"Integrative" Vs "Integration": Stem Skills And Concept Development In 6th Grade Students, Kathryn Chain

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As a whole, interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools is on the rise at a national level, and it is widely recognized that the development of skills and concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math are not only beneficial to students, but are in fact necessities for future citizens of an increasingly global world (Kelley & Knowles, 2016.) Despite this increasing acceptance and awareness of the need for STEM literacy, there is a critical lack of guidelines on what STEM education actually entails and how to effectively integrate these concepts and skills into the educational …

Bridging The Gap Between Neuroscience And Education: What Are Teachers’ Perceptions Of Applying “Neuropedagogy” To High School Classrooms?, Hanan Rashwan

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers can use neurobiological explanations to evaluate students' behavior and performance and create more supportive learning settings in their school environment. There is a growing interest among educators regarding the potential benefits of incorporating neuroscience into teaching practices. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of how to effectively integrate cognitive neuroscience into teacher education programs to maximize its impact on student learning and teacher development. This study focuses on understanding teachers' views on the integration of neuroscience principles in educational settings by utilizing a questionnaire and interviews to gather data from participating teachers. The findings reveal that the …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Integration Of Esd Competencies In A Primary Four Curriculum In Egypt: A Case Study, Aya Elkholy

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competencies within the Primary Four Science Curriculum in Egypt under the Education Reform Project EDU 2.0. ESD competencies are viewed as essential for empowering citizens to address real-world challenges. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study employs document and content analysis of the teacher guide of the Techbook to investigate the incorporation of these competencies. Additionally, interviews are conducted with science teachers to gain insights into the application of the curriculum design. Interviews with curriculum developers directly involved in the curriculum development process with the Egyptian Ministry of …

Digital Intelligence In Egypt’S K-12 Public Schools: Educator’ Perspectives, Mohammed Al Mousa

Theses and Dissertations

Technological integration has been a dominant feature of Egypt’s education recently, especially after the announcement of the Education 2.0 initiative, which aims to transform Egypt's education to digital-based and skill-based learning (UNICEF, n.d.), Ever since, public schools in Egypt started adopting technology into teaching practices through online classes, digital textbooks, e-learning platforms, and digital examinations. This educational transformation requires teachers and students to possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become effective and responsible users of the transforming digital education system and the digital world in general, which are collectively known as Digital Intelligence (DQ). Despite the substantial role …

Creative Connections: Building Empathy To Foster Ecoliteracy Through Art Education, Jocelyn Salim

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the potential positive impact of fostering empathy and understanding for the natural world through art education. Through action research, this study examines various teaching approaches, such as incorporating scientific knowledge, employing literature to discuss ecological themes, and engaging in participatory storytelling activities to cultivate empathy among elementary school children. The objective of this thesis is to explore empathy as a potential pathway to encourage children to foster connections with the natural world and develop compassionate traits, attitudes, and behaviors towards nature as they grow. The findings of this study reveal that children exhibit high levels of enthusiasm …

Smart Manufacturing For Cal Poly's Ime Curriculum, Grace L. Guarraia, Eric F. Ledesma

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) takes pride of supporting one of the nation’s strongest undergraduate Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering programs. However, as industry evolves to accommodate advancing computing power, improved manufacturing algorithms, and improved robotics, it is imperative that Cal Poly’s curriculum evolves in parallel. Smart manufacturing is the future of the manufacturing industry, and Cal Poly is searching for the ideal method to teach and integrate Smart Manufacturing into its classes. With its upcoming switch to the semester system, coupled with its “Learn by Doing” motto, the department is at an ideal period for the …

Exploring The Effect Of Interactivity On Zoom Fatigue And Student Learning, Kendall N. Baebler

Communication Studies

The present study aims to address the immensely popular alternative to face-to-face classrooms in higher education that has emerged in videoconferencing, and the various challenges that it creates for students in comfort, enjoyment, and learning. While many cross-sectional studies have explored the evidence of and causes for this so-called “Zoom fatigue” (e.g., Aroaz et al., 2023; Castro & Tumibay, 2021; Fauville et al., 2021a; 2021b; Reidl, 2022), experiments testing potential alleviating factors to this fatigue are limited. The study used experimental design to evaluate the effect of interactivity in Zoom class sessions on the students’ perceived learning, Zoom fatigue, and …

Education And Land Management On The Pacific Crest Trail Phase 4, Ben Sherman, Emma Perry, Cade Cappello, Hattie Cahill, Anna Macklyn, Aidan Tull, Tristian Xu, Augrey Gregg

Baker/Koob Endowments Awarded Projects

This research is a continuation of research collected on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The purpose of this study was to investigate land ethics and education, Leave No Trace principles, and hiker experiences on the PCT. From July 2023-January 2024, interdisciplinary students collected qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and surveys with hikers on the trail. Past phases of this project have determined that this research is necessary, but due to Covid, the team has only been able to gather data remotely via online surveys and interviews prior to this study. The Baker Koob grant funded travel and research equipment …

In My Softest & Most Liberatory Dreams: Reflections On Holding Complexity & Decentering Whiteness, Richard C. Clark

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

As the world contends with a global pandemic, climate catastrophes, white supremacy, coloniality, and concurrent genocides my attention splinters. In an act of futurity, or future making, I ask myself: What is needed to move from this place toward softer, more liberatory futures? This body of work finds its answer in exploring two interrelated concepts: Decentering Whiteness and Holding Complexity. Decentering Whiteness is the process of working toward a future where all the personal, spiritual, educational, epistemological, social, structural, psychological, financial, and systemic ties to white supremacy are unraveled. Holding Complexity weaves together knowledges of care, accountability, intersectionality, and …

Identifying Barriers To Sustainability Of Dual Language Immersion Programs In Utah Schools, Jennifer Leigh Rowley

Theses and Dissertations

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) educational programming began in Utah in 2008. Within three short years, DLI programs in Utah schools had grown from 5 to 58 programs statewide. Presently, Utah now has over 301 DLI programs, including instruction in Spanish, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and German. DLI programs have many benefits and have attracted many student families. However, not much research has been done on program planning, implementation, and the sustainability of DLI programs within individual school cultures and climates. This study will examine the satisfaction level of faculty, staff, administrators, and parents at DLI schools (including how supported/understood each …

Honoring Veterans’ Wishes: Efficacy Of An Evidence-Based Shared Decision-Making Tool In Va Icu Goals-Of-Care Discussions, Stephanie Alexander, Anna Astashchanka Md, Venktesh Ramnath Md

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Introduction: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to enhance the knowledge and confidence of the San Diego Veterans Health Administration’s (VASD) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) medical providers in goals-of-care discussions (GOCD). Additionally, this project aimed to improve the documentation of these discussions.

Background: Delays in GOCD can lead to futile medical and surgical interventions, inappropriate antibiotic use, and higher rates of mental health conditions in patients and their loved ones. Earlier GOCD are associated with lower ventilation and resuscitation rates, earlier hospice enrollment, reduced ICU admissions, lower financial costs, and better patient and caregiver quality of life. However, …

Revitalizing Learning Environments: The Impact Of Incorporating Movement Breaks In Classroom Curriculum, Jimmy Bonilla

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis examines the benefits of integrating movement breaks within high school classrooms to enhance student engagement, focus, and overall well-being. The aim is to highlight the negative effects that a traditional classroom structure can have when looking at the evolving needs of the high school population. Drawing on personal experiences, observations, and existing research, this study highlights the disconnect between traditional teaching methods and the developmental needs of today's students. Using comparisons from previous teaching methods to the standards of an academic class today, the study identifies movement breaks as a useful tool to address issues such as student …

Music Therapy As A Support Model In Massachusetts Special Education: A Literature Review, Bonnie Diamond

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Mental health directly impacts student propensity for making academic progress in the public education system. For children with disabilities, it is especially vital to develop and implement techniques within special education that deliver personally tailored benefits. According to the United States Department of Education, music therapy offers highly effective support to a wide range of students within the school setting so that they may achieve academic success and be supported in their social/emotional development (U.S Department of Education, 2011; AMTA, 2021). In examining the multifaceted ways that music therapy can offer support within the structure of education and mental health, …

Street Vending, Global Inequality, And Education: A Case Study Of Ecuadorian Migrants In New York City, Brianna Vaca

Senior Theses

In the contemporary global economy, the rate of inequality is rapidly ascending. Global inequality infiltrates domestic landscapes, exacerbating disparities in income, education, and social well-being, creating a cycle of international and domestic inequalities that mutually reinforce each other. The juxtaposition of Ecuador and New York City (NYC) provides a rich context for examining inequality by analyzing informal work, cultural dynamics, and institutional frameworks inherent in this migration corridor. This deliberate selection allows for a nuanced exploration of the implications of informal labor practices, specifically focusing on street vending within the broader context of global migration. This study involves a multidisciplinary …

Implementing Diabetic Eye Care Education For Healthcare Professionals, Misun Serena Moser

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of diabetic eye complications and a leading cause of preventable vision loss in American adults. Skaggs et al. (2017) reported that DR screening prevents vision loss by 95%. The evidence reports that only 60% of people with diabetes have attended the recommended DR screenings (Flaxel et al., 2020). Emerging evidence supports patient education about diabetic eye care and its guidelines by health care professionals (HCPs) as the main facilitator to accomplish this goal (Khair et al., 2020; Moinul et al., 2020). Healthcare professionals are pivotal in encouraging or discouraging DR screening …

Education For Primary Care Providers On Advance Care Planning, Lindsey Ward

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is a discussion of a patient’s end-of-life healthcare wishes. Its purpose is to indicate these wishes clearly should the patient be unable to make their decisions known to providers and family members due to a sudden health decline or medical emergency. Healthcare providers, specifically nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians in the primary care setting, are well-positioned to facilitate these conversations with their older adult patients. However, research states that limited provider knowledge of and confidence in implementing ACP are significant barriers to its application in practice.

Problem: At a primary care clinic in Midtown …

Improving Nurse Support Of Patient Satisfaction Surveys Through Team Huddle Education, Matthew Price

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem As a leading cause of death and disability in the US, strokes often require complex, multifaceted care. Often ignored, patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of this care and is positively linked to key health indicators. Regulatory guidelines underscore the need for stroke-specific patient satisfaction survey (SSPS) utilization in post-stroke care. Context Hospital X is a large Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Bay Area, serving patients with various stroke etiologies and complexities. At present, its Neuro Observational Unit (NOU) does not administer a SSPS. Intervention To address this gap in care, an educational presentation using literature evidence in support …

Implementation Of Lymphedema Education Toolkit For Nurse Coordinators, Heather Gee

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that develops secondary to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal of affected lymph nodes. This swelling in patient’s limbs can cause discomfort and limit mobility, however lymphedema is often not detected until later stages, delaying treatment and patient education.

Context: This quality improvement project was conducted at Hospital S Women’s Cancer Center, an outpatient center specializing in advanced treatments for breast and gynecological cancers. This center has a multidisciplinary team focusing on both the medical and surgical aspects of oncology treatment.

Interventions: An evidence-based lymphedema education toolkit was created for nurse …

Empowering Achievement: Investigating Leadership, Agency, And Access For First-Generation College Students, Antonia Marcelle Pettit

Education | Master's Theses

This research demonstrates that first-generation college students excel when they can be open to new spaces, people, and experiences and have access to robust support systems and the necessary resources to build solid personal self-efficacy. The intentionality behind this research is grounded in students finding their agency and self- efficacy to become strong and confident leaders within their communities and future workplaces. One of the theoretical frameworks this research touches on is Vince Tinto’s interactionalist theory of student persistence, which identifies the importance of academic and social integration in higher education students. All six participants in the study were in …

Texas Gothic, Taryn Uribe Turner

Art Theses and Dissertations

The emotional and the ecological combine to create my body of work titled, “Texas Gothic.” My thesis tells the stories of my oil paintings created through personal connections to a variety of landscapes, animals and experiences that share the setting of Texas.

Desire and regret take shape as animals and figures not fully formed or real. Unreliable narratives of the past are entangled with present tensions to create a painting that haunts and stalks.

And yet, there is hope!

Through nostalgia and sweetness and burdens, my paintings confront a shrouded future. The contradictions of time passing are explored in my …

Male Student's Perceptions In An Undergraduate Nursing Baccalaureate Program: A Qualitative Study, Jonas Arvin C. Sales

Honors Capstones

There remains a shortage of nurses in the United States. The nursing workforce is aging. Nursing remains majority female. Male nurses can fill the shortage, but men make up only 12% of the workforce. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of male undergraduate nursing students regarding their education and healthcare roles, the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of men in nursing and explored ideas to attract more men to nursing. A focus group interview was conducted with 13 male baccalaureate nursing students currently enrolled at a midwestern university. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The qualitative analysis generated five …

Premarital Counseling And Education Group, London Defender

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Relationship education programs were developed in the 1970s (Markman et al., 2013). Relationships and marriage require continual self-growth, learning opportunities, and partnership. This literature review discusses current marriage and divorce rates, approaches used in marriage counseling, effectiveness and limitations of premarital counseling, and techniques used during group counseling programs. Also included is an overview of a premarital psychoeducational and skills couples group along with the weekly sessions laid out with objectives, discussion topics, group and partner exercises, and handouts. The information utilized in the premarital couples group is derived from John and Julie Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory, as well …

The V.O.I.C.E Workshop: A Verbal Outreach And Interpersonal Communication Empowerment Workshop For The Staff At An Lgbtq+ Homeless Program, Nayla A. Long

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Youth who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community often end up homeless and without a support system due to rejection. Fortunately, Montrose Grace Place (MGP), a non-profit organization, that serves the LGBTQ+ homeless youth in Houston, Texas gives them the support that they need due to these unforeseen circumstances. MGP has made it a priority to give these youth a comfortable environment, however, they do face some barriers. Currently, the organization has police security during their outreach nights, which can at times result in an uncomfortable environment for some youth. This capstone project utilizes an occupational therapy stance to …

Translanguaging And Ethnolinguistic Identity: A Case Study Of A Hispanic Latine Family, Destiny Zhinin

Undergraduate University Honors Capstones

This case study focuses on the impact of the presence or absence of translanguaging in the educational environments of a Hispanic Latine family on their self-perceived ethnolinguistic identities. Translanguaging is the process where multilinguals use the full potential of their linguistic repertoire in their discourses. This includes the various vocabulary words, dialects, gestures, and other characteristics of their languages (Garcia, 2012, pg. 311). English monolingualism (knowing or only using English) discriminates against racial and ethnic minorities, labeling them incompetent, inferior, or even “un-American,” regardless of how systematically correct their English is. In contrast, translanguaging maximizes the opportunity for teachers of …

How Does Connecticut Define Equity? Exploring Oppositions To House Bill 05003: An Act Concerning Education Funding In Connecticut (2023), Jennifer Elizabeth Guider

Senior Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

On The Naming Of Identifiers: A Survey Of Undergraduate Students, Stacy Skalicky

Theses

Alsuhaibani et al. state that 60% of the participants do not have strict or any naming standards in the workplace and developers surveyed desired clear method naming standards to promote code comprehension [2]. Martin indi-cated identifier names are responsible for 90% of what makes software readable and understandable [25] . Borstler et al. indicated readability was important to developers at every level of experience but few report their academic influences being effectively leveraged to make quality identifiers [5]. Keuning et al. surveyed teachers in programming-related fields and found that code quality although important, was not a big part of their …

The Matthew Effect Within South Side Chicago Public Schools, Jazmin S. Hollingsworth

Honors Capstones

The Matthew Effect was first developed by sociologist Robert Merton (1968) to describe a phenomenon they observed whereby wealth and credit is distributed to individuals based on the wealth or credit they already possess. Keith Stanovich further developed this theory around poverty and effects on students, their learning, and in particular reading (1986). The name Matthew Effect comes from the Bible book of Matthew chapter 25: verse 29. "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." The dynamics of poverty …

Navigating Identity Through Education In Literature And In The Classroom, Sofia Sakzlyan

English (MA) Theses

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between education, identity formation, and oppression, drawing from psychosocial and sociocultural perspectives. I delve into how education serves as a critical arena where individuals encounter various internal psychological conflicts and external social influences that shape their sense of self. By analyzing the perspectives of writers such as Paulo Freire, bell hooks, Kate Chopin Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Erin Gruwell, the thesis seeks to answer how education impacts the self and how it intersects with systems of oppression. Furthermore, I explore the role of education in fostering critical consciousness and empowerment, particularly in the face …

Teacher Preparation And Perceptions On Readiness To Address The Science Of Reading, Hannah Marie Gump

Masters Theses

This study aimed to investigate K-5 teachers' perceptions and knowledge regarding foundational literacy skills, comparing responses of participants’ with and without literacy specialist endorsements. Despite numerous initiatives and policies, reading scores in the US remain stagnant, prompting the need for a deeper understanding of teacher training and professional development. The goal of this study was to uncover teachers' perceptions of their college-preparation to teach foundational skills, potential differences based on literacy experiences and training, and the essential elements they identify for delivering high-quality instruction. Participants were 87 schoolteachers in a Southeastern US district. Data were collected using a survey with …

Music Isn’T Just A Special: Amplifying Music's Power In Fostering Social-Emotional Skills In Students, Angelina Davis

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researcher investigated how Dream Academy and Little Foot Elementary educators view music's impacts on social-emotional learning and what they thought could be done to improve it. Based on an analysis of the data and the relevant research literature, the researcher used what they have learned to formulate an action that responds to the impact of music on social-emotional learning in a way that inspires, informs, or involves a particular audience. This is an important issue for students and teachers because music education allows educators to teach social-emotional skills. It is argued that music fosters social-emotional …