Education Commons^™

Human Resources Professionals’ Perceptions About Employment And Retention Of Women With A Substance Abuse History: A Qualitative Study, Mary Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This study was an exploration of human resources professionals’ (HRP) perceptions about employment and retention of women with a substance abuse disorder history. Job embeddedness was used as a critical lens to understand HRPs’ motivations for their actions and to gain insight into their choices.

A generic qualitative methodology was used to understand the complexity of HRPs’ experiences in employing and retaining women with substance use disorder history. The data-collection method consisted of semi structured interviews of 10 HRPs from midsize organizations in the Southeast Florida region.

The results of the thematic analysis revealed 10 themes that addressed the research …

Uso De La Modalidad E-Learning En El Tema Del Aprendizaje Psicomotor En Tiempos De Covid-19, José A. Ghigliotti Acevedo

Theses and Dissertations

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar si la modalidad e-learning influyó en la satisfacción de los docentes de educación física del Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico (DEPR) que habían recibido formación a distancia. Asimismo, se examinó el impacto del e-learning en el aprendizaje de habilidades psicomotoras pasada la crisis de la pandemia de COVID-19.

El marco conceptual se fundamentó en la Teoría del Conectivismo de Siemens (2004) y la Teoría de Satisfacción e Insatisfacción de Herzberg (1959). El estudio siguió un diseño cuantitativo, descriptivo y transeccional. La muestra estuvo conformada por 54 docentes de educación física del nivel …

The Influence Of Haitian Immigrants’ Culture On Academic Outcomes At Elementary Level, Tonnette Samuels

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how teachers, parents, and administrators perceived the influence of Haitian cultural values and practices on the organizational culture and academic outcomes of elementary students in a southern United States county. Guided by the resource-based view theory, which frames culture as an intangible organizational asset, the study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine the lived experiences of five participants, including three teachers, one parent, and one school administrator. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and analyzed to develop personal experiential themes for each participant and group experiential themes across cases.

The study’s findings generated four group …

Desarrollo De Habilidades Socioemocionales En La Educación Primaria, Rafael Reichard Morán

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación aplicada se orientó a explorar las percepciones del personal docente acerca del desarrollo de las habilidades socioemocionales en el nivel primario, así como su relación con el desempeño académico y el bienestar integral del estudiantado. A pesar del reconocimiento creciente que estas competencias han alcanzado en los sistemas educativos, su incorporación efectiva en las prácticas de enseñanza aún presenta obstáculos vinculados con la preparación profesional de los maestros, el acceso a recursos adecuados y el respaldo de las instituciones escolares. Ante esta realidad, el estudio buscó examinar las estrategias pedagógicas empleadas para fomentar dichas habilidades y determinar las …

The Impact Of Ufli Phonics Instruction On Second-Grade Reading Outcomes As Measured By The Drc Beacon Reading Assessment, Leari Franklin

Theses and Dissertations

There is mixed empirical evidence that infusion of phonics instruction yields consistent gains on standardized reading assessments, particularly beyond Grade 1. This inconsistency in evidence is problematic for instructional leaders who do not have clear guidance on how much phonics is needed to improve the persistent problem of many students not achieving at grade level on standardized reading assessments. The purpose of this study was to examine potential differences in academic achievement by comparing two cohorts end-of-year Beacon Early Years assessment results at the target school. Specifically, this study compares one cohort of second-grade students who received explicit phonics instruction …

Crisis In Care: A Qualitative Study To Understand The Factors That Influence High Turnover Among Florida’S Child Welfare Case Managers, Latasha R. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation explores the factors influencing child welfare case manager turnover in Florida and how child welfare case managers are addressing those factors. National data has underscored the severity of this issue highlighting high turnover and low staff retention are attributed to work demand instability, chronic stressors and undermine the effectiveness of child welfare services.

This qualitative study investigates child welfare case managers’ perspectives on key influencing factors that determine child welfare case manager retention or influence their decision to leave. Guided by Motivation and Resiliency Theories, this qualitative descriptive study investigates child welfare case manager perspectives of why …

Toxic Culture In All-Star Cheerleading: A Qualitative Research Study, Jodie Fairbank

Theses and Dissertations

All-star cheerleading emerged in the late 1980s. It has grown exponentially over the last thirty years. Today, over 250,000 individuals participate in competitive cheer. The nature of this sport pushes elite athletes and has organizations worldwide. It incorporates stunting, dance, tumbling, and performance. In recent years, there have been numerous news stories, documentaries, and court cases that indicate that, behind all the glitter and excitement of the sport, there may be many instances of a toxic culture that is allowing the youth who participate in this sport to be susceptible to environments that may be detrimental to them in many …

From Classroom To Care: A Pilot Level I Fieldwork Experience Building Acute Care Self-Efficacy, Hannah Y. Oldenburg, Jennifer Bergstrom, Traci Kruse, Tamra Trenary, Corey Mcgee

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Level I fieldwork provides an opportunity for occupational therapy students to be exposed to the occupational therapy framework and process across various practice settings. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding introductory fieldwork experiences for occupational therapy students in complex medical settings, specifically acute care. Researchers implemented a seven-week Level I fieldwork experience at two Midwest trauma centers, utilizing a mixed-methods, two-cohort design with 12 students and 16 practitioners. The program featured a blended Level I fieldwork supervision model, combining faculty-led and traditional on-site supervision. Over the seven-week period, students showed significant improvement in their perceived self-efficacy regarding …

Examining The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Knowledge And Fieldwork Performance Among Canadian Student Occupational Therapists, Madelyn Walther, Viansa Guiotto, Rhona Anderson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

To evaluate the physical aspects of occupational performance, occupational therapists must understand the anatomical structure and function of the body. As such, occupational therapy academic programs must provide sufficient foundational musculoskeletal (MSK) education to prepare student occupational therapists for successful clinical practice. There is a paucity of research on MSK educational needs, and the relationship between student occupational therapists’ MSK academic outcomes and fieldwork performance. This study examined the relationship between MSK anatomy course academic grades and fieldwork performance indicators on the Competency-Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) of student occupational therapists. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted …

Generative Artificial Intelligence Application In Occupational Therapy Education, James Wersal, Justin Mason, Mary Shotwell

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is a developing technology within Higher Education Institutions with substantial potential to transform teaching pedagogy, improve individualized learning experiences, and automate administrative functions. GenAI has the potential to bring significant enhancements by advancing adaptive learning interfaces, customized learning materials, and automate administrative support. Despite these benefits, ethical considerations, data privacy, and the risk of over-reliance should be considered prior to using GenAI. The authors highlight how GenAI is supported by adult learning theory and provide practical strategies for incorporating GenAI in the occupational therapy curricula and to support the faculty role. The impact of GenAI on …

Development Of A Comprehensive Practical Exam (Cope) Assessment Process For Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students, Robert E. Larson, Cynthia Tiongco, Sandra M. Whisner, Laurie D. Stelter, Laura Alexander, Megan R. Taylor, Molly Setliff, Paula Perkins, Belinda D. Alexander, James Matthew D. Geddie

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Measures are needed to ensure students are adequately prepared for clinical experiences. A Comprehensive Practical Exam (CoPE) was developed based on high fidelity simulation and an Observed Structured Clinical Examination format to assess readiness for Level II fieldwork. Teams of faculty developed multiple case simulations with consistent components across the cases for first- and second-year student cohorts. Rubrics were developed for grading student performance on the simulations with categories required for Level I fieldwork completion as well as other components required for success on Level II fieldwork. The CoPE included three components: chart review/preparation, client interaction, and documentation. The first-year …

Hands-On: Integrating Active Learning Into An Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Elective, Jennifer Radziak, Katie Jones, Kelsey Picha

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In an effort to provide students with advanced clinical practice skills, several occupational therapy elective courses were developed. The current article describes an educational innovation that involved an in-person elective course for graduate second year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students that focused on the upper extremity. The course was team-taught, promoted active learning, and used unique activities to engage students in the learning process. Relevant evidence-based practice literature and clinical guidelines were incorporated into the course to teach students about the treatment of upper extremity conditions. The active learning strategies implemented in the course included fresh donor dissection, …

Entry Requirements As Predictors Of Early Academic Success And Student Performance In Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Education, Eileen Du Plooy, Daleen Casteleijn, Denise Franzsen, Gopika Ramkilawon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The selection process for health sciences programs such as occupational therapy is complex, involving a combination of academic and non-academic selection criteria as entry requirements. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of entry requirement variables on academic performance during the first and second year of an undergraduate occupational therapy program in South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized, and the sample included 129 first- and second- year occupational therapy students. Data was collected retrospectively through educational data mining of university records and institutional dashboards. The variables analyzed included National Senior Certificate Grade12 (NSC12) grades (Mathematics, Life Sciences, …

Exploring Microaggressions Experienced By Students Of Color In Occupational Therapy Programs: Fostering A Climate Of Belonging, Laurie Knis-Matthews Ph.D., Ot, Sara Frommer Otd, Otr/L, Jacquelyn Pierre Otd, Otr/L, Geena Santomo Otd, Otr/L, Corrine Pineda Msot, Otr/L, Jackeline Artiles Otd, Shaniqua Bradley Ph.D., Lcsw

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Microaggressions, which are subtle and often unintentional acts of bias, continue to shape the educational experiences of students from marginalized backgrounds, yet their nuanced nature makes them difficult to define and address. This phenomenological qualitative study investigated the lived experiences of occupational therapy graduate students of color regarding microaggressions within their academic programs. Using purposeful sampling, five occupational therapy graduate students from various United States institutions participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: It’s Hard to Describe a Microaggression without Using Examples and Explaining the Emotions Behind It; These Microaggressions Had Immediate and Long-Term Consequences on …

Student And Faculty Perspectives On Perceived Stress, Coping, And Educational Practice In A Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Kristen Morgus, Tiffany Karalis Noel, Christopher Stavisky

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This mixed methods study examined occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students' and faculty members' perceptions of supports and challenges influencing perceived stress, with the aim of generating actionable recommendations for OTA education. While existing literature offered information regarding stressors and coping mechanisms for occupational therapy and non-traditional students, the confluence of these two identities in this OTA student population, as well as faculty perspectives, presented an underexplored area of inquiry. Specifically, this study examined how the intersection of OTA student identity and non-traditional student status influenced perceived stress, an underrepresented focus in the existing occupational therapy education literature. Data were collected …

Integrating Service-Learning And Student-Led Research: Exploring Its Impact On Occupational Therapy Doctorate Students, Laura Bray, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Shirley P. O'Brien

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The ability to communicate, critically think, and build confidence in delivering occupational therapy services is essential for occupational therapy students. Service-learning has been found to assist with translating abstract concepts to concrete interactions with real-life situations. A mixed-method pedagogical study was conducted to examine the student experience of leading a research project using service-learning pedagogy and changes in student confidence in their use of occupation. Qualitative themes of Confidence in Occupation; Communication to Build a Partnership; Thinking on Your Feet; and Service-Learning Promotes Growth were revealed. Additionally, student confidence pre-/post-ratings indicated a statistically significant increase in confidence, further supporting qualitative …

What Motivates Occupational Therapy Students To Self-Study Anatomy, Samantha Williams, Athena Kirou-Mauro, Kelly Hennessy, Lexi Davidson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Informed by self-determination theory, this study examined the motivations and preferred learning styles of entry-level occupational therapy students and explored how their perceived anatomy competency related to their academic performance. To investigate this, ninety-seven occupational therapy students completed a reflective assignment through which they set anatomy self-study learning goals. Self-study learning approaches were categorized, and the relationship between student perceived anatomy competency and academic outcomes (i.e., anatomy quizzes, term grades) was analyzed. When examining self-study learning approaches, students favored computer assisted instructional tools (n = 75, 77%) and integrated clinical application with their learning goals (n = 52, …

Disability Accommodation Implementation Within Occupational Therapy Academia: A National Descriptive Survey On Knowledge, Training, And Attitudes, Nicole Pawek, Julie Olson Rand, Rebecca Ozelie, Hannah Y. Oldenburg

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs are accredited health professional programs that have, anecdotally, seen an increase in requested disability accommodations among students over the last decade. There is limited knowledge regarding faculty preparedness, available resources, and attitudes related to implementing accommodations in accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs located in the United States. Researchers aimed to describe faculty knowledge and experience with disability accommodation implementation, as well as identify available training and resources related to accommodation implementation and faculty attitudes toward the accommodation implementation process. Researchers used the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) …

The Editors' Perspective: A New Era For Jote, Dana M. Howell, Renee Causey-Upton, Cynthia L. Hayden

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

No abstract provided.

Boosting Visibility And Engagement: How Social Media Transforms Recruitment For A Doctorate-Level Occupational Therapy Program, Rebecca Ozelie, Ashley Hong, Rachel Lowenthal, Ava M. Robinson, Grace Steffen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Social media use has become an essential strategy for university recruitment and admissions to attract prospective students and influence their graduate school acceptance decisions. Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook play a significant role in shaping students’ perceptions and research about universities. While other allied health professions have benefited from increased social media use for recruitment, the impact on occupational therapy programs remains underexplored. Research indicates that social media advertising strategies can enhance program visibility and outreach, yet systemic barriers, financial challenges, and post-coronavirus disease enrollment declines continue to affect admissions. This study examines the influence of social media …

Students’ Perceptions Of The Value And Challenges Of Oral Assessment In An Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Programme, Alexa M. Andrew, Rachel Sayers, Kristy Richards

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Oral assessments are used in undergraduate occupational therapy programs to facilitate students’ ability to articulate their professional reasoning in relation to a case scenario. Oral assessments are seen by assessors/lecturers as crucial preparation for fieldwork placement. Oral assessments are known to provoke anxiety among students. The aim of this research was to explore students’ perspectives of the value and challenges of the oral assessment. The method was qualitative and focus groups and individual interviews were used to collect data. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted using a semantic approach. Four themes emerged as a result of the data analysis: …

Exploring The Influence Of A Longitudinal Small-Group Mentorship Course On Occupational Therapy Graduates’ Professional Identity Formation, Tosh Whitley, Lovejot Mangat, Susan G. Rappolt, Daniela Testani, Siobhan Donaghy, Lynn Cockburn, Sylvia Langlois, Ruheena Sangrar, Eric Lee, Rachel Roby, Erin Knobl, Susan Hannah, Anne Fourt, David Gerstle, Naomi Davids-Brumer, M. Shone Joos

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Professional identity formation is a critical aspect in facilitating the transition of healthcare professionals into entry-level practice. Previous literature has highlighted the benefits of mentorship in shaping professional identity formation among healthcare learners. However, few studies have explored longitudinal small-group mentorship courses on professional identity formation in entry-level occupational therapists. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of graduates on whether pre-certification mentorship influenced their professional identity formation. Online surveys, comprising open-ended and fixed-choice questions, were collected from graduates of a professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) program across four cohorts (2020-2023) who completed a …

Implementing Entrustable Professional Activities: Evaluation And Insights From Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Education In Singapore, Heidi, Siew Khoon Tan, Gabriel, Wu-Xin Kwek, Corrine, Kar Ling Hoo, Florence, Wai Fong Cheong, Muhammad Rahizan Zainuldin

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Competency-based education is widely adopted in occupational therapy programs, yet translating broad competency frameworks into authentic clinical assessment remains challenging. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) offer an outcome-oriented approach by integrating multiple competencies into observable clinical tasks. This study evaluated the implementation of a nationwide EPA framework alongside an established competency-based assessment tool within an undergraduate occupational therapy clinical practice education program in Singapore. Guided by the 2018 Ottawa Consensus Framework for Good Assessment, this qualitative evaluation study conducted seven focus group discussions with 18 occupational therapy clinical educators and 12 students who experienced the integrated EPA and competency-based assessment system. …

Plant Phenomena Nature Walk: Msum Regional Science Center, Abigail Kor

OER Materials

The goal of this inquiry-based lesson plan is to provide teachers and students with a place-based learning experience focused on exploring natural phenomena in the world around them. The lesson was established to provide learners with an experience to observe nature in Minnesota, by exploring the grounds at the MSUM regional science center. This lesson can be adapted to suit other outdoor learning environments. The primary goal of this lesson is to provide students with a cross-curricular, hands-on learning experience that takes place in their community and environment.

Student Retention In Music Programs: An Analysis Of Relationships Between Selected Student Demographics And Continued Enrollment In Music Programs With The Presence Of School-Provided Supports, Jessica Wiese

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Music education provides significant cognitive, social, and academic benefits; however, elective music programs often face substantial annual attrition. While existing literature has documented material barriers (e.g., instrument costs, transportation, scheduling conflicts), this study investigates the persistence of attrition within a medium-sized suburban district on Long Island that has systematically mitigated these obstacles. The district provides free instruments, flexible scheduling, and dedicated transportation for all students. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine whether demographic disparities in music enrollment remain predictive of withdrawal in such a post-barrier environment.

The research used a two-phase explanatory sequential design. In the first …

Competitive Dance And The Adolescent’S Body: Considering Pedagogical Approaches To Teaching Competitive Dancers, Catri E. G. Barba

Dance (MFA) Theses

Diving into the past and researching for the future, this thesis explores the development and perpetuation of hyper-sexualized adolescent bodies through the competitive dance scene. Drawing on dance theorists, educational theorists, and embodied research (i.e., the author’s body archive), this thesis explores how the competition gaze is performed for and by a capitalist patriarchy. Specifically, this thesis critically reflects on the author’s career as a young competitive dancer in the greater Los Angeles, California, area during the 1990s and 2000s, as well as a competition dance instructor and K-12 educator for two decades, and how those personal experiences have shaped …

On The Clock: The Centrality Of Time In Teacher Work, Jack Schneider, Ashley Carey, Ayana Bass, Breanne Lucy, Babatunde Alford, Nathan Jones

Education Faculty Publications

American teachers work substantially more hours than their international peers; yet much of this work occurs outside the contract day. Despite this, teachers in the U.S. consistently report insufficient time to complete essential tasks—particularly lesson planning, collaboration, and professional reflection. This paradox of long working hours and persistent time scarcity creates chronically high workloads, with documented consequences for teacher stress, burnout, and turnover. Ultimately, these conditions affect student outcomes and the sustainability of the profession. Yet time continues to be overlooked in policy design and implementation.

This paper proposes an ecological framework with six interconnected components: education policy, professional context, …

Beyond Access: Black Women Alumnae’S Perspectives On Navigating Russell Group Universities As Undergraduates In The United Kingdom, Varaidzo Felistus Kativhu

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of Black British women who attended Russell Group universities, investigating how they navigated identity, belonging, racism, and institutional support within elite higher education. The study was guided by three research questions: how Black women experienced identity and belonging in these environments; what survival and resistance strategies they developed in response; and what institutional changes they recommend to better support Black women students. Drawing on Black Feminist Thought (Collins, 2000), Strayhorn’s (2018) sense of belonging framework, and Tuck’s (2009) desire-based research framework, the study employed a phenomenological methodology adapted from Seidman (2019). The research …

Exploring The School-Family-Community Partnership: How Do Parents Perceive Its Influence On The Reclassification Of Long-Term English Learners In Middle School?, Luis Enrique Galván

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored middle school parents’ perceptions of school-family-community partnerships and their influence on reclassifying long-term English learners (LTELs). LTELs often face limited access to the full curriculum, increasing risks of dropout and reduced college-prep opportunities. The California Department of Education (2023a) reported that English learners graduate at significantly lower rates than non-EL peers. While parent involvement is widely linked to academic success (Heymann & Earle, 2000; London, 2018; Norris, 2018; Panferov, 2019; Walker, 2012; Wei & Zhou, 2012), little research has addressed LTELs in middle school, particularly regarding reclassification. To address this gap, the researcher conducted semi-structured Zoom …

Unpacking K-12 Teachers’ Creative Identity, Ariana Mungia

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Despite increasing emphasis on creativity as a core competency in K-12 education, limited research has examined how teachers understand their own creativity and how these perceptions shape their professional identities and instructional practices. Existing scholarship has largely focused on pedagogical strategies, curriculum design, and student outcomes, often overlooking the role of teachers’ beliefs, experiences, and self-perceptions. Addressing this gap, this study unpacks how K-12 teachers construct their creative identity and how this identity informs their approaches to teaching for creativity. Guided by a constructivist grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study explores the lived experiences on current K-12 teachers in Southern …