Digital Commons Network^™

2024 Fall - Veterans Upward Bound Newsletter, Veterans Upward Bound, East Tennessee State University

Veterans Upward Bound Newsletters

No abstract provided.

2024-2025 Catalog, College Of The Holy Cross

Course Catalogs

This catalog lists available courses for the 2024-2025 academic year. The College Catalog is a document of record issued in September 2022. The Catalog contains current information regarding the College calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, regulations and course offerings. It is not intended to be, and should not be relied upon, as a statement of the College’s contractual undertakings.

2024 September, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for September of 2024.

To Belong Or Not To Belong: Bipoc First-Generation Community College Students’ Experiences, Christine Orbeta

Theses and Dissertations

Using narrative interviews, this study explored the experiences of belonging among eight first-generation college students (FGCS) who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By applying Strayhorn's Belonging and Crenshaw's Intersectionality Framework, this study sheds light on the challenges and benefits BIPOC FGCS encounter as they strive for academic success at two-year institutions within the City University of New York (CUNY) where approximately 44% of CUNY's student body comprises FGCS (CUNY, 2019). According to participants, families and institutions played significant roles in shaping students' sense of belonging. It also highlights the intricate negotiations BIPOC FGCS undergo as they …

Asphalt-Binder Mixtures Evaluated By T1 Nmr Relaxometry, Rebecca M. Herndon, Jay Balasubramanian, Magdy Abdelrahman, Klaus Woelk

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Asphalt pavements make up a majority of the essential transportation systems in the US. Asphalt mixtures age and degrade over time, reducing the pavement performance. Pavement performance critically depends on the aging of asphalt binder. the aging of asphalt binder during construction is traditionally modeled by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) testing, while aging during service life is modeled by pressure aging vessel (PAV) testing. Comparing these models to the aging of binders in actual pavements is limited because, to be used for current testing, binders must be separated from the pavement's aggregate by solvent extraction. Solvent extraction will, at …

A Comparative Study Of Why Chinese Graduates From Japanese Or Australian Universities Return To China And How They Contribute

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Impacts Of Class Size On Online Students’ Academic Achievements And Cost Of Instruction, Getachew Wakgira

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research was designed to assess the impacts of class size on online students’ academic achievements and the cost of instruction in the online learning environment. Two research questions revolved around this purpose. Since the 1950s, class size research has focused more on traditional but little on the online learning environment. Therefore, this research addressed this knowledge gap by focusing on the online learning environment. Pritchard and Woollard’s (2010) classroom dynamics and Blum’s (2005) connectedness theories served as the theoretical frameworks for this research. The research employed an ex post facto comparative design using random samples to determine if there …

Exploring Critical Reflection On Science Teachers’ Experiences: A Qualitative Inquiry, Kamal Prasad Acharya Dr., Pushp Raj Bhatt Mr., Milan Acharya

The Qualitative Report

In this study, we explored how university science education teachers recognize essential turning points and how teachers from Tribhuvan University-Faculty of Education (TU-FOE) reflect on their career growth. We also investigated their understanding of teaching and learning in science education programs at TU-FOE. The study builds on a qualitative inquiry into the strategies by employing critical discourse. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect the information, and the information was analyzed through a thematic-critical lens. The results indicate that critical reflection on practice can be the first step toward articulating and documenting knowledge. The study reveals that the science education teachers …

Investigating Mixed Effects Random Forest Models In Predicting Satisfaction With Online Learning In Higher Education, Jiaqi (Jackie) Shi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increasing prevalence and accessibility of online education. This trend has also introduced challenges for students, instructors, and institutions. This study examines factors affecting online course satisfaction, focusing on individual, instructor, and institutional level characteristics with clustered, separated train and test datasets across two terms. This study compares Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM), Non-clustered and Clustered Random Forest (RF & MERF) models to understand these impacts. This intention is to provide a comprehensive framework comparing traditional HLM with the latest developed MERF models while delving into the effectiveness of RF …

Defining Evolution: Exploring Students’ Conceptions Of Evolution In Introductory Biology Courses, Jeremy L. Hsu, Meredith A. Dorner, Kate M. Hill

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Understanding evolution is an important part of undergraduate biology education. Despite its importance, however, students often struggle to understand evolution, often holding preconceived notions of what evolution is. Here, we investigate how students in both majors and non-majors introductory biology define and conceive of evolution at the start of the semester for a two-year college and a four-year university near each other. We analyze open-ended responses to an in-class activity on the first day of the semester that asked students to define evolution, generating insight into how students are thinking of evolution prior to any formal instruction on evolution …

Dweck’S Mindset Theory As Context For Service Learning, Marion Eppler, Marsha Ironsmith

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Undergraduate students tutored elementary school children applying Dweck’s growth mindset model, while a concurrent class implemented an evaluation of the program. Tutors encouraged children to adopt a growth mindset while helping with homework, especially in mathematics. Research students designed and conducted pre- and post-interviews to assess children’s beliefs about mathematics achievement and growth mindset. We describe these complementary service-learning courses and offer recommendations for improving interventions and assessment in a service-learning context.

Using Games To Solve Real-World Civic Problems: Early Insights And Design Principles, Karen Schrier

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Video games are starting to be used to support civic learning and engagement. Moreover, games are being used to crowdsource solutions to real-world problems; however, few of these games address civic problems and engage adolescents and young adults. In this paper, I explore designing and using games for real-world civic problem-solving, as well as for supporting civic engagement among young adults. Using a design analysis approach, I investigate six video games and propose 20 initial design elements for use in creating and implementing civic problem- solving games. These include principles such as: using authentic civic problems, data, and tools; enabling …

Enhancing Learning, Changing The World: How Service-Learning Influences The Brain, Tracey Honeycutt Sigler, Kristi Lewis Tyran

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Service-learning helps students learn about course concepts through applying them in a setting outside the classroom. The experiences provided by service-learning create conditions that can lead to changes in the learner’s brain. In this paper, we provide support for this assertion from research in brain-based learning with suggestions of how to explicitly apply concepts from these areas of study to service-learning pedagogy so that we might increase learning.

A Multiple Case Study Of Teaching-Focused Professional Development Programs Offered At Three Different Types Of Us Institutions Of Higher Education, Holly Fortener, Leilani A. Arthurs, Patrick Shabram, Ming-Tsan Pierre Lu, Chu-Lin Cheng, Stephanie Plaza-Torres, Carly Flaagan

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

Teaching-focused professional development (PD) programs offered at institutions of higher education (IHEs) are uniquely positioned to be levers of change that improve the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in ways that broaden participation in STEM education, workforce development, and career pathways in the United States (US). PD programs and their potential to transform undergraduate STEM education, however, are understudied. This multiple-case study compares suites of PD programs offered at three IHEs in the US: a community college, an emerging research institution, and a research-intensive university. Each suite of PD programs is characterized in terms of …

Use Of Improvement Science To Build The Instructional Capacity Of Faculty In A Community College, Marianne Yohannan

Theses and Dissertations

Up to 78% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students experience poor academic achievement as defined by course grades of D, F and W in college. Students entering these fields are often not prepared (Chen & Soldner, 2013) and struggle to succeed in gateway STEM courses, with one-third of them possibly failing (Freeman et al., 2011). The success rates are lower among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minoritized groups (Doerschuk et al., 2016). At Tri-County Technical College, 30-40% of introductory biology students are unsuccessful and receive low grades (Institutional Research, n.d.). Low academic achievement has a huge impact on our …

Racial Identity Development And Imposter Phenomenon As Predictors Of Counselor Self-Efficacy, Erica D. Wade-Ball, Dana T. Isawi, Teresa A. Fisher

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

The authors utilized a correlational research design to examine the role of racial identity development and impostor phenomenon in predicting counselor self-efficacy among counselors-in-training of color. Racial identity development significantly predicts counselor self-efficacy, and imposter phenomenon is correlated with counselor self-efficacy. Based on the findings, the authors provide implications and recommendations for counselor educators and supervisors.

2024 Fall Convocation Program, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Communications and Marketing Publications Archive

The 2024 Morehead State University Convocation Program from August 14, 2024.

White Paper: Embracing Responsible Use Of Chatgpt In Education, Monica J. Weir

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This white paper presents challenges and opportunities for integration of ChatGPT, an artificial general intelligence (AGI) model developed by Open AI, in education. Drawing parallels to prior technological innovations in education including handheld calculators, the author asserts that the primary solution lies in guiding students to develop skills for responsible use of available resources. While debates surrounding the use of ChatGPT and plagiarism, misinformation, and ethics are valid, this paper stresses the importance for open conversations and growth mindset. The proposed solution includes a responsible use policy for ChatGPT in the classroom, which emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, continuous feedback, ethical …

Through The Lens Of Admissions Staff And Faculty Reviewers: How Implicit Bias Training May Mitigate Bias In The University Admissions Process: A Phenomenological Study, Sabrina L. Capps

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university admissions staff and faculty reviewers who have attended an implicit bias, unconscious bias, or diversity training session while working at a higher education institution. The theories guiding this study were Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Bandura’s theory of social learning. Both theories discussed how individuals may act in certain circumstances based on their social interactions, prior behaviors, and upbringing. What are the perspectives and lived experiences of admissions staff and faculty reviewers who have attended an implicit bias, unconscious bias, or diversity training at …

The Perspective Of An Alumnus, Rifah Tasnim

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Editor’S Note, Amanda Landi

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Contributors

Early College Folio

Contributors, Early College Folio, Volume 3, Issue 1 (2024).

An Analysis Of Baccalaureate Time To Completion And Gpa By Type Of Accelerated College Credit, Wil Perkins Ed.D., Aarek Farmer Ed.D.

Administrative Faculty & Staff Research and Publications

This study explored differences in the time to completion (graduation) and final GPA of first time in college (FTIC) students based on the type of earned institutional credits when accepted, and the academic results due to race and sex. Existing data from 6591 college graduates from two private universities were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVAs. The results showed statistically significant differences in the time it took students to graduate as well as statistically significant differences in final GPAs based on the type of earned credits at the time of acceptance. Furthermore, significant differences in completion time and GPA existed …

2024 Annual Report Of The Nominating Committee, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

University Nominating Committee report including committee memberships, produced by the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Impact Of Teacher Support Systems On Advanced Placement Achievement Outcomes, Yolanda Gomez

Education Theses and Dissertations

In the realm of Advanced Placement (AP) education, a persistent achievement gap exists, with low-socioeconomic students consistently underperforming compared to their affluent peers. This disparity is particularly notable in AP English Language and Composition, where 93% of students fail to achieve a score of three or higher, the score for earning college credit. This study hypothesizes that this gap is partly due to inadequate support for AP teachers, particularly the lack of collaborative planning time. In most high schools, AP English Language and Composition teachers have no dedicated time for collaboration, instead focusing on other areas like End of Course …

Pre-Service Teaching And Work-Integrated Learning (Wil) In A Diverse And Democratic South African School Setting: A Social Theoretical Perspective

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relationship Of The Noncognitive Variables Of Grit And Mindset In Baccalaureate Nursing Students And Their Impact On Academic Success, Alecia Hollis

Dissertations

The study aimed to evaluate how the noncognitive variables of grit and mindset could impact the academic success of baccalaureate nursing students. With the present and growing shortage of nurses, attrition within nursing programs is cause for concern. Attrition is a multifaceted problem; however, academic failure is one contributing factor. While cognitive factors, such as the standardized aptitude test (SAT), pre-nursing science GPA, pre-nursing GPA, and standardized entrance exams (Al-Alawi et al., 2020; Chisholm-Burns et al., 2021), have traditionally been used for admission criteria, increasing evidence suggests that noncognitive factors, like grit and mindset, play a crucial role in academic …

University Of Central Florida Undergraduate Catalog, 2024 - 2025, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Investigating Institutional Support For A Minority Engineering Program At A Historically White Institution, Stephanie Damas

All Dissertations

Engineering programs at historically White institutions (HWIs) often perpetuate stereotypes and racism against Black students, impacting their experiences and opportunities in the field. Minority engineering programs (MEPs) provide support and resources to minority students in engineering, challenging stereotypes and fostering positive identity development. MEPs push back on cultural norms by rejecting the stereotypical narrative of what it means to be Black in engineering. Despite their significance, MEPs face challenges in garnering institutional support and recognition within engineering departments. It is imperative to understand what institutional support for MEPs looks like to mitigate barriers identified in the literature. To address these …

Voices From The Countryside: Unveiling The Stories Of Rural Teachers In Stem Education, Devan A. Jones

All Dissertations

This narrative study delves into the overlooked perspective of rural communities within the broader educational landscape, highlighting their unique and vital role in education. It primarily aims to gain insights from K-8 teachers working in multigrade, multi-curricular Sustained Deep Rurality (SDR) schools situated in the challenging terrain of the Northern Rocky Mountain area. Employing a methodology centered around episodic narrative interviews and small story analysis, the study uncovers the intricacies and challenges inherent in teaching under the extreme conditions of rural environments.

These SDR schools, situated in remote and isolated regions, serve as vital pillars in rural education, embodying qualities …