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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Effect Of Socioeconomic Status And Gender On High School Student Perceptions About Career And Technical Education, Briael Chadwell Jul 2017

The Effect Of Socioeconomic Status And Gender On High School Student Perceptions About Career And Technical Education, Briael Chadwell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examines the perceptions of career and technical education (CTE) among high school students based on their socioeconomic status and gender, and the interaction between the two. The study used a convenience sample of 207 students from four coastal South Carolina high schools. The data was collected using the Image of Vocational Education (IVE) survey. The data was analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. The results found that low socioeconomic status, middle socioeconomic status, high socioeconomic status all had positive perceptions of CTE; female and male had no differences in perception; and there is no interaction. The summary and …


The Effect Of Advanced Placement Or International Baccalaureate Exam Scores Upon College Gpa And College Choice, Daniel Farmer May 2017

The Effect Of Advanced Placement Or International Baccalaureate Exam Scores Upon College Gpa And College Choice, Daniel Farmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative and correlational study analyzed students’ academic performance in college based on whether the student was classified as an International Baccalaureate student, an Advanced Placement student, or a non-accelerated student (those who did not participate in IB or AP) and how that choice of academic program affected the type of college a student chose. The study used data obtained from Florida’s Education Data Warehouse (EDW). A stratified sample of 10,006 students was used to analyze college GPA performance and survey responses from 128,223 students were analyzed to determine the effect on college choice. The college grade point averages …


Elementary Teachers' Participation In Edmodo As A Community Of Practice: A Phenomenology, Cynthia Reasoner May 2017

Elementary Teachers' Participation In Edmodo As A Community Of Practice: A Phenomenology, Cynthia Reasoner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the shared, lived experience of elementary teachers’ participation in Edmodo as a community of practice. The theoretical framework guiding this research included Lave and Wenger’s (1991) community of practice theory and Bandura’s social learning theory (1977, 1984) which explained how learning through participation and observation occurs among teachers involved in learning communities. Social constructivism (Bruner, 1996; Piaget, 1971; Vygotsky, 1978) and adult learning theories (Mezirow, 1991, 1995; Knowles, 1984) also provided understanding as to how adults learn and create knowledge. This study described the lived experience of 10 elementary teachers and …


A Phenomenological Study Of Ninth Grade Students' With Disabilities Perceptions Of Educational Settings, Micole Talley May 2017

A Phenomenological Study Of Ninth Grade Students' With Disabilities Perceptions Of Educational Settings, Micole Talley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Few research studies listened to the voices of high school students with disabilities’ regarding their lived experiences during placement in an inclusion setting and a resource setting. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand the central phenomenon of the study for 10 ninth grade students with disabilities served in either an inclusive setting or a resource setting in 2 rural high schools located in Southeastern Georgia. The research design for this study is a qualitative, phenomenological because further exploration is needed to understand the perceptions of students with disabilities regarding their instructional environments. The central research question …


A Causal Comparative Study On The Effect Of Proficiency-Based Education On School Climate, Kay York May 2017

A Causal Comparative Study On The Effect Of Proficiency-Based Education On School Climate, Kay York

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

his quantitative, causal comparative study sought to determine if proficiency-based education has an effect on school climate. With sweeping school reform across the United States, educators are seeking ways to improve student achievement and maintain a positive school climate. This study consisted of 87 teachers in proficiency-based high schools and 125 teachers in non-proficiency-based high schools in New England who were emailed the Secondary School Climate Assessment Instrument (SCAI-S-G). Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics computed for each teacher group through SPSS. SPSS was also used to conduct separate t tests for each of the eight domains of the SCAI-S-G …


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, …


A Case Study Of Black Students' Education And Socialization Since Public School Closure In Prince Edward County Virginia, Jeffrey Scales May 2017

A Case Study Of Black Students' Education And Socialization Since Public School Closure In Prince Edward County Virginia, Jeffrey Scales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the concerns about lower academic and social achievement of current Black students in Prince Edward County Public Schools where many local citizens believe were the results of public schools closing for five years from 1959-1964 and forced court ordered reopening. This single instrument qualitative study was conducted to gather greater knowledge from participants who had firsthand knowledge of the extended closure of public schools or reopening of schools over 50 years ago from former students, and community leaders. This researcher utilized face-to-face interviews, focus groups and extensive historical documentation to explore …


Extracurricular Participation And Self-Concept In Rural Elementary Students: A Causal-Comparative Study, Donna Sexton Apr 2017

Extracurricular Participation And Self-Concept In Rural Elementary Students: A Causal-Comparative Study, Donna Sexton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this ex post facto, causal comparative study was to test the interactional framework of self-concept theory and Gibson’s ecological theory of perceptual development with Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development by investigating the overarching research question, Is there a statistically significant difference between mean scores for self-concept (academic, social, and overall) based on extracurricular participation portfolio (sports only, non-sports only, mixed activity types, or no participation) in rural elementary students? The relationship of extracurricular participation to positive outcomes in adolescents has been established in prior research. This study is significant because it ameliorates the paucity of research on …


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 …


Hispanic Students' Perceptions Of Success: A Phenomenological Study On The Impact On K-12 Academic Achievement, Rodney Stephens Apr 2017

Hispanic Students' Perceptions Of Success: A Phenomenological Study On The Impact On K-12 Academic Achievement, Rodney Stephens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the impact of Hispanic learners’ perceptions of success on their completion of secondary/post-secondary studies. The following served as a guiding research question: How do the perceptions of success among male and female Hispanic high school completers/non-completers ages 18-29 impact their educational pursuits? This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of Hispanic participants through social/cultural contexts framed around Bronfenbrenner’s (1974) ecological systems theory, Vygotsky’s (1978) social learning theory, Rotter’s (1954) social learning, and Bandura’s (2002) social cognitive theory. Participants included 22 Hispanic high school completers/non-completers ages 18-29 who were clients or students …


African American Males' Descriptions Of Stereotypes In Classrooms: A Phenomenological Study, Donald Stewart Apr 2017

African American Males' Descriptions Of Stereotypes In Classrooms: A Phenomenological Study, Donald Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the stereotypes experienced by select African American males in a South Texas classroom. Descriptions based on the experiences of 11 African American males over the age of 18 regarding the stereotypes presented between themselves and their teachers assisted in understanding the phenomena. Three research questions guided this study: (RQ1) How do African American males describe their experiences with stereotypes in a South Texas K-12 classroom? (RQ2) How, if at all, did participants’ experiences with stereotypes in the classroom contribute to their academic achievement? (RQ3) What, if any, emotions toward classroom …


Faith Development As Experienced By Christian High School Seniors, Lindon-Patrick Kanakanui Apr 2017

Faith Development As Experienced By Christian High School Seniors, Lindon-Patrick Kanakanui

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived development of faith as experienced by high school seniors who were currently attending Christian schools. The question prompting this study was what are the faith development experiences of Christian high school seniors? Participants came from a purposeful criterion sampling of 12 high school seniors from three Christian schools in the state of Hawai`i. One of the two theories guiding this study was James Fowler’s (1981) faith development theory as it presents six sequential stages that individuals go through during faith development. The other theory guiding this study was …


Colorism Among African-American Teachers: A Qualitative Study Of Intra-Racial Discrimination In The Classroom, Shannan Moore Apr 2017

Colorism Among African-American Teachers: A Qualitative Study Of Intra-Racial Discrimination In The Classroom, Shannan Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the presence and effects, if any, of colorism among African American teachers and their African American students in two public high schools in the Southeast region of the United States. The sample size consisted of 10 study participants. The theory guiding this study was Serge Moscovici’s Social Representation Theory. This theory studies people, ideas, and values of institutions in a cultural context. Most recent studies on the phenomenon of colorism have focused on preferential treatment in the workforce and media. These studies concluded that lighter-skinned Black people are frequently provided opportunities …


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 …


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, …


Single-Parents’ Persistence In Pursuit Of Higher Education: A Case Study, Beryle Poindexter Apr 2017

Single-Parents’ Persistence In Pursuit Of Higher Education: A Case Study, Beryle Poindexter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study is an exploratory study to examine what contributes to the failure of the persistence of non-residential single-parents pursuing a college degree. The participants of this study included ten non-residential single-parent students between the ages of 21 and 50. The site of the interviews was in the Community Assistance Agency located in central Virginia. The theoretical framework guiding this study includes both the Student Integration Model Theory by Vincent Tinto (1975) and the Human Capital Theory by Theodore Schultz (1961). This framework provides a connection that explains the obstacles that exist for non-residential single-parents …


Factors That Predict Persistence For Non-Immigrant, International Students At A Private, Four-Year University In Georgia, Shawn Adams Apr 2017

Factors That Predict Persistence For Non-Immigrant, International Students At A Private, Four-Year University In Georgia, Shawn Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore factors that predict the persistence of international, non-immigrant students in higher education. A sample of international students from a four-year private university in Georgia served as the focused population for this study. Persistence research asserts that six factors predict persistence: academic integration, social integration, support services satisfaction, degree commitment, institutional commitment, and academic conscientiousness. These six predictor variables were measured via the College Persistence Questionnaire (CPQ). However, cultural intelligence (CQ) is another predictive factor that merited consideration for the unique population of international students. The Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) quantifies CQ and …


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 …


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 …


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 …


The International Christian School Impact On The Spiritual Formation Of Its Graduates: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Dawn Monzon Apr 2017

The International Christian School Impact On The Spiritual Formation Of Its Graduates: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Dawn Monzon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine how, if at all, attendance at an accredited international Christian school in South America impacted the spiritual formation of nine graduates. Fowler’s Faith Theory guided this study, which posits that one’s developmental processes and construction of human understanding determine one’s faith. Thus, shared experiences were evaluated to determine whether they shared commonalities that might have had an impact on the phenomenon of spiritual formation. This study incorporated the use of journals and individual interviews that were analyzed through a constant comparison method of data in an analysis spiral and through …


The Relationship Between School-Facilitated Parental Involvement And Academic Math Achievement Of High School Students In Virginia Who Receive Special Education Services, Allison Stein Apr 2017

The Relationship Between School-Facilitated Parental Involvement And Academic Math Achievement Of High School Students In Virginia Who Receive Special Education Services, Allison Stein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

his study examined how school-facilitated parental involvement affects Standards of Learning (SOL) end-of-course exams for high school students in Virginia who are receiving special education services. This study examined test results from the 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015 school years for the Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II SOL exams, as well as results from the Special Education Parent Survey from the same school years. All data used in this study was archival data found on the Virginia Department of Education website. A review of the literature revealed there have been many studies conducted on the effects of parental involvement on …


Home Literacy Environment As A Predictor For Letter Identification Skills For Preschool-Aged Children, Jillian Kennen Apr 2017

Home Literacy Environment As A Predictor For Letter Identification Skills For Preschool-Aged Children, Jillian Kennen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research clearly states that quality home literacy environments and overall literacy development are related; however, there is limited research exploring the effect on home literacy environments as a predictor for letter identification scores for preschool-aged children. Understanding this relationship will help care givers and early educators create quality literacy environments for young children. The purpose of this study was to examine if the home literacy environment for preschool-aged children is a predictor for letter identification scores. The current research examined parent/care giver responses to the Get Ready to Read Home Literacy Environment checklist and students’ scores on the curriculum-based measure …


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 …


Teacher Working Conditions: Perceptions Of Novice And Experienced K-12 Virtual School Teachers, Tiffany Francis Mar 2017

Teacher Working Conditions: Perceptions Of Novice And Experienced K-12 Virtual School Teachers, Tiffany Francis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine if there is a difference between novice and experienced teachers’ perceptions of the working conditions at the K-12 virtual school. This study examined the teachers’ total years employed at the school to determine if a difference exists in the groups’ perceptions of the teacher working conditions. Teacher working conditions were measured by the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions (NC TWC) survey that was administered to North Carolina teachers. A causal-comparative research design was used to conduct the study. A convenience sample of (N = 318) licensed K-12 virtual school instructors participated in …


Factors That Influence The Retention Of Urban, Hispanic High School Male Graduates: A Phenomenological Study, Robin Elliott-Ghalleb Mar 2017

Factors That Influence The Retention Of Urban, Hispanic High School Male Graduates: A Phenomenological Study, Robin Elliott-Ghalleb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the retention of urban, Hispanic high school male graduates in East Harlem, New York. Originated through the works by W. E. B. Du Bois (1968), Gloria Ladson-Billings (1998) and Derrick Bell (1992) pioneered Critical Race Theory (CRT), which reported that the United States Education system has historically failed to adequately provide access to all students. Hispanics continue to have the lowest rates of high school and college degree attainment. This study’s purpose was to address the phenomenon of low retention rates of urban, Hispanic males …


Student Perceptions Of Type Ii Alternative School Experiences: A Phenomenological Investigation Of Motivational Factors That Influence Persistence Toward Graduation, Michael Barrett Mar 2017

Student Perceptions Of Type Ii Alternative School Experiences: A Phenomenological Investigation Of Motivational Factors That Influence Persistence Toward Graduation, Michael Barrett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate how high school students described their experiences attending a Type II alternative school (geared toward students with behavioral problems and poor student attendance) in Central Georgia and the factors that motivated them to persist to graduation. The overarching research question was: How do high school graduates describe their experiences attending an alternative school in Central Georgia that motivated them to persist toward graduation? Schein’s organizational culture model, Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs served as the conceptual framework. Participants included eight students who had previously attended …


Teachers' Experiences With Integrating Play-Based Learning Into Standards-Driven Curriculum: A Phenomenological Study, Mary Nugent Mar 2017

Teachers' Experiences With Integrating Play-Based Learning Into Standards-Driven Curriculum: A Phenomenological Study, Mary Nugent

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe kindergarten teachers’ experiences with integrating play-based learning into standards-based academic curriculum in a school district in South Carolina. Play–based learning experiences were defined as instances which allow children to engage in active, social learning experiences in classrooms. This study explored the question of how kindergarten teachers describe their experiences with integrating play-based learning experiences in their classrooms, the value of play in their classrooms, their role as the adult during play experiences, and the difficulties that they face in making instructional decisions. The theories guiding this study were Froebel’s early childhood …


The Girl Factor: How Single-Sex Learning Environments Affect African American Girls' Discipline Referral Rate, Devonne Lampkin Jan 2017

The Girl Factor: How Single-Sex Learning Environments Affect African American Girls' Discipline Referral Rate, Devonne Lampkin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The mission of the single-sex education is to provide learning environments that will bring out the best in each student and will provide opportunities for success that may not be available in co-educational settings. Several explanations have been suggested for differences between single-sex and coeducational settings in educational processes and in student outcomes. Schools that implement single-sex schools do so with the hope of decreasing the social pressures and distractions that will lead to a decrease in office discipline referrals which unenviably lead to suspensions. The purpose of this ex-post facto casual comparative study examines the impact single-sex schools have …