Digital Commons Network^™

Disciple-Making At St. Louis Baptist Church, Vasquez R. Granberry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In careful reflection, the members at St. Louis Baptist Church need a more structured way to train on disciples making disciples. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and deliver a structured small group training process for making disciples who will become St. Louis Baptist Church disciple-makers. The current thesis for a Doctor of Ministry degree focuses on disciple-making. The objective is to learn and teach the membership how to become disciple-makers within the St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. Allowing these matters to address disciple-makers will also enable the researcher to discover the topics …

Perceptions Of The Classroom Environment And Academic Achievement For 7th And 8th Grade Students In Rural California: A Predictive Correlational Study, Joshua Kenneth Blackburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to determine if there is a predictive relationship between perceptions of classroom environment and academic achievement in reading and language usage for 7th and 8th grade students. The study builds on previous research that has explored the relationship between student needs and the learning environment, utilizing Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Skinner's radical behaviorism theory. One hundred and twenty-four 7th and 8th grade students from rural California participated in the study. The students were 7th and 8th grade students for the 2023/24 school year and were all from the same school …

Grounded In Faith: Maintaining And Appreciating A Relationship With God, Oneself, And Others In An Ever-Changing World With New Ears And Eyes, Antoinette Marie Reaves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The declining Mass attendance and participation in campus ministries at Cabrini University prompted this action research project. It was designed to engage students in guided dialogue defending key Christian doctrines to boost their Mass attendance and deepen their spiritual engagement. By involving seventeen students and employing interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and surveys, the intersection of religion and spirituality among young adults was explored. Insights highlighted the participants’ perspectives regarding declining Mass attendance and disengagement from institutionalized religion. Meaningful dialogue around fundamental Christian doctrines, such as God’s existence and Jesus’ death and resurrection, was fostered to motivate students to increase …

Exploring Prelicensure Bsn Students' Knowledge Of Mindfulness Meditation Using A Smartphone App To Manage Stress And Promote Resilience: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Beth A. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students' knowledge of mindfulness meditation (MM) using a smartphone app (SMA) to manage stress and promote resilience. Guiding this study was the transactional model of stress, adaptation, and coping by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) educational theory by Vygotsky. The study asked the following questions: What was pre-licensure Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) students’ knowledge of mindfulness meditation (MM) using a smartphone app (SMA) to manage stress and promote resilience? What had the prelicensure BSN …

Optimizing Care Delivery: Determining The Impact Of A Mobile Interpreter App On Patient Satisfaction, Leslie M. Bright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Introduction: Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience increased health disparities including poorer health outcomes, lack of access to quality healthcare services, and decreased patient satisfaction related to cultural and language barriers.

Purpose/Significance: The purpose of this project was to determine the impact of a technology-based mobile app used for medical interpreter services on patient satisfaction in patients with LEP during urgent care visits.

Methods: The project design consisted of a mobile interpreter app used for medical translation services during urgent care visits. Pretest and posttest patient satisfaction questionnaires were administered before and after the mobile app use to determine …

Perspective-Taking, Self-Talk, And Social Connection: A Phenomenological Study Of How Individual Practices Reduce Loneliness During The Menopausal Years, Sarah Joy Groff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Menopause is a stage of the life cycle known for physical, mental, and emotional changes. Many women report feeling isolated and lonely during this time due to changes in hormones and physical appearance, lack of sleep, uncertainty about their role after raising children, and cultural pressures to remain thin and beautiful. Due to the lack of education and normalization of this life change, women often withdraw and become increasingly depressed or anxious, as a result. Loneliness is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, suicidality, premature death, and a variety of other physical ailments. However, previous research suggests that the …

Promoting Self-Advocacy Skills Development Of Students With Disabilities Transitioning From Middle To High School, Tina L. Norris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single case study was to understand the importance of self-determination skills and how these developmental skills can help students with disabilities make choices, set goals, and take responsibility for their actions, so the students can have a successful transition to high school. The skills can help motivate students in developing a student-centered transition plan. The theory guiding this study is the self-determination theory, placing emphasis on how educators can address students’ basic psychological needs which are autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs can increase a student’s intrinsic motivation to achieve. Special education teachers at one high …

Equipping Spiritually Mature Men To Mentor The Next Generation Of Leaders, Seth S. Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary objective of the study was to enhance the operational leadership within the church by implementing a mentorship program. The main target audience consisted of existing ministry leaders who would undergo specialized training to empower them in mentoring the upcoming generation of leaders within the church community. Emphasis was placed on the significance of dedicating resources toward nurturing the spiritual growth of the current leaders, as this would offer valuable insights into effectively guiding the spiritual journey of the future leaders based on solid biblical principles. The project probed into various key themes such as Story, Wisdom, Prayer, Character, …

Examining The Needs Of Administrators, Teachers, And Professional Staff In An Elementary School Moving To Become A Trauma-Sensitive School: A Single Instrumental Case Study, Samantha Nicole George

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This single instrumental case study discovered the needs of a Central Virginia elementary school as it moved toward becoming a trauma-sensitive school. The theory informing this study was Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems theory, as it provided a framework to explore the instrumental role of administrators, teachers, and professional staff in the complex system of relationships that support child development in the microsystem of the school. Participants were recruited from one elementary school in Central Virginia after obtaining IRB approval from Liberty University. Data collection entailed surveys, interviews, and focus groups to describe the needs of administrators, teachers, and professional staff …

The Role Of Pre-Collegiate Mentorship Programs In Orchestra Teacher Recruitment In South Carolina, Tamar Ben-Pazi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The looming crisis of teacher shortages has garnered attention from music education stakeholders worldwide. The search for causation and resolution of this critical issue has inspired innovative approaches to hiring, training, and the support of professional educators. While mentoring has been lauded by education experts as an essential component of educator career fulfillment, and mentorship programs designed for novice teachers have been recognized within the profession's ranks as effective tools in this pursuit, there has been little research evaluating the impact of mentorship programs designed to identify and recruit pre-collegiate future educators. This study aims to advance the cause for …

We Are Better For Having Survived: Tejanas In World War Ii, Ashleigh Champagne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The contributions of women during World War II were significant to the Allies’ success. Women in the United States took on responsibilities that were typically not within their traditional roles. Latinas also impacted the war efforts, and their contributions have garnered less attention. Specifically focusing on the Mexican American women in Texas, this paper uses oral histories from archives located in Texas colleges, universities, and public libraries to highlight the ways these Tejanas were essential to society during wartime, how it challenged their traditional and cultural identity, and how that change inspired them to organize to fight for their communities …

School Ethnic-Racial Socialization And Educator Practices: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Qualitative Study, Cyntrenna C. Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was aimed to discover and interpret the educator’s experience as ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) agents of adolescent youth in schools in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Saleem and Byrd’s school ethnic-racial socialization conceptual model, as it highlights the importance of the school context in shaping adolescent youth ethnic-racial identity and the examination of educators as school ethnic-racial socialization agents. The central question is, what are the lived experiences of educators of adolescent youth as ethnic-racial socialization agents in public schools in the United States? There were 13 educators of adolescent …

Lateral Entry Secondary Career And Technical Education Teachers' Perception Of Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Chunnisee T. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe lateral entry career and technical education (CTE) teachers’ experiences with self-efficacy within a secondary school in the southcentral region of the United States. Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the study aimed to uncover the subjective experiences and perspectives of lateral entry CTE teachers as they navigated their teaching roles. The central research question addressed was: How did lateral entry CTE teachers describe experiences of self-efficacy development in a secondary school in the southcentral region of the United States? A sample of 10 lateral entry secondary CTE teachers who meet all …

The Lived Experiences Of Educators Leveraging Educational Technology And Connectivism For Fostering Academic Achievement In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Cynthia T. Plueger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of educators at public universities in the southern region of the United States who leverage educational technology to enhance student engagement and improve academic achievement through the application of connectivism principles in learning environments. This study was guided by the connectivism theory, which highlights the significance of interconnected networks, contemporary knowledge, and the interrelatedness of information in digital higher education learning environments. The central research question was: How do educators at public universities in the southern region of the United States describe their lived experiences with leveraging …

Examining The Coach-Athlete Relationship As A Predictor Of High School Football Athlete Satisfaction, Mitchell P. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the perceptions of high school football student athletes’ quality of their current coach-athlete relationship and their ratings of overall satisfaction within their sport. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if athlete perceptions of the current coach-athlete relationship was predictive of their current ratings of satisfaction. A total of 97 high school football student athletes from six Pennsylvania District III schools completed measures of coach-athlete relationship quality and athlete satisfaction. Participants reported positive perceptions of their current coach-athlete relationship as well as high ratings of overall satisfaction within the athletic domain. Implications …

Shaping Worldviews: Helping High School Seniors Manage The Influence Of Social Media, Geoffrey Michael Janes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The rapid development of technology in recent decades has brought with it many unforeseen challenges. This project focuses on the challenge of learning to manage the influence social media has on worldviews. Young people are consuming information on social media with little or no instruction on how to discern what is real or true. Worldviews are being shaped by influencers who proclaim ideological messages that are often in conflict with a biblical Christian worldview. As with any tool, social media in the hands of a trained user can be used powerfully for good. Without a proper understanding and awareness of …

Determining Factors For College Music Major Success In Small Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities: Perspectives From Students And Faculty, Spencer James Nance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Deciding to major in music can be daunting for any college student. Students often go through a lengthy audition process, which sometimes includes multiple schools, to receive scholarship offers to major in music. When students arrive on campus, they may experience many challenges that impact their future success in the music major program. These challenges far too often overwhelmed the students and caused them to lose their scholarships, discontinue their studies in music, or switch to another major. There have been studies involving student success within the first year of college. Yet very few studies still measure the success of …

Exploring Student Perceptions Of Problem-Based Learning And Clinical Field Experiences: A Phenomenological Study, Ashley Michelle Boles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experiences of participating in a physical therapy course primarily taught using problem-based learning teaching methods for Doctor of Physical Therapy students at a university in the mid-western United States. This study aimed to understand student perception of PBL and its effects on clinical field experiences (CFEs), specifically related to higher-order processing skills. The theory guiding this study was the social constructivism theory as it explains how knowledge acquisition and learning occurs through social interactions during problem-based learning activities. The central research question this study attempted to answer was: What were …

Through The Lens Of Admissions Staff And Faculty Reviewers: How Implicit Bias Training May Mitigate Bias In The University Admissions Process: A Phenomenological Study, Sabrina L. Capps

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university admissions staff and faculty reviewers who have attended an implicit bias, unconscious bias, or diversity training session while working at a higher education institution. The theories guiding this study were Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Bandura’s theory of social learning. Both theories discussed how individuals may act in certain circumstances based on their social interactions, prior behaviors, and upbringing. What are the perspectives and lived experiences of admissions staff and faculty reviewers who have attended an implicit bias, unconscious bias, or diversity training at …

Caregiver Interactions And Burnout In Speech-Language Pathology, Wyndi L. Capeci

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Speech-language pathology is a needed service for many children and adults. However, service provision is decreasing due to a critical shortage and an increased number of clients due to an aging population. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face near-insurmountable barriers to work satisfaction that manifest as burnout symptoms. This study aimed to examine the existing factor of caregiver contact, which is already prevalent in the therapy environment, and its relationship with symptoms of burnout. This quantitative study encompassed a quasi-experimental correlational design using a survey method to determine demographics, caregiver contact hours, and self-reported symptoms of burnout to address these issues. In …

Experiences Of Asian American Students In Non-Stem Fields: A Phenomenological Study, Diem Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of choosing a non-STEM college major for Asian American students in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it provided a foundation for understanding how cultural and environmental factors interact with internal motivations and interests to shape college and career choices. The study addressed the central research question: What are the lived experiences of Asian American students who have chosen non-STEM college majors? This phenomenological study used purposeful criterion sampling to select 12 Asian American participants who are pursuing a …

Establishing A Christ-Centered Understanding Of The Minor Prophets At First Baptist Church, Greenville, Ky, John Michael Galyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to help members of First Baptist Church Greenville, KY, interpret and apply the Minor Prophets from a Christ-centered perspective. This project measured church members’ understanding of the Minor Prophets as they pertain to Christians today. It also measured attitudes and affections toward the Minor Prophets. A total of eleven people participated in the study. Eight were female; the other three were male. Each participant completed a pre-intervention survey, along with three instructional workshops that focused on biblical exposition, biblical theology, and hermeneutics. An eight-part sermon series was implemented to model the kind …

Exploring Hobbies As A Critical Component Of Work-Life Balance: Perceptions Of Their Influence On Job Satisfaction And Job Performance, Maigon Campbell-Nowlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Work-life balance is an ongoing challenge for many individuals, as they seek to harmonize their personal and professional lives. In this study, I explored hobbies as a critical component of work-life balance and their influence on job satisfaction and job performance. I strived to fill a gap in the existing literature by shedding light on the influence of hobbies on work-life balance, job performance, and job satisfaction. Using qualitative methodology, I investigated how individuals perceive and explain the interconnection of their hobbies with their work responsibilities, examining the possible impact of hobbies on job performance and job satisfaction. Through 15 …

Pastoral Perceptions Of Formal Mental Health Training In The Black Church, Monique Bethea-Covington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This purpose of this phenomenological study is to broadly explore the role of the Black Church in providing mental health support by facilitating linkages to professional mental health services by exploring pastoral perceptions of mental health through examination of their experiences with church members. Ten African American pastors of Black Churches in North and South Carolina completed semi-structured, qualitative interviews describing their backgrounds, attitudes, and their mental health experiences within the church. Many of the respondents reported having members of their congregation disclose challenges or difficulties with their mental health. Most of the pastors reported that they understood the need …

English As A Second Language Teacher Training In China: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Keithe Wall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe the lived experiences of foreign university English as an additional language instructor in China who had or were currently teaching at the tertiary level as it relates to teacher training and preparation programs. The theory that guided this study was Shulman’s Theory of Pedagogical Content Knowledge, as Shulman’s theory clearly defines the knowledge that instructors must possess to be effective, and teacher training and preparation can be more clearly understood through Shulman’s framework. The study’s methodology was a phenomenology design. Purposeful sampling was implemented. The study was conducted …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of South Carolina Foster Parents Within Spartanburg County Public Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Ashley Warlick Height

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe foster parents’ experiences with high schools in the Spartanburg, South Carolina area. The study utilized phenomenological methods of gathering information by way of interviews and focus groups. The study explored the lived experiences of foster parents across the state of South Carolina most specifically about the enrollment process of new placements and the overall academic success and support those foster parents perceived that the foster youth in their homes received from the school system. The researcher sought to answer the following questions: 1. How do foster parents feel they are viewed …

A Quasi-Experimental Study On The Effects Of Small Group Learning On Mathematical Resilience In Upper Elementary Students, Joshua Adam Costelnock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to determine the effect of small group learning during the core mathematics block on 5th-grade students’ mathematical resilience, compared to a control group. Student collaboration and mathematical discourse decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a drop in math proficiency levels in the United States. Approximately 80 5th-grade students from the southwest United States were divided into two sample groups of about 40 each. These groups were assessed using the Upper Elementary Mathematics Resilience Scale. One group primarily experienced teacher-centered whole group instruction, while the other group spent half of their daily …

Secondary Teacher Burnout: Student Smartphone And Social Media Use In The Classroom: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study, Joseph Ryan Koelle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological research was to uncover the experiences of secondary school teachers regarding student smartphone and social media use in the classroom and teacher burnout. Due to the focus on teacher burnout, the guiding theory for this research is Maslach’s burnout theory. Maslach’s theory was chosen due to the nature of what professional educators encounter in the classroom setting regarding student smartphone and social media use during instructional time and the potential effects on secondary teachers of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. How can student smartphone and social media use in the classroom influence secondary teacher …

An Exploration Of The Big Five Traits And Effective Private Music Teachers, Christopher James Ozorio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite research studies on the dispositions of successful music educators, few studies have been published on the relationship between Big Five traits and successful private music instructors in a for-profit setting. By documenting these findings, educators will gain insights into effective traits, enabling them to refine their approach to music lessons in a private business setting. The author identifies this specific area of music education as needing to be explored and documented through qualitative research. Surveyed instructors from Arizona (N=12) indicate a significant correlation between high scores on certain traits of the Big Five and success in the private teaching …

Exploring The Benefits Of Dual-Language Immersion Programs: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Ashley Cunningham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand current practices in dual language immersion (DLI) programming, identify biases, and investigate designs for implementing dual language immersion programs to provide consistency between programs in elementary schools in Georgia. The theory guiding this study was Cummins' threshold theory, as it describes the process of language acquisition for young children and the cognitive effects of bilingualism. Selected public elementary dual language immersion teachers in Georgia participated in an individual interview, focus group, and a questionnaire to collect data. Data analysis was used to interpret the findings to answer the central research …