Education Commons^™

Black Teachers, Black Students, And Cultural Brokering: Leveraging Positionality To Strengthen Academic Identity, Shakasha L. Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a phenomenological photovoice approach to understand the lived experiences of veteran Black high school teachers. Black teachers are positioned to serve as cultural brokers to support the academic identity of Black students. The prevalence of symbolic violence in the Eurocentric curriculum and other curricular practices continues to hinder successful outcomes for Black students. The study leverages the experiences of Black teachers to understand how their positionalities influence their decision-making and pedagogical practices.

The literature review explored research on the social and political implications of Black education, Black identity development, cultural brokering, and academic identity. More specifically, the …

The Narrative Journeys Of Women Of Color High-Level Educational Leaders, Alyda R. Mir

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Although their numbers are growing in the field of education, women of color are highly underrepresented in high-level leadership positions such as superintendent of schools. The purpose of this narrative research study was to explore the experiences, facilitators, and barriers of 20 women of color high-level educational leaders, including district superintendents and assistant/associate superintendents in California. Framed by the concepts of the Leadership Labyrinth, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality Theory, this study aimed to elevate the voices of a marginalized group of educators who earned high-level leadership positions in public educational organizations. This study shed light on the experiences, trajectories, …

An Exploration Of Misconceptions In Introductory Physics, Christopher Mattthew Wheatley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study of student misconceptions about physics concepts has long been an important area of inquiry in physics education research (PER). The research discussed in this dissertation builds upon the developments in PER by exploring the prevalence of consistently held undergraduate student misconceptions in introductory calculus-based physics. This thesis explores the nature of student misconceptions, mistakes, and naive answering patterns in both introductory undergraduate Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetism by applying a network analytic technique called module analysis to student responses to different concept inventories from institutions of various levels of incoming physics preparation. Each study applying these methods also demonstrates …

From Trails To Triumph: Documenting Two Decades Of Impact With Adventure Wv, Sean Lowdermilk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research paper and accompanying short film (https://youtu.be/gTnXbvkX0MA) examines the impact of experiential learning through the lens of Adventure WV, an outdoor orientation program at West Virginia University. Using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory as a foundation for the research, this study explores how outdoor and expeditionary learning fosters personal and professional growth, builds a community, and deepens students' connection to the state and the institution. Through interviews with the program's founder, as well as current students and administration paired with archival footage and modern video, the research highlights Adventure WV's role in student retention, professional development, and student …

Ocean Decade Manual For Non-Governmental Organizations, Teresa J. Kennedy, O. Dufourneaud, Maria Pamela Castillo, Samantha Deane, Johann Durand, Thalassia Giaccone, Somei Jonda, Tara Mascarenhas, Cretus Mtonga, Kathleen Ng, Sarah Palazot, Sourav Paul, Erik Ross Salazar, Raymunco Santisteban, Xu Shuwen, Alexandre Silva, Vivienne Solis Rivera, Hilligje Van’T Land, Yifan Zhou

Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The ocean is at the heart of countless activities and disciplines profoundly impacting the environment, economy, and well-being of billions of people around the world. Its health, today and tomorrow, depends on science-based approaches to marine conservation and restoration, adaptive governance, and effective management of ocean resources.

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) provides a transformative framework for identifying, generating, sharing, and using the critical ocean knowledge needed to sustainably manage the ocean by 2030 and beyond. Implemented by and for a wide range of stakeholders, the Ocean Decade promotes co-design, collaboration, and …

Climate And Cognitive Performance: Examining The Relationship Between Extreme Temperatures And Students’ Academic Achievement In The United States, Sophia Kestell

CMC Senior Theses

This study explores how exposure to high temperatures throughout the school year affects students' academic performance in the United States, focusing on third- and eighth-graders and economically disadvantaged students. This paper uses math and reading assessment data for students from the Standard Education Data Archive (SEDA) and temperature data from the PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State. Using a fixed-effects ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model specification, this analysis investigates the relationship between temperature threshold and academic achievement in 333 US counties from 2010 through 2019. Additionally, county air conditioning coverage data are used to explore the relationship between temperatures …

In The Eye Of The Storm: The Reality Of Deis In A Second Level School In Tallaght, Anita Doody

Doctoral

Education is a fundamental right of every child in Ireland and is firmly embedded in the Irish Constitution. It is often taken for granted that the right to education is an automatic endeavour, equitable to every student. Social perception is that of a seamless service, but the reality is a complex, dynamic system influenced by economic policy, demographics, and affluency/deprivation biases. In addition, events such as the 2007 financial crisis, and more recently the Covid 19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis mean there is a need for an effective process of acknowledging and managing deprivation in government policy making. Supporting the …

Ai And English Language Teaching: Affordances And Challenges, Helen Crompton, Adam Edmett, Neenaz Ichaporia, Diane Burke

STEMPS Faculty Publications

English is one of the most used languages for jobs, markets, tourism, discourse and international connectivity. However, English learners face many challenges in gaining English language skills. Extant studies show that AI has affordances to support in English language teaching and learning ELT/L. This study answers the call to examine specific challenges and affordances for using AI in ELT/L. A systematic review method was used with PRISMA principles to identify 42 studies. Findings reveal the geographical locations of studies, learner ages and years of study. Grounded coding was then used to identify affordances of the use of AI in ELT/L …

Learning Law In Elementary And High School: Innovating Civics Education For A More Empowered Citizenry, Ariel J. Liberman, Michael J. Broyde

Faculty Articles

A principal objective of the public school system in a democracy is to promote societal cohesion by way of preparing students for civic engagement. There exists a founding belief that a democratic nation ought to be composed of educated activists, run by innovators, and kept in check by involved citizens. For, indisputably, the democratic experiment—our values, our institutions—can only be upheld anew with each generation on the backs of critique, reinvention, and reinvigoration. But, as so many have mentioned when discussing the civics education paradigm, the increase in educational opportunities and the marked expansion of our school system has not …

Investigating Problem-Solving Skills Practices In An Inclusive Early Childhood School: A Case Of One Primary School In Koboko Municipality Uganda, Aziku Dan Silvanus

Master of Education

Inclusive education, aligned with the SDGs and the UNCRPD, advocates for quality education regardless of personal differences. The study adopts a broader definition that includes children from diverse backgrounds for inclusive education. Early childhood teachers play a crucial role in nurturing problem-solving skills. But challenges within inclusive settings, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the need for effective practices. Problem-solving skills are crucial throughout life, fostering the ability to independently address challenges. Nurturing these abilities in early childhood children is vital to navigate social issues. Moreso, limited research on problem-solving skills in inclusive education, in Uganda, necessitates an investigation into …

A Cultural Shift: Restorative Justice Relation On School Discipline And Educator Perception And Practices With Middle School Students, Hector Macias

CGU Theses & Dissertations

As restorative justice practices (RJP) in educational environments remain relatively novel, there has been limited research on its long-term effectiveness. In districts that allocated substantial resources to RJP, reports from personnel suggest a direct correlation between RJP implementation and a decrease in suspensions, diminished truancy rates, and an overall improvement in school climates. Nevertheless, further investigation is essential, particularly at the middle school level, to explore the link between RJP and institutionalized, non-punitive, relationship-centered approaches. This research extended the knowledge base of disciplinary practices, delving into the educators’ perceptions of RJP on fostering a school-wide restorative ideology.

Employing a convergent …

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 …

Meeting The Needs Of Diverse Esl Classrooms: A Team Approach To The Professional Development Of Educators, Alla Zareva, Silvana Watson

English Faculty Publications

The focus of this chapter is threefold: 1) To report on the effectiveness of a professional development program offered to elementary school educators to work effectively with diverse ELs; 2) to present the results from a pre-professional development survey which helped identify specific aspects of working with diverse ELs in immediate need of professional development; and 3) to discuss the wider implications of our findings and recommendations for teacher preparation programs. The chapter reports on three main areas of a year-long professional development training provided to teams of in-service elementary school teachers, school administrators, and other specialists (N=60) in the …

Music Education Within An Autism Support Classroom: Building Community And Educational Skills, Emma Lamberti

Honors Theses

The purpose of this action research study was to explore how music education might provide a sense of community, develop educational skills, and discuss general best practices for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a middle school autism support classroom. To examine community, educational skills, and best practices, this study completed two cycles of action research. The curriculum in Cycle 1 consisted of typical music lessons for a general music classroom. Interviews with teachers and students, video observations, and researcher reflections after each lesson were used to inform the development of Cycle 2. Cycle 2 retained the overall …

Curriculum, Knowledge, And Power: A Critical Race Approach To Content Analysis Of Social Studies Textbooks, Eliza G. Ray

Honors Theses

This study uses Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework to examine the portrayal of the U.S. Revolutionary War in three 5th grade social studies textbooks approved by the state of Florida’s curriculum standards. Textbooks have been a focal point for political debate, most recently influenced more by politicians than by educators. A qualitative rubric was developed to evaluate the textbooks, examining the extent to which they include a CRT telling of the Revolutionary War. This rubric was informed by the tenets of CRT in educational research as described by Solorzano and Yosso (2002). Consistent themes arose from the …

The Effect Of Stem Education On The Hypothetical-Creative Reasoning Skills Of The Pre-School Pre-Service Teachers, Zehra Çakır, Sema Altun Yalçın

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The study aims to explore the effect of STEM education on the hypothetical-creative reasoning skills of the pre-school pre-service teachers. The pre-school pre-service teachers were educated with STEM education for 14 weeks within the scope of the study. A mixed-method was employed in the study. The quantitative data were collected with the "Hypothetical-creative Reasoning Skills Inventory” in the study. The hypothetical-creative reasoning Inventory was applied to the pre-school pre-service teachers as a pre-test before the STEM education and a post-test after the STEM education. The qualitative data were obtained with a semi-structured interview form applied to the pre-school pre-service teachers. …

De Aquí, Y De Allá: Education, Culture, And Identity Development Of Transnational Latinas, Elizabeth Harris-Medina

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

De Aquí, y De Allá: Education, Culture, and Identity Development of Transnational Latinas This ethnographic case study examines the experiences of three transnational Latina women, descendants of families from Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico, exploring how their migration history and educational backgrounds influence their life trajectories. Focusing on these three women, the study aims to better understand their challenges and inform the development of resources to support their success in the U.S. education system. Using ethnographic interviews and Ecological Systems Theory, the research highlights how places and social systems shape views and life paths, offering insights into how best to support these …

English Language Sub-Skills Needed By Diploma Theology Students In Their Academic And Professional Lives, Deressa Wakgari, Tefera Yohannes, Alemu Adege

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The study assessed the needs of diploma theology students' English language sub-skills and tasks in their academic and professional areas. The study is a descriptive survey that makes use of a mixed method approach. The data were collected using a questionnaire, interview, and content analysis. The participants of the study were first and second year diploma theology students, the former theology students, theology instructors, and EFL teachers. Additionally, one unit of the teaching material contents were evaluated using the checklist. For the evaluation of the unit, the researcher prepared checklists which were adapted from the literature and gave them to …

Shades Of Justice: Exploring Colorism In The Hispanic Community And Its Legal Battle For Equity, Christel A. Infante

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis focuses on the racial disparity within the Hispanic and Latinx communities as injustices exist within the community and the workplace. Racial disparities in the United States have been a persistent and deeply rooted issue that has plagued the nation for centuries. Despite significant progress in civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation, disparities in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice persist. Understanding the factors contributing to these disparities is essential for addressing systemic inequalities and fostering a more just society. The analysis of this thesis primarily focuses on the cases and ramifications of Hispanic persons within the workplace, …

Telehealth In Emergency Medicine Residency Training: A Model Curriculum, Laura Oh, Rahul Bhat, Michael J. Carr, Aditi U. Joshi, Bruce M. Lo, Ashley C. Rider, Lulu Wang, Michael C. Wadman, Samuel D. Luber

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

Emergency physicians are well-positioned to take a leadership role in telehealth, particularly in emerging categories such as triage, direct acute unscheduled care, and virtual observation. However, the growth of telehealth has outpaced curricular development in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. This manuscript presents a model longitudinal telehealth curriculum, developed by the consensus of education experts, including representatives from the telehealth interest groups from EM's two primary specialty societies: the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. The curriculum describes overarching goals and components that may serve as a foundation for individual institutions seeking to train …

Teacher Perceptions Of "Don't Say Gay" Bills, Melody King

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For this project, I will research teacher perceptions of bills restricting the discussion of LGBTQ matters in the classroom. In Florida, a “don’t say gay” bill is already in effect. Since the bill in Florida was passed, 22 other states have proposed similar legislation. I will conduct a literature review on this topic. I will also interview teachers working in various northeast Ohio school districts. I will review the information from the literature review as well as the information given to me by the teachers in the interviews to create insight into the effect of these bills on teachers. I …

Predicting Graduate University Admission In Azerbaijan Using Multiple Regression, Günel Alasgarova

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Each year, Azerbaijani universities strive to attract the best candidates for graduate degrees within the academic hierarchy. Since 2005, one-third of undergraduates have been applying for master’s programs. The admission decisions primarily depend on the State Examination Center exam scores. This quantitative research mainly discusses the predictors of graduate university admission based on numerous factors using multiple linear regression. This study statistically measured four independent variables to predict university graduate admission scores in 2021 (GAS21). Significant differences were found between the average graduate admission scores of 2021 and those of 2020 (GAS20) and the percentage of students who scored >86%. …

Military Faculty Experience Within A Faculty Learning Community And Its Interest In Learning Technology Integration, Jonathan David Zemmer

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of faculty members at an institution of military education participating in a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) focused on educational technology utilization during the 2022-2023 academic year. As the Department of Defense (DoD) emphasizes the importance of technology capabilities and workforce development, understanding faculty experiences in these settings becomes crucial for effective technology integration in teaching and learning. Utilizing a participatory action research (PAR) design, the study collected data through faculty artifacts, researcher reflexive journals, semi-structured interviews, bi-monthly meeting minutes, videos, and presentation materials. The research questions focused on the change of participants' understanding …

Augmenting Back-Translation Decision Making With Latent Semantic Analysis: Predicting Expert Decisions With Semantic Similarity Scores From American Sign Language, Jared A. Embree

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on a novel improvement to the current method for adapting assessments into American Sign Language (ASL). Bilingual Deaf adults participated in back translations across the United States, and those back-translation decisions were assessed by human experts to judge similarity in meaning. Translations were compared to original text samples using two types of Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) models to compute semantic textual similarity (STS) scores, and to calculate weighted Youden Index (WYI) Scores. These scores were used to determine the ideal cutoff to be used when making judgments and compared to human expert decisions. The results revealed that …

“A Real Man . . .”: Deconstructing Machismo Heteronormative Standards With K–12 Latino Male Educators Through Dialogic Spaces, Mario Echeverria

Dissertations

In a K–12 educational landscape where 75% of educators are white women, recruitment of Latino male educators is crucial for diversification, yet these educators represent just 2% of the teaching workforce in the United States (NCES, 2020). These educators grapple with a layered sense of identity as they navigate expectations of hegemonic masculinity and machismo norms that dictate their roles as disciplinarians and saviors, especially for young boys of color (Brockenbrough, 2018; Lara & Fránquiz, 2015; Martino & Kehler, 2006; Mills et al., 2004; Singh, 2021). Unfortunately, Latino male educators leave the profession at twice the rate of their Latina …

Exploring The Experiences Of Refugee Youth In Public Schools: An Ethical Phenomenological Inquiry, Hilary T. Stim

Theses and Dissertations

The study outlined in this dissertation focuses on the intersection between refugee youth between the ages of 13-18 and the United States public school, specifically the manner in which refugee youth experience institutionalized education. It utilizes ethical phenomenology as a means to amplify the voices of refugee students and to centralize the students' experiences, thoughts, and ideas related to education The study was framed by one research question that is addressed to the participants: “What is it like being a student in a public school?” Seven students took part in the study. Collaborative dialogues took place with the participants across …

Improving Dental Students' Knowledge And Confidence In Treating Tobacco Use, Victoria Pierce

DNP Projects

Background: Tobacco use can lead to numerous chronic health conditions. Healthcare professionals in the dental field are in a unique position to broach this issue with patients. Research shows that dental students do not feel equipped to provide tobacco cessation care, citing lack of education on the subject among their top reasons for this.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate changes in dental students’ knowledge and confidence related to treating tobacco use after participation in an educational intervention about the 5A’s, behavioral counseling, and first-line prescription medications.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative utilized a quasi-experimental survey design …

Improving Nutrition Screening Practice In The Hospitalized Heart Failure Patient Population, Amanda J. Bourgeois

DNP Projects

Background: Heart Failure is a disease known to affect nearly 6.5 million adults in the United States. Characterized by recurrent hospitalizations, heart failure significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in the United States and worldwide. Because malnutrition is prevalent in the heart failure population, healthcare providers must perform nutritional assessments on admission to intervene in the case of malnutrition, prevent deterioration, and improve patient prognosis. Without intervention and early identification of malnutrition, heart failure hospitalizations will remain a significant problem.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an evidence-based educational program for cardiac …

Listen Up: Perceptions Of Audiobooks By Teachers, Librarians, And Parents, Megan Bright

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Reading is a critical component of education. From learning to read, to eventually reading to learn, students and teachers rely upon texts to help make sense of the world around them. Methods and tools vary, but teachers, librarians, and parents can all agree that reading is a fundamental skill their students need. However, students are sometimes told to limit their use of audiobooks in favor of reading with their eyes. These limitations may prevent students from finding the books they love and also limit students’ opportunities to use books to learn about the world around them. This study sought to …

That Garden Of Hope, Bhavika Sicka

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

The poem explores themes of freedom of speech, the power of words, and the pursuit of knowledge.