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Coarse-Work: An Investigation Into The Impact Of Materiality In The Interior Educational Setting, Isabel G. Robb

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Education design in modern suburban America curates learning environments that are cold and impersonal, being used more as a place to keep youth during the day than as a place where they can truly learn about and understand the world around them. This learning environment does not suit all students, especially those with learning disabilities, and it leaves little room for flexibility in classroom usage.

Focusing on creating a learning environment where all students feel welcome and are able to effectively learn, this projective design research project aims to provide a comprehensive intervention through the built environment and interior design, …

Bedeviled Beauty: My Journey Through White American Theater Institutions, J'Aila C. Price

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Game console: Oculus Quest

World: American Theater Institutions

Player: Minority

Place: United States

Level: “Ain’t no way.”

This thesis explores the contrast between the Westernized philosophies ingrained in my education and my identity as a Black female artist. It sheds light on the difficulties of pursuing higher education in the arts and the gaps that arise from limited exposure to culturally diverse Black resources, revealing the systemic issues in Western performance education. The paper also discusses the insights gained from my journey as a Black female artist, focusing on my thesis performance of Blood at the Root, which is …

Teaching Future Educators How To Support Students With Adhd, Rachel Schweikhard

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The topic of my capstone project is teaching future educators how to support school-age students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders of children in the United States. According to the CDC (2023), an estimated 9.8% (6 million) of kids ages 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD. Because of the difficulties that are symptomatic of ADHD, students with the disorder often fall behind and struggle in school. Many of the symptoms deal with difficulties in executive functions. Executive functioning is the cognitive processes related to skills such as planning, regulation, and memory. These …

Teaching Self-Regulation To Sped Students: An Intervention, Kelsie Premer

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This capstone project examined the impact of self-regulation and executive functioning skills of using a planner on eighth-grade students with missing assignments, who have mild to moderate learning disabilities, and other health impairments that impact their learning. Self-regulated learning strategies and executive skills, such as using a daily homework planner were explicitly taught during a five-lesson intervention to eight, eighth-grade Special Education (SPED) students during a Guided Study Hall class. The data was compared to students of similar ability who did not receive intervention. This study took place over three weeks; this study tracked rates of students missing work for …

Perceptions Of Teachers And Administrators On Inclusive Practices For Students With Special Needs, Jury Segers

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative case study explores the intricate dynamics between regular education teachers, special education teachers, and administrators within the context of inclusive education and was guided by three research questions: (1) What is the existing relationship between regular education and special education teachers? (2) What role do administrators play in fostering collaborative relationships between co-teachers? (3) How does this relationship impact inclusive practices for students with special needs? Data were collected through a survey, one-on-one interviews, and focus group discussions, revealing three primary themes: leadership and direction, training, and challenges.

The findings highlight the critical role of leadership in shaping …

A Performance-Based Exploration Of Vocal Anatomy And Pedagogy: Maximizing Technical, Stylistic, And Physiological Frameworks For Superlative Vocal Technique In Artistic Function, Michael J. Civitano

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the influence of specific frameworks in performance and vocal pedagogy on artists' capacity to enact evidence-based learning outcomes, with emphasis on vocal physiology and educator-performer relationships. Employing an experimental design, five philosophies that support capacity-building were tested across two trial settings, varying in intensity. The participant utilized narrative reasoning, diversified methods, and mentorship from specialized educators to apply frameworks. Findings indicate that, in practicing evidence-based learning and maximizing anatomic foundations of the voice, substantial developments in artistic capacity ensued. Educator-performer relationships mediate this process through reciprocal collaborations that foster capacity-building. Performers display optimal artistic capacity by effectively …

Inside Out Creativity: Nurturing Teachers As Creative Catalysts To Transform Education, Katie Ravich

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project is a thought piece aimed at re-evaluating and clarifying the potential of activating transformational creative change leadership in teachers. By embracing creativity as a human process, teachers can become catalysts for change within themselves and their students. This approach requires a nurturing and relational co-creative process, fostering a learning environment that values emotional well-being alongside intellectual growth for everyone. For teachers to stimulate others to be creative and innovative, they must challenge their own beliefs about creativity. There needs to be an explicit process that underpins these behaviors, integrated with a high level of emotional intelligence to nurture …

The Infinite Design Of Creative Self-Leadership, Adrian T. Ashdown

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The purpose of my Master’s of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership Project is to develop a Scope and Sequence for a Creative Self-Leadership course, providing participants with a structured framework for intentional personal growth and leadership development. The Infinite Design of Creative Self-Leadership serves as an individualized framework for influencing our human experience deliberately. Throughout this project, the core idea remains consistent: to teach creativity as a transferable skill with applications beyond traditional educational settings. The culmination of this endeavor will result in a comprehensive Scope & Sequence for The Infinite Design Creative Self-Leadership Course, offering participants a solid …

Teachers’ Self-Efficacy And Cyberbullying: A Qualitative Investigation Of Teacher Perspectives, Shanda Salvant Theriot

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the self-efficacy of middle school teachers as they address cyberbullying in the classroom. A phenomenological research design using a purposive sampling method was used. To understand the teachers’ lived experiences and perspectives on cyberbullying, open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventh-grade teachers from two parochial schools and three charter schools. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, which was used to gather additional information regarding the teachers’ background and experience. Seven themes emerged from coding the data collected from the teacher interviews and focus group session: 1) collaboration and communication, 2) professional development and training, 3) support and …

Using Cultural Contextual Story-Based Lessons To Teach Emergent Literacy Skills, Elizabeth Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate and determine the effectiveness of teaching an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher to use a task analysis comprising story-based lessons with cultural contextual literature to promote emergent literacy skills for a middle school-aged Hispanic ELL student with an intellectual disability (ID). Using a single-case multiple probes across skill sets design, one student with an ID and an ELL teacher participated in this study. The student was taught by the ELL teacher using story-based lessons with cultural contextual literature to promote emergent literacy skills. Results indicated a functional relation between story-based lessons with …

Using Multiple Methods To Explore Antiracist Practices In A Cross Institutional Online Community, Mark Diacopoulos, Amanda Burbage, Kristen H. Gregory, Mary F. Rice

Open Educational Resources - Teaching and Learning

In this chapter, four white, cis-gender, teacher-educators engaged in a multiple method, cross-institution online collaboration during the dual pandemic of Covid-19 and structural racism. Using a book club reading schedule, arts based responses, problem posing, and memory work, the authors examined their experiences and reactions to the pandemic and concurrent incidences of structural racism. Drawing inspiration from Robinson and Robinson’s (2022) Imagine If, followed by Kendi’s (2019, 2023) How to be Antiracist, the authors describe how their online collaboration influenced their understanding of their past, helped them to unpack considerations of present problems in their practice, and helped them consider …

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study Examining What Influential Factors Guide Rural Middle School Students To Consider A Potential Career Trajectory, Heather Wilks

All Dissertations

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study examines what influences 7th and 8th grade rural middle school students to consider a potential career trajectory. Phase One of the study includes a demographic and career cluster interest survey of 38 participants. Phase Two of the study focused on 23 of the 38 Phase One participants, who were chosen using random sampling. The Phase Two participants were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. They were asked to discuss their career cluster results from Phase One, how they used their surrounding factors and knowledge to conclude, and if they agreed with their results. Findings indicated …

Vmed 531: Introduction To Animal Welfare A Faculty-Led Inquiry Into Reflective Scholarly Teaching Benchmark Portfolio, Amy Walton

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This benchmark portfolio documents course design, student learning, and reflection of teaching methods for VMED 531 Introduction to Animal Welfare. This one credit hour course provides an overview of animal welfare topics and assessment through a veterinary medical lens. Participants are first year veterinary students that have been accepted into Professional Program of Veterinary Medicine (PPVM). This course creates a foundational knowledge base regarding animal welfare topics and fosters critical thinking with how veterinary treatments, surgeries, and animal-use practices influence animal welfare. The ability to utilize critical thinking skills and science-based evidence to create a sound solution is essential regarding …

El Testimonio De Los Niños De El Parque: Discipline Practices And The Impact On Public High School Students, Francisco E. Huizar-Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

What happens to our students when they do not complete their studies and drop out of school? Perhaps this question is probably not something that we reflect on as educators. This study seeks to amplify three studentsâ?? voices and explore their unique experiences and the challenges they faced after they did not complete their high school studies. The interviews that I conducted tell the story of three minority students from lower-income families. Their stories highlight the overall purpose of this study, which is how students who find themselves involved in disciplinary issues are pushed out of school. The interviews capture …

Becoming A Bilingual Teacher On The Border: Developing Ideological Clarity At A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Laura J. Salazar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

As teacher education programs encourage more candidates to pursue bilingual certification, a need exists to improve the ways that preservice teachers (PSTs) are prepared to teach in bilingual classrooms. Research suggests the importance of preparing PSTs in the area of linguistic ideological clarity. Scholars define ideological clarity as an ongoing process through which individuals can critically consider their ideological orientations as well as dominant ideologies that favor those in power, with an aim of becoming agents of change through this process (Alfaro & Bartolomé, 2017). This case study sought to understand the opportunities that bilingual PSTs have to develop ideological …

Teacher Language Ideologies Concerning The Reclassification Of Emergent Bilingual Students: Navigating The Levels Of Power In Reclassification, Claudia Cabrera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Reclassification is a crucial educational student outcome when a school system determines that a student is English proficient and ready for mainstream instruction without language support services (Umansky et al., 2020). This study examined the relationship between crucial and complex language ideologies of dual language teachers and the reclassification of emergent bilingual students1.. Language ideologies were the theoretical framework for the study through which the voices of dual language teachers were captured. The analysis of data sources, including teacher interviews, classroom observations and evidence of biliteracy development, helped to understand and reveal how dual language teachers navigate the dynamics of …

The Effects Of Selected Demographic Factors On The Reading Achievement Of Middle School Students, Kendrea J. Bryant

Dissertations (2016-Present)

Middle school is one of the most important times during which students gain knowledge. However, a large proportion of adolescents have continued to complete middle school without mastering essential knowledge of, and skills in, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Adolescents who miss school in the 30–60 days leading up to high-stakes exams experience declines in their reading scores. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of selected demographic factors on the reading achievement scores and attendance of middle school students. Specifically, this study involved examination of the effects of socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and ethnicity—both separately and in …

Improving Visual Inspection Skills In Special Education Teachers, George G. Toman

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Conservative Dual Criteria (CDC) method is known to improve decision-making accuracy in users when interpreting graphed data. The effectiveness of this method with in-service special education teachers, however, has not been investigated. The present study examined the effects of a virtual training package designed to improve the data-based decision-making skills of in-service special education teachers. Specifically, the virtual training consisted of a training video on the CDC method, access to a decision-making guide, and a brief training assessment. Five in-service special education teachers received training in the CDC method via the online learning management system, Canvas. A multiple baseline …

Preparing The Next Generation Of Music Teachers: Illuminating Motivations Of Nebraska Preservice Teacher Mentors, Emily Marie Chapman

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This mixed methods study examined factors influencing practicing educators' decisions to mentor preservice teachers in Nebraska. Guided by Expectancy-Value-Cost Theory, the study utilized a sequential explanatory design, integrating a quantitative survey design and qualitative phenomenological interview. Findings indicated that educators' belief in their mentoring ability or Expectancy-Ability Belief (EAB) significantly predicted their willingness to mentor, with PK-12 music educators exhibiting higher EAB scores than elementary or high school music educators. Qualitative insights highlighted reciprocal benefits of mentoring, such as skill development and professional growth. The impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on mentoring experiences varied among participants. Recommendations included …

Factors Affecting Teacher Retention In A Selected South Carolina School District: Perspectives Of Administrators And Teachers, Alvilda Graham

All Dissertations

In this qualitative descriptive case study, I explored the issue of teacher retention, a growing concern within public K-12 education systems in the United States, particularly in South Carolina. I aimed to understand the unique organizational factors within individual school districts that influence retention decisions from the perspectives of teachers and administrators at the middle school level. I focused on a selected South Carolina school district (SSD) and explored the viewpoints of teachers and administrators regarding teacher retention. To better understand their lived experiences, I conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys with middle school teachers and administrators. Using an improvement science …

Leaders In Science Education Communities, Jennifer Bateman

All Dissertations

This three paper dissertation investigates the role of the District Science Coordinator (DSC). Due to the lack of research, District Science Coordinators (DSCs) are frequently misidentified as Science Teacher Leaders (STLs). It is important to establish a clear distinction between the roles. This first paper explores the salient similarities and differences between STLs and DSCs, while also attending to their individual roles, responsibilities, and professional support.

This second paper examines how a synchronous, online professional learning (PL) experience resulted in the creation of a community of practice (CoP) among two different groups of participating district science coordinators (DSCs) and how …

Professional Development For Culturally Responsive Teaching: Examining The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy And Implementation In Teaching Practice, Chrystal Mckeever

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study sought to investigate the link between professional development and the implementation of professional learning to improve student performance. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, this study explored whether the professional development of culturally responsive teaching influenced classroom implementation. Second, this study examined the relationships between teachers’ implementation of culturally responsive strategies, teacher self-efficacy, and student performance. This approach (which contextualized academic knowledge and skills within a real-world setting) has been shown to lead to more meaningful experiences and increased interest in academic content (Gay, 2010; Ladson-Billings, 1995). The overarching questions that led this …

Examining The Relationship Between Mobile Phone Utilization On Self-Directed Online Professional Development Among Early Childhood Practitioners: A Preregistered Study, Jennifer Bowman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines Arkansas early childhood practitioners' propensity for self-directed learning when using mobile phones to participate in self-paced online professional development. Further, the activity system model provides context for understanding practitioners' willingness to use technology, like smartphones, to adopt new information when interacting in online learning formats. The problem is that although we must offer professional development to ensure we have competent early childhood practitioners statewide, we are uncertain whether those practitioners have the propensity to use mobile phones to direct their online learning. The purpose of this cross-sectional regression study is to examine the relationship between early childhood …

Cooperating Teacher Mentorship Behaviors And Job Satisfaction As Predictors Of Agricultural Education Interns’ Intent To Teach, Sarah Frances James

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Almost a quarter of agricultural education graduates do not teach SBAE upon graduating (Foster et al., 2024), however, this attrition has not been widely studied and reasons for this decision have not been identified. To increase the number of qualified teachers entering the classroom, the reasons for this attrition must be identified and addressed by universities. This study was conducted to investigate possible relationships between cooperating teacher mentorship behaviors, job satisfaction, and intent to teach in spring 2024 agricultural education interns. A survey, which combined the student teacher view part of Nesbitt and Barry’s (2023) cooperating teacher best practices instrument …

In-Service Needs Of Selected Arkansas Agriculture Teachers Related To Precision Agriculture Systems, Henry Ofosu Akwah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Precision Agriculture (PA) entails the use of computer technology, including software and hardware, together with good agronomic practices to effectively utilize resources available to growers. PA may enhance profitability, sustainability, resilience, and efficiency when implemented successfully. The aim of this study was to identify, assess, and describe the PA in-service needs of selected high school agriculture teachers in Arkansas. Forty-four teachers participated in the study, recruited through convenience sampling during the annual Arkansas agriculture in-service workshop held at Camp Couchdale in July 2023. A survey instrument was developed, and all forty-four participants provided complete responses. The survey included twenty-nine PA …

Beyond The Bedroom Door: Investigating Representations Of Sex In Young Adult Literature, Amelia Gutche

English Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines representations of sex in young adult (YA) fiction, focusing on negative patterns, empowerment, and healthy relationships. Through analysis of seven YA novels and existing scholarship, three research questions are addressed: the evolution of sexual representations in the twenty-first century, patterns characterizing teenage sexual situations, and distinctions between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Findings reveal a shift toward more inclusive and empowering depictions, yet lingering conservative values and silences persist. YA literature often portrays sex as a source of fear and obsession, limiting adolescent power and perpetuating unrealistic ideals. Healthy relationships are characterized by support systems, mutual respect, and …

The Effects Of Demographic And School Related Factors On Academic Distinctions Of Secondary Schools, Kourtney Hines

Dissertations (2016-Present)

The purpose of this correlational study is to determine the nature of the relationship between school and demographic factors and student achievement using data from the individual schools reported by an independent school district in North Texas. Answers to the following questions were sought: Do the teacher demographic factors (years of experience, gender, ethnicity, degree held) have a significant impact on the student achievement on the English I and II STAAR exam? Do the school-related factors (size of school, attendance, average class size) have a significant impact on student achievement on the English I and II STAAR exam? In this …

Black Girls Deserve To Be Girls: A Comparison Of School-Based Social And Emotional Practices On The Impact Of Discipline Rates Of African American Middle School Girls, Kristi Nicole Morale

Dissertations (2016-Present)

Historically, Black women have been known as the backbone of education in their communities; however, Black Girls today still face significant barriers to educational achievement. Stereotypes placed on Black Girls at school have led to disproportionate reprimands and disciplinary infractions. The negative perspectives of those in authority create barriers to success for Black Girls in schools. This study sought to identify the effect of social and emotional learning on the impact of discipline rates of African-American middle school girls. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used in which the researcher analyzed the effect of social and emotional learning practices …

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Academic Achievement And Self-Concept Of Elementary School Students, Alexis Randall

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Lack of parental involvement in schools is the missing link to long-term student success at the elementary school level. Within the first few years of elementary school, parental help and support is all that students need as they begin to grow and learn new concepts at school The continuing absence of parental involvement in school can have a long-term impact on the students, hindering their growth in the years to come in their academics and self-concept. A literature review and surveys with parents and teachers indicated that the lack of parental involvement in schools contributed to students’ behaviors, lack of …

A Menace To Math: When Numbers Attack And Anxiety Strikes Back, Celycia Rogers

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In this Capstone Project, the researcher examined educators' perspectives on math anxiety and investigated their personal experiences with math to identify effective approaches for reducing math anxiety. Addressing math anxiety is essential to reduce the tension and fear individuals experience in math-related situations due to environmental factors and teaching methods. The primary stakeholder perspective obtained for this study was that of educators, as they have the most significant influence on student's math comprehension and emotional associations with the subject. Following interviews with participating educators and a review of relevant literature, three emergent themes were identified: making math fun, phasing out …