Education Commons^™

Ableist Microaggressions, Disability Characteristics, And Nondominant Identities, Melissa Deroche, Lee Za Ong, Jennifer M. Cook

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

Microaggressions are commonplace overt and covert forms of discrimination that convey disparaging messages to individuals who hold marginalized identities, including people with disabilities (PWD). Although PWD are a prevalent nondominant identity group in the United States, little is known about the occurrence of ableist microaggressions in this culturally diverse community, including how ableist microaggressions are experienced based on disability characteristics and other nondominant identities. A sample consisting of 201 PWD completed an electronic survey that examined the occurrence of ableist microaggressions based on visibility of disability, type of disability, and nondominant sociocultural identities. We found that PWD have a moderate …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Ableist Microaggressions, Jennifer M. Cook, Melissa Deroche, Lee Za Ong

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The phenomenon of microaggressions is well established within the counseling literature, particularly as it relates to race, ethnicity, gender, and affectual orientation. However, research related to disability or ableist microaggressions is still in its infancy, so counseling professionals have limited information about experiences of disability and ableist microaggressions. The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to describe participants’ self-reported experiences with ableist microaggressions. Participants (N = 90) had a diagnosed disability and the majority (91.11%) identified as having two or more nondominant identities beyond their disability. We report two categories and 10 themes. While participants were part of …

Ethnic Discrimination And Suicidal Ideation Among Latinx Women., Lucas Torres, Sara Kohlbeck, Farah Harb, Jaclyn Pachicano, Lisa Edwards, Andrew T. Schramm

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

Suicide and suicidal ideation are critical public health concerns with national estimates showing dramatic increases in recent years among already marginalized communities, including Latinx women. Unfortunately, minimal research has examined ethnic discrimination and suicidal ideation while accounting for cultural values among Latinx samples. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the role of depression symptoms as a mediator of the relationship between ethnic discrimination and suicidal ideation was conditional upon the level of cultural values endorsed, namely, gender roles and family support. The sample included 198 Latinx women from the community who completed a series of self-report …

Beginnings: Nsw Teachers' Views On The Early Stages Of Implementing A New National Curriculum, Julie-Anne Seach

Theses

This PhD study researched NSW teachers’ conceptions of curriculum change after the introduction of a new Australian national curriculum. One key rationale for the development of a national curriculum in Australia was to raise the standard of education by providing excellent curriculum to students in all Australian states and territories. However, educational standards improve through a combination of many factors, including quality teaching.

A curriculum’s success is dependent on the teachers who implement it. While the curriculum itself garnered considerable attention, how classroom teachers responded to it was likely to be a contributing factor to its overall success. Yet, there …

Young Children's 21st Century Mathematical Skills And The Role Of The Early Childhood Environment In Developing These Skills, Mistelle Moore

Theses

This research examined the preparation of young children in an Early Years school environment in the development of 21st Century mathematical skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, creativity, and communication. The research used a field-based case study using qualitative data collection methods, and the data were reviewed using thematic analysis. The research explores the pedagogical strategies employed by an Early Years teacher and the interplay of various stakeholders in nurturing 21st Century mathematics competencies among young learners. Key findings of the research indicated that there were eight elements that Early Years teachers should apply in their mathematics lessons as …

The Perception Of Year 11 Students In Catholic Secondary Schools Towards Christian Service-Learning, Salvatore Pietro De Luca

Theses

The purpose of this research was to firstly, explore the perceptions of Year 11 students in four Catholic secondary schools in Western Australia towards Christian Service-Learning (CSL), and secondly to assist improvement in the delivery of CSL programs through an understanding of the students’ perceptions. The study explored Year 11 student perceptions regarding their understandings of CSL, as well what they perceived to be the benefits, challenges, and impacts of participating in a CSL program. A key informant (KI) from each school provided contextual understanding about the CSL program within their school and how the program is delivered within the …

Design-Build Discussions: Coordination Practices In Design-Build Education Projects, Michael James Phillips

Theses

Design-build projects involve guiding a group of participants through the collaborative process of designing and constructing an architectural outcome while offering relevant learning opportunities. Guidance is often delivered intuitively through discussions between coordinators and participants, which integrate learning opportunities with activities that advance the development of the outcome. This study explores the discussion-based guidance practices of experienced coordinators, to address a gap in the literature on coordination practices.

As a step towards providing a more diverse range and detailed accounts of designbuild coordination practices, this study examines how experienced coordinators make sense of the design-build process and share their understanding …

Lived Experiences Of Former Secondary School Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Phenomenological Study, Dinoshi Sajivini Keiper

Theses

This study was an exploration of the lived experiences of students with ADHD in the Australian secondary school classroom in identifying factors influencing their learning outcomes. Students with ADHD face short-term issues, such as strained relationships with teachers, peers, and parents, a lack of relatedness and engagement with school, late arrival and absenteeism, and high drop-out rates, leading to poor academic outcomes (Dembo et al., 2016; Fried et al., 2016). In the long-term, their poor academic achievements have led to many other negative outcomes including psychological conditions, under-employment, substance abuse, criminality, and an overall poorer quality of life, causing significant …

First Nations Children: Investigating Elements For A Successful Education Model, Frances Mccarthy

Theses

This study was undertaken at the request of and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and families, and educators. These First Nations participants allowed the study to explore what might contribute to the creation of a successful model of education for First Nations children to lead them to be successful contributing members of the community.

The cultural interface theory is the theoretical framework used in the design of this research project. Through the implementation of the phenomenographic methodology, knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants. By listening and questioning, a picture of the educational …

The Impact Of Service-Learning On The Development Of Servant Leadership In An Ignatian Context, Antony Sindone

Theses

This thesis investigates the impact of domestic and international service-learning on servant leadership development. Utilising mixed methods, the case study extends the current literature, which has relied largely on quantitative or qualitative data. The research comprises three Sydney Jesuit institutions and seven service-learning experiences of differing lengths and locations. The quantitative phase surveyed 60 participants using the Servant Leadership Behaviour Scale (Sendjaya et al., 2008) to capture statistically significant growth in servant leader attributes, including: voluntary subordination, covenantal relationships, authentic self, responsible morality, transforming influence and transcendental spirituality. The second phase involved 62 individual interviews with leaders and volunteers to …

The Provision Of Vocational Education And Training Within Contemporary Political Socio-Economic Conditions: A Review Of The Literature, Sarah Fogarty, Christine Cunningham, Michelle Striepe, David Rhodes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This review is in response to numerous research, studies and other reviews that present the under-addressed, longstanding need to rethink vocational education and training delivered to secondary students (VETdSS) in Australia and in similar jurisdictions. Further, it is unclear how secondary schools in Western Australia are navigating the provision of vocational education and training within contemporary political socio-economic conditions. Therefore, this paper intends to review the most recent research about VETdSS and especially research that is pertinent to secondary schools in Western Australia. Ultimately, our aim in this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that will help us to …

Primary School Teachers’ Adaptations For Struggling Writers: Survey Study Of Grade 1 To 6 Teachers In Australia, Anabela Malpique, Deborah Pino-Pasternak, Debora Valcan, Mustafa Asil

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Two hundred ninety-eight primary teachers (88% female) from across all Australian states and territories reported on the frequency with which they implemented instructional adaptations for struggling writers in their classrooms. They also rated their preparation and self-efficacy for teaching writing. The majority of participating teachers indicated they provided additional instruction on spelling, capitalization and punctuation, and sentence construction at least once a week or more often. Teachers further reported implementing additional minilessons and reteaching strategies and skills, as well as extra instruction on grammar, handwriting, text structure, revising, and planning on a monthly basis or more often. The majority of …

Navigating The Intersection Between Academic And Research Integrity For Investigations Involving Research Students. Practitioner Experiences At An Australian University, Marc Fellman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

There is limited research on the intersection between research and academic integrity in scenarios concerning research students. In this commentary the experiences of a practitioner working in research governance, navigating the interstices between research integrity (RI) and academic integrity (AI) investigations, will be examined. With a view to promoting discussion on this aspect of research governance.

Slow Choreographies: Addressing Everyday Sexisms In Australian Universities Through Embodied Creative Methods, Emma Fishwick

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Everyday sexisms within Australian universities are like shape shifters that move between bodies, hide inside policies and behind closed doors. This interdisciplinary research project examines how a slow choreographic methodology enables embodied creative processes to give social phenomena a tangible dimension. Centrally situated within an Australian Research Council Discovery Project, Understanding and Addressing Everyday Sexisms in Australian Universities (Everyday Sexisms), this research project thickens, extends, and informs the development of the Everyday Sexisms’ methods and findings in two ways. First, by highlighting how bodies, movement, and objects are involved in the choreography of institutional everyday sexisms. Secondly, by utilising creative …

Care-Full Climate Justice Organising: Movement-Based Participatory Action Research On Noongar Boodja, Kylie A. Wrigley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Aligned with emerging research agendas for critical (intersectional and decolonial) climate justice, this research aims to co-create place-based knowledges and actions about how communities and movements organise for climate justice. Organising for climate justice in Western Australia (WA) is particularly difficult because of the strong influence of the fossil fuel industry and the prevailing racial capitalist, colonial, and patriarchal responses to climate change in policy and mainstream climate movements. These systems of power often reproduce, for example, intersecting gender, race, and class inequalities, which marginalise communities most impacted by climate injustice. Moreover, many climate activists experience climate distress and burnout. …

National Cyber Security Licence Consultation Report: Stakeholder Consultation Workshops Consolidated Feedback Held Oct – Nov 2023, Nicola F. Johnson, Leslie F. Sikos, Ahmed Ibrahim, Marnie Mckee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The consultation workshops invited stakeholders to join a roundtable environment to comment on and discuss the Consultation Paper, shared by Project Lead Associate Professor Nicola Johnson, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in October 2023. The purpose of the Consultation Paper was to identify whether stakeholders agreed that the national cyber security licence the Research Team had developed to date was a best solution towards addressing K-12 students’ cyber security education needs, which was found to not presently be sufficient (see Johnson et al., 2022). Eight workshops were conducted over a month-long period held October to November 2023. 250 invitations were sent …

Unravelling The Wellbeing Needs Of Australian Teachers: A Qualitative Inquiry, Narelle Lemon, Kristina Turner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The declining wellbeing of Australian teachers is a longstanding problem, with much attention on retention, stress, burnout, and poor resourcing and conditions that impact wellbeing. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further illuminated these challenges. This qualitative study aimed to explore Australian teachers’ perceptions of their wellbeing needs with a focus on asking the questions that are often not asked—what is working, what are we learning, and how can we move forward to support teacher wellbeing? The voices of teachers revealed findings that support a much-needed shift in teacher wellbeing rhetoric in Australia. We illuminate five key areas that influence teacher …

International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles For Schools (Itipps): Expert Consensus Of Best-Practice Principles, Karen Martin, Madeleine Dobson, Kate Fitzgerald, Madeleine Ford, Stephan Lund, Helen Egeberg, Rebecca Walker, Helen Milroy, Keane Wheeler, Amanda Kasten-Lee, Lisa Bayly, Angela Gazey, Sarah Falconer, Monique Platell, Emily Berger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Recognition that schools should be responsive to children who are impacted by adversity and trauma is burgeoning internationally. However, consensus regarding the necessary components of a trauma-informed school is lacking. This research developed expert-informed and internationally relevant best-practice trauma-informed principles for schools. A four-phase methodology included (i) identification of school-relevant trauma-informed practice programs, (ii) inductive thematic analysis of the main concepts underlying programs, (iii) phrasing of draft Principles and (iv) Principle revision and finalisation via a two-round Delphi survey with international experts. Excellent agreement by experts on the importance of all Principles was achieved (round 1 ≥ 86.4%, 2 ≥ …

Exploring The Pre- And Post-Pandemic Connection Between The Plus School Climate Survey And Student Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis And Predictive Study, Sarah V. Neely

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The return to in-person schooling post-COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased pressure on educators to ensure academic success for students. This study examines the school climate of 40 elementary and middle schools in California's Central Valley and its impact on academic performance and attendance, comparing pre-pandemic (2018-2019) with post-pandemic (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) data. Additionally, the study explores the influence of positive student-teacher relationships on academic outcomes and chronic absenteeism. Utilizing the PLUS School Climate Survey, this research sought to identify significant differences in survey scores pre- and post-pandemic, as well as examining the predictive power of student-teacher connectedness on academic performance …

The Impact Of Course Format On Performance In Intermediate Algebra: Exploring Potential Moderating Effects Of Student Background Characteristics, Andrew Pitcher

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Students have often struggled in developmental math courses. Educators and policymakers have engaged in efforts to improve student learning and pass rates in these courses. One instructional model that has shown promise in improving student outcomes is the Emporium Model. The traditional lecture model of teaching is still the predominant model in practice. Research has found that student background characteristics are important factors in predicting success in developmental math. Some studies have been done investigating the comparative effectiveness of the Traditional and Emporium models, but little research has been performed in whether the effect of course format on student outcomes …

Examining Differences In Self-Concept And Language Between Monolingual And Bilingual Undergraduate Students, Marilyn Vega-Wagner

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The literature is lacking in studies that examine self-concept and language status among individuals older than adolescence. The purpose of this study is to conduct a quantitative nonexperimental comparative design to examine differences in self-concept and language status (monolingual or bilingual) between male and female undergraduate students in California. A total of 97 participants were examined in the study. The researcher conducted descriptive statistics on the demographics as well as a MANOVA and an ANOVA to answer the proposed research question. Based on the findings presented, the researcher failed to reject the null hypothesis of research question 1: There is …

Transforming Land And Home Ownership: Emergent Strategy And Community Cultural Wealth In Developing Community Land Trusts, Ahmed Naguib

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the transformative potential of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in reimagining land and homeownership within the context of capitalist real estate markets. Utilizing a qualitative research framework that combines narrative inquiry with Emergent Strategy and Community Cultural Wealth theories, this study explores the intricacies of developing CLTs as a counter-narrative to traditional models of property ownership. Through extensive narrative analysis of four distinct CLTs in California, this research highlights the complex challenges and innovative strategies employed to scale CLTs in competitive urban markets. The findings reveal how CLTs leverage emergent strategy and community cultural wealth to navigate and …

The Decline Of Science In The Early Years: A Diagnosis And A Plan Of Action, Jennifer Bentley

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Science instruction in the early years of a student’s education career is essential to a student successfully continuing science in their secondary and postsecondary careers. However, the amount of high-quality science instruction students receive at the elementary level has been steadily declining for two decades, resulting in an inequitable imbalance in those who pursue STEM careers, a lack of critical science literacy in the U.S. populace, and a shortage of qualified employees entering the U.S. economy. Much of the lack of science instruction can be traced to decreased training of teachers to teach science during elementary credentialing programs or the …

Nutrition Counseling Practices Among Psychologists, Wibecke Stromsnes

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

There is a lack of treatment guidelines for how to address the impact of nutrition on clients’ mental health. Prior research is limited regarding psychologists’ practices of nutrition counseling and has mostly focused on practices of dieticians and medical doctors. The purpose of this study was to examine psychologists’ beliefs and attitudes about nutrition counseling, amount of training and use of nutrition counseling, self-rated knowledge in the use of nutrition counseling and perceived benefits and barriers to using nutrition counseling. Data was collected using an online survey of 76 licensed psychologists’ training in nutrition and use of nutrition counseling. Findings …

Supporting At-Risk Students Through The Interconnected Systems Framework: Perspectives Of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel, Luis Angel Sandoval

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The number of students with mental health challenges has increased significantly in public schools during the past 10 years. Despite school and community efforts many students remain underserved, specifically at-risk populations. At-risk youth are more likely to experience adverse life outcomes such as performing poorly in school, dropping out of school, acting violently, and facing higher instances of mental health challenges when compared to peers with fewer risk factors. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine specialized instructional support personnel’s attitudes and willingness to implement a change model, ISF, to support at-risk youth in the public school system. …

From Elementary School To Doctoral Education: An Autoethnographic Journey, Gwendolyn D. Dailey

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Every child has a right to education, and their skin color should not determine their education quality. However, since the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954), it has been proven that race continues to matter in the success and failure of education (Delgado & Stefancic, 2001). The persistent achievement gaps between students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as the disparities in access to high-quality educational opportunities, demonstrate how race and ethnicity shape the educational experiences of students of color (Stanford Center for Education Policy Analysis, 2012). Unfortunately, stories such as Ruby Bridges of New …

The Impact Of Competency-Based Education And Learning Implementation On Technical Colleges Outcomes: Kuwait College For Technological Studies (Cts) Case Study, Mohammad Abdulmohsen Alshaiji

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Many colleges and training institutions have shifted to Competency-Based Education/Learning (CBE/L) after using the traditional time-credits approach. Students’ achievements and progress are accumulated, not only by credit hours for theoretical knowledge but also, through demonstrating their practical competences.

In CBE/L, students are assessed based on their ability to perform specific tasks using the knowledge and skills (competencies) required for each task in their academic course, regardless of how long such progression might take. The traditional method of learning was time-based on course credits, which last for a specific period of time, and through which students are learning more theoretical knowledge …

Close To The Pain: Alternative Education And The Unheard Voices Of Young Adults’ Transformative Learning Experiences, Vicki Lynn Lock

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on amplifying the voices of marginalized students in alternative education, with an emphasis on the positive impact of resilience on their outcomes. The study addresses the challenges these students face, particularly those from BIPOC communities, in navigating educational systems that have historically marginalized them. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore the experiences of BIPOC students in a Central Valley alternative education program, highlighting how nurturing relationships, resilience, and the fulfillment of basic needs contribute to their academic success and personal growth. Utilizing a framework that incorporates theories of resilience, educational equity, and transformative leadership, …

Filipina American Mothers’ Experiences Obtaining Services For Their Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nina Chelle Boling

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition that manifests in early childhood, affecting various aspects of neurologic, biological, adaptive, social, linguistic, and cognitive functions. A timely and accurate diagnosis of ASD is crucial for effective intervention, promoting personal and social growth, and fostering independent adulthood. However, obtaining this diagnosis can pose challenges, particularly for people of color, who often encounter disparities in healthcare access compared to their White counterparts. This study aims to investigate the experiences of Filipina mothers raising children with ASD, specifically focusing on their journey to access appropriate autism services.

As of 2019, there were …

Understanding Latina/O/X Puente Alumni Student Experiences With Sense Of Belonging And Validation, Stephanie Teresa Razo

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The primary focus of this study was on how the Puente Project helps Latina/o/x community college students feel supported and validated. Additionally, it focused on how community and familial efforts can influence students’ experiences, and how the Puente Project leverages those forms of capital. Examining the lived experiences of Latina/o/x Puente community college alumni contributed to the study of retention and graduation initiatives for Latina/o/x students in the California Community College system. For this study, the participants chosen already completed the Puente program at a California Central Valley community college, transferred to a four-year institution, and either graduated with—or are …