Education Commons^™

Creativity Development In Art Education: A Proposed Framework, Enock Swanzy-Impraim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Creativity and its development have been regarded as integral to 21st-century education. Although researchers have made several contributions to the development of creativity in schools, there remains a paucity of educational inventories on conceptual frameworks that tackle creativity development in its entirety, highlighting the essential constructs and elements required for the creativity-fostering process in the educational ecosystem. Therefore, this study proposes a framework that holistically provides a view of 11 elements necessary for successful facilitation of creativity in educational environments and the transition of creativity from policy to the local school system. These elements are: teachers’ training concerning creativity, teachers’ …

Analyzing Cultural Alignment In Rwandan Sexual And Reproductive Health Education, Amit Gerstein

Journal of Critical Global Issues

Rwandan education cannot be understood outside the context of colonization. This study investigates the cultural alignment of Rwandan sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. Using existing literature on indigenous sexuality and reflective practice from teaching in a Rwandan secondary school, this paper analyzes three SRH curricula to examine the extent to which they incorporate local knowledge versus Western scripts. The analysis focuses on four key areas: the definition of sex, contraception, consent, and female anatomy.

The findings reveal significant disconnects, where Western narratives regarding sex and sexuality appear to overwrite or displace indigenous sexual knowledge and practice. This study concludes …

Toward A Post-Modern Daoist Pedagogy: Bridging Complexity And Dao Through Inner Cultivation And Autopoietic Currere, Jie Yu, Jingyu Liu

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

This article first critically examines the call to reenchant the world as it resonates within a middle space between science and mysticism and then connects key ideas from complexity theory and systems thinking on complex adaptive systems with two seminal Daoist texts: the Neiye (《內業》, Inner Cultivation), a proto-Daoist chapter from the Guanzi anthology (4th–3rd century B.C.E.), and the Huangting Jing (《黃庭經》, Yellow Court Scripture), a later Daoist classic (3rd–4th century C.E.). Through this dialogue, the article advocates a post-modern Daoist pedagogy through inner cultivation and autopoietic currere—an autopoietic process wherein curriculum emerges organically through participatory dialogue …

The Impact Of Teaching Evolution In Central Arkansas: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Method Study, Danya L. Utley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed-methods research was to assess the ethical implications that central Arkansas Christian science teachers faced when evolutionary theory was taught without critical examination. This study first collected data in a quantitative form to identify public high schools in Central Arkansas that taught evolutionary theory without presenting opposing views. This study then collected data in the qualitative form regarding Christian science teachers’ perceptions of the school system's alternative views contrary to evolution. The data was then analyzed to determine if teaching evolution without alternative views in Arkansas public high schools was considered either ethical or unethical. The …

Addressing The Absence Of Formal Curriculum In Dual Language Immersion Program, Janet Roque

FDLA Journal

This strategic research project (SRP) was designed to provide a comprehensive, actionable solution to the critical challenge of inconsistent instruction resulting from the absence of a formal, aligned curriculum within the district’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. This gap had previously led to instructional variability, disparate student outcomes, and increased teacher frustration due to a lack of shared resources and pedagogical direction. The project’s central objective was to develop, implement, and evaluate a vertically and horizontally aligned DLI curriculum framework designed to ensure instructional fidelity, promote sustained academic achievement, and guarantee equitable opportunities for biliteracy development across all participating grade …

Disability-Related Educational Content In Nutrition And Dietetic Programs: An Exploratory Study, Wendy Medunick, Allison Gomes, Joachim Sackey, Laura Byham-Gray, Jane Ziegler

Journal of Dietetic Education

Background: Health disparities experienced by people with disabilities (PWD) are partly attributed to inadequate knowledge, training, confidence and competence regarding disabilities among health professionals. While registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are key members of the healthcare team, it is unclear how pre-professional nutrition and dietetics (ND) programs prepare future RDNs to care for PWD. This study examined the status of disability-related education within ND programs in the United States. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 570 directors of accredited ND programs. The survey, which adapted questions from a previously validated instrument and published studies, included questions assessing disability-related …

State Teachers College - The Continuous Curriculum, Florence State Teachers College

Documents on Education and Progress of the University

Curriculum freshman through senior year at Florence State Teachers College.

Examining Curriculum Alignment: Utah Core Mathematics Standards And The Mathematics Vision Project/Open Up Resources, Jennifer Suzanne Young

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the alignment between the Utah Core Mathematics Standards (UCMS) and the Mathematics Vision Project/Open Up Resources (MVPOUR) curriculum for Secondary Mathematics I, II, and III, as well as the proportion of Utah secondary students potentially exposed to that alignment through district-level curriculum approval. Using a qualitative comparative case study design, UCMS were systematically compared to MVPOUR topic foci to identify horizontal alignment (standards addressed within the intended course), vertical alignment (standards addressed across courses), combined horizontal and vertical alignment, or lack of alignment. Alignment data were recorded using a spreadsheet-based content analysis and independently coded to support …

How To Incorporate Media Literacy Into General Education Curricula, Dennis O. Frohlich, David Magolis

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Media literacy scholars have long championed the inclusion of media literacy courses in all levels of education, from K-12 to collegiate levels. Universities’ general education curricula are one possible site for inclusion of a media literacy course. However, with each discipline vying for a spot in a university’s general education system, a course in media literacy can easily be overlooked or excluded. In this paper, we detail our efforts to successfully incorporate several media literacy courses into our university’s general education curriculum. This is a process we went through twice under two different general education systems. This paper will detail …

Teacher Interpretations Of Involuntary Peer Observations: A Case Study With Implications For Curriculum, Collaboration, And Trust, Lidia Waltos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, holistic, single instrumental case study was to explore how involuntary peer observations are described, perceived, and interpreted by teachers in an urban secondary school and how those perceptions may inform curriculum development, instructional strategy implementation, collaboration, and trust. The social learning theory guiding this research suggests individuals learn by engaging in observation, modeling of skills and tasks in specific social contexts, interpretations of others’ behaviors, and applying of learned information. The central research question was: How are involuntary peer observations described, perceived, and interpreted in an urban secondary school, and how do these perceptions inform …

Ucf Pegasus Plan - Kindergarten - Time, Continuity, And Change, Enrique M. Perez Hernandez, Taya L. Green, Mia J. Derham, Anna V. Ly, Dyana Soto

Pegasus Plans: Social Studies Unit Plans for Florida Teachers

During this Tiny Time Travelers unit, students will explore and compare life from the past to life in the present consistently making real world connections. They will record their understanding of each lesson through a pre-made unit long journal.

The Standardization Of Teaching: Minnesota Elementary Teacher Perceptions Of Academic Standards In 21st-Century Classrooms, Katie Rotvold

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study examined how Minnesota elementary teachers’ perceptions of academic standards and assessment influence their instructional practices in the context of 21st-century classrooms. Guided by Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior, the study explored teachers’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control related to implementing academic standards. Quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire completed by 221 Minnesota elementary teachers, followed by qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses and semi-structured interviews with four teachers. Results indicated that teachers generally held positive attitudes toward academic standards, perceived strong expectations from administrators and state policymakers to implement …

Strategies For Classroom Teachers Using Generative Artificial Intelligence, Hoang-Kim Nguyen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated strategies for classroom teachers using generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), the challenges high school teachers face when integrating Gen AI tools into the classroom, and how teachers address these challenges. Using a qualitative approach, the study surveyed 26 teachers and conducted five interviews with teachers in two suburban school districts. The results indicated that there are leadership and professional development gaps in Gen AI in high schools. The findings suggested that districts need to provide professional development and leadership on Gen AI to help teachers integrate it into the classroom and prepare students for the Gen AI …

Supplementing Middle School Students’ Science Education With A Unit Design That Incorporates Outdoor, Nature-Based Programming, Tasha Sopp

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project seeks to address the research question: how to develop a standards-aligned, nature-based field trip program that promotes authentic scientific inquiry for middle school students and supplements their learning? This project consists of a five-week ecology unit designed for 7th grade students that incorporates a nature-based field trip component as an anchoring phenomenon. Key influences of the curriculum from the literature review include the integration of inquiry-based instruction alongside the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), three-dimensions of science learning, and influences of nature-based, place-based programming throughout the unit and within the field trip component. Research suggests that hands-on, explorative, …

How Can Implementing A Consistent Social And Emotional Learning Curriculum In An Elementary School Setting Promote Academic Success And Help The Overall Well-Being Of Our Teachers And Students?, Joseph Rydel

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Elementary schools are seeing an increase in students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs, making it more difficult for teachers to meet the needs of their students. While research shows that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can improve behavior, academic performance, and overall well-being, many schools still do not have a consistent curriculum to teach these skills. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore how implementing a consistent SEL curriculum in an elementary school setting can improve academic success while supporting the overall well-being of both students and teachers.

To answer this question, I created a project that reviewed …

American History And Immigration: Creating A Comprehensive Immigration Unit For An American History Class, Hawkens Bory-Baar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a deficit in social studies curricula which overemphasizes factual recitation of a narrow selection of history. Understanding that ethnic studies is another social studies topic which provides the lacking elements from mainstream history teaching, this project attempts to design an American history unit that is informed by the principles of ethnic studies and culturally relevant pedagogy. The research question being asked is: how can we best design an immigration unit for Minnesota studies or American history that effectively integrates ethnic studies into a mainstream curriculum? To achieve this goal, a unit has been designed that focuses on …

Increasing Engagement Among Reluctant Learners: The Impact Of A High Interest Ela Media Analysis Unit In Secondary Classrooms, Anab Muqtar

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

In the world of secondary education, figuring out how to engage our most reluctant students is one of the most difficult lessons for an early career educator to learn. This struggle during my early years of teaching prompted this capstone’s curricular focus. This capstone project sought to answer the following research question: How can a high interest ELA media analysis curricular unit impact the engagement of reluctant learners in a secondary grade level ELA course? Research found that through incredibly intentional curricular design, teachers can engage our most struggling students. Reconnecting students with their purpose for learning and teaching them …

Finding The Confidence To Speak: Reducing Public Speaking Anxiety In Secondary English Students, Nickolas Johnson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Public speaking is an essential academic, professional, and civic skill, yet many secondary students experience anxiety when asked to speak in front of peers and when assigned a presentation. This capstone project explored the question: How can secondary English language arts teachers develop methods to decrease anxiety around students who struggle with public speaking? The end result of this project is a Google Site resource guide that is designed for secondary English language arts teachers. The site provides background information on public speaking anxiety in the classroom, a bank of low-stakes speaking activities that can be used independently or in …

Banning Books In America: Exploring The Impact And Implications Of Censorship In Education, Mackenzie Carrane

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project, written and constructed by Mackenzie Carrane is entitled, “Banning Books in America: Exploring the Impact and Implications of Censorship in Education.” The purpose of this project was to research the causes and impacts of the book banning practice across America in the 21st century. The research question: why are books banned and challenged, and how does this censorship impact schools and communities they serve? stemmed from a childhood love for books. In particular, one book which was later banned in many schools. Research has shown that while book banning is often done under the guise of protecting …

Hmong Cultural Literacy Curriculum To Preserve The Hmong Language And Culture, Pa Kou Vang

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The Hmong language is considered a dying language as Hmong youth feel the pressure to assimilate into American culture and language while adapting to economic and survival needs in the United States. The curriculum designed for this project uses the concept of culturally sustaining pedagogy, which provides a theoretical framework for designing an instructional unit focused on Hmong language, history, and cultural identity. The purpose of this capstone was to develop an instructional unit that supports Hmong language and cultural preservation among Hmong students at the secondary grade level. To inform the curriculum’s development, a comparative study was conducted in …

How Mentoring Can Close The Gender Gap In Post-Secondary Education, Jared Hinkley

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to examine the causes of the post-secondary enrollment gap between young men and women and create a curriculum that uses mentoring to help narrow the divide. The research question: How could mentoring for middle-school-aged males help narrow the post-secondary enrollment gap between boys and girls? was developed after self-reflection on my own middle school experiences, as well as reading well-documented support showing the need for male guidance, especially for young men. The literature reveals that school-based mentoring programs typically show limited success compared to community-based mentoring. However, some school-based mentoring focused on task-oriented goals …

Read. Click. Grow: Comparing Digital And Traditional Print-Based Approaches To Support Foundational Reading Development In Elementary Classrooms, Carla Pliego-Java

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Early literacy instruction provides an essential foundation for children’s long-term academic development, while the increasing presence of digital technology has changed how young students encounter and interact with text. This capstone examines how early literacy instruction supported by digital tools compares to traditional print-based instruction in supporting foundational reading development in elementary classrooms. The project was informed by research on early literacy development, evidence-based literacy instruction, digital literacy, traditional print-based instruction, technology integration, and equity and access. The research process also included qualitative observations and conversations with educators during a study abroad experience in Aberystwyth, Wales, which were compared with …

From Avoidance To Proud Ownership: Cultivating A Passion For Reading Through Project-Based Learning, Jessica Miller

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone project examines how structured student choice embedded within a project-based reading curriculum can support engagement and comprehension among reluctant elementary readers. The curriculum was developed in response to the challenges experienced by students who disengage from reading or develop negative perceptions of themselves as readers. Instead of viewing reading reluctance as a fixed characteristic, this project explores how instructional decisions, student autonomy, reading identity, and meaningful opportunities to demonstrate learning may impact students’ relationships with reading. The development of the curriculum was guided by a research-informed design process rooted in literature on reluctant readers and reading identity, reading …

Recommendations For Improving Soft Skills Training In The Career And Technical Education Curriculum At Sumter Career And Technology Center In South Carolina, Walter Robertson Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to improve soft skills training in the Career and Technical Education curriculum at the Sumter Career and Technology Center in South Carolina. The problem was that 8% of the Sumter Career and Technology Center's students participating in work-based learning opportunities, apprenticeships, or internships lack the soft skills required by participating employers. The rationale for this study was that it is critical to improve soft skills training in the curriculum at Sumter Career and Technology Center to improve students' performance in work-based learning opportunities to boost employer confidence and lead to permanent future employment opportunities …

Book Review: Transformational Teaching By Kenneth S. Coley, Deborah L. Maccullough, & Martha E. Maccullough: A Comprehensive Resource For Christian Educators, Michele S. Worley

Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This review of Transformational Teaching by Kenneth S. Coley, Deborah L. MacCullough, & Martha E. MacCullough examines the book as a Christian resource for educators. The book covers four main areas of education: foundational philosophy and learning theory, instructional design, learning community and semantics in discipline content structure in teaching. Each area is biblically founded and combines theory with real-world application and examples from Scripture. This invaluable resource equips current and prospective educators to blend faith with pedagogy and cultivate an individualized Christian worldview while pursuing instructional excellence.

"An Open Mind And A Critical Stance": A Content Analysis Of Information Literacy Integration Into A Course About Poverty And Discrimination, Ashley Shealy, C. Rebecca Oldham, Clay Oldham, Tara L. Griffith

Communications in Information Literacy

The ACRL Framework argues that infusing curriculum with information literacy concepts can improve students’ attitudes and abilities to navigate complex information landscapes. This paper describes how a librarian and a faculty member integrated an information literacy curriculum into an undergraduate upper-division course about poverty and discrimination. Curriculum efficacy was assessed through directed content analysis of student responses to open-ended questions about engaging with news and social media, forming opinions, and having conversations about controversial topics. Responses were analyzed using a coding scheme based on course objectives derived from Framework dispositions and knowledge practices. Results indicated that exposing students to an …

Bringing The Focus Of Curriculum Back To The Students And What Does This Look Like For Teachers, Gabriella Anaya

University Honors Theses

As a future ELA teacher, I was curious about how the books students read influence their learning. Specifically, I wondered: How does letting students choose their own books impact reading comprehension outcomes? Studies suggest that the reading materials were not necessarily what we should be focusing on, rather the teaching methodology and how it implements reading materials. The key methodology that contributed to reading comprehension improvement was instilling motivation in students by fostering student autonomy over their own learning in the classroom. This is the main idea in which my research concentrates on connecting research on reading comprehension with practical …

Everyone On The Line: Your Journey Begins Here, Brandy N. Pass

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

Connecting with students is an essential component of an effective English Language Arts classroom. Additionally, establishing a sense of self can be a tremendous asset for student achievement in the classroom. Intentional activities and curricular choices can have positive impacts on both connections and student self-awareness. Literature selections should reflect student populations as part of culturally sustaining pedagogies. While students should be exposed to a variety of cultures through the English Language Arts curriculum, incorporating aspects of their own culture reminds students of the value we place on them and their lifestyles, in addition to the other cultures we study. …

Lesson Plan: Sr. Levadura (Mr. Yeast), Kali Elise Rye

World Languages and Cultures

This project addresses critical microbiology misconceptions concerning microbes and fermentation. Alongside Nuestra Ciencia’s lesson development team, this activity was researched and tested to demonstrate ideal fermentation conditions for yeast. In addition to the hands-on experiment, this project also required an interactive worksheet to be completed alongside the activity. With feedback from undergraduate students, researchers, and professors, the content was shaped to create an engaging, easily comprehensible activity that introduces microbiological concepts to students. As it has progressed, the Sr. Levadura (Mr. Yeast) activity has been implemented in two quarters of SCM 302 (Learn by Doing Lab) where over 400 elementary …

Music Education For Diverse Learners: An Undergraduate Curriculum To Prepare Pre-Service Educators To Adapt Music Instruction, Phoebe Winey

Masters Theses

Music educators are required to work with students of all levels and abilities. Christian music educators understand that all students are created by God fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14, English Standard Version) and that humanity is Christ’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Christians in education must perceive all students as the workmanship of Christ and work to provide them with fidelity and excellence in education. Music education has proven to be a critical method for developing the minds of learners with exceptionalities; therefore, music educators must be adequately prepared to educate students with diverse exceptionalities through accommodations that improve cognitive abilities and …