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2023

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Coveting Relationships Over Association: The Church's Response To The Millennial's Exodus, Erik W. Switzer Dec 2023

Coveting Relationships Over Association: The Church's Response To The Millennial's Exodus, Erik W. Switzer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project identified the reasons church-affiliated millennials in Tyler, Texas, have exited the church after reaching adulthood and have failed to return in significant numbers. To capture the reasons for this generational church exodus, area millennials were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. To participate in the survey, millennials must have regularly attended an Evangelical or Catholic church during childhood and adolescence and stopped attending church after age eighteen. The survey invitation was distributed through emails and the social media platform Facebook. The invitation contained an embedded hyperlink that directed participants to Survey Monkey. All survey results reside …

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Healing Artists Through Art, Corey Aaron Cundiff Dec 2023

Healing Artists Through Art, Corey Aaron Cundiff

Masters Theses

Men die by suicide nearly four times more than women, with higher rates among artists. There has been an increase in the rate of suicide over the years, primarily linked to depression and mounting societal expectations imposed upon men. The prevalence of social media and the awareness that comes with indicates that the issue of suicide may never disappear unless action is taken. This paper examines the need for art therapy to counter depression among male artists. No longer do we need to rely strictly on medication and talk therapy to treat depression. Many art therapy techniques have proven quite …

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Conscious Consumers: Understanding The Roles And Impacts Patrons Can Have To Make Ethically Minded Purchases That Affect Society, Mallory Sallstrom Dec 2023

Conscious Consumers: Understanding The Roles And Impacts Patrons Can Have To Make Ethically Minded Purchases That Affect Society, Mallory Sallstrom

Masters Theses

This thesis will examine the issue that patrons of large corporations are often unaware of how their patronage funds divisive corporate philanthropy resulting in an ethical dilemma for the patron. To better understand this issue, research was conducted through a series of research questions. After completing this research, a literature review was conducted in addition to case studies and visual analyses. Based upon the research, a visual solution was created to serve as a resource and tool to educate consumers about the philanthropic efforts of large corporations as it relates to their values and missions. The thesis visual deliverables include …

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Beyond Sunday Morning: Communal Singing And Corporate Identity, Justin Aaron Mckinney Dec 2023

Beyond Sunday Morning: Communal Singing And Corporate Identity, Justin Aaron Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Corporate worship singing long aided congregants in growing their communal identity and theological understanding of biblical principles. While modern singing trends help congregants grow their theological understanding, modern church singing trends suggest songs are not encouraging growth in communal identity mimicking cultural values of individualism in corporate worship song lyrics. Historically, individual first-person pronouns represented the individuals alongside the rest of the church; but with a rise in cultural individualism, first-person pronouns now represent individuals independent of one another. This individualistic focus can lead congregants to conclude they do not need the church and to remove themselves from the body …

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A College Outreach Initiative To Connect Paine College Students With Thankful Baptist Church, Christopher J. Waters Dec 2023

A College Outreach Initiative To Connect Paine College Students With Thankful Baptist Church, Christopher J. Waters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

College students’ declining attendance and participation at Thankful Baptist Church is a growing concern for the congregation and its leadership. For over one hundred years the church has had a strong outreach to the students at Paine College, a local HBCU and private Christian institution. However, over the last five years Thankful Baptist Church’s outreach to Paine College students has declined significantly. This research project implemented training for ten outreach volunteers and six weeks of mentoring for ten Paine College students to revive the declined college ministry to Paine College into an active ministry which attracts and retains college students …

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Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Graduate School Students On Developing Human Capital Through Family Life Education And Leadership Development, Francis Ngulefac Dec 2023

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Graduate School Students On Developing Human Capital Through Family Life Education And Leadership Development, Francis Ngulefac

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of graduate school students on developing human capital through family life education and leadership development in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. The theory that informed this study is the human capital theory, which postulates that human beings can improve upon their productive capacity by pursuing further education and acquiring more work-related skills and experience. Thus, this study explored the lived experiences of graduate school students in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area concerning this theory. I recruited 12 graduate school students living in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area in …

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The Impact Of Shame On Medication-Assisted Therapy Treatment Outcomes For Individuals With A Severe Opiate Use Disorder, Cameron Davis Mcclure Dec 2023

The Impact Of Shame On Medication-Assisted Therapy Treatment Outcomes For Individuals With A Severe Opiate Use Disorder, Cameron Davis Mcclure

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Shame has a significant impact on various psychopathologies including depression (Pinto et al., 2012), anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (Bryan et al., 2013). The gap in this research is the quantitative impact of shame on the relapse cycle in individuals with a severe opioid use disorder. This research study will demonstrate the impact of shame on the expression of addictive behavior in patients that have a diagnosed opiate use disorder and are currently actively enrolled in a medication-assisted therapy treatment program. This research study will illustrate how the presence of increased therapeutic alliance strength can result in the reduction of …

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African Influence In The Bible: A Sub-Saharan Response To The Gospel And The Divine Prerogative Of African Incorporation In God’S Redemptive Plan, Robert Milton Bugg Jr. Dec 2023

African Influence In The Bible: A Sub-Saharan Response To The Gospel And The Divine Prerogative Of African Incorporation In God’S Redemptive Plan, Robert Milton Bugg Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Bible presents God's magnificent divine plan, executed by chosen people for a specific purpose. There are illustrations of those from various regions impacting those worldwide throughout the Bible. While much of the Old Testament takes place in ancient Mesopotamia, the magnitude of God’s plan is global. This dissertation will examine sub-Saharan people groups in Africa, particularly the Kushites and ancient Ethiopians. The discussion will include the history of Africans in the ancient world, their migration and development parallel to recorded biblical history, and their role in the Bible. Scholars utilize many different terms when referring to Kushites, depending on …

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The Effectiveness Of K-12 Online Music Education During The Covid-19 Lockdown, Christopher Lafser Dec 2023

The Effectiveness Of K-12 Online Music Education During The Covid-19 Lockdown, Christopher Lafser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the successes of online education, students often learn and develop skills in classroom music ensembles that cannot be replicated in online learning. Virtual learning is a new tool for some educators and during the 2020-2022 COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown, many schools were not prepared for the sudden changes the lockdowns needed. Since the lockdown, there have been few studies which examine student music engagement in 100% virtual learning as compared to in-classroom instruction. This qualitative research study examines in what ways music students engage in 100% virtual learning compared to students in a traditional classroom in the areas of musical …

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Exploring The Need For Additional Title Ix Education And Training, Maria K. Lamiotte Dec 2023

Exploring The Need For Additional Title Ix Education And Training, Maria K. Lamiotte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explores the differences between students, faculty, and staff about the need for additional Title IX education and training at a community college in Southeastern Connecticut from the four-level construct of the Social-Ecological Model of sexual misconduct prevention. This paper analyzed the existing literature on sexual misconduct education and training across higher education institutions, specifically related to community colleges nationwide. The literature was limited, related to community colleges. The data analysis explored the differences between students, faculty, and staff’s gender, sexual orientation, and college status about the need for additional Title IX education and training using archival data …

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Worship And The Generational Divide: A Study Of Inclusive Worship In The Church, Willie S. Moody Dec 2023

Worship And The Generational Divide: A Study Of Inclusive Worship In The Church, Willie S. Moody

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every generation has a different way of engaging in congregational worship, sometimes at odds with another generation. The current challenge for pastors and worship leaders of churches with multiple generations is planning worship services that consider the congregation's complex make-up and remain faithful to the principles of biblical worship. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to provide a worship model that facilitates the worship styles and preferences of multiple generations within a church congregation. An atmosphere of worship is desired for all persons attending weekly worship services whose hearts and minds are receptive to the move of God …

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Forgiveness In Education: A Qualitative Analysis Of The Forgiveness Experience For Educators, Corinne D. Denhartog Dec 2023

Forgiveness In Education: A Qualitative Analysis Of The Forgiveness Experience For Educators, Corinne D. Denhartog

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Forgiveness is as powerful as it is complex. Evaluating how teachers understand and practice forgiveness has potential applications within broader forgiveness theory as well as more practically in discussions of both teacher health related to practicing forgiveness and student learning of forgiveness. The present study sought to gather qualitative insights related to teacher understanding of forgiveness, teacher practice of forgiveness within their jobs, and teacher opinions on forgiveness education. A total of six semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with groups of two to four public school teachers. Results indicated that there is variety in understanding amongst teachers of what …

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“My Job Is To Teach”: How Teachers Approach State Laws In A Culturally Relevant Classroom, Clayton Jaskinia Dec 2023

“My Job Is To Teach”: How Teachers Approach State Laws In A Culturally Relevant Classroom, Clayton Jaskinia

Masters Theses (Archived)

The murders of James Bryd. Jr, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Sandra Bland led to the Black Lives Matter movement. Following these deaths, schools across the country that were named after Confederates and statues of them were taken down, causing backlash against more substantial steps to address white supremacy in the curriculum. This qualitative study investigates how social studies teachers are reacting to laws that restrict the teaching of history and deny Texas students the right to be represented in their education. The findings demonstrate a link between teachers’ understanding of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and their solidarity with students of …

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Decolonization Of The Writing Classroom: Creating Space For Decolonial Theory, Tools, Anti-Racist Pedagogy, And Methods To Improve The Emerging Bilingual Student Experience, Desiree L. Brown Dec 2023

Decolonization Of The Writing Classroom: Creating Space For Decolonial Theory, Tools, Anti-Racist Pedagogy, And Methods To Improve The Emerging Bilingual Student Experience, Desiree L. Brown

Masters Theses (Archived)

In this thesis, the author addresses the colonial roots of the secondary writing classroom and the origin of standard academic English which enables strict standardized testing and writing assessment requirements that in-turn incite linguistic violence towards emerging bilingual students. The author frames her study within the framework of April Baker-Bell and Asao B. Inoue through a reflective/reflexive study of her teaching in a ninth grade writing classroom in a primarily Hispanic school district in South Texas, which is assessed by the state of Texas through STAAR. This study seeks to identify instances of linguistic violence being perpetuated in the writing …

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How Do Staff And Families Perceive The Effects Of After School Programs On The Overall School Experience?, Selena Alonzo Dec 2023

How Do Staff And Families Perceive The Effects Of After School Programs On The Overall School Experience?, Selena Alonzo

Masters Theses (Archived)

No abstract provided.

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How Has Military Service Affected Veteran Who Become Teachers, Jason Opalinski Dec 2023

How Has Military Service Affected Veteran Who Become Teachers, Jason Opalinski

Masters Theses (Archived)

No abstract provided.

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Interleukin-17-Mediated Protective Cytokine Signaling Against Degeneration Of The Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Yan Chen, Sarah E Bounds, Xiang Ma, James Regun Karmoker, Yin Liu, Jian-Xing Ma, Jiyang Cai Dec 2023

Interleukin-17-Mediated Protective Cytokine Signaling Against Degeneration Of The Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Yan Chen, Sarah E Bounds, Xiang Ma, James Regun Karmoker, Yin Liu, Jian-Xing Ma, Jiyang Cai

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Injuries to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retina often result in the accumulation of retinal microglia within the subretinal space. These subretinal microglia play crucial roles in inflammation and resolution, but the mechanisms governing their functions are still largely unknown. Our previous research highlighted the protective functions of choroidal γδ T cells in response to RPE injury. In the current study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing approach to characterize the profiles of immune cells in mouse choroid. We found that γδ T cells were the primary producer of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the choroid. IL-17 signaled through its receptor …

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The Impact Of Therapist Credentials On Perceptions Of The Psychotherapist, David Mackey Waugh Dec 2023

The Impact Of Therapist Credentials On Perceptions Of The Psychotherapist, David Mackey Waugh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Objective. The aim of the present study was to assess whether providing credential information about therapists from an online source would have an impact on perceptions of psychotherapists comparable to when such information is conveyed in physical settings. Method. Participants viewed two emulated psychotherapist websites, one in which credential information was included and another without these credential details. After viewing each website, participants rated the perceived skills and empathy of the therapist. Results. Analysis revealed that therapists were viewed as more expert when professional credentials were provided. Therapists were also viewed as more empathic with credential included, but only when …

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Palinopsia: The Persistence Of Vision In Time, Lesley Bragdon Dec 2023

Palinopsia: The Persistence Of Vision In Time, Lesley Bragdon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Lesley Bragdon's art aims to capture and convey her unique perception of the world. She reproduces the distorted, out-of-focus, and shadowy aspects of everyday objects that she sees, highlighting that everyone can perceive objects differently. Bragdon's artistic process involves the hybridization of materials and the transformation of found objects into mixed-media sculptures and installations. She draws inspiration from contemporary artists like Lynda Benglis and Suzanne Jackson, exploring the boundaries between painting and sculpture. The use of shadows plays a significant role in her art, adding layers of abstraction and creating visually captivating experiences. Bragdon's art is influenced by her medical …

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The Role Of Religiosity In Predicting Behavioral Economic Variables And Alcohol-Related Consequences Experienced By Black Emerging Adults, Alton Joe Withers Dec 2023

The Role Of Religiosity In Predicting Behavioral Economic Variables And Alcohol-Related Consequences Experienced By Black Emerging Adults, Alton Joe Withers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Psychosocial adversities increase alcohol use and consequences in emerging adults. Black Americans experience more adversities compared to other demographics and this may increase risk for misuse of alcohol. Religiosity may serve as a predictor of alcohol misuse, but little is known about longitudinal associations between alcohol misuse and religiosity in Black emerging adults (EAs). Behavioral economics (BE) posits that alcohol use is determined by the availability and price of alcohol compared to the availability and price of other reinforcements. Moreover, the value of these competing rewards is influenced by the delay of the rewards. Associations between sharply devaluing delayed outcomes …

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Is Seeing The Therapist Important? Perceptions Of Therapist Empathy And Skill, Jerry Lee Lovelace Dec 2023

Is Seeing The Therapist Important? Perceptions Of Therapist Empathy And Skill, Jerry Lee Lovelace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Psychotherapists have increasingly used alternate telehealth formats for providing treatment (e.g., videoconferencing, telephone, and online chat). In some modes, therapists may not be seen clearly or even at all. The current study aimed to assess visibility’s impact on observers’ perceptions of therapists’ empathy and skill. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate vignettes of psychotherapy sessions with differing levels of visibility: a video of the session or an audio of the session. Analyses revealed that observers’ perceptions of therapists differed by visibility condition. The study found that in the non-visible condition, female presenting therapists were perceived as less skilled and empathetic. …

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Apolipoprotein E Adopts An Antiparallel Dimer In Discoidal Lipoproteins, Michael Ray Strickland Dec 2023

Apolipoprotein E Adopts An Antiparallel Dimer In Discoidal Lipoproteins, Michael Ray Strickland

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the major lipoprotein in the central nervous system and forms high density lipoprotein (HDL) like lipoprotein. ApoE is primarily secreted by astrocytes in the central nervous system and is thought to play an important role in cholesterol and lipid transport. The APOE gene has three major alleles, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. These alleles encode for 3 common APOE protein isoforms, ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. APOE3 is most common isoform of APOE with the other two isoforms differing by the loss (ApoE4, Cys112Arg) or gain (ApoE2, Arg158Cys) of a cysteine residue. APOE4 is the largest risk factor …

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With Or Without The Table, We Gather: Reinforcing Innate Resiliencies In The African American Family, Jessica L. Stevens-Eddy Dec 2023

With Or Without The Table, We Gather: Reinforcing Innate Resiliencies In The African American Family, Jessica L. Stevens-Eddy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aims to determine whether food-sharing (gathering to eat) can be considered a suitable medium to facilitate increased cohesion within African American families. This study focuses on informal food-sharing as an extension of formal meal-sharing. Previous research links consistent formal meal-sharing to positive and secure identity development, better familial attachment, and improved family cohesion. These practices leave a lasting, detrimental impact on the African American family model. Additional barriers to some African American family meal-sharing practices include working extended and atypical work hours, food insecurity, and poor familial communication. There is a lack of research concerning the impact …

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Clawhammer: Vincent A. Witcher And Guerrilla Warfare In Civil War Southern Appalachia, Melanie Greer Storie Dec 2023

Clawhammer: Vincent A. Witcher And Guerrilla Warfare In Civil War Southern Appalachia, Melanie Greer Storie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Vincent A. Witcher, the subject of this dissertation, is largely unknown to Civil War historians. He is rarely mentioned, and when he is, it is primarily in connection with J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Without the 1886 New York Times article and the resulting lawsuit, Witcher might have faded away as a historical footnote for his minor role at Gettysburg. However, this dissertation argues that his libel suit represents a microcosm of the complicated nature of guerrilla warfare during the Civil War. Through a lens of memory and regional history, the Witcher case …

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Teacher Perceptions Of The Benefits Of Duets In Private Trumpet Lessons: A Qualitative Survey Study Of University Teachers In South Carolina, Todd Edison Jenkins Dec 2023

Teacher Perceptions Of The Benefits Of Duets In Private Trumpet Lessons: A Qualitative Survey Study Of University Teachers In South Carolina, Todd Edison Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While research exists surrounding trumpet pedagogy and utilizing duets in piano and string lessons, no studies currently focus on teachers’ perceptions of employing duets in private college trumpet lessons. Teacher perception is important because of the significant amount of trumpet duet literature available for teachers to implement as part of their curriculum to improve the dexterity and musicianship of their students. Ensemble skills, articulation, phrasing, style, transposition, and the introduction of piccolo trumpet and trumpets in other keys are important skills at all levels of trumpet performance. Trumpet teachers may utilize duets as a facet of their curriculum to teach …

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And All Those Jazz Hands! A Curricular Show Choir In An Elementary Public School: A Case Study, Anne Valadia Binkley Dec 2023

And All Those Jazz Hands! A Curricular Show Choir In An Elementary Public School: A Case Study, Anne Valadia Binkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the known benefits of adolescent participation in secondary music ensembles and the advantages of singing for elementary-aged students, researchers have yet to evaluate the positive effects of student participation in a public school elementary curricular show choir. The potential benefits of an elementary show choir in a public school can reveal more possibilities for music educators to involve students in relevant music-making. This study examines the perspectives of former elementary show choir members, parents, city officials, and elementary school administrators concerned with a public school curricular show choir. Respondents have shared views on benefits to students, families, and the …

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Increasing The Number Of High School Seniors Meeting The South Carolina "Profile Of A Graduate" Mandate, Cecil Bonner Dec 2023

Increasing The Number Of High School Seniors Meeting The South Carolina "Profile Of A Graduate" Mandate, Cecil Bonner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This applied study aimed to solve the problem of the inadequate number of high school seniors at Avenger Career Technology Center that meet the requirement of South Carolina's Profile of a Graduate. A multimethod approach was utilized to examine the problem of high school seniors not meeting college and career mandates. Data was collected through interviews with administrators, a focus group of ACTC students, and a quantitative survey from Avenger Career Technology Center teachers. Interviews were conducted with five administrators. A focus group of 10 students was held. Eighteen teachers completed a quantitative survey. Data were analyzed for codes and …

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Moral Injury: The Hidden Adversary Of War, Lashell Y. Davis Dec 2023

Moral Injury: The Hidden Adversary Of War, Lashell Y. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of United States Army combat veterans who have supported combat operations at least once over the past fourteen years in either Iraq or Afghanistan who self-identified as suffering from symptoms of moral injury. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of faith on resilience and coping mechanisms and broaden previous research on moral injury and whether Army leaders should identify and mitigate moral injury within the ranks. Phenomenology focuses on the interpretation and meaning of how individuals experience their world within a given context. Seven …

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Examining The Effect Of Utilizing 1:1 Ipad Technology On Third Grade Reading Achievement: A Causal-Comparative Analysis, Sharla E. Edwards Dec 2023

Examining The Effect Of Utilizing 1:1 Ipad Technology On Third Grade Reading Achievement: A Causal-Comparative Analysis, Sharla E. Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study examined the effects of one-to-one (1:1) iPad instruction versus traditional instruction on urban third-grade students' English Language Arts (ELA) achievement. The research is significant given the rising use of technology, like the 1:1 iPad initiative, to combat declining reading proficiency. It highlights the pivotal role of third-grade reading proficiency in future success, aligning with education policies and catering to modern learners. This study provides valuable insights for educators, administrators, and education stakeholders by elucidating the impact of technology on reading achievement. As one-to-one instruction gains prominence, understanding its influence on students' reading performance is crucial due …

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How Successful Middle School Band Directors Display Supplemental Illustrations, Instructions, And Reference Material In Their Classrooms, Christopher Ryan Kristich Dec 2023

How Successful Middle School Band Directors Display Supplemental Illustrations, Instructions, And Reference Material In Their Classrooms, Christopher Ryan Kristich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although presenting visual information is commonplace in a learning environment, many music educators could do this more effectively. This grounded theory project aimed to determine how successful middle school band directors display supplemental illustrations, instructions, and reference material in their classrooms. School administrators often require teachers to exhibit material related to the curriculum. Music educators are typically permitted autonomy with their wall displays if they maintain the educational parameters. Despite the potential benefits of displaying quality visual information, not all middle school band directors ensure that the auxiliary material presented in their room is relevant and constructive. Available resources that …

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