Digital Commons Network^™

Instructional Design For Intellectual Risk-Taking In Justice-Centered Educator Preparation Programs, Kristin Lower

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Education for democracy requires intentional, justice-centered educator preparation. Justice-centered educator preparation programs must engage future teachers in applying critically conscious lenses across learning experiences while equipping them to design instruction that fosters those same lenses in their future students. However, educator preparation programs often lack research-based, measurable instructional design strategies that explicitly foster the transformative learning conditions needed to prepare teachers for justice-centered pedagogy.

This qualitative action research study explored how specific features of learning tasks, instructional conditions, and their combinations fostered transformative learning in a justice-centered educator preparation course for secondary educators. To operationalize the abstract concept of transformative …

What's Your Partnership Recipe? Lessons From A Cupcake-Themed Wondering Session, Maia Elkana, Carol Colaninno, Alexandra Forgerson, Rachel Ruggirello

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

At Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership (ISP), the concept of partnership defines our work as researchers and practitioners interested in advancing high-quality, equitable education and is central to all we do. We are privileged to partner with hundreds of schools and thousands of educators each year across many different programs, projects, and initiatives ranging from fee-for-service professional learning and curriculum programs to long-term research-practice partnership (RPP) work. Just as teacher collaboration is a vital tool in producing healthy learning communities and positive outcomes for students, research has also shown that collaboration between and across teachers, administrators, professional learning providers, …

2026 Viewbook, Office Of Admissions

Viewbook

At IMSA, you will be part of a community of over 650 diverse students passionate about learning. Located in suburban Aurora, IMSA’s campus consists of seven residence halls spread across 97 acres. While living and learning on campus, you’ll make new friends, encounter new ideas, and learn to live independently. You will also have the opportunity to explore over 85 clubs, organizations, and IHSAsponsored co-curricular and athletic programs. IMSA provides a safe, nurturing environment. Professional Resident Counselors (RCs) live in each hall and will help you navigate your home away from home through the Residential Life Curriculum. Through this curriculum, …

Systematic Review Of Early Childhood And Pre-Primary Education, Anna Dabrowski, Yung Nietschke, Syeda Kashfee Ahmed, Michelle Hsien, Dan Cloney, Tim Friedman

Early Childhood Education

This systematic review synthesises global evidence from academic and grey literature published between 2015 and 2025, examining effective policies and interventions aimed at increasing ECCE participation across diverse country contexts, with a focus on equity dimensions such as gender, disability, socio-economic status and geographic location. The multifaceted nature of increasing ECCE participation is highlighted, exploring institutional, interventionist, preventative, and compensatory policies as per the GEM policy typology, while emphasising equity, quality, and contextual factors. These categories reflect the different levels and areas within which policies operate, noting that in practice, approaches to increase ECCE participation often are combined or overlap.

Perspectives Of Rural Educators On The Dependencies And Drawbacks Of Chat Gpt In Nigerian Higher Education Practices, Adedayo Olayinka Theodorio Dr, Francisca Jumoke Theodorio, Olumide Gbenga Olugbodi, Peter Adebowale Samson, Olusegun Olawale Olakotan

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

ChatGPT remains a valuable tool for transforming teaching strategies and supporting students’ comprehension of subject matter. However, its adoption and research remain uneven within the context of higher education in Nigeria. Specifically, there is limited empirical research that exemplifies real-world experiences regarding the dependencies and drawbacks in rural educational settings. This qualitative single-case study explored this phenomenon at a southwestern institution in Nigeria, involving a purposively selected group of educators. Data were gathered through participatory observation and focus group interviews, which were thematically analysed. The results indicated that the effective use of ChatGPT in rural higher education heavily depends on …

Classroom Observation Scale Revised (Cos-R): Training Manual, Sadia Muzaffar Bhutta, Sohail Ahmad, Aisha Naz Ansari

Institute for Educational Development Pakistan (IED-PK) Archives

This training manual offers clear and practical guidance on using the Classroom Observation Scale - Revised (COS-R). The COS-R, grounded in the principles of participatory pedagogy, is a structured tool designed to capture and reflect on classroom practices. It focuses on three key dimensions of teaching: the classroom's physical environment, the classroom's social environment, and pedagogical practices. 
The COS-R includes thirteen indicators distributed across these three dimensions. Each indicator features descriptors on a five-point scale, helping observers accurately identify and rate observable classroom behaviours and classroom structures. This manual provides a detailed scoring guide, illustrative examples, and brief explanations of …

Lindenwood University Employment Policies, 2026-2027, Lindenwood University

Employee Handbooks

In 2021-2022, Lindenwood University made the Employee Guidebook, online only. This is a compilation of the documents from all of the links in the 2026-2027 Employee Policies site.

A Critical Perspective On The Society Of Environmental Toxicology And Chemistry's Adherence To Founding Principles— Opportunities For The Future, Barnett A. Rattner, Annegaaike Leopold, Carys L. Mitchelmore, Glenn W. Suter, Mark S. Johnson, Adriana C. Bejarano, Lawrence A. Kapustka, Niranjana Krishnan, Derek C. G. Muir, Beatrice O. Opeolu, Martha Georgina Orozco-Medina, April Reed, Bruce W. Vigon, Adam R. Wronski

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is a global organization whose mission is the advancement of environmental science and management through collaboration, leadership, communication and education. On SETAC's 45th anniversary, the following question was raised: Are the 1979 founding principles of SETAC, multidisciplinary approaches to solving environmental problems, multisector engagement and scientific objectivity, still useful, adequate and effective in fulfilling its mission? In a special session held at the 45th Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, a critical evaluation of the founding principles was initiated by reviewing SETAC's history and ongoing activities, and recommendations were made …

Academic Integrity In The Age Of Ai: A Student's Guide To Citation And Disclosure, Steve Baule

Essays in Education

The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has reshaped academic work, creating new opportunities for learning while introducing complex challenges for maintaining academic integrity. This article presents a clear, practical three question framework to help students determine when and how to disclose AI use in their coursework. Grounded in principles of transparency and intellectual honesty, the framework consists of three guiding questions addressing AI‑generated content, meaningful process support, and purely mechanical assistance. Through detailed explanations and real‑world scenarios, the article clarifies distinctions among these categories and outlines appropriate citation and disclosure practices for each. It emphasizes that AI use …

Environmental Load In Technology-Rich Classrooms: A Practitioner Reflection On Student Attention, Cognitive Fatigue, And Instructional Design, Christopher Morales

Essays in Education

This practitioner essay examines student disengagement in technology-rich classrooms through the lens of cognitive load and environmental demand. Rather than interpreting all off-task behavior as laziness, avoidance, or lack of motivation, the essay argues that some students may be responding to cumulative overload created by screens, transitions, digital platforms, visual clutter, noise, lighting, and fragmented instructional routines. Drawing from classroom observation and cognitive load theory, the essay introduces environmental load as a practical concept for educators seeking to preserve student attention without lowering academic expectations. The essay offers reflective questions and instructional adjustments that can help teachers and school leaders …

Lorawan-Based Asset Tracking System Development And Performance Analysis Within Stem-Pbl Framework: A Mixed-Method Study, Yousef Alfarraj, Ghada Abdelhady, Abdelrahman Ahmed, Mahmoud Elaasar, Jair J. Aguilar

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This study examines the integration of project-based learning (PBL) within the integrative STEM framework to advance practical problem-solving skills and investigate students' perceptions of the STEM-PBL approach through developing an IoT-enabled asset tracking system using Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology to tackle real-world logistical challenges. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study combines an experimental approach utilizing quantitative system performance analysis with qualitative insights gathered through participant interviews with ten graduate students. Results reveal that the LoRaWAN system demonstrated high reliability with only 0.437% downtime, validating the technical feasibility of the educational project. Furthermore, participants perceived the STEM-PBL approach positively, …

Presupposition In Shaqraa Al-Madkhali's "I Almost See Me": A Pragmatic Study, Hadiah Faiz Monawer Alrashidy

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

This research investigates the presuppositions inherent in the poetic collection (Diwan) titled "Akadu Arani" (I Almost See Myself) by the poetess, Shaqra al-Madkhali. The study aims to categorize these presuppositions and analyze their functional role in articulating the poetess's intentionality, ultimately facilitating the efficacy of the communicative process. Methodologically, the paper adopts a pragmatic framework complemented by a descriptive-analytical approach. The study is organized into an introduction, a theoretical preamble on the concept of presupposition, and five core analytical sections: (1) Existential, (2) Factive, (3) Lexical, (4) Structural, and (5) Non-factive presupposition. The investigation concludes with several key findings, most …

Assessing Teachers' Perceptions Toward Giftedness And Creativity Among Students With Learning Disabilities In Regular Classrooms In The Ha'il Region, Muqrin Mubrik Almutairi

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

In this study, the researcher sought to assess teachers' perceptions toward giftedness and creativity among students with learning disabilities in regular classrooms in the Ha'il region. The sample consisted of 155 teachers working in public schools during the 2024-2025 academic year. A demographic survey was used to collect categorical information on participants. Categories included gender, academic qualification, teaching experience, and training courses. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed a questionnaire developed to explore teachers' perceptions across three domains: perceptions of giftedness and creativity in all students, perceptions of learning disabilities, and perceptions of giftedness and creativity among …

The Judgments Of The Commentators On Ibn Malik's Statements Concerning Apparent Discrepancies Between Al-Tashil And Its Commentary: A Critical Study, Sarah Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Sabih

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

This study examines the instances in which commentators on al-Tashil pointed to what appears to be a difference between Ibn Malik's statements in Tashil al-Fawa'id wa-Takmil al-Maqasid and his Sharh al-Tashil. It aims to analyze these judgments and assess their validity considering textual context and grammatical methodology. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the study correlates the concise formulations of the Tashil with their expanded explanations in the commentary and traces the criteria employed by the commentators in identifying difference or inconsistency. The findings indicate that most cases described as contradiction do not constitute genuine inconsistency. Rather, they result from variation in …

More Than Just Multiculturally Competent: Doctoral Student Competency And Preparedness To Work With Individuals With Disabilities, Kristen N. Dickens, Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, Synthia Best

Georgia Educational Researcher

Phenomenological inquiry was used to interview counselor education doctoral students about their experiences and perceived competency and preparedness to counsel individuals with disabilities. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) continuous self-directed learning, (2) disability is multifaceted, misunderstood, and evolving, and (3) influential learning factors. Implications and recommendations for counselor educators and training programs are provided.

Using Culturally Familiar Readings In A Predominantly Latinx Middle School To Bolster Self-Efficacy, Heather M. Kelley Ph.D., Morgan Adams, Meagan Chisholm, Kate Warner

Georgia Educational Researcher

Twenty-eight seventh graders from a predominantly Latinx middle school participated in an instructional intervention involving both a culturally familiar and unfamiliar reading task. Immediately after reading, students joined focus groups to discuss their experiences. These sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a discourse analysis framework. The analysis revealed that students based their reading self-efficacy on three key factors: their ability to relate to the text, their interest in the story, and the perceived difficulty of the task. The findings suggest that implementing culturally sustaining pedagogy—through the use of culturally relevant texts—can enhance reading self-efficacy and support academic achievement for …

Facilitating Shared Reading Exposure To Promote Health Outcomes In A Rural Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, Meredith L. Longino

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to address a gap in early literacy promotion for rural children by incorporating the Reach Out and Read program. This program bolsters foundational literacy by providing a book and anticipatory guidance at every well-child visit from birth through age 5. This project was expected to decrease no-show well-child attendance rates and improve provider morale.

Background

The project was implemented in an established rural pediatric primary care clinic in Northeast Texas. 

Methodology

Process implementation was measured through books distributed and EHR documentation of the intervention. Process objectives were measured by no-show rates for …

The Role Of Kindergartens In Promoting Educational Moral Values In Children Through Storytelling, Reem Al-Hajj, Marwan Abualrob, Osama Tawfiq Jarrar

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study examines the role of kindergartens in promoting educational moral values in children through storytelling. The research employs a quantitative approach with questionnaires as a study tool. The study sample, selected randomly, consists of 135 kindergarten teachers from Jenin Directorate, Palestine, analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (Smart-PLS4). The results show that kindergartens have a significant role in fostering educational moral values through storytelling, supported by strong path coefficients (e.g., β = 0.361, p = 0.002 for proposed suggestions) and a high explained variance (R² = 0.673). This framework, which positions children as active meaning-makers rather than passive recipients of …

Teaching Effectiveness On Secondary Mathematics: Evidence From Pisa—Shanghai-China, Ting Shen

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Educational researchers and policymakers around the world have a strong interest in understanding the underlying reasons for the remarkable academic achievement of Chinese students in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Although teachers have a significant impact on student achievement, empirical evidence on teaching effectiveness in the Chinese education system has been scarce. This study uses the PISA 2012 Shanghai-China data and employs both multilevel models and quantile regression models to investigate effective teaching factors and their differential effects for students at different mathematics achievement levels. The results reveal the importance of cognitive activation and disciplinary climate as consistent, …

University Of Northern Iowa Fact Book, 2025-2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Institutional Effectiveness & Planning.

University of Northern Iowa Fact Book

Table of Contents

Quick Reference ... Inside front cover
Mission Statement and Institutional Goals ... 1
UNI Organizational Chart ... 2
UNI Administration ... 3
Definitions of Terms Used ... 4
Calendar ... 6

New Students
Fall New Students ... 9
New Student Applications, Admissions and Enrolled ... 10
New Students Enrolled by Residence ... 12
New Freshmen Enrollment by Residence ... 13
New Undergraduate Transfer Students by Type of Transfer College ... 14
New Freshmen ACT Composite Scores and High School Class Rank ... 15

Enrollment
Fall Students Profile by College ... 19
Headcount Enrollment ... 20
Headcount Enrollment …

Notes For The Stalled, V18n05, January/February 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Rod Library newsletter: Notes for the Stalled

Contents:

--- Research Award
--- Howdy Partners!
--- Career Readiness
--- Blind Date with a Book
--- Upcoming Events

A Phenomenological Analysis Of Sense Of Belonging Among Community College Educators, Muhammad Owais Aziz

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the complex phenomenon of sense of belonging (SB) among diverse health professions educators (HPEs) and non-health professions educators (non-HPEs) at a Canadian community college. SB, as a dynamic construct shaped by an individual's perception of being valued and respected, is influenced by personal preferences and by complex interactions with the individual's surroundings. To better understand SB and foster a more inclusive environment for diverse educators, it is necessary to investigate SB among these educators. This qualitative study used eleven semi-structured interviews and seven steps of data analysis. The results of this study can inform strategies, policies, …

Leading Schools Effectively During A Crisis: Lessons Learned From The Covid-19 Pandemic, La Tonya Elizabeth Overton

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This qualitative study explored the successes, challenges, and lessons learned by elementary principals serving systemically marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through in-depth interviews with nine principals across multiple school districts, the study identified three overarching themes that characterized effective crisis leadership: relationships, well-being, and innovation. Principals described how sustaining strong relationships, prioritizing humanity, and centering trust were essential for navigating trauma, uncertainty, and rapid change. They emphasized meeting basic needs such as food, technology access, health supports, and housing stability as foundational to school continuity. Principals also demonstrated equity-driven responsiveness by removing systemic barriers, adapting communication to diverse …

The Evolution Of School Accountability In Virginia: Research, Early Results, And Implications For Policy And Practice, David Naff, William L. Parker, Meleah Ellison, Amy Bollt, Andrea Herndon, Paula Muente Mizushima, T'Airra Belcher, Lauren Grob, Lindsay Duncan, Kelly Denny, Emily Leavitt, Gyun Min Jung, Theresa Thompson, Sandra Rucker, Meredith Collier, Jamelle Simmons, Samantha Hope

MERC Publications

This MERC research and policy review focuses on the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF), Virginia's school accountability system. It synthesizes relevant research literature, student outcome data, and information about accountability systems in other states to provide context, projections, and potential next steps for the SPSF. It concludes with implications and recommendations for state policymakers and education leaders, school boards and division leaders, and school leaders and educators.

Exploring Resiliency, Identity, And Access: Educational Narratives Of Adults Who Experienced Youth Homelessness, Taylor Mestres

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the educational experiences of adults who experienced homelessness during their youth, focusing on how instability, stigma, and resilience shaped their K-12 schooling. Guided by Maslow's hierarchy of needs and resiliency theory, the research employed a narrative inquiry approach with seven adult collaborators who reflected on their schooling while experiencing housing instability. Seven themes emerged: living between places, school as sanctuary, concealment and stigma, resilience and survival, the role of educators and support systems, thriving despite adversity, and retrospective recognition. Findings reveal that while housing instability and shame created significant barriers to learning and belonging, schools also functioned …

2023-28 Strategic Plan: Building Our Tomorrow [January 2026 Progress Report], University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

A report including examples of progress on the strategic goals within the University of Northern Iowa's 2023-28 strategic plan as of January 2026.

2025-26 Uni Track & Field Record Book, University Of Northern Iowa

Athletics Media Guides

Contents:

--Men's Indoor
--Women's Indoor
--Men's Outdoor
--Women's Outdoor
--Men's Indoor MVC History
--Men's Outdoor MVC History
--Men's Indoor All-MVC List
--Men's Outdoor All-MVC List
--Men's Indoor MVC Champions
--Men's Outdoor MVC Champions
--Men's Indoor/Outdoor Honors
--Women's Indoor MVC History
--Women's Outdoor MVC History
--Women's Indoor/Outdoor All-MVC List
--Women's Indoor MVC Champions
--Women's Outdoor MVC Champions
--Women's Indoor/Outdoor Honors

Examining Inclusive Computing Education For Blind Students In India, Akshay Kolgar Nayak, Yash Prakash, Md Javedul Ferdous, Sampath Jayarathna, Hae-Na Lee, Vikas Ashok

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The growing demand for computer professionals, driven by the expanding Information Technology industry, has led to numerous inclusive computing education efforts. These efforts have even included blind or visually-impaired (BVI) students, who are being increasingly encouraged to pursue education and a career in computing, despite the visually-oriented nature of the discipline. Extant literature has predominantly focused on identifying and addressing the accessibility barriers faced by BVI students to promote more inclusive learning environments. While few studies have also investigated the accessibility of computing education from the perspectives of BVI learners and instructors, these have been primarily situated in the Global …

Guidelines For Automatic Grading Of Student Essays Using Large Language Models, Diwakar Yalpi, Sruta Keerti Kasula, Ravi Mukkamala

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Automated essay evaluation using large language models (LLMs) has emerged as a promising approach to support scalable and consistent educational assessment. However, the effectiveness of LLM-based grading varies significantly across evaluation dimensions and is highly influenced by prompt design and model selection. In this study, we evaluate five state-of-the-art LLMs across five rubric-based categories: Relevance to Question, Reasoning and Critical Thinking, Evidence and Examples, Organization, and Clarity and Writing Quality. We systematically investigate the impact of three prompting strategies, including rubric-only prompting, exemplar-based prompting (with and without rubric guidance)(Original and Refined prompt designs) incorporating structured instructions. Additionally, a prompt ablation …

The Effectiveness Of Training On The Use Of Project-Based Learning Methods In Developing The Teaching Skills Of Middle School Science Teachers, Essa Dakheel Alrehaly

University of Tabuk Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences

The current research aimed to measure the effectiveness of training on using project-based learning methods in developing teaching skills among intermediate science teachers. To verify the research hypotheses, a cognitive test and an observation card were used. The experimental treatment materials included the training program in light of project-based learning methods to develop teaching skills among intermediate science teachers. The current research used the experimental method with a quasi-experimental design based on a single-group design with a pre-post application to determine the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable. The research sample consisted of an experimental group of …