Digital Commons Network^™

What Is Media Authenticity?: A Guide To Detecting Authentic Media Literacy, Kawan Yarbrough

Theses

This project seeks to answer the question of what media authenticity is, as it relates to different forms of popular media such as social media and content creators, content consumers that also actively post on social media, Reality Television and also touching base on how Artificial Intelligence has infiltrated the lives of many. Aside from discussing academia that has been published on this topic prior, my project will additionally include a quick guideline for being able to detect inauthentic media, and give quick points and recommendations for people that have no active media literacy training of any kind that can …

Choice-Based Artmaking And Critical Pedagogy Through Art As Activism: A Classroom Case Study And Teaching Framework, Emma Klindworth

Theses

This practice-based graduate project examines how choice-based artmaking in a student-centered art classroom can foster critical thinking, reflection, and engagement with contemporary social, political, and cultural topics through art education. Built upon literature on critical pedagogy, student-centered art education, and creative problem-solving, this project combines a pilot lesson, “Art as Activism”, with a qualitative case study. By analyzing student reflections, this project examines how revisions, informed by those findings, demonstrate the ways student choice and student connection to subject matter influence engagement and critical thinking.

The findings of the case study following the “Art as Activism” pilot lesson, suggest choice-based …

Evaluating The Accuracy Of Face2gene Phenotyping Tools In South African Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Hendrike Mcdonald, Zandrè Bruwer, Michal Zieff, Emma Eastman, Brigitte Melly, Rizqa Sulaiman-Bardien, Karen Fieggen, Shahida Moosa, Charles Newton, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Objectives Computational phenotyping tools, like Face2Gene, are increasingly used to support genetic diagnosis by analysing facial features. These tools perform well in Global North populations but are less accurate in other groups. This study aimed to assess the performance of Face2Gene’s DeepGestalt, FeatureMatcher, and D-Score in South African children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and unaffected controls.

Methods Facial photographs of 301 children from the NeuroDev South Africa study were analysed including 36 children with NDDs with a confirmed molecular diagnosis, 176 with NDDs without a confirmed molecular diagnosis, and 89 controls. Diagnostic accuracy of DeepGestalt and FeatureMatcher was assessed by …

Purpose In Practice: A Master Of Social Work Professional Portfolio, Lexi M. Laird

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Gender Differences In The Prevalence Of Anxiety And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Associated Factors Among Adults In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Basil Masinza, Amina Abubakar, Joy Mukubuyi, Patrick Mwangala

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Sex and gender equity in research has a growing focus, but there are gaps in fully integrating it in mental health research, limiting adoption of sex and gender-sensitive interventions. This review adopted a gendered perspective to synthesize prevalence and associated factors contributing to differences in anxiety and PTSD in SSA.

Methodology: Electronic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science databases. Empirical studies conducted in SSA, targeting adults >18 years and having gender-disaggregated anxiety and PTSD prevalence and factors were included. Meta-analysis of proportions stratified by sex was done, and narrative synthesis of the …

Cross-Ancestry Polygenic Risk Scores Enhance Alzheimer's Disease Risk Prediction In Multiethnic Cohorts, Meri Okorie, Caroline Jonson, Alexis Oddi, Patricia Castruita, Brian Fulton-Howard, Kristine Yaffe, Jennifer Yokoyama, Chinedu Momoh, Shea Andrews

Brain and Mind Institute

INTRODUCTION Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 80+ genetic loci associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), enabling the development of polygenic risk scores (PRS). However, the predictive accuracy of PRS in diverse populations remains low. Here, we evaluated the predictive accuracy of single-, multi-, and cross-ancestry AD-PRS models across multi-ancestral populations.

METHODS We used AD GWAS summary statistics from European, African, Admixed American, and East Asian populations to construct AD-PRS for each target population. Model performance was assessed by estimating odds ratios, R2, and area under the curve.

RESULTS The cross-ancestry Bayesian PRS model demonstrated the highest predictive performance in non-European …

Scott H. Moore, How To Burn A Goat: Farming With The Philosophers, B. Keith Putt

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

Skills-Based Classrooms In Adult Education, Svetlana Quirk-Lazarev

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In today's rapidly evolving labor market, skills-based and hands-on learning have become central to adult lifelong education. Numerous studies highlight that "learning by doing" is the preferred and most effective approach for adults, who increasingly seek education that aligns with real-world demands and career advancement. Despite the growing emphasis on skills-based learning, gaps remain between educational programs and real-world expectations.

To understand how a skills-based course can affect employability outcomes for adult learners, we must first examine the root barriers in adult education. Adult learners face a very different set of obstacles compared to children. As cited further, some of …

Increasing Engagement Among Reluctant Learners: The Impact Of A High Interest Ela Media Analysis Unit In Secondary Classrooms, Anab Muqtar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In the world of secondary education, figuring out how to engage our most reluctant students is one of the most difficult lessons for an early career educator to learn. This struggle during my early years of teaching prompted this capstone’s curricular focus. This capstone project sought to answer the following research question: How can a high interest ELA media analysis curricular unit impact the engagement of reluctant learners in a secondary grade level ELA course? Research found that through incredibly intentional curricular design, teachers can engage our most struggling students. Reconnecting students with their purpose for learning and teaching them …

Moving Minds: Regulation Through Rhythm A Cross-Cultural Exploration Of Movement, Music, Wellbeing, Learner Voice, And Inclusion In Elementary Education In Wales And The United States, Steven Nasshan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored how movement, music, wellbeing, learner voice, and inclusive educational practices observed in Wales can inform classroom instruction in the United States. Originally conceived as a project to develop movement-based interventions for students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the study evolved into a cross-cultural qualitative exploration following participation in a study abroad experience in Wales. The guiding research question asked: How are movement-, music-, and wellbeing-based practices used in elementary classrooms in Wales compared with the United States, and how can these findings inform the development of practical resources that support student …

Teaching Writing To Secondary Students In An Age Of Ai, Justine Morris

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Writing teachers in secondary schools across the world have seen a surge of student work written by artificial intelligence (AI), which has led to many new challenges. These challenges include: additional time spent grading, more conflict with students and parents, and an overall lack of resources to address AI use in the classroom. This capstone works to respond to some of these new challenges by exploring the skills built through the writing process and how AI may support or hinder these skills. This project is based on cognitive theory and observations of schools in both the United States and Wales. …

Read. Click. Grow: Comparing Digital And Traditional Print-Based Approaches To Support Foundational Reading Development In Elementary Classrooms, Carla Pliego-Java

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Early literacy instruction provides an essential foundation for children’s long-term academic development, while the increasing presence of digital technology has changed how young students encounter and interact with text. This capstone examines how early literacy instruction supported by digital tools compares to traditional print-based instruction in supporting foundational reading development in elementary classrooms. The project was informed by research on early literacy development, evidence-based literacy instruction, digital literacy, traditional print-based instruction, technology integration, and equity and access. The research process also included qualitative observations and conversations with educators during a study abroad experience in Aberystwyth, Wales, which were compared with …

Beyond Behavior Control: Teacher Identity And Relationship-Based Classroom Management In Elementary Classrooms, Alayna Marrero

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Classroom management is one of the most challenging responsibilities teachers face, yet many educators enter the classroom feeling underprepared to address complex student behaviors while also creating supportive learning environments. This capstone explored the question: How can professional development focused on teacher identity and relationship-based classroom management support elementary teachers in creating supportive, consistent, and positive classroom environments? Through a review of current literature, this project examines the connections between teacher identity, student-teacher relationships, classroom climate, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and effective professional development. Influential scholars including Beauchamp and Thomas, Jennings and Greenberg, Hamre and Pianta, Gregory et al., Perry …

Fostering The Success Of Indigenous Students: How Educators Can Address Systemic Barriers In Schools, Samantha Hamlin

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This qualitative study sought to gain information into the connection that Indigenous students have with education and the ways that educators can work to make education more accessible. The study gave background knowledge as to the history of Indigenous people and the greater implications of colonization. It explores ways that educators could incorporate Indigenous knowledge into curriculum to uplift and engage Indigenous students. The accompanying project is a compilation of ideas for lesson plans across subject areas that teach through an Indigenous lens, rather than a white centered one. In the conclusion, implications and limitations of the study are discussed …

Advanced Mathematics In The Elementary School: Supporting Teachers And Students Through A Resource Compilation, Abigail Friedel

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Addressing the needs of every student within an elementary mathematics classroom is a difficult and time-consuming task that educators are charged with. The range of abilities in a general education classroom can span multiple grade levels, especially in upper elementary. Teachers are often encouraged to focus on students that are below grade level, which can lead to higher ability students being bored and disengaged when they are in the classroom (Livers et al., 2018). To address this issue, this capstone project seeks to answer the question of how can elementary classroom teachers best support their advanced learners in math after …

American History And Immigration: Creating A Comprehensive Immigration Unit For An American History Class, Hawkens Bory-Baar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a deficit in social studies curricula which overemphasizes factual recitation of a narrow selection of history. Understanding that ethnic studies is another social studies topic which provides the lacking elements from mainstream history teaching, this project attempts to design an American history unit that is informed by the principles of ethnic studies and culturally relevant pedagogy. The research question being asked is: how can we best design an immigration unit for Minnesota studies or American history that effectively integrates ethnic studies into a mainstream curriculum? To achieve this goal, a unit has been designed that focuses on …

Decolonizing Minnesota Mathematics: Incorporating Indigeneity Into Middle School Mathematics, Tia Ahmed

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The invisibility of Native Americans in mainstream mathematics education has contributed to the academic underachievement and cultural disconnect experienced by Native American youth. Grounded in the frameworks of Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit), culturally relevant teaching, and ethnomathematics, this project investigates: How can the historical and current cultural contexts, mathematical understandings, perspectives, and issues relating to Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Urban Indigenous communities be incorporated into Minnesota middle school math curriculum in a way that fosters strong math identities among Native American students and supports the needs of Minnesota’s American Indian tribes and communities? Along with research on the intersectionality of …

Banning Books In America: Exploring The Impact And Implications Of Censorship In Education, Mackenzie Carrane

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project, written and constructed by Mackenzie Carrane is entitled, “Banning Books in America: Exploring the Impact and Implications of Censorship in Education.” The purpose of this project was to research the causes and impacts of the book banning practice across America in the 21st century. The research question: why are books banned and challenged, and how does this censorship impact schools and communities they serve? stemmed from a childhood love for books. In particular, one book which was later banned in many schools. Research has shown that while book banning is often done under the guise of protecting …

How Do Targeted Scaffolding Strategies And Instructional Modifications Support The Academic Language Development And Content Comprehension Of Multilingual Learners In Elementary Classrooms?, Ashley Schutt

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Multilingual learners need intentional support to develop academic language and access grade-level content. However, many educators need additional knowledge and training to use scaffolding strategies and instructional modifications effectively in their classrooms.

This capstone explores how research-based strategies, including academic language supports, visuals, sentence frames, and differentiated instruction, support multilingual learners. Information was collected through a literature review, classroom observations, educator interviews, and school visits during a study abroad experience in Wales.

Findings showed that effective instruction for multilingual learners requires purposeful planning, collaboration, and a focus on students’ linguistic and cultural identities. The experiences in Wales connected with research …

Understanding The Alphabet Soup Of The Special Education System, Grace Hansen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Transition age students with disabilities are increasingly expected to practice self advocacy and take an active role in planning their futures. However, a review of existing special education literature reveals a significant gap. While substantial resources exist to help parents and general education teachers navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Accessible for age appropriate tools designed directly for student understanding remain scarce. To bridge this divide, this project introduces a student centered curriculum framework designed for secondary students in grades 7 through 12. Drawing upon foundational special education pedagogy, the project breaks down complex IEP terminology, processes, and meeting …

Effective And Appropriate Reading Interventions For Upper Elementary Students, Casey Orr

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

With more students falling behind in their reading skill development, and staying behind as they continue into older grades, this project was created to answer the question; what reading interventions are most appropriate and effective for upper elementary students? Recently, reading instruction has shifted to follow the body of research known as the science of reading. Much of the literature surrounding this topic centers around students in kindergarten through second grade, leaving teachers and reading specialists of upper elementary students without the same information or support for their students. This project reviews the existing literature on the history of reading …

The Impact Of Teachers Providing Home-Based Literacy Resources To Families Of Emergent Readers, Hannah Brown

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Many primary teachers often hear from parents that they want to help their child learn to read and write at home but do not have tools or resources to do so. Parents of young children are often left wondering how they can help their child be successful in the literacy classroom and create meaningful practice opportunities at home. This capstone project addresses the research question: How can primary elementary teachers support early literacy development by providing families with home-based literacy resources? A literature review revealed that family literacy resources should be focused on emergent literacy skills such as phonological awareness, …

Enhancing Second Language Acquisition Through Hands-On Learning In French Immersion Schools, Vanessa Hendrikson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Learning a second language at school is a valuable experience. However, the journey toward fluency can sometimes be long and challenging for both students and educators. This capstone explores how hands-on learning activities can support second language learning by providing students with meaningful and engaging experiences. It is guided by the research question: How can hands-on learning activities support second language acquisition among students in French immersion schools? Grounded in research on second language acquisition and experiential learning, the project examines how games, manipulatives, and other hands-on activities can help students build their language skills while providing opportunities for authentic …

Cultivating Excellence: Empowering Student Success And Resilience Through Character Development, Vanessa Fairchild

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone is: How does character development support academic success and student resilience? Literature regarding character development led to the development of this curriculum, aimed at addressing specific skill deficits within a set of character traits with the desired outcome of improving student success and resilience that will support them in high school and in their years to follow. The target audience is secondary students, specifically within special education. The curriculum features a four-unit, year-long set of weekly lessons which incorporate mindfulness meditation, journal prompt, social stories, and discussion prompts, while connecting each skill to …

Encouraging Pollinator Friendly Behaviors Among Urban Residents, Addison Motta

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Pollinator decline is a significant issue which threatens biodiversity, global food systems, and the stability of ecosystems. There are numerous resources available that address pollinator friendly behaviors, but many assume that the audience has access to private land in a suburban or rural area. The recommendations in these resources may be inaccessible to apartment dwellers, renters, and other urban residents with limited control over outdoor spaces. This capstone explores the guiding question: how can an interactive pollinator education kit increase awareness and encourage pollinator-friendly behaviors among urban residents. A review of literature related to pollinator ecology, urban ecosystems, environmental education, …

A Genre-Based Approach To Teaching Employment Interview English For Adult English Learners In The United States, Caitlin Schueler

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Employment interviews represent high-stakes communicative events that can present particular challenges for adult English learners (AELs). Despite this, existing interview preparation materials often emphasize rehearsal of common questions, memorization of responses, and adherence to cultural norms instead of an intentional focus on the linguistic resources characteristic of employment interview discourse. This capstone project addresses that gap through the design of an eight-week curriculum for intermediate-level AELs. The curriculum is informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics, the Sydney School approach to genre pedagogy, Interactional Sociolinguistics, the Teaching and Learning Cycle, and Understanding by Design. Together, these frameworks guided the development of a …

Ntegrating Digital Tools Into English Instruction For Fulbright English Teaching Assistants In Taiwan, Alexandra Rankin

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project examines how digital tools can be integrated into elementary-level English instruction by Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) in Taiwan. The project was guided by two questions: How can Fulbright English Teaching Assistants effectively integrate digital tools into elementary school level English instruction, and what are the perceived benefits and challenges for teachers using these tools? A review of literature on the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Taiwan’s Bilingual 2030 policy, and technology integration in English language instruction informed the development of a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Advisor professional development workshop for ETAs and their Local …

From Pages To Parks: Connecting Children’S Literature And Place-Based Learning For Family Environmental Education In Minnesota State Parks, Taylor Kasprzak

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Place-based environmental education offers rich opportunities for family engagement, yet children’s literature remains an underutilized tool in supporting these outdoor experiences. Grounded in Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory and place-based pedagogy, this research capstone examines how children’s literature and place-based learning experiences can support environmental education for families visiting Minnesota State Parks. To address the gap, this project presents a ten-unit family guide focused on specific state parks, with introductory information for new visitors. Utilizing Minnesota Department of Natural Resources materials and local library collections, this project combines purposeful family activities with meaningful anchor texts. Each unit includes a guiding environmental …

Praying For The Past—A Jewish Response: From Metaphysics To Ethics, Noam Oren

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.

On The (Libertarian) Freedom Of The Trinity, Slater Simek

Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers

No abstract provided.