Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Race-Related Stress, Racial Socialization And Burnout In African American Teachers Who Attended Hbcus Vs. Pwis, Catava M. Burton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior research has indicated racial socialization (RS) safeguards against race-related stress (RRS). Despite previous investigations, there has been a dearth of scholarship exclusively examining how RRS, RS, and burnout effect African American teachers with divergent collegiate experiences. To illuminate this research gap, this quantitative study used an online survey to examine the predictive role of RRS and RS on burnout in African American teachers (N = 20) who attended HBCUs or PWIs. This study also measured the potential moderating role of collegiate experience on RRS and RS. The respondents were administered the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS), Cultural and …

Exploring School Counselors’ Perceptions Of How Poverty Impacts Elementary School Students’ Capacity For Academic And Emotional Success: A Phenomenological Study, Latesha Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate school counselors’ viewpoints regarding poverty’s influence on elementary school students’ executive functioning, self-regulation abilities, and academic performance. The impact of poverty on children’s academic achievement is widely acknowledged, and school counselors’ assistance to students from low-income families is considered paramount. The study provided a unique viewpoint regarding alleviating poverty by highlighting the crucial significance of education and skills. The guiding theory in the research study was the social cognitive theory that offers a conceptual structure for comprehending how school counselors’ observations and experiences within the educational setting influence their perspectives regarding …

Low To Moderate-Intensity Exercise On Blood Pressure Response In Hypertensive Older Adults, David Farrell Robinson Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aims to investigate the blood pressure response of a single bout of exercise at low to moderate intensity in older adults with normal/grade 1 hypertension. 120 physically active adults (74.80 ± 6.3 years) randomly completed two aerobic exercise sessions of 30 minutes at low (30% heart rate reserve [HRres]) and moderate (50% HRres) intensity. Blood pressure was assessed pre-exercise, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the completion of the exercise bout. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased after both exercise intensities without significant differences. Both exercise intensities saw a proportionate decrease in post exercise blood pressure response compared …

Investigating The Predictive Relationships Between Trauma And Persecution And Academic Motivation With Female Afghan High School Students: A Correlational Study, Gary Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlation study was to determine if there is a predictive relationship between academic motivation and the linear combination of trauma and persecution of Afghanistan female high school students. The study sample of 119 female students was drawn from two underground high schools in Afghanistan in the grades of 10-12, aged 16-20. Instruments included the Academic Motivation Scale, the Child Post-Traumatic Cognitive Inventory, and the Persecution and Deservedness Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to assess how well the criterion variable (academic motivation) was predicted using the whole set of predictor variables …

A Phenomenological Study On Emerging Adults' Lived Experiences With Financial Technology, Tracey R. Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of emerging adults’ interactions with financial socialization and financial technology. This study examined various forms of financial mentoring emerging adults encounter before fully entering adulthood. The essential question is: What are emerging adults’ lived experiences with financial technology? The theory guiding this study is Gudmunson and Danes’ family financial socialization theory (2011) (FFST), which rationalizes how emerging adults obtain financial knowledge based on lived experiences. The researcher intentionally constructed this study as a qualitative transcendental phenomenological investigation gathering individuals’ experiences with a specific phenomenon through quality interview sessions, …

A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Advising Through The Lens Of First-Year Community College Students, Allisha Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the academic advising experiences of first-year community college students at a rural community college located in Eastern North Carolina. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky's social constructivism. A qualitative methodology was used to achieve this study. The setting for this study was a community college located in a rural community with an enrollment of at least 1,200 students. A purposeful criterion sampling of 10 first-year community college students was used to help complete this study. Data was collected using individual interviews, focus groups, and letter writing. The data was analyzed …

The Impact Of Experiential Learning On Perceived Learning And Self-Efficacy In Literacy For Elementary Education: A Quantitative, Causal-Comparative Study, Tabbetha B. Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative, non-experimental study was to determine if there is a difference in reading self-efficacy and perceived learning among fourth- and fifth-grade inner city students who participated in experiential learning and those that did not participate in experiential learning. Experiential learning is considered an immersive method of ensuring that learners become well-experienced, immersed, and confident in their learning. Self-efficacy or how students feel about their learning is also an important factor in literacy retention and performance. The setting for this study was inner-city Northern Virginia. In this study, 163 fourth and fifth grade elementary students in …

Differences In Special Education Teachers' Applied Behavior Analysis Scores: A Causal-Comparative Study, Delilah Mae Fernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative study aimed to determine if there was a difference in applied behavior analysis scores from the applied behavior analysis test between traditional and non-traditionally certified teachers and veteran and new teachers. This research also aimed to identify if there was an interaction effect between experience level and type of certification when considering understanding of applied behavior analysis. This study is important as the findings contribute to the education system within the central Texas area as it uncovered the level of knowledge specific special education teachers in self-contained classrooms have and determined if educators are implementing the best …

Examining The Impact Of Special Education Teacher Attrition On Student Performance: A Causal-Comparative Study, Kiandra Dane Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if there was a difference between the achievement of Georgia special education students on the Ninth Grade Literature and American Literature Georgia Milestones Test in school districts with high and low special education teacher (SET) attrition rates. This study provided quantifiable data that measured the impact of teacher burnout on student achievement. This research further supported the literature in this field by documenting the consequences of increasing teacher turnover rates. Participants in this study included Georgia Milestones student achievement data from approximately 180 Georgia school districts from 2019–2022. The state’s …

Bringing Effective Coaching To Scale: Experiences Of Instructional Coaches In A Large-Scale Coaching Program: A Phenomenological Study, Kristen A. Skura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to understand the barriers that might exist for full-time instructional coaches in an established, large-scale coaching program in a large public school district on the East Coast of the U.S. The theories that guided this study were Knowles’ adult learning theory and the partnership philosophy put forth by Knight as a theoretical foundation for quality instructional coaching. The partnership philosophy is built on the ideas of adult learning theory. Knight suggests seven principles of effective instructional coaching, though this study was focused on only four: equality, reflection, praxis, and reciprocity. The methods of this study included …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of High School Teachers' Experiences Related To Culturally Responsive Teaching And The Impact It Plays On The Achievement Of Minority Students, Rosalind Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological qualitative research study aimed to understand the lived experiences of high school teachers in relation to culturally responsive teaching and the role it plays in the achievement of minority students. The leading theory that guided this study was Vygotsky's sociocultural theory which emphasizes the importance of human development where teachers incorporate students' culture, beliefs, and social norms as essential aspects of instruction (Crotty, 1998). Additionally, Bandura's self-efficacy theory was incorporated as a perspective to assess the impact of teaching influence exerted by teachers based on their personal beliefs. The participants for this study included 13 high school …

Teacher Observations On The Success Of Hard-Of-Hearing Students In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom: A Case Study, Hannah Abbott Mcpherson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to describe how deficits in foundational language among hard-of-hearing students influence mathematics instruction for general education middle school classroom teachers working to educate this student population in the South. The theory guiding this study was Paivio’s theory on dual coding, as it supports learning the necessary concepts needed to perform successfully in mathematics. The central research question for this study was: What are the experiences of middle school mathematics teachers working with hard-of-hearing students? Methodology defined as a descriptive case study included individual interviews, a focus group, and journal prompts to collect data …

Teachers' Financial Literacy Knowledge And Self-Efficacy: A Phenomenological Study, Alyssa Lynne Eisenhart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to discover the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs related to financial literacy knowledge for educators in the United States. The theory guiding the study was self-efficacy as it explained how one’s belief in abilities is shaped by their unique background, experiences, and knowledge. The central research question was what are the experiences and self-efficacy beliefs of educators who teach financial literacy? The study aimed to understand the perspectives of teachers as it related to financial knowledge and self-efficacy. A purposive sample, with ten to fifteen participants, were selected based on the criteria that …

Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of White Male Teachers In An Urban Secondary School, Bryce M. Woerner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to discover the commonalities and factors of retention for White male teachers at an urban secondary school. The focus was on the experiences of the White male teachers at an urban secondary school in Virginia. This research is an examination of the experiences and perceptions of White male teachers. The data included interviews, focus groups, and letter writing to fill the gap in literature for teacher retention in urban schools. The research questions included what are the lived experiences of White male teachers in urban secondary schools and why do they choose …

Journey To Becoming A Superintendent In New York: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeremy R. Koch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences an individual encounters on their journey to becoming a superintendent at a school district in New York. The theory used in this study was the push-pull model (PPM) by E. G. Ravenstein and the push-pull mooring model by E. S. Lee and later B. Moon, to study the lived experiences of those who have become school district superintendents. The PPM was used to determine what themes are present in an individual’s journey to the superintendency that pulls them to the position, pushes them away, or causes them …

A Phenomenological Study Of Online Students' Experiences With Proactive Advising Effects On Retention, Meghan Cowper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the academic, proactive advising experiences of online students’ and the effect on their retention in an online degree program. The theory and conceptual framework that guided this study are Tinto’s student integration model and Schlossberg’s theory of marginality and mattering. For this study, I conducted a transcendental phenomenological qualitative study to understand the personal experiences of proactive advising among online students. This study was conducted with 10 students attending an online university. The data was collected through individual interviews, hypothetical letters, and focus groups. Three themes were identified; overall online experiences, …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Early Career Elementary Teachers' Self-Efficacy Toward Meeting The Needs Of The Twice-Exceptional Students In The General Education Classroom, Paula Danielle Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored how the lived experiences of elementary school teachers contribute to their self-efficacy when making instructional decisions to support twice-exceptional students in the general education classroom in a large suburban school system in northeast Georgia. The theoretical framework for this study is Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The study participant was the elementary school (K-5) general education teachers in their first five years of service. The phenomenon was examined through surveys, personal interviews, and focus group interviews. Data collection consisted of personal interviews, a questionnaire, and a focus group session with participants. A transcendental phenomenological methodology was used to …

The Lived Experiences Of Parents Raising A Child With Albinism: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Quineesha D. Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of psychological barriers for parents of children with albinism in general education classes. The theory guiding this study was Goffman’s social stigma theory on stigmas, as it provides the framework for understanding the educational barriers faced in the general education classroom. This study answers the central research question, what are the lived experiences of parents of children with albinism in school? This transcendental phenomenological study emphasized the need for policy and practice changes focusing on assertiveness and coping skills for students with albinism in primary general education …

The Experiences Of Teachers Implementing Co-Teaching Models: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Chad M. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of secondary teachers implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms at a public school district in northwest Arkansas. For this study, co-teaching is defined as the collaborative approach to instruction in which a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess a course that includes general education students and students with disabilities. Using Johnson and Johnson’s social interdependence theory as a theoretical framework, this study addressed the central research question: What experiences do teachers have implementing co-teaching models in inclusive classrooms? A …

A Phenomenological Study Of Special Education Teacher Self-Efficacy For English Learner Instruction, Emilie Louise Jacumin-Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of special education teachers (SETs) who instruct English learners (ELs) at secondary public schools in the Southeast. In this research, SETs instructing ELs were generally defined as SETs responsible for the instruction of ELs with or without disabilities. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. The qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 11 SETs who teach in secondary public school districts in the southeastern United States. Data collection consisted of Teacher Self-Efficacy (TSE) Scale surveys, teacher reflections on their …

General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Low-Intensity Behavior Management Strategies: A Phenomenological Study, Jessica D'Orazio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore general education teachers’ successes and challenges implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies while teaching in a public school setting. Guiding this study was Bernard Weiner’s attribution theory, as the theory relates to teachers’ perceptions and use of behavior management strategies. The central research question was, “How do general education teachers describe their experiences implementing low-intensity behavior management strategies?” Fifteen teachers participated in the study, and all teacher participants previously received training in low-intensity behavior management strategies from the district Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Data collection involved three approaches: open-ended surveys, individual interviews, …

Constructing A Transformative Methodology Of Discipleship: A Qualitative Case Study Of The African Strategic Discipleship Movement (Asdm), Anne Sylvia Meredith Frey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to discover how discipleship can be transformative for the learners within the African Strategic Discipleship Movement (ASDM) training program currently being offered to Christian denominations located in 33 countries throughout Africa. The educational theory that guided this study was Bruner’s constructivism methodology of learning as it suggested a theoretical framework that could be integrated into the field of discipleship. The Central Research Question asked how the specific instructional methods and practices of discipleship presented by the African Strategic Discipleship Movement (ASDM) provide or not provide the participants with transformational results. Sub-research questions asked about …

Measuring Technical Super-Efficiency Of Christian Faith-Based International Humanitarian Organizations, Barbara G. Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 left a wake of destruction upon its descension, pervasion, and diffusion across the continents. Not only did this happen at individual, household, and corporate levels, but also the nonprofit world. Christian ministries, faith-based organizations, and faith-based charities are among some of the largest international relief and development agencies that are on the front lines of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts (MinistryWatch & Smith, 2023). Understanding the effects of COVID-19 or phenomena with similar magnitudes on faith-based organizations is critical to understanding the impact at the level of their international humanitarian development and relief programs. There is a need for …

The Effects Of High-Fidelity Bereavement Simulation On Perinatal Nurse Attitude And Comfort With Providing Bereavement Care For Patients Experiencing Perinatal Loss, Victoria Jule Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Perinatal loss is a global phenomenon that requires holistic and individualized care of patients. Nurses are responsible for providing most bereavement care after the loss of a pregnancy or infant; however, nurses commonly experience a lack of education and exposure to ways to promote high-quality bereavement care, leading to nurse discomfort providing perinatal bereavement care. The purpose of the study is to examine if high-fidelity perinatal bereavement simulation is an effective method to increase nurse comfort and improve nurse attitudes toward providing perinatal bereavement care. Data was collected using a quantitative quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest research design using a sample of …

The Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Working Memory With A Covariate Of Exercise Among The Perimenopausal Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Karen Marie Veltri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intermittent fasting and exercise are tools to improve health. Current literature focuses on their impact on metabolic health and weight loss, leaving a gap in the research examining their effects on working memory during the menopause transition. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by recruiting perimenopausal participants and randomly assigning them to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group followed an 8/16 intermittent fasting regimen for two consecutive weeks. Both groups ate ad libitum without dietary restrictions. Participants completed a pre- and post-study Working Memory Questionnaire and self-reported average hours of exercise per week. …

Human And Sex Trafficking: A Quantitative Examination Of The Knowledge And Awareness Of The College-Aged Population, Margaret Caroline Weiker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is crucial for the public and more specifically those who are a part of vulnerable populations to understand the dangers of both human and sex trafficking. One sub-group of vulnerable populations that are likely to encounter a trafficking situation are college students, as many of these students are unaware of trafficking’s prevalence. While there have been studies of specific populations with prior specialized knowledge, there is little information on the knowledge, perceptions, and awareness levels of the general college-aged population. This study will be quantitatively structured into a two-part survey, seeking to collect data from a sample size of …

Keeping The Beat: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Retention Strategies And Their Impact On Historically Black Colleges And University Band Student And Alumni Success, Melton Randolph Harvey Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich cultural legacy, but there is still little understanding of how these programs impact students in particular ways. HBCUs provide Black individuals a chance to achieve equality, gain respect as a collective in the United States, and secure employment in professional fields. The purpose of this study aims to explore the factors concerning retention that contribute to participation in Historically Black Colleges and University band participation and analyze the effectiveness of its current retention initiatives.

the main research tool created to investigate the dynamics of recruitment and retention in HBCU …

Community Partnerships For Music Education In Rural Eastern New Mexico And West Texas, Joseph Manuel Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the availability of music education courses in rural America’s secondary school setting, the quality and quantity of music education offerings may be in a state of decline due to student retention, lack of collaborations between extra/co-curricular activities and their instructors, scheduling conflicts, or lack of community involvement. Music education opportunities allow students to engage in art forms that further life-long learning and music advocacy. This study will investigate the perspective of music educators in rural Eastern New Mexico and West Texas as they continue to create high-quality music-band programs. The qualitative phenomenological research study highlights perspectives of rural American …

The Perception And Lived Experiences Of African International Students During Their Studies In The United States Colleges And Universities: A Phenomenological Study, Ebere V. Chukwuezi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience and perceptions adapting to the process of college-level education for African international students at a four-year college in the southeastern United States. The theory that guided this study was Berry’s acculturation theory, which categorizes individual adaptation strategies into two dimensions. This study was guided by acculturation theory aligned with the central research question and sub-questions. Participants who completed their studies or were current students at the university were selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. Data was collected through individual interviews, online surveys, and focus groups and analyzed …

Executive Leader Perspectives Of Rural School District Organizational Resilience: A Qualitative Multiple-Case Study Inquiry, Todd S. Burke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative embedded multiple-case study was to explore and describe how rural executive school district leaders overcome significant organizational adversity (low-income student factors) and sustain high student achievement outcomes. Organizational resilience theory provided the basis for the qualitative embedded multiple-case study. The multiple-case study design explored the perspectives of rural school district executive leaders at three levels of qualitative meaning: a) individual-level executive leader perspectives, b) organization function-level (program and department) perspectives, and c) district-wide organizational perspectives. Three small Utah rural school districts with higher-than-average student achievement trends, all of which have student populations experiencing low-income factors, …