Digital Commons Network^™

Faculty Burnout And Disempowerment In Nurse Educators And Their Relationship To Creativity In Teaching, Bridget M. Drafahl

Dissertations

In an effort to ensure creativity and critical thinking are woven into the nursing curriculum and taught on a professional level, a healthy work environment, void of burnout and feelings of disempowerment, must be present to support faculty and inspire creative thinking and learning. Associate degree faculty who were members of the National Association of Associate Degree Nurses were studied during an exploration of a presumed association between creativity and the perceived feelings of burnout and disempowerment experienced in the work environment. This descriptive, quantitative research surveyed faculty aged 20-51+ years. The majority of participants held a master's degree and …

African American Women Baccalaureate Success: A Reflective Look At Pre-Collegiate Years Influencing Transition, Persistence, And Degree Attainment, Leilah K. Kirkendoll

Dissertations

African American women are graduating from college at rates higher than their Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, Native American and even their African American male peers. This level of college persistence and success is occurring amid the challenges they face and share with their peers of the same schools, neighborhoods and society. Similar to many of their peers, these young women experience under-resourced schools and limited college preparation. In addition, they have unique school challenges including experiences with negative stereotypes and harsh discipline policies. African American women also face societal challenges through experiences with trauma, foster care and disproportionate early parenting, to …

Nursing Incivility And The Culture Of Safety In An Acute Care Facility, Gina M. Galosi

Dissertations

Background: Nursing incivility is a problem for the profession of nursing and interferes with the establishment of a culture of safety, placing patient safety at risk. Elements associated with incivility, Jean Watson's nursing Theory of Caring, and transformational leadership contributed to the project's theoretical framework. The aim of this DNP project was to increase the knowledge of nurses regarding incivility, improve respectful communication, and provide support to enforce the expectation of a culture of safety

Methods: A survey of the modified culture of safety (MCSS) with intent to stay and the nursing incivility scale (NIS) was administered prior to a …

Examining Nurse Satisfaction With A Bedside Handover Report Process, Imelda C. Principe

Dissertations

Nurses' job satisfaction affects work performance at the point of care in hospitals. The incoming nurses who are able to receive a comprehensive patient report at shift change are more prepared in comparison to incoming nurses who are not able to receive a comprehensive patient report to provide care that is safe. The purpose of this project, guided by the theory of organization change, was to explore whether the use of a bedside handover process impacts nurses' satisfaction in an adult postoperative orthopedic and spine unit.

Treatment-Related Decisional Conflict, Quality Of Life, And Comorbid Illness In Older Adults With Cancer, Jeannette M. Kates

Dissertations

As the aging population the nation increases, cancer diagnoses in this age group will also increase. The many chronic medical conditions associated with older adults will be confounded by a diagnosis of cancer. Older adults with cancer are at risk for physical, psychological, and functional decline as a result of not only the cancer, but also the cancer treatment. This study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study design to explore the relationships between and among treatment-related decisional conflict, quality of life and comorbidity in older adults with cancer.

The Human Dynamics Needed In The Change Process For Transformational Implementation Of Educational Reform: Common Core State Standards, Daisy Morales

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the changes made in mindset, behaviors, culture, and systems as perceived by K-12 school district directors and principals in California in the implementation of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Methods: This study was descriptive and qualitative, conducted by interviewing 8 principals and 8 directors who have been in their positions for 3 or more years, had first-hand experience with the implementation of the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and were familiar with the shifts needed in CCSS. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for …

Southeastern Tanzanian Benedictine Monasteries: Filling A Void Of Governmental Services For The Poorest Regions, John Christie-Searles

Dissertations

This research illuminates the partnership of a particular civil society actor, Benedictine monasteries, in achieving developmental goals and delivery outcomes for education and health in Tanzania. Faith based organizations (FBOs) like these Benedictine monasteries quietly persevered with their work. These monasteries without governmental support were able to achieve similar results in areas of Tanzania deprived of infrastructure and consistent governmental administrative attention.

Monastic apostolate fervor is similar to the professionalism exhibited by international aid organizations and nongovernmental organizations in their desire to meet the needs of the poor. Motivations are complex and varied from evangelization to political and strategic agendas …

Barriers And Enablers To Native American Persistence In Higher Education Programs: Narratives From Mississippi Band Of Choctaw Indians, Bianca J. York-Crockett

Dissertations

According to data from the U. S. Census Bureau (2016), Native Americans have the lowest postsecondary education completion rate (13.8%) among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States; and simultaneously, Native Americans had the second highest unemployment rate among all ethnic groups. A positive and direct correlation exists between a community’s economic growth and the attainment of higher education by members within that community (Becker, 1994; Fann, 2009). Though 567 federally recognized tribes exist in the United States, this research study focuses on one tribe, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). The national postsecondary six-year completion rate …

A Profile Of Selected Conservatorships In Failing Mississippi School Districts, Josh Jones

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with the success of conservatorships as a method for school district improvement by analyzing school accountability ratings, results from an adaptive leadership instrument, and action plans of conservators. A sequential exploratory design was used to examine the action plans implemented by conservators to increase academic achievement in five failing school districts. The quantitative data from this study consisted of accountability ratings from districts under the control of a conservator within the 2012 – 2016 time period and data from the adaptive leadership questionnaire. This questionnaire was sent to administrators in …

Consciously Becoming Black: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Black Sub-Saharan African International Students' Racial Identity Development At Historically Black Colleges And Universities In The American South, Tanyaradzwa Chipo Mandishona

Dissertations

Research about the experiences of Black international students studying in the United States is limited and often grouped with the experiences of all international students. While all international students share similar experiences and difficulties adjusting to their lives in the United States, Black international students have a unique experience based on their race and the historical connection they share with their Black American peers. Many Black sub-Saharan African international students are raised in countries where race is not a significant identity and therefore do not view race as significant part of their identity. However, race is a salient part of …

K-12 Teachers' Beliefs On The Impact Of Corporal Punishment On Students' Academic Performance, Robert Sanders

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to take a closer look into the perceptions of K-12 teachers on the impact of corporal punishment on students’ academic performance. The qualative data from this study was gained through a survey administered to K-12 teachers from schools in the state of Mississippi that allow corporal punishment and schools that do not allow corporal punishment. The survey was administered to the volunteers after their staff meetings or Professional Learning Communities. The researcher read a brief statement to the participants and collected the surveys after they completed them. Mississippi is one of the states that …

Thirteen Unlikely Stories, Joseph Gray

Dissertations

Thirteen Unlikely Stories is a collection of fiction composed and revised at the

University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Writers.

Theory Of Planned Behavior Applied To High School Science Teachers Implementing Next Generation Science Standards, Anna Pierce

Dissertations

The high demand for a scientifically literate society and workforce led to the creation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their release in April 2013. NGSS are based on a call to improve science education at the primary and secondary levels and emphasize the importance of a more conceptual and hands-on approach to science. The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to examine, through the use of Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, the factors involved in teachers’ intentions to implement the NGSS in high school science courses. Semi-structured interviews were performed with nine teachers and experts …

A Case Study Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Twice-Exceptional Professional Development, Chin-Wen Lee

Dissertations

According to the 2014–2015 State of the States in Gifted Education, Colorado is the only state in the United States where a series of onsite, customized twice-exceptional professional development opportunities have been implemented. Yet, the Colorado Department of Education and its partner school districts have not systematically evaluated the impact of that two-year initiative. The purpose of this study was to understand the implementation of twice-exceptional professional development during 2014–2016 in a school district in Colorado. A case study design was used to better understand (a) educators’ perspectives about their training experiences and the educational services developed and/or implemented as …

An Analysis Of Beginning Percussion Education Through Wind Band Repertoire And Method Books, Christopher Evan Wilson

Dissertations

The challenges of studying percussion at an early age are numerous, as students must navigate a multitude of techniques on different instruments. Given these challenges, coupled with potentially substandard percussion training for band directors and issues of exposure in the classroom, it is common for the student percussionist to acquire considerable weaknesses, even at a young age. However, with the correct guidance through educational materials, all beginning percussionists have the opportunity to develop into well-rounded musicians. This study aimed to define what instruments and technical concepts have been overlooked in the pedagogy of beginning percussionists. Included in this document are …

Creating Digital Stories With Saudi Arabian Pre-Service Teachers: Using The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Model To Promote Lesson Plan Development, Yosra Mohammed Bugis

Dissertations

In this digital age, teachers need to incorporate advanced technology into their classrooms. Digital storytelling (DST) is one such skill that has been shown to be effective for learners. However, not enough teachers have adequate training to implement this strategy and interventions are focused mainly on current teachers. There is a need to train teachers before they finish their teacher training programs. However, to do this effectively, the field of teacher education needs more knowledge and understanding of pre-service teachers’ perceptions, needs, and experiences in using DST as a structured teaching model. This qualitative study examined 38 Saudi Arabian pre-service …

Exploring Pre-Service Special And General Education Teachers’ Beliefs And Attitudes In Mathematics And Learning And Teaching Mathematics, Bedoor A H E Alazemi

Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine and compare the beliefs and attitudes of pre-service special and general education teacher candidates regarding mathematics and the learning and teaching of mathematics and explore factors including student learning, teaching math, math rated affect (math anxiety and confidence), effectance motivation, usefulness of math, and the effect of previous teachers’ perceptions. The interrelationship among these factors was explored and compared to participants’ academic level and majors (i.e., special education and general) to determine whether these factors influenced the approaches pre-service teachers thought they would use when teaching math. The participants were 362 …

Physical Education Cooperating Teachers Participation And Beliefs As Teacher Educators, Hillary May Franks

Dissertations

Cooperating teachers (CTs) have consented “to assume one of the most responsible, influential, and exciting roles in teacher education” (Henry & Weber, 2010, p. 2); therefore, it is imperative for teacher preparation programs to prepare and support them for this role. No evidence suggests ways in which CTs, specifically physical education cooperating teachers (PECTs), either do or do not participate as teacher educators during the student teaching experience. Clarke, Triggs, and Neilsen (2014) identified 11 teacher educator roles CTs engage in and suggest further exploration into the ways in which CTs identify and participate in these roles. It is unclear …

The National Hockey League Totals Market: Efficiency, Profitability, And Heuristic Behaviors, Alexander Traugutt

Dissertations

The National Hockey League (NHL) totals market provides an optimal setting to test the theory of efficient markets. Under the notion of market efficiency, prices of an asset are reflexive of all publicly available information, making it impossible to enjoy consistent, above-average, returns. In contrast to the other major professional sporting leagues in North America, the NHL was the last to become fully integrated into sportsbooks, thus making it more susceptible to inefficiencies. To date, there has only been one published study related to the NHL totals market, which found deviations from market efficiency. The present research builds and expands …

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Teacher Experiences And Impact On Student Learning, Jessica Denton

Dissertations

Growing public concern about the educational experiences of English language learners (ELL) has placed pressure on teachers and schools to provide equitable learning opportunities for this group of students. Currently, federal and state mandates promise to hold all students to the same high expectations, but ELLs consistently underperform academically. Such research suggests that culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), specifically the inclusion of culture in the classroom, as well as the integration of students’ lived experiences can influence students’ learning opportunities.

This study was guided by existing theories of culturally relevant pedagogy, “funds of knowledge,” social maturity and cognitive development theories as …

Investigating The Construct Of Health Literacy Assessment: A Cross-Validation Approach, Bethany Miller

Dissertations

According to researchers, low health literacy is considered a worldwide health threat (Lee, Tsai-Tzul, Tsai, & Kuo, 2010). With the recent emphasis on healthcare and improving health status, knowledge has proven vital in the struggle for improved health status and health prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the measurement of health literacy utilizing a cross-validation approach. Health literacy measurement has been assessed using three health literacy instruments that are currently available: Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), Newest Vital Sign (NVS), and Health Literacy Skills Instrument (HLSI). This study used an exploratory research design. …

A Study Of The Teaching Beliefs Of Globe Teachers, Laila Ali

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the teaching beliefs of GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) teachers, and to analyze their pedagogical practices. This study contributes to bridging the gap between our understanding of teachers’ beliefs of teaching science with inquiry and practicing science in class with inquiry. A descriptive research approach was used for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Data was collected from seventy-two trained GLOBE teachers across the U.S. using Qualtrics.com.

Quantitatively, the pedagogical beliefs of GLOBE teachers were measured using the Beliefs about Reformed Science Teaching and Learning (BARSTL) questionnaire. Differences between …

Finding Euridice: A Singers Introduction To Jonathan Dove's L'Altra Euridice, Cody Laun

Dissertations

Orphean mythology continues to fascinate musical and literary scholars to this day. The thematic elements originally presented in the Greek myth of Orpheus and Euridice continue to be written about and studied, and this interest in antiquity plays a critical role in solidifying the myth’s importance and value to today’s musical and literary scenes. Dove’s L’altra Euridice presents the traditional Orphean mythology, but in a radically altered account of the transpiring events, reversing Orpheus’ and Plutone’s roles as hero and villain. Dove wrote two seemingly divergent ethea, which causes elements of the emotional content within the narrative are lost …

The Reentry Experience Of Saudi Scholars In A University Of Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia And How Their Administrators Perceive The Reentry Of Saudi Scholars, Yousef Mubrik Almutairi

Dissertations

This study looked at the reentry experiences of Saudi scholars who had completed their advanced degrees at U.S. universities and had returned to Saudi Arabia to become faculty members at Saudi universities. The goal of this study was to explore how Saudi scholars experienced the phenomenon of reentry to work in Saudi universities, how these scholars described the opportunities and challenges of their reentry experiences, and how the university administrators perceived the reentry of Saudi scholars. For this research, a case-study approach was utilized to explore the thoughts and feelings of a certain population to interpret a particular phenomenon. Data …

Effectiveness Of Student Engagement Using Learning Management System In The Blended Learning Environment At Saudi Electronic University, Yousef Almoslamani

Dissertations

The use of learning management systems (LMS) in higher education continues to grow, yet research into the impact of the amount of engagement on student outcomes is still developing. This dissertation investigated the relationships between student engagement and student outcomes in the blended learning environment of Saudi Electronic University. It used data from LMS activities self-reported by students with special attention to whether gender played a role in the level of engagement and quality of outcome. This dissertation used a quantitative method to analyze the correlational relationship between the perceived amount of time students spent hourly participating in LMS activities …

A Male Elementary School Principal’S Experience Of Gender And Leadership, Joanne Eileen Chatlos

Dissertations

Schools are a site for the reproduction and transformation of masculinities, impacting both children and adults. For principals, both gender and leadership are roles that they perform in social relation. In this case study, focused on an elementary school in the Western United States, I explored the ways constructions of gender impact a male public elementary school teacher’s leadership experience and the ways local gender norms relate to faculty perceptions of his leadership. Utilizing a methodological bricolage, I sought to examine the ways in which gender and leadership are enacted and understood through discourses such as speech, gestures, dress, or …

Catholic Students Intersecting With The Academy: An Exploration Of Religious Identities, Sara Elizabeth Miller

Dissertations

This study is a constructivist, narrative case study exploring the experiences of Catholic college students at a secular university. Eight student narratives are explored through the lens of intersectionality theory, in the context of classroom experiences. This study reviews the history of religion in higher education, Christian privilege, religious identity development, and sense of belonging in order to contextualize the participants’ perceptions of being marginalized in academic settings. With consideration for current social issues and political debates, students reflected on their experiences and ultimately revealed that Catholic students are feeling marginalized in their classrooms, not only for their specific beliefs, …

Clarity Of Purpose And The Freedom To Lead: An Exploration Of Principal Autonomy In Colorado Charter Schools, Teal Ann Maxwell

Dissertations

Charter schools have arguably been one of the fastest growing educational reform efforts in the United States. As a structural reform, charter schools have relied on autonomy as one mechanism by which to fundamentally change the way schools operate. Many questions remain about how autonomy manifests in practice and if it does, in fact, contribute to improved outcomes for students. This qualitative, multi-site, instrumental case study explored how five Colorado charter school principals interpreted and utilized their autonomy to fulfill their schools’ missions. Data analysis of semi-structured interviews, documents, and observations revealed six themes including: sufficient autonomy, autonomy as a …

Edward Elgar’S The Music Makers: A Choral Conductor’S Analysis And Score Preparation Guide, David Klement

Dissertations

Edward Elgar’s The Music Makers, op 69, a cantata for full choir, mezzo-soprano soloist and orchestra, was debuted and conducted by the composer on October 1, 1912 at the Birmingham Festival in England. Based on the now familiar poem by late nineteenth-century English pre-Raphaelite poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy (1844-1881), and beginning with the phrase “We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams”, the work is considered by some historians to be a personal requiem by the composer. Written at Elgar’s peak of compositional creativity, this extended, almost forty-minute cantata, is a choral work of deep personal meaning …

Ecological Teacher Preparation: Rooting Place To Practice, Rosalind Elise Zimmerman Wright

Dissertations

This study is an exploration of ten faculty perceptions of the perceived influence of an ecological or place based focus in three teacher education programs. The qualities and characteristics of such programs, the influence that such a focus could have on curriculum, and the perceptions of faculty members regarding the interactions between the physical place in which the program resides and curriculum were of particular interest to this study. These questions are investigated by using an educational connoisseurship and criticism methodology. The qualities and characteristics of ecologically focused teacher education programs include immersion and integration, mentorship and reflection, and connection …