Education Commons^™

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Enrollment And Retention Trends In Mid-Sized Pennsylvania Rural Band Programs, Adam Brian Nobile

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite many differences across Pennsylvania's rural school districts, band programs face similar recruitment, retention, and matriculation challenges. Rural school districts in Pennsylvania account for 235 of the 499 school districts in Pennsylvania while educating less than 20 percent of the student population in the state. In addition, rural districts often lack the community infrastructure many urban and suburban school districts possess, creating a unique set of circumstances affecting all aspects of programming, including band programs. While rural communities continue to experience a decline in enrollment, many have had, or currently have, successful band programs while overcoming many obstacles that affect …

From Doom To Bloom: The Effects Of Pre-Major Coaching On Undecided Student Persistence, Lisa Dianne Wycoff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Student retention is a persistent dilemma in higher education because it is how student success is measured. Universities invest resources in retaining vulnerable populations and provide additional support measures because they are most at risk of dropping out. The premise of this study is that students who enter college without a major are considered vulnerable, as they are highly prone to drop out. Numerous studies have found that entering college with an “unknown/undecided” status negatively impacts retention, well-being, and motivation due to a lack of clearly defined educational goals. However, students and families often lack adequate information about the importance …

Recommendations For Solving The Problem Of Low Teacher Retention For Houston Independent School District In Houston, Texas, Jordyn L. Jarrett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations to solve the problem of low teacher retention for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in Houston, Texas. The problem was that 25% of teachers resigned from HISD (Carpenter, 2019). This makes the teacher retention rate for HISD the lowest among Houston-area school districts at only 75%. The rationale for the research was by improving the teacher retention rate, the area teacher shortage will decrease. Additionally, students in the district will be provided with qualified teachers and equitable learning opportunities. This may improve student achievement on state mandated testing. Furthermore, maintaining …

Understanding Faculty Perception Of Completely Asynchronous And Synchronous Online Education On Student Retention At Community Colleges In Western Pennsylvania: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Faculty Online Education Experience, Sally A. Mercer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand completely online education’s impact on student retention for faculty at community colleges in western Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was Michael G. Moore’s transactional distance theory, which centers on three components of online education—structure, communication, and student autonomy. The literature review revealed these factors, and their relevant sub-factors all influence faculty’s experience and knowledge of the factors that impact student retention. The central research question for this study was as follows: What are faculty’s perceptions of completely asynchronous and synchronous education at community colleges in western Pennsylvania? This study …

Enhancing Productive Vocabulary Of Esl Learners: A Qualitative Case Study, Hala Bastawros

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative embedded case study is to examine how applying multimedia theories in online courses can enhance vocabulary acquisition, retention, and production among adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners at a non-profit organization in Ontario, Canada. Guided by Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), the study probes how ESL learners effectively transfer, retain, and produce new vocabulary. Data collection involves criterion sampling and analysis through MaxQDA, encompassing physical artifacts, personal interviews, and online questionnaires. The findings underscore the efficacy of integrating multimedia elements to facilitate new vocabulary retention and production, emphasizing the importance of …

The Influence Of Teacher Exhaustion On Attrition Involving Primary Teachers: A Qualitative Study, Carson Kleinknecht

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single-case qualitative case study was to discover the perceived influence teacher exhaustion may have on educator attrition for primary school teachers in one urban school district in central South Carolina. Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation was utilized as the theoretical framework for this study as it explains how an inability to meet the needs of teachers can result in teacher exhaustion and an increase in attrition. Maslow’s theory assisted in understanding how the stress and exhaustion that teachers experience can influence teacher retention in primary schools. This qualitative case study utilized a central research question: …

Alumni Perceptions Of Formative Feedback During The Dissertation Process While Pursuing A Doctoral Degree In Biomedical Science At A Historically Black College And University: A Phenomenological Study, Shontell M.N. Stanford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to discover through the perceptions and lived experiences of biomedical research Ph.D. alums who earned their terminal degree at a southern regional Historically Black College and University (HBCU) if the formative feedback they received impacted their dissertation process. Guided by Bandura’s social learning theory and it’s suggestions of how behavior cultivated by a mentor’s actions and feedback changes the mentee’s behavior and can mature into self-efficacy. This study sheds valuable insight through the lenses of this phenomenological qualitative research methodological strategy of one-on-one interviews, questionnaires, and document reviews. The findings not only uncovered …

Navigating The Post-Pandemic Educator Crisis: Evaluating Effective Educational Leadership Styles For Improved Retention And Job Satisfaction (Capstone Project)., Charlotte R. Holt

M.S. in Leadership

This mixed-methods study sought to identify the best practices for educational leaders to promote job satisfaction and retention in the post-pandemic educational landscape. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methodologies using data from a unique survey and an

in-depth literature review on effective leadership skills. The analysis of survey data, combined with insights from the literature review, offered a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between teacher retention and educational leadership. The study concluded that there is a correlation between effective leadership skills and job satisfaction and found that Democratic-Transformational and Autocratic-Transformational leadership styles are preferred of the six styles …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence In Online Education For Recruitment, Retention, And Sustainability Of Religious Organizations, Gordon Vaill Barrows

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored the applicability of AI chatbot technology in the context of a church environment where it was used to promote an accessible and engaging online learning platform for education and ministry training. The primary objective was to develop an AI-powered chatbot to increase recruitment, improve retention, as well as support organizational sustainability as it relates to church membership. The research includes a comprehensive literature review on AI chatbot technology and its relevance to online education within the context of a religious organization. The literature review establishes the fundamentals for a theoretical framework, exploring the association between educational technology, …

The Effect Of Formal Mentorship Programs On Nurse Faculty Retention: An Integrative Review, Lisa Livingston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The nursing shortage has been a hot topic for decades, and literature supports a need to address this issue. Although faculty are critical to educating the nurses of the future, the shortage has impacted nurse faculty numbers as well. Nursing shortages are predicted to increase over the next decade. Evidenced-based interventions are critical to help sustain the nursing workforce. This integrative review highlights the importance of formal mentorship programs for new nurse faculty as a retention strategy for use by administrators of schools of nursing.

Ouachita Announces Another Increase For Spring '24 Enrollment, Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University has reported its highest spring enrollment in more than 40 years with a total Spring 2024 headcount of 1,722.

The university has sustained momentum in student recruitment and retention, maintaining steady growth with a total enrollment surge of 20% since 2016 in contrast to reports of declining enrollment in colleges and universities nationwide.

Student Success Through First-Year Experience Programs: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jeffrey Scott Downs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the persistence and retention after the First Year Experience (FYE) program for second-year college students at Northern Nevada College. The theory guiding this study is Astin’s student involvement theory which links student success in college to the level of involvement students have at their academic institution. This study explores how first-time full-time students being part of the FYE program have been encouraged to be involved at their institution on several levels. In this transcendental phenomenological study, data were collected using interviews, a focus group, and journaling prompts. After the data were …

Brightpoint Community College: Effective Enrollment Anti-Melt Strategies, Michael J. Forder, Ismael J. Betancourt Velez, Adrian Petway, Juan Espinoza

Doctor of Education Capstones

Community colleges strive to provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to all. Tuition revenue plays a significant role in college operating budgets and is critical for supporting academic functions. Student dropout threatens the fiscal security of community colleges while running counter to the mission of educating communities. This exploratory case study set out to understand the student melt issue due to non-payment at Brightpoint Community College taking place between enrollment and the start of classes. The research team aimed to understand how students engage with the current payment process, what are the underlying factors leading to missed payments, and what …

Barriers To Hiring And Retaining Educators In New Hampshire, Melissa N. Fazlic

M.S. in Leadership

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the teacher shortage; however, school districts across the country have faced shortages for many years. While the state of New Hampshire is not alone in the shortage of teachers, New Hampshire faces additional barriers when it comes to recruiting and retaining a diverse group of certified educators. This project explores barriers to hiring educators that include: the demand for teachers, the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching reciprocity challenges, budget constraints and low wages, and local competition. The methodology used includes a combination of research using online tools such as Google Scholar, the UNH virtual library, and …

The Implementation Of Nurse Practitioner Residency Programs To Increase The Employment Retention Of New Graduates, Roni-Jo Panganiban

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

This review explores the effectiveness of Nurse Practitioner (NP) residency programs in addressing role strain, burnout, and retaining new graduates. It emphasizes the factors contributing to NP resignations and proposes formal residency programs to improve job satisfaction and retention rates. Research highlights benefits such as enhanced preparedness, credibility, and better patient care, advocating for increased program accessibility and funding. Additionally, the application of the theory of planned behavior underscores compliance with regulations, evidence-based practice, and environmental influences for patient safety in advanced practice registered nursing. The literature review on NP residency programs draws from six empirical articles, focusing on job …

A Case Study Of Staff Perspectives On Job Satisfaction In The Community College Setting, Ashlyn Paige Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This single embedded case study explores the influence of job satisfaction perceptions of employees in the roles of full-time support staff within the community college setting. The theory guiding this study is Herzberg’s motivator-hygiene theory, which defines job satisfaction as having two sectors of components: the hygiene factors relating to extrinsic needs and the motivators relating to intrinsic needs. The outcomes for employees are linked to their motivation from satisfaction and dissatisfaction components, as well as their interpretation of values within this framework. The central research question is “How does the perception of job satisfaction components influence non-teaching, full-time employees …

Promises Made, Promises Kept? A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Experiences Of California Community College Promise Program Students And Their Pursuit Of A Bachelor's Degree, Eric R. Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of students formally enrolled in a California community college promise program at Mountain View Community College, Lakeview Community College, Hillcrest Community College, and Ocean Valley Community College, each located in Southern California. The theoretical framework guiding this study was grounded in Astin’s theory of student involvement which provided a lens to analyze the experiences of promise students and their pursuit of bachelor’s degrees. The central research question under investigation was: What do promise program students previously enrolled at a California community college that have transferred to a four-year …

The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of African American Female Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Jasmine L. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological approach aims to understand the perceptions and lived experiences of African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions and the strategies used to overcome barriers. The theory guiding this study is intersectionality theory, introduced by Kimberlè Crenshaw, discovering the multilayers of discrimination that women face and providing a template to encourage antidiscrimination. This theory adequately addresses the focus of this inquiry because it highlights the discrimination often experienced by African-American female faculty and the experiences of various individuals from the targeted population. This study's methodology was based on interviews with different African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions. …

People, Places, & Things: Connecting The University Of North Florida Library To First Time In College Student Retention, Trina Mccowan

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

No abstract provided.

Ouachita's Fall 2023 Enrollment Highest In 57 Years, Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University has reported its highest enrollment in 57 years, with a Fall 2023 headcount of 1,815.

Since 2016, the university has sustained momentum that’s reflected in a 20% increase in total enrollment and a 14% growth in undergraduate enrollment. Residential undergraduate enrollment now numbers 1,581. There are 81 students enrolled in Ouachita’s six graduate programs this fall, more than doubling the number who enrolled when graduate programs were reintroduced in 2020 through the university’s expanding catalog.

Factors Related To Online Doctoral Program Retention And Completion Rates: A Phenomenological Study, Paula Rae Dietz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand doctoral students’ experiences participating in an online doctoral program at a university. The study was conducted to answer the central research question: What are the experiences of online doctoral students who attended a program requiring a dissertation? Sub-questions included: (1) Among doctoral candidates in online degree programs, what are the perceived barriers to completing the dissertation? (2) In what ways do online doctoral candidates think the barriers to the dissertation component could be eliminated? The theories guiding this study are Tinto’s (1994), theory of student departure and Bandura’s (1997) theory …

Educators’ Experiences Of Job Embeddedness In Parochial Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Timothy Martin Biesterfeld

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore educators’ experiences of job embeddedness in southeastern United States parochial schools and communities. The theory guiding this study was the job embeddedness theory, which states that people within an organization have links or connections with other stakeholders or activities in the organization and that an employee’s professional life must be a good fit with other aspects of their life. I explored educators’ experiences of job embeddedness during this study. The central research question asked, “How do educators describe experiences of job embeddedness while teaching in a parochial school system in …

Male Recruitment Strategies For Middle School Chorus, Bryan Cody Rante

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study examined the answers given by the K-12 choral directors of District 14 in Georgia about their stories, approaches, and strategies for maintaining and recruiting males into the chorus classes. The instrument used for this study was a survey sent to the participants asking about the successes, failures, thoughts, and approaches to recruiting males in the chorus classes and keeping them enrolled year after year. An analysis of the responses found that recruiting males in the classroom was inspired by their love for music, similar friends or peers signing up for the classes, school requirements, and celebrated masculinity. …

A Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Involvement In The Retention And Recruitment Of Students At A Two-Year College: A Progressive Approach, Theresa Marie Strong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the proven strategies used by faculty to increase retention and recruitment at two-year colleges. The theory guiding this study is van Manen’s theory on hermeneutical phenomenology, as it focuses on the lived experiences of the participants and interpreting their told stories. The setting of this research study consists of two-year community and technical colleges throughout the lower Southeastern United States. Participants in this study include faculty and academic chairs at two-year community and technical colleges throughout the lower Southeastern states who have experience in the student advising process. The faculty and …

Adults' Recollections And Reflections On The Impacts Of Grade Retention, April Dockery

Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Dissertations

This qualitative study chronicles the experiences of retention as told by adults who experienced retention. Through criterion sampling and snowball sampling, ten participants were identified and interviewed to learn more about their experiences with retention. Through one-on-one interviews, the researcher sought to examine what characterizes the experiences and responses of adults who were retained during their K-12 academic career. Their in-depth responses revealed participants’ perceptions of retention and the effects that it produced in their lives. This study humanized the data by allowing participants to tell an account of retention that coincides with past research. The findings of this study …

A Phenomenological Study: Exploring African American Community College Students' First-Year Experiences With College Adjustment And Persistence, Tiffany Nicole Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore African American community college students' first-year experiences with college adjustment and persistence at a two-year, predominantly White community college. Tinto's (1975) institutional departure theory which merges the constructs of social psychology and institutional climate was used in this study to analyze how social integration impacts African American community college student’s first-year college adjustment experiences. Tinto’s (1975) theory asserts that college students who experience an inadequate amount of social integration or view themselves as being of trivial value in the social and academic systems of a higher education institution, decrease in institutional …

The First Annual Teaching And Research Showcase Poster Tu Dublin – The Proof Is In The Pudding – Using Perceived Stress To Measure Short-Term Impact In Initiatives To Enhance Gender Balance In Computing Education, Alina Berry, Sarah Jane Delany

Other resources

The problem of gender imbalance in computing higher education has forced academics and professionals to implement a wide range of initiatives. Many initiatives use recruitment or retention numbers as their most obvious evidence of impact. This type of evidence of impact is, however, more resource heavy to obtain, as well as often requires a longitudinal approach. There are many shorter term initiatives that use other ways to measure their success.

First, this poster presents with a review of existing evaluation measures in interventions to recruit and retain women in computing education across the board. Three main groups of evaluation come …

Sel And Community Engagement Strategies For The Recruitment And Retention Of Suburban Middle School Band Students, Gina Marie Vingara

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has not yet found a correlation between community engagement and social-emotional learning (SEL) in a manner that benefits the recruitment and retention of suburban middle school band students. Teachers who create community engagement initiatives can boost the number of student recruits as the program becomes more widely recognized as a valuable asset of the school. This explanatory sequential mixed methods design study examined strategies regarding community engagement and SEL for recruiting and retaining middle school instrumental music education students. Perspectives on community engagement and SEL benefiting recruitment and retention of middle school band students emerged. Research revealed a connection …

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of Low Teacher Retention And Morale In A Rural Poverty-Stricken School, Susan Michele Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand the factors that are related to low morale and retention as described by teachers who work in a rural, poverty-stricken school in Middle Georgia. The problem addressed in this study was high teacher attrition in rural, poverty-stricken schools. The theories guiding this study were Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene, two-factor theory, and Maslow’s theory of motivation. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit 10 teachers who are employed at a rural, low-income school for three or more years. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted individually. The data were analyzed using open …

The Impact Of Frequent Student-Faculty Interaction On Repeater Students, Shanda Hood, Josh Girshner

TFSC Publications and Presentations

Second Annual University of Arkansas Teaching and Learning Symposium: Sharing Teaching Ideas

Data show that half of all students who have dropped/failed Survey of Calculus or Finite Mathematics at the University of Arkansas will drop/fail again. These students face a lack of motivation and a fair amount of anxiety toward mathematics. To make connections and create an environment in which they are comfortable discussing any issues with the professor, repeater students were asked to meet with the professor to complete a personalized academic improvement plan. This plan establishes the need for regular contact with the instructor and should increase the …