Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Relationship Between Acculturation Levels, Help-Seeking Attitudes, And Self-Stigma Perspectives Among International Students, Praveen K. Rudra

Counseling Faculty Publications

This study examined the relationship between acculturation level, help-seeking attitude, and self-stigma among international students enrolled in the graduate counseling program (ICS) within the United States. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) served as the theoretical framework. Using the TPB construct in the context of mental health concerns, this study investigated the relationship between acculturation level, help-seeking attitude, and self-stigma. The data from ASSIS, IASMHS, and SSOSH were analyzed using the Pearson product moment correlation (Pearson r). It was found that the Pearson product-moment correlational analysis between the variables concluded a strong direct correlation between the acculturation level and the …

A Transcendental Phenomenology: Exploring The College Choice Process Of Black Undergraduate Students Who Transfer From Predominantly White Institutions To Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Heather Oliver Freeman

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Researchers have studied college students and the college choice process extensively in the higher education realm of academia. Often, college choice is explored from a lens of the traditional high school student approaching the initial college choice decision. Furthermore, higher education is an expansive topic that not only includes public and private institutions, two- and four-year institutions, but also predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the college choice process and transfer experiences of undergraduate Black students who transfer from a PWI to an HBCU. This …

Artificial Intelligence In Stem Education: A Transdisciplinary Framework For Engagement And Innovation, Cristo Leon Ph.D., James Lipuma Ph.D., Xavier Oviedo Torres

STEM for Success Resources

This peer-reviewed article, Artificial Intelligence in STEM Education: A Transdisciplinary Framework for Engagement and Innovation by Cristo León, James Lipuma, and Xavier Oviedo-Torres, published in Frontiers in Education, examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming STEM education through a transdisciplinary lens. Based on a systematic review of 41 scholarly studies (2020–2025), it analyzes AI integration in STEM classrooms, focusing on learner agency, adaptive assessment, and ethical challenges such as algorithmic transparency, equity, and inclusion. Guided by a Transdisciplinary Communication (TDC) framework and grounded in PRISMA protocols, the study applies tools like Nvivo, Excel, and VOSviewer for thematic coding and …

Tips For Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs On College Campuses: Peer Mentors’ Perspectives On Access And Inclusion, Laura N. Sarchet, Kristen Love, Martha Mock

Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning

As inclusive postsecondary education programs have grown and improved towards more campus access for college students labeled with an intellectual disability, peer mentoring is a common model for such programs. Peer mentors from one private institution were asked to describe their experiences and perspectives of campus inclusion after participating in a training program designed to increase their understanding of disability within a social justice lens. Mentors shared the personal and professional benefits of mentoring, for both themselves and for students labeled with an intellectual disability, and noted recommendations for how programs can increase access to college in order to improve …

مستوى الإبداع الإداري لمديري المدارس الثانوية بمحافظة الزرقاء ومعوقات تطبيقه. The Level Of Administrative Creativity Among Secondary School Principals In Zarqa’S Governorate And The Obstacles To Its Implementation, إسراء أحمد الخوالدة, ريم محمد صايل الزعبي

Association of Arab Universities Journal for Education and Psychology

الملخص: هدفت الدراسة إلى الكشف عن مستوى الإبداع الإداري لمديري المدارس الثانوية بمحافظة الزرقاء ومعوقات تطبيقه من وجهة نظرهم، واعتمد المنهج الوصفي لملائمته لأغراض الدراسة. وللإجابة عن أسئلة الدراسة الثلاثة، صُممت استبانة تكونت من (41) فقرة موزعة على مجالين، الأول: يقيس مستوى الإبداع الإداري لمديري المدارس الثانوية والمجال الثاني يكشف معوقات تطبيقه. وبعد التحقق من صدق وثبات أداة الدراسة، وزعت الأداة على عينة الدراسة التي اختيرت بالمعاينة القصدية وتكونت من (37) مديرا ومديرة وهم يمثلون مجتمع الدراسة ايضا. وأظهرت النتائج وجود مستوى مرتفع للإبداع الإداري في المدارس الثانوية من وجهة نظر مديري المدارس في محافظة الزرقاء. كما أظهرت النتائج …

مستوى مقروئية نصوص مقرر (الفلسفة والعلوم الإنسانية) للصف الثالث الثانوي في الجمهورية العربية السورية. Readability Level Of Texts In The (Philosophy And Humanities) Curriculum For The Third Secondary Grade In The Syrian Arab Republic, أمين شيخ محمد

Association of Arab Universities Journal for Education and Psychology

هدف البحث إلى تحديد مستوى مقروئية نصوص مقرر (الفلسفة والعلوم الإنسانية) للصف الثالث الثانوي في الجمهورية العربية السورية، ومعرفـة الفـروق المعنوية بين درجات تطبيقهم تبعاً لمتغيرات النوع الاجتماعي، والمحافظة، ونوع الموضوع. اعتمد البحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتكونت عينة البحث من (274) طالباً وطالبة من مدارس مديريتي تربية دمشق وريفها، واستخدم اختبار كلوز مقروئية نصوص عينة البحث التي تكونت من (7) نصوص موزعة على موضوعات الفلسفة وعلم النفس وعلم الاجتماع.

وقد أظهرت نتائج البحث: أن مستوى مقروئية نصوص مقرر (الفلسفة والعلوم الإنسانية) للصف الثالث الثانوي في الجمهورية العربية السورية كان ضمن المستوى الإحباطي، كما أظهرت نتائج البحث وجود فرق دال إحصائياً …

Illuminating Trauma & Resilience In Educational Spaces: Expanding Narratives To Promote Historical And Critical Civic Empathy At Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Chakakuan Johnson, Linda Nance, Byron Witherspoon

Dissertations

Abstract

The 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School marked a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement and continues to symbolize the broader struggle for racial equality. This dissertation examines equity in educational spaces through a four-truth lens that was first articulated by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and explores forensic, personal, social, and healing truth. Using Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (CHSC) and park interpretation as the focal point, our qualitative research study used reflexive thematic analysis to examine oral interviews, onsite observations, and various documents and artifacts, and to illuminate …

Enhancing Rural Teacher Training Using The Internet Backpack: Broadband Policy Implications, Jane Appiah-Okyere, Danielle Smith, Lee W. Mcknight

The Lender Center for Social Justice

This article examines how the Internet Backpack can enhance rural teacher training, with a focus on the broadband policy frameworks required to sustain its adoption. It highlights education policy in the context of digital equity.

Co-Design Of A Program For Medical Students’ Experiential Learning In Community-Engaged Research, Daenique H. A. Jengelley, Tess D. Weathers, Dustin O. Lynch, Morgan E. Ness, Luis Garcia, Gina E. Claxton, J. Dennis Fortenberry, Tamara S. Hannon

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Medical education may lack experiential training on authentic community engagement (CE). Employing a human-centered design approach with medical faculty and students to identify goals, opportunities, needs, and barriers to implementing CE research, we developed an Experiential Community Engagement Learning Series (EXCELS) pilot program. EXCELS supported both our community partners and medical students as a platform from which to learn from each other. EXCELS can be accomplished virtually, incorporated in medical training, and disseminated broadly.

Enhancing Undergraduate Education Through Social Innovation Projects: The Experience Of A Young University In Singapore, Intan Azura Mokhtar, Yong Lim Foo

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In this paper, social innovation is used as a catch-all phrase for projects and initiatives by higher education institutions (HEIs) related to community engagement, community-based learning, and service-learning. This paper explores the concept and application of social innovation in higher education, followed by a case study of implementing social innovation projects in a young, applied learning university in Singapore, a discussion of lessons learned, and plans for the near future in enhancing and strengthening its implementation.

The Civic Minded (Post) Graduate: Examining The Long-Range Benefits Of Community-Engaged Service Learning, Catherine Wilkins

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This project seeks to fill gaps in the knowledge about the long-term benefits of undergraduate participation in community-engaged service learning (CESL). A mixed-methods research protocol delivered to graduates of an R1 public university three years after the completion of a CESL senior capstone course observed significant divergences in knowledge and behavioral attributes of civic mindedness. This research methodology could be employed by other scholars to determine if these findings are reproducible.

Intergenerational Design Challenges: Participants’ Perspectives On Moving From Ideas To Implementation, Tina M. K. Newsham, Matthew J. Peterson, Alicia M. Sellon, Logan Elkins, Abrielle Leblanc, Tess Ryan, Andrew Zeldin

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Many social innovation efforts are aimed at meeting social challenges presented by the aging of the population, yet older adults are often excluded from such efforts. The purpose of this case study was to examine an approach used in a midsized university in southeast North Carolina to create intergenerational opportunities for students, local community organizations, and older adult residents of the surrounding area to collaboratively develop suggestions for addressing challenges facing the older adult population.

First-Year Intersections: Professional Preparation And Civic Engagement Across Four New American Colleges And Universities (Nacu) Campuses, Shereen Ilahi, Chastity Blankenship, Andy Morris, Jeffrey Thomas

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Four institutions hypothesized that civic engagement in first-year courses reinforces career readiness by helping students think critically, communicate effectively, and work well with diversity. We measured teamwork skills, the ability to synthesize and apply different perspectives, and the ability to express, listen to, and adapt ideas based on the perspective of others. We compared self-assessments to direct assessment of student-created artifacts and found a positive correlation that encourages further enquiry.

Feasibility Of A Peer-Facilitated Video-Based Mental Health And Substance Use Service-Learning Program, Mara Carmina A. Tamayo, King Filart, Maria Regina Hechanova

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study examined the feasibility of implementing a peer-facilitated mental health and substance use video-based program delivered by psychology students as part of service learning. The program was delivered on-site and online. Findings reveal improvements in knowledge, attitudes, refusal self-efficacy, and adaptive coping among on-site participants. However, there was no effect on online participants given many implementation challenges. Recommendations include delivering the program on-site, strengthening training for facilitators, increasing program duration, and shortening the videos.

Community-Based Art Education In Early Field Experiences: Facilitating Opportunities For Preservice Art Education Students To Support Students With Disabilities, Kristin Vanderlip Taylor

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Preservice art education students are often required to engage in Early Field Experience (EFE) observation hours before entering a credential program. Community-based art education (CBAE) projects may provide them with EFE opportunities to apply what they are learning in art education environments beyond the traditional classroom. This article describes one such CBAE project with a nonprofit organization providing arts instruction to students with different abilities and needs, primarily those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Teaching About Substance Use Recovery: The Pedagogical Power Of Community-Based Learning, Jumi Hayaki, Isabelle Jenkins

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Community-based learning (CBL) is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic theory and content with active service in an applied setting. CBL is especially well suited for teaching about complex social issues. We present the case study of a psychology course on substance use recovery that leverages CBL to dismantle stereotypes, humanize a highly stigmatized mental health problem facing society, and afford students the opportunity to consider their own privilege and positionality.

The State Of The Field On Popular Culture Themed (Pct) Courses: Introducing The Journal Of Thematic Instruction, Kathy R. Doody Ph.D., Pamela Schuetze Ph.D., Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Journal of Thematic Instruction

As universities adapt to meet evolving student needs, popular culture themed (PCT) courses have emerged as an innovative approach that integrates media with academic theory to foster engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary connections. PCTs use popular culture themes that are not directly related to the course content to teach the course content. Despite their growing use across diverse disciplines, from STEM to the humanities, there is a lack of cohesive understanding, consistent terminology, and empirical research on the impacts of PCT courses in higher education.

This paper reviews existing literature on PCT courses organized by discipline, highlighting representative pedagogical strategies, …

Gaining Insights Into Community Engagement Efforts: Learning From Preservice Stem Educators, Amy G. Maples, Lynn L. Hodge, Nick Kim

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study seeks to extend research in the field by exploring literature examining preservice teachers’ perceptions of community engagement efforts. We then report findings from a thematic analysis of a survey conducted with teacher candidates at a university in the southeastern U.S. who took part in school- and community-based STEM events, and provide implications and suggestions for utilizing community engagement opportunities as a means of enriching preservice teachers’ understandings of local school and community contexts.

This Is Why We Do It: Faculty Motivations For Embracing Community-Engaged Pedagogy, Magdalena Denham, Lee M. Miller, Joyce K. Mccauley, Danica Schieber, Taylor L. Morrison, Chuck Drumm

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Institutions of higher education are increasingly highlighting community engagement activities to make the benefits of higher education more visible. The most transformational community engagement is linked to curriculum, so it is faculty who must incorporate community-engaged pedagogy. This content analysis of faculty narratives about community engagement reveals motivations for faculty to engage in this work. These findings connect to social capital theory and suggest a new direction for faculty development efforts to promote community engagement.

The Role Of Cultural Brokers In Community-Based Research, Rachel Boit, Joy Birabwa, Dhoha Altaki, Savannah Bayer, Michele Kamau, Linda Hestenes

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Cultural brokers play a critical role of helping researchers navigate cultural and language barriers to gain insight into communities. This paper focuses on one cultural broker who helped facilitate community-based research among the refugee community. Her professionalism, expertise and knowledge of the community made her a valuable resource for both the researchers and the community. This work acknowledges the position of power and privilege that cultural brokers hold in community research.

Town And Gown: Engagement And Collaboration Between Local Municipalities And Institutions Of Higher Education, Vivian González Cueto

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The role of the local government within the context of engagement and collaboration with universities has largely been understudied. Employing a cross-sectional design, this study of 67 universities and 78 municipalities from 29 states examines how collaborative capacity impacts university and local government perceptions of engagement and collaboration with each other. The findings indicate that local government trust is the primary catalyst for both engagement and collaboration between the parties.

Community Engagement In Music Therapy: Reflections From The Field, Jess Rushing, Denise M. Cumberland

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper reflects on a music therapy community engagement project that incorporates clinical training, service learning, and community music therapy. Two faculty members and a practicum student in a Midwestern university engaged community members connected to Parkinson’s disease to create a music-based program. We offer a conceptual framework that connects approaches situated within community music therapy (CoMT) qualities and community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles. We share project processes, findings, and recommendations, emphasizing all as equal stakeholders.

Positively Impacting Traffic Safety Culture For Indigenous Youth: A Heritage-Focused Approach, Jacob Steven Pehrson, Ahmed Abdel-Rahim, Logan Prescott

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This paper presents the development of heritage-focused outreach materials with the objectives of positively impacting traffic safety culture for Indigenous youth to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes impacting these communities. The approach presented in this paper includes involving local community leaders in traffic safety education and incorporating culturally based material in outreach education. This could empower Tribal communities to preserve their cultural identities while acquiring the expertise needed to promote traffic safety.

Service Learning As A Mode To Deliver Course Learning Outcomes In A Research-Based Exercise Science College Course, Jennifer Lape Kaiser, Madison Skaggs

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

The following case study presents an approach to teaching research courses in undergraduate exercise science programs. Research courses are commonly required in the curriculum for this degree. Service learning (SL) is an effective way to promote student learning outcomes (SLOs) by providing hands-on experience for the students, and should be considered in exercise science research courses. Quantitative and qualitative survey results from students over two semesters of SL in an exercise science course are presented.

A Father-Friendliness Survey: How Do Community Organizations Report Engaging Fathers?, Kyle Miller, Jordan A. Arellanes

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This community-based project explored levels of father-friendliness across local organizations, agencies, and schools. A community coalition of individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles created a community survey to gather quantitative and qualitative information from individuals who worked with children or families. An analysis of survey responses (N=122) led to descriptive and thematic results of how the community served or marginalized fathers. Results were used to guide efforts in father engagement across various professional sectors.

Stepping Up, Keeping On Track, And Pulling Your Own Weight: Collaborative Arts-Based Service-Learning Metaphors, Marcy Meyer

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In this study, the author explores metaphors related to students’ experiences conducting collaborative arts-based ethnographic research in a U.S. nonprofit organization. A metaphor analysis of 25 students’ essays revealed they were most likely to frame their experiences with arts-based service learning as a journey or a sports contest. The author examines the extent to which students’ metaphors legitimize or delegitimize arts-based service learning, as well as the degree of novelty that characterizes these metaphors. She explores the implications of her findings for teaching and promoting arts-based service learning in the academy.

Incorporating Community-Engaged Pedagogy In Online Classes: Benefits, Challenges, And Strong Practices, Emmy Price, Margaret Thomas-Evans

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Community-engagement in virtual classrooms comes with unique benefits and challenges. Between 2018-2021, technical writing e-service-learning students from Indiana University East (Richmond, Indiana) raised a total of $149,239 through grant writing projects. This e-servicelearning project gave students real-world experiences and opportunity to connect with local organizations, prompting one student to choose grant writing as a career. Many students were able to successfully obtain funding for their chosen nonprofits, giving students a sense of social responsibility.

Exploring The Impact Of A Literacy-Based Service-Learning Project On Pre-Service Teachers, Shelly J. Landreth, Tara Wilson

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In this study, we describe a teacher educator’s first experience implementing a service-learning project in a children’s literature course in which pre-service teachers helped provide read-alouds for the local public library’s summer reading program. We sought to examine the impact the project had on the seven participants. Data was collected through reflective journals and an end-of-course debrief. Four themes were identified in the data: Initial Feelings, Preparation and Planning, Lessons Learned, and Barriers and Challenges.

Interprofessional Collaboration To Address Social Isolation And Facilitate Intergenerational Service Learning Within Graduate Education, Angela Lavery, Erin Knight, Stephanie Cole, Stacie Metz

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This article presents an interdisciplinary collaboration to address the needs of older adults at risk of social isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. An intergenerational service-learning program developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging was offered to several universities across the state of Pennsylvania. The authors share their experience and lessons learned from pairing older adults with graduate students studying in the fields of Gerontology, Public Health, and Social Work.

Community-Engaged Learning In Liberal Arts Colleges: Developing Engaged Citizens, Vicki L. Baker, Carrie Booth Walling

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Employing an institutional case study approach, this manuscript features two high-impact learning opportunities open to Albion College students who seek to contribute to solving real-world problems in collaboration with local and surrounding communities: Albion College Community Collaborative (AC3) and Human Rights Lab. The programmatic approach to community-engaged partnerships featured sought to elevate local knowledge, promote engaged citizenship, and advance social, political, and economic change. We describe each program followed by lessons learned and critical considerations to advance the field and to inform the work of others seeking to employ a programmatic approach.