Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of Self: My Roller Coaster Of A Journey, Emily Meyer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Throughout this Analysis of Self, I cover pertinent information relating to my experiences and the journey that led me to where I am today. I share personal stories as it relates to shaping me into who I am as an individual. While sharing, I heavily reflect on some of the decisions I have made throughout my life, as well as the lessons I have learned. I cover numerous aspects that have contributed to my core values, beliefs, and viewpoints; but ultimately, how my experiences have led to me becoming a counselor. I then examine the results of the personality …

Getting Real: Examining The Effectiveness Of Authentic Learning In The English/ Language Arts Classroom, Tanya Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

To prepare students for the challenges of the future that cannot even be imagined, a paradigm shift is needed to change the focus of classroom to a more organic, learner-centered approach. The purpose of this study was to understand the heightened level of engagement with an authentic learning experience that goes beyond the walls of the classroom. It answers one question: Why does authentic learning affect students’ engagement and motivation to learn in English/ language arts (ELA) classes? This qualitative, instrumental case study used an interpretivist paradigm with a combination of emic and etic lenses. The participants were mostly White …

Finding My Purpose, Alyssa Eichhorn

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper showed me the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. My experiences throughout my childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood and interactions with my family, my friends, and others led me to my purpose in life. After understanding the significance of my journey through life, I interviewed family and friends to reflect on different perspectives, and my growth throughout the counseling program. I explored different theories and studied the results of the assessments I completed that resonated with my personal and professional identity to develop my own theoretical orientation. Given this information, I discuss my future as a counselor including my …

Premarital Counseling And Education Group, London Defender

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Relationship education programs were developed in the 1970s (Markman et al., 2013). Relationships and marriage require continual self-growth, learning opportunities, and partnership. This literature review discusses current marriage and divorce rates, approaches used in marriage counseling, effectiveness and limitations of premarital counseling, and techniques used during group counseling programs. Also included is an overview of a premarital psychoeducational and skills couples group along with the weekly sessions laid out with objectives, discussion topics, group and partner exercises, and handouts. The information utilized in the premarital couples group is derived from John and Julie Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory, as well …

Dungeons And Dragons As A Therapeutic Intervention Training, Samuel Grove

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a role-playing game that gives players’ versatility by allowing them to dictate, customize, or create their own experience. There are many different iterations of role-playing games with varying presentations for in-person and online play; table-top role-playing games and video games (Connell, 2024) (Kowal et al, 2021). Through the 3 pillars of play (Exploration, Role-play, and Combat) player are able to customize their own experience to their preference or collective preference of the group. The balance between the 3 frames of play (Player, Game, and Character) optimizes the players role-playing experience (Connell, 2023). D&D is the …

Anxiety Group For Teens Group Manual, Jacob Kinnen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Early intervention has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall function and life satisfaction. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common disorders among youth (Watson et al., 2014). Through early intervention, adolescents can grow with more confidence and feel less anxious by improving their social skills and overall life satisfaction. This manual examines the impact of anxiety in adolescents and the various practices that have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. This group manual provides interventions based on evidenced based practices have been found to be effective in treating …

The Effects Of High-Leverage Practices On Teaching Candidates Math Self-Efficacy, Christine Quisley

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The start of each school year should be one of excitement and joy for learning. However, year to year, there is one subject that elementary students and their teachers dread: math. This study focused on collecting data from teaching candidates on their math self-efficacy beliefs and the perceived competence in their ability to implement three specific high-leverage practices (HLPs) during student teaching.

This qualitative case study explores the experiences of teaching candidates enrolled in a university teacher preparation program. Within previous method courses, content focused on the planning, instruction, and assessment of high-leverage practices. The overarching question of this study …

The Well-Being Of College Students Who Participate In A Regular Yoga Nidra Practice, Angie Clark

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

College students experience significant stress, which affects their health and executive functioning. The purpose of this study was to explore if students could improve their well-being through a yoga nidra intervention. Yoga nidra is a deep relaxation practice with conscious awareness. Twelve students from a Midwestern college campus participated in a yoga nidra non-credit class. Students were expected to participate in two yoga nidra sessions per week for 50-minutes per session over the course of 12-weeks for a total of 24-yoga nidra sessions. The study was conducted through an action research qualitative study. Participants completed pre- and post-reflections on their …

Pragmatic Factors Of Nationally Ranked Ncaa Division Ii Men's Golf Teams: A Grounded Theory Inquiry, Ekren Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) added Division II men’s golf in 1963. Since then, teams in the South/Southeast (S/SE) NCAA Region have been dominant, with the last nine of 11 national champions from schools in Florida. What are the pragmatic factors that make a top 50 nationally ranked team or an elite team in the top 25? This study had 14 head coaches of nationally ranked teams (or previous national rank) and included three former national champions in the participant sample. These coaches were interviewed individually or set into focus groups within the S/SE and Central/Midwest NCAA Regions. …

Best Practices For Working With Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: A Training Resource Manual For Mental Health Counselors, Olivia Johnson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper reviews literature related to issues and practices associated with childhood sexual abuse including best practices for working with victims of sexual abuse. Children who are victims of sexual abuse often suffer from trauma related symptoms and the use of certain approaches can provide better treatment outcomes. Following the review, a training will be presented that provides counselors with information on best practices when working with children who have experienced sexual abuse.

Keywords: Childhood Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD.

Mental Health Literacy Training For Coaches, Daniel Anthony Simpson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

There has been an increase in awareness towards the mental health of athletes. With prominent figures in the world of athletics putting themselves first over their sport. The sports world is shaken every time there is a report of death by suicide, such as the passing of Tyler Hilinski, quarterback for Washington State. A study done over the course of 20 years, published in April of 2024 stated that suicide is now the second leading cause of death among student-athletes (Whelan et al., 2024). Becoming independent and coping with the uncertainty that college brings are some of the developmental challenges …

High School Students’ Perceptions Of School Supports Toward Graduation: A Correlational Study, Heather Giese

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Addressing barriers to high school graduation is essential to decreasing dropout rates. Schools provide various supports for students on their pathway to graduation with varying effects on preventing dropout. Research studies indicate that students’ perceptions of the school and staff influence educational attainment. This post-positivist, correlational research study examined three research questions including students’ perceptions of the school and staff, students’ perceptions of graduation supports, and whether specific supports correlate to more positive student perceptions of the school and staff. Through a convenience sample, 21 students at a small, alternative high school in Minnesota completed two questionnaires. Questionnaires consisted of …

The Experiences Of Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions Participating In Mental Health Treatment A Phenomenological Study, Marshall Tutt

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The population of individuals experiencing a chronic illness are a marginalized group. This vulnerable status necessitates informed practice by the counseling establishment. This study examines the experiences of the chronically ill population during their participation in mental health treatment to better understand their experiences and inform future practice and research. This study employed phenomenological methodology as described by Creswell (2007) and Moustakas (1994), to examine the lived experiences of four participants drawn from a Fargo area mutual aid group for individuals with ostomies. Seven themes were identified from the resulting data. Four themes related to the experience of chronic illness …

Analyzing Phonics Curriculum For Early Learning, Candice Schultz

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Debate surrounding the use of phonics instruction within the classroom to improve reading in young children continues across the country. Some may say that the reading curriculum used covers the core parts of phonics allowing children to learn essential skills within their reading lessons. Others may argue that though this may be true, children need additional work with phonics to further develop their reading skills. The state of Minnesota has introduced the READ Act which indicates the need for research-based reading curriculums providing instruction that is rich in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, and reading comprehension (MDE). Research …

Optimizing Special Education With The Use Of Technology In The Classroom, Briana Sundet

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In our fast-evolving world technology is very quickly becoming an essential part of daily life. Teachers being able to utilize technology in the classroom is going to benefit all students, especially those with disabilities. Through research, case studies, and experiments we have learned how important technology is in the classroom and how much it enriches lessons, improves student engagement, and increases testing scores. Then on top of the “usual” technology in the classroom, our educators are now battling with AI resources that are being improperly utilized. Instead of training teachers how to use AI sites, it seems the school system …

Becoming Me, Teddy., Theodore Murray

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper presents a comprehensive self-guided inquiry into the factors influencing personal development and professional aspirations, with a focus on the journey towards becoming a school counselor. Through reflective analysis, including examination of familial influences, cultural identity, and personality assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the author reflects on the formative impact of significant individuals in their life. Furthermore, the study delves into the interplay of mental and physical health within the familial lineage and investigates coping mechanisms passed down through generations. In addition to self-assessment, data were gathered through an eleven-question questionnaire administered to past professors, current and …

Best Practices For Counselors Working With Children Who Have Been Victims Of Sex Trafficking, Samantha Maier

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Commercial sexual exploitation of youth is an umbrella term that includes sex trafficking, and other crimes, as well as receiving an exchange for something of value because of sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor (Perry et al., 2022). Children can develop chronic mental and physical health issues as a result of commercial sexual exploitation (Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2014). Given that these experiences can be traumatic for the child, often leading to trauma-related mental illnesses, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) would be best suited for working with this population. This literature review and training module explore the risk factors, impacts, …

A Trauma Informed Schools Training For High School Educators, Ashlyn Skolness

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

An increasing amount of research has emerged in the last decade emphasizing and imminent need to better meet the emotional needs of students, not only to be more successful in the classroom academically but to improve overall quality of life for their present and future selves. The average student spends approximately 1,080 hours at school in a 180-day school year, thus giving educators a primary role in recognizing and responding to students who appear to be struggling or showing signs of trauma (Nelson, 2022). Over half the US population has reported facing at least one adverse childhood experience, with a …

Most Likely To Succeed: Which Factors Influence College Students In Completing Their Two-Year Computer Degree And Graduating From College, Nathan Blommel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

For many individuals, researching and finding a college to attend is a wonderful experience. Many students explore college and take multiple courses, but do not finish their intended degree. Past and current studies have identified factors and reasons to why students dropout from college. Two well-known theories include A.W. Astin’s student involvement theory (1984) and Tinto’s (1993) model of college student attrition. The purpose of this study was to identify factors amongst students who graduated and students who did not graduate from a two-year computer degree program. The data derived from the collective stories of those who had experienced it. …

Assessing Language Learners In Mathematics: A Single-Subject Ab Quasi-Experimental Study Exploring The Impact Of Dual Language And Monolingual Classrooms On Achievement, Molly M. Scheidt

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Dual language classrooms provide instruction for language learners to use their first language (L1) as well as their second language (L2) to learn academic content. The goal of the study was to impact the decision-making among educational leaders who may be challenged by the dual language classroom due to the logistics and financial demands such a program possesses for school district leaders. A single-subject AB quasi-experimental study explored the impact of one monolingual mathematic classroom and making it into a dual language classroom providing a Spanish interpreter during whole group math instruction time. The model that was delivered replicates what …

Focus Groups: Perceived Stress And Stress Management Techniques Of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Emily Karevold

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This qualitative study examined the stress that occurred, and strategies used to alleviate stress during the first semester of Minnesota State University Moorhead Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Master program. Participants were assigned into focus groups of 3-4 individuals and asked open-ended questions and prompts regarding stress encountered during their time in the program but not exclusively related to course work and degree requirements. Students had the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about stress experienced during their first semester of graduate school as well as efforts they used to manage stress. Focus group sessions were recorded and transcribed into typed …

Contributing Factors To Special Education Teacher Burnout And Retention, Amy Schulz

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Teacher burnout is an increasing concern as Minnesota state data indicates more teachers leaving the profession in the first five years of their career and fewer individuals emerging from teacher preparation programs. The area of special education continues to be an area of need as the state continues to report special education licenses as areas of deficit to meet the need across the state. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between burnout and attrition in special education teachers and to analyze the factors contributing to these issues. A voluntary questionnaire was emailed to …

Implementing A Career Development Program For 7th Grade Students, Courtney Danielle Martinson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Career Development programs are crucial in schools to allow students to explore and prepare for their desired career. This is done primarily in the exploration stage of career development. This stage starts late elementary with exposure to careers then continues through middle and high school getting more in depth about what steps need to be taken to achieve their career goal. This is a key developmental stage where students begin to understand their own likes and interests which plays a part in finding a career that fits with their personality as well. While understanding oneself is important when researching jobs, …

A Journey To Who I Am, Danielle Peterson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

I lost my mother to colon cancer in 1995 at the age of twenty-five. I have experienced many deaths in my life. I was raised in a small town and lost touch with many friends in high school and college. I have learned to cope with the loss of friends through social media. By cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and self-care practices, I enhance my effectiveness in supporting students on their healing journey and upholding the ethical standards and principles of the counseling profession. Developing as a professional counselor involves a combination of ongoing education, practical experience, and personal growth. I plan …

Understanding The Relationship Between Fidgeting, Academic Performance, And Peer Distractibility, Katlyn Watson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Schools have dealt with an abundance of behavioral issues in the classroom. These behaviors are often off-task and are commonly judged as distracting, negatively impacting the class’s academic performance. The perception of teachers and staff commonly determines the connection between these off-task behaviors and distractibility. However, there is limited direct research into the notion fidgeting causes others to be distracted. The limited research found students self-reported feeling distracted by external stimuli, but did not directly affect academic performance (Massonnié et al., 2022; Phillips et al., 2016). This study was designed to determine the direct impact of fidgeting on peers’ distractibility …

Analysis Of Self: My Journey To Becoming Me, Georgia Wachtler

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Not letting the world get me down, this is my story of challenges and triumphs that have helped to shape me into the person I am today. My name is Georgia Wachtler and I am a second year in the Minnesota State University Moorhead counseling program seeking a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree with plans to graduate May 2024. This paper begins by addressing some of my background including the topics of relationships that have impacted my life thus far, my academic journey, my mental health challenges, how I care for my physical health, and my cultural identity. Moving on …

The Relationship Between Mentorship, Career Pathways, And Success In The Superintendency: A Comparative Study Of Men And Women Educational Leaders In Minnesota, Kristin Dehmer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The superintendent position is the most visible and influential in K-12 Education, responsible for regional, state, and sometimes national educational policy. Despite the majority of teaching positions being held by women, approximately 75% of superintendent positions are held by men (Glass, 2022). In Minnesota, only 22% of women hold superintendent positions (Men=77%) (MASA, 2023). This study examined career pathways and access to mentorship of men and women in Minnesota, analyzed through a theoretical framework of critical feminist theory and a secondary framework of social capital theory. All participants held a current Minnesota Superintendent license, and included current superintendents, retirees, aspiring …

Assessment Management In Higher Education, Maytha Al-Ali

All Works

This paper presents key findings from a study conducted with several universities in the GCC region regarding their approach and use of e-Assessment within their learning environments. The study identifies key factors that could impact the use and quality of e-Assessment, and describe how those factors could influence forming a consistent and effective approach to employ a long-term e-Assessment approach. Data was collected from several higher education institutions in the GCC region, using an online survey, in-depth interviews with academic administrators, and direct observation. The study identifies six critical factors that may have a direct or indirect impact on forming …

Fake Xanax: Designer Emerging Benzodiazepine Epidemic Linked To Morbidity And Mortality A Narrative Review, Alan D. Kaye, Joseph P. Tassin, William C. Upshaw, Camille M. Robichaux, Mark V. Frolov, Mark M. Dupaquier, Julia E. Fox, Jeffrey Sterritt, Jibin Mathew, Sahar Shekoohi, Adam M. Kaye, Amber N. Edinoff

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Etizolam is a thienodiazepine derivative which produces an anxiolytic effect similar to benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax). Like classic benzodiazepines, etizolam has a high affinity towards the GABAA receptor, and allosterically potentiates the effects of GABA resulting in neuronal hyperpolarization related to chloride influx. When taken in therapeutic doses, etizolam produces a similar effect to Xanax. Counterfeit Xanax tablets contain variable amounts of etizolam. Tablets with high amounts of etizolam can cause toxicity if ingested, especially when combined with other substances. When toxic symptoms occur in patients, they may include severe sedation, unconsciousness, and depression of the medullary respiratory center. …

The Distinctive Contribution Of The Catholic Tradition On Emerging Ethical Issues Around Embryos., Michael Donkor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation considered the distinctive contribution of the Catholic Church surrounding emerging ethical issues around embryos. In many Catholic doctrines, the church has stated that the embryo must be treated as if it were a human person with (soul) and must be protected. The embryo is considered an individual with relational qualities worthy of all the rights given all humans per the natural law.

The Church continues to oppose all forms of assisted reproduction that eliminates the unitive and procreative nature of marriage as it violates the dignity of the child and marriage. Technologies such as lower tubal ovum transfer(LTOT), …