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Strengthening Social-Emotional Learning For Elementary Students Through Explicit Instruction, Miah Phalen

Honors Program Theses

Teaching social-emotional learning skills has been found to yield various behavioral and academic benefits for students, yet there has been limited research into effective instructional practices for teaching these skills. This qualitative study examined the extent to which specific explicit instruction elements are present in kindergarten lessons from three evidence-based SEL curricula: Kindness in the Classroom, Leader in Me, and Second Step. Each of these lessons was rated on a 0-2 scale regarding the presence of clearly established learning goals, lesson opening, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, opportunities for feedback, lesson closure, and skill sequencing. Results of this study indicated …

The Effect Of Note Highlighting On Note Identification Accuracy In Beginning Band Students, Thomas R. Knowles

Graduate Research Papers

This study was completed in the spring of 2025 and is based on the effectiveness of colored notation in music reading in beginning band students. An extensive literature review was conducted that supports the usage of color in educational material. Extensive research has been done on color in music education, and that research was used in this study. This study’s primary question is how color affects student note-reading. The hypothesis generated for the study is that students who receive highlighted notes see improvement in their note-reading compared to those who do not. The method used in this study was a …

Using A Research-Based Approach To Develop An Updated Claim, Evidence, And Reasoning (Cer) Writing Rubric For A High School Science Department, Robin Ashley Thaisen

Graduate Research Papers

All students must be proficient in reading and writing, and science materials present an added layer to these skill areas. Both national and Minnesota state standards require students to show their understanding of science content through certain practices, including constructing evidence-based arguments. A common instructional approach is a claim - evidence - reasoning (CER) framework for writing scientific conclusions. While there are many sources of CER rubrics and guidelines, both commercial and non-commercial, there is a wide range of language or word choice and formatting, among other differences, and none have been tailored to the ninth grade level. By using …

The Next Generation Science Standards And Their Implementation In Iowa High Schools, Janell Wright

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Almost a decade ago, the state of Iowa used the Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) performance expectations as the basis for its state science standards for K-12 students. Several key changes were implemented within these standards, including an increase in the amount of Earth and space science content at the high school level and a three-dimensional approach interweaving science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts along with disciplinary core ideas. In this dissertation, I used a three-paper format in an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to explore how districts in Iowa are using scope and sequence to address the NGSS. …

Leadership Perceptions Of Employee Identity: How Leaders Facilitate An Inclusive Environment, Arian Sullivan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Workers spend one-third of their lives at work. Therefore, they deserve to work for organizations that focus on equity and inclusion. Despite laws that aim to protect employees, workers still experience discrimination. This thesis explores how leaders perceive their role in fostering an inclusive culture that encourages employees to bring forward workplace concerns. Through qualitative interviews with locally recognized leaders, this study examines how inclusion is understood and enacted in leadership practices. While participants largely demonstrated inclusive leadership values such as shared perspectives, worker empowerment, and collaboration, I found that participants spoke of their employees in terms of personality traits …

Revealing The Hidden Benefits Of Social Emotional Learning: Unpacking What’S Really Going On?, Marissa Schweinfurth

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study explores the role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in enhancing executive function (EF) skills among elementary school students, with a particular focus on those facing high levels of adversity. The research was driven by three key questions: (1) Can SEL improve EF skills in young students? (2) Does SEL lead to faster development of EF skills compared to typical age-related expectations? (3) Which specific SEL strategies are most effective in promoting EF skills? Utilizing the "Transactional Model of Stress and Coping" by Lazarus and Folkman as a conceptual framework, this study examined how SEL interventions act as coping …

Facilitating Student Engagement In Elementary Science Classrooms With Reformed Teaching Principles, Nathaniel Bryant

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Science performance among elementary school students in the United States has stagnated in recent years. To address this issue, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were introduced, advocating for a reform in science education. Traditionally, hands-on laboratory work has been used to help students understand scientific concepts through a "learn by doing" approach. However, students often become disengaged during practical work, as following a set procedure to replicate scientific phenomena does not reflect how scientists approach problems in their daily practice. It is now argued that hands-on laboratories should not only involve observation or manipulation of materials and equipment but …

The Impact Of Structural Gamification On Student Motivation And Engagement In A Middle School Language Arts Classroom, Natalie Campbell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Engagement through gamification can play a crucial role in enhancing student motivation. Gamification provides direct feedback, makes learning interactive, fosters collaboration, and makes learning more autonomous (Kuh, 2001; Reeve & Tseng, 2011). Including game-thinking and game mechanics in the classroom adds an aspect of engagement that may otherwise be lacking.

This action research study explored the impact of structural gamification on student engagement and motivation when incorporated in a middle school language arts classroom. Using a mixed-methods approach, the researcher measured student engagement and motivation. It reported detailed perceptions of participants through survey responses, examined achievement data from summative assessments, …

An Examination Of Middle School Girls’ Perceptions And Preferences Of Reading From A Device Versus Paper, Debra Kisch

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Schools have been impacted by the technological advancements of the world. With these changes, students have been increasingly using technology, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of devices to read, both for pleasure and academically, have increased, especially since the introduction of Amazon’s Kindle in 2007 (Ashburn, 2024). Additionally, schools have started issuing devices for students to use and it is reported that forty-five percent of schools have a computer for each student (National Center for Education Statistics, 20). They found an extra 37% reported having a computer for each student in some grades or classrooms. States are also …

What Are Teacher Beliefs And Perceptions About Teaching Children To Read Within A One-Way Spanish Immersion School?, Kathleen Konrardy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Immersion schools are a growing portion of schools in the United States. In 2021, there were over 3,600 immersion schools across the United States, a 1000% percent increase in the number of immersion schools in the last 40 years. Immersion schools may follow different models for instruction. In one model, children learn to read and write in the second language before they are taught to read and write in English. The purpose of this study was to explore practices in English literacy instruction delivered to students enrolled in one-way language immersion programs. The study also sought to examine the experiences …

Socioeconomic Status And Educational Opportunities Through The Eyes Of Students And Teachers: Diverse Realities, Shared Insights, Jill Schany

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Sowl and Crain (2021) argue that despite recognizing the uniqueness of the place when it comes to rural demographics and needs, policies regarding education and the economy often prioritize urban areas, defining rural in opposition to urban without adequately addressing the specific needs of rural youth. Studies examining geographical disparities in educational outcomes traditionally concentrated on achievement gaps within urban and suburban areas, highlighting more startling gaps in cities with heightened racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequality and segregation. Literature also extensively discusses neighborhood effects on educational outcomes in densely populated regions, offering valuable insights into the distribution of educational opportunities …

Learning To Learn: Underprepared College Students Who Succeeded, Todd Spellman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Post-secondary remediation is a topic of great concern for legislators and educators alike. Many describe it as a problem in need of a solution and try to pursue what they see as possible remedies. But solutions are already present in the stories of those who have already successfully navigated this pathway of remediation in college. This study will explore student successes through their remedial coursework at colleges in the American Midwest. While recognizing the historical and cultural context that makes remediation necessary in open-enrollment institutions like community colleges, this study sought student feedback to explore what factors the students felt …

“Why Do I Have To Do This?”: Examining General Education For Cte Students, Jennifer Hough

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Student complaints regarding their general education courses are nothing new. Research has shown students often do not see the value and view them as obstacles to their degrees (Reardon et al., 1990; Vander Schee, 2011). Unsuccessful completion of general education courses can keep students from attaining their degrees. Although research regarding student perceptions exists at the 4-year institutional level, little to no research exists focusing on community colleges or career and technical education (CTE) students connected to general education. For CTE students in particular, the question remained regarding complicating factors affecting their experiences in their general education courses. Social, economic, …

Understanding The Problem Of The Modern-Day Teacher Shortage: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of The Stories Of Teachers In The Profession, Adam R. Magliari

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The present study explored phenomenological research on teachers leaving the profession. This qualitative study examined the real-life experiences of teachers contemplating departure from the field of education. Additionally, it investigates how principals in schools with high retention rates support teachers in their craft, focusing on practices for retaining and recruiting during these challenging times. The researcher conducted interviews with four teachers and four principals using guiding questions, creating a case study for each participant. The collected artifacts were coded and thematically analyzed to address the three central questions of this research. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, this study examines its …

Equity Leadership In Independent Schools In Seattle, Nimisha Joshi

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Anxious, Persistent, And Resilient; Oh My!, Samantha Hilbert

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Organization Communication Policy To Emphasize Student Employee Productivity, Yohan Fernando

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study explored student perceptions of organizational communication policies and their impact on student employee productivity at a mid-sized Midwestern university. In-depth interviews with student employees revealed key themes—fairness, uniformity, openness, and communication—as essential elements of transparency. Additionally, academic work-life balance and scheduling flexibility emerged as critical factors in supporting productivity. The findings show that student employees view transparency and flexibility as central to both job satisfaction and productivity. Policies that promote equitable treatment and adaptable scheduling were especially influential. While organizational vision, mission, and values were recognized, they were not seen as major drivers of productivity. Similarly, rewards and …

More Than Just A Game: What Higher Education Can Learn From Player Agency, Kyle Haiman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Higher education presents students with the challenge of balancing institutional expectations for autonomy with the need for community and support. In a world that is becoming more individualized and less empathetic, agency, or engaging in intentional action,plays a crucial role in navigating this tension. Agency has been linked to academic success and real-world problem solving, yet its development among college-aged students remains an ongoing challenge. Games and game-based learning offer a unique lens through which to explore agency, as players regularly engage in decision making, problem solving, and self-directed learning.

This qualitative study examined how college students at a regional, …

Rural Girl Comedy Hour, Riley Mccall

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Check All That Apply: The Persistence And Problem Of The Black/White Racial Binary In Iowa Public Schools, Jessica Nessan Kluck

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The promotion of monoracial normativity has profoundly influenced the language used in policies, creating societal expectations that other the identification of Black/white Biracial and multiracial identities. Despite the reality of our quickly shifting demographics, multiracial identities continue to be marginalized and misconstrued through racial reporting guidelines. Racial reporting used on forms required by the Iowa Department of Education are comingled with non-racially categorized data to further distance reality in education and the public-school rankings (Iowa Department of Education, 2012; State of Iowa, 2024).

The purpose of this study was to trace the legacy of the socially constructed racial binary, preserved …

The Impact Of Administrator Beliefs On Positive School Environments: A Quantitative Study Of High School Administrators In One East Central Iowa District, Sarah E. Kruse

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Creating and maintaining a positive school environment is critical for fostering academic achievement, social-emotional development, and the well-being of students and staff. Research consistently demonstrates that a positive school climate enhances student engagement, reduces disciplinary issues, and improves teacher satisfaction and retention (Brookover et al., 1979; Cohen et al., 2009; Thapa et al., 2013). Effective school climates are characterized by safe, supportive, and inclusive environments that encourage collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the school community (National School Climate Center, 2020).

Practice Makes Ready, Not Perfect: Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Pre-Student Teaching Practicum Experiences, John B. Jimo Iii

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This interpretive phenomenological study, which sought to understand the lived experiences of nine preservice teachers in a pre-student teaching practicum, has uncovered helpful findings. The study investigated their perceptions of relationships, roles, and fit with cooperating teachers, as well as their impact on socio-emotional aspects, particularly their feelings of readiness for student teaching and teacher identity development. These findings address the literature gap regarding preservice teachers’ perspectives on clinical practice before student teaching and have the potential to impact the field of teacher education. Interviews provided qualitative textual data, and transcripts were analyzed for participants’ significant meaning statements, leading to …

Design And Integration Of A Multisensory Board For Real-Time Monitoring Of Metal Casting Foundry Sand Molds, Nathaniel Addo

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Age As More Than A Number: An Applied Geography Of Elderly Vulnerability To Heat Events In The Southeastern United States, John Darko

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Assessing Equity, Environmental Social Justice And Intersectionality In U.S. Federal Policies: A Comparative And Temporal Analysis Of The Department Of Transportation, Department Of Energy, And Environmental Protection Agency, Sneha Basu

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

As the climate crisis intensifies, U.S. federal policies play a critical role in addressing the disproportionate environmental burdens borne by marginalized communities. This thesis assesses how equity, environmental social justice, and intersectionality have been integrated into the policy documents of three key federal agencies: Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over a 20-year period (2004–2024). Using a quantitative content analysis of 46 policy documents, the study evaluates five core dimensions: depth of discussion, clarity of language, inclusiveness of marginalized groups, action-oriented language, and environmental justice considerations. The research reveals significant interagency disparities, with …

The Educational Perspective Of At-Risk Students: How Standards-Based Grading Affects Students In Alternative Education, Matthew John Secl

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This dissertation explored the widespread challenges within educational systems by investigating the transformative potential of Standards-Based Grading (SBG) for atrisk students in alternative education settings. In an epoch where traditional grading systems often perpetuate inequities and focus on punitive assessments that undermine student growth, this study will explore how SBG can redefine how students in alternative education settings perceive their academic success and understand their learning environments. By providing a fair and transparent system, SBG reassures students and educators alike, instilling confidence in the system. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with recent graduates from a Midwest alternative school, the research examined …

The Influence Of Honor Culture Ideology On Juror Decision Making, Aubrey K. Paschal

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Culture of honor is a system of cultural beliefs in which one’s honor is seen to be of the utmost importance (Nisbett & Cohen, 1996). Due to the importance of personal honor, defending one's honor could be seen as an adequate defense for crimes committed in the name of personal honor. This study examined the influence that honor culture ideology has on juror decision making. A total of 190 participants read a brief trial summary of either a crime in which the participants’ honor was threatened, or a crime that did not involve a threat to the defendant’s honor. The …

Making The Jump: A Self-Study Of The Implementation Of Gamification And Student Discussion In Middle School Mathematics, John Pauly

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Middle school mathematics teaching is a complex practice that incorporates both cognitive and emotional factors (Sen, 2022). Students must have permission to get stuck and unstuck in their thinking while critically considering their approaches (Kapp, 2016), along with opportunities to engage in decision-making, deep reasoning, and discussions about mathematics (Stein et al., 1996). Gamification and game-based learning can place students in an environment where discussion, collaboration and perseverance are highly valued in overcoming challenges and achieving common goals (Kapp, 2016).

This qualitative self-study reflects on the journey of John Pauly, a middle school mathematics teacher, told through his experiences and …

Competitive School Culture And The Gifted Adolescent, Kailyn Bettle-Nilles

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Academic stress is changing the dynamics of school and the culture of learning for students (Challenge Success, n.d.). This is especially apparent in gifted students who indicate higher instances of feeling it is important to do well in school, being competitive in school, and a desire to be the best at everything (Baker, 1996). Gifted high school students today experience a competitive school culture, defined in this study as the drive for students to take as many honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP), and course accelerations as possible. Previous studies indicate that students in academically rigorous courses like AP experience more …

From Grades To Growth: Exploring Student Perceptions Of Standards-Based Grading, Feedback Utilization, And Teacher–Student Relationships, Meghan Koellner

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Many schools have transitioned from traditional grading practices to standards-based grading practices. A central feature of standards-based grading is the use of feedback to move learning forward. When students feel connected to their teachers, they are more likely to engage with feedback and improve their performance. The purpose of this study was to explore how midwestern high school students characterize their experience with standards-based grading, utilize teacher feedback, and perceive the impact of these practices on teacher-student relationships. Three research questions guided this study: (1) How do midwestern high school students characterize their experience with standards-based grading? (2) How do …