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Perceptions Of Primary Grade Teachers About Reading Curriculum And Early Literacy Intervention, Melody Carr Jun 2024

Perceptions Of Primary Grade Teachers About Reading Curriculum And Early Literacy Intervention, Melody Carr

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the perceptions of reading curriculum and early literacy intervention of primary grade teachers. The purpose of this study was to answer the following research questions: How do primary grade teachers view early literacy intervention? How do teachers perceive the basal reading program, Reading Wonders? While there are studies that focus on teacher perceptions, research is limited in the area of teachers’ perceptions of reading curriculum and early literacy intervention. Data was collected using a qualitative approach using a survey, interviews, and a focus group discussion. Findings reveal that teachers feel that they need to be prepared when …


Voices From The Marginalized: The Experiences Black Employees Have On Search Committees And The Role Of Institutional Racism, Jacqueline Drummer Jun 2024

Voices From The Marginalized: The Experiences Black Employees Have On Search Committees And The Role Of Institutional Racism, Jacqueline Drummer

Theses and Dissertations

The history of Black people across the globe is marred by structural racism created by colonialism. Structural racism is deeply embedded in the American culture and academia is not excluded from this phenomenon. The research demonstrates that the problem of racism is not only prevalent in four-year academic institutions but also exists in two-year colleges. Our academic institutions are a microcosm of the broader society whereby we bring our worldviews, biases, and beliefs with us into the workplace. When these views are negative towards marginalized groups, actions can be adverse and impact the experiences of these demographics. My qualitative single …


Woosah! Minoritized Student Affairs Professionals: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue At A Predominately White Institution, Julius J. Grayson Jun 2024

Woosah! Minoritized Student Affairs Professionals: Navigating Racial Battle Fatigue At A Predominately White Institution, Julius J. Grayson

Theses and Dissertations

Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis this study explored the rich experiences of seven racially minoritized student affairs professionals (RMSAPs) who experienced racial battle fatigue (RBF) and the impact it had on their health at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Social psychological research has identified both blatant and subtle forms of racial discrimination have adverse which lead to deleterious mental health outcomes for racially minoritized individuals. The findings indicated that these racially minoritized student affairs professionals were experiencing racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue at their predominately white institution. In order to reclaim their wellness, participants shared the strategies they used …


Reading Interventionists Using Individualized Learning Plans And Instruction: A District Leader’S Response To Address Unfinished Teaching Opportunities In Reading, Nicole Almanzar Jun 2024

Reading Interventionists Using Individualized Learning Plans And Instruction: A District Leader’S Response To Address Unfinished Teaching Opportunities In Reading, Nicole Almanzar

Theses and Dissertations

This action-research study explores a district leader’s experience implementing district-wide individualized learning plans (ILPs) and individualized instruction to enhance student outcomes in reading. The study utilizes collective leadership practices by collaborating with reading interventionists throughout. In addition, this study provides an alternative to the technology-based personalized learning and high-dosage tutoring models.


Literacy Instruction In Nature And The Development Of Kindergarten Literacy Skills, Lauren Angelozzi Jun 2024

Literacy Instruction In Nature And The Development Of Kindergarten Literacy Skills, Lauren Angelozzi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines what happens when literacy instruction is implemented while students are outside in nature. Relevant theories that guided this research included the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), and Culturally Relevant teaching (CRT). Throughout the four week study students participated in literacy lessons outdoors that focused on journal writing outdoors, outdoor teacher read alouds, and writing outdoors using tools found in nature. The final week of the study focused on how students incorporate these literacy skills into their own outdoor free play. This qualitative research focused on data collection from various sources such as: student artifacts, …


Stress And Coping Mechanisms Of Non-Traditional International Doctoral Students, Ndidi Patience Iwuagwu May 2024

Stress And Coping Mechanisms Of Non-Traditional International Doctoral Students, Ndidi Patience Iwuagwu

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions are battling with the shrinking enrollment rate of students and the various college alternatives (Drozdowski, 2022); however, it has been evidenced in the literature that these issues can be augmented with international student enrollments and adult learners (Donaldson, 2022). Pursuing a doctoral degree is a tedious move (Devonport & Lane, 2014), and leaving one’s comfort zone to study in a different land for non-traditional international students can be exhausting due to the responsibilities at hand. Thus, this qualitative study examines the stressors experienced by non-traditional international doctoral students, the coping mechanisms utilized in the cause of these …


Perceived And Preferred Methods To Adult Language Learning, Suzie Tse May 2024

Perceived And Preferred Methods To Adult Language Learning, Suzie Tse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is to understand the adult language learners in formal learning setting and know what do they perceive as the main methods of teaching and what do they prefer instead. If there is a gap between preferred methods of learning and perceived methods of learning, then there is a need that needs to be addressed. This is important because many students find language learning at best ineffective and at worst impossible. I hypothesize that there will be a difference between adult student perception and preference because student focuses more on speaking and listening skill over …


Utilizing Students’ Technological Knowledge To Develop Critical Reading Skills And Digital Literacy Identities, Rosemarie Mcgraw May 2024

Utilizing Students’ Technological Knowledge To Develop Critical Reading Skills And Digital Literacy Identities, Rosemarie Mcgraw

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to explore how teachers can purposefully integrate and connect students’ digital literacy funds of knowledge into in-school digital literacy meaning making to enhance critical reading and thinking, and how it supports students’ development of their digital literacy identity. The theories that guided this thesis were from New London Group, Freire, Gee, Knobel, and Lankshear. This was a qualitative research study that collected data from surveys, interviews, observations, and student work samples. Over the course of the study, students participated in a controlled choice research unit. Throughout the study, students received specific instruction on how to use multiliteracies …


Community Assistant Role And Its Impact On Academic Performance And Mental Health, Abigail R. Lamanna May 2024

Community Assistant Role And Its Impact On Academic Performance And Mental Health, Abigail R. Lamanna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the multifaceted challenges faced by Community Assistants (CAs) within residential life at Rowan University. Through an examination of existing literature, data, and qualitative insights, this study sheds light on how CAs prioritize their academics and mental health within their role. Three research questions guided the study: (1) To what extent does the demanding role of a Community Assistant impact their ability to prioritize their academic responsibilities? (2) To what extent does the demanding role of a Community Assistant impact their ability to prioritize their Mental Health? (3) How can Residential Life Offices …


The "Essence" From Within: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Racial And Ethnic Minoritized Women (Raemw) Senior Level Administrators At 4-Year Predominately White Institutions (Pwis) In The United States (U.S.), Felicia Crockett May 2024

The "Essence" From Within: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Racial And Ethnic Minoritized Women (Raemw) Senior Level Administrators At 4-Year Predominately White Institutions (Pwis) In The United States (U.S.), Felicia Crockett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of senior level RAEMW administrators who work at 4-year PWIs in the U.S. and analyze the impact of institutional environments on their success. The theories that guided this study were: Crenshaw’s (1994; 1989; 2015) intersectionality framework and four tenets of CRT which include counter-storytelling, the permanence of racism, interest convergence, and intersectionality (Hiraldo, 2010, 2019). This study was guided by the three research questions: 1) How do RAEMW senior level administrators describe their experiences navigating higher education, 2) How do senior level RAEMW administrators describe the impact of institutional environments …


Examining How Artistic Expression In The Classroom Can Increase Students' Academic Performance And Understanding Of Course Material, Jake Taylor Marrazzo May 2024

Examining How Artistic Expression In The Classroom Can Increase Students' Academic Performance And Understanding Of Course Material, Jake Taylor Marrazzo

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examined how artistic expression in the classroom can increase students’ academic performance and understanding of course material. This study consisted of graduate students in the Masters of Arts in Higher Education program at Rowan University, during the Fall/Spring 2023-2024 semesters, enrolled in at least one of the following courses: Crisis Management, Higher Education in America, and The College Student. The study utilized an artistic expression activity, painting, in connection with participants' course material and readings to understand the benefits of artistic expression on student success in the classroom. Some findings of this study show that artistic …


From Crisis To Aftermath: The Role Of Nursing Professional Development Educators During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Realist Case Study, Kimberly Kanner May 2024

From Crisis To Aftermath: The Role Of Nursing Professional Development Educators During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Realist Case Study, Kimberly Kanner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, realistic inquiry case study was to examine and understand the experiences of NPD educators as they assisted new graduate nurses transitioning into clinical nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals in the state of New York. Moreover, this research study sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes to the NPD educator's role and their ability to assist new graduate nurses transitioning into clinical practice post-pandemic. The sample included NPD educators from acute care hospitals in the state of New York. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and document collection. The …


Impact Of Social Integration On Student Persistence In Commuter Students, Julianna Paolini May 2024

Impact Of Social Integration On Student Persistence In Commuter Students, Julianna Paolini

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to quantitatively examine the ways in which social integration impacts student persistence in the commuter student population on the Glassboro campus at Rowan University. Additionally, this study examines the levels of social engagement in the commuter student population and in what ways is their engagement impacted. The sample consisted of 159 participants who commute to Rowan University’s main campus who are enrolled as undergraduate students. Participants were surveyed utilizing a Qualtrics survey that was distributed to students starting in December of 2023 and ending in February 2023. The survey consisted of questions about the …


The Experiences Of Minoritized Students In A College Success Course: A Qualitative Case Study, Erin Hannah May 2024

The Experiences Of Minoritized Students In A College Success Course: A Qualitative Case Study, Erin Hannah

Theses and Dissertations

Enrollment in higher education has increased over recent years with more students entering college underprepared for the academic rigor. Through expanded access, more minoritized students who are Pell eligible are enrolling. To retain these and other students, higher education institutions are implementing high impact practices to provide additional support. One such strategy is through the implementation of college success courses. These courses are intended to provide an extra layer of support for students as they make the transition from high school to college. Using a qualitative, case study approach, I used semi-structured interviews which included a photo-elicitation component to explore …


Sense Of Community And Belonging At Rowan University? An Exploration Of Involvement In Student-Led Clubs And Organizations, Samantha Rylee Harvey May 2024

Sense Of Community And Belonging At Rowan University? An Exploration Of Involvement In Student-Led Clubs And Organizations, Samantha Rylee Harvey

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores concepts of community and belonging among students who are involved in clubs and organizations at Rowan University. Through the use of a qualitative survey and the option for an additional interview, participants are able to discuss their personal experiences being involved in a club or organization and if they believe it contributes to their sense of community and belonging, not only in the club or organization, but at Rowan University as an institution. Findings show that involvement in student clubs and organizations has helped some participants feel a sense of community and belonging in the clubs and …


Using Efficacious Content Area Literacy Practices To Support Student Improvement And Perception Of Self-Efficacy, Christine Mccabe May 2024

Using Efficacious Content Area Literacy Practices To Support Student Improvement And Perception Of Self-Efficacy, Christine Mccabe

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and motivation change when students use content area literacy practices in math. This study was guided by the affective theories of Bandura, Maslow, and Guthrie & Wigfield. This study used qualitative research, focusing on collecting data through anecdotal evidence, student self-evaluation surveys, student journal responses, and a teacher research journal. Throughout the six week study, students participated in lessons focused on improving self-efficacy, confidence and motivation. Additionally, students learned to make connections between math and literacy through math literacy tasks, such as numberless word problems. Following the study, data was analyzed through triangulation …


Investigation Of The Regional Innovation System In Rural Region Of New Jersey: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Ketan N. Gandhi Apr 2024

Investigation Of The Regional Innovation System In Rural Region Of New Jersey: A Qualitative Single Case Study, Ketan N. Gandhi

Theses and Dissertations

This single-case study investigated how a partnership between a rural community college in New Jersey and a manufacturer of emerging optics equipment reflected the “regional networked innovation system,” a type of regional innovation system (Asheim & Isaksen, 2002, p.83). The regional innovation system explains a region's development and competitiveness based on a set of actors within a region, developing specific forms of capital derived from social relations, norms, values, and interactions with the community (Doloreux & Parto, 2005).


The Journey Toward Ascension: Understanding The Narratives Of Latinx Women In K-12 School Principalship, Manuela Jimenez Apr 2024

The Journey Toward Ascension: Understanding The Narratives Of Latinx Women In K-12 School Principalship, Manuela Jimenez

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the unique leadership journeys of Latinx women holding principal positions in K-12 schools across New Jersey. The research findings revealed that these women's career paths were significantly influenced by their social identity characteristics, specifically as female Latinx individuals. The study serves as a crucial reminder to challenge and eliminate negative perceptions and biases towards Latina school principals and their leadership growth and methodologies. The study focused on the leadership journeys of Latinx women holding principal positions in K-12 schools in New Jersey. The findings also showed that their career paths were aided by their social identity characteristics …


A Qualitative Case Study: Ncaa Division Iii First-Generation Student-Athletes And Transferable Skills, Eric Brennan Apr 2024

A Qualitative Case Study: Ncaa Division Iii First-Generation Student-Athletes And Transferable Skills, Eric Brennan

Theses and Dissertations

The development of transferable skills is seen as an important factor for higher education institutions to enhance the employability of their graduates (Holmes, 2013; Tymon, 2013). An overarching purpose of the higher education system is to prepare students for their professional careers and lives. This qualitative instrumental single case study explored how first-generation student-athletes develop transferable skills through intercollegiate athletics at a public, Division III university in New Jersey. Further, it sought to understand how the university validates these transferable skills for first-generation student-athletes. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth open-ended interviews to capture rich details from the participants related …


Planning, Outcomes, Oversight: A Linguistic Analysis Of New Jersey Statutes And Reports From 1970 To 1999, Sharon E. Mccann Apr 2024

Planning, Outcomes, Oversight: A Linguistic Analysis Of New Jersey Statutes And Reports From 1970 To 1999, Sharon E. Mccann

Theses and Dissertations

Between the decades of 1970 through 1999, there were major shifts in higher education in New Jersey. Utilizing a grounded theory approach this dissertation created a database of legislation, hearings transcripts, and education reports. Searching this database for commonly used terminology, this dissertation was seeking a pattern in language use that could demonstrate the incursion of neoliberal economic terminology into the way high education was discussed during these years. A grounded theory exploration, this dissertation does not claim to have achieved a proven connection between the language shift and decisions made by education leadership. All it can demonstrate is that …


An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Leadership Development For College Students In An Army Rotc Program, Joseph O. Gagnon Feb 2024

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Leadership Development For College Students In An Army Rotc Program, Joseph O. Gagnon

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the learning behaviors for young leaders from Generation Z is important for the United States Army in their development for future commissioned officers, who are primarily trained in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in select private and public universities across the country. The Army expectation of leaders at every level regardless of rank are to possess and continuously develop six leadership capabilities codified in the Army Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM). The ALRM describes what an Army leader is (i.e., the attributes) and what an Army leader does (i.e., the competencies). The purpose of this study was to understand …


Foreign-Born Black Males: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Their Persistence In Higher Education, Eliezer Marcellus Jan 2024

Foreign-Born Black Males: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Their Persistence In Higher Education, Eliezer Marcellus

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the academic and social integration experiences of foreign-born Black male students who persist at a four-year research institution. Research has shown that foreign-born Black males do not self-identify, and, as a result, their experiences in higher education have been grouped in with the persistent experiences of native-born Black males (Nesbett, 2002; Williams, 2005). This phenomenological study examines the lived experience of foreign-born Black males in higher education. Ten face-to-face interviews were conducted in order to describe the essence of this phenomenon. The findings from this study revealed five themes that explained the …


A Case Study Of The Implementation Of The New Clery Act Guidelines, Eunice Adigun Jan 2024

A Case Study Of The Implementation Of The New Clery Act Guidelines, Eunice Adigun

Theses and Dissertations

The Clery Act requires all higher education institutions participating in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose campus crimes by submitting an Annual Security Report by October 1st of every year. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Education replaced the 265-page Clery Act guidelines for administrators with a 13-page Appendix with specific changes to geographical locations to include in the report, eliminated the definition of crimes, and limited individuals designated as Campus Security Authority to those with direct responsibilities over student affairs. This case study examined how campus security officers implement the new Clery Act guidelines in crime …


Graduate Student Experiences With Food Insecurity, Melanie Ibarra Aug 2023

Graduate Student Experiences With Food Insecurity, Melanie Ibarra

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to examine and analyze food-insecure graduate student experiences at Rowan University. Graduate student experiences are often left out of current literature and this study was conducted to uncover and discuss how food insecurity affects this population and provide recommendations through nuanced food-insecure graduate student experiences. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach including semi-structured interviews with five participants. A thematic analysis was used to categorize the findings of five themes: Stigma, Academic Engagement, Physical and Mental Health, Coping Mechanisms, and Food Resources. The findings of this study allowed for the transition into further recommendations for practice …


Liberation Education: A Strive To Make Literacy Instruction Meaningful For All Elementary School Students & Teachers, Cassandra K. Goodwin Jul 2023

Liberation Education: A Strive To Make Literacy Instruction Meaningful For All Elementary School Students & Teachers, Cassandra K. Goodwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual research was to review literature on the implementation and the implications of liberation education in the elementary literacy classroom, specifically for students of color and white teachers in urban schools. This research discusses educational frameworks tied to liberation education and explores common themes that arise through the literature review. The importance of culturally responsive teaching, critical pedagogy, and multiliteracies pedagogy through literacy instruction is highlighted. Thorough teacher preparation, and active teacher engagement allow for student empowerment. Positive effects of liberation education through literacy for students and teachers are explored. Strides away from traditional teaching to …


Exploring Black Women, White Women, And White Genderqueer Faculty Experiences Of Critical Incidents Of Whiteness In The Workplace: A Critical - Constructivist Narrative Inquiry, Gabrielle Mcallaster Jun 2023

Exploring Black Women, White Women, And White Genderqueer Faculty Experiences Of Critical Incidents Of Whiteness In The Workplace: A Critical - Constructivist Narrative Inquiry, Gabrielle Mcallaster

Theses and Dissertations

The cross-racial collaborations of Black women and white individuals in the academy are fraught and complex, as their livelihoods are connected to larger socio-political structures and intersecting systems of oppression, namely race and gender (Crenshaw, 1989, 1990). In this study, I engaged in the research alongside three Black women, two white women, and one white genderqueer faculty to uncover their experiences of critical incidents of whiteness in the workplace at Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs). I relied on three critical theoretical frameworks, Intersectionality, Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS), and Critical Human Development Resource Development Theory (CHRD), to comprehensively examine Black …


Using Multicultural Texts To Motivate Special Education Middle Schoolers To Read Independently, Ramona Maria Di Maria Jun 2023

Using Multicultural Texts To Motivate Special Education Middle Schoolers To Read Independently, Ramona Maria Di Maria

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and examine middle school students’ motivation to read independently. The goal was to see what happens to seventh grade special needs students’ motivation when using authentic multicultural texts during independent reading. Motivation profiles, student interest surveys, reading habit observations and student multicultural book choices were collected and analyzed. The special needs students that participated in the study showed how a structured daily independent reading schedule, choice of multicultural literature, and classroom environment can increase their motivation to read independently. The implications for teaching independent reading in a middle school special needs …


Understanding Student Reading Motivation In Relation To Representation And Reader’S Workshop, Abigail Sophie Ronberg Jun 2023

Understanding Student Reading Motivation In Relation To Representation And Reader’S Workshop, Abigail Sophie Ronberg

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a case study on one group of on-level learners in a sixth grade language arts class in northern New Jersey. Students were instructed using Reader’s Workshop principles throughout the school year. This study looks at whether student choice, using reader’s workshop, and providing student feedback affect reading motivation. Motivation to read is measured though Gambrell’s Motivation to Read Profile, once at the beginning of a Reader’s Workshop unit and once at the end. Throughout the unit, students are asked to rate their experiences and share their thinking. Parents are interviewed to determine familial literacy history and provide …


More Than Athletes: Do Student Athletes Perform Better Academically In Their Respective Competitive Season?, Kristiina Michele Castagnola Jun 2023

More Than Athletes: Do Student Athletes Perform Better Academically In Their Respective Competitive Season?, Kristiina Michele Castagnola

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to analyze the grade point averages of student athletes in their competitive season versus their “off” season. This study also provides suggestions to Rowan University on how they can better support their student athlete’s academic success. This research study used surveys and a quantitative data analysis to analyze the grade point averages of the student athletes. The participants in this research study were student athletes that attended Rowan University in the 2021-2022 academic school year and had completed one full academic year. The most significant data collected was that student athletes do not …


Neurodivergent College Students And Therapy Dogs In Higher Education, Georgia Jean Majka Jun 2023

Neurodivergent College Students And Therapy Dogs In Higher Education, Georgia Jean Majka

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine neurodivergent students in higher education and their experience with The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University to investigate whether therapy dogs reduce anxiety levels and provide relaxation. In addition, this study provides recommendations for The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy program at Rowan University to promote the program and its purpose on campus. These resources are important when discussing the neurodivergent student population in higher education, which this research study discusses, based on previous research and the results found from this quantitative approach. This study also makes recommendations for Rowan University …