Digital Commons Network^™

A Profile Of Freshman Inquiry Students Fall 2025, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

In order to better understand the students enrolled in Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) courses and identify areas where they may need support, University Studies (UNST) began collecting and compiling data on these students. This report presents a profile of FRINQ students from Fall 2025. It presents an overview of all students enrolled in FRINQ during Fall 2025 and then summarizes information from the Prior Learning Survey.

Collaboration: Skill Development Framework. 2nd Edition, Claire Scoular, Daniel Duckworth, Jonathan Heard, Dara Ramalingam

Assessment and Reporting

ACER's skill development framework addresses the challenges associated with teaching and assessing collaboration. It is designed to synthesise and harmonise existing theory and research on collaboration to provide a holistic perspective. It outlines collaboration processes along prescribed strands and aspects that are informed by a sound evidence base. It is based on three strands: Building shared understanding; Collectively contributing; and Regulating the group.

Improving The Scores Of The Mathematics Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (Tsia2), Lori Lamar Moreno

Education Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this improvement science study was to increase mathematics readiness for the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) among high school seniors in a South Texas border community. The study addressed persistently low TSIA2 mathematics passing rates, particularly among Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, two improvement cycles were conducted using an embedded mixed-methods design. In Cycle 1, the Texas College Bridge (TCB), a self-paced platform built on NROC’s EdReady and the only Texas Education Agency–approved program for TSIA preparation, was implemented as the baseline intervention. Quantitative analysis indicated an 11.5% pass rate …

Assessing Generalization Along Side Acquisition Using System Of Least Prompts Versus Video Modeling Plus System Of Least Prompts Of Simulated Vocational Tasks, Victoria B. Shafer

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to assess if system of least prompts alone or video modeling plus system of least prompts was more effective when teaching a student with a moderate intellectual disability three simulated vocational tasks using paper materials. Additionally, generalization was assessed using real-world materials. An adapted alternating treatment design was used to compare conditions. The results indicated that system of least prompts alone was more effective than video modeling plus system of least prompts. There was no demonstration of generalization.

Fact Book, Academic Year 2024, Systems Intelligence And Data Analytics, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Fact Book

The Fact Book presents important campus information in data tables and charts. Included are details regarding students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Generally, data are broken out by college, rank, level, gender, age and ethnicity for both spring and fall semesters, past to present. There are a few academic year tables that include information on tuition & fees, student credit hours by program, and degrees conferred. We wish to thank the many individuals and departments at the University for their contributions to the Fact Book.

Effects Of Active Learning In An Undergraduate Physiology Class Using Hands-On And Simulation Labs, Ainsley C. Frayer

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Increasing student engagement has shown positive effects on students and can be achieved by incorporating active learning strategies in the lab. Currently, the undergraduate human physiology lab at Missouri State University utilizes simulations to practice physiological concepts. The proposed project aims to evaluate if incorporating hands-on labs would improve student learning and/or their engagement. The hypothesis is engagement will be increased in hands-on labs, but grades will not differ significantly, based on previous literature. Three simulations were replaced with hands-on lab software to evaluate engagement and learning. Student engagement was assessed using a voluntary, anonymous survey. Exam average scores were …

Technology-Enhanced Professional Development For Early Literacy: A Comparative Study Of Online Teacher Learning Models In Kenya, Constanza Uribe-Banda

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Growing recognition of early literacy as essential for lifelong learning, along with evidence that teachers’ mastery of foundational literacy instruction influences student outcomes (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017; UNESCO, 2020), has led to increased investment in teacher professional development. Despite these efforts, many educators face significant challenges in accessing high-quality training, particularly in resource-constrained settings where geographical barriers and limited institutional support persist. This is especially true in rural Kenyan communities, where teachers often work in under-resourced schools with unreliable electricity and internet connectivity yet bear responsibility for laying critical literacy foundations. The present study examines the potential to deliver effective …

A Comparison Of Service Needs For Face-To-Face To Online Programs, Ali Ardalan, Roya K. Ardalan, G. Steven Rhiel

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

Higher education institutions strive to gain a competitive advantage over similar programs offered by other institutions. A criterion for comparing programs is the quality of service. The definition of quality from the customer's view is "fitness for use," which incorporates the value generated by the product. Each learner may evaluate programs differently from other learners. It is impossible to develop a unique standard for program quality that is defined by a specific set of factors and specific level for each of these factors. This study presents an extensive set of factors that may affect learners' satisfaction. Higher education administrators should …

Exploring Educator Attitudes And Their Impact On Racial Inequities In School Discipline, Chanel Renee` Rice

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This dissertation presents a mixed methods research study conducted within the framework of the Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP). The primary objective of this research is to investigate targeted interventions and resources designed to enhance educators' cultural awareness and social-emotional competence. These enhancements aimed to foster identity-affirming learning environments for students of color, serving as a mechanism to address and mitigate racial discipline disparities in educational contexts.

The validation of student identities, alongside the establishment of inclusive learning environments, is paramount for promoting academic success and addressing the distinct needs of students of color. Nonetheless, the enduring presence of …

The Power Of Joy In Education: Exploring The Impact Of Joyous Pedagogy On Exclusionary Discipline At A Diverse Middle School, Tanya N. Collins

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Educators’ emotional well-being plays a crucial role in shaping classroom environments, student-teacher relationships, and disciplinary responses; yet it remains an often-overlooked factor in addressing school inequities. This study emphasizes the importance of joyous pedagogy as a key element of educator well-being by examining whether cultivating joy could positively impact teachers’ responses to student behavior, enhance classroom relationships, and decrease their reliance on exclusionary discipline practices that disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic students. Guided by the principles of improvement science and grounded in the PERMA model of well-being, this mixed-methods correlational study was conducted as a six-week professional learning intervention aimed …

Building Collective Teacher Efficacy For Student Engagement: A Rural School-Based Approach To Mental Health Promotion, Jennifer Lynn Riggle

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) examines how rural Wisconsin educators’ perspectives and confidence evolve in recognizing their role in fostering student engagement as a means of supporting student mental health and well-being. The study was prompted by stalled implementation of comprehensive school mental health systems (CSMHS) in rural districts, where systemic barriers, such as limited mental health literacy, absence of collective teacher efficacy (CTE), and undeveloped ownership among educators, prevented sustainable change. This study sought to address these challenges by embedding mental health promotion within instructional reform, positioning student engagement as the bridge between these two traditionally siloed …

Exploring Student Engagement In Urban Public High Schools: An Improvement Science Study, Ashley Hunter Freeman

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Dissertation in Practice began with a simple question about student engagement and ended with a framework for systemic change. Set in Harborview Public High Schools, an urban and historically under-resourced district, the study examined how educators define engagement, the barriers that limit it, and the supports needed to strengthen it. Fragmented initiatives and inconsistent practices have hindered the development of a coherent classroom-anchored engagement strategy. Guided by an Improvement Science framework, this study used a twophase convergent mixed methods design that included questionnaires, focus groups, educator reflections, and classroom observations.

The first phase focused on professional discourse and sharing …

Trust Brokers And Connectors: Cultivation Of Trust And The Trusted Adult In High School, Vae L. Champagne

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Trusted adult-student connectedness is a key lever for enhancing school safety, preventing violence, and developing a sense of belonging in high schools. However, there are no formal practices, guidelines, or policies in place to cultivate and equip trusted adults for this vital role. Therefore, this Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) employs an improvement science methodology with a qualitative research design to explore how to foster a school-wide presence of trusted adults and bolster their preparedness. Through focus group interviews, a questionnaire, workshop observations, and design-based activities with youth and educators, cocreated connection tools and strategies were tested using the …

Addressing School Counselor Occupational Stress: An Improvement Science Study In Redefining Roles, Anthony Tumolo

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This dissertation examines the issue of chronic occupational stress among school counselors in the Farmville School District (FSD), a challenge rooted in outdated systemic practices that have led to role misalignment, work overload, and insufficient administrative understanding. Using an improvement science framework, this qualitative study sought to identify and address the organizational conditions contributing to counselor stress while aligning district practices with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Through interviews, document reviews, and environmental scans, the study explored how systemic factors and unclear role expectations impact counselors’ ability to provide effective student support. The findings revealed that a …

Leadership Traits Which Improve School Climate Star Ratings And Ccrpi Single Scores In Georgia K-12 Urban Schools: A Mixed-Methods Study, Rodney D. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the relationship between the self prescribed leadership styles of principals with the teacher perceptions of those leadership styles and how that difference may impact school climate ratings and College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) single scores in Georgia urban K-12 schools. The quantitative method was used to examine quantitative differences related to these two components of Georgia’s state accountability model. The qualitative method was used to explore teachers’ perceptions of the influence of leadership style on climate star ratings and CCRPI single scores. Quantitative data was collected through the …

Challenging Behaviour In The Early Years: Investigating Teacher Perceptions, Gillian Anne Smith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

An upward national trend in challenging behaviour amongst young children in Australian schools has prompted widespread concern and garnered frequent media scrutiny. Scholars have established that child-teacher relationships are central to understanding and mitigating challenging behaviour; however, exploration of teacher perceptions of children’s challenging behaviour in the early years has been limited. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating how early childhood teachers perceive and respond to young children’s challenging behaviour in Western Australia’s Kindergarten to Year 2 settings. The research was grounded in Attachment Theory and Ecological Systems Theory, highlighting the relational and environmental factors influencing teacher …

Why Do Schools Continue To Use Between-Class Ability Grouping?, Olivia Johnston, Nerida Spina, Suzanne Macqueen, Rebecca Spooner-Lane

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Allocating students into separate classes within a school depending on their “ability” is common in many countries. This paper presents a theoretical discussion of the practice, considering why it persists despite a long history of research emphasizing consequential problems. Our discussion identifies and critiques four possible reasons that between-class ability grouping is being used in schools again today, despite research advising against the practice. These reasons are: 1) educators’ perspectives that it facilitates differentiation and assists in managing the intensification of teaching; 2) advantages for students in “high ability” and “low ability” classes; 3) cultural acceptability; and 4) historical entrenchment, …

Outdoor Adventure Education For Adolescent Social And Emotional Wellbeing: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Michael J.A. Down, D. Picknoll, T. Edwards, F. Farringdon, G. Hoyne, B. Piggott, M. C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines the effects of OAE on adolescent social and emotional wellbeing and their contributors. Intervention studies (single or multi-arm) assessing the effects of OAE on wellbeing were included. Meta-analysis was conducted on outcomes of interest, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) Tool assessed RoB in multi-arm studies. Four studies assessed within-group change (n = 368), and six assessed between-group change (n = 1,143). Findings indicate significant between-group improvements in resilience, self-esteem and social belonging when OAE was compared to no intervention, but no self-efficacy and overall wellbeing changes were observed. Studies were at high risk of bias, …

Health Education In Swedish Schools–What’S On Offer?, V. Varea, A. Caldeborg, D. Barker, M. Quennerstedt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this paper is to identify the dominant discourses of health and wellbeing that are offered in health education in Swedish schools. Issues of health and wellbeing are covered mainly in four school subjects in Sweden: physical education and health, home and consumer studies, biology, and social studies, and therefore, we interviewed teachers from those subjects to generate data. Six interrelated health discourses were identified from the data. All discourses were, however, also embedded within a health discourse with a comprehensive description of health as physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Results suggest that schools offer a Western and …

A Testing Load: A Review Of Cognitive Load In Computer And Paper-Based Learning And Assessment, James Pengelley, Peter R. Whipp, Anabela Malpique

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The rising use of technology in classrooms has also brought with it a concomitant wave of computer-based assessments. The argument for computer-based testing is often framed in terms of efficiency and data management: computer-based tests facilitate more efficient processing of test data and the rate at which feedback can be leveraged for student learning rather than being framed in terms of the direct effects that students experience from engaging with novel learning tools. Whilst potentially beneficial, for some students the outcomes of computer-based tests may be counter-productive. This review considers the cognitive, and often implicit, consequences of testing mode upon …

Investigating The Effect Of Ai Use Disclosure And Identity On Faculty Evaluation, Nchimunya Mwiinga

Honors Program Theses

This study examines how professors' disclosure of artificial intelligence (AI) use affects student evaluations and whether these effects vary by professor ethnicity and gender. Participants reviewed identical course materials attributed to professors varying in gender and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic), with half explicitly disclosing AI use in material preparation. Results revealed that professors who disclosed AI use received significantly lower ratings across all evaluation dimensions. Furthermore, ethnicity interacted significantly with disclosure—Asian professors experienced the most substantial negative impact, Hispanic professors showed moderate negative effects, and Black professors demonstrated minimal differences between disclosure conditions. No significant gender effects were observed. These …

Measuring Emotion In Education Using Gsr And Hr Data From Wearable Devices, Qian Dong, Qingyun Wang, Rong Miao

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The pivotal role of emotions in education is universally recognized, leading to a surge of interest in emotion recognition. Wearable devices that collect real-time and nuanced subjective physiological data make it possible to delve into the intricate emotional dynamics in education. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research exploring its potential role in tracking the emotional shifts among students of varying levels in response to specific pedagogical strategies in face-to-face chess classroom. By analyzing both objective GSR and HR data from wearable devices and subjective data from students and teachers in chess classrooms, students at different levels had experienced distinct …

Vietnamese Efl Lecturers’ Perceptions Of The Role Of Chatgpt In Facilitating Language Acquisition Among Their Students, Thanh Thao Le, Phuong Hoang Yen Dr, Trut Thuy Pham, Ngoc Bao Chau Tran, Thi Thuy Linh Nguyen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This qualitative study investigates the perceptions of Vietnamese EFL teachers regarding the role of ChatGPT in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Amidst the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, this research focuses on understanding how educators at different career stages perceive the effectiveness of ChatGPT in enhancing language learning experiences. Employing semi-structured interviews, the study engaged nine teachers from two educational institutions in Vietnam. Thematic analysis, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Constructivist Theory of Learning, revealed multiple roles of ChatGPT in SLA. These include its use as a conversational partner, a tool for immediate feedback, …

Online Learning Challenges And Coping Among U.S. College Students During Covid-19 Lockdown And Two Years After, Hayaa Alhazani, Li-Ting Chen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

There is a lack of research on comparing college students’ learning experiences during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between student coping and perceived online learning challenges in higher education. The present study aimed to fill in the gap. Online survey responses from 43 U.S. college students were used in this correlational study. Learning environment challenges were rated as the greatest challenges during the lockdown and two years after it. Students who had taken online classes before the lockdown rated higher levels of technological complexity during the lockdown than their counterparts. When comparing coping …

Analyzing Teachers' Perceptions Of Mobile Learning In Senior Secondary Schools: A Frame Model Perspective In Sub-Saharan Africa, Dennis Kealeboga Mabalane Junior

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The paper focuses on a systematic review of existing literature regarding the teachers’ perceptions toward mobile learning (mLearning) in public secondary schools across sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasizes that this research synthesizes previously published work rather than presenting original findings. The review identifies significant challenges and opportunities associated with mLearning implementation, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of mobile technologies in education. Despite the growing body of literature on mLearning trends in sub-Saharan Africa, there remains a notable lack of systematic reviews specifically addressing stakeholder perceptions. This study aims to fill that gap by …

Analysis Of The Scratch Program For Computational Thinking In Schoolchildren In An Educational Institution In Peru: A Network Analysis, Rolando Oscco Solorzano Dr., Leonor Torres Matos Dr, David Aroni Palomino, Miguel Armando Alcca Huisa, Jeanny Helen Ppuño Huaricachi, Delio Merma Saico

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Abstract: o analyze the relationship between the Scratch program and students’ computational thinking in an educational institution in Peru, relational research guidelines were followed with 384 regular elementary school students aged 6 to 12. The group had a higher percentage of males (52.6%) compared to females (47.4%). Two custom questionnaires were used to measure both variables. The study found that the aesthetic aspects of the Scratch program are the most significant component for developing computational thinking (=3.34; =2.34; =2.47), especially the dimension of computational practices. Limitations include a small sample size for analyzing sociodemographic variables, operationalization of computational thinking dimensions, …

Role Of Assistive And Adaptive Technologies In Promoting Inclusivity In Classrooms: A Study On Special Education Trainees, Deepa Sikand Kauts Dr., Moomin Ahmad Rather Mr

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Integrating assistive and adaptive technologies is vital for fostering inclusivity in special education. However, awareness and perceived impact of these tools among aspiring special educators remain underexplored. This study examined the awareness and perceived impact of assistive and adaptive technologies among 56 students enrolled in a Multiple Disabilities (MD) B.Ed. Special Education program. Validated scales with strong reliability and unidimensionality were employed, with the awareness scale explaining 70.62% of the variance and the perceived impact scale accounting for 53.68%. Descriptive and inferential analyses indicated that awareness levels ranged from basic to moderate (mean = 3.37), with a subset showing high …

Enhancing University Students’ Listening Comprehension Using The Toefl Learning English Application (Mall) : A Quantitative Study, Andrian Nuriza Johan, Sri Wuli Fitriati, Januarius Wuli Mujiyanto, Widhiyanto Wuli Widhiyanto

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study investigates the effectiveness of the TOEFL Learning English Application in enhancing the listening comprehension skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners and explores students’ perceptions of its use. A descriptive quantitative design was employed involving 45 English Education students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo. Pre- and post-tests measured listening comprehension gains, while a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model assessed student perceptions. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in listening scores, as well as generally positive perceptions regarding the application’s accessibility, usability, and ability to reduce learning anxiety. These findings support using the TOEFL Learning English …

Student Speed Dating As A Catalyst For Creative Idea Generation In Sport Management Programs, Logan Schuetz Ph.D., Yo Han Lee Ph.D., Tyler J. Hajek, Brandy Runyan

The COSMA Journal

This article presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges of idea generation among students in higher education, particularly in the field of sport management. Based on research into student engagement and creativity, the authors suggest incorporating speed dating techniques into both in-person and online classes. Speed dating sessions, conducted in breakout rooms via platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, offer students multiple opportunities to engage in brief, structured interactions, thereby enhancing their presentation skills, idea generation, and perspectives through structured, rapid interactions. Additionally, this method encourages greater collaboration and active participation, improving the overall learning environment. This strategy not …

A Social Learning Analysis Study: Social Presence In Online Discussions’ Network Interactions, Hoda Harati, Chih-Hsiung Tu, Cherng-Jyh Yen, Yingying Liu, Nesma Raghab Nasr, Jennifer Werner

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The significance of social presence is pivotal for online students’ participation in online discussion boards. Yet, it remained ambiguous how students evolved their social presence in their network interaction development. This research delved into the extent to which social presence moderated trends over time in several facets of students' prominence within social learning analysis of online discussions. The social network analysis (SNA) employed revealed that students’ prominence, including betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, eigenvector centrality, and PageRank, showed no notable growth over the duration of a 7-week online course. Moreover, the consistent trend observed in betweenness, eigenvector, and PageRank, coupled with …