Digital Commons Network^™

Administrative Leaders' Viewpoints About The Significance Of Art Education In Schools, Jennifer Luckett

Dissertations

The value of art education and people’s perspective of its value have been subjects of research throughout the years. Art programs are usually the first to be eliminated when there are budget cuts in the public-school systems. This study examines policy, history, and teachers’, parents’, and students’ viewpoints of the value of art education. It also analyzes the researched value that an art education provides. As there is little to no research on administrative leaders’ viewpoints, this research study utilized Q-methodology to determine administrators’ viewpoints on their personal value of art education. The main goal of this research was to …

Examining The Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being And Academic Performance Among First-Year College Students In A U.S. Mid-South University, Ya-Hsin Hsiao

Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between psychological well-being and college students. In addition, I looked at how COVID-19 impacted their psychological well-being. I used Ryff and Keyes’ (1995) 18-item Scale of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB-18) to measure participants' psychological well-being. Other demographic information such as race, gender, first-generation college student status, college readiness, and Pell Grant eligibility were collected from the WKU’s Institutes of Research.

Data were analyzed using multiple regressions that controlled for the effects of ethnicity, gender, first-generation status, and socioeconomic status. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being was evaluated and reported. In this dataset, the internal …

Using Transformative Leadership To Understand White Male Community College Presidents And Their Efforts To Improve Outcomes For All Students, Ruthanne Keenan Orihuela

Dissertations

This critical constructivist study was grounded in the belief that there is an urgent need to address attainment gaps between White students and students of color at community colleges, that equity-minded leadership is needed to address these gaps, and that the call for transformative leadership must be answered not solely by leaders with minoritized identities alone but also by leaders with privileged social identities who comprise the majority of community college presidents. The intent of this study was to examine the ways in which White male community college presidents come to understand their privilege and navigate their roles as leaders …

The Intersection Of Queer And Atheist Identities: A Critical Inquiry, Jennifer Geiman

Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to explore the lived experiences of queer atheists, to examine how they were impacted by various oppressive systems, and how to assess their needs might be better met by counseling psychologists and other mental health clinicians. The two research questions of focus were: Q1 What are the lived experiences of individuals who hold intersecting queer and atheist identities? Q2 How might individuals who hold intersecting queer and atheist identities be better served by counseling psychologists? While extant literature on the experiences of queer people and how to support them clinically has grown in the …

The Lived Experience Of Registered Nurses And Registered Midwives In St. Kitts And Nevis, Raiden Alexandra Gaul

Dissertations

At the beginning of the 20th century, St. Kitts and Nevis had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the Caribbean. However, unlike some Caribbean nations with similar historical and socioeconomic factors that continue to suffer from significant health disparities, St. Kitts and Nevis implemented strategic health reforms that have led to dramatic improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes. One of the strategic reforms designed to address these poor health outcomes was to mandate that all registered nurses in St. Kitts and Nevis pursue certification in the post-basic midwifery program. The purpose of this study was to examine …

Women In Educational Leadership: An Embodied Narrative Inquiry, Pauline Avis

Dissertations

To meaningfully capture the lived experiences of women educational leaders working in American public schools, this study utilized the qualitative traditional research design and employed an embodied narrative inquiry to explore the primary research question: How do women educational leaders story their gendered experience of employment in the workplace? The purpose of this study was to describe and explore how female educational leaders in American public schools perceive the impact that gender identity construction has had on their ability to pursue successfully, attain, and retain educational leadership roles. Through a feminist semiotics theoretical lens, this study offers an examination of …

Understanding Trauma Through A Behavior Analytic Lens: A Comparative Case Study, Kevin D. Bland

Dissertations

Although other therapeutic approaches across human service disciplines have acknowledged the importance of understanding the impacts of trauma, the field of behavior analysis has seen less frequent discussions. To address this growing need, the purpose of this study was to explore how three participant board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs): (a) define trauma-informed behavior analysts (TIBA), (b) use TIBA to guide their decisions for identifying appropriate interventions, (c) determine appropriate evidence-based interventions for students with a history of trauma, and (d) obtained their training to confidently implement TIBA in their practices. Using a comparative case study, the participants provided information about …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Certificate In College Teaching Program On Graduate Students’ Pedagogical Metacognition And Teaching Knowledge, Audrey Jannine Tocco

Dissertations

Graduate student professional development initiatives aim to prepare future faculty for college-level teaching. One such program is the Certificate in College Teaching (CCT). CCT programs provide graduate students with foundational knowledge and authentic teaching experiences to prepare them to design and deliver instruction at the college level. Participants report positive perceptions of these programs during and after completion, but evidence of concrete program outcomes is limited. Two potential outcomes of graduate student professional development are the use of pedagogical metacognition (reflection on and action upon teaching) and knowledge of teaching and learning (identification of research-based teaching strategies and application to …

The Experiences Of Black Diplomat Families In United States Sponsored American International Schools, Teneshia A. Taylor

Dissertations

This qualitative narrative study captured the stories of the schooling experiences of Black American diplomat families who attended sponsored American international schools overseas. The purpose of this study was to examine the racialized experiences of Black American diplomat families whose children attend or attended United States sponsored American international schools (SAIS) overseas compared to Black middle-class racialized schooling experiences in the United States. Through interviewing, counterstories were captured from a total of twelve participants consisting of seven parents and five students. In this study, the data revealed Black diplomat students and their parents experienced similar, consistent racialization in United States …

An Examination Of Musical Pitch/Color Correspondence In Music, Arts, And Non-Arts Students And Adults, Luciano Silvestri Jr.

Dissertations

Chromesthesia is the involuntary combination of a visual color response to a musical stimulus. Previous research has associated the presence of absolute pitch with color responses to musical pitch; however, recent studies indicated that color associations were also made amongst those who did not possess absolute pitch. Eighty-four participants to various extent and of varying ages representing backgrounds in music and in arts (as well as those with neither background) took part in a series of experiments to determine if a color/music pitch connection was prevalent in their responses. Additionally, participants were tested individually regarding the presence of consistent visual …

A Comparison Of Registered Nurses’ Motivation And Knowledge Levels Between Gamified And Traditional Courses, Amanda Crim Rossley

Dissertations

Registered nurses (RNs) working in today’s healthcare environment must consistently learn new knowledge and skills, keep abreast of practice changes, and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes. However, healthcare organizations face significant challenges as they attempt to facilitate efficient training. Nursing professional development practitioners miss opportunities to leverage learner motivation, which drives investment, knowledge retention, and practice application. Gamification, which strategically embeds game elements and mechanics into an educational design to boost motivation, offers a potential solution. It aims to increase learner engagement by presenting learners with challenges, tracking their progress, and offering feedback, ultimately leading to knowledge retention and …

Meeting Free Appropriate Public Education And Least Restrictive Environment Requirements For Students With Disabilities During The Coronavirus-19 Pandemic: Implications For Special Education Directors, Vanessa Lee Giddings

Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) addresses educational access in a brick-and-mortar setting but does not specifically address how to meet the parameters of free appropriate public education (FAPE) and least restrictive environment (LRE) in an online or virtual setting. An increased desire by students with disabilities and their parents to select online learning, coupled with the Coronavirus (COVID)-19 global pandemic, prompted many school districts to pivot to remote learning for an extended period and disrupted the traditional educational system (Molnar et al., 2021). This phenomenological research study elevated the lived experiences of special education directors during the …

Dan Forrest’S The Breath Of Life: A Podium Guide With A Study Of The Compositional Techniques And The Integration Of Texts Used To Mirror The Emotional Arc Of The Human Life Cycle, Brian Keith Dukeshier

Dissertations

Dan Forrest’s the breath of life is a contemporary composition the author believes will be performed numerous times in future years after the extensive physical and emotional effect the pandemic had on the world. Although composed prior to the pandemic, the breath of life could bring comfort and a salve to the hurt and pain of humankind caused by the pandemic but will also affect the emotional state of loss for years to come for all humanity. This work exhibits Forrest’s use of acousmatic electronics with choir and orchestra. Biblical texts as well as poetry written by three poets from …

A Mixed Methods Study On Urban Educators’ Feelings Of Preparedness To Implement Practices That Impact Social And Emotional Learning In A Mid-Pandemic Environment, Emily Dittmer

Dissertations

The purpose of the mixed methods study was to evaluate urban educators’ perceptions of their preparedness to implement social and emotional learning strategies in their classrooms/workspaces as well as to understand what the educators’ experiences were as their students returned to a five day a week school schedule after a year and a half of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those involved in the study included educators from four K-8 public charter schools located in an urban Midwestern environment. Quantitative data was obtained through the administration of two identical surveys that were completed by volunteer participants at two different …

Interruptions And The Novice Emergency Nurse: A Focused Ethnography, Lisa Ann Winchester

Dissertations

The emergency department is a unique, unstudied, chaotic environment where novice emergency nurses are frequently interrupted. Novice emergency nurses’ impressions, values, beliefs, and attitudes attributed to interruptions were unknown. No prior research has explored the phenomenon of interruptions for the novice emergency nurse. A qualitative, focused ethnographic study was undertaken to understand novice emergency nurses’ impressions, values, beliefs, and attitudes about interruptions within the emergency department. Eleven nurses participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six phases of thematic analysis revealed three main themes (Values, Beliefs, and Attitudes) and 11 subthemes. Novice emergency nurses learn within a …

Bangkokscape: An Original Composition For Ensemble, Attakorn Sookjaeng

Dissertations

Bangkokscape is a piece in three movements for an ensemble comprising flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, piano, percussion, and double bass. The composition aims to suggest sceneries and senses of the capitol city of Thailand, Bangkok, inspired by the composer’s personal experience. The movements are titled: “Sacred” “Acronychal,” and “Awakening,” respectively. My compositional approach is the result of an exploration of the influence of Japanese aesthetics in contemporary classical music and elements of Thai traditional music. The concept of ma—a silent space, Buddhism, the influence of nature and culture, pentatonic collections, and polyphonic stratification are …

Characteristics Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Mentoring Relationship Practices In Secondary Education Settings: A Case Study, Bonnie Jeanne Palmer

Dissertations

The use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) mentors in public school systems and other organizations has grown comparably with our economy’s increasing demand for STEM industry professionals. However, inspiring students to pursue STEM careers by using STEM industry professionals as mentors requires an understanding of effective mentor practices. Limited research exists that focuses on the mentoring practices students respond to as they make academic and career plans. The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify practices that promote STEM careers among youth. The study sought to answer the question, “What STEM mentor practices, behaviors, and roles …

Considerations And Pedagogical Approaches For Transitioning From Soprano To Mezzo-Soprano, Caitlin Hammon Moore

Dissertations

Within the operatic and classical music realms, Fach is an identifier based on voice classification, as well as non-vocal factors such as acting style and physical appearance. For singers, stating one’s Fach is a way to advertise oneself for suitable operatic roles and concert solos. However, not all singers fit perfectly into a Fach, and some choose to switch between Fach categories over the course of their careers. Although such choices require careful consideration with the potential to impact a career, many have found success after transitioning to a lower Fach. While several studies have investigated singers transitioning to higher …

Elementary Principals’ Perceptions Of The Influence Of The Coronavirus Pandemic On Their Professional Identities, Melissa Gibson-Steiner

Dissertations

In the spring of 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered a pandemic, caused schools to close, and created a crisis for school leaders. They led during unprecedented times and negotiated an unfamiliar environment. School principals managed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their schools for nearly two years. As principals led through the pandemic, the question arose as to what influence this experience had on their professional identity. Scholars such as Burke and Stets (2009) identified that changes in professional identity are generally gradual over time. However, when a situation does not match how an individual identifies as a leader, …

Jardín De Anjelita: Utilizing Arts-Based Methods To Inform Interculturalization In The Third Space, Amanda Jeanne Bucher

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to clarify characteristics of the intercultural classroom across three K-12 public-school sites. The relationship between intracultural conscientização and intercultural curriculum among multiracial educators was of particular interest to this study. Auto criticism methodology that housed arts-based methods was utilized in order to address the theoretical tension between multicultural absorption and post-colonial discourse of hybridity as it manifests in curriculum and ensuing classroom interaction operating as the third space. In this arts-based auto criticism, I explored the relationship between intracultural conscientização among four multiracial educators having one white parent and one parent of color and …

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences: Science Practices And Science Identity, Alaina Buchanan

Dissertations

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have become more commonly incorporated in laboratory courses in undergraduate education. Because CUREs incorporate research within the context of a course, the benefits of mentored research (self-efficacy, science identity, persistence, and more) are extended to each student enrolled. CUREs are designed with five key components: discovery, relevance, iteration, collaboration, and science practices. However, the term science practices is broad and includes a diversity of student activities which can make it difficult to compare student outcomes across different CUREs. The first part of this work reviews the components and specific science practices included in all CUREs …

Meta-Analysis Of Effective Instruction Delivery, Halley Blanchard

Dissertations

Effective instruction delivery (EID) is a combination of antecedent and consequent strategies used to increase child compliance with adult instructions. The current meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effects of EID as an independent and combined treatment component across studies, as well as evaluate the reported treatment acceptability across studies. Additionally, moderator analyses were conducted to determine the impact of interventionist type (i.e., parent or teacher), implementation setting, child age, and child diagnosis on the effects of EID on child compliance. The analysis generated large effect sizes for EID across studies and high levels of treatment acceptability. The effects of EID …

A Current Wave Of Development: Examination Of Positive Youth Development And Identity In The Junior Lifeguard Program, Danielle Nicole Wong

Dissertations

The Junior Lifeguard (JG) Program is a youth ‘serious leisure’ summer program that teaches children between the ages of 9 to 17 years ocean safety and education (United States Lifesaving Association [USLA], 2022). Though the program has been anecdotally regarded as beneficial for youth, it has never been formally evaluated for aspects of Positive Youth Development (PYD). Positive Youth Development programs are considered successful if they efficiently provide the appropriate context for youth to enhance their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills (internal assets) with supportive individuals, or significant others, (external assets) to help guide them for life skills transfer, …

Swimming In The Third Stream: A Performance Guide For David Baker’S Singers Of Songs/Weavers Of Dreams For Cello And Percussion, Kelsey Linnea Smith

Dissertations

David Baker was an American composer, performer, and pedagogue who wrote over 2000 works during the course of his career. Baker’s output spans a wide variety of genres and styles, including compositions for jazz band, symphony orchestra, choir, and various chamber ensembles. Using elements from his background in both jazz and classical music, Baker’s musical language is one that creates a true synthesis of styles, especially when writing in a third stream context. Additionally, Baker was inspired by African American figures from his past, and often wrote music honoring those who came before him. In this way, Baker adds his …

Luciano Berio’S Six Encores Pour Piano: A Guide For Performance Preparation, Ivana Muncan

Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to provide strategies that can be used to prepare Luciano Berio’s Six Encores pour piano for performance. Each Encore is concisely analyzed with respect to five musical elements: sound (timbre, dynamics, texture), harmony, melody, time (tempo, meter, rhythm), and structure. From observations made during analysis, notable learning challenges are isolated, and learning strategies are devised to target the elements that pose significant challenges. Utilizing secondary sources, specific analytical procedures and technical exercises are crafted to aid the performer in expediting their mastery of the Encores. This document will be a valuable reference work for …

A Portrait Of Culturally Responsive, Socially Just School Leadership: A Latino Critical Theory Student Perspective, Jennifer Ruth Crill

Dissertations

As the student demographics in classrooms across America shift to become more ethnically diverse, schools are examining their practices in supporting how students are prepared for college and career. This support includes the introduction of innovative learning environments aimed to provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways. The purpose of this qualitative study was to illuminate the leadership skills, attitudes, and knowledge that Latina/o/x students within an Innovative Learning Environment perceive as supporting students. This study examined how Latina/o/x students perceive the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of culturally responsive socially just school leadership in innovative learning environments. Through the …

A Leadership Laboratory: Exploring The Use Of Case-In-Point Pedagogy To Develop Complex Thinking In Leaders, Erica Corley Jackson

Dissertations

Leadership scholars have identified a growing gap between the complexity of 21^st century organizations and the capabilities of individuals in positions of leadership to adequately address these challenges. This gap has contributed to a so-called complexity crisis—a situation in which the demands placed on those in leadership positions increases “at a rate that significantly outstrips the rate at which” leaders are cognitively developing (Rich-Tolsma & Oliver, 2016, p. 1). One way to respond to this growing need for complex adult thinking is through metacognitive development initiatives. However, finding educational methods to promote metacognitive development has proven to be …

Inviting The Outside In: Nature's Contribution To Counselor Wellness, Naomi Medina

Dissertations

The positive influence of nature on client wellness and psychological health (BonhamCorcoran et al., 2022) is well reflected in the emergence of nature-based counseling interventions such as wilderness therapy, walk talk therapy, and horticulture therapy, among other counseling modalities that involve aspects of the natural world (Lewis et al., 2022). This suggests that the inclusion of nature within the counseling session could also contribute to the wellness of the counselor. The purpose of this research was to determine the extent to which presence of nature contributes to counselor wellness and which of the five senses may play a greater role …

Decoding The Public Service Announcements (Psas) Of Hiv/Aids: Evaluating Botswana's Aids Messages And Their Impact On 15 - 24 Ages, Enole Ditsheko

Dissertations

The study is grounded in the concept of “Start where the people are” (Nyswander, 1956) which suggests that effective health campaigns that promote prevention strategies to enhance the quality of life for those targeted must be rooted in the prevalent cultural practices and religious values of the receivers of the slogans, themes, and taglines. Health campaigns that superimpose the values of the outsiders promoted as universalized solutions have limited effectiveness.

Sub-Saharan Africa has only 1.3 billion people out of an estimated eight billion of which China and India each recording above two billion, cumulatively accounting for more than half of …

Intelligent And Explainable Solution To Predict Infant Birthweight And Preterm Birth In The United Arab Emirates, Wasif Khan

Dissertations

Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Preterm birth (PTB) are complex pregnancy challenges that can lead to high perinatal mortality and long-term morbidity for infants. Early prediction of such adverse outcomes can be useful for averting catastrophic outcomes for the mother and her baby. With advances in machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, several models have been proposed for both PTB and LBW predictions. However, the risk factors associated with these outcomes are still unknown, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Furthermore, existing ML-based prediction models work in a black-box manner and lack proper interpretations for clinicians, …