Digital Commons Network^™

Educators' Perceptions For Low Performance On Mathematics State Assessment Among High School Algebra Students With Learning Disabilities In An Alternative Education Program In California: An Explanatory Case Study, D. Sung Choe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study addressed educators' perceptions regarding the low performance on state mathematics assessments among high school algebra students with learning disabilities in an alternative education program in a California school district. Vygotsky's theory on the zone of proximal development served as the overarching framework for mathematics content that students with learning disabilities in the alternative education environment should learn at various stages of chronological age. The central research question was: What are educators' perceptions of low performance on mathematics state assessments among high school algebra students with learning disabilities in an alternative education program in California? The methodology used …

Blended Learning Usage Within High School Gifted And Talented Chemistry Classrooms: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Hena Shami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand gifted and talented homeschooled high school level students' experiences with engagement, motivation, and academic achievement in a blended learning chemistry course in the East coast of the United States. Technology can be a wonderful addition to the education world, but often the problem is that GT chemistry students learning through a blended learning model are struggling to maintain effective student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. The theory that guided this study was Bandura’s social learning theory as it identifies the roles that social factors play on the thought processes involved …

Leadership In The Age Of Advanced Technology, Matthew Brancatelli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Invention has been the catalyst for societal advancement, altering human occupations, changing the business world, and bringing geographically separated societies closer. This case study research looked at the impact of advanced technologies on business leadership—digital transformation reshaping every aspect of the business world, including the people, processes, and platforms. An interview guide (Appendix A) was used with open-ended questions to gain insights into the problems and issues faced in manufacturing related to technology's impact on business leaders and the actions and behaviors an organization can develop to be better prepared to address emerging technology. The insights gathered in this study …

Identifying Effective Leadership Styles Among Winning College Head Football Coaches: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Valin Kattoula

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover and interpret the successful leadership styles of winning college head football coaches (HFC) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The theory that guided this study is Bass’s (1995) transformational leadership theory. The central question asked, “What are the lived experiences of winning college HFCs leadership initiatives?” The study used a hermeneutic phenomenological design where HFCs participated in interviews and a focus group and submitted a writing prompt response to obtain the lived experiences about proven winning leadership styles. The study’s findings identified sixteen themes and five sub-themes. The sample …

Nurses’ Ability To Provide Diabetes Education In A Hospital Setting, Nicole Ancrum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Diabetes is a destructive health problem that affects millions of people throughout the United States. Diabetes rates are drastically increasing, and diabetic adults have a higher risk of excessive hospitalization and readmission. One in every four or five hospitalized adult patients has diabetes. Hospitals nationwide are saddled with the responsibility of assessing the need for and supplying diabetic education. Registered nurses’ perception, awareness, and utilization of diabetes education are essential to patients’ ability and willingness to perform diabetes self-management interventions effectively. Meeting inpatient diabetes educational needs requires persistent, innovative strategies appropriate for available resources and staffing models. Nurses play a …

Identifying The Benefits Of Black Owned Barbershops In The African American Community, Tanya Elizabeth Greene

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate why African American men are less likely to seek mental health support in conventional settings. Black-owned barbershops are a substantial presence in the Black community as they offer a dual purpose. Barbershops not only create a sense of male confidence internally and externally but offer an unorthodox way of healing. Insight into the perceptions, attitudes, and insights were gathered to acquire helpful information to contribute to more positive outcomes for African American men in mental health. Semi-structured interviews provided data to find common themes among 10 African American male participants to …

Examining The Relationships Between Emotional Intelligence, Role Overload, And Intent To Leave The Profession Among Elementary School Teachers, Rachael D. Egli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

District and school leaders experience significant challenges in recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers, year-to-year. This non-experimental quantitative correlational study examined relationships between components of teacher role overload and intent to leave the profession among elementary school teachers. The study also examined emotional intelligence as a moderator variable on the relationship between teacher role overload and teachers’ intent to leave the profession. A total of 106 eligible teacher participants were recruited to complete an anonymous online survey. Demographics data, as well as emotional intelligence and occupational stress data, using the BEIS-10 and TOSFQ were collected (Davies et al., 2010; Foxworth et …

Learning Delivery Methods And Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction And Frustration: A Causal-Comparative Study, Tiffany Adora Cotterman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if there is a difference among Instructor-led Training, Virtual Instructor-led Training, and Instructor-led Training with Autonomous Learning participants’ scores in autonomy satisfaction, autonomy frustration, relatedness satisfaction, relatedness frustration, competence satisfaction, and competence frustration. This study expounded upon the current knowledge of adult learning, including its effect on the six dimensions of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and provided recommendations for future studies. A convenience sample of 123 newly hired Eastern Caribbean Business Process Outsourcing agents participating in a five-day onboard training were surveyed. Instrumentation consisted of the 24-item Basic …

The Moderating Effect Of Teacher Experience On Secondary Traumatic Stress And Teacher Self-Efficacy Among Rural Public School Teachers, Donna Short

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Millions of teachers have exited the teaching profession as of 2020 and over 50% are likely to leave the profession during the next five years. High emotional stress is most often cited as the primary reason for the loss of teachers. There is also an increasing number of students entering school who having experienced various forms of trauma, such as abuse, death, violence, and neglect. In rural areas, poverty is a concern. These students often display trauma behaviors because of limited mental health resources. As rural public school teachers learn about student trauma, these teachers are at risk of secondary …

Exploring The Perceived Effects Of Integrating Unloader Braces And Exercise Therapy Interventions In Orthopedics And Sports Medicine: An Investigation Among Athletes With Knee Osteoarthritis, Lerome D. Pratt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this doctoral applied research project was to examine the perceived effects of integrating unloader braces and exercise therapy interventions within orthopedics and sports medicine, specifically focusing on athletes diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The problem addressed by this study is the limited understanding of how combined treatment modalities can enhance functional abilities, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being in this population. This research was driven by the rationale that existing conventional treatments often provide limited efficacy, necessitating a more comprehensive and personalized approach. The central research question explored how athletes with knee OA perceive the impact of …

A Phenomenological Study Examining Lived Experiences Of Persistent Non-Traditional Students With Learning Disabilities At Community College, Mary Elizabeth Regis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of persistent non-traditional community college students with learning disabilities at community colleges in the Midwest United States. For this study, persistent, non-traditional community college students are defined as students who completed their first year of college, were currently enrolled in their second year of college or earned more than 30 credits, and were 25 or older, with commitments in addition to their academics, College students with learning disabilities were defined as students who had a documented learning disability rather than self-identified diagnoses. Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory …

A Phenomenological Study Of Novice Special Education Teachers' Experience Applying Causal Attributions To Challenging Behavior, Mandy Marie Augst

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe novice special education teachers’ experiences attributing causes to challenging behaviors in U.S. public schools. This study was guided by Bernard Weiner’s attribution theory of motivation. This framework allowed for the examination of teachers’ causal attributions for challenging behavior as well as their personal motivation in responding to challenging behaviors. This study's central research question focused on novice special education teachers’ experiences attributing causes to challenging behavior. The researcher employed a transcendental phenomenological approach, engaging participants as co-researchers to understand their lived experiences. A sample of 11 participants was recruited from …

Conforming To The Image Of Christ: Addressing Spiritual Immaturity Utilizing Strategic Bible-Based Pastoral Counseling In A Rural Church Context, Leonard Carpenter Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Strong and healthy churches are made up of strong and healthy disciples. The ministry context for this qualitative action research project was the Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, a predominately Black congregation located in the Pea Ridge community of Brewton, Alabama. The problem was some members at Saint Mark engaged in spiritually immature actions that evoked immature reactions which yielded unhealthy relationships. To address the problem, the researcher developed and implemented the “Strategic Bible-Based Pastoral Counseling Program” (SBPCP), a strategic Christian ministry that provided participants one-on-one pastoral counseling opportunities for the purpose of building up spiritually healthier Christians. SBPCP consisted …

Developing A Biblical Worldview: Equipping African American Leaders With The Tools Needed To Combat The Reemergence Of Syncretism Within The African American Church, William Taft Wallace Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, African Americans have grappled with questions of identity, a struggle initially precipitated by the diaspora. Over time, this ongoing struggle has led many to seek answers from various sources, each of which has influenced and shaped their worldview. In response to this ongoing identity crisis, the African American church has traditionally served as a stabilizing force, emphasizing that identity is rooted in the image of God, as affirmed by the Bible. However, today’s African American church faces significant insider threats from other African American-based groups that promote counter-biblical and anti-Christian narratives regarding identity. These threats have infiltrated the church, …

Developing Resiliency Body Armor Through Psychological And Spiritual Means: How U.S. States' Icac Personnel Cope With Secondary Traumatic Stress, Jameson Lee Denagel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Global online child sex abuse and exploitation is rising due to the immense accessibility of the internet, and it takes specially trained and devoted investigators to combat the problem. However, combating these heinous crimes can create traumatic events for investigators, resulting in secondary traumatic stress. This quantitative correlative study examined the psychological and spiritual coping strategies to develop a resiliency body armor concerning Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force personnel (ICAC-TF) working on child sexual exploitation investigations. The theoretical framework combined the concepts of Resiliency Theory, psychology body armor, and spiritual body armor to create resiliency body armor. The study …

A Biblically Faithful Participation In The Lord’S Supper Following The Model Of Justin Martyr, Joshua Michael Wallnofer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research thesis project examines a historical, biblical approach to the Lord’s Supper, focusing on chapters 65-67 of the First Apology of the second-century church father, Justin Martyr. The research investigated five themes emphasized by Justin. These crucial subjects include defining those who are the rightful participants in the Lord’s Supper, what spiritual nourishment is found at the communion table, the importance of the regular receiving of the Lord’s Table, the communal nature of the communion meal, and how the church can provide ministry to those absent from worship with the ordinance. The project implemented a six-week small group …

A Qualitative Study Of Federal Employee Whistleblowing And Reprisal For Whistleblowing, Bruce S. Mclean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Federal employee whistleblowing is essential to holding government officials accountable. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) was established in 1979 to provide a secure channel for federal government employees to report wrongdoing while protecting them from reprisal. More statutory protections were enacted with the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) in 1989; however, deficiencies in the WPA led to the eventual passage of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act in 2012. The problem is that the literature on whistleblowing fails to distinguish the OSC as the Executive Branch whistleblower protection agency nor recognize its annual reports and surveys as the only known …

The Relationship Between Meaning, Basic Psychological Needs, And Motivation At Work: A Self-Determination Perspective, Cory Anne Trevena

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the following dissertation, I explored the predictive influence of meaning in life on autonomous motivation at work and psychological well-being in the presence of the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness identified by self-determination theory. The first hypothesis for this correlational study was that meaning in life would distinctly predict autonomous motivation at work beyond autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The second hypothesis for this study was that meaning in life would distinctly predict psychological well-being beyond autonomy, competence, and relatedness. I conducted a multiple regression analysis on the data collected from 94 working adults recruited using …

Teacher Experience With Ai In Middle School Education: A Qualitative Research Study, Aimee Lintner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the case study was to understand the use of technology, particularly AI, for public middle school teachers in Michigan. The theory that guided this study is Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory. Self-efficacy is relevant in that it relates to self-achievement and the belief in the desired goal —Bandura's view of social cognition keys to self-efficacy, incorporating self-evaluation and focusing on goal orientation. Consistent with the case study, the focus was on teachers' structure for teaching, the potential to use AI in the classroom, and the increased use of technology. The central question is to determine if AI …

When Obedience Becomes A Sacrifice: Creating And Sustaining Resilient Leaders, Janet G. Wooten

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis, “When Obedience Becomes a Sacrifice,” discusses the role of sacrifice in obeying God's call to lead. The lay leaders of Call to Conquer Ministries do not seem to understand this role, leading to ministry challenges. This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of sacrifice in leadership and how to maintain resiliency during difficult times. Potential leaders answer God’s call to lead, believing that “obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22a). However, there is a lack of full clarity concerning the sacrifices made because of their obedience. The question to be addressed is “What …

Exploring The Barriers Colleges Face Implementing Positive Psychology Interventions To Reduce Depression, Anxiety, Or Stress In College Students, Margaret U. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to understand the barriers that colleges face implementing positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to reduce depression, anxiety, or stress (DAS) in college students. The problem was the lack of utilizing PPIs to reduce DAS in college students, despite increased reports of symptoms among this population. Several research studies have supported the use of PPIs to reduce. DAS in college students. However, no prior research was identified regarding barriers to initiating these interventions. The three research questions that guided this study were fueled by previous empirical studies that revealed three barriers to implementing …

The Perceived Effect Of The Cliftonstrengths Assessment Of Christian Leader Self-Awareness, Daniel Lee York

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceived congruence between the coached CliftonStrengths (CS) assessment model and leader self-awareness (SA: internal, external, and spiritual) as described by the participants (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The theory behind this study was emotional intelligence, with specific attention on self-awareness and its import to general leadership theory (Antonakis et al., 2009; Bar-On et al., 2000; Goleman, 2019; Higgs, 2002; Eurich, 2017).

A selective phenomenological study was utilized because the author evaluated leaders’ perception of the effect of CS on their SA or “What is it like to experience such-and-such?” (Leedy …

Essential Groaning: The Resurrection Hope Of Romans 8:18-25 And 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10 Against Word Of Faith Theology, Samuel Arthur Knaus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Word of Faith theology affirms that God wants to bless all who agree with him with health, wealth, and prosperity in this life. The movement admonishes its followers to seek these gifts from God for a life of material goods, ease, and comfort here and now. However, a look at the lifestyles of faithful saints throughout redemptive history demonstrates that the clear majority did not receive health, wealth, and prosperity in this life. Scripture affirms that believers should not love the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15) but instead, seek prosperity in the life to come. This …

An Exploration Into The Social And Emotional Effects Of K-12 Music Education, Jerrod T. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In music education, a student must learn to read music notation, develop eye-hand-mind coordination, develop keen listening skills, develop team skills for playing in an ensemble, and develop the discipline to practice. Several research findings show that musical training is a powerful intervention that could help students emotionally and intellectually mature. This research aims to connect the current research on music education with the lack of exploration and knowledge to find the correlation between music and students’ academic success. The methodology used for this study will be a quantitative historical study format directed to discover research-backed evidence based on this …

Reduction Of Inpatient Falls In The Treatment Of Patients With Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia (Bpsd), April Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Aim: To identify if utilization of non-pharmacological interventions versus pharmacological interventions can promote the reduction of falls and potential injuries in patients with BPSD on an inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit, ultimately improving patient-centered treatment courses, outcomes, and improved QOL. Background: Falls in the elderly population have a significant impact on the patient and the health care system. Even though health care organizations have been dedicated to developing and implementing strategies to reduce and prevent patient falls, they remain unequivocally the leading cause of adverse events that occur during an acute hospitalization, causing significant injury, disability, morbidity, mortality, and financial burden …

A Phenomenological Study Of Challenges Faced By Pastors’ Kids; Effects On The Children And The Pastor, Comfort Kanco-Ackep

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this phenomenological study is to identify the challenges faced by pastors' children and understand their repercussions. The phenomenon of pastor's children deviating from the faith and straying from religious beliefs is a prevalent issue. The Bible shows that priests like Eli and Samuel had children who disobeyed the Lord, in the Old Testament. God's children have had their children wander from moral or religious ways many times. This is due to the many obstacles they face. The pastor's children have numerous expectations and challenges. This study examines how these problems affect pastors' children and pastors. Felitti and …

Banks Shareholder Net Worth And Blockchain Technology, O'Neal Lawrance Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how blockchain technology affects the banking industry, specifically lending. It provided insights into how blockchain technology changes traditional banking operations and its potential to transform the industry. The research emphasized changes in banking and the effects of technological advances, particularly in digitalization. It outlined the research objectives to provide perspectives on how blockchain technology could lower costs and improve shareholders' equity in the banking sector. The study used a mixed-method design for the analysis. It outlined various strategies for banks to use blockchain technology, highlighting its potential benefits, such as improved transparency, faster settlements, increased trust, and …

High-Fidelity Simulation And The Development Of Self-Confidence In Clinical Decision Making When Delivering Patient Care, Deborah Marie Posey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The competition for available clinical practice sites has increased the need for alternative measures to provide the means for nursing students to develop self-confidence in clinical decision making when providing patient care. The purpose of this one-group, pretest-posttest correlational study was to determine fourth semester associate-degree-seeking nursing students’ perceived levels of self-confidence and anxiety with clinical decision making when delivering patient care after completing a standardized high-fidelity simulation (HFS) following the pandemic. Kolb’s experiential learning theory provided the theoretical framework for this study explaining the connection between experiential learning and HFS. The Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making …

Building Hope In Outreach Ministry, Preston W. Boerner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Churches and faith-based organizations may discover their role in fulfilling the Great Commission seems to be overshadowed by their efforts to provide other forms of relief and support. Central Florida, like many different regions in the United States, is facing an epidemic of homelessness and addiction. Natural and manmade disasters also present urgent and existential threats. The researcher believes that building true and lasting hope in Jesus is key to facing these challenges in the long term. He hypothesized that intractable barriers may create hopelessness and shift the focus of ministry away from inspiring hope. He conducted purposive interviews and …

Exploring The Mediating Effects Of Beliefs Toward Mental Illness On The Relationship Between Religiosity And Self-Stigma Of Seeking Help, Grace-Ann Gibby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is well-known that mental health concerns are common worldwide. Despite the increased research and strategic programs designed to improve mental healthcare systems, there are still persistent gaps in the accessibility and utilization of these services globally. The struggle to improve mental healthcare is even more difficult in developing countries. As a developing country, Bahamian society has insufficiently addressed mental healthcare. Mental health concerns have been categorized as a number one priority for The Bahamas, and a strong effort for the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health is highly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017). Statistics show …