Education Commons^™

An Exploration Of Gender And Sexual Identity Development Within The School Environment Among Gender Sexual Minority High School Graduates, Kendra Dawn Rogers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Culturally responsive teaching in a global society is critical to students' success. Inclusion is an important part of the culturally responsive learning experience for all types of people. Because identity development takes place during the adolescent years, portrayals of various kinds of individuals throughout the environment and curriculum may support the confidence of students’ identity development. All students can experience improvements through inclusive teaching practices, but particularly students who identify as gender sexual minorities (GSM) can experience improved identity development with inclusive curricula in all areas of schooling. Grounded in identity process theory and sociocultural theory, the purpose of this …

Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Perceptions Of Communication With Unconscious Patients, Afnan Suleiman Suleiman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Unconscious patients in critical care units are compromised in their ability to communicate. It is vital that intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ communication with unconscious patients be as effective as possible to address patients’ needs and help them in their suffering. Improving communication deepens the dignity and humanity of unconscious patients, supports families, and contributes to more ethical and holistic ICU care. The purpose of this basic qualitative study, guided by Watson’s human caring theory, was to explore the perceptions and experiences of ICU nurses of patient-centered communication with unconscious patients. Twelve ICU nurses who worked in a large metropolitan …

Primary Teacher Perspectives Of Multileveled System Of Supports/Response To Intervention Framework, Alicia Wash

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Primary general education teachers are critical stakeholders in the special education identification process (SEIP) when using the multilevel system of support (MLSS) and response to intervention (RTI) frameworks. Previous research has included primary general education teachers and other stakeholder perspectives on using the MLSS/RTI framework during SEIP; however, primary general education teachers’ perspectives on the topic have not been the sole focus of previous research. Guided by Goodson’s educational change theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore primary general education teachers’ perspectives on the usefulness of the MLSS/RTI framework during the SEIP. Qualitative data were collected …

A Review Of Technology-Based Literacy Intervention: The Role Of Teachers, Lama Bergstrand Othman

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Research has established that the proper use of technology in the classroom can promote and improve students’ skill levels and knowledge base. Also, certain factors either enhance or impede the successful integration of technology in students’ learning environments. Examples of these are efficiency of use, subject area, and teacher knowledge of and experience with teaching the subject. The article is an umbrella review of meta-analyses on literacy intervention programs, specifically analyzing the effectiveness reports from the Institute of Educational Sciences’ What Works Clearinghouse during the past 10 years. I examined the nature of these intervention programs and classified them according …

Teachers’ Perspectives On The Obstacles To Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning In Secondary Science Classrooms, Gabrielle Gonzales

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem for this study was that teachers are inconsistent in using inquiry-based instruction in secondary science classrooms. Guided by Vygotsky’s theory of constructivism, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore teachers’ perspectives of the obstacles to implementing inquiry-based instruction in secondary science classrooms and what they believe will be needed to allow them to overcome these obstacles. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 certified, current Grade 8 to 12 teachers within the United States who had experience and familiarity with inquiry-based instruction. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis with open coding. The five themes …

Vocational Education Leaders’ Perceptions Of Institutional Readiness For Online And Blended Learning, Gennette P. Clacken

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent studies highlight institutional readiness as critical to the successful adoption of online and blended learning (OBL) in higher education; however, limited research in Jamaican vocational institutions presents a risk of implementation failure and reduced return on investment for stakeholders. This basic qualitative study explored how institutional leaders in Jamaican vocational education institutions describe institutional readiness for OBL adoption and implementation. Grounded in facilitating conditions as a construct of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and guided by the blended learning adoption framework, the study focused on the readiness of institutional strategy, structure, and support. Semistructured interviews …

Surgical Technology Faculty Perceptions Of Using High-Fidelity Simulation In Teaching, Felicia Consoweller Mcghee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Surgical technology education is critical in equipping individuals for healthcare careers; however, educators in the field have recognized that a gap in practice exists regarding clinical preparedness between surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals. This study’s research explored faculty perspectives on implementing high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in surgical technology curricula, highlighting the importance of this issue for educators and program directors who seek to enhance the training of future surgical technologists. This basic qualitative study, guided by the technology acceptance model (TAM), examined how researchers and faculty using TAM perceived HFS and its effects on student learning and readiness. Two key …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On The Challenges Of Closing The African American Achievement Gap, Cherie Mcelroy-Burch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a persistent academic achievement gap between African American students and their White peers in Grades 1–3. Federal and state governments have made numerous efforts, implemented policy changes, and allocated more resources to struggling school districts, yet the disparity in academic achievement persists. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives on the challenges of closing the achievement gap between African American students and their White peers in Grades 1–3. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Coll and Lamberty’s model of developmental competencies in minority children. The research question for …

Barriers Faced By College Sexual Violence Survivors Who Identify As A Racial And Gender Minority, Brittany A. Gordon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexual violence is a significant issue in the US, and specifically on college campuses. Students who identify as a racial and gender minority have been found to be at increased risk. While research has examined the barriers to disclosure, reporting, or help-seeking among survivors within higher education who identify as a racial minority and those who identify as a gender minority, no qualitative studies have looked at the barriers faced by student survivors who identify as both a racial and gender minority. The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers faced by students who identify as a racial …

Perceptions Of Connections Among Technology Instructors And Their Students Working Remotely, Angela Dawn Riddle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2020, educators were forced to learn new ways to instruct students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the transition from in-person to online courses, educators explored new ways of producing the learning experience. Due to the hands-on nature of industrial and engineering technology, these courses did not generally use online learning systems. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of industrial and engineering technology instructors connecting with students remotely during this period. Garrison’s community of inquiry framework was used to ground the study and understand the connection that occurs in the learning environment …

Higher Education Leaders’ Perspectives Regarding Faculty Attrition, Alexandria Angel Draper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perceptions of higher education leaders (HELs) regarding faculty attrition and effective strategies to help manage challenges associated with voluntary and involuntary resignations were unknown. Guided by Bush’s educational management theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore HELs’ perceptions regarding faculty attrition. Research questions investigated perceptions of HELs regarding faculty attrition and how they perceived faculty attrition in their institutions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 HELs, including academic deans, vice provosts, department chairpersons, program directors, and board of regents members. Thematic analysis was conducted using open and axial coding of the interview data. Themes included provision …

Lived Experiences Of Hispanic Parents Considering Early Intervention Services For Developmentally Delayed Children, Karina Proffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Studies have demonstrated that children benefit significantly from Early Intervention (EI) services due to brain plasticity and rapid early development. EI supports growth and establishes foundational skills in cognitive, social, emotional, motor, language, and daily living domains. Research indicates that children who participate in EI programs experience positive outcomes in their academic trajectories. However, limited studies examine the lived experiences of Hispanic parents with children diagnosed with autism or intellectual disabilities who did not utilize EI services. This study explores the factors influencing these parents' decisions and experiences that hinder their children’s participation in the program. The Theory of Planned …

The Low Application And Enrollment Rates Of African Americans Applying To Medical School, Kirsten Pittman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that the application and enrollment rates for African Americans pursuing a medical education/degree are lower than those of other ethnicities in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate the perspectives of admissions committee members regarding the low application and enrollment of African American students in medical school and to investigate their recommendations for improvement. Using critical race theory as the conceptual framework, semistructured interviews were conducted with seven experienced medical school admissions professionals. Qualitative content analysis was used, employing deductive and inductive coding. Seven themes emerged: (a) …

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy In Mathematics Instructional Practices For Students With Disabilities, Pendo S. Nyanda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Middle school mathematics special education teachers struggle to integrate culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) into their instructional practices for students with disabilities (SWDs). The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school mathematics special education teachers’ understanding of CRP and the support needed to integrate it into mathematics teaching practices. CRP was the conceptual framework for this study, explaining that teaching practices that integrate students’ cultural backgrounds promote their academic success. Two research questions guided the exploration of teachers' understanding of CRP and the support they believe is needed for integrating it. The study collected data through semistructured …

Early Childhood Educators’ Experiences Facilitating Learning Of Noncognitive Skills, Amanda Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that early childhood educators need help supporting young children in learning noncognitive skills, such as socialization, perseverance, and self-efficacy. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood educators’ experiences facilitating the learning of noncognitive skills, specifically socialization, perseverance, and self-efficacy. The study was grounded in the conceptual frameworks Nagaoka et al.’s noncognitive framework and Stingher’s learning to learn in early childhood framework. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with eight local early childhood educators who teach 3- and 4-year-olds, who were contacted via email, word of mouth, …

Teachers' Multiculturalism And Digital Learning Choices For Students With Limited Or Interrupted Formal Education, Jitka Nelsonova Brychtova

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The English language learner environment in U.S. secondary schools is increasingly complex due to the growing numbers of students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE) who require a culturally responsive approach. Teachers are not prepared to meet the needs of SLIFE, especially in the technology-enhanced classrooms. A gap in the literature exists regarding the culturally responsive use of digital learning resources (DLRs) with high school SLIFE. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether the teachers’ self-reported multicultural teaching competencies (skills and knowledge) predict the choice of DLRs used with SLIFE. The study was grounded in Vygotsky’s …

Secondary Teachers’ Perspectives About Promoting Belongingness For Marginalized Students, Michelle Cottrell-Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although school belonging supports well-being and academic achievement, marginalized students may experience less belongingness than their peers. Educators contribute to students’ sense of belongingness, but a gap in the literature existed about how secondary teachers perceive the promotion of belongingness for marginalized students. Guided by the ethic of care conceptual framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore secondary teachers’ perspectives about promoting belongingness for marginalized students. The research question addressed secondary teachers’ perspectives about strategies, enablers, and barriers. The 11 participants were secondary teachers; members of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year or …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On Challenges Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices In The Classroom, Tamesha Samone Parris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood teachers’ understanding of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is necessary to support children’s development and learning in early childhood settings. The problem was many early childhood teachers experience challenges using DAP to make informed decisions in the classroom to support birth to 3-year-old children’s development and learning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives on challenges using DAP to make informed decisions to support birth to 3-year-old children’s development and learning in the classroom and what was needed to improve their use of DAP. The conceptual framework for this study was the National …

Faculty Perceptions Of Challenges To Faculty Retention In Workforce Training Programs At A Higher Education Center In The Southern United States, Brea Terry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is the challenges of retaining faculty in the workforce training program division at a higher education center in the southern United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore faculty perceptions regarding challenges to faculty retention in the workforce training program division at a higher education center in the southern United States and their recommendations for improved faculty retention. The conceptual framework that supported the study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with eight full-time workforce training faculty members who had been employed with the …

Implementation Of Classroom Technology For Elementary Students With Adhd, Melanie Flemming

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is the teacher-reported increase in behavioral problems among students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since a mandated introduction of educational technology in the classroom aimed at improving student performance. Using the PICRAT (passive, interactive, creative, replacement, amplification, transformation) describes the impact of technology on a teacher's previous practice model as the conceptual scaffold, this study was conducted to explore teachers’ experiences integrating educational technology and any corresponding student behavioral changes in classrooms that include students with ADHD. Following a basic qualitative design, data were collected through semistructured interviews, using a self-designed interview protocol, with …

Mentoring Teacher Identity Development Among Early Childhood Preservice Teachers, Marla Ruth Pankratz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is that many mentor teachers struggle to support early childhood preservice teachers in developing teacher identity. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand mentor teachers’ challenges and what professional development or support fosters development of teacher identity in early childhood preservice teachers. Guided by Wenger’s communities of practice conceptual framework, data were collected via semistructured interviews with seven participants who had at least 3 years of early childhood teaching experience and had mentored an early childhood preservice teacher from a midwestern regional university in the last 5 years. Data analysis involved …

Teachers’ Perceptions When Working With Students Who Have Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Mirra Ann Lefort

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A persistent problem in special education was the limited research on how teachers perceived and supported students with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) in junior grade classrooms. While inclusive education has been widely studied, few studies have addressed the specific instructional experiences of teachers working with this population. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of students with MID in junior grades. A generic qualitative design was used to gain insight into teachers’ experiences and perspectives. Guided by the self-determination theoretical framework (SDT), the study explored how teachers responded to students’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in …

High School Teachers' Perspectives On The Components Of A Quality Online Structure For Remote Learning In Digital And Media Art Classes, James E. Marone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that there were inconsistencies in the research literature and a gap in practice regarding teachers' perspectives on the components of a quality online structure in a digital and media art class during the post-COVID-19 era. Despite evidence of the benefits of remote learning, there was a gap concerning implementation of improved quality online structures. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of digital and media art teachers on their needs for a quality online learning structure in the post-COVID-19 era. The conceptual framework was Davis’s technology acceptance model. …

Effective Professional Education And Training Program In A Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, Matthew Hamilton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The determinants contributing to successful professional development programs in long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities, which enhance clinical staff performance and healthcare outcomes, remain unclear. Guided by Bandura’s social learning theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore clinicians’ perspectives on the key determinants of an effective professional education and training program in an LTAC hospital in a Northeast U.S. metro area. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 clinicians who were recruited from an LTAC facility. Thematic analysis, following Saldaña’s framework, identified institutional barriers, financial constraints, time limitations, and unmet training needs as major challenges. Participants emphasized the …

Faculty Perceptions Of Using Technology To Facilitate Virtual Debriefing In Graduate Health Sciences Education, Kelly Anne Chamberlain Layne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Simulation, with face-to-face debriefing, has been widely used in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) education to provide realistic experiences for students without harming clients. However, researchers have not studied technology acceptance by graduate entry-level (EL) OT and PT faculty with virtual debriefing. Virtual debriefing has become more common in recent years; thus, it is essential for universities to understand faculty adoption of this effective teaching and learning technology. Guided by the technology acceptance model framework of Gu et al., the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore faculty perceptions of using technology to facilitate virtual debriefing …

The Impact Of A National Crisis On Academic Research Productivity: Experiences Of Program And Department Heads In Israel, Emanuel Tamir

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The research examined the impact of a national crisis on the research output of academic program and department heads in Israel, investigating how these leaders functioned in the face of prolonged uncertainty and exploring whether their administrative role resulted in personal costs.

Methods: Data were drawn from interviews with 27 heads; then 133 heads answered a questionnaire.

Results: The findings revealed factors restricting research during the crisis: overload relating to students, overload relating to administration, family difficulties, and inaccessible research infrastructure. Some heads developed successful strategies to sustain their research during the crisis.

Conclusions and Implications: Critical insights into …

Improving Knowledge Regarding The Use Of Long-Acting Injections In The Management Of Schizophrenia In Psychiatric Providers Using Focused Staff Education, Mutiat Popoola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary Despite the potential benefits of long-acting injections (LAIs) in schizophrenia treatment, current literature reveals a severe knowledge gap among psychiatric practitioners about their use. This knowledge gap may also contribute to underutilizing LAIs in clinical practice and at the project site, reducing patients' access to this effective treatment therapy. This staff education project was developed and conducted to determine if focused education about the use of LAIs in the management of schizophrenia in psychiatric providers improved provider knowledge of their usage. Medication nonadherence in psychiatric patients can result in increased relapse rates and hospitalizations, poor medication adherence, increased healthcare …

An Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Case Management And Gateway Course Participation And Completion Rates For Ftic Students At A Small, Rural, State College Campus In The Southeastern United States, Roberto Carballoso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many first-time in college (FTIC) students are underprepared for the required courses (i.e., gateway courses) of mathematics and English, resulting in low retention rates across the United States especially for diverse and marginalized students. Many colleges have implemented various support programs for FTIC students; however, limited systematic research exists on the success of these programs. Guided by the student retention integrated model by Carbrera et al., the purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to assess the efficacy of the Student Learning Center's (SLC) tutoring program on academic outcomes for FTIC students, who have been categorized as high-risk …

Elementary Mathematics Teachers’ Experiences Addressing Student Learning Loss, Regina Lashonda Bynum-Gray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem was the COVID-19 pandemic-related learning loss of Grade 3–5 students in mathematics within Texas public schools (TPS). Studying this problem was important to address learning loss to avoid other academic issues. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore TPS Grades 3–5 mathematics teachers’ instructional practices and the support needed to improve students’ pandemic-related learning loss. The conceptual framework that was used in this study was learning loss recovery, which consists of evidenced-based practices grouped into four categories: opportunities for additional learning time, assessment, student social and psychological wellness, and support for teachers. This study included …

Effects Of Two Years Of Blended Learning On High School Students’ Mathematics Growth In An International School In Kuwait, Maya Bilal Hashisho

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Blended learning using a learning management system was implemented in a gender-segregated American school in Kuwait but not evaluated to determine instructional effectiveness. Thus, the purpose of this quantitative study was to compare student performance to determine to what extent there were differences in mathematical growth from Grade 8 to Grade 10 between male and female students who were taught with the traditional classroom approach versus those taught with blended learning in an international school in Kuwait where education is segregated by gender. Grounded in the substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition model, this quasi-experimental study involved using pre and post …