Education Commons^™

A Narrative-Restorative Framework For Addressing School Bullying, Tristan Patel, Michelle Myers, Daniel Stewart

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Bullying in schools is often addressed through punitive deterrence practices, solution-focused counseling, or restorative conferencing. These approaches often fail to recognize or account for the power imbalance that ultimately sustains bullying. This article discusses a narrative-restorative intervention to address bullying as a relational and communal issue, rather than relying on isolation or deterrence practices. The limitations of the dominant models discussed highlight the role of power in shaping bullying dynamics and connect legal and ethical responsibilities of narrative-restorative practices. Situated within the framework of California education law and professional ethical standards, at its core, undercover anti-bullying teams aim to redistribute …

Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions About Teaching Students With Disabilities In The General Education Classroom, Mackenzie Rathburn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that elementary teachers encounter challenges to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities (SWDs) in Georgia’s general education classrooms, despite policy mandates requiring inclusive education. Grounded in Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore elementary teachers’ perceptions of the challenges they face and the resources and supports recommended to teach SWDs in general education classrooms. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 elementary general education teachers and analyzed using thematic analysis with the following six themes emerging: Teachers noted (1) instructional …

Strategic Information System Leadership And Information System Function Performance In Universities In Kenya: A Pls-Sem Analysis, Joseph K. Muchina, James M. Njihia Prof., Agnes N. Wausi Prof.

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Information systems as enablers have evolved from an efficiency and effectiveness focus to enterprise-wide performance, placing strong demands on information system leadership. Emerging leadership models call for collaborative practices. Information systems leadership in higher education is a challenging task. Universities' top management team members and their information system executive counterparts lack a common and shared vision and understanding of information systems capabilities and roles. As the highest-ranking officers in organizations, they make strategic IS decisions. Yet, noting that existing approaches are ineffective, there is a growing concern about the kind of leadership needed to guide the institutions. Four sets of …

Underrepresented Students’ Perceptions Of Precollege Programs And Challenges Of Transitioning To Postsecondary Education, Dana Truesdale

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that underrepresented students (low-income and first generation college students) face challenges associated with the transition from secondary education to postsecondary education. Grounded in Schlossberg’s transition theory, the purpose of this study was to explore underrepresented students’ perceptions of support provided by precollege programs and remaining challenges when transitioning to higher education. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews with 11 underrepresented students who participated in a precollege program were conducted. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase data analysis was used. After deductive and inductive analysis, the following themes emerged: Students indicated that the …

K–3 Teachers’ Perspectives Regarding Learnable Intelligence As A Developmental Target And Their Advocacy For Students’ Cognitive Capabilities, Eleanor Nkechi Maduako

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Extensive research shows the brain is malleable and, with experience and knowledge, intelligence can grow. The research problem addressed through this study was that the extent of early childhood educators' knowledge of learnable intelligence and their advocacy for advancement of children’s cognitive capabilities as a developmental goal were unknown. Guided by Perkins’s theory of learnable intelligence, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K–3 teachers’ perspectives on learnable intelligence as a developmental target and how they advocate for children’s cognitive capabilities in their classrooms. In vivo and axial coding of data from semistructured interviews with 12 participants …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of A “How-To-Teach” Book Club For Preservice Teachers, Rina Bousalis, Eden Greene, Robyn Klein, Abigail Woods, Isabella Mandoeng

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

As teacher training programs continue seeking ways to prepare their preservice teachers to teach, many have turned to “how-to-teach” books written by veteran teachers, viewing them as a valuable source that could offer teacher candidates additional support. This study, which developed from the idea of creating a book club with instructors and members of a university’s future educators’ organization, used a qualitative textual analysis approach to explore concepts that emerged from how-to-teach books, how participants’ perceived those concepts, and how the books benefited participants. The study revealed that although authors’ perspectives often conflicted with participants’ beliefs, the authors’ engaging activities …

Kindergarten Teachers’ Challenges Embedding Play-Based Learning In A Standards-Based Curriculum, Anna Catalan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that kindergarten teachers in a Western United States elementary school were challenged by standards that have become heavily focused on teaching academic skills at a younger age, instead of teaching with developmentally appropriate practices that allow for play-based learning (PBL). Framed by Vygotsky’s theory of PBL, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore what challenges local kindergarten teachers had when embedding PBL in a standards-based curriculum. Data were collected through 15 semistructured interviews with Kindergarten teachers who had at least 2 years' experience embedding PBL in instruction. Using thematic analysis …

English Language Arts Remedial Teachers’ Perspectives On Strategies To Close The Academic Achievement Gap Of Minority High School Students, Barbara Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed throughout this study is that 53% of minority students do not reach proficiency on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking test compared to the 42% of other student populations at Grover High School (GHS, a pseudonym), a large and diverse high school, despite targeted school improvement interventions each school year. Grounded in Ladson-Billings’s culturally relevant pedagogy, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate ELA remedial teachers’ perspectives on reading strategies and instructional planning tools that might help minority students close the academic achievement gap. Semistructured …

Effective Leadership Strategies To Retain For-Profit Education Employees After A Leadership Change, Kimberly Keene

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective leadership transitions in for profit higher education erode employee morale, trust, and retention. Higher education business leaders recognize that ineffective leadership transitions can contribute to employee disengagement, reduced organizational commitment, and increased turnover, undermining institutional stability, workforce continuity, and organizational performance. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore the effective leadership strategies used by for-profit education institution leaders to retain key employees after a change in leadership. The participants were 10 leaders employed at for-profit higher education institutions in the southern United States who had successfully implemented leadership strategies …

General Education Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Inclusive Elementary Mainstream Classrooms In Central California, Leah Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was a gap in practice about general education teachers’ support of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in inclusive elementary mainstream classrooms in Central California, where regional inclusion rates fall below state and national averages. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning, the purpose of the study was to explore general education teachers’ perceptions regarding inclusion and recommended support for students with ASD in inclusive elementary mainstream classrooms. For this basic qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 general education teachers who taught grades 1 through 6. Through open, in vivo, and subsequent axial …

Placement Scores As A Predictor Of Math Success For Students With Learning Disabilities, Latosha Knighton Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was that students with learning disabilities (SWLDs) are not appropriately placed in college math courses at Southern State Community College (SSCC, a pseudonym). Guided by Piaget’s constructivist learning theory, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the predictive relationships between American College Testing (ACT), Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) standardized placement exams math scores and Intermediate and College Algebra course success. The sample in this study consisted of 946 SWLDs who completed at least one standardized placement math exam and enrolled in either an Intermediate …

How Texas Early Childhood Teachers Collaborate To Support Students With Disabilities, Anna Weathers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was it was not known how Texas early childhood special education (EGSE) teachers and early childhood general education (ECGE) teachers use collaboration to identify, place, and support students with disabilities (SWDs). Framed by Colby’s collaboration theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of Texas ECSE and ECGE teachers when collaborating regarding identification, placement, and support for SWDs. Data were collected in semstructured interviews with 11 ECSE and 11 ECGE teachers who taught in Texas early childhood settings. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with open coding, leading to …

Higher Education Instructors’ Perspectives On The Challenges Of Implementing Competency-Based Learning In Coursework, Sammie Leo Davis Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Higher education instructors face challenges in implementing competency-based learning (CBL) in their coursework. Grounded in Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of higher education instructors on the challenges and their needs to implement CBL in coursework. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 higher education instructors who had at least 2 years of experience teaching CBL courses. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and inductive coding to identify codes and categories, with the following five themes emerging: CBL implementation depends on (a) aligned assessment, curriculum …

Innovation And Control In Curriculum Reform: An Autobiographical Inquiry From A Seoul Future Innovation School, Sunyoung Kim

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This autobiographical inquiry examines the lived experience of a teacher–researcher navigating curriculum reform within a centralized education system during her first year at a Seoul Future Innovation School. The study explores how policy ideals of curriculum autonomy, innovation, and student-centered learning encounter institutional realities of documentation, compliance, and performative accountability. Drawing on reflective journals and narrative reconstruction, the analysis identifies four tensions shaping reform enactment: the gap between reform discourse and school culture, the symbolic labeling of innovation, technocentric expectations that narrow curricular legitimacy, and the emotional labor of navigating stakeholder demands. The study illustrates how institutional conditions both constrain …

From Reluctance To Resilience: The Link Between Attitude And Growth Mindset In Calculus Students, Olivia Valente, Kathryn E. Pedings-Behling, Amy N. Langville

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Many postsecondary students enter general education mathematics courses with negative attitudes, shaping their willingness to engage with the content. This study explores the relationship between students’ attitudes towards mathematics and their growth mindset, revealing effective strategies to enhance learning experiences, particularly for students who are reluctant learners. The research investigates two questions: (1) How do students’ Attitude Toward Mathematics Inventory (ATMI) scores and Growth Mindset Scale (GMS) scores relate? and (2) Do gender or course modality affect this relationship? This study addresses a gap in literature by examining how enjoyment, motivation, self-confidence, and perceived value connect with growth mindset. The …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perceptions Of Early Childhood Teacher Leadership, Their Leadership Experiences, And Teacher Leadership Skill Development, Danyle Watkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed in this study is that research into early childhood leadership has focused on early childhood directors and programs for leadership, but little research has been conducted on early childhood teachers’ (ECTs’) perceptions of the ECT leadership. Guided by the McCormick Center Whole Leadership Framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore ECTs’ perceptions on characteristics of teachers as leaders, their leadership experiences, and their leadership skill development in a Midwestern U.S. state. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 ECTs employed in licensed early childhood centers serving children from birth through …

Exploring The Experiences Of Teacher Assistants Who Remain In A Rural Michigan Head Start Program, Melissa Thiebaut

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the approximately 35% attrition rate of teacher assistants (TAs) in a rural Head Start program. Grounded in Bakker’s job resources and job demands theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of TAs who chose to remain working in a rural Head Start program and the factors that influenced their decisions to stay. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews with 12 TAs from one Head Start program. Data analysis involved a deductive data analysis method with two categories, job resources and job demands, being predetermined by the …

Southeastern United States Community College Instructors’ Perceptions In Implementing Universal Design For Learning, Marshalle Lockhart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that community college instructors struggle to implement universal design for learning (UDL) in Southeastern districts in the United States. Grounded in UDL, which was developed by the Center for Applied Technology, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore community college instructors’ perceptions on the challenges they face when implementing UDL in their classroom. For this basic qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with eight community college instructors. Using deductive coding, the data were analyzed using a thematic approach with five themes emerging: (a) UDL improves access but does not …

K-12 Teachers’ Perspectives On The Adoption Of Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality Technology In Classroom Instruction, Breanna Mckenley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this basic qualitative study was that although some K–12 teachers have access to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, these tools are not widely accepted or adopted for classroom instruction. Guided by the technology acceptance model, the purpose of the study was to explore K–12 teachers’ perspectives on their willingness to incorporate VR/AR, the perceived usefulness and ease of use of these technologies, and the challenges they encounter or anticipate during the adoption process. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 K-12 teachers from public, charter, and private schools in the United States who had …

The Experiences Of Deaf American Muslims In Their Pursuit And Retention Of Employment, Shukry Mahmood

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Deaf American Muslims in the United States face high levels of unemployment. They often experience compounded marginalization at the intersection of disability, religion, and cultural identity, which often leads to exclusion and underrepresentation in employment contexts. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences while pursuing and retaining employment in the United States of deaf Muslims in United States workplaces. In this qualitative study, a self-designed, semistructured interview protocol with open-ended questions was used to explore these experiences. The sample of 12 participants was selected based on their self-identification as deaf American Muslims with at least 30 …

Childcare Center Administrators’ Leadership Practices To Foster Childcare Worker Retention In Non-Residential Childcare Centers, Rebecca Dececco

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Though staff retention is essential for children's stability and security in childcare settings, there remains a gap in knowledge about the leadership practices in childcare that have implications for retaining staff. The problem addressed in this study was the need for information about the influence of leadership practices on childcare teacher retention in the United States. Grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the leadership practices of childcare center administrators who retain childcare staff. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 childcare center administrators who worked directly …

Maintaining Excellence Under Pressure: The Stress–Performance Paradox In A Multi-Campus State University System, Rico D. De Asis Dr.

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This study examines how multiple stress dimensions (levels, sources, effects, and coping mechanisms) relate to teaching performance in resource-constrained Southeast Asian public higher education, addressing the geographic concentration of faculty stress research in Western contexts.

Methods: Using multiple regression analysis with 80 permanent faculty members across three campuses of a state university system, I assessed relationships between stress factors and teaching performance. The study employed validated stress assessment instruments examining stress levels, sources (student, teacher, environment, work-related), effects (self, family, work), and coping mechanisms.

Results: Self effects of stress demonstrated the strongest negative relationship with teaching performance (R² …

Creative Independent Work As A Tool For Professional Skill Development In Students, Zhanna Mussina, Gulnar Kazhikenova, Murshida Nurgaliyeva, Klara Smatova, Bakyt Kuanysheva

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the implementation and impact of students’ creative independent work in English language lessons at Toraighyrov University in Pavlodar.

Methods: The research employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including logical analysis, functional analysis, and formal legal approaches, supplemented by deductive and inductive reasoning. The empirical phase involved a pedagogical experiment with two student groups (n = 37) to evaluate the effectiveness of creative independent work methods.

Results: Results demonstrated that incorporating creative independent work significantly enhanced both English language competency and broader professional skills, including critical thinking and autonomous learning capabilities. Students …

Secondary English Teacher Experiences Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching With Black Students In Maryland, Angela James

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite state mandates requiring culturally responsive teaching (CRT) implementation, the problem addressed by this study was that urban high school teachers are not consistently integrating CRT practices with Black students in Reading/English language arts (RELA) courses. Guided by the CRT framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of urban high school teachers with incorporating CRT practices with Black high school students in RELA courses in Maryland. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 RELA teachers. Through open coding, the following three themes emerged: the need for increased and targeted professional development, structured opportunities …

Leadership Role In The Formation Of Leadership Qualities, Culture Of Business Communication, And Emotional Intelligence Of Future Higher Education Professionals, Larysa Hren, Arseniy Khaziyev, Kostiantyn Kachailo, Ivan Kirsanov, Mykola Chebotarev

Higher Learning Research Communications

Introduction/Aims: The study was conducted among 2nd- and 3rd-year undergraduate students and 1st-year master’s students majoring in three specialties: psychology, social security, and medicine. The research examined the influence of leadership qualities on professional training, emotion management, and business communication skills of students in higher education institutions. It explored how these competencies collectively enhance adaptability and preparedness for professional activities in fields such as psychology, social work, and medicine, addressing gaps in educational methodologies.

Methods: We employed a comprehensive, four-stage methodology with content analysis as the primary data collection method. The study involved 63 participants from the National …

Street-Level Mentors And Counselors’ Educational Support To Adolescents In Urban Kenya, Benta A. Abuya Dr., Nelson Muhia

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This article seeks to establish the experiences of mentors and counselors as “street-level bureaucrats” who worked with students and parents to deliver an after-school support program in urban Kenya. Data were collected from interviews with six mentors and four counselors at the endline evaluation of the Advancing Learning Outcomes for Transformational Change (ALOT Change III). The interviews were conducted in November and December 2021 with parents/guardians, mentors, counselors, and community leaders. We employed the analytical approach by Miles and Huberman to answer the research questions. Our findings showed that mentors and counselors were pillars of the intervention, respectively, with after-school …

Grit And Psychological Well-Being As Predictors Of Job Persistence Among K–12 Teachers In The United States, Tina Marie Sheppard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the United States, K–12 public school teachers are leaving the profession, contributing to teacher shortages and instability in classrooms and schools. Teacher persistence is critical to student success, yet little was known about the nature of the predictive relationship between grit and psychological well-being on job persistence among K–12 public school teachers in the United States. Guided by the framework of positive psychology, the purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental correlational study was to investigate the nature of the predictive relationship between the independent variables grit, as measured by the 12-Item Grit Scale, and psychological well-being, as measured by the …

Higher Education Faculty’S Perceptions On Generative Artificial Intelligence Use In Teaching And Learning Practices, Inez Mitchell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that higher education (HE) faculty are challenged to integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their teaching and learning practices. Grounded in Mishra and Koehler’s technological, pedagogical and content knowledge framework and Knowles’ theory of andragogy, the purpose of this study was to explore HE faculty’s perceptions on their content, andragogical, and technological knowledge and their instructional strategies used in integrating GenAI. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with nine HE faculty who self-identified as having at least 3 years of teaching and GenAI usage experience from across the …

Managing Instructional Leadership: K–12 Principals Seen Through The Lens Of Instructional Leadership Theory, Natalie Marie Poli

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem guiding this study was K–12 principals are challenged to manage their responsibilities for instructional leadership. Grounded in instructional leadership theory and Covey's Time Management Matrix, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore K–12 principals' perspectives of the challenges they face in managing instructional leadership responsibilities and how they categorize the significance of those responsibilities. Using a basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 K–12 principals from a suburban Midwestern public school district with at least 2 years of principal experience, and the data were analyzed using a hybrid a priori and inductive thematic …

General Education Primary Teachers’ Perspectives Of Inclusive Practices To Engage Students With Special Educational Needs, Zhen Rolle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that general education primary teachers (GEPTs) struggled to engage students with special educational needs (SEN) in Bahamian primary inclusive classrooms (BPICs). The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate GEPTs’ perspectives on their successes, challenges, and additional training needed to engage students with SEN in BPICs. This study was guided by universal design for learning, pioneered by Rose and Meyer, which supported an inclusive academic environment that accommodated students with SEN. For this basic qualitative design, data were collected from semistructured interviews with 10 GEPTs. Through thematic analysis, the following five themes …