and development? I conducted transformative action research in my classroom, focusing on students enrolled in my general English 10 classes. In an …