Education Commons^™

The Relationship Between Handgrip Strength And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Older Women, Adriana N. Guerrero, Emily Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death in the world. Several clinical trials have found that handgrip strength is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and related death. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and handgrip strength. METHODS: Subjects for this study included 8 women from the Congregation of Devine Providence (78.13+7.79 yrs) at Our Lady of the Lake University. Preliminary measures included a medical history questionnaire and the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. On the first day of testing, subjects arrived fasted between 7-9am. After a 5-minute rest, blood pressure and …

Does Swearing Improve Exercise Performance And Pain Tolerance?: Cultural Perspective, Jide Yinka Adebiyi, Christos Kyrillou, Elijah Martinez, Anika Patel, Emily Payne, Linsheng Chen, Daroonwan Suksom, Hirofumi Tanaka

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Swearing is often generated by self or received from others (e.g., coaches) during physical exertion for various reasons including punctuating the passion, releasing frustration, and resetting the mind. However, the effects of swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance remain largely unexplored. Additionally, it is unknown whether individuals from different cultures experience varying degrees of impact of yelling and swearing. PURPOSE: We determined the impact of self-generated and observer-generated swearing and yelling on exercise performance and pain tolerance in individuals living in the US where swearing is often used and heard and in Thailand where such occurrence is …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Mission Success: Mastering Muscle Function Through Humanoid Analysis, Amber M. Chelette

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Knowledge of muscle function and human movement are essential skills of all kinesiology students. In the humanoid activity, teams are challenged to determine whether a muscle is essential to the successful development of a humanoid being sent to Mars. This activity provides a significant learning experience regarding muscle anatomy, function, and movement analysis. The humanoid activity is intended for use in a face-to-face upper-level kinesiology anatomy or movement analysis course and best implemented with class sizes of 20-30 students. The total time commitment is approximately 45 minutes.

Internationalization And Its Challenges At U.S. Regional Comprehensive Universities: The Transformational Leadership Role Of Senior International Officers, Ibrahma F. Yaro, Aaron W. Hughey

Counseling & Student Affairs Faculty Publications

This interpretive phenomenological analysis investigated the role of transformational leadership and the challenges that senior international officers (SIOs) face in internationalizing regional comprehensive universities (RCUs) in the United States. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with SIOs from five regions: the West, Midwest, South, Southeast, and Northwest. The findings indicate that the transformational leadership approach is the primary leadership style utilized by senior international officers for the effective and successful internationalization of their institutions. The findings highlight a wide range of challenges that a senior international officer may encounter at a regional comprehensive university in the United States. The study outlines …

A Review Of The Validity Of The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2, Keegan Cundiff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2020), people with ASD have a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. One common ASD evaluation tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2), which helps a clinician decide if the student exhibits social and communication skills expected of someone with or without ASD. Since ASD is a disorder for which symptoms need to be present within the early developmental period, it is common for schools and pediatricians to be initial sources of referral …

Uncovering Potential: How Kentucky Districts Identify And Support Hispanic Students In Gifted And Talented Programs, Melanie Gilzene

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This qualitative study investigates the strategies and processes utilized by six school districts in Kentucky to identify Hispanic English Language Learner (ELL) students for gifted and talented services. Using interviews with gifted and talented coordinators, the research explores how certain Kentucky districts address challenges in traditional identification methods, such as language and cultural biases, through specific tools and practices. Key themes include the limitations of standardized assessments, the significance of professional learning and cultural competency training for educators, and the implementation of inclusive and equitable referral processes. The findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive assessments, local norms, and alternative …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Ua51 Topscholar, Wku Archives

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created about the TopSCHOLAR institutional repository.

Ua68/6 Newsletter, Wku Gender & Women's Studies

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the WKU Gender & Women's Studies program.

Striking Similarities: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Tap Dance And Ballet, Shannon Maloney

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the relationship between tap dance and ballet, two genres of dance often viewed as polar opposites—if they are considered to have any relationship at all. Qualitative research methods were used throughout this process, including consulting texts and videos, conducting ethnographic research by attending the Woodshed Experience tap dance intensive, and choreographing a dance work featuring both tap and ballet dancers. This project investigates the relationship between the genres in the areas of technique, choreography, and pedagogy. There is significant overlap in the techniques of tap dance and ballet in the areas of musicality, polyrhythmic expression, isolated muscle …

Impact Of Teachers’ Perceptions On The Identification Of Gifted English Language Learners, Marissa Wilkerson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This mixed methods study explored the research question “How do teachers' perceptions of giftedness influence their gifted identification practices of ELL students?” The research included 11 participants—six ESL teachers and five general education teachers—from six schools within the same district. Quantitative data showed that while both ESL and general education teachers expressed confidence in identifying giftedness in ELL students, ESL teachers demonstrated greater awareness and advocacy for nontraditional assessment methods and emphasized the importance of cultural considerations during identification. In contrast, general education teachers were less likely to view cultural differences as a factor. Both groups identified language barriers as …

School Personnel Perceptions Of School-Based Mental Health Prevention And Interventions, Kelsey Lytle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite millions of children across the United States experiencing at least one mental health disorder about half do not receive any sort of treatment or counseling. Within schools, many children receive formal intervention services once they are identified. However, there are many other children who would benefit greatly from learning social emotional skills who have not been identified. Prevention could be a great resource to prevent children from falling through the cracks. The purpose of this study was to assess personnel perceptions on the school’s role in student mental health, mental health interventions and prevention, evidence-based practices, and barrier to …

Disproportionality Of English Learners In Special Education, Alysa Gordon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the presence of disproportionality of English learners in special education. The search process yielded evidence of both overrepresentation and underrepresentation of English learners in special education, with some studies indicating disproportionality in specific disability categories. Underrepresentation was found to be present in categories of emotional behavioral disability, speech and language impairment, other health impairment, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Overrepresentation was found to be present in multiple disability categories, especially with specific learning disabilities and speech language impairment. Potential variables that could be contributors to overrepresentation were found to be educators’ …

Proficiency And Positivity: Investigating Learner Affect Toward L2 Instructional Methods, Learner Goals, And L2 Success, Natalie Spiva

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Second language (L2) learning outcomes vary widely due to factors both internal and external to the learner, including learning and usage contexts and learner goals and motivations. Learners may feel more proficient in and positive towards an L2 if they have intrinsic motivation and positive experience with the L2. Many students in the United States are first exposed to an L2 later in life as an academic requirement, which often impedes L2 learning success and can limit the learner’s relationship with the L2 and related cultures. Because of the highly interconnected global society, investigating the experiences of today’s language learners …

Preservice Teachers' Perceptions Of Gifted Students' Characteristics And Needs, Courtney Warren

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Gifted students possess unique needs that require appropriately challenging opportunities to develop their advanced abilities. To meet these needs, gifted students must be correctly identified, which is often through teacher referral, thus subjecting the identification process to teachers’ knowledge and perceptions of giftedness. Teachers can also implement practices, such as differentiation, to meet gifted needs within their own classrooms. Thus, teachers must hold accurate perceptions of gifted students and their needs. However, teacher preparation programs often offer minimal training in giftedness. The purpose of the current study was to examine preservice teachers’ perceptions of gifted students’ characteristics and needs. Thirty-one …

Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions Of University Libraries’ Services, Resources, And Physical Spaces: A Descriptive Analysis, Amanda Hardin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Understanding undergraduate students' perceptions regarding university libraries’ services, resources, and physical space allows library leadership to improve student support. The purpose of this needs assessment using cross-sectional survey data of undergraduate students (N = 1733) was to examine how students use the libraries, how they perceive their ability to use resources, services, and physical spaces, and the relationship between use and perception to better understand satisfaction levels with everything academic libraries offer. Interviews with library leadership (N = 3) offer insight into how data received from the needs assessment were utilized to improve academic libraries and highlight the importance of …

Person-Centered Planning: An Improvement Science Approach To Interventions Impacting Teacher Implementation, Stacie Hutchison

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study used an improvement science framework to influence special education teachers’ behaviors and their implementation of transition service development through person centered planning and ongoing teacher support. Grounded in adaptive leadership principles and a theory of action emphasizing the need for new professional learning and sustained support, this research investigated how targeted interventions impact teacher practice.

I selected a mixed-methods design for this study, combining semi-structured interviews, Likert scale surveys, open-ended questions, and a single-participant case study to evaluate outcomes. Findings revealed that a traditional professional development model incorporating opportunities to practice skills and proactively address potential barriers led …

Teaching Object-Oriented Design Through Interactive Uml: A Dual-Approach Framework For Code-Based Generation And Direct Diagram Manipulation, Moses Kayuni

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis introduces an interactive educational framework for teaching object-oriented design through UML class diagrams. The framework implements a dual-approach methodology: code-based generation, where students write Java code that automatically transforms into UML diagrams, and direct diagram manipulation, where students build diagrams by interacting with highlighted terms in problem descriptions. This approach addresses common challenges in teaching UML, including cognitive load difficulties, visualization problems, and the disconnect between code implementation and visual design. Built on the Mermaid diagramming framework, the system features a React frontend for diagram creation and manipulation, and a Flask backend that handles some code parsing and …

Equipping Financial Coaches: Training And Resource Department At Western Kentucky University Center For Financial Success, Lily Martin

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Established in 2011, The Center for Financial Success (CFS) housed in the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University, seeks to aid the university and regional community in becoming financially informed and independent. This is achieved through peer-to-peer coaching and applied financial education. The student financial coaches are at the heart of this project, as they are essential to the CFS fulfilling its mission. Their responsibilities include conducting one-on-one financial coaching sessions with students, managing an applied personal budgeting experience for the Personal Finance class (FIN 161), and delivering presentations on financial literacy topics to various organizations, both …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 2, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period November 11 - December 5, 2024.

• Wilborn, Price. Letter from the Editor – Homecoming
• Vickers, Abigail. Homecoming Royalty – Milie LeJeune, Sarah Burke, Katie Burch, Jennifer Smith, Alice Waddell
• A New Era for Social Sciences at WKU – Society, Culture, Crime & Justice
• Steps from WKU, Miles of Charm – Walk2Campus
• Wilborn, Price. Martha Sales Reflects on Life, Leadership & Growth
• Leasing Agents Lending a Friendly Face & Helping Hand – Columns
• Smith, Kane. How Local Businesses Prepare for Homecoming Crowds
• Downtown Bowling Green – Restaurants & Businesses
• Home Sweet …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

Using Improvement Science To Enhance Paraprofessional Development To Foster Supportive Classroom Environments And Impact Teacher Retention, Althea Hurt

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified teachers continues to be a problem in the United States and in many other countries, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, many teachers express dissatisfaction with pay, but other factors – including dissatisfaction with the level of support received, stress brought on by the workload, and struggles with challenging student behavior – have also contributed to high teacher turnover rates. To support student learning outcomes, administrators and policymakers must be aware of, and address, why teachers are leaving.

This study used an improvement science approach to address the reasons why teachers left a suburban school …

Impact Of Campus Recreation On Student Success At A Small, Private Institution, Abe Cross

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Institutions of higher education are seeing a decline in enrollment and state funding. These matters are compounded by a smaller number of graduating high school seniors than years past (Pell Institute, 2022). Considering that it costs more to recruit new students compared to retaining current students, colleges and universities are focusing on effective retention strategies (Pell Institute, 2022).

Meanwhile, Misener (2019), Battjes (2019), and Zegre (2019) have found a correlation between campus recreation utilization and student success at NCAA Division 1 schools. Each of these schools enrolls more than 25,000 students. Their work is built on Tinto’s (1975, 1993) Theory …

Student Employment: Analysis On Perceived Academic Progress Of Undergraduate Students Who Are Employed On-Campus Vs. Offcampus, Minnette Ellis

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study explores the perceived academic progress of student employment, specifically differences between undergraduate students who are employed on-campus versus off-campus. The study used quantitative methodology and analyzed data from 342 students at a regional university to examine their self-reported GPA, time spent on schoolwork, and perceptions of how their employment impacted their academic success. The analysis indicated that students who were employed on-campus perceived their employment in a more positive terms related to their academic pursuits than students who were employed off-campus. There was no significant difference in the amount study hours spent between students who were employed on-campus …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 1, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period October 9 - November 11, 2024.

• Wilborn, Price. Letter from the Editor – Elections
• Ivory, Larkin, Cameron Shaw, Libby Simpson & Abigail Vickers. How WKU Students Are Approaching the Ballot Box
• Todd Alcott Shares Vision for Bowling Green

• Freidhof, Natalie. A College Student’s Guide to the Swing States
• Reed-Whalen, Bradlee. What Is Amendment 22? – School Funding
• Di Palermo, Dominic. More to Accomplish – Todd Alcott, Bowling Green Mayor
• Todd Alcott for Mayor In His Own Words
• Patti Minter for Mayor In Her Own Words
• Randolph, Eli. A Day in …

Staff Engagement Survey Report, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Results of the 2024 WKU Staff Engagement Survey.

Perceived Stress Modulates Blood Pressure Reactivity To Stress In College Students, Manuel Sune, Natalie Younan, Caio Sousa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Stress is an unavoidable part of everyday life that can have numerous effects on our bodies. In addition, the individual psychological perception of stress could represent a higher stress or stress reactivity in the physiological level, becoming the onset of many stress-related diseases. Persistently high levels of stress are common in college students and it's important to manage these levels to prevent the risk of health problems in the future. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of perceived stress on cardiovascular reactivity to stress in college students. METHODS: Fourteen college students (f=5) participated in the …

The Effects Of Physical Activity On Cardiovascular Reactivity To Stress In College Students, Natalie Younan, Manuel Sune, Caio V. Sousa

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Stress is part of everyday life. Chronic stress can be a contributor to many physiological and psychological health problems. Chronic stress is also related to hyperreactivity to acute stress. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether students with low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity (PA) have distinct cardiovascular responses to the cold pressor test (CPT). METHODS: College students (n=14; f=5) were given the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess their physical activity levels. After the assessment, participants were set up to the FINAPRES with an arm cuff and finger …

Sled-Pull Training Decreases Rate Of Force Development In Men And Women Soccer Players, James Ma, John A. Brasher, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sled-pull training is a popular training method thought to increase lower extremity strength and power in athletes. Lower extremity strength and power are factors for success in sport, particularly soccer. Asymmetry is thought to negatively impact athletes, by increasing their risk of injury, and should be the focus of any training program. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of a 12-week sled pull training intervention on isometric leg rate of force development (RFD) and RFD asymmetry. METHODS: Thirty men (n = 15; 20 ± 1.5yrs, 168.28 ± 5.17cm, 73.44 ± 3.46kg) and women (n = 15; 19.58 ± 1yr, …