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A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Novice Elementary Teachers' Perceived Ability To Implement The North Carolina Multi-Tiered System Of Support With Fidelity, Amy Jackson Dec 2017

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Novice Elementary Teachers' Perceived Ability To Implement The North Carolina Multi-Tiered System Of Support With Fidelity, Amy Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to gain a deeper understanding of novice elementary teachers’ perceived ability to implement the North Carolina Multi-Tiered System of Support (NC MTSS) model with fidelity in a suburban North Carolina school district. For the purposes of this research, fidelity was generally defined as the effective application of the tenets of NC MTSS according to evidence-based best practices as well as federal, state, and local policy (Hill, King, Lemons, & Partanen, 2012). Conducted under the leadership of Dr. Frank Bailey, this study sought to determine the extent to which a sample of 12 …


The Effectiveness Of High Frequency Word List Instruction On Star Reading Test Scores, Michael Foster Dec 2017

The Effectiveness Of High Frequency Word List Instruction On Star Reading Test Scores, Michael Foster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to test the theory of using high frequency word list (HFWL)-based instruction when teaching beginning reading instruction. This study compared the reading fluency changes of eight classes across three different grades containing 115 students over 5 months as measured by the Standardized Test for the Assessment in Reading (STAR) when intervention students are given identical instruction using different popular HFWLs. One control group received no such intervention. The Fry HFWL was used. The resulting scores were analyzed using an independent-samples t test. The comparisons determined the effectiveness of teaching beginning reading using …


The Impact Of 1:1 Laptop Environments On The English Language Arts Achievement Of Fifth Grade Students From Diverse Socio-Economic Backgrounds, Nicole Miller Sep 2017

The Impact Of 1:1 Laptop Environments On The English Language Arts Achievement Of Fifth Grade Students From Diverse Socio-Economic Backgrounds, Nicole Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study extends previous research on the impact of one to one (1:1) laptop environments on student outcomes in English Language Arts (ELA) by focusing on students from various socio-economic backgrounds, while using a new technology-enhanced, state-administered assessment to measure performance. This study is significant because policy makers focus on state test scores when planning educational investments. Therefore, results from this study can assist policy makers in determining best practices related to technology integration to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. A non-experimental ex post facto causal comparative research design was used to explore the impact of 1:1 laptops …


Levinas, Leviticus, & Language: A Case Study Exploring Acsi Maritime Teacher Challenges Of Practice Due To Increasing Esl Enrollment, Susanne Huizing Sep 2017

Levinas, Leviticus, & Language: A Case Study Exploring Acsi Maritime Teacher Challenges Of Practice Due To Increasing Esl Enrollment, Susanne Huizing

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explain the perceived challenges of practice due to increasing enrollment of English Language Learners (ELLs) for ACSI teachers in the Canadian Maritimes. The theory guiding this study was ethics as first philosophy by Levinas (1981). Levinas’ theory aided in examining the ethical, relational, and linguistic challenges teachers experienced teaching ELLs. The central research question guiding this study was: what are the perceived challenges of practice K-12 ACSI Maritime school teachers face due to increasing ELL enrollment? Data was collected through pre-interview journals, semi-structured face-to-face interviews, and observations. Data analysis included transcriptions, documents, …


The Influence Of Teacher Gender On College Student Motivation And Engagement In An Online Environment, Zacharia Jacob Varughese Aug 2017

The Influence Of Teacher Gender On College Student Motivation And Engagement In An Online Environment, Zacharia Jacob Varughese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of teacher gender on student motivation and engagement. The study addressed the question: Is there a statistical difference among the motivation and engagement scores of males taught by male teachers (MM), males taught by female teachers (MF), females taught by male teachers (FM), and females taught by female teachers (FF) enrolled in online science courses? Exploring this topic allowed educators to identify strategies for quality teaching and learning, increase graduation rates, and decrease student delinquency. This quantitative study used a causal-comparative research design and the Motivation and Engagement Scale (MES) …


Teacher Experiences In Elementary Word Study Instruction: A Phenomenological Study, Gregory Mihalik Aug 2017

Teacher Experiences In Elementary Word Study Instruction: A Phenomenological Study, Gregory Mihalik

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of integrating word study spelling programs for second grade teachers across six elementary schools in Northern Virginia. Word study is a developmental spelling approach that can be used by teachers to differentiate instruction and meet student needs. Despite the growing popularity of the program and increased classroom application, many schools nationwide continue to use memory-based traditional methods. Based on a review of the word study literature, the study sought to describe the experience of second grade teachers implementing word study spelling instruction in their classrooms. This study explored the …


Comparing Traditional And Year-Round Academic Calendars In Regard To Student Achievement In Two Virginia High Schools: Is There A Difference?, Gregory Morin Aug 2017

Comparing Traditional And Year-Round Academic Calendars In Regard To Student Achievement In Two Virginia High Schools: Is There A Difference?, Gregory Morin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined possible differences between a traditional and a year-round academic calendar with regard to student achievement in two suburban high schools in northern Virginia. This study’s importance derives from the fact that additional exploration is needed in order to more fully explore the potential loss of learned knowledge and diminished retention and recall of instructional material in students who experience an extended summer vacation period as part of a traditional school calendar. The purpose of this non-experimental, ex post facto, causal-comparative study was to test the theory of German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus, called the spacing effect as it …


Teach Me The Write Way: A Multiple Case Study Exploring The Impact Of Homeschooling On The Formation Of Writing Self-Efficacy, Katherine Todd Aug 2017

Teach Me The Write Way: A Multiple Case Study Exploring The Impact Of Homeschooling On The Formation Of Writing Self-Efficacy, Katherine Todd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the impact of a homeschooling context on the formation of writing self-efficacy among adolescent students. The formation of self-efficacy beliefs was defined according to Bandura’s four theoretical sources: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological state. Thus, this study sought to investigate the following central question: What impact does a homeschooling context have on the formation of writing self-efficacy among adolescent students? And its related sub-questions: How are Bandura’s theoretical sources of self-efficacy evidenced in the formation of homeschooled adolescents’ writing self-efficacy? How do the instructional practices of homeschooling …


Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Self-Efficacy On Classroom Management Style: A Case Study, Patty Mccain Aug 2017

Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Self-Efficacy On Classroom Management Style: A Case Study, Patty Mccain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to develop an understanding of how current and former middle school teachers in a suburban school district in northeast Georgia perceive low self-efficacy impacts their classroom management style. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy theory as it supported the idea that self-efficacy can determine how one approaches a task, goals, or challenges. Data were collected using a survey, interviews, questionnaires, direct observations, and a focus group. A collective case study approach was used to conduct a holistic analysis to provide detailed descriptions of the themes and patterns that exist …


Impact Of Integrated Science And English Language Arts Literacy Supplemental Instructional Intervention On Science Academic Achievement Of Elementary Students, Jamar Marks Aug 2017

Impact Of Integrated Science And English Language Arts Literacy Supplemental Instructional Intervention On Science Academic Achievement Of Elementary Students, Jamar Marks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental, nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design study was to determine if any differences existed in upper elementary school students’ science academic achievement when instructed using an 8-week integrated science and English language arts literacy supplemental instructional intervention in conjunction with traditional science classroom instruction as compared to when instructed using solely traditional science classroom instruction. The targeted sample population consisted of fourth-grade students enrolled in a public elementary school located in the southeastern region of the United States. The convenience sample size consisted of 115 fourth-grade students enrolled in science classes. The pretest and posttest academic …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Impact Of The South Carolina U.S. History End Of Course Exam On High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Autonomy And Self-Efficacy, Debra Whitmore Aug 2017

A Phenomenological Study Of The Impact Of The South Carolina U.S. History End Of Course Exam On High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Autonomy And Self-Efficacy, Debra Whitmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to describe the impact of the South Carolina U.S. History End of Course Exam (EOCE) on teachers’ perceptions of autonomy and self-efficacy for high school U.S. History teachers in the Midlands region of South Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s (1994) theory of self-efficacy as it explained the relationship between self-efficacy and effectiveness. There were 12 participants in this study who shared the lived experience of the U.S. History EOCE and related policies. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group interviews, and relevant documents. The data were analyzed through …


Effects Of The Afterschool Program On Student Achievement Of Students With Disabilities In A Rural Georgia Middle School, Constance Franklin Aug 2017

Effects Of The Afterschool Program On Student Achievement Of Students With Disabilities In A Rural Georgia Middle School, Constance Franklin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental causal comparative research study is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in reading and math achievement as measured by the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students with disabilities (SWD) who attended the afterschool program of one rural Georgia middle school when compared to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade SWD who did not attend the program. The results of this research are important because they will identify practices used in the specified afterschool program to improve the academic achievement of SWD. A quantitative research method using …


A Qualitative Grounded Theory Study Of Secondary Educators' Pedagogical Strategies And Perceptions Of College Readiness In A Concurrent Enrollment Program, Amanda Stirgwolt May 2017

A Qualitative Grounded Theory Study Of Secondary Educators' Pedagogical Strategies And Perceptions Of College Readiness In A Concurrent Enrollment Program, Amanda Stirgwolt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the impact of the educator on the success of concurrent enrollment programs. Concurrent enrollment (CE) programs provide students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. This study aimed to understand the past success of CE programs by identifying the pedagogical strategies of the teacher. Through a qualitative grounded theory approach, 16 high school CE teachers from different high schools in Connecticut were studied to explore their teaching perceptions and pedagogical strategies. Data were collected through self-perception questionnaires, a semi-structured teacher interview, classroom observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis, …


Socialized Leader Development: A Phenomenological Study Of The College Army Rotc Student Perspective And Experience, Ammon Campbell May 2017

Socialized Leader Development: A Phenomenological Study Of The College Army Rotc Student Perspective And Experience, Ammon Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to examine leader development within the college Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in order to understand from the participating cadets’ perspectives, the leader development experience. The study focused on the following central research question: How do participants view and interpret their collegiate Army ROTC leadership development experience? Guiding theories for this study were Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (1978), Bandura’s social learning theory (1977) and Tajfel’s identity theory (1982). The study involved twelve college seniors involved at three distinct universities; the data related to their experience as leaders and was collected through reflective journals, …


The Effects Of Case-Based Instruction On Undergraduate Biology Students’ Understanding Of The Nature Of Science, Amy Burniston May 2017

The Effects Of Case-Based Instruction On Undergraduate Biology Students’ Understanding Of The Nature Of Science, Amy Burniston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Undergraduate science education is currently seeing a dramatic pedagogical push towards teaching the philosophies underpinning science as well as an increase in strategies that employ active learning. Many active learning strategies stem from constructivist ideals and have been shown to affect a student’s understanding of how science operates and its impact on society- commonly referred to as the nature of science (NOS). One particular constructivist teaching strategy, case-based instruction (CBI), has been recommended by researchers and science education reformists as an effective instructional strategy for teaching NOS. Furthermore, when coupled with explicit-reflective instruction, CBI has been found to significantly increasing …


The Relationship Between A Community Of Inquiry And Transformative Learning, Patrick Dempsey May 2017

The Relationship Between A Community Of Inquiry And Transformative Learning, Patrick Dempsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To prepare learners for success in the 21st century, institutes of higher education must provide students with meaningful learning opportunities, including participation in discourse and critical reflection. The community of inquiry framework describes the elements necessary to create collaborative, online learning environments, while transformative learning describes the content and outcomes of meaningful learning. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study of 242 online, graduate MBA students from a business school in Maryland, was to measure the relationship between a community of inquiry and transformative learning in online, graduate business courses. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze scores from …


A Phenomenological Study Of Collaborative Learning: Understanding The Perceptions, Values, And Experiences Of Freshmen Language Arts Students, Teachers, And One Administrator, Sheryl Ackers Apr 2017

A Phenomenological Study Of Collaborative Learning: Understanding The Perceptions, Values, And Experiences Of Freshmen Language Arts Students, Teachers, And One Administrator, Sheryl Ackers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of collaborative learning through the perceptions of freshmen Language Arts students, teachers, and one administrator. Nine freshmen Language Arts students, four freshman Language Arts teachers, and one administrator participated in the study at Falcons Rise Up (pseudonym) (FRU). FRU is located approximately 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Theories from both Vygotsky (1978) and Bandura (1986) framed the study. Data methods included student, teacher, and administrator semi-structured interviews. Interview questions focused on participants’ perceptions of and experiences with collaborative learning models. Moustakas’s (1994) phenomenological reduction method of data …


Serving God Under The Stained-Glass Ceiling: A Phenomenological Study Of Female Clergy Experiences In The United Methodist Church In West Virginia, Kathy Danberry Apr 2017

Serving God Under The Stained-Glass Ceiling: A Phenomenological Study Of Female Clergy Experiences In The United Methodist Church In West Virginia, Kathy Danberry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of female clergy in the United Methodist Church in West Virginia. Two theories were used as the framework for this study: Eagly and Karau’s (2004) role congruity theory, and Bandura’s (1977) theory of self-efficacy. Role congruity theory is grounded in Eagly and Karau’s social role theory, which suggests that “most behavioral differences between males and females are the result of cultural stereotypes about gender” (Eagly, 2004, p. 218). In Bandura’s (1985) self-efficacy theory, it is asserted that “personal mastery expectations are the primary determinants of behavior change” (p. …


The Effect Of Game-Based Learning On Vocabulary Acquisition For Middle School English Language Learners, Jeanette Benoit Apr 2017

The Effect Of Game-Based Learning On Vocabulary Acquisition For Middle School English Language Learners, Jeanette Benoit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

English language learners (ELLs) in America face huge challenges in middle school. Although many ELLs quickly assimilate into the American culture and develop their social language rapidly, they continue to struggle academically. One reason ELLs find themselves behind their native English-speaking peers is their lack of academic vocabulary knowledge. Vocabulary can be learned both implicitly with extensive reading and explicitly with direct and focused instruction. Research has shown that implicit vocabulary learning is not as effective with ELLs and the need for effective explicit learning strategies is apparent. This study revealed no statistically significant difference in academic vocabulary scores when …


Real-Time Data As An Instructional Tool: Examining Engagement And Comprehension, Eric Blanton Apr 2017

Real-Time Data As An Instructional Tool: Examining Engagement And Comprehension, Eric Blanton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The integration of technology within the lives of all people has continued to expand and also impacts the education systems around the world. The purpose of this study was to study how real-time data impacted the educational achievement of students in a senior level economics class who participated in game-based learning through the Marketwatch Game. The sample for this study was 107 senior level economic students ranging from age 17 to 18 years old. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design (Patten, 2012), the students were divided into two groups and were to play the Marketwatch Game. The experimental …


The Relationship Between Elementary Teachers' Background In Mathematics, Teaching Self-Efficacy, And Teaching Outcome Expectancy When Implementing The Common Core State Standards, Jennifer Stuart Apr 2017

The Relationship Between Elementary Teachers' Background In Mathematics, Teaching Self-Efficacy, And Teaching Outcome Expectancy When Implementing The Common Core State Standards, Jennifer Stuart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this correlation study was to identify a possible relationship between elementary teacher background in mathematics as measured by completed college math credit hours, district-provided professional development hours of training in Common Core math standards, and years of teaching experience, and teacher efficacy in math as measured by personal teaching self efficacy and outcome expectancy. The sample in the present study consisted of 69 elementary (K-5) math teachers in a medium-sized semi-rural district located within a southern state. The data was collected using the Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (MTEBI), an online survey that was sent to the …


The Effect Of Blended Learning On Math And Reading Achievement In A Charter School Context, Terry Chaney Apr 2017

The Effect Of Blended Learning On Math And Reading Achievement In A Charter School Context, Terry Chaney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In spite of its growing popularity, researchers have focused little attention on the effectiveness of combining traditional classroom instruction and online learning, a practice generally referred to as blended learning. The modest research on blended learning to date has tended to focus on higher education, leaving a significant gap in the research regarding K-12 education. Even less attention has been given to blended learning in charter school K-12 education. Framed within Vygotsky’s theory of social development, the purpose of this causal-comparative research study was to determine if there were any significant differences when comparing charter school students who participated in …


The Effects Of Contract Activity Packages On Boredom In A Sixth-Grade Accelerated Math Class, Joanna Bartlett Apr 2017

The Effects Of Contract Activity Packages On Boredom In A Sixth-Grade Accelerated Math Class, Joanna Bartlett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is currently a lack of research aimed at determining the boredom level experienced by sixth grade students participating in an accelerated math class, as well as suitable strategies aimed at helping students avoid it. This quantitative quasi-experimental static-group comparison study investigated boredom levels with the implementation of Contract Activity Packages (CAPs), a strategy specifically related to combatting boredom for gifted and talented students, into a sixth-grade accelerated math class. Data were collected from 138 sixth-grade students participating in an accelerated math class via the boredom scale of the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire – Mathematics (AEQ-M) and analyzed using a two-way …


Experiences Of First-Year Online Community College Students On Academic Probation: A Phenomenological Study, Michael Beck Apr 2017

Experiences Of First-Year Online Community College Students On Academic Probation: A Phenomenological Study, Michael Beck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of first-year online community college students on academic probation at a small, rural community college in central North Carolina. Four research questions guided the study: (RQ1) How do first-year, online community college students who are on academic probation describe their academic experiences? (RQ2) What do participants identify as reasons for receiving poor grades and being placed on academic probation? (RQ3) How do participants on academic probation describe what they could have done differently to avoid being placed on academic probation? (RQ4) What do participants who are on academic probation …


The Effects Of Desmos And Ti-83 Plus Graphing Calculators On The Problem-Solving Confidence Of Middle And High School Mathematics Students, Edwin Montijo Apr 2017

The Effects Of Desmos And Ti-83 Plus Graphing Calculators On The Problem-Solving Confidence Of Middle And High School Mathematics Students, Edwin Montijo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As technology in education continues to improve, research is necessary to assess the impact it is having on students’ confidence in the way students solve mathematics problems. The purpose of this quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control-group comparison study is to examine the impact the Desmos graphing calculator has on the problem-solving confidence of middle school and high school students as compared to students who use a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator while controlling for students’ math achievement scores. The students (N = 146) participating in this study were learning their respective mathematics material for an equivalent period of 12 weeks in order to …


A Case Study Of Grade 12 International School Students’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of A Bible Curriculum And The Teachers’ Delivery Of That Bible Curriculum In A Christian International School, Rachael Peterson Apr 2017

A Case Study Of Grade 12 International School Students’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of A Bible Curriculum And The Teachers’ Delivery Of That Bible Curriculum In A Christian International School, Rachael Peterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the perceptions of the impact of a Bible curriculum and the teachers’ instructional delivery of that Bible curriculum on grade 12 international school students at an open enrollment Christian international school in Asia. The theories that guided this study were Kohlberg’s moral development, Fowler’s faith development, and Piaget’s cognitive development theories (Fowler, 1991, 2001; Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977; Piaget, 1972). The study’s central question is: How does the perception of both the content of a Bible curriculum and the teachers’ instructional delivery of that Bible curriculum affect students at an …


The Impact Of Blended Learning On Social Presence, Cognitive Presence, Teaching Presence, And Perceived Learning, Kyleigh Harrell Apr 2017

The Impact Of Blended Learning On Social Presence, Cognitive Presence, Teaching Presence, And Perceived Learning, Kyleigh Harrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quantitative study examined how blended learning influences high school learners’ social presence, cognitive presence, teacher presence, and perceived learning in comparison to online instruction. The study answered the following research questions: (a) Do differences exist among the social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence of high school students enrolled in a blended course as compared to those enrolled in an online course? (b) Does a difference exist between perceived learning of high school students enrolled in a blended course as compared to that of those enrolled in an online course? The researcher used a causal-comparative research design and tested …


An Analysis Of Perceptions Of Dropout Factors And Interventions By Middle School And High School Teachers In A Southeastern School District, Christopher Kennedy Apr 2017

An Analysis Of Perceptions Of Dropout Factors And Interventions By Middle School And High School Teachers In A Southeastern School District, Christopher Kennedy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although graduation rates are increasing in the United States, high school dropouts remain an issue of significant concern. Much of the focus of research in this area has been on describing the characteristics of dropouts rather than on developing effective interventions. Moreover, emerging research shows that potential dropouts can be identified with confidence as early as the sixth grade. High school is the time in which dropouts are typically identified and interventions begun, but the seeds of dropping out are often planted well before ninth grade. This survey research study with quantitative analysis used an instrument titled Teacher Perceptions of …


Effectiveness Of Blended Learning In A Rural Alternative Education School Setting, Robin Skelton Apr 2017

Effectiveness Of Blended Learning In A Rural Alternative Education School Setting, Robin Skelton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental, causal-comparative study was to examine the impact of a blended learning format on the academic achievement of at-risk 9 - 12 grade students in a rural Northeast Georgia school system. After obtaining IRB approval and district curriculum director and superintendent approval, data was obtained for evaluation. Student Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) eighth-grade scores from the content areas of math, language arts, science, and social studies were obtained and served to control for previous achievement. Students in the control group received instruction in the traditional face-to-face classroom with content instruction designed and provided by …


A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of First-Year College Students’ Perceptions Of Direct And Symbolic Inputs Influencing Sense Of Identity, Jonathan Butler Apr 2017

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of First-Year College Students’ Perceptions Of Direct And Symbolic Inputs Influencing Sense Of Identity, Jonathan Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research describes a qualitative, transcendental phenomenological investigation of students’ perceptions of the reflected appraisals they receive from the college community regarding their behaviors. The study includes 11 first-year college student participants from the School of Education at Higher Matters University, a pseudonym. A pseudonym was assigned to each participant to protect privacy. Data collection utilized focus groups with the sample in two groups, and semi-structured interviews with each participant. Both efforts were accurately transcribed. Observations of the students in the classroom setting served as a third means to gather data, focusing on students’ body language, appearances of comfort, engagement, …