Digital Commons Network^™

Wip-Monarch Accelerator Program To Engineering: A Reflection On The First Semester, Kristin Eden, Jeffrey W. Fergus, Stacie I. Ringleb

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This work in progress paper examines the Monarch Accelerator Program to Engineering (MAP2E) program. The MAP2E Program was developed to assist students who desire to become engineers but may need additional assistance in math and science. and it allows students to develop their math and science skills while creating a pathway to personal or professional enriching skills. Furthermore, the MAP2E program allows students to develop their math and science skills and create parallel pathways to personal or professionally enriching skills. For instance, a student may hope to one day start their own engineering firm. A business administration pathway would allow …

Examining Teaching Competencies And Challenges While Integrating Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education, Xinyue Ren, Min Lun Wu

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has demonstrated their affordances and limitations in revolutionizing pedagogical strategies in higher education. Given the lack of guidelines, policies, and resources to assist instructors in efficiently and ethically integrating AI into teaching and learning practices, this systematic review aimed to investigate AI integration competencies and challenges in higher education from the intelligent Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) perspective. We first applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to identify 23 studies published between 2019 and 2023 that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After conducting open coding and …

Demystifying Misconceptions In Introductory Undergraduate Chemistry Education With 3d Printed Molecular Orbitals, Hiwot Endeshaw, Daniel J. O'Leary

Pomona Senior Theses

Spatial abilities are invaluable skills for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. However, women, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnic minorities are more likely to have less developed spatial abilities, which is one of the many contributing factors for the lack of diversity in STEM subjects like chemistry. Teaching spatial skills to undergraduate chemistry students may address this issue and help increase the diversity of students who go on to continue their education in the subject. 3D printing technology in higher education has exploded in recent years, presenting a unique opportunity to teach “hard to grasp” concepts …

Demonstrating The Resilience Of Eportfolios In Times Of Disruption: Two International Case Studies, Shari Bowker, Amy Cicchino, Kevin Kelly, Kristina Hoeppner, Christina Mayes, Megan Mize, Christine Slade, Suzanne Schibeci, Sarah Zurhellen

English Faculty Publications

This chapter explores ePortfolios as a resilient practice in higher education during periods of disruption. Drawing on the Support principle from the Digital Ethics Principles in ePortfolios, developed by the Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning’s (AEEBL’s) Digital Ethics Task Force, the authors argue that the student resilience fostered by ePortfolio practices can only be achieved successfully if ePortfolio programs are implemented and supported in a way that makes them resilient as well. Two case studies from Old Dominion University (ODU) in the United States and The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia demonstrate how both institutions embedded ePortfolio …

Boston Scientific Strategic Audit, John Trilling, Carly Gorter, Anna Coffey, Leo Ray

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Boston Scientific had a strong 2023, achieving 13.6% organic growth, $1.208 billion in profit, and maintaining a focus on employee satisfaction and sustainability. Recognized as a top workplace and leading innovator, the company is well-positioned for continued success. Its competitive edge stems from four key strengths. First, its top-tier innovation, driven by strong R&D investment, reinforces its credibility and specialization. Second, its skilled workforce accelerates product development. Third, its deep product lines foster extensive industry knowledge and creativity. Lastly, its logistical capabilities and strategic acquisitions have built a specialized, dominant portfolio. With a focused differentiation strategy, Boston Scientific competes with …

Strolling The Lingnan Garden, 2022-2024 = 涓流彩園錄, 第二卷 : 下冊, Lingnan Gardeners, Centre For Cultural Research And Development, Lingnan University

Lingnan Gardeners Publications 嶺南彩園刊物

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Addressing The Shortage And Its Implications For Healthcare, Isabel Mary Mccarthy

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The increasing prevalence of sexual assault cases has highlighted the crucial need for trained healthcare professionals who can effectively provide sensitive care for survivors. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses specifically trained to perform forensic examinations and provide medical and emotional support to sexual assault victims. However, many nursing programs lack formal education on SANE practices, which can hinder students' preparedness to address such cases in their future careers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training module integrated into an undergraduate nursing curriculum at Dominican University of California. By …

Artful Approaches For The Study Of Multiracial Student Experiences: Not Artifact, But Aperture, Orkideh Mohajeri, Victoria Malaney-Brown

Educational Leadership & Higher Education Administration Faculty Publications

Within higher education, various methodologies are used to collect data on student experiences, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This paper highlights the importance of attending to artful methodologies particularly when learning with/from mixed and multiracial postsecondary students. We share three artful productions generated by multiracial undergraduate and graduate students from three separate studies, conducted over a range of time from 2017 to 2020. We argue that in each case, the art itself goes far beyond an artifact or "thick description" and instead serves as an aperture to new possibilities for inquiry and analysis. Not only are artful methods a …

The Impact Of Class Size On Students’ Learning Outcome And Educational Experience: A Comprehensive Examination Of Students At Msu, Mankato, Yakubu Ali

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The topic of class size and its relationship to students' learning outcomes and educational experiences has been extensively examined in the field of education. While prior research has explored associations between class size and academic performance, less is known about how class size shapes professor-student and student-peer interactions and how these interactions relate to students' perceived learning outcomes and overall educational experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study conducted a comprehensive examination of undergraduate students at MSU, Mankato, combining quantitative survey responses with qualitative reflections. Findings suggest that class size is closely tied to patterns of engagement, with smaller classes …

Community Engagement Newsletter, January 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement Newsletter

Contents:

--- Happy New Year
--- Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement
--- Cedar Valley Young Professionals
--- Service-Learning Course Designation
--- Engaged Department Institute: Save the Date, May 27-28
--- Spring Syllabus Consideration
--- Nonprofit Explore-A-Ganza
--- Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential
--- Community Engagement Celebration Day
--- UNI Engaged Podcast

Expanding Education Skills: Case Study And Content Creation For Theatre Educators At Um, Ren E. Shepherd

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

A love of theatre does not spring into the hearts of people from thin air. It is not something given by the universe, but something cultivated through years of going to performances, researching late at night, and the guidance of theatre educators. Despite the influence of Theatre Educators, they are largely overlooked when considering theatre professionals and their training. This lack of oversight is a nation-wide issue, but by focusing on just the University of Montana, there is a chance for greater understanding and change at a local community level. By employing academic research, surveys of UM faculty and students, …

Library Connection, Winter 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Library Connection

Contents:

--- A Year Rich in UNI History
--- TEACH Studio Update: College of Education & Rod Library Collaboration
--- Student Success: Possible with the Support of Generous Donors

Techno-Pedagogic Discourse And The Online Learning Assetization Regime, David F. Ayers

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

Research on academic capitalism has critiqued the commodification of knowledge, but it has not critiqued assetization. The difference between commodification and assetization is more than a technical distinction. Extracting value from assets requires a different regime of coordination than what is required for extracting value from commodities. Through an analysis of 132 texts related to the online course review process at 16 research universities in the USA, I propose and problematize an online learning assetization regime which transforms discipline-based knowledge into digital content that can be owned, controlled, and managed as a university asset. This process potentially alienates faculty from …

Psychological Contract Breach And Institutional Trust In Higher Education: Extending The Triadic Framework, Hannah E. Blodget, Katelyn R. Raborn, Justin Travis, Susan Ruppel

University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal

Psychological Contract (PC) theory, originally developed in organizational contexts, has increasingly been applied to higher education to understand the expectations and obligations that students perceive in their relationships with institutions. In this context, the PC refers to the unwritten set of mutual expectations and perceived obligations that shape the student-university relationship (Rousseau, 1998). Psychological contract breaches (PCB), or perceived failures to fulfill promised obligations, can undermine student trust, engagement, and institutional commitment. Despite growing interest, research on PCBs in higher education remains sporadic, often limited to cross-sectional designs, single relational targets, and inconsistent measurement approaches. Moreover, most studies focus on …

Do You Hear It?: Perceptions Of A Vocational Calling And Retention Considerations For Student Affairs Professionals, Tim Holbrook

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examines the perceptions of student affairs professionals of their work as a job, career, or calling and how that perception corresponds to their feelings about the course of their future professional endeavors. The research subject pool included student affairs professionals employed by large research institutions who graduated from master’s degree programs between the years of 2017 and 2020.

The study suggests that while these early-career student affairs professionals exhibited a pro-social orientation that attracted them to community-oriented work and they find personal meaning in their employment, there is a risk that individuals in student affairs may be …

The Experiences Of Black Male Dei Administrators At Historically White Institutions, Kwame R. Patterson Jr

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the lived experiences of Black male Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) administrators at Historically White Institutions (HWIs) in higher education. Drawing from Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the Campus Racial Climate Model, this research utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry to understand how Black male DEI administrators experience and navigate their roles, as well as the support systems they rely on to overcome barriers encountered at HWIs. I conducted interviews with 11 Black male DEI administrators from various HWIs. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Limited Legacy: What am I here for?, which highlights the unique …

Finding The Diaspora: Understanding U.S. Central American Students’ Narratives Of Social Justice And Resistance At Four-Year Higher Education Institutions In Illinois, Sandy C. González Rivas

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of U.S. Central American students at four-year higher education institutions in Illinois. It focused specifically on how these students navigated notions of cultural, ethnic, and racial identity on campus and resisted imposed concepts of Latinidad. The study used Latino Critical Race Theory, the Community Cultural Wealth Model, and testimonio and plática methodologies to center students’ voices and experiences. Data were collected through individual narratives from eight self-identified U.S. Central American students using semi-structured interviews. The data highlighted how U.S. Central American students perceive dominant narratives of Latinidad in higher education, what aspects …

The Impact Of Professionalism Education And Formative Feedback In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Utilizing The Abbreviated Cpi Feedback Form In The On-Campus Clinic Environment, William L. Scott

Dissertations

Problem

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) developed the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) to assess the professional behaviors required for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student to be considered "entry level" in their clinical training. Feedback from our clinical partners has indicated that, historically, students from the Andrews University DPT program have scored lower than students from other programs in several areas of the CPI during their clinical experiences. According to subjective reports from our clinical partners, these areas included safety, professional behavior, accountability, communication, and critical thinking. These five areas have been the focus of our efforts in …

2025 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

SoTL Commons Conference

2025 Conference Program

A Survey Study Of Professional Competencies For Resident Directors: Perspectives From Resident Directors And Supervisors, Lauren Doerner

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

Resident directors (RDs) play a critical role in the success of residence life programs on college campuses. However, there is limited research on the professional competencies necessary for success in this role. This study explores the relationship between the ACPA and NASPA professional competencies RDs and their supervisors identify as most critical for RD success. In this study, RDs and their supervisors ranked key competencies, assessed RDs' mastery of these competencies, and RDs identified how they acquired them. Using a survey research design, quantitative data were collected from RDs and their supervisors at Research I institutions in the southeastern United …

Navigating Stress In Higher Education Leadership: The Role Of Mindful Meditation For Women Administrators, Christine T. Harper

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

Women higher education administrators encounter distinct stressors which can significantly impact wellbeing and lead to burnout. These challenges include implicit bias, difficulty achieving work-life balance, and increasing institutional expectations. This study utilizes a Mixed Methods Action Research (MMAR) framework to assess stress levels, trait mindfulness, coping mechanisms, and the effectiveness of a structured mindfulness-based intervention. While the quantitative analysis revealed only a slight increase in trait mindfulness and no notable reduction in stress levels, the qualitative findings showcased meaningful personal benefits to the participants. They reported heightened awareness of stress triggers, improved emotion regulation, and an ability to apply the …

Rasch Model Utilization Towards Developing An Instrument For Measuring Creative Drive, David W. Stenulson

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

Creativity is commonly assessed across undergraduate programs as a graduation requirement. However, a considerable amount of literature suggests that creativity is a complex, multidimensional construct, and more efficient ways of assessing it should be explored with multiple measures representing different creative aspects. This exploratory pilot study sought to take steps in developing a supplemental instrument designed to measure creative drive, a theoretical construct with predictive potential for future creative output. In order to gain a greater understanding of the nature of creative drive and gauge accuracy of initial thinking in terms of item writing, the Creative Drive Assessment (CDA), a …

"Bridging The Gulf" Perception And Experiences Of Arab Gulf International Female Students' Engagement Process In The U.S. Higher Education Institutions., Nouf Kh Almazyan

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This study explores the engagement experiences of international female Arab Gulf students while studying in U.S. higher education institutions. Thus, a phenomenological approach through a qualitative research design was applied to collect data based on semi-structured interviews with eleven female participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. The researcher conducted the interviews to ascertain how these students perceive and experience academic, social, and cultural engagements and the factors influencing their adjustment and integration into American university communities. During the data collection process, concrete measures were taken to establish the credibility and trustworthiness of the research findings. Data were analyzed using …

Journey Of Belonging: Investigating The Impact Of Education Abroad On Black First-Generation Students, Kayla Gill

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This study investigates Black first-generation students' perceived sense of belonging during and after participating in education abroad programs. The study aims to deepen the conversation on their experiences and outcomes in study abroad and higher education more broadly. Conducted in 2024 at a large Midwestern research institution, the study examines: (1) What specific factors within an education abroad experience influence a sense of belonging for Black first-generation students? and (2) How does participating in education abroad impact a Black first-generation students’ sense of belonging upon returning to their home campus?

Using semi-structured interviews with ten Black first-generation students who studied …

Crossing Borders, Breaking Barriers: The Transformative Journey Of First-Generation Students Abroad, Stephen Farley

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

First-generation students are underrepresented in study abroad programming, both nationally and at the University of Kentucky. To address participation barriers and the resulting opportunity gap for first-generation students, the University of Kentucky designed and implemented an innovative study abroad program for first-generation students titled “Explore First: Careers, Cultures, and Connections.” This specially-designed program sought to provide participants with the academic, social, and professional benefits associated with education abroad experiences, including greater self-efficacy, sense of belonging, intercultural competence, and career exploration and preparation. This mixed methods study examines these intended outcomes of Explore First. Drawing from quantitative surveys administered pre-, mid- …

Student Spouses Of Retired Military Veterans: Exploring Their Journeys To Postsecondary Degrees, Elizabeth Austin

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study is to explore the experiences of spouses, specifically female spouses, of retired U. S. military veterans who pursued the completion of postsecondary degrees following the retirement of the military service member. The study employs narrative inquiry, guided by the Biographic Narrative Interview Method approach to interviewing. The generated data is analyzed utilizing thematic and narrative analysis methods, and a framework of two researchers’ sensitizing concepts is applied to understand and create meaning from the participants’ narratives. The participants’ narratives reveal a powerful truth about the impact of their lived experiences on their return …

Scholars And Schisms: A History Of Antebellum Conflicts Over Slavery At Central Kentucky Liberal Arts Colleges, Wyatt M. Driskell

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This dissertation explores how debates about slavery impacted constituents at four early liberal arts colleges (Berea, Centre, Georgetown, and Transylvania) in antebellum central Kentucky. In addition to focusing on how these colleges participated in, responded to, and helped shape regional debates over slavery, this study also explores how college leaders’ consideration of slavery was intertwined with religion, politics, and the financial pressures inherent in operating a 19th-century institution of higher education. From archival research, I argue that these constituents were not passive participants in this process. In addition to considering slavery from religious, moral, or political perspectives, leaders advanced positions …

Exploring College Students’ Motivation For Physical Activity: Applications Of Self-Determination Theory And The Role Of Health And Wellness Education, Anne Russell Blevins

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

This dissertation includes three pieces of writing that aim to show the importance of physical activity for all ages but specifically college-aged students. The first piece of writing (Chapter 2) includes a teaching tip written for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Research has shown that dance was a subject of the past and many teachers did not feel comfortable teaching it. This practical piece was written to help show K-12 physical education teachers effective ways to involve students in physical activity specifically through teaching dance, mainly through using the “Teaching Dance for Understanding” model.

The second section …

Implementation Of Project-Based Instruction In Statistics Higher Education Courses, Jennifer A. Daddysman

Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences

Project-based instruction is an instructional methodology based in constructivism that aligns with recommendations from the American Statistical Association for teaching statistics, including incorporating real-world data and examples, collaboration, and scaffolding (GAISE College Report ASA Revision Committee, 2016; GAISE Steering Committee, 2024; Krajcik & Blumenfeld, 2005; Tishkovskaya & Lancaster, 2012). This study examined current use of project-based instruction in United States higher education courses in statistics and the supports for and challenges to implementing this type of instruction.

This study used qualitative research methodology in the integrative pedagogy and diffusion of innovation frameworks. Voluntary response surveys were distributed via two sections …

Exploring Belongingness, Loneliness, And Distinctiveness On A College Of Agriculture Campus, Sophia Jaramillo-Vasconez

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

The purpose of this study was to explore how sense of belonging, loneliness, and distinctiveness affect students in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE). By examining the intersection of student demographics and their experiences, this research aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics that shape students’ agricultural experiences at the postsecondary level. This study investigates the relationship between student characteristics and their reported levels of belonging and loneliness, and how these factors influence perceptions of their representation and distinctiveness within the M-G CAFE program. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed, beginning with …