Education Commons^™

Teaching Contextually Appropriate Play Commenting Without The Use Of Visual Cues, Beverly Nichols

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Deficits in communication and play can affect the quality of life of autistic children and individuals, which is why it is important that we help them acquire these skills as early as possible. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) and script training and fading procedures are evidence-based practices that can successfully teach communication during play. However, script fading can be difficult, and scripts may not be able to be completely faded out of the environment. The findings from a recent study suggested that specific phrases can become associated with small pictures rather than written scripts Perhaps, these specific phrases can be tied …

Gesture And Language In Children Enrolled In Early Intervention, Makenzy S. Turner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Language development in preschool-age children is important, as children with early language delays are at risk for difficulties in other areas such as literacy skills, behavioral skills, and social/emotional skills. Gesture has been found to be linked to language skills in young children. This study examined gesture use and language development in a group of young children receiving early intervention services.

This study found that children with language delays at 24 months used fewer gestures during play. Additionally, gesture use was positively associated with other factors that may influence language, such as parent responsiveness and household income. Furthermore, 24-month child …

The Influence Of Secondary Principals' Perceived Trust Of Assistant Principals And Central Office Supervisors On Principal Self-Efficacy For Instructional Leadership, Cody J. Reutzel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although self-efficacy has been studied widely in education, variables associated with the self-efficacy of principals have received relatively limited attention. The current study investigated the relationship between secondary principals’ perceptions of trust in their assistant principal and central office supervisor and their own self-efficacy for instructional leadership. Surveys were collected from 80 secondary principals. Open-ended questions were utilized to gain greater understanding of the behaviors contributing to principals’ perceptions of trust and feelings of self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression. Quantitative results revealed that no statistically significant relationship is present between trust perceptions in the relationships investigated …

Student Veteran Innovation Workshop: Exploring Purpose-Driven Camaraderie, David Brian Kartchner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

There 1 million veterans enrolled in higher education in the U.S., and we know relatively little about them. In this work, the term student veteran refers to both former and current military service members. Most of the small body of literature on student veterans is focused on perceived issues found within this population, rather than the strengths they bring to their academic experience. In recent years, academic work has emerged that advocates a shift to looking at the positive traits of the student veteran community. Building on the emerging strength-based perspectives, the concept of purpose-driven camaraderie among student veterans introduces …

Preservice Teacher Engineering Design Teaching Efficacy, Laura Wheeler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Science educators are tasked with enacting The Next Generation Science Standards that include engineering core ideas and practices. Many teacher preparation programs and content courses do not include or require engineering design leading many science teachers to believe they are unprepared to teach engineering design. The lack of experience and belief of being unprepared to teach engineering design results in preservice educators’ lack of engineering design teaching self-efficacy. Preparation programs inclusion of efficacy in is essential to understanding later enactment. This mixed-method case study researched the engineering design teaching self-efficacy of eleven preservice educators during an engineering design unit taught …

The Impact Of Formative Assessment Cycles On Students' Attitudes And Achievement In A Large-Enrollment Undergraduate Introductory Statistics Course, Kimberleigh Felix Hadfield

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of student attitudes toward statistics and student achievement after engaging in large-enrollment introductory statistics course curriculum using continuous formative assessments with feedback and reassessment opportunities. This framework, called Formative Assessment Cycles (FACs) was implanted, providing students formative assessments both in and out of the classroom, with feedback and reassessment. A quasi-experimental, quantitative research design allowed for the investigation of course achievement from pre-FACs to FACs semesters using regression discontinuity methodology. Changes in attitudes from pre- to post-survey in semesters using a curriculum with FACs were analyzed by multilevel regression techniques. Course achievement improved …

Designing A Rubric For Evaluating Curricular Resources In Montana's Indian Education For All Repository: A Design-Based Research Approach, Megan M. Hamilton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research study was to create an initial rubric to evaluate social studies lesson plans prior to their addition to Montana Office of Public Instruction’s online repository for Indian Education for All (IEFA) curriculum. In the first phase of this study, I examined Montana’s IEFA curriculum thematically to gain a better understanding of how Indigenous histories and perspectives are being represented using combined theoretical lenses of Tribal Critical Race Theory and culturally sustaining/ revitalizing pedagogy. In the second phase of this study, I used my thematic findings to inform the design of a theory-informed evaluative rubric. The …

The Relationship Between Discipline-Specific Subject Matter Knowledge And Discipline-Specific Science Teaching Efficacy Of Elementary Teachers, Douglas Ball

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Because a teacher's confidence in their ability to teach science is associated with instructional methods and their persistence in the face of challenges, improving science teaching confidence becomes critical for improving science teaching of young children. Science teaching confidence also varies by discipline for elementary teachers: physical science teaching confidence tends to measure lower than life science. This discrepancy leads to elementary teachers engaging in less effective science teaching practices with physical science than life science. A teacher's subject matter knowledge influences their confidence in their ability to teach that subject. Subject matter knowledge impacts science teaching confidence because when …

Making Space For Student Agency: A Multilayered Exploration Of Agency And Writing In A First‐Grade Classroom, Kara Decoursey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Early literacy learning is crucial for later success in reading and writing. We have a limited understanding of generative writing (i.e., expressing ideas in writing) in first grade and further research is warranted. The socially situated nature of writing justifies a study of student agency during writing.

In this study, data were collected before, during, and after 10 writing sessions in a first-grade classroom. Students took a pre- and post-survey that revealed their self-perceptions of their agency and confidence as literacy learners. The participating teacher was interviewed three times and the teacher’s talk was recorded during all 45- to 60- …

Using Head Start Children's Language Development To Predict Social Information Processing Ability, Kendra Newman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

As young children grow and develop, gaining social skills and different language abilities is extremely important. As children develop, they also acquire the ability to process social information, which then helps them respond in various social situations. Children should eventually be able to respond to social situations in socially acceptable ways, instead of answering in aggressive or passive ways. This study examined the relations between children’s language development, and social information processing ability. This study included 51 children, from 19 Head Start classrooms. Results showed that at the beginning of the Head Start year children with more language, responded in …

The Relationship Between Career Choice And Indecision Within The Career And Technical Education Pathway Model, Zak A. Konakis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The United States is shifting the public education model toward one that favors increasing skill complexity to lead students into future careers. It is uncertain, however, if these changes are benefiting students and having the desired impact on the future workforce. Utilizing the Swiss and German dual apprenticeship and work-based learning model, Utah is attempting to bring more practical and hands-on experiential learning opportunities to students across the state. This study intended to understand if these changes are accomplishing the intended result in students in rural eastern Utah.

Furthermore, the study found that students who engage in early experiential learning …

Who Is Accessing Ipse Programs? Examining The Demographics Of Students Enrolled In Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, Madison Heider

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This initial survey study was designed to examine the demographics of students attending inclusive post-secondary (IPSE) programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). IPSE programs are designed to deliver a similar, if not identical, collegiate experience to students with IDD as their peers without disabilities. Previous research has investigated IPSE programs and their impact, but there is limited information regarding student makeup. The researchers looked to identify the diversity of students beyond their disability categories; research questions surrounded student diversity, barriers to accessing IPSE programs, and what, if anything, programs do to increase diversity within their programs. The …

How Preservice Teachers Develop Awareness And Beliefs About Design Features And Academic Language Features When Choosing And Evaluating Digital Math Games For English Language Learners, Allison L. Roxburgh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This mixed methods study examined how preservice teachers developed awareness and beliefs about design features and academic language features when choosing and evaluating digital math games for English language learners. The overarching research question for this study was, “How do preservice teachers develop awareness and beliefs about design features and academic language features when choosing and evaluating digital math games for English language learners (ELLs)?” During the study, 21 elementary preservice teachers participated in online learning modules about design features and academic language features in digital math games. During the modules, preservice teachers chose and evaluated three digital math games …

A Mixed-Methods Study Investigating How A Video Club Professional Development Relates To Teachers' Mindsets, Beliefs, And Reflections On Instructional Practices, Amy Lynn Kinder

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One of the most significant barriers to changing instructional practices is often the teacher's mindsets and beliefs about teaching and learning mathematics. This study identifies a promising new type of video club professional development that supports teachers in examining their instructional practices and mindsets. This is an important addition to the field due to educators and researchers are just beginning to understand more about how mindset mediates and filters belief systems that impact how instruction is implemented. The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed-methods study is to provide a deeper understanding of how the experience of engaging in video club …

Connections Between Mathematics And Computational Thinking: Kindergarten Students' Demonstration Of Mathematics Knowledge In A Computational Thinking Assessment, Lise E. Welch Bond

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research shows that computational thinking can be used with kindergarten mathematics instruction, however we still do not know much about how specific math knowledge is related to computational thinking and if (and if so, how) children's mathematical knowledge is related to students' performance on computational thinking assessments. This student fills this knowledge gap by examining the following research questions: (1) How are kindergarten students' mathematical knowledge (MK) and computational thinking (CT)MK and CT operationalized during a CT assessment? In what ways, if any, do MK and CT co-occur, and (2) How do students' mathematical knowledge and co-occurring mathematical knowledge and …

Teachers' Conceptions And Enactment Of Disciplinary Literacy In Elementary Science Instruction: A Comparative Case Study, Melissa P. Mendenhall

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This case study explores elementary teachers’ conceptions and enactment of disciplinary literacy in elementary science instruction and the interaction between the two. Specifically, the purpose of this research was to describe how four fifth-grade teachers view literacy appropriate to science. Participants for this research were invited to participate by responding to an online survey and were selected based on criteria. Data sources include interviews, teacher artifacts, and observation. Qualitative data were coded, the codes compared to ideas in the field (overall themes), and global themes were generated as sense making tools to describe trends found in each case, case comparisons, …

Differing Mastery Criteria Effects On Maintenance Of 1-Step Instruction Following In Children With Disabilities, Kyle Wagner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The majority of Early Intervention clinics throughout the United States are currently using a practice that is not considered evidence based. When teaching skills to children with developmental disabilities, clinicians assign an accuracy standard for those skills. The most common accuracy standard, called a “mastery criterion,” is 80% across three teaching sessions. There is little to no evidence to support using this specific mastery criterion. The purpose of this study was to add more research regarding this topic, and how it affects how the skills taught maintain over time when teaching has ceased for a specific skill. Two children were …

Reimagining Culture With Youth: Relationship And Representation In Culturally Centered Learning Environments, Lili Yan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This dissertation intends to develop an understanding of how culturally centered learning environments impact youth’s relationship with culture. Working alongside a multicultural team of researchers, educators, and designers who came together with a shared goal of designing curricular activities to engage sixth graders with culture, I followed 12 sixth graders for a school year to understand their development of relationships with culture. I (re)conceptualize the holistic process of learning and engagement with culture as Ti-Wu and propose a cultural learning model that helps us understand how youth develop multiple relationships with culture. I further share how multimedia technology mediates youth’s …

Teachers’ Learning Of Fraction Division With Area Models, Michael Leitch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Research shows that fractions concepts play an essential role in the learning of later mathematics. However, fractions are notoriously difficult to learn and difficult to teach. Division with fractions is a frequent subject in mathematics education research because division is the most conceptually difficult of the four basic arithmetic operations and rational numbers are the most conceptually difficult numbers in K-12 mathematics curricula.

In the U.S., teachers are generally proficient with mathematical procedures, but often have difficulty explaining the concepts underlying the procedures. Research indicates a positive association between student learning and teachers’ depth of conceptual understanding of mathematics. Thus, …

Identifying Common Resources Teachers Use To Address Problematic And Challenging Student Behvior, Joseph Clint Nicholes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Problematic and challenging student behavior has a myriad of negative outcomes for both educators and students. Although the implementation of Evidence Based Practices for classroom management have decreased these negative outcomes, educators are not utilizing them. The purpose of this study was to investigate which resources K-6 General Educators and Special Educators access to find information on behavior management strategies and procedures, as well as, their perceptions on those resources. We surveyed teachers from fourteen states in regards to what resources they used and the level in which they trusted, could implement, could understand and could find information on behavior …

Critical Democratic Education: A Case Study On Controversy Deliberation And Its Effects Among Pre-Service Elementary Teachers, Shouqing Si

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The state of democracy facing expanding political division and pervasive racial and social inequalities. Discussing and deliberating controversial social and political issues functions help foster students' civic contribution. I conducted a qualitative case study and recruited 14 participants, with whom I conducted interviews, self-reflection, observation, and autoethnography. I targeted the primary research question: How do pre-service elementary teachers experience and get influenced by discussing social and public issues? I broke it down to six operational questions:

1. What issues are considered controversial by pre-service teachers in their future social studies classrooms?
2. What challenges do pre-service teachers perceive in controversial issues teaching? …

Student Perceptions Of Male And Female Instructors In A Post-Secondary Welding Course, S. Kjersti R. Decker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agricultural mechanics and welding have traditionally been perceived to be careers reserved for males, yet more females have entered professions using welding such as agricultural education. This research was developed because of the lack of gender research in welding. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of learning from a male instructor versus a female instructor in a post-secondary welding course. We examined associations and differences between students’ preference of a male and a female welding instructor as well as individual self-efficacy and perceptions towards using welding technology. The population for this study was undergraduate students and …

Board Certified Behavior Analysts In Public Schools: Challenges And Opportunities, Danielle Lyons

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) can play an important role in schools. The purpose of this study was to survey BCBAs who self-identify as working in public schools in effort to learn more about their experiences working in this setting. This paper is meant to spark further discussion and research on how BCBAs can be more effective in schools through training and supervision, collaborating with school administrators on systems-level concerns, resolving ethical concerns, and clarifying roles and responsibilities in public schools.

Relationships Between School, Teacher, And Feature Characteristics And Teachers’ Access To Features Within Digital Curriculum Resources For Mathematics Instruction, M. Jill Harmon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In 2019, RAND Corporation asked teachers which digital materials they used. This study expanded on this research by exploring the features contained in these programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between teachers’ access to features and school (e.g., grand band, socioeconomic status), teacher (e.g., experience), and feature characteristics (e.g., feature choice). I report a significant regression model to predict the likelihood for a teacher to have access to each of the six features within differing contexts based on the characteristics.

To answer the research questions, I first reported descriptive statistics as percentages of teachers who …

Responsive Technical Education Curriculum: An Exploratory Case Study Approach Toward Understanding Human Skills Alignment, Kari Lamoreaux

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Globalization and rapid changes in technology have led to a shift in the skills employers need. These changes have resulted in a gap between the skills people have and those required by industry. This exploratory case study sought to better understand the uniquely human skills employers desire and technical educators should teach in order to address this gap in a local context. The study was conducted in four phases. 1) Current literature was analyzed to identify commonly recurring human skills discussed in studies and reports. 2) These skills were then used as search terms in an analysis of occupational advisory …

Integrated Concept Mapping As A Method For Democratically Evaluating A Teacher Preparation Program In The Area Of Classroom Assessment Proficiency, Carrie Elizabeth Ashcraft

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This dissertation reviews current policies regarding Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) evaluation and addresses “accountability era” influences which often minimize factors related to equity and promote a limited view of teacher and school “effectiveness.” Integrated concept mapping is proposed as an alternative method of evaluation because of its democratic framework for accountability. Using this method, a TPP in the Mountain West was evaluated in the area of classroom assessment.

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Varied Verbal Prompts Paired With Visual Prompts On Echoic Verbal Behavior With Minimally Verbal Students, Chelsea Nielsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Previous research conducted by Valentino, Shillingsburg, Conine and Powell (2012) has recommended that practitioners do not utilize the word “say” before or in an instruction to reduce the word “say” being echoed. The current study sought to extend previous research by including the word “say” and comparing it with the condition of not using the word “say”. Components compared included how frequently responses occurred and how long it took for a response to occur. Two participants were included in the study, but only one participant completed the study. Findings agreed with the recommendation made by Valentino, Shillingsburg, Conine and Powell …

Identifying Self-Regulation Strategies Students Use When Cognitive Load Occurs, Linyu Luo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

When the amount of information to process exceeds students’ capacity to do so, that indicates a problem in the learning environment that will hinder students’ successful learning. This study found that students use a variety of strategies to help them manage their own learning when they felt overwhelmed by the amount of information they needed to process. Further, these strategies differed from those typically expected of students when they are not overwhelmed.

Estimating The Effects Of Forms Of Computer-Based Scaffolding In Problem-Centered Stem Instruction, Mason Reed Lefler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Much like Post-Sputnik 1950s era there is a lot of interest in making sure that United States does not fall behind in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. STEM learners are often presented with complex problems to solve both as part of their education and their work. Engineering education suffers from student dropout often due to how difficult it is to support students through solving problems. This dissertation is a close look at computer-based scaffolding, a method of supporting learners during problem solving through computer software. The first paper in this dissertation examines and resolves some of the debate …

Intra-Operative Language Assessment For Adult Brain Tumor Survivors: A Systematic Review, Carissa Jolley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Awake craniotomy and language assessment procedures for brain tumor survivors can drastically affect patient outcomes and quality of life. The goal of intra-operative language mapping is to help preserve vital communicative functions. However, there is currently no standardized set of measures for intra-operative language assessment. This systematic review identified behavioral language measures used during intra-operative procedures and the resulting outcomes for adult brain tumor patients, with the aim of helping clinicians and researchers select intra-operative language assessments supported by the highest levels of evidence.

PRISMA guidelines were used to systematically identify articles. Patient demographic and medical information, neuroimaging data, intra-operative …