Digital Commons Network^™

Flattening The Learning Curve For International J.D. Students, Sylvia Lett

Saint Louis University Law Journal

Non-U.S. lawyers entering U.S. law schools in accelerated J.D. degree programs (known as the “AJD” – Advanced Juris Doctor Program at Arizona Law) face particular challenges adapting to 1L legal research, analysis, and communication classes. First, English is not the typical lingua franca for AJD students, many of whom come from civil law countries and are faced with the challenge of learning legal writing methods for an American common-law legal system. Second, AJD students earn a U.S. J.D. degree in only two years because these accelerated programs give one year of “credit” for their non-U.S. law degrees. As a consequence, …

Feeling At Home In The Basic Communication Course: A Qualitative Case Study Of Faculty And Student Perceptions Of A Connected Classroom Climate At One Midwestern University, Cynthia A. Grobmeier

Dissertations of Practice

The concept of a connected classroom climate considers that peer-to-peer interaction, not just instructor-student interaction, contributes to a sense of community in the classroom that can impact student outcomes. This qualitative case study considers both student and instructor perceptions of what contributes to that sense of connection in the classroom at a mid-size, four-year, Hispanic-serving university. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and member checks with students and instructors who engaged in the first-year basic communication course during the Spring 2022 semester. Five themes emerged in this study: a) the communication classroom is uniquely positioned to create a sense of …

Maternal Involvement, Parenting Styles And Socioeconomic Status As Predictors Of Academic Achievement Of Standard 5 Students In Trinidad And Tobago, Edison Greenaway

Dissertations

The Problem

Underachievement remains a long-standing issue for the Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which deleteriously impacted the education system. School closures became mandatory, and online learning was implemented throughout the education system. The results of the 2022 sitting of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams emphasized the issue of underachievement, with a significant decline in performance. Only 37.06% of students scored above the 50% mark. Familial factors such as parenting styles and parental involvement have been noted in the literature to positively impact students’ academic achievement (Borup et al., …

Carly Abelson Honors Portfolio, Carly Abelson

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Carly Abelson's Honors Portfolio captured in December 2024.

Differences In Student-Ai Interaction Process On A Drawing Task: Focusing On Students' Attitude Towards Ai And The Level Of Drawing Skills, Jinhee Kim, Yoonhee Ham, Sang-Soog Lee

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Recent advances and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have increased the opportunities for students to interact with AI in their learning tasks. Although various fields of scholarly research have investigated human-AI collaboration, the underlying processes of how students collaborate with AI in a student-AI teaming scenario have been scarcely investigated. To develop effective AI applications in education, it is necessary to understand differences in the student-AI interaction (SAI) process depending on students' characteristics. The present study attempts to fill this gap by exploring the differences in the SAI process amongst students with varying drawing proficiencies and attitudes towards AI in …

Relationship Between School Connectedness And Actual Help-Seeking Behavior Among Adolescents, Eric Dougherty

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between students’ perception of school connectedness and their actual engagement in help-seeking behaviors. This study also investigated whether or not the level of support obtained (e.g. formal versus informal) and the type of stressors experienced (e.g. academic issue versus non academic issue) served to influence the relationship between school connectedness and actual helpseeking behaviors. Archival data obtained from a Philadelphia area suburban high school was used to complete this study. Results suggest that students with higher levels of school connectedness do seek support at a greater rate than students who …

Transitioning From The Juvenile Justice System For Students With Disabilities, Michelle Cain

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Youth with disabilities are disproportionately involved in the juvenile justice system. However, there is limited research on how individuals with disabilities interact with support services or how their experiences may differ from youth without disabilities. The present study examined transition supports for youth exiting juvenile justice placements. The study utilized a semi-structured appreciative interview process. The purpose of utilizing an appreciative inquiry lens was to push past problem-focused ideas and highlight transition supports that have been successful. The primary research questions addressed the supports and services that have allowed youth with disabilities to successfully return to the comprehensive educational setting, …

The Effects Of Resilience On Bipoc Graduate Students' Mental And Physical Health, Shelby N. Wilson

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Graduate school can be a challenging and demanding experience, with many students facing considerable stress and adversity throughout their academic journey. For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) graduate students, the challenges may be amplified due to systemic and social factors, which can increase stress levels, potentially affecting their mental and physical health. This study explored the role of resilience as a protective factor for BIPOC graduate students, examining the correlation between resilience, mental health, and physical health, and the importance of religion. The sample consisted of 132 BIPOC participants and 242 White participants. Regarding their academic status, 63.6% …

An Exploration Of The Experience Of Bipoc Students In Predominantly White Institutions, Lisanda Mojica

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This dissertation explores the experiences of BIPOC students studying at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Through in-depth interviews with a diverse group of participants, the study identifies seven categories that encompass the students' experiences: perception of the school, chosen community and friendships, academics and scholarships, exclusion and difference, relationships with professors, tokenization, and mental health. The findings suggest that BIPOC students at PWIs face numerous challenges, including feelings of isolation and exclusion, and being tokenized. Additionally, the study identifies protective factors such as professors. The study highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for BIPOC students in higher education. …

Manual Qualitative Data Coding Using Ms Word For Students And Early Career Researchers In Resource-Constrained Settings, Kahabi Isangula, Susan Kelly, Joyce Wamoyi

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

In recent years, the field of qualitative data collection, management, and analysis has undergone significant evolution, with researchers worldwide increasingly leveraging technological advancements to streamline and simplify their practices. Despite the advantages of using qualitative data coding software, several challenges persist, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Issues such as the high cost of software licenses, the time required to learn and use these tools, and the complexity of advanced features often hinder researchers, especially students and early career researchers in low-income contexts, and contribute to the generation of poor-quality research evidence. This paper aims to provide a simplified, step-by-step guide to …

Building Reflection Into Community-Based Learning Classes, Terry Dolson

Other Publications

Reflection is the critical element of community-based learning (CBL) courses at the University of Richmond. Faculty who teach CBL courses design reflection assignments that weave academic content with community experiences, helping students discover their own assumptions and deepen their understanding.

This workbook is meant to be a practical introduction to designing reflection assignments through the modes of community-based learning utilized in University of Richmond courses. The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement offers a robust Course Support Grant program to assist faculty with the many needs arising in CBL classes and a requirement of the grant is to describe the reflection …

Nonmedical Prescription Stimulant Use, Mood, And Quality Of Life Among Graduate Students, Anastasia Skliros

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in childhood, yet research indicates that symptoms persist into adulthood for approximately two-thirds of clinical cases. Stimulant medications are the primary treatment for all ADHD presentations across developmental ages. This prospective study investigated the relationship between nonmedical prescription stimulant use (NMPSU), mood, anxiety, and quality of life among graduate college students. Quantitative data from 321 participants were obtained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) measure. Four participant groups were examined: those with ADHD engaging in NMPSU, …

Books, Boots, And Beer Halls In Germany: Observations By A Young Nebraskan Studying In Europe, 1876–1878, George Elliott Howard, Michael R. Hill

Zea E-Books Collection

Long before George Elliott Howard (1849–1928) became one of Nebraska’s premier sociologists and was elected president of the American Sociological Association (1917), he was a footloose young scholar who pursued postgraduate education in Germany during 1876–1878. Eager to share his adventures, Howard wrote and dispatched seven insightful essays that were quickly published in Nebraska newspapers. Here, collected together for the first time, are Howard’s firsthand observations on travel in Europe, life and learning in Germany, studying the German language, student beer-drinking societies, and a walking tour in Austria. Edited and introduced by Michael R. Hill, Howard’s essays are placed squarely …

In-House Counsel(Or): The Case For Providing Integrated Mental Health Support Services To Law Students, Eric W. Shannon

Faculty Publications

While some American law schools currently provide onsite mental health support services to their student populations, many still do not. This essay is the first to argue that all law schools should provide onsite mental health support services to their students—ideally, by way of a mental health professional integrated within the law school’s staff (an “integrated mental health professional,” or “IMHP”) who is familiar not only with the unique pressures of law school generally, but also with the school-specific environment. It explores current data on law student well-being as well as external considerations including ABA recommendations and standards for law …

Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure In Homes And Vehicles In Youth: Disparities Among Racial, And Sexual And Gender Minorities, Rajesh Talluri, Sahil S Shete, Surendra S Shastri, Sanjay Shete

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) among youth is a serious public health concern, leading to an increased risk of conditions such as asthma and respiratory infections. However, there is little research on SHSe among vulnerable populations, such as racial and sexual minorities. Understanding the factors associated with youth SHSe in homes and vehicles is crucial to developing better protective policies.

METHODS: This study utilized 2020 data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, a representative sample of middle- and high-school students in the US. The primary outcomes were youth SHSe at home and while riding in a vehicle. Multinomial regression models …

The Lived Experiences Of School Counselors And Ell Teachers Who Support Ell Students Who Exhibit A Symptom Of Mental Illness, Trenise Duckens

Dissertations

The current literature regarding the lived experiences of ELL teachers and school counselors who support ELL students who may exhibit a symptom of mental illness in high school is very limited. Research is available discussing school counselors and their role when supporting students who may exhibit a symptom of mental illness or may have mental health concerns. This study sought to add to the literature by exploring the lived experiences of ELL teachers and school counselors who support ELL students who may exhibit a symptom of mental illness. By adding to the literature, the researcher hopes to provide a better …

Teacher Perceptions Of "Don't Say Gay" Bills, Melody King

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For this project, I will research teacher perceptions of bills restricting the discussion of LGBTQ matters in the classroom. In Florida, a “don’t say gay” bill is already in effect. Since the bill in Florida was passed, 22 other states have proposed similar legislation. I will conduct a literature review on this topic. I will also interview teachers working in various northeast Ohio school districts. I will review the information from the literature review as well as the information given to me by the teachers in the interviews to create insight into the effect of these bills on teachers. I …

High School Students' Perceptions Of Banned Books, Carissa Hennen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research study consisted of interviews with twelve students ages 14-18 at a Northeastern Ohio high school to determine their opinions regarding banned books and content restrictions in schools. With book bans increasing and becoming a divisive topic, many adult figures such as parents, politicians, educators, and school administrators have made their opinions known, but student perspectives are often disregarded. This study seeks to further the research on opinions of book bans by extending these questions to students to fill this gap in research and gain deeper insight into the perception of high school students in regard to school curriculum. …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Prospective Teachers' Conceptions Of Area, Betsy Mcneal, Sayonita Ghosh Hajra, Michael Battista, Ayse Ozturk

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This study explored 10 prospective teachers’ (PTs’) understanding of the area of a rectangular region using square and non-square rectangular area-units. In an hour-long interview, each PT was first asked to explain how they would find the area of a given rectangular region in terms of a non-square notecard. For several PTs, this task prompted discussion of a square unit defined by the edge of the notecard. In a second task, PTs were presented with a rectangular array of squares and were asked to explain to a fictional child why multiplying length times width does not count the top left …

2024 Merc Annual Report, David Naff, Jesse Senechal, Paula L. Ogston-Nobile

MERC Publications

This is the annual report of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University for the 2023-2024 academic year. It includes vignettes depicting MERC activities in the past year that align with each of its five principles: research, relevance, rigor, multiple perspectives, and impact. It concludes with a discussion of MERC's commitment moving forward.

Meeting Students Where They Are: A Full Picture View Of Student Basic Needs In Montana, Kyra D. Merchen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This paper addresses the increasing challenges faced by colleges and universities in supporting students who are struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health issues. These basic needs, which are critical to student success, have been exacerbated in recent years, prompting institutions to reassess their role in supporting student well-being beyond academic requirements. Specifically, the paper explores how the Montana University System (MUS), a network of public higher education institutions, is addressing these issues and what further outreach is needed to support students holistically. The study seeks to answer the question: "How are colleges in Montana addressing student basic …

Supporting Those Who Support Us: An Exploration Of Strategies To Address Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators' Concerns And Needs, Karthik Mani, Diane M. Collins, Lima Ghulmi, Amy Boyd, Anita C. Zaricor

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork (FW) education is integral to occupational therapy (OT) education and enables the transition of a student to an entry-level practitioner. Clinicians who serve as FW educators play a significant role in this process. To deliver OT education, universities must support FW educators and address their needs and concerns. This study surveyed OT FW educators who supervised entry-level OT doctoral students from a public university for Level I and/or Level II FW regarding strategies to address their concerns and needs. An anonymous survey was distributed to the FW educators (n=349) who supervised the students for FW between Spring 2021-2023. By …

Diversity Across Disciplines: Student Response To Dei Content In College Curricula, Angela Pettitt

Theses and Dissertations

Discussion and inclusion of diversity-related topics in higher education are often confined to specific courses designated as fulfilling a university-mandated diversity requirement such as courses in women's studies, Black history or literature, Eastern religions, among others. Mainstream general education courses in disciplines such as psychology, chemistry, or communications typically do not address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics as part of the curriculum, even if individual textbooks, courses, or faculty work to improve such courses' pluralism. However, as the U.S. population becomes both more diverse and segregated, and as DEI initiatives come under fire from state legislators, students receive conflicting …

To What Extent Does Lighting Affect Students’ Preference For Seating In The Georgia Southern University Henderson Library?, Hailey M. Hawkins

Honors College Theses

This study highlights the importance of lighting in academic library spaces, specifically in relation to students' seating choices and overall experience. The research is significant as it emphasizes the role that environmental factors can play in creating a conducive learning environment for students. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of students' lighting preferences. The quantitative data collected through open observations and the use of a light meter provided insights into the relationship between lighting and seating choices. The qualitative data collected through questionnaires helped to understand the …

Use Of Online Hybrid Supplemental Teaching In Field-Based Teacher Education Programs, Hank Bohanon, Wenjin Guo, Christopher Dickman

Education: School of Education Faculty Publications and Other Works

University faculty who implement field-based teacher education programs experience challenges providing instruction for clinical, site-embedded university-based students. These issues can include a lack of common times to meet with students, limited access to meeting space to provide direct instruction, and changes in the school schedule. A number of these barriers may be addressed by adding elements of online instruction to traditional in-person classes, making the course, in effect, a hybrid one. In this study, the researchers analyzed the perspectives of university-based, special education focused instructors and clinical partners on the barriers, needs, benefits, and content related to implementing hybrid instruction …

Case Study: Implementing Strategies To Meet The Needs Of English Language Learners, Sierra Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide an understanding of effective ways to meet the needs of English language learners. To focus its inquiry and gain a thorough understanding of the experiences and methods of teachers in various classroom environments, the study used a case study approach. Extensive interviews with the participants yielded interesting insights into the methods they use to tailor their instruction to the requirements of their students as well as the useful resources they include into their instruction. A thorough grasp of instructional dynamics was also made possible by the participants' permission for the researcher to observe …

Access And Utilisation Of Open Educational Resources By Academics And Students Among Tertiary Institutions In Tanzania, Pamela Patrick Bulugu, Jaffar Msafiri Ponera Dr.

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the use of open educational resources (OER) among academics and students at the Local Government Training Institute in Tanzania (LGTI). The study was premised on the pragmatism paradigm and deployed a mixed-methods research approach. An explanatory sequential design was used. The sample size comprised 55 respondents from LGTI who filled out questionnaires. Five library staff and two ICT staff were purposefully selected for interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 16, while qualitative data was thematically analysed based on the themes that emerged from the interview. The findings from the questionnaires and interviews established that academics …

The Associations Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior With Self-Rated Health In Chinese Children And Adolescents, Yahan Liang, Youzhi Ke, Yang Liu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objective

The study aimed to analyze the independent and joint associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with self-rated health (SRH) among Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), school-based PA, extracurricular physical activity (EPA), screen time (ST), homework time, and SRH were assessed through a self-report questionnaire in the sample of 4227 Chinese children and adolescents aged 13.04 ± 2.62 years. Binary logistic regression was used to compare gender differences in PA, SB, and SRH among children and adolescents, and analyses were adjusted for age and ethnicity.

Results

In independent associations, boys …

The Perceptions Of First Point Of Contact Roles In Primary Care By Pre‐Registration Students Of The Allied Health Professions, Emma Empson, Sue May

School of Health Professions

Aim: To develop a better understanding of the perceptions of first point of contact roles within primary care by pre-registration students of the Allied Health Professions (AHPs). Background: General practice in the UK is under growing pressure from declining general practitioner (GP) numbers and increased service demand. The National Health Service (NHS) is attempting to mitigate this demand by making more effective use of its highly experienced workforce through the creation of first contact practitioners (FCPs). Working in primary care, FCPs are highly experienced AHPs with three or more years of relevant clinical experience. Methods: An abductive qualitative research approach …