Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Discipline: Creating Academic Structural Systems To Foster Success For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Richard Jasch

Dissertations of Practice

Students diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) face profound challenges in traditional educational environments, often exhibiting significant underdevelopment in critical social and emotional learning skills. To support this vulnerable population, many school districts rely on specialized programs, such as the “affective learning center” (ALC), designed to stabilize behavior and foster growth. This qualitative dissertation of practice examines the ALC within a mid-sized K–12 district in the Rocky Mountain region to define its core characteristics and evaluate educators' perceptions of its effectiveness. Furthermore, the study investigates the alignment or misalignment between stakeholder perceptions, daily classroom practices, and overarching district policies. …

Exploring The Gender Gap In Trump Supporters: Why “Real Women Vote For Trump”, Emma Kudelka

Res Publica - Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper examines the types of women who support Donald Trump and explores the reasons behind their alignment with him, despite his seemingly contradictory policies toward women. It begins by analyzing the persistent and modest gender gap across the last three election cycles in which Trump was a candidate. The paper then outlines the demographic and attitudinal profile of female Trump supporters—predominantly white, non-college-educated women who often hold traditional views, including sexist or racist attitudes. These views are frequently rooted in their demographic backgrounds and upbringing, particularly the effects of gendered political socialization, which may shape their attitudes toward political …

Conflict Analysis With Chatgpt, Yeju Choi

Open Educational Resources

This assignment asks students to apply the conflict mapping method to a conflict of their choice and evaluate appropriate resolution processes and strategies. Students use ChatGPT as a structured “peer” to generate alternative perspectives, then compare AI-generated recommendations with their own analysis grounded in course concepts. By designing intentional prompts and critically assessing areas of agreement and disagreement, students evaluate the usefulness and limitations of AI in conflict analysis while reinforcing analytical, evaluative, and reflective skills central to conflict resolution practice.

Annotated Bibliography Assignment, Daryl Wout

Open Educational Resources

This assignment engages students in comparing AI-generated and human-generated annotated bibliographies. Students first read a psychology research article and create their own annotated bibliography summarizing the study’s purpose, literature, hypotheses, design, findings, and implications. They then use ChatGPT to generate an AI-based bibliography and critically compare it to their own work, evaluating accuracy, completeness, and usability. The exercise emphasizes critical reflection on the capabilities and limitations of AI for research tasks, while encouraging students to integrate effective AI strategies into their scholarly practices without compromising independent analysis.

Do Sleep And Age Concurrently And Longitudinally Predict Children's Frustration Tolerance?, Mavery P. Allen

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Frustration is experienced when there is interference with one’s goal or progress towards one’s goal. This study sought to examine how age and sleep affect child frustration through the observation of 2 experimental tasks, each a year apart. This study included data from 100 children (boys = 54) ages 3 to 5 years (M = 3.86) at Wave 1. There are 2 waves, occurring a year apart. The first task in Wave 1 consisted of giving a child keys to a locked, clear box with intriguing toys, but unbeknownst to them, the keys did not work. The second task consisted …

Theory Of Mind: Effects Of Ecological Syntactic Training In Children With And Without Autism, Jill De Villiers, Stephanie Durrleman

Linguistics: Faculty Publications

Complement clauses, such as Mary says that Santa exists, are complex linguistic structures that have been argued to help children grasp others’ beliefs when those beliefs do not align with reality. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have difficulties with Theory of Mind (ToM), which might be helped by enhancing understanding of complements. The study investigates whether an ecological approach to training, using children's books containing false complement clauses, can improve false belief reasoning in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children. The goal is to assess if structured dialogic reading at home, led by parents, …

Why We Stayed, Why We Left: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Hispanic/Latino Child Welfare Professionals’ Experiences Of Organizational And Safety Culture, Cynthia Franco

Theses and Dissertations

This hermeneutic phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Hispanic/Latino child welfare professionals who were formerly employed at a large urban public child welfare agency. Despite the growing representation of Hispanic/Latino children and families in child welfare systems and the strong vocational commitment of Hispanic/Latino professionals, this group remains underrepresented in the workforce and experiences notable patterns of early attrition. Grounded in safety science and psychological safety frameworks, this study explores how organizational culture, leadership practices, and identity-related dynamics shape professional meaning-making, well-being, and decisions to remain in or leave the field.

Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and …

Ashley Hanson '82-Carolyn Buxton '71, Ashley Hanson, Carolyn Buxton

Alumni Oral History Project

No abstract provided.

Literature In Us School Psychology: Who Gets In?, Finn Drennan, Carmin Jones, Kitzia Martinez, Ethan Jones

CURE Proceedings

Past research has established that biases in psychological research favor authors and participants in the United States and other Western countries (Henrich et al., 2010; Arnett, 2008). However, the extent of this bias in the field of school psychology is not well understood. School psychologists support students from diverse cultural backgrounds, so understanding biases in the empirical literature is important for understanding how well that literature describes all students. The goal of the present study is to apply bibliometric and scientometric techniques to describe who participates in school psychology research. Bibliometric data will be collected from empirical articles published in …

Behavioral And Psychological Financial Hardship Among Caregivers Of Pediatric Cancer Patients, Josiane Kabayundo, Cheng Zheng, Edward S. Peters, Don W. Coulter, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Financial hardship encompasses material, behavioral, and psychological domains; however, most research among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients has focused on material hardship. This study examined factors associated with behavioral and psychological financial hardship among caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Nebraska.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children diagnosed within the past 5 years and treated at two pediatric oncology specialty clinics. Behavioral hardship was defined as delaying medical or mental healthcare due to cost, while psychological hardship was measured by worry about ability to pay medical bills. Descriptive statistics and poisson regression with robust variance …

The Successful Transition To Executive Leadership Roles In The Pharmaceutical Industry, Eddie J. Fuller

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The underrepresentation of minority groups in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry constitutes a significant issue, as evidenced by various studies. These studies consistently indicate that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to progress into leadership positions. It appears that much of the existing literature discusses African American women as the identified underrepresented group. This dissertation investigates the underrepresentation of minority groups in leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry. The sample comprises both minority and majority participants who currently hold or have previously held leadership positions in pharmaceutical companies within the United States. This dissertation uses survey questionnaires to …

Political Elections In The New Wave Of Media: The Celebrification Of The Presidency, Camille B. Moore

Anthós

This article examines the impact of social media on journalism leading up to the 2024 United States presidential election and how expectations of candidates have changed. By exploring the degradation of discourse in news and how polarization and cognitive biases have intensified with the widespread adoption of social media, previous candidate conventions have begun to crumble. This has, and will continue to have, a large impact on voting and democracy in America, as scholars have noted since the beginning of the 2000’s, in examining a shift in news preferences as pop culture gains influence. This work further examines recent scholarship …

Chatbot Therapy - Help Or Hindrance, Kadi Rae Smith

Anthós

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots are complex computer programs designed to mimic human conversations using programming that incorporates large language models (LLM) and natural language models (NLM) to simulate human interactions that are being rapidly integrated into everyday life across an increasing amount of online platforms. This article explores the applications and efficacy of chatbots for mental healthcare, from self-directed chatbot interactions to clinician-supervised implementation of chatbot-based therapeutic tools, weighing the benefits and limitations of this ever-expanding technology.

Methodology/Taxonomy

A literature review was conducted primarily using Web of Science, accessed through Portland State University, and Google Scholar, with specifications …

Three Essays On Disparities And Outcomes Among Patients With Diabetes, Aiemere O. Oikeh

Theses and Dissertations--Health Services Research (HSR)

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that patients with diabetes adopt 7 preventive care measures to improve their health outcomes. The recommendations are to check their blood glucose levels daily, undergo biennial hemoglobin A1c tests, undergo dilated eye exams once every 2 years, engage in regular physical activity, check their feet daily, have annual feet examinations performed by a clinician, and receive diabetes self-management education services (DSMES). Marital status has been found to be associated with positive health outcomes; thus, it is ideal to evaluate if there is an association between marital status and diabetes preventive care. The ADA also …

Raising Not So Little Leaders, Rob M. Burke

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem this research addressed was understanding how parents, supported by local churches, can instill values of love and kindness and cultivate a servant leadership mindset in children from birth through age eighteen within the Orange County context. This study examined how churches can partner with parents to help children live out these values through the relationships, environments, and everyday rhythms that shape them. In response to this problem, the researcher explored the biblical and theological themes of love, kindness, and service in the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles. John shares how Jesus demonstrated these values through being …

Author Biographies

Roger Williams University Law Review

No abstract provided.

Master Of Social Work Portfolio, Isabella Faith Decunzo

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This Portfolio has been developed in partial fulfilment of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and demonstrates my personal and professional growth over the course of the program. It highlights selected academic and practice-based work completed throughout the past two years, reflecting my developing knowledge and application of the Five Elements of Advanced Integrative Practice and the Ten Competencies of Social Work.

Included is an appendix containing completed assignments from the MSW program in Missoula, Montana, which supports and demonstrates the reflective narrative presented throughout the portfolio. Each artifact directly aligns with and illustrates my progression toward competency in …

Grading Practices In Secondary Classrooms: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Teacher Decision-Making, Student Outcomes, And Implications For Educational Equity, Lauren Lay

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

GRADING PRACTICES IN SECONDARY CLASSROOMS: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY EXPLORING TEACHER DECISION-MAKING, STUDENT OUTCOMES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY. Lay, Lauren, 2026: Dissertation, Long Island University. Grading practices remain one of the most influential yet inconsistent aspects of secondary education. Despite increased interest in equitable grading, little research has examined how teachers make grading decisions within a common institutional context while exploring relationships among grading practices, student outcomes, motivation, and educational equity. The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study was to examine how grading decision-making among 9th and 10th-grade teachers across five core content areas within one suburban New York high …

Evaluating The Effects Of Autonomous Learning, Goal Orientation And Self-Efficacy On The Academic Performance Of Ethiopian Stem Students’ Through Structural Equation Modeling (Sem), Jerusalem Yizengaw, Asnake Tarekegn Nigussie

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The study investigates the relationships among self-efficacy, goal orientation, and autonomous learning and how these factors affect Ethiopian STEM students’ academic performance. A descriptive survey design using mixed-methods research was used. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were employed to gather data from eight teachers and 151 STEM students. CFA and EFA attested to the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. Quantitative data were assessed using structural equation modeling (SEM), and qualitative data were analyzed using word descriptions. Self-efficacy was positively correlated with STEM students’ academic performance (β = .12, p < .01), whereas autonomous learning and goal orientation were negatively correlated (β = -.01, p < .01) and (β = -.04, p < .01), respectively. Findings suggest that techniques that help Ethiopian STEM students develop self-efficacy should be prioritized, with implications for curriculum design and instructional approaches. According to the findings, methods that support Ethiopian STEM students in developing self-efficacy should be prioritized, with consequences for instructional strategies and curriculum design. Although self-belief appears crucial for success, further research is required to fully understand the complex interaction of these factors in Ethiopia and other contexts.

Ai-Generated Content In Education: Moving Beyond Theory Toward Data-Driven And Actionable Insights, Huong Thi Pham, Nhung Thi Phuong Nguyen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The emergence of AI-powered content such as text, images, and videos generated by large language models (LLMs) has rapidly transitioned from an experimental novelty to a structural force in higher education. Yet, previous reviews have remained largely conceptual or focused on the early stages of the AI wave. This study offers an updated, multi-faceted overview of AI-generated content in education based on data from 2022 to 2025. Following the PRISMA protocol, we systematically identified and reviewed 64 peer-reviewed studies to examine usage, transformation of teaching practices, impacts on learning outcomes, and challenges related to academic integrity, bias, trustworthiness, and teacher …

Development Of The Digital Literacy Scale Based On A Socioformative Approach In University Students, Pedro Luis Arroyo-Pizarro, Renzo Esteban Martinez Laya, Elizabeth Deisy Herrera Bustillos, Esperanza Carmen Quiñones Aldazabal, Ernesto Elias Mamani Tipula, Alex Giovanny Arestigue Navarro, Christian Daniel Palomino Huananchin

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a digital literacy scale grounded in the socioformative approach for university students. An instrumental, cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 174 students from Metropolitan Lima. Content validity was established through expert judgment, and construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis. The results supported a four-factor structure—Metacognitive-Adaptive ICT domain, Critical digital information management, Multimedia communicative production, and Digital socio-ethical practice—that explained 61% of the variance. Reliability indices were acceptable across dimensions (α=.716–.810; ω=.728–.817). The findings indicate that the scale (EADigit) is a valid and reliable tool for …

Emotional Intelligence And Self-Efficacy In Relation To Turnover Intention: The Mediating Role Of Job Satisfaction And Organizational Commitment In Faith-Based K–12 Education, Nestor Osorio

Dissertations

Problem

Leadership turnover remains a significant challenge within faith-based K–12 educational systems, affecting organizational stability, school culture, and long-term institutional effectiveness. Although previous studies have examined turnover intention in educational leadership, limited research has explored how emotional intelligence and principal self-efficacy relate to turnover intention through organizational attitudes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment within faith-based educational settings. Additionally, little empirical research has focused specifically on educational leaders serving within the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventist schools. This study examined the extent to which emotional intelligence, principal self- efficacy, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment are associated with …

Development And Psychometric Validation Of A Short-Form Critical Thinking Scale In Generative Ai Contexts (Genai–Crt): Evidence From Vietnamese Efl Learners, Ngo Cong-Lem, Thang T. Nguyen, Khanh N. H. Nguyen, Quyen N. H. Nguyen

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education has intensified concerns about its impact on learners’ critical thinking, underscoring the need for reliable instruments to assess how students engage critically with AI-generated content. This study adapted, developed, and initially validated the Generative AI–Critical Thinking (GenAI–CrT) scale, an eight-item short-form instrument designed to capture EFL learners’ critical thinking in AI-enhanced learning contexts. Data from 233 Vietnamese undergraduates and graduates underwent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, supporting a theoretically grounded four-factor structure comprising analytical skills, logical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and open-mindedness. The scale demonstrated excellent model fit (χ²(14) = 23.49, …

Trends And Innovations In The Development Of Immersive Technology In Science Education (2019-2024): A Literature Review, Aziz Kurniawan, Hartono Hartono, Bambang Subali

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, including the change in learning methods from face-to-face to non-face-to-face learning. This change in method accelerates innovation in the use of technology to support non-face-to-face learning. Immersive technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Virtual laboratories, have offered authentic and interactive non-face-to-face learning experiences in science education. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) method to map trends and innovations in the development of immersive technology in science education from 2019 to 2024. The literature data were obtained from the Scopus database and then selected using the PRISMA …

Speaking Up Online And Offline: The Effects Of Social Media-Based E-Portfolios In Empowering Efl Students' Speaking Performance, I Putu Indra Kusuma, Luh Indrayani

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Although e-portfolios are widely acknowledged for enhancing EFL students’ speaking skills, most studies assessed performances offline, leaving limited evidence of their impact across both modes. This study examined the effects of social media-based e-portfolios combined with classroom instruction on students’ speaking performance in online and offline contexts. A mixed-methods experimental design was employed, involving 46 Indonesian university students divided into an experimental and a control group. Data were collected through online and offline pre- and post-speaking tests, a speaking performance rubric, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis using One-Way MANOVA, Univariate ANOVA, paired sample t-test, and effect size revealed significant improvements …

Case-Based Learning In Biology Education: A Systematic Literature Review, Elsje Theodora Maasawet, Jullya Christin Kolow

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Biology education often relies on content-intensive instructional materials that may encourage rote memorisation rather than conceptual understanding, potentially contributing to misconceptions. Case-Based Learning (CBL) offers an alternative by engaging students in applying biological concepts to authentic, real-life cases and promoting meaningful learning. Despite growing empirical interest in CBL, no systematic literature review has specifically synthesised its application in biology education. This study therefore examined publication trends, learning skills addressed, and conceptualisations of CBL in biology education. Relevant literature was retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science using “Case-Based Learning” as the search term. Following PRISMA-guided screening, 42 articles were included …

Integrating Digital Tools To Foster Soft Skills In Vocational Education: A Flipped Classroom Approach In China, Shanshan Wu, Renee Shiun Yee Chew, Yanhua Bi, Hui Jin

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Changes in the global demand for labor have highlighted the need for vocational education and training (VET) systems to develop not only technical skills but also soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. This research investigates the use of digital technologies in a flipped classroom (FC) model and their impact on the development of soft skills in vocational students with particular attention to the growing VET ecosystem in China. With data gathered from a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 270 students from a Chinese vocational college, the research seeks to assess the impact of specific digital tools, such as video …

Storytelling & Simulation-Based Experiences (Sbes): Immersive Environments That Support Student Learning, Meredith Deegan, Lauren Goeke, Kristina Sandberg, Josh Blubaugh, Kimberly Davis, Mary Murigi

School of Nursing Publications

Storytelling and Simulation-Based Experiences (SBEs) offer a powerful, equity-minded approach to teaching population health. Drawing on the NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory, Kolb’s experiential learning model, and the AACN 2021 Essentials, this session presents a SBE that integrates narrative design to immerse learners in community-centered care through a simulated Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) waiting room experience.

This SBE places students in a crowded FQHC waiting room to explore cultural humility, empathy, and health promotion in underserved settings. After the prebrief establishing purpose and psychological safety, students enter a conference room transformed with tight seating, limited walking space, and ambient noise. …

Return To Work After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention In Employee With Metabolic Comorbidities: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Bramantyo Eko Wahyudi Mr, Levina Khoe

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

Background This evidence-based case report examines whether metabolic comorbidities independently predict return to work (RTW) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for myocardial infarction. A 52-year-old male senior manager with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and central obesity underwent PCI and required structured occupational assessment.

Methods A systematic literature search identified five eligible studies—one national registry cohort, three prospective cohort studies, and one narrative systematic review—critically appraised using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria.

Results Metabolic comorbidities showed consistent directional associations with reduced RTW probability in bivariate analyses and independently predicted longterm labour-market exit. However, in multivariate models across three of …

Who’S To Blame? Exploring Collective Emotions Between Shared Guilt And Anger: A Semiotic Study Of Digital Narratives And Social Activism In The Context Of Online Gender-Based Violence, Cristina Greco, Marianna Boero

All Works

The present study explores digital narratives and social activism in the context of online gender-based violence, focusing on the mechanisms of collective emotions, such as guilt, anger, shame, and fear. In this perspective, the narrative continues to deal with how media representations legitimate ideological conceptions and perpetuate the normalization of online violence against women. By deepening our understanding of how collective emotions are constructed and manipulated, the study aims to identify the subtle and hidden link between media discourses and actual events as they occur online. In doing so, it explores media narratives evoking collective shame, fear, anger, and guilt, …