Education Commons^™

Exploring The Impact Of Statistics Course Modality On Student Learning: A Mixed Methods Approach, Becky Kelleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The importance of statistical literacy has become increasingly evident, as individuals grapple with interpreting statistics to inform critical decisions. Despite the recognized significance of statistical literacy, challenges persist in both educators’ and students’ efforts to navigate the complexities of statistics education. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of different course modalities on undergraduate students’ academic performance in introductory statistics courses. Using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as a theoretical framework, this research aims to shed light on the complex dynamics influencing statistical literacy attainment. By addressing gaps and inconsistencies in the current literature, this study seeks to …

Unpacking The Role Of Virtual Exchange In Promoting Student Well-Being, Mona Pearl, Kelly Tzoumis, Allison E. Hill, Spencer D. Sutherland

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Educational institutions and workplaces are grappling with the task of promoting the well-being of their students and employees. From 2021 to 2023, students from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, The Netherlands, and the US participated in virtual exchange collaborations in the form of global virtual teams (GVTs) and were assessed pre (n=201) and post (n=251) their GVTs experience. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess changes in learner well-being from participation in GVTs. Based on the impact to student perceived well-being from the GVT experience, we found important results that can be useful for both employers and academic institutions …

Experiences Of College Students With Visual Disabilities During The Covid-19, Bhuwan Shankar Bhatt, Kanchan K. Joshi, Purna B. Lamichhane

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This case study explores the experiences of Nepalese college students with visual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a theoretical framework. Through in-depth interviews with eight students with visual disabilities studying bachelor and master level at a public college, this research describes challenges and chances across five primary domains of the ecological perspective. The study showed the critical role of immediate support circles in academic and social contexts, the needed interactions between parents and educational institutions, observable gaps in institutional support and government policies, and the dual role of the pandemic as a challenge and …

An Investigation Of International Students’ Satisfaction With Their University Experience Using An Expectation Confirmation Theory Lens, Mehraz Sarker, Jonathan Worae, Jason D. Edgerton

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

This study examines how various challenges and support systems influence international students’ satisfaction, as reflected in their intention to recommend their university. Using the Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT), it examines whether students’ initial expectations moderate the relationships between challenges and satisfaction, and between institutional support and satisfaction. Analysis of survey data (N = 712) indicates that the majority of international students report satisfaction with their university experience. Ordinal logistic regression analyses reveal that perceived institutional support and higher initial expectations are associated with increased likelihood of recommending the university. Conversely, academic and discrimination challenges are associated with decreased likelihood of …

Exploring Professors’ Lived Experiences Of Interacting With Artificial Intelligence In The Classroom: A Phenomenological Study, Joshua A. Baltzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of higher education professors’ interactions with AI in their teaching practices. This study was guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, which provided a contextual understanding of the concepts that influence higher education professors’ perceptions of AI in their classrooms. A qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological design was employed, utilizing a combination of criterion and snowball sampling. There were 13 participants recruited from higher education institutions from around the United States. Semi-structured individual interviews, a letter-writing exercise, and a qualitative survey were used to collect data from participants. Thematic …

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes Nov 7, 2025, A-State Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Conflict Clarity: How To Teach Students To Turn Disputes Into Growth Opportunities, Eileen Paige Petzold-Bradley

Learning and Educational Center Virtual Teaching and Learning Conference

Conflict is an unavoidable part of learning and working in today’s fast-changing industries. Faculty often observe students struggling with teamwork, communication breakdowns, and emotional self-management during group projects or internships. This session equips educators with practical strategies to help students build durable skills—conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness—that translate directly into professional success.

Drawing on research in conflict management, leadership, and organizational psychology, participants will explore the “Conflict Clarity” framework: a set of teaching tools, reflection prompts, and case scenarios designed for classroom use across disciplines. Faculty will learn how to integrate conflict styles, the CLEAR conversation framework, and role-play …

General Practice Training In Australia National Report On The 2025 National Registrar Survey, Rebecca Taylor, Leyna Clarke, Michelle Hsien

Higher education research

The General Practice National Registrar Survey (GP NRS) is an annual, national survey of GP registrars training in Commonwealth funded training programs. This includes the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program, the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) and Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS). This survey is part of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s (the Department) monitoring and quality improvement activities. The information collected in the GP NRS can be used to assure the quality of training provision in the program, enables continuous improvement and allows responses to be benchmarked nationally. From July 7 to August 18, 2025, the …

Integrating Goal-Setting Into An Urban Community College Developmental Mathematics Course: A Multi-Perspective Learning Experience, Tamie S. Dickson

Education Doctorate Dissertations

Developmental mathematics (DM) students often encounter systemic and contextual obstacles in higher education. Low self-efficacy, math anxiety, multiple external demands, and pervasive gaps in prerequisite knowledge can all undermine the strategic behaviors needed to manage the academic environment independently. Although DM reforms are widely researched, the literature lacks a firsthand perspective on the daily processes students apply as they assume control over their learning. This qualitative action research study investigated the integration of intentional goal-setting into a recently redesigned one-level pilot DM course at an open-access, urban community college. The practitioner-researcher created the PATHway framework—rooted in Zimmerman’s (2000) three-phase Self-Regulated …

Breaking Barriers: Mentorship Pathways For Hispanic Women In Leadership Roles, Ana Paola Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to understand the unique lived experiences of 10 Hispanic Latinas serving in leadership roles in 2-year community colleges in Texas. As the graduation rate of Hispanic women increases, institutions must identify mentorship programs that motivate women who continue to graduate to seek leadership positions within their institutions. Through life stories and lived experiences, the study's findings illustrate that mentorship is essential to creating, but that self-determination and self-advocacy also make it possible to find paths to leadership. Through thematic analysis, three themes emerged from the data: identity and representation, mentorship and support structures, and resilience and advocacy. …

Faculty Touchpoint Survey 2025: Key Findings And Recommendations, Lisa A. Marchiondo, Naila V. Decruz-Dixon, Julia Fulghum

ADVANCE Reports

A Spring 2025 climate survey finds that UNM faculty remain committed to their teaching, scholarship, and collegial relationships, despite concerns about research funding, academic freedom, and graduate student recruitment and well-being. The survey also found that faculty have higher levels of stress than in a previous ADVANCE survey, worse psychological well-being, more difficulty concentrating, and more concern about tenure and promotion. A set of recommendations for academic leaders are provided.

The Ai-Powered Learning Loop In Higher Education, Oualid Abidi, Vladimir Dzenopoljac, Aleksandra Dzenopoljac

All Works

Purpose – This study examines how generative AI tools affect business students’ academic performance by investigating whether flexible AI policies promote deeper learning, enhance self-efficacy and facilitate tacit knowledge acquisition in a Middle Eastern context, while ensuring efficiency and academic integrity. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, exploratory study observed 20 final-year business students in Kuwait during five in-class activities using generative AI tools. Semi-structured interviews complemented the researcher’s observations. Thematic analysis revealed patterns in benefits, challenges and learning processes, leading to the development of the AI-powered learning loop framework to explain academic performance outcomes. Findings – The study indicates that generative …

Leading Beyond The Lecture: A Case Study Exploring How Community College Students Experience Their Instructors’ Positive Leadership Strategies, Mandy Morrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Positive leadership, an approach to leading individuals to the point of flourishing, has been studied in corporate contexts. While the student-to-instructor relationships only distantly compare to the employee-to-supervisor dynamics, the relationships and power differential have similarities, making the pillars of positive leadership relevant in the context of higher education. Given the critical nature of student success to stakeholders in higher education and the students themselves, discovering instructor strategies that enhance student success can demonstrate an upward spiral of positivity that extends from the student, to the instructor, to the college, and ultimately to the community. Framed by leader-member exchange (LMX) …

The Benefit Of Qualified English Language Teachers In Non-English-Speaking Countries, Tina M. Allen-Abulhassan

Journal of English Learner Education

Abstract

This study explores the impact of qualified English language teachers on English Language Learners (ELLs) in their home countries, assessing how English language instruction can enhance their preparedness for higher education in Western universities. The need for effective English language education is underscored by the scarcity of qualified ESL instructors, which leaves L2 learning ill-equipped for academic success. Utilizing Vygotsky’s social development theory, particularly the Zone of Proximal Development, this research examines the role of social interactions with qualified native speakers in fostering language proficiency and academic achievement. The literature review highlights significant barriers ELLs face, including inadequate teaching …

Power Of Meaningful Learning Moments: Relationships In Academia, Jillian Bollinger, Ots, Rebecca Loughran, Ots, Alexandria Krasin, Otd, Otr/L, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Chse

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

• The demanding nature of graduate-level coursework creates rigorous academic environments that can strain student-faculty relationships.¹⁻⁶
• Graduate students often come from diverse backgrounds, which shape their approaches to coursework, classroom engagement, comfort in accessing resources, and relationship-building with faculty.⁴
• In such settings, faculty may question students' academic integrity, potentially undermining mutual trust and camaraderie.¹
• However, fostering a culture of expressed gratitude in academia can help students acknowledge the meaningful contributions faculty make to their education while enhancing their learning and behavior. This, in turn, enhances faculty motivation and may reduce burnout.2,³,⁶
• By encouraging gratitude in academic environments, institutions can strengthen …

Leadership And Institutional Change And Their Impact On The Curriculum, Andi Koci, Alma Lama, Denis Celcima

UBT International Conference

Educational institutions need visionary leaders who can handle complex institutional changes because global educational systems keep evolving. The research investigates how leadership methods affect educational program development and institutional transformation through their influence on educational program structure and direction and their ability to maintain program relevance in the twenty-first century. Academic institutions face rapid changes in their environment because of technological progress and global trends and student requirements so leadership stands as the essential power for creating lasting educational transformations and updated curricula. The research bases its understanding of institutional change through transformational and distributed leadership theories which show that …

Professional Development Program: Sexual And Gender Minorities Education And Training, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care
• negative attitudes
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

Complicating Understandings Of Low-Income Students’ Financial Stress And Well-Being In Order To Inform Institutional Support, Khalilah R. Lauderdale, Ralitsa Todorova, Zoë B. Corwin

Journal of Student Financial Aid

This paper seeks to enhance understanding of how low-income students navigate financial stress by integrating the asset-based concept of financial well-being and including a focus on the institutional context. Data collected from 378 interviews with students from low-income backgrounds illustrate complex ways that students experience financial stress and financial well-being. By centering students’ perspectives in analysis while also accounting for programmatic and institutional contexts, the authors aim to push theory and practice toward a more nuanced understanding of how to best support students from low-income backgrounds as they navigate affording college and fostering financial well-being.

The Lived Experiences And Perspectives Of Higher Education Faculty Regarding The Use Of Artificial Intelligence Writing Tools On Students' Coursework: A Phenomenological Study, Kalary T. Driggers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of higher education faculty in the Southeastern United States on student use of artificial intelligence writing tools in their coursework. The theory guiding this study was Rogers’ diffusion of innovations, which considers the acceptance of innovations over time. The central research question for this study was, “What are the lived experiences and perspectives of higher education faculty regarding the use of artificial intelligence writing tools on student coursework in higher education?” This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach, as the researcher sought to understand the …

A Discussion Of Community: An Ethnography Of Designing Asynchronous Video Discussions To Reveal Student Perceptions Of Digital Presence In Online Learning, Chad S. Garcia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods digital ethnography investigates how video-based discussions (VBD) influence community building in asynchronous graduate education. Using the Community of Inquiry (COI) framework, this study looks at student experiences in a History of Higher Education class where traditional text-based discussions were replaced with video presentations and peer responses. The research explores how video discussions affect students' sense of presence, how video presence impacts engagement patterns, and which multimedia elements contribute to community development.

Data collection included semi-structured interviews with students and instructors, LMS analytics, video content analysis, and ethnographic observation throughout Spring 2024. Analysis revealed a notable disconnect between traditional …

Positive Education And Student Success In College: An Overview And Practical Implications, Lin L. Agler, Saurabh Gupta

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Institutions of higher education are facing a historically challenging time as student graduation and retention rates continue to be less than ideal, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a critical time of transition for the competitive structure of higher learning, as finances, technology, student success, and institutional rankings all have a joint leading position in this structure. Applying concepts of positive psychology to higher education has been shown to be advantageous for student success and retention. This strengths-based approach helps institutions remain innovative and competitive. However, instructors face a great challenge in effectively applying positive psychology …

Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes Oct 3, 2025, A-State Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Comparing Massed And Distributed Course Formats: Effects On Outcomes In A Graduate Augmentative And Alternative Communication Course, Brandon Scott Eddy, Alli Sauerwein, Leah Meloy, Eric Sanders

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The effects of massed versus distributed learning have been well studied in the verbal and motor learning literature, with findings suggesting enhanced outcomes from distributing learning over time. However, some studies have found limited evidence to support enhanced outcomes from distributed learning when applied to an entire academic course. The effects of course scheduling on student learning in speech-language pathology graduate coursework have received limited attention. This study compared learning outcomes between a one-week massed format and an eight-week distributed format in an online two-credit augmentative and alternative communication graduate-level course. Learning outcomes were assessed before students enrolled, immediately after …

Exploring Undergraduate Experiences In Physical Education And Health: A Photovoice Study Of Indonesian Students, Sunarno Basuki, Perdinanto Perdinanto, Akhmad Amirudin

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Research on undergraduate students in Physical Education (PE) and Health particularly in Indonesia and the Global South has predominantly relied on quantitative indicators, often neglecting students’ lived, embodied, and emotional experiences within demanding academic and physical environments. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Indonesian undergraduate students enrolled in PE and Health programs and to examine how these experiences can inform more responsive and inclusive educational practices. Methods: A qualitative participatory design was employed using photovoice. Eight undergraduate students documented their academic and personal experiences through photography over a two-week period, followed by reflective writing and …

Exploring Student Thriving: A Comparative Analysis Of First-Generation And Continuing-Generation Undergraduate College Students At A Private, Faith-Based University, Melissa A. Maisenbacher

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

This quantitative study explored the thriving of first-generation undergraduate students enrolled full-time at a mid-sized, private, faith-based, open-enrollment university in the southeastern United States. Using the validated Thriving Quotient™ instrument, this research measured thriving across five domains: engaged learning, academic determination, positive perspective, social connectedness, and diverse citizenship, along with three subscales: spirituality, sense of community, and institutional integrity. The study compared thriving perceptions of first-generation college students (FGCSs) and continuing-generation college students (CGCSs) to determine if generational status influenced students’ experiences of thriving. Despite documented challenges faced by FGCSs—including financial stress, limited familial guidance, and lower academic preparedness—this study …

Navigating Towards Sustainability: The Case Of Ateneo De Manila University, Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, Abigail Marie T. Favis, Emmanuel D. Delocado

Reports

This case study shows how Ateneo de Manila, a private Philippine university, began its sustainability journey in 2008, maneuvered barriers to introduce collaborative academic programs in sustainability in 2015, and continues with its aspirations through committing to be a Laudato Si’ University in 2022. Stakeholder engagement and sustainability leadership were big factors in raising awareness, changing institutional practices, embedding sustainable technologies, and generating sustainability reports during the first seven years. The next seven years were influenced by increasing demand from industry to understand sustainability due to government requirements, which led to the introduction of new academic programs as well as …

Closing The Graduation Gap: Factors That Impact The Graduation And Enrollment Rates Of First Generation African American Male Students At Predominantly White Christian Universities, Byron C. Johnson Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

First-generation African American male students encounter unique challenges on their journey through higher education. These challenges include inadequate academic preparation, limited family support, financial hardships, and difficulties in finding a sense of belonging. Additionally, factors such as race and religion present significant barriers that hinder their ability to persist in and graduate from colleges and universities without institutional support. Strategic initiatives, programs, and services that address the specific needs of these students are crucial for promoting their academic and social integration, ultimately influencing their success in higher education. This study focused on the experiences of successful first-generation African American students …

A Cooperative Virtual Exchange Within The Economics Curriculum: A Pilot Study On Embedding Elements Of Global Competence Within An Economics Course, Amy Ehinomen Eremionkhale, Jana Sadeh, Yidi Sun

Business Analytics Faculty Publications

The increasing interconnectivity of the global economy has fuelled higher education (HE) efforts to promote international exchange projects; however, these are not an option for many students. Virtual Exchange (VE) projects have gained traction over the last decade and are now well-established in higher education as a tool to build intercultural communication and global competence (Dooly, 2022; Stevens Initiative, 2023). Building on this established practice, our study contributes to the literature by augmenting a VE with a cooperative group-based learning exercise embedded within an economics module (course), an intersection that remains underexplored in both theory and implementation, and one which …