Education Commons^™

A Mixed-Method Study Comparing Staff Nurse And Nurse Manager Perceptions Of Fairness Related To Scheduling, Self-Scheduling, And Scheduling Incentives As Motivators, Alicia B. Workman

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Understanding and addressing the perception of fairness in scheduling and incentives lets the healthcare system administration tailor scheduling needs to the staff nurses, thereby creating an environment that improves job satisfaction, work-life balance, and increased retention. This study was a mixed-method research project using questionnaires to compare what motivated registered nurses to work according to the nurse’s perception and the nurse manager’s perception of fairness in scheduling, self-scheduling, and incentives. The findings from this study indicated staff registered nurses and nurse managers had similar responses, however, comments highlighted the importance of fairness as it relates to job satisfaction. Healthcare systems …

A Shared Language: An Examination Of School Interaction Experiences Of Hispanic Ell Students In Northwest Arkansas, Tricia Tice

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

A SHARED LANGUAGE: AN EXAMINATION OF SCHOOL INTERACTION EXPERIENCES OF HISPANIC ELL STUDENTS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Tricia Dawn Tice

Arkansas has one of the fastest-growing Latino populations in the country (Garcia Mont, 2015; Brown & Lopez, 2013). The Northwest Arkansas corridor has the largest concentration of Latinos to date due to the area being host to some of the largest companies in the United States (Garcia Mont, 2015; Brown & Lopez, 2013). Hispanic immigration into Arkansas has greatly increased since the late 1980s (Monroe, 1999). As a result of the area growth, public schools have seen tremendous increases in the …

A Descriptive Study On The Perceived Barriers To Academic Progression From Lpn To Rn, Rebekah B. Snyder

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The significance of seamless academic progression has been emphasized in the nursing profession for more than a decade. A significant amount of research has been conducted on the transition from registered nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared nurse in order to identify potential barriers to progression: yet a significant literature gap exists for the transition from licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to identify what perceived barriers practical nursing students and recent practical nursing graduates identify as potentially hindering academic progression to a registered nursing program. Data …

The Impact Of Virtual Learning Modalities On The Academic Success Of Students In One Arkansas School District, Diane F. Richards

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Arkansas public schools’ offered students an education. While moving through this pandemic, many Arkansas schools implemented optional methods of delivery for their students. Some schools tried to maintain face-to-face classes, while others offered completely online classes. Still, others offered a hybrid format where students attended some face-to-face classes and online classes. One Arkansas school district offered all three options. School districts need guidance as to which teaching methods worked well. The long-term effects of the educational impact of COVID-19 are not known at this time. Schools could benefit from a guide with useful strategies …

Understanding The Perceptions Of African American High School Students On The Development Of Student-Teacher Relationships, Michael Hensley

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Studies have shown the positive associations between academic achievement, student engagement, and student-teacher relationships (Willms, 2003; Roorda et al., 2011). However, limited research exists on the subject of student-teacher relationships from the student perspective, and virtually no literature focuses on student-teacher relationships from the student perspective in the southern United States. This qualitative study was designed to collect and examine the perceptions of African American high school students in Arkansas on the development of student-teacher relationships. Data was collected through focus group meetings held with African American students in two diverse high schools. The constant comparative method of data analysis …

Teacher Preference In Professional Development, Cheri L. Keyes

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Teacher Preference in Professional Development

Teacher professional development (PD) is seen as best ways to ensure teacher quality and guarantee positive student achievement outcomes; however, there is a lack of appropriate and effective PD. This quantitative study examined teachers’ preferences in PD content and delivery. Teachers from a K-12 public school district in Northwest Arkansas were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey, and 292 teachers responded. The measured variables were the professional development preferences of the teachers, the teachers' years of experience, the grade level at which teachers teach, gender, the content of preferred PD, and the delivery or …

Student Engagement With One-To-One Devices In The Classroom And Reading Achievement, Jennifer L. Hignite

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Abstract

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH ONE-TO-ONE DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM AND READING ACHIEVEMENT

Jennifer Hignite

Archived student reading achievement data and teacher perceptions of a one-to-one technology implementation were studied at a small, rural public school in northwest Arkansas. This study looked at data collected prior to and during an unprecedented time in education, the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine if a one-to-one computer program impacted student achievement, specifically in reading. This study also utilized teacher survey and interview data to determine whether additional factors can contribute to student reading achievement. Results from the archived student …

Students Of Color Perceptions Of Their Relationship With White Teachers, Shawn T. Hinkle

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

As the student population across the country becomes more diverse (Bryant et al., 2017) and the teacher population remains relatively consistent with little diversity (NCES, 2013), a better understanding of how male students of color are perceived, interact and relate with their White teachers become necessary to ensure their academic success. The purpose of this study is to study the perceptions male students of color have of their White teachers. The following research questions are utilized to explore the lived experiences of 10 high school male students of color in Northwest Arkansas: (1) How do high school male students of …

The Relationship Between The Implementation Of Freshman Academies And Student Achievement In Math, English, And Science For Schools In Arkansas, Tonjuna L. Iverson

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the implementation of freshman academies and student achievement in math, English, and science in schools in Arkansas. The study presents a review of the literature that discusses the ninth-grade year and the use of freshman academies to improve student achievement. The study consisted of five schools with a freshman academy and 27 schools without a freshman academy. The researcher examined achievement data to determine whether there was a significant difference between the percentage of students passing the ACT Aspire exams taught in a freshman academy versus the students not …

The Relationship Between Length Of Principal Tenure And Student Achievement In Central Arkansas Elementary Schools, Valencia Essel

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain any relationship between student achievement and principal longevity in elementary schools in Central Arkansas. The research questions were aimed at specifically finding any relationship that describes how a principal being in the same building or being moved to other schools impacts the students growth and achievement in that school. This research was important in being able to support or argue against the implications on students when district leaders decide to move principals from their schools. The research was conducted using archived student and personnel data from the Pulaski County Special …

Dialysis Patient Education On The Prevention Of Kidney Disease Prior To Patients Receiving Dialysis: A Retrospective Descriptive Study, Jamie D. Jones

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Fifty-two adult patients at an outpatient dialysis center in central Arkansas were surveyed regarding the education that was provided by medical professionals related to kidney disease and dialysis during treatment of hypertension and diabetes. The twenty-question survey inquired about demographic information, medical history, and the timing and perceived comprehension of education received. The researcher discovered that the majority of patients did not receive education that identified hypertension and diabetes as contributing factors of kidney disease until after diagnosis of kidney disease. The vast majority of participants reported that education regarding the life implications of dialysis, including fluid and dietary restrictions, …

A Descriptive Pilot Study On Travel Nurses' Risk Of Burnout During The Covid- 19 Pandemic, Lashanda Head

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that results from long-term involvement in work situations that are difficult (Schaufeli & Greenglass, 2001). Burnout leads to a significant occupational problem in various professions that involve people who work with others, including nurses who work with COVID- 19 patients. This pilot study aims to determine if travel nurses who have worked or are currently working during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals are at increased risk for nurse burnout. A convenience sample (N=9) of travel nurses working at CHRISTUS St Michael Health System were asked to …

Public School Nurse To Student Ratios: Does It Affect Absenteeism?, Laura Beth Hobbs

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The demands for adequate nursing workloads in public schools have increased with special needs children in Arkansas. School nurses are a necessary component of student academic achievement and physical well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects that nurse-to-student ratios have on absenteeism by providing a convenience sample questionnaire to Arkansas K-12 public school superintendents. The questionnaire has examined the relationship between school nurse ratios and school absentee numbers. A four-question survey was sent out to 233 Arkansas K-12 public schools using a QuestionPro survey. Superintendents were asked about their school district numbers for the 2020-2021 school …

The Importance Of Academic Advising: The Good, The Bad, & The Influence, Sierra N. Smith

ATU Research Symposium

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between inadequate academic advising and its effects on graduation rates, retention, and students’ academic performance. Mixed technology will be used to conduct a thorough investigation. Interviews of graduate students from a Student Affairs department at an east south-central 4-year institution will be used for the qualitative aspect of this study. The participants will discuss the advising encounters they shared with their undergraduate academic advisor(s). The quantitative element will consist of an online survey using a Likert scale to answer a series of questions regarding academic advising experiences. Knowing this will …

First-Generation Students: How This Subculture Chooses Their Higher Education Institution, Claire I. Kerr

ATU Research Symposium

First-generation students are a unique type of student. Both complicated and misunderstood, this subculture provides an increasing challenge for student affairs professionals. Nearly 25% of the overall undergraduate population is first-generation, with first-generation being defined as students without parents who went to college (Engle & Tinto, 2008). There is little research on how or why first-generation students choose their higher education institution. Understanding first-generation students and how they choose their higher education institution is important as the population of first-generation students is rising, thus creating a need for understanding this for recruitment professionals at institutions. The first research question was …

The Impact Of The Science Of Reading Training On The Nwea Map Test Scores Of African American Students In A Central Arkansas School District, Katina Simpson-Ray Dr.

ATU Research Symposium

Abstract

THE IMPACT OF THE SCIENCE OF READING TRAINING ON THE NWEA MAP TEST SCORES OF ELEMENTARY AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN A CENTRAL ARKANSAS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Katina Latrice Simpson-Ray

The state of Arkansas adopted ACT 1063 in 2017, which was designed to improve reading achievement for all students. Included in the law was the requirement that “curriculum programs that are supported by the science of reading and based on instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic be implemented (Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2020). All K12 teachers and administrators, as well as higher education institutions, were required to …

Csp 1013 And Tech 1001 Assessment For Fall 2020, Brian Mallory, Holly Haynes, Amber Robinett

ATU Research Symposium

We are assessing the sections of CSP 1013 (Principles of Collegiate Success) and TECH 1001 (Orientation to the University) from the Fall 2020 semester by establishing learning and developmental outcomes to assignments related to two chapters that were taught. We are tracking overall grades for the assignments to determine the effectiveness of the material. For this assessment project, we are focusing on the following outcomes:

• Display successful time and life management skills
• Demonstrate effective study, note-taking, reading, and test taking skills

We tracked various assignments based on what the instructor for each section deemed fitting.

To do this, we have …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Practices In Teachers, Shawn M. Martin Hettinga

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Mindfulness training has been identified as a promising means for cultivating social and emotional competencies and reducing stress. The purpose of the quantitative pre-post study using convenience sampling of educators in a rural K-12 in the Arkansas River Valley was to examine whether teachers’ participation in mindfulness activities were associated with changes in levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and job satisfaction. The study used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) and measured the responses from novice (0-3 years) and experienced (4+ years) teachers. The findings revealed that there was no difference between the …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Implementation Of Professional Learning Communities And The Relationship To Student Achievement, Marian Arnett

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

For decades, mandates have driven the way we educate our students. Seemingly ever since the inception of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), schools across the nation have struggled to meet federal standards for student success. However, when many schools still failed to show a significant amount of achievement, they became labeled "Priority" or "Focus" schools under the federally mandated laws of NCLB. The vital need to promote best educational practices leads to the educational strategy of teacher collaboration. Research calls for higher levels of teacher collaboration in the educational setting as a strategy to address lackluster performance trends (Anrig, 2015). …

The Impact Of The Science Of Reading Training On The Nwea Map Test Scores Of Elementary African American Students In A Central Arkansas School District, Katina Simpson-Ray

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Abstract

THE IMPACT OF THE SCIENCE OF READING TRAINING ON THE NWEA MAP TEST SCORES OF ELEMENTARY AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN A CENTRAL ARKANSAS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Katina Latrice Simpson-Ray

The state of Arkansas adopted ACT 1063 in 2017, which was designed to improve reading achievement for all students. Included in the law was the requirement that “curriculum programs that are supported by the science of reading and based on the instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic be implemented (Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2020). All K12 teachers and administrators, as well as higher education institutions, were required …

Examining Teacher Self-Efficacy Of General Educators In Inclusive Settings In Northwest Arkansas Secondary Schools, Marleah Hannaford

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine teacher self-efficacy among general education teachers in inclusive settings in the Northwest region of Arkansas. The study further explored factors that contribute to the perceived level of efficacy, and the role of teacher education programs and professional development sessions in the level of self-efficacy. For the quantitative portion of this study, 101 general education teachers from six districts in Northwest Arkansas completed a survey with Likert-style questions. Qualitative data were provided through six follow-up interviews among participants that participated in the survey. Results from the study indicate that the overall …

School Climate And Teacher Self- Efficacy: Teacher's Perspectives, Jennifer Prado

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Teacher self-efficacy is used to describe how a teacher feels about their ability to perform the tasks related to teaching. This qualitative study focused on how teachers’ perceptions of their school climate affect teacher self-efficacy in eight middle school teachers in Arkansas. Participants were Arkansas middle school teachers with three or more years of experience. The typical participant was a 43-year-old female with an undergraduate degree in education, a master’s degree, and 16 years of classroom experience. A request for participants was sent to the superintendent of every district in Arkansas that had at least one middle school with the …

Exploring The Effect Of Online Course Design On Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge Transfer And Retention Through Learning Analytics, Yasemin Gülbahar, Mohamed Ibrahim, Rebecca Callaway

Faculty Publications - Curriculum & Instruction

There is a vast amount of data collected on e-learning platforms that can provide insight and guidance to both learners and educators. However, this data is rarely used for evaluation and understanding the learning process. Hence, to fill this gap in the literature this study explored the effect of online course design on students’ transfer and retention of knowledge through learning analytics. The aim was to reveal study behaviours of participants over a short time while exploring their academic performance. Using a mixed method approach, this research is conducted in two different countries in a limited time. The results showed …

Two Approaches To Investigate Preservice Teachers’ Tpack Competencies And Self-Regulated Learning Skills In Turkey And The United States, Mevlüt Aydoğmuş, Mohamed Ibrahim

Faculty Publications - Teaching and Educational Leadership

In this study the investigators used two different approaches to investigate preservice teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) competencies and self-regulated learning skills (SRL). The first study was conducted at Ahmet Keleşoğlu Education Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University (NEU), Konya, Turkiye and the second study was conducted at Arkansas Tech University (ATU), Arkansas, the United States. The data from the participants at NEU was collected from 375 preservice teachers to examine the correlation among preservice teachers’ TPACK competencies, SRL and their gender and years of study. Although the findings revealed that preservice teachers’ TPACK competencies differed by their gender and year …