Education Commons^™

The Perceived Impacts Of Therapy Dogs On Students As Viewed Through The Human-Animal Interaction Framework, Timothy Smolen

All Theses And Dissertations

This study employed a qualitative case study approach to explore the perceptions of teachers/staff members directly associated with the therapy dog (TD) program in their school. These perceptions were regarding the TD program’s effectiveness in (a) student social interaction, (b) stress coping and self-regulation, (c) engagement and/or attention, and (d) motivation and/or self-efficacy. The human-animal interaction (HAI) theoretical framework (Gee et al., 2017) served as a focal lens in this study. Data was collected from a middle school in the midwestern United States and through social media. Thirteen participants were from middle school and eight were obtained via social media. …

Understanding First-Generation Hispanic Student Experiences With Community College Campus Resources, Monica Medina

All Theses And Dissertations

Community colleges serve as an essential gateway to higher education for Hispanics. Although first-generation Hispanic (FGHC) students continue to enroll in community colleges, there is limited research to explain their experiences using campus resources. This study’s purpose was to contribute to the existing literature on FGHC students and determine if their use of campus resources helped them succeed. This study used the conceptual framework of academic engagement (Tinto, 1996). Nora’s (2003) and Nora et al’s (2006) student engagement theory as lenses to explain how FGHC students can have pre-college characteristics that can affect their social, academic, and overall goals for …

Lived Leadership Experiences Of Nursing Clinical Instructors In A Prelicensure Nursing Program: A Phenomenological Study, Catherine Marin

All Theses And Dissertations

The role of the nursing clinical instructor has evolved alongside the nursing profession. Nursing clinical instructors are expected to teach, coach, empower, and lead future registered nurses throughout their academic prelicensure journey. Although nursing clinical instructors possess at least the minimum required educational and clinical experience for their role as instructors, it is unclear how they obtain their leadership skills. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand how nursing clinical instructors attain self-empowerment and develop leadership skills. The theoretical framework was the integrated model of leader traits, behaviors, and effectiveness (IMoLB) developed by Derue et al. (2011). …

Students’ Perspectives Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports (Pbis): Examining One School’S Approach, Melissa Lourenco

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the perspectives of students on Positive Behavior and Interventions (PBIS) and its effect on school climate. Previous research highlighted a connection between student behavior and school climate. In individual interviews, participants were asked to describe the various factors that influenced their school experience, including their behavior in middle school as well as those that influenced school climate. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (EST) and systems view of school climate (SVSC) were used as a guide for structuring research questions, designing interview questions, and analyzing and interpreting data.

The themes that emerged from the data were: 1) …

The Public-School Environment And Day Treatment Programming Perceived Positive Environmental Supports As Antecedent Stimuli In A Public-School Day Treatment Classroom, Jessica Ann Clark

All Theses And Dissertations

The physical environment of a classroom can serve to meet the unique needs of students, but the focus on the specific tangible elements of the classroom is limited. There are minimal guidelines that inform teachers as to how to use these elements of the environment in teaching practices. The decision-making process for these situations is often left to inexperienced teachers and is not fully utilized as a resource within the classroom. The purpose of this qualitative research is to examine the environmental factors that contribute to a positive learning environment for public school students who exhibit challenging behavior. Based on …

Organizational Change In The Legal Education Environment: Institutional And Individual Responses To Times Of Crisis, Mary E. Wilson

All Theses And Dissertations

The Great Recession of 2008 brought great upheaval to many aspects of the American economy. At first law schools saw an increase in applications and enrollment as individuals sought an education that would lead to employment. Within a few years, however, the job market for new lawyers deteriorated. By 2010-2011, the number of applications to law schools plummeted, as did the enrollment numbers. Since tuition is the life blood of law schools, the field of legal education was faced with an unprecedented crisis. This researcher collected and reviewed publicly available data to examine the changes that occurred in law schools …

Rural Elementary Teachers And The Impact Of Professional Development On Mathematics Instruction, Heather Rockwell

All Theses And Dissertations

Rural elementary math teachers often lack a background in mathematics and even those with a strong mathematics background can sometimes struggle to model elementary math concepts (Holm & Kajander, 2019). Professional development (PD) provides teachers with an opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills while in the field. Although there are clear guidelines of what constitutes high-quality PD, not all PD achieves the same outcomes for teachers and students. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to understand PD experiences from the viewpoint of the rural elementary teachers, specifically the ways the PD experiences impact teacher efficacy and …

Urban Teachers Program: Culturally Responsive Middle School Teachers Describe Their Competencies, Kristina Sterling

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to document ways that Urban Teachers’ candidates enact culturally responsive teaching practices in an effort to combat the opportunity gaps in education and increase students’ achievement rate. This study focused on documenting responses to the questions: How do Urban Teachers enact culturally responsive teaching practices in their classrooms? How do teachers in the Urban Teachers program describe overcoming perceived barriers to implementing culturally responsive teaching in an urban school district? The problem of the study was a lack of evaluation of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) practices of those Urban Teachers once they entered the …

The Benefits And Barriers To Arts Integration: Arts Accessibility In Public Montessori, Heather Teems

All Theses And Dissertations

This mixed-method exploratory case study investigates the research question: To what extent do pre-K through eighth-grade public Montessori school teachers perceive that their professional knowledge and abilities, experiences, and resources impact their capacity to integrate arts into their general classroom curriculum? Public Montessori teachers from five public-choice Montessori schools in a school district of the suburban and urban areas of southeastern South Carolina were invited to participate. The teachers in these public Montessori schools have varied levels of education and professional development experience with the arts in education. Some participants were general education teachers prior to becoming Montessori teachers due …

The Influence Of Concept-Based Instruction On Student Academic Engagement, Amanda Romey

All Theses And Dissertations

Student engagement, including behavior, academic, cognitive, and social/emotional engagement is a complex multidimensional element of students’ overall well-being and success in school. As dropout rates continue to increase along with students feeling disenfranchised from the current educational system, there is a deep need to improve students’ experience in school by having them engaged in their learning. The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify the influence, if any, of concept-based curriculum and instruction on student academic engagement. This study examined the multiple elements of student academic engagement by addressing the concept-based learning construct, and student ownership of their learning …

Exploring Public, Primary School Educators’ Perceptions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Jessica Berry

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative narrative inquiry was used to explore public primary school (K–8) educators’ perceptions of ACEs and how their understanding of ACEs might contribute to creating a trauma-sensitive school climate. The conceptual framework of the study was centered on Mezirow’s Transformational Learning Theory, with the premise that learning and change require: (a) a recognition of one’s own biases, norms, and constructs, which would be followed by (b) reflection, (c) the realization that change is needed, and (d) a willingness to learn (Mezirow, 1991).

Ten public school K–8 educators from the state of Maine participated in semistructured interviews that were transcribed …

1:1 Chromebooks In High School Classrooms: Teacher Perceptions Of Integration Efforts, Jason Saltmarsh

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry study was to fully explore high school teachers’ perceptions of their experiences teaching in a 1:1 Chromebook environment. Data included high school teachers’ personal narratives detailing their experiences and observations about the use of 1:1 Chromebooks to support teaching and learning. Study data also included in-depth interviews with eight high school teachers. The four constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology provided a theoretical framework for this study. Educational leaders face significant challenges in understanding the considerable impact of teachers’ perceptions of their decision to integrate and effectively use …

Value Perceptions Of Basic Clinical Laboratory Assistant Training With Certification, George Noll

All Theses And Dissertations

This study examined the perception of the value of medical laboratory science (MLS) program training and validation of that training with respect to entry-level clinical laboratory professionals. The demand for clinical laboratory professionals is increasing due to the number of retirees expected to peak by 2024 and is expected to yield a two to one job vacancy gap, mainly in entry-level positions. The study examined the perceived value of such traditional educational clinical laboratory programs from the viewpoints of the MLS educators and employers to effect change efforts to better match these programs with what is required within the career …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Restorative Practices In K–8 Classrooms, Jamie Elizabeth Coady

All Theses And Dissertations

In this qualitative phenomenological study, the researcher sought to examine teachers’ perceptions of restorative practices in Kindergarten–Grade 8 (K–8) classrooms. The authors in the current literature concerning restorative practices have referenced the connection to social–emotional learning and school climate, yet there is limited understanding of how teachers perceive these practices and use them in their classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of restorative practices including when, where, and how teachers use these practices and support social–emotional learning efforts. Ten public school teachers in K–8 classrooms in Connecticut shared their lived experiences through semistructured interviews. Data …

Attitudes Related To Trauma-Informed Care In The Educational Setting: An Exploratory Case Study, Natalie Lynne Smith

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative, exploratory case study was used to explore the perceptions of public high school faculty and staff towards trauma-informed practices in the school environment. Faculty and staff attitudes toward adverse childhood experiences and their attitudes toward implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC) in the educational setting are not well known. This study applies constructivism as a theoretical framework because the research depends on the participants’ views of the topics under study. Ten faculty and staff from a suburban high school in the northeastern part of the United States participated in this exploratory case study, completed the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed …

Creating The Conditions For Deeper Learning: Leadership Practices For Reframing 21st Century Education Systems, Caryn M. Lewis

All Theses And Dissertations

The convergence of advanced technologies, sociocultural trends and transformative shifts in global industries is accelerating the need for change in the American education system. Research and practice reveal promising developments in pedagogical approaches and a growing movement toward the implementation of deeper learning models. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of superintendents leading dynamic shifts in public education to provide equitable access to deeper learning methodologies. The application of a dual framework supported the development of the study design and allowed for synthesis of the key components impacting system redesign. Data was elicited through semi-structured interviews to …

Role Of Health Professions Faculty Leadership In Student Success: Exploring Student And Faculty Views, Kim Emery

All Theses And Dissertations

High student achievement translates into high retention and graduation rates yet raising retention rates continues to be a challenge in U.S. health professions colleges. Institutions of higher education use a variety of program strategies to improve student success. Studies show that student success, although multi-factored, is most strongly influenced by faculty-student interactions. Radiologic technology programs have better retention rates compared to nursing programs but there is a lack of literature explaining this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to explore how health professions faculty and students in radiologic technician and nursing programs understand faculty leadership behaviors related to the …

A Data Analysis Of Emotional Intelligence Interventions With Third Year Medical Students, Frank Bailey

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a 10-exercise emotional intelligence (EI) series composed of exercises from the Lynn Leadership group in third-year medical students, taught over one year. This study sought to assess the education’s efficacy as evidenced by the change in the overall EI score. The overarching aim of the 10-exercise EI series was to offset the decline in medical student empathy during the clinical years; empathy undergirds the EI construct of social awareness. The data were collected from medical student cohorts in their third year Core Clerkships at a Northeastern United …

First-Generation College Students: Making Sense Of Academic Advising And Advisor Leadership For Student Success, Andrew Martin Frazier

All Theses And Dissertations

Earning a college degree is one of the most socially and economically beneficial accomplishments individuals can achieve in the United States. The benefits of a college degree are evident, however not all students attain such credentials equitably. One student group that graduates from college at disparate rates when compared to others is first-generation college students (FGCS), or those who are the first in their family to earn a degree. FGCS are twice as likely to leave college with no earned degree compared to students who have parents or guardians with college degrees. Additionally, while significant research focuses on FGCS support …

The Impact Of Student-Centered Coaching On Teacher Self-Efficacy: An Exploratory Case Study, Dustin L. Collins

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to determine the impact that participation in student-centered coaching had on teacher self-efficacy within a large, international school in east Asia. The study aimed to fill the gap in international school research around student-centered coaching and teacher self-efficacy. The study explored how the student-centered coaching process impacted teacher self-efficacy and perceptions of self as well as how teachers described their development of self-efficacy in relation to the student-centered coaching model. Four elementary homeroom teachers participated in this single site study. Data were collected over a six week period in the form …

Faculty Perceptions Of Self Efficacy In Interprofessional Healthcare Education, Rose M. Defeo

All Theses And Dissertations

Interprofessional team-based care is of the utmost importance to maximize health outcomes. These mixed discipline teams work together to complement skills and support each other for patient-centered care delivery. To prepare future healthcare clinicians, effective and efficient interprofessional healthcare education is needed. Students must learn to reflect on their abilities and demonstrate confidence in their skillsets to work effectively within this type of group. Reflective ability and development of self-efficacy are the foundation for learning how to function in an interprofessional team. Faculty within undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs have been tasked with facilitating activities to teach teamwork, roles, responsibilities, …

Covid-19: Descriptive Case Study Of A K-8 School District’S Abrupt Transition To Remote Learning From A Traditional In-Person Model, Matthew C. Ferreira

All Theses And Dissertations

COVID-19 resulted in many changes worldwide in how humans and organizations interact and operate. One such significant adjustment was the closure and transition from a classroom instruction model to a remote instruction model across the United States. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to explore student achievement, teacher preparation and instructional hours, and student attendance levels for grades kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) at four schools in a single school district. The study examined these datasets at a school administrative unit (SAU) comprising of three terms during the 2019-20 school year, comparing pre-COVID-19 levels with post-COVID-19 levels. The …

Evaluating Leadership Development Through Experiential Learning In A Virtual Environment, Paul J. Mckenney

All Theses And Dissertations

The strategic leadership center of a senior military service college collaborated with an elite law school to provide leadership development to senior law school students. The focus was an International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise set in the South China Sea. Due to an unexpected global health pandemic the course was forced online to a virtual environment. The strategic leadership center gathered data from volunteer students and their mentors to determine the impact of the virtual setting. Using four archival datasets, a program evaluation was conducted using a case study methodology to determine the effectiveness of experiential learning through simulation in …

Program Director Support For Adjunct Faculty In The Promotion Of Student Success, Nicholas Anthony Dejosia

All Theses And Dissertations

There is a need for adjunct faculty in community colleges to be supported by administration at the program director level or by those that have experience socializing new adjunct faculty into their departments, to ensure the promotion of student success in the classroom. This qualitative phenomenological study allowed the researcher to interpret the subjective lived experiences of ten educational leaders within a community college to document how they support adjunct faculty members to develop teaching methods to promote student success. The research question posed was, what do program directors and those who have experience socializing new adjunct faculty into their …

The Effect Of School Discipline Processes On Student Perceptions Of Personal Safety In Rural Middle Schools, Jaslene Atwal

All Theses And Dissertations

There is a need to clearly communicate expectations and consequences of misconduct to deter students from engaging in negative behaviors that create a physically or psychologically unsafe learning environment at school. A poor school climate has been found to have a detrimental effect on student achievement. A positive learning environment can transform negative situations into positive ones and have a beneficial effect on student behavior and achievement. This study explored the effect of a proactive discipline program on students’ perceptions of their physical and psychological safety in rural middle schools. The research questions for this study asked what factors most …

Androgynous Leadership: A Gender Balanced Approach To School Administration, Kristie Morin

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to explore the most desirable personality traits for school administrators, if personality sex-types have changed since 1981, and how school administrators practice androgynous leadership. Twenty-six school administrators completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory survey to discover their personality trait make-up and how often they perceived using 60 personality traits. Eight school administrators participated in a virtual one-on-one interview. The findings from this study concluded that the seven most desirable personality traits for a school administrator are adaptable, compassionate, reliable, conscientious, truthful, sensitive to the needs of others, and willing to take a stand. There …

Investigating Early Childhood Educators’ Experiences In Teaching Phonological Awareness: A Case Study, Kristine Reilly

All Theses And Dissertations

Literacy instruction, or teaching educators how to teach reading, is increasingly important as the effects of illiteracy impact everyone from the individual level to the societal level. The cost of illiteracy to the global economy is estimated at $1.2 trillion U.S. dollars (World Literacy Foundation, 2015). Improving literacy for all becomes a social justice concern as access to literacy opens avenues to further education and to improved physical and mental wellbeing. Over the past forty years, neurocognitive and behavioral science has demonstrated how the human brain learns to read. However, educator training programs and professional development have not kept pace …

Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Homework Assignments Effective At Increasing Student Homework Completion, Jennifer E. Keck

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory research study with a phenomenological research design was to gain an understanding of the phenomenon regarding which homework assignments, as perceived by middle school teachers, most effectively resulted in students submitting completed assignments. This study fills a gap and helps explain which homework assignments are more effective at increasing homework assignment completion for middle school students. The constructivist theory guided the conceptual framework. Data analysis was conducted on data collected though surveys, in-depth interviews with middle school teachers, and a review of archival homework samples. Through this phenomenological study four themes emerged regarding teacher …

Developing An Assessment Framework For Cultural Responsiveness Through A Japanese Program In A Southeastern University, Yumiko Ono

All Theses And Dissertations

As its paralleled learning goals for students toward an increasingly globalized world, the Japanese program in a state university in North Carolina lists language fluency and cultural responsiveness. In order to evaluate students’ language fluency, the program adopted the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), however, no evaluation tool for cultural responsiveness was available. Therefore, in this study, the researcher created an assessment framework to evaluate students’ development of cultural responsiveness while they pursue the minor or Interdisciplinary Studies Undergraduate Degree (ISUD) in Japanese Studies.

The assessment was designed to provide answers to the following …

American Registry Of Radiologic Technologists Exam Preparation: A Case Study, Sarah E. Harradon

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the students’ perceptions of preparedness to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam after the completion of a last semester registry preparation course at a small health profession college located in the northeast. In addition to perceptions of preparedness this study explored the effectiveness of the HESI Radiography Exit Exam preparation tool and the relationship between perceptions of preparedness and ARRT exam scores and 1st time pass rates. The problem that initiated this case study was the ARRT exam scores and 1st time pass rates at Radiography Program …