Digital Commons Network^™

Career And Technical Education Faculty Members' Attitudes Toward Assessment: A Case Study, Cecelia R. Brewer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand career and technical education (CTE) faculty members’ attitudes toward assessment at a community college in Kansas. This study explored how faculty members perceived and engaged with outcomes assessment, including their beliefs about its effectiveness, their level of influence in assessment-related decisions, and their sense of being valued within a culture of assessment. The research questions were: 1) What are faculty members’ attitudes toward various assessment methods in career and technical education, including the assessment of both knowledge and skills?, 2) How much do faculty members believe assessment contributes to improving teaching …

Intrinsic Motivation In The General Education Classroom, Rachel E. Deaton

Honors Theses

This research is investigating how to increase intrinsic motivation within the general education classroom using classroom lessons and procedures. Research was gathered using One Search on the University of Mississippi library website. After narrowing down the research, I used information to inform the making of my Unit by Design and procedural guide. Through research we found that in order to support intrinsic motivation that students need three psychological needs to meet: relatedness, competency, and autonomy. The best ways to meet these needs in classroom gamification, teacher motivation, and movement integration. There are things that you can do to help support …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Higher Education Faculty Towards Inclusion Of Racial And Ethnic Minority Students With Disabilities, Aimee Grace Regala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of higher education faculty toward the inclusion of racial and ethnic minority students with disabilities at a historically Black college and university in the mid-Atlantic region in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Alexander Astin's input-environment-outcome (I-E-O) model. Transcendental study captured the essence of higher education faculty's experiences in implementing inclusive practices for racial and ethnic minority students with disabilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed through epoché, phenomenological reduction, and imaginative variation to answer the …

The Successful Transition Of Military Veterans To Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Kenneth Hollis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of student veterans as they transition into 4-year universities in the southern region of the United States. The problem guiding this work is that student veterans often face significant challenges in achieving academic and personal success during the transition from military service to civilian campus life. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg's transition theory, as it provides a framework for understanding the factors that influence individuals' experiences during change and transition how veterans navigate the academic, social, and psychological dimensions of this pivotal life change. The …

Teacher Perception Of Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder And Acceptability Of Interventions For Students With Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder, Andrea S. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurocognitive disorder, highly diagnosed in students. Teachers play a crucial role in the detection of ADHD and in implementing interventions. However, their perceptions, confidence, and barriers influence how interventions are applied in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ perceptions and knowledge of ADHD and their perceptions of the evidence-based interventions for students with ADHD. The study also explored the role of student-teacher relationships on academic outcomes, perceived barriers to implementation, and factors influencing teachers’ willingness to implement interventions. Participants included 25 certified teachers, teaching core subjects in grades …

A Culture Of Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Trauma-Informed Practices Among Teachers In Christian Elementary Schools, Christina Michelle Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions and utilization of trauma-informed practices of Christian elementary school teachers in classrooms in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development, as it highlights how teachers are instrumental in promoting developmentally healthy practices for trauma-affected children through building relationships and interacting with others at varying levels of their ecosystem. The study was designed to answer the following central research question: How do elementary Christian school teachers utilize trauma-informed practices in the classroom? The study used a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design …

Measuring Comfort Levels Of General Education Students When Interacting With Peers With Severe Disabilities: A Quasi-Experimental, Pretest-Posttest, Quantitative Research Design, Kaila Olivia Khai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest research study was to determine whether a disability awareness program would increase high school students' self-reported comfort level when interacting with peers with disabilities. This study is important because student comfort levels when interacting with peers with disabilities has a direct impact on inclusion, social acceptance, and positive relationships throughout the school and community; therefore, this study adds to the literature regarding comfort levels by examining the difference between comfort levels of general education students that have and have not received a disability awareness program. The sample was composed of 90 high school …

The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Algebra Teachers Working With Students With Math Anxiety: A Phenomenological Study, Chanly Kong Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of working with students with math anxiety in algebra classrooms for secondary math teachers at the Sunflower School District in the Western United States. The study was guided by attentional control theory, which explains how anxiety disrupts attention and working memory. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of secondary math teachers working with students with math anxiety in algebra classrooms? Ten participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and a journal prompt, and were manually …

Retention Of Rural/Small-Town Band Directors In Georgia, Timothy M. Warren

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the retention and tenure of band directors in rural and small-town contexts in Georgia. Research indicates that directors in these areas often face challenges not commonly present in urban settings. This study sought to determine whether there is a trend of short tenures among rural and small-town band directors in Georgia. Data was collected through an online survey targeting current and former directors with rural or small-town experience. The survey included Likert Scale items addressing director qualifications, backgrounds, and common challenges, as well as open-ended questions that allowed participants to describe their …

A Causal-Comparative Study On The Difference Between Elementary, Middle, And High School Special Education Teachers’ Emotional Exhaustion Based On Years Of Experience, Stacey Spruill Earp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional exhaustion differed among special education teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the southern United States while controlling for years of teaching experience. This study is significant because emotional exhaustion is a central component of burnout and has implications for teacher well-being, retention, and the quality of services provided to students with disabilities. A quantitative, non-experimental comparative design was employed. Data was collected from a sample of 158 special education teachers working in public schools in the southern region. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey through …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership Tenets On The Soft Skills And Self-Efficacy Of Individuals From A Performing Arts Program: A Phenomenological Study, Carissa Hawksworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university students who develop soft skills and self-efficacy while working with a director who utilizes transformational leadership qualities to direct a performing arts event. The theory guiding this study was Bass’s theory of transformational leadership, which encourages leaders to develop as individuals, thereby enhancing the performance of the entire group. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of university students who participate in a performing arts program led by a transformational leader?” This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology study focused on understanding the lived …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Seminary Teachers Transitioning From Designing And Delivering Instruction Traditionally To Competency-Based Education Approach, Jacob L. M. Li

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences transitioning from designing and delivering instruction traditionally to a competency-based education approach using a learning management system for teachers at four seminaries based in North America. Competency-based education was generally defined as a highly personalized approach to education, where instructions are structured according to the interests, needs, and learning styles of the students who progress according to their competencies certified by formative process evaluation, irrespective of how long that would take, until they have reached the stated desired level of mastery, all the while acquiring knowledge, skills, …

Using Metacognitive Strategies To Increase Student Success At A Community College, Adam Blair

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Adam Blair of April 6, 2026.

A Place To Breathe: High School Students’ Perceptions Of A School-Based Wellness Center, Devan Clayton, Elizabeth Cutrer, Paul Caldarella, Michael Richardson, Jared Warren

Faculty Publications

Adolescents face significant academic and emotional stressors, underscoring the need for accessible school-based mental health support. This qualitative study examined high school students’ (N = 17) perceptions of a school-based wellness center, including both users and non-users. Four focus groups were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers to use. Students described the center as a calming, supportive space that aided emotional regulation, short-term recovery, and readiness to return to class. Users emphasized relational connection, belonging, and managing stress and anxiety in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Students also viewed the center as fostering early …

Offloading Learning To A Stochastic Parrot: Generative Ai’S Impacts On Academic Integrity And The Current State Of Best Practices, Mary Broussard

Faculty Journal Articles

Writing-from-sources assignments (also known as research papers) are an integral part of a college education and primarily how librarians support information literacy skill development. While students have always found ways to circumvent learning through plagiarism, generative AI systems’ ability to complete entire assignments means that past recommendations to discourage plagiarism are insufficient. This article reviews previous plagiarism-deterrent recommendations, what has changed in the age of generative AI, and provides suggestions for how teaching faculty and librarians can respond.

Wired Youth: How Technology Shapes Adolescent Minds And Behavior, Kimario Davis '26

Honor Scholar Theses

Social media and digital technology are a huge part of adolescent life, and people worry a lot about how they affect mental health, behavior, and brain development. It’s easy to think technology is either “good” or “bad,” but the reality is more complicated. This thesis looks at social media’s evolution from early platforms controlled by users to today’s algorithm driven, highly visual environments and how these spaces interact with the developing adolescent brain, which is especially sensitive to social feedback and reward. These features make online interactions feel more intense and harder to step away from. At the same time, …

Building Better Schools: Evaluating Canadian Restorative Justice Programs For U.S. Implementation, Courtney Marsh '26

Honor Scholar Theses

The pervasiveness of problems within K-12 education in the United States requires systemic change in order for education to be more equitable and keep students engaged in the classroom. Exclusionary disciplinary actions, while designed to deter misbehavior, in reality have very costly impacts. Pushing students out of classrooms in the wake of zero tolerance policies disproportionately punish minority students, create harsher consequences for problems that can be solved person-to-person, facilitates a growing adversity to schools, social ostracization, fuels the unignorable school-to-prison pipeline, hinders students’ academic achievement, and avoids the behavioral growth of conflict resolution. Keeping students in the classroom and …

Effective Leadership Strategies For Character Education, Kim Fricke Bilanko

Dissertations

Although character education has been widely studied, limited research has examined the specific leadership strategies building administrators use to implement and sustain comprehensive character initiatives. This qualitative study investigated the leadership practices of building administrators whose schools were designated as National Schools of Character (NSOC) in order to better understand how character education is institutionalized and maintained over time. Guided by an exemplar model and informed by constructivist grounded theory methods, the qualitative study explored (a) the leadership strategies administrators identified as essential to implementation and (b) the challenges they encountered, and the responses used to address them.

Semi-structured interviews …

Family Support And Counseling: Predicting Family Relationship Quality And Self-Management In Women With Epilepsy, Tiffany A. Winch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, can impede many aspects of daily life for individuals diagnosed with it (Beghi, 2020; Kanner & Bicchi, 2022). The problem is that women with epilepsy may struggle with family relationships and epilepsy self-management, and it is not known to what extent family support and epilepsy counseling ameliorate this detriment. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the extent to which family support and epilepsy counseling predict family relationship quality and epilepsy self-management among women who suffer from the condition. Surveys measuring the variables family support, epilepsy counseling experience, family …

Understanding Teacher Wellness: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Mental Health, Physical Health, And Job Satisfaction Of Current First Through Fifth Year Rural Minnesota Elementary Specialist Teachers, Jessica E. Thompson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study explored teacher wellness among early-career elementary specialist teachers in rural Minnesota schools to address low retention among specialists. The research was guided by self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1987) and the job demands-resource model (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007), which together examined teacher wellness through understanding what motivates teachers and the role of demands and resources in their job, with relation to understanding teachers’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being and overall job satisfaction. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized, with data being collected through interviews with six participants. Findings suggested that teacher wellness is a balance among internal motivation, …

Development And Evaluation Of An Iot-Based Data Analytics System For Optimizing Football Learning In Higher Education, M. Said Zainuddin, Sudirman Sudirman, Ahmad Zakaria

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: While smart technology and big data have advanced, football instruction at Indonesian universities lags. Most local classrooms lack high-tech tools, presenting an opportunity to modernize sports science. Objective: This research aimed to develop an IoT-based system and analytics platform for higher education, equipping students and coaches with data-driven insights for modern football training. Methods: Conducted at Universitas Negeri Makassar over five months (August–December), the study followed a Research and Development approach with six phases: needs analysis, design, development, expert validation, field trials, and effectiveness evaluation. Participants included Physical Education students divided into experimental (IoT system) and control (traditional methods) …

Development And Validation Of A Basic Skill-Based Swimming Training Model For Beginner Athletes: An Addie Approach, Martinus Martinus, Hilmy Aliriad, Karmila Utari, I Bagus Endrawan, Muhamad Rohadi

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Mastery of basic swimming skills is foundational for the development of beginner athletes, yet structured, validated training models tailored to the Indonesian context remain scarce. Objective: This study aims to develop a basic skill-based swimming training model that is content-valid, practical, and effective in improving swimming technical ability in beginner athletes aged 8-12 years, through systematic, staged development procedures. Methods: The research used the Research and Development (R&D) ADDIE model approach with staged procedures: (1) drafting the initial model based on needs analysis, (2) expert validation by four active swimming coaching validators using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) instrument …

Global Trends And Research Directions Of Augmented Reality In Sports: A Bibliometric And Scoping Review, Novri Gazali, Ahmad Rahmadani, Romi Cendra, M. Fransazeli Makorohim, Syed Kamaruzaman Syed Ali, Joseph Lobo, Edi Setiawan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Advances in digital technology have accelerated the adoption of augmented reality (AR) in sports, enhancing training quality, performance analysis, and learning experiences. However, comprehensive studies that systematically map global research trends and sport-specific applications remain limited. Objective: This study aims to analyze global trends and applications of augmented reality (AR) in sports using a mixed-method approach combining bibliometric analysis and a scoping review. Methods: Bibliographic data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering the period 2016–2025. Following a PRISMA-ScR-based selection process, a total of 520 articles were included. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and …

Improving Academic Learning Time Effectiveness Through Lesson Study In Elementary Physical Education, Nora Antika, Meirizal Usra, Wahyu Indra Bayu, Iyakrus Iyakrus, Herri Yusfi, Arizky Ramadhan, Asha Hasnimy Mohd Hashim, Japhet Ndayisenga, José Vicente García-Jiménez

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Academic Learning Time in Physical Education (ALT-PE) is a key indicator of instructional effectiveness, reflecting the time students spend actively engaged in meaningful learning activities. However, PE lessons often involve excessive Management and waiting time, reducing opportunities for active participation. Although Lesson Study (LS) is recognized as a collaborative professional development approach that can improve instructional quality, its impact on ALT-PE remains underexplored. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of Lesson Study (LS) in improving instructional effectiveness and optimizing ALT-PE among elementary school PE teachers. Methods: A qualitative-dominant mixed-methods action research design was employed involving 10 PE teachers from …

Association Between Eating Disorders, Macronutrient Intake Levels, And Muscle Mass Percentage Among University Martial Arts Athletes, Emyr Reisha Isaura, Kinasih Josephine Gusti Wiyarso, Lindsay Ozora Sanyaezra Simanjuntak, Amanda Humaira Febriyanti, Sekar Arum Kinasih, Sri Sumartinigsih

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Combat sport athletes often engage in rapid weight-management practices that may increase the risk of disordered eating and inadequate nutritional intake, potentially affecting muscle mass and athletic performance. However, evidence regarding the relationship between eating disorder risk, macronutrient intake, and muscle mass among university martial arts athletes remains limited. Objective: This study examined the association between eating disorder risk and macronutrient intake with muscle mass among martial arts student club members at Universitas Airlangga. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 university students (≥18 years) selected through stratified random sampling from martial arts student activity clubs. Eating disorder …

The Relationship Between Macronutrient Intake And Cardiometabolic Indicators In College Students Who Regularly Exercise, Yosef Ferdy Yangkara, Akhmad Lutfi, Bagus Kusuma Putra, Siti Baitul Mukarromah, Adi S

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Macronutrient intake plays a crucial role in determining body composition and cardiovascular health. Studies that simultaneously examine macronutrient intake and various cardiometabolic indicators in physically active populations without a clinical history remain limited. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between macronutrient intake and BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate among a gymnastics community at Semarang State University. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design involving 30 students (12 males and 18 females) aged 18–35 years, selected through purposive sampling. Macronutrient intake data were collected using a 2×24-hour food recall method, while BMI, blood pressure, and heart rate …

Analysis Of Rule Violations Leading To Disqualification In Youth Swimming Competitions: Evidence From Indonesia, Ika Novitaria Marani, Ari Subarkah, Heni Widyaningsih, Ricky Susiono, Muhammad Syahrul Ramadhan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine how disqualifications of competition rules in swimming competitions are committed. Rules must be obeyed when competing, and there are consequences for swimmers who violate them. Objective: To find out how the disqualification of the rules of the competition game in the swimming sport is carried out in the swimming competition. Methods: The research was conducted at the GBK Senayan Swimming Pool, and the study used a descriptive observational design. The population in this study consists of all beginner-level swimmers who take part in the 2025 DKI Jakarta swimming competition in Indonesia. …

The Messy Negotiation Of Power, Context, And Self In Constructing A Global Researcher Identity, Punita Lumb

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

The formation of researcher identity is complex and evolves over various experiences, including international fieldwork and research. Especially important to consider is how power dynamics impact the development of researcher identity in the cases of international research between the Global North and Global South. This study uses phenomenological and decolonial approaches to analyze 23 interviews of faculty from India and the United Kingdom who have worked on UK-India research projects in the field of social sciences. Salient themes on how power and being were constructed, challenged, or negotiated by the participants include how researchers locate themselves in the paradigm of …

Voiceless Experiences: Stress And Coping Of International Students With Language Barriers, Junguen Lee, Hongryun Woo, April Nguyen, Melissa Henry

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

International students’ difficulties and unique needs have been increasingly explored in professional literature, reflecting the expanding number of international students enrolling in the United States’ higher education institutions. Language difficulties appear to be the most challenging issue for international students from non-English speaking countries as they become marginalized as a linguistic minority on campus. Few researchers have focused specifically on understanding international students’ experiences of being voiceless due to language barriers, nor have they postulated the nature of their adaptation process. This grounded theory study aimed to investigate international students’ stress and coping experiences with language barriers and develop a …

Gender Equality, Diversity, And Social Inclusion: Validation And Development Of An Instrument For Higher Education, Nilo Jayoma Castulo, Maryfe M. Roxas, Arlyne C. Marasigan, Jayson L. De Vera, Ma. Laarni D. Buenaventura, Starr Clyde Sebial, John Michael Aquino, Bonjovi H. Hajan, Mark Ponce C. San Juan, Karen Abegail C. Lee

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) are critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 (Quality Education), number 5 (Gender Equality), and number 10 (Reduced Inequalities), impacting various aspects of society, organizations, and individual well-being. While GEDSI remains a pressing concern worldwide, this study aims to design an instrument for the GEDSI situationer tool for students, administrative staff, and faculty members. The instrument undergoes a thorough validation and development process utilizing a mixed-method design. First, the item is designed through Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) on GEDSI in a prominent state university in the Philippines. Through exploratory Factor Analysis …