Digital Commons Network^™

I Was In Prison And You Educated Me: A Missiological Analysis, Paul H. De Neui

Great Commission Research Journal

With less than 5% of the world’s population, the United States incarcerates more than 25% of the world’s prisoners. The U.S. detains more of its own population than any other country in the world. Providing theological education to men and women who are incarcerated in U.S. prisons presents possibilities for mutual transformation, culture shaping, as well as numerous complex challenges. This article reviews the ten years of North Park Theological Seminary’s involvement in this effort in three state prisons in Illinois, drawing out lessons learned in the process. The opportunities and potential pitfalls are presented from a missiological perspective to …

A Brief History Of The American Society For Church Growth And Great Commission Research Network, Gary Mcintosh

Great Commission Research Journal

This article surveys the 40‑year history of the Great Commission Research Network, originally founded in 1985 as the American Society for Church Growth. It traces the Society’s origins in the vision of C. Peter Wagner, its early development alongside emerging academic and consulting roles in the Church Growth Movement, and its subsequent evolution through changing leadership, themes, and institutional partnerships. The narrative outlines major milestones, including organizational restructuring, name changes, expanding conference formats, and increasing collaboration with seminaries, denominations, and the Society for Church Consulting. Across four decades, the Society has produced significant research, cultivated key leaders, supported academic scholarship, …

Book Review: Preaching In A New Key, Crafting Expository Sermons In Post-Christian Communities By Mark R. Glanville, Bing Nieh

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Fall 2025 Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

A Study In Object Detection And Classification Performance By Sensing Modality For Autonomous Surface Vessels, Daniel Lane

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This research presents a quantitative performance comparison between light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and vision-based sensing for real-time maritime object detection on autonomous surface vessels. Using Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Minion platform and 2024 Maritime RobotX Challenge data, this study evaluates the detection of six maritime object categories using two representative models. YOLOv8 provides a neural network vision-based method, and GB-CACHE provides a deterministic LiDAR-based method. Both models have been previously demonstrated to run in real time on uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The evaluation methodology encompasses multi-sensor calibration, real-time performance analysis, and the introduction of a late-fusion strategy in the …

Aligning Aviation Safety Reporting System Anomaly Codes For Crew Communication And Coordination With Human Factors Taxonomies, Jennifer Rose Herr

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study addresses the lack of theoretical grounding and definitions for the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) anomaly codes, particularly those related to pilot communication and coordination errors. To improve the conceptual consistency and analytical usability of ASRS data, the research developed a framework that maps ASRS codes to three established theory-based human factors taxonomies: the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), Threat and Error Management (TEM), and Aviation Causal Contributors for Error Reporting Systems (ACCERS). The study used qualitative text mining to systematically code communication and coordination errors submitted by Part 121 pilots for a stratified sample of …

Barriers And Best Practices In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (Dei) Initiatives: A Case Study From The United States Aerospace And Defense Industry, Jeremy A. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The main objective of this study was to unpack the barriers around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and then provide best practices to improve DEI efforts in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. There has been a multitude of research conducted on DEI in the past few years. However, very little research has focused on DEI practices in the A&D industry. This case study focused on one large company in this industry to explore and understand various aspects of DEI initiative implementation. As organizations strive to meet industry and client objectives, as well as address employee needs, two research …

Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority For Resolution Of Outpatient Prescription Issues, Kevin Burnham, Christina Tran, Leandra Garcia, Julian Mccreary, Christo Philip, Osama A. Shoair

Pharmacy Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objectives: To describe the implementation and impact of a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) for emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) that grants them broad prescriptive authority to resolve outpatient discharge prescription issues independently. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all prescriptions written by EMPs under a CPA to resolve discharge prescription issues at a 70-bed emergency department (ED) within a large health system in South Dallas, Texas. This review covered the period from November 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. EMPs were authorized to independently address prescription problems without a provider’s direct involvement. We collected data on patient demographics, the …

Active Learning: Eight Models That Shape Instructional Practice, A.E. Dreyfuss, Ana Fraiman, Karmen T. Yu

Publications and Research

Developed since the mid-20^th century, several instructional models have provided practical means to shift the emphasis in learning from lecture to engagement by students. The snapshots of models presented in this paper include Cooperative Learning, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Supplemental Instruction (SI) (also PALS, PASS), Team-Based Learning (TBL), Emerging Scholars Program (Mathematics Workshop, MathExcel), Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL), Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), and Learning Assistants (LA). These models have been well-disseminated, widely adopted, and incorporated in disciplines beyond their origins. For purposes of exploration and consideration of implementation, these “snapshots” provide an overview. Features of each model are …

Population Health And Systems Science: Medical Student Feedback On A Novel Approach That Follows A National Curricular Framework, Jeffrey Levin, Gary Beck Dallaghan, Chaynee Atwood, Vanessa Casanova, Cynthia Ball, Theresa Byrd, Emmanuel Elueze, Michael Kennedy, Dalia Nessim, Peter Pendegrass, Yordanos Tiruneh

School of Medicine Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction: Population Health and System Science, a longitudinal course at a new medical school in northeast Texas, incorporates case-based learning and experiential field visits during an 18-month pre-clerkship phase. The course integrates content from public and population health, preventive medicine disciplines, and health administration and leadership. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey assessed student self-reports on achievement of session objectives and introduction to national core curricular, cross-cutting, and systems thinking domains. Results: Of 36 students, 33 responded. Most rated objectives favorably. Open-ended responses highlighted relevance to future practice and requested more content on biostatistics, epidemiology, health equity, and healthcare economics, …

The Expanse: Exploring Comparative Mythology In The Mediterranean Through Video Game Development, Michael A. Davis

Senior Theses

This web application, titled The Expanse, explores the arguments surrounding comparative mythology, specifically regarding those in the Mediterranean region. The Expanse is a turn-based role-playing game using the characters and gameplay format of the Shin Megami Tensei video game series. The game depicts the conflict between comparativists and particularists using mythological characters, creating situations in which the player takes sides in a debate that permeates the real world. This story seeks to inform players of the subjective nature of sciences by tying moral dilemmas into an overarching metanarrative specific to comparative mythology.

Fit For Success: Exploring Physical Activity Promotion And Effects On Students At The University Of South Carolina Through A Podcast Series, Maia Schwarzmueller

Senior Theses

College students face unique challenges when trying to maintain physical activity levels, such as time constraints, stress, and lack of proper facilities. The Fit for Success podcast will explore how physical activity is a powerful tool towards enhancing self-perception, academic success, and stress management as well as delve into the specific barriers that University of South Carolina students face to physical activity. The podcast will also explore different aspects of physical activity promotion including group fitness, competition, and built environment. The goal of the podcast is to help students to see physical activity as an important component of many facets …

The Effect Of Self-Efficacy And Commitment On The Retention Of Alternatively Certified Teachers, Lydia V. Leduc

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Teacher attrition has opened the doors for professionals from other fields to enter the teaching field by following an alternative path. Yet, the attrition rate of these alternatively certified teachers (ACTs) is higher than that of traditionally certified teachers (TCTs). The objective of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the effect of self-efficacy and commitment on teacher retention of ACTs in Northwest Florida. The participants in the study worked in several schools in the area. After interviews, responses were evaluated, and categories and codes were compiled. Analysis was then done on the frequency and quality of response data to …

The Influence Of Academic Outcomes On Academic Achievement: A Quantitative Study In Grades 3-12, Kelli R. Helle

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this predictive study was to examine the relationship between social and emotional learning (SEL) subskills and academic performance among students in grades 3–12. Using the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, the study sought to identify which specific subskills were most strongly associated with student grade point average (GPA). A quantitative predictive correlational design was employed with a sample of 737 students representing diverse grade levels and backgrounds. Data were collected through the Satchel Pulse SEL assessment platform, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictive value of SEL subskills while …

A Comprehensive Pipeline For Autonomous Surface Vehicle Navigation In Challenging Aquatic Environments, Mingi Jeong

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop and validate innovative and robust navigation methods for autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) in challenging scenarios. These efforts aim to establish a complete autonomy pipeline for robotic decision-making systems, enabling high-level tasks such as environmental monitoring and autonomous transportation with broader impacts. The ocean economy contributes over 1.5 trillion USD annually, supporting diverse cultures and economies through tourism, fisheries, shipping, and renewable energy. The global marine industry handles over 90% of the world’s cargo transportation, underscoring its critical importance. Despite this significance, current maritime navigation relies heavily on human decision-making, which is …

Wrack Lines Volume 25, Number 2, Fall-Winter 2025-2026, Nancy Balcom

Wrack Lines

Fall-Winter 2025-2026 issue of Wrack Lines explores 40 years of stewardship for Long Island Sound now and into the future, the work of the Long Island Sound Partnership, a pilot project using a new type of diving helmet to broadcast from undersea locations, a survey of public perceptions of the Sound, the life and legacy of former CT Sea Grant Director Edward Monahan, and the aspirations and reflections of recently retired CT Sea Grant Associate Director Nancy Balcom and her successor Jess Brandt.

Physical Education's Importance In Education, Tyler Phelan

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

School districts are looking to connect students with courses that will impact their futures. Research shows that physical activity is a key component of healthy well-being and sense of self. Physical education supports other areas of the curriculum, enhancing student learning and their learning experience. It also provides opportunities to improve self-control and reduce behaviors that can affect the student body. This study aims to identify the relevance of physical education to student achievement and disruptive behavior. Based on the literature, data were collected to examine the relationship between students' time in physical education courses, their GPA, and referrals to …

A Comparative Analysis Of Sel And Character Education Models: Impact On Instructional Time Loss And Student Behavior In Middle School, Clare Mcdowell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this single-case, inquiry-based capstone project was to investigate the effectiveness of a systemic Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program in mitigating instructional time loss caused by escalating student behavioral challenges in a middle school setting. The methodology involved analyzing administrative disciplinary referral data from a highly structured, multi-tiered SEL program (School A). Findings affirmed a clear inverse relationship: high-fidelity SEL exposure correlated with a significant reduction in disruptive incidents, which demonstrated the efficacy of proactive skill instruction in reclaiming instructional time. However, the study's central limitation was its inability to isolate the effect of the universal curriculum from the …

Student Perceptions Of Standards-Based Grading In High School Biology, Scott Bohlman

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Standards-based grading (SBG) redefines the reporting of student achievement by focusing on proficiency in explicitly defined learning standards rather than the accumulation of points. Although SBG has the potential to improve student learning, variation in implementation can create student confusion and hinder effectiveness. This inquiry-based research project investigated student perceptions of SBG in high school biology classrooms at Cedar Falls High School in Iowa to determine whether the system helps students gain the necessary skills and accurately measures their academic ability. The researcher utilized a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through surveys of 23 high school biology students and qualitative …

Trauma-Informed Practices At Lake Mills Community School, Rebecca R. May

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

t is important to know what the staff at Lake Mills Community School (LMCS) understands about childhood trauma, how it affects student success, how to best meet the needs of students who have trauma history, and how willing staff are to participate in trauma-informed professional development. To gain more insight on the matter, a survey was conducted among the entire LMCS staff including certified teachers, paraprofessionals, administration, and auxiliary staff. The entire staff was selected because the small size of the district allows interaction between all staff and students. Of the 105 staff members, 45 members (43%) completed the first …

The Effectiveness Of Visual Schedules In Fostering Self-Regulation Among Middle Schoolers With Adhd, Autism, And Other Learning Disabilities, Triston Rew

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the effectiveness of visual schedules in supporting self-regulation and on-task behavior among middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Visual schedules are evidence-based tools that provide structured, predictable routines and help students transition between activities with reduced anxiety. A review of current research highlights their impact on increasing independence, reducing problem behaviors, and fostering engagement in both general and special education settings. The paper discusses studies that demonstrate measurable improvements in student outcomes, including reduced transition time and increased task completion. Additionally, teacher perceptions of visual schedules are examined, with …

Closing The Gap Between Students With And Without Individualized Education Plans, Mikayla Herron

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The achievement gap between students with and without individualized education programs continues to be a concern in early childhood education. Finding strategies and interventions that help narrow this gap is important, especially when children are young and the gap is still relatively small. This inquiry-based research study explored the use of the AI tool Buddy.ai to determine whether it could support preschool-aged students with IEPs in improving early learning skills. The study also considered general education teachers’ experiences working to close the achievement gap in inclusive classrooms. A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-assessments, …

Balancing The Digital Classroom: Examining Teachers’ Reliance On Technology In A Rural School District, Victoria Poisel

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

When the Wi-Fi goes down in a technology-dependent classroom, learning often grinds to a halt. This inquiry-based research study examined how teachers’ reliance on digital tools affects their ability to deliver effective instruction in a small, rural school district in northeast Washington. Sparked by the researcher’s firsthand experience during a three-week district-wide internet outage, the study explored how technology dependence influences instructional resilience and adaptability when access is disrupted. Conducted at Selkirk School District, the research included seven core subject teachers across grades 6-12 and combined survey data, reflective journaling, and a review of current literature on technology integration and …

Teacher Feedback And Its Impact On Student Achievement And Motivation, Aubrey Schmidt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Effective teacher feedback is a key component of meaningful learning, yet many students do not consistently receive feedback that clearly guides improvement. This inquiry-based study examined how intentional, process-oriented feedback influenced elementary students’ perceptions of their learning over a six-week period. The research focused on feedback that emphasized effort, strategies, and next steps, aiming to support students’ resilience, motivation, and confidence as writers. Findings showed steady increases in students’ understanding of what to do next, their motivation to try harder, and their belief in their own abilities. Writing scores also rose gradually, suggesting that consistent, growth-focused feedback may contribute to …

Centered? The Growing Role Of Centers In Intelligence Studies Programs, Jonathan Smith

Journal of Strategic Security

In recent years, civilian higher education programs in the area of Intelligence Studies have begun adding academic centers as a complement to their existing curriculum offerings. This study traces the development, operations, and impact of four such centers in the United States. Through a comparative case study approach, it is found that while centers in this subject area may focus on different educational objectives, each works toward this goal with an interdisciplinary approach and a desire to grow their capabilities in the area of cybersecurity. The development of such centers in the field of Intelligence Studies raises questions about the …

The Cost Of Quantum Wars: Small State Standpoint, Gayane Harutyunyan

Journal of Strategic Security

As an emerging technology, quantum technology claims to have a tremendous impact on all spheres of social activity, as well as to significantly change the perception of war and peace, diversify the nature of security threats, opening up new, previously unknown layers in them. The development of quantum technologies is of exceptional importance for small states in terms of defense and security, because due to some important features (efficiency, speed, accuracy, dataflow security) it can offset the scarcity of resources (financial, material and human) typical of small countries, enabling the opportunity to address the issues of low efficiency due to …

Shared Reading: Dialogic And Interactive Book Practices To Foster Oral Language Development Among Pre-K Learners, Jennifer Underwood

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based capstone study examines how dialogic and interactive shared reading practices support oral language development and peer engagement among ELL preschool learners. Rooted in the framework of practitioner research, the project investigates how intentional teacher questioning, open-ended prompts, and structured peer-talk opportunities transform traditional read-aloud sessions into language-rich, participatory experiences. Conducted in an urban Head Start Pre-K classroom of fifteen full day students, with a focus group of ELL and special education learners, the six-week intervention implemented dialogic reading strategies 4–5 times per week. Data was collected through observation rubrics, teacher reflection journals, student artifacts, and short video analyses. …

Rethinking Behavior - Fall 2025, Midwest Symposium For Leadership In Behavior Disorders

ReThinking Behavior Magazine

A magazine for professionals serving children and youth with behavioral needs.

Fall 2025, Volume 9, Issue 1

Friends Of The Hilton M. Briggs Library, Fall 2025, Hilton M. Briggs Library

Friends of the Hilton M. Briggs Library Newsletters

Volume 11, Issue 1.

Features:
A brand-new collection: SD Livestock brand books span 130 years
Elizabeth Fox Named South Dakota Librarian of the Year
Notes from the Dean of the Library
Student Assistant Excellence Award Recipients
Archives launches Adopt a Collection program
Briggs Library Wish List
Lisa Lindell honored for outstanding scholarship
Grants benefit Archives collection and promote affordable learning

Keepin' Up With Popular Culture, David Arditi

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

In Keepin’ Up with Popular Culture, Dr. David Arditi introduces students to popular culture as a way to view and understand society, politics, and culture. This book demonstrates to students the overall importance of popular culture in their lives. It explores the ways that language is used (and the way that we use language) to construct the world around us through popular culture.

To view the original version of this book, please go to its Pressbooks site: Keepin' Up with Popular Culture.