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Integrating Character Education Into The Elementary School Curriculum: A Case Study On Enhancing Student Engagement And Moral Development, Saebyuk Hwang Aug 2026

Integrating Character Education Into The Elementary School Curriculum: A Case Study On Enhancing Student Engagement And Moral Development, Saebyuk Hwang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore how character education is integrated across academic subjects and what factors may influence its implementation by teachers and engagement by students at a private Christian elementary school in South Korea. The theory guiding this study is Kolb’s experiential learning theory as it explains how students learn and develop moral understanding through direct experience, reflection, and active engagement within real-world contexts. The central research question guiding this study is: How is character education integrated across academic subjects in a private Christian elementary school, and what factors influence its implementation by teachers …


The Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Of Certified Anduncertified Medical Assistants In Medical Clinics: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Study, Shannon Waller Aug 2026

The Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Of Certified Anduncertified Medical Assistants In Medical Clinics: A Hermeneutical Phenomenology Study, Shannon Waller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological study was to explore how supervising clinicians, including medical doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, described the knowledge, skills, and abilities of certified and uncertified medical assistants in healthcare clinics in the United States. The problem was that it was unknown how supervising clinicians described the knowledge, skills, and abilities of certified and uncertified medical assistants. Becker’s human capital theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Participants were recruited through professional social media platforms and clinician-specific online communities. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, a focus group, andwritten responses to a writing …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceptions Of Teachers On Utilizing Art Therapy To Help Students With Ieps And Emotional Dysregulation, Lisa Marie Powell Aug 2026

A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceptions Of Teachers On Utilizing Art Therapy To Help Students With Ieps And Emotional Dysregulation, Lisa Marie Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to focus on the perceptions of teachers observing and implementing art therapy interventions with their students in the classroom setting. This study will aim to provide students with IEPs between the ages of 5 and 18 more support with emotional dysregulation by bringing more awareness to teachers on how to manage these concerns in their classroom using art therapy (Bosgraff et al., 2020). The study will aim to unveil the challenges of art therapy efficacy, based on teachers' perception of therapeutic art interventions for elementary through high school-level students. Through teacher observations …


Faith, Function, Formality: Integrating Gospel Vocal Techniques Into Western Classical Pedagogy, Korwind Z. Stokes Aug 2026

Faith, Function, Formality: Integrating Gospel Vocal Techniques Into Western Classical Pedagogy, Korwind Z. Stokes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This applied qualitative case study explored the integration of gospel-derived vocal techniques within Western classical choral pedagogy in a secondary music education setting. The study addressed a gap in music education literature concerning the intentional use of gospel-derived vocal practices as pedagogical resources within formal secondary choral instruction. Guided primarily by constructivist learning theory and informed by culturally responsive teaching, the study examined how students’ prior musical experiences could serve as a foundation for learning Western classical vocal concepts. The study was conducted within a public high school choral program and focused on the intentional incorporation of gospel-derived techniques during …


Integrating Transformative Social-Emotional Learning In The Orchestra Classroom Of Title I Schools, Amy Valena Ellington Aug 2026

Integrating Transformative Social-Emotional Learning In The Orchestra Classroom Of Title I Schools, Amy Valena Ellington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this historical, secondary, qualitative study was to explore the evolution of integrating transformative Social-Emotional Learning in the music classrooms of Title I schools. The aim was to determine which social and emotional skills have been taught in the music classroom, what barriers have been encountered in integrating SEL, and which assessment measures have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of SEL integration. The CASEL model was used because it supports ongoing critical analysis to ensure students’ social and emotional needs are met. Music educators are uniquely poised to provide instruction to students and equip them with essential …


The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Teachers In Supporting Literacy Growth Among Students In Secondary School: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Emanuel Arboleda Aug 2026

The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Teachers In Supporting Literacy Growth Among Students In Secondary School: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Emanuel Arboleda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of teachers in supporting literacy among secondary students at a suburban secondary school in Connecticut. The lived experiences of literacy limitations among students were generally defined as a lack of literacy resources or inconsistent literacy support across courses and grade levels. Bandura’s social cognitive theory guided this study, particularly regarding the cognitive, behavioral, and environmental experiences of teachers and their students’ literacy limitations. The Central Research Question was: What are the experiences of secondary teachers in supporting literacy growth among students? This transcendental phenomenological study on literacy …


An Analysis Of The Influence Of Physical Environment In The Classroom Setting On Student Behavior: A Case Study, Lora Jane Moliterni Aug 2026

An Analysis Of The Influence Of Physical Environment In The Classroom Setting On Student Behavior: A Case Study, Lora Jane Moliterni

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this study, the relationship between the physical learning environment and student behavior in 6:1:1 and 12:1:1 special education programs in public schools in a northeastern state is analyzed. The research question addresses how the physical special education learning environment that teachers create influences student behavior outcomes. The design relates to how a flexible learning environment appears to influence the behaviors of special education students, teachers’ standards for organizing the physical learning environment based on students' needs, and students' ownership of that environment. Social learning theory correlates with the study by analyzing how the physical environment contributes to on-task focus …


Differences In Private School Leadership Styles Based On North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Participation Status And Geographic Setting: A Causal-Comparative Study, Tahira Copland Aug 2026

Differences In Private School Leadership Styles Based On North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Participation Status And Geographic Setting: A Causal-Comparative Study, Tahira Copland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined whether leadership style differs between private school leaders of North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship participating schools and nonparticipating schools in urban and rural geographic settings. This study is important because the rapid expansion of school voucher programs has implications for the accessibility and effectiveness of private schools now serving larger numbers of recipients. This study adds to the literature on the behaviors of private school leaders in the context of school vouchers in distinct settings. The study comprised a convenience sample of 89 North Carolina private school leaders recruited statewide who were at least 18 years …


Exploring The Student Experience Of Academic Confidence Through The Integration Of Informed College Placement And Support In The Admissions Process: A Collective Case Study, Hunter Lee Smith Aug 2026

Exploring The Student Experience Of Academic Confidence Through The Integration Of Informed College Placement And Support In The Admissions Process: A Collective Case Study, Hunter Lee Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the experience of students, specifically due to the integration of informed college placement and support in the admissions process, and their perceptions of their experiences of academic confidence from identifying and responding to education functioning levels for newly admitted students at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Piaget's theory on constructivist learning theories. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of academic confidence through informed college placement and admissions support for newly admitted students? The methodology used for this qualitative study was a collective …


The Impact Of Choral Participation On The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Sheila L. Ramsey Aug 2026

The Impact Of Choral Participation On The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Sheila L. Ramsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescent anxiety and depression continue to present significant challenges for schools, prompting increased interest in educational experiences that may support students’ psychological well-being. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between participation in school-based choral ensembles and the mental health of adolescents. Grounded in Social Identity Theory, the study compared depression and anxiety symptoms between choir participants and nonparticipants and examined whether the length of choir participation was associated with these outcomes. Participants included 26 students enrolled in Grades 9-12 at a public high school in Mississippi. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire …


A Causal-Comparative Study Of Communication Competence Among Adult English As A Second Language Learners Taught Using Communicative, Content-Based, And Task-Based Instruction, Aymen Al-Dujaili Aug 2026

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Communication Competence Among Adult English As A Second Language Learners Taught Using Communicative, Content-Based, And Task-Based Instruction, Aymen Al-Dujaili

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine how English as a second language curriculum and instruction strategies impact interpersonal communication competence among adult learners. This study addresses gaps in the literature by investigating differences in interpersonal communication competence among adult ESL learners taught using communicative, content-based, and task-based instruction, providing empirical evidence to inform educators, policymakers, and employers. The sample consisted of 159 ESL adult learners. Instrumentation included the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale to assess interpersonal communication competence, a Likert-scale survey to evaluate the potential effects of their communication style. Data collection involved recruiting ESL adult learners, …


A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Single-Parent Students Who Attend Higher Education Institutions With Support Services Tailored To Their Demographic, Autumn Inteso Aug 2026

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Single-Parent Students Who Attend Higher Education Institutions With Support Services Tailored To Their Demographic, Autumn Inteso

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences utilizing parenting student support programs for single-parent students at higher education institutions in the United States. At this stage in the research, the lived experiences of utilizing parenting programs were generally defined as those students who had utilized programs or interventions that had been created or employed to directly or indirectly address the challenges faced by single-parent students while pursuing their advanced education. The theory guiding this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The study sought to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of single-parent …


Predicting Marching Band Ratings In Nebraska: A Quantitative Analysis Of Socioeconomic Status And Geographic Variables, Michael T. Genslinger Aug 2026

Predicting Marching Band Ratings In Nebraska: A Quantitative Analysis Of Socioeconomic Status And Geographic Variables, Michael T. Genslinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although the high school marching band has been a tradition in the United States for nearly a century, it is becoming increasingly rare in many rural areas. Despite economic barriers, some rural schools have overcome the challenges of their location and built successful instrumental music programs. Research on rural music education is vital because most new music educators in Nebraska will begin their careers teaching in rural schools. A quantitative study examined marching band performance in Nebraska, a highly rural state. The study reviewed NSBA State Marching Contest overall ratings from 2015 to 2024, along with a socioeconomic profile of …


Secondary English Teachers' Experiences Of Supporting Literacy Using Books That Support Diversity And Inclusion: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Tremonisha L. Putros Aug 2026

Secondary English Teachers' Experiences Of Supporting Literacy Using Books That Support Diversity And Inclusion: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Tremonisha L. Putros

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the use of supporting BIPOC students’ literacy with books that support diversity and inclusion for secondary English teachers in the United States. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it stresses personal student engagement in individual learning tasks. The Central Research Question asks: What are the lived experiences of secondary English teachers who support BIPOC students’ literacy with books that support diversity and inclusion by teaching a novel with a BIPOC protagonist in a predominantly BIPOC class? Employing a qualitative methodology, this hermeneutic phenomenology examined the …


The Empathy Equation: Nontraditional Students Recruited With A Transformational Approach - A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ashley E. Sempowski Aug 2026

The Empathy Equation: Nontraditional Students Recruited With A Transformational Approach - A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ashley E. Sempowski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to examine the influence that individualized, student-centric, transformative recruitment and communication efforts had on university student choice for nontraditional students at a private four-year university. The theory guiding this study is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, as it explains how an individual’s environmental system and contexts influence their human development and decision making, and how these developments can be seen as predictors of student choice, retention, academic preparedness, and performance. This hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted through interviews, focus groups, and reflective writing prompts with 10 nontraditional students at a private, four-year university. …


Exploring Missouri Teachers’ Experiences Regarding Rti Support Teams Before A Special Education Referral: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Malinka L. Buchanan Aug 2026

Exploring Missouri Teachers’ Experiences Regarding Rti Support Teams Before A Special Education Referral: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Malinka L. Buchanan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to interpret the lived experiences of elementary classroom teachers on Response to Intervention (RTI) support teams as part of a special education pre-referral process within a public school in Missouri. I used purposeful and snowball sampling to select elementary teachers who have participated on an RTI support team. The theory guiding this study is Bruner’s constructivist theory, as it relates to both pre-referral interventions and support teams, with the idea that the learning process happens as people construct their knowledge through creating relationships to prior knowledge, practicing trial and error, and growing …


Exploring Instructional Strategies To Foster Responsible Translation Application Use In Developmental English Hybrid Courses At A Community College: A Case Study, Leah Carmona Aug 2026

Exploring Instructional Strategies To Foster Responsible Translation Application Use In Developmental English Hybrid Courses At A Community College: A Case Study, Leah Carmona

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative instrumental single case study was to explore how instructors in Developmental English (DE) hybrid courses reinforce the understanding of ethical implications and responsible decision-making when using translation applications for first-year college students who are English language learners (ELL) at a community college. Guided by Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, this study explored how instructors can shape ELLs' attitudes, social influences, and perceived ability regarding responsible decision-making in hybrid learning environments. The central research question guiding this case study was: How do instructors in Developmental English hybrid courses at a community college reinforce first-year college ELLs' …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Transition Assistance Program Counselors After Their Related Training And The Challenges Of Transitioning Service Members From The Military, Paul Emmanuel Joseph Ii Aug 2026

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Transition Assistance Program Counselors After Their Related Training And The Challenges Of Transitioning Service Members From The Military, Paul Emmanuel Joseph Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to address gaps in the education and training provided to Transition Assistance Program (TAP) counselors at Crestview military base. A phenomenological research approach was used to discover themes and experiences shared amongst said counselors. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of transition assistance counselors in supporting service members’ transitions to civilian life? This study was conducted at a South-Central United States military installation that was one of the largest and most diverse military bases in the U.S. The Schlossberg transition model guided the research and included dimensions such as …


Building Sustainable Ministry Through Leadership Development: Evaluating A Biblically Grounded Leadership Model, Christopher David Brisco Aug 2026

Building Sustainable Ministry Through Leadership Development: Evaluating A Biblically Grounded Leadership Model, Christopher David Brisco

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many churches face declining participation, leadership fatigue, and inadequate succession planning, often due to a lack of intentional, structured leadership development systems. Although research indicates that mentoring, leadership training, and supervised ministry experiences strengthen leadership capacity and organizational sustainability, many congregations struggle to implement leadership development models that effectively integrate biblical principles with strategic organizational practices. This researcher examined the implementation and effectiveness of a biblically grounded leadership development model within The Church of the Redeemed of the Lord in Baltimore, Maryland, a multigenerational church with diverse ministry departments that provided an appropriate context for evaluating intentional strategic leadership development. …


A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Differences Existing Between Elementary, Middle, And High School Faculty And Staff Members Perceptions Of Their Mtss/Rti Skills, Vanessa F. Harriman Aug 2026

A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Differences Existing Between Elementary, Middle, And High School Faculty And Staff Members Perceptions Of Their Mtss/Rti Skills, Vanessa F. Harriman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to explore the relationships between the independent variable, school level (elementary, middle, high), and the dependent variables of faculty and staff perceptions of his/her own ability to implement MTSS/RTI when applied to academic content (Null Hypothesis One), behavioral content (Null Hypothesis Two), and the construction and use of data displays (Null Hypothesis Three). This study was critical because it added to the literature concerning MTSS/RTI implementation in middle and high schools while comparing their data to elementary schools. This study used a convenience sample of faculty and staff of public-school districts in …


A Qualitative Case Study Exploration Of Secondary Educators' Implementation Of Multicultural Education In A Public School District, Chiquita Apollos Aug 2026

A Qualitative Case Study Exploration Of Secondary Educators' Implementation Of Multicultural Education In A Public School District, Chiquita Apollos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover how multicultural education influences teaching practices for secondary educators at Achieve School District in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was James A. Banks’ multicultural education theory, as it provided the framework for implementing the histories, customs, and perceptions of ethnic minority and racial people into the curriculum. The central research question was: How does multicultural education influence the teaching practices of secondary teachers in the Achieve School District? Data were collected through individual interviews, observations, and journal prompts. Thematic analysis of the data revealed multicultural education influenced …


Exploring Social Cognitive Learning In Simulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Education: A Case Study, William Nicholas Vasios Iii Aug 2026

Exploring Social Cognitive Learning In Simulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Education: A Case Study, William Nicholas Vasios Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single-case design study is to explore the impact of observational and vicarious learning during simulation-enhanced interprofessional education (Sim-IPE) on the confidence and perceived self-efficacy of nursing students and IM residents at a southeastern university. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory, which addresses the personnel, behavioral, and environmental factors of Sim-IPE, while answering the central research question: How does observational and vicarious learning during Sim-IPE impact participant confidence and perceived self-efficacy? This qualitative single-case study was conducted at a university in the southeastern United States, using data collected through visual confidence analog scale surveys, interviews, and …


Perceptions Of Pursuing Elementary Music: An Examination Of Music Educators' Career Choices, Elise N. Luce Aug 2026

Perceptions Of Pursuing Elementary Music: An Examination Of Music Educators' Career Choices, Elise N. Luce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing shortage of music educators leaves school districts with the unfortunate options of cutting music education programs or placing un- or under-qualified staff in those positions. There is a gap in the literature on the personal, professional, and external factors that influence music educators’ career decisions. This qualitative, constructivist grounded theory study addresses the gap in the literature by examining music educators’ perspectives on their career decisions. This study employed focus groups, interviews, and journal prompts to gather data from 26 music educators in the U.S. A theory grounded in the data suggests that personal, professional, and external factors …


Exploring How School Leaders Support The Academic Resilience Of Foster Youth: A Case Study, Melissa Gasser Myers Aug 2026

Exploring How School Leaders Support The Academic Resilience Of Foster Youth: A Case Study, Melissa Gasser Myers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the resilience of foster care students in Oklahoma public schools. The study was guided by Garmezy’s resilience theory, which highlights the critical role of resilience in helping children recover from past trauma and thrive in academic settings. The central research question was: How do school leaders nurture academic resilience in foster children? This study was conducted using qualitative research methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, physical artifacts, and journal prompts. The data first underwent analysis through open coding, followed by a round of axial coding and finally selective coding. Informed …


Comparative Analysis Of Metabolic Vulnerability In The Standard American And Carnivore Diets Using The Mvx Plus Biomarker Panel, Susan E. Fitzgerald Aug 2026

Comparative Analysis Of Metabolic Vulnerability In The Standard American And Carnivore Diets Using The Mvx Plus Biomarker Panel, Susan E. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Poor diet is a leading cause of mortality, contributing to an estimated one million deaths in the United States and eleven million deaths annually worldwide, with diet-related chronic disease accounting for approximately 85% of U.S. healthcare spending. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is widely recognized as causing systemic inflammation, while the carnivore diet is under-researched with unknown long-term effects. The purpose of this cross-sectional secondary analysis was to examine the impact of these two dietary patterns on metabolic vulnerability using the Metabolic Vulnerability Index Plus (MVX Plus), a multidimensional biomarker panel that quantifies systemic inflammation, metabolic malnutrition, and metabolic resilience …


A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring Middle School Special Education Teachers’ Experiences In Their Undergraduate Preparation Programs, Alfredia D. Simmons Aug 2026

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring Middle School Special Education Teachers’ Experiences In Their Undergraduate Preparation Programs, Alfredia D. Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of undergraduate educator preparation programs for special education teachers in middle schools in central Georgia. The theory guiding this study was transformative learning, as proposed by, which explored adult learning and the ways individuals reflected on experiences to shift their perspectives and develop new understandings. The central research question asked: How did middle school special education teachers perceive the effectiveness of their undergraduate preparation programs in relation to their current teaching responsibilities? This transcendental phenomenological study included 10 middle school special education teachers in central Georgia. Data were …


A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Developmental Education Courses On College Persistence In Higher Education Among First-Year College Students, Tosha J. Mobley Aug 2026

A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Developmental Education Courses On College Persistence In Higher Education Among First-Year College Students, Tosha J. Mobley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine differences in institutional integration scores among first-year college students based on enrollment status and gender assigned at birth at a public southern university. This study was important because previous reform efforts intended to improve college persistence and graduation rates have not eliminated the need for developmental education or learning support courses within higher education. The independent variables included enrollment status and gender assigned at birth. Institutional integration was measured using the Institutional Integration Scale–Revised (IIS-R). The sample was composed of 107 first-year college students enrolled in developmental (support) and traditional …


Learner-Centered Pedagogies In A Secondary Choral Classroom, Bobby Matthew Reidling Aug 2026

Learner-Centered Pedagogies In A Secondary Choral Classroom, Bobby Matthew Reidling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research is to develop practice-informed recommendations for integrating learner-centered pedagogical approaches within secondary choral education. Secondary choral instruction has generally been organized around teacher-centered rehearsal models in which teachers retain primary responsibility for musical and instructional decision-making. While teacher-centered approaches remain widely used, learner-centered models described in broader educational literature have been less frequently examined in ensemble-based choral contexts, particularly regarding their alignment with the collaborative nature of choral instruction. This study is guided by the following research question: How can learner-centered pedagogical approaches be integrated into secondary choral classrooms to support student participation, engagement, and …


The Effect Of Covid-19 On Maryland Community College Students: Mental Health, Learning, And Environmental Challenges, Vickie R. Braxton Aug 2026

The Effect Of Covid-19 On Maryland Community College Students: Mental Health, Learning, And Environmental Challenges, Vickie R. Braxton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to describe the lived experiences of minority students attending a community college in the state of Maryland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theories guiding this study were Hobfoll’s Conservation Resources Theory as it focuses on the impact of a lack of external and internal resources on mental health when recovering from a prolonged disaster; the Theory of Transformative Learning as it focuses on how new learning processes affect cognitive abilities in different study environments; and The Theory of Connectivism as it focuses on how individuals learn digitally through experiences outside their control …


Stem Afterschool Enrichment Programs On Post-Secondary Minority Students In Southern California And Their Educational And Professional Pathway: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Lavar Jamaall Watkins Aug 2026

Stem Afterschool Enrichment Programs On Post-Secondary Minority Students In Southern California And Their Educational And Professional Pathway: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Lavar Jamaall Watkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of ethnically and racially minority students who participated in STEM afterschool enrichment programs at middle schools in Southern California. Guided by social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this phenomenological study addressed how participation in STEM supplemental programming served as a predictive motivator that encouraged ethnically and racially minority students to pursue careers in STEM professions. SCCT provided the theoretical framework for understanding how self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and contextual influences shaped students’ perceptions, motivations, and career decision-making related to STEM. The central research question guiding this inquiry was: What …