Education Commons^™

The Power Of Partnership: Understanding The Dynamic Of Co-Teaching Pairs, Amanda M. Lozolla

Education (PhD) Dissertations

The co-teaching relationship is the foundational structure upon which a co-taught classroom is built. Co-teaching is often defined as a general education teacher and a special education teacher teaching a group of heterogeneous students together. Born from inclusion, co-teaching attempts to reach all learners. With this service delivery model comes challenges and a large learning curve, so a strong foundation is imperative. Literature and educational scholars have expressed that the foundation of co-teaching is the relationship between teachers. Authors in the literature have stressed the importance of the relationship however, little to no research exists studying the dynamics of the …

Supporting Children With Social And Emotional Challenges: A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers’ Experiences Using Social And Emotional Learning Competencies, Tina Pettway

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers in supporting students who encounter social and emotional learning (SEL) challenges in the classroom. This study examined if and how SEL competencies were implemented by teachers in supporting students experiencing SEL challenges in the classroom. SEL was the framework used during this research. A total of 10 teachers from an urban school located in a southern state were selected to represent the population for this study. Data were collected via face-to-face individual semistructured interviews with all participants. Participants were asked to share personal artifacts of successful …

Laughing Back: A Phenomenological Study Of Disability Humor Using Culturally Responsive Methodologies, Kinda Abujbarah

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Historically, disabled people have not been viewed as innovators of humor because disability is associated with tragedy. My dissertation challenged the association of disability with tragedy by positioning disabled comedians as educators and ambassadors of disability rights. I reviewed the literature on disability and humor as well as disability oppression, which disability humor challenges. I used phenomenology as well as culturally responsive methodologies to examine what disabled comedians are achieving with their humor and what nondisabled audience members learned from attending their performances. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning was used to examine learning outcomes for audience members. I examined historical …

Fathers' Experiences With Their Premature Infants Or Unhealthy Neonates, Lisa Cummings

Dissertations

Author: Lisa Cummings PhD RN

Fathers’ Experiences with Their Premature Infants or Unhealthy Neonates

Purpose and Background/Significance: Fifteen million babies worldwide are born prematurely each year, impacting a multitude of fathers. The importance of an early close father-infant relationship has been identified as central for the development of the child. Fathers influence on a child’s emotional and cognitive development and their physical well-being and health. Many times, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the initial contact environment between a father and his premature infant. Studies have shown that the NICU can be a stressful environment for parents, producing emotional …

Experiencing Voice-Activated Artificial Intelligence Assistants In The Home: A Phenomenological Approach, Valerie K. Jones

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Voice-controlled artificial intelligence (AI) assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant, serve as the gateway to the Internet of Things and connected home, executing the commands of its users, providing information, entertainment, utility, and convenience while enabling consumers to bypass the advertising they would typically see on a screen. This “screen-less” communication presents significant challenges for brands used to “pushing” messages to audiences in exchange for the content they seek. It also raises questions about data collection, usage, and privacy. Brands need to understand how and why audiences engage with AI assistants, as well as the risks with these …

Student Perceptions Of Trivium-Based Education In Classical Christian Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Robert Todd Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of students who graduated from modern classical Christian schools. The theoretical framework utilized is Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) as it relates to his concept of academic self-efficacy (ASE). Bandura (1986) posited that there are four constructs that serve as predictors in the development of ASE: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological response. To address the research problem, I identified a purposive criteria sampling of 8 participants who graduated from accredited and member ACCS schools having experienced all three components of the trivium. Of the eight …

Literacy Curricula, The Common Core, And Defending An Unpopular Profession: The Lived Experiences Of Undergraduate Preservice Literacy Teachers, Susan A. Sturm

Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning

This study explored the lived experiences of eight pre-service teachers, specifically their understandings of teaching Common Core-aligned English language arts (ELA) and their feelings about becoming teachers of literacy amid the current era of accountability. Phenomenological methods were used to interview participants and analyze data for significant statements made by all eight pre-service teachers involved. Major themes to emerge include that pre-service teachers felt prepared to design ELA lessons but unprepared to develop an ELA curriculum; they felt the Common Core State Standards had changed everything about teaching; and they were anxious about becoming teachers during a time of great …

Christian Spiritual Exemplars: A Phenomenological Study Of Exemplary Christian School Graduates In Hawaii, Lacey Vasquez

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative-phenomenological study was to understand how Christian school graduates view their lived experiences in their high school education in relation to their Christian spiritual formation (CSF) and to understand the Christian high school experiences associated with highly developed CSF. This study was conducted amongst a nondenominational church in Hawaii. The phenomenological research approach was used to deduce from a variety of accounts of the Christian school experience, the common essences associated with exemplary Christianity as defined by experts within the community. A purposive snowball sample was used to identify the study participants who were nominated to …

Laughing Back: A Phenomenological Study Of Disability Humor Using Culturally Responsive Methodologies, Kinda Abujbarah

Kinda Abujbarah

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of International Educators Working Abroad: A Global Perspective, Sarah Thomas

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Teaching and leadership assignments abroad have become highly sought after largely due to globalization and the opportunities for educators to explore the world, gaining cultural sensitivity and awareness while utilizing his or her educational qualifications. The rationale of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the complexity surrounding the experiences of international school teachers and administrators and their decisions concerning longevity with international schools. Twelve veteran international educators participated in this study sharing their lived experiences in working in international schools outside of their home countries. The study was designed to answer four research questions: (a) What lived experiences do …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Saudi Students Enrolled In Canadian Graduate Nursing Programs, Aisha Namshan Aldawsari

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Despite the increased number of students in the field of nursing, there is a great shortage of Saudi nurses in Saudi Arabia (SA). Cultural issues in SA have influenced the development of the nursing profession. For instance, it is not culturally acceptable for female nurses or nursing students to work for long hours and night shifts in a mixed-gender practice environment in SA. Thus, a large proportion of nursing students tend to look for positions other than working in hospital settings upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Pursuing graduate nursing education overseas is also viewed as a viable option. To …

Interconnectedness: The Lived Experiences Of Six Middle School Employees During The First Two Years Of Restorative Practices Implementation, Kathleen Ellen Carroll Bevins

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Restorative practices are being used throughout the world as a response to problem behaviors in schools in an effort to stop the use of ineffective and disproportionately-applied exclusionary discipline methods. Research has been primarily quantitative in nature; thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of six middle school staff members during the first two years of school-based restorative practices implementation. The restorative justice theoretical framework was used to ground this phenomenological study. This framework encompasses the origins of restorative justice, affect theory, and reintegrative shame theory (Braithwaite, 1989a; Tomkins, 2008; Tomkins & Karon, 1962; …

Why Am I Here? Examining The Relationship Between Purpose And Career Advancement Of First-Generation Doctoral Students, Lily Jenkins

Dissertations

Approximately 24% of the college population is comprised on first-generation students, yet they continue to deal with significant challenges when completing their degrees. Research has been done on first-generation student characteristics, challenges, and existing support programs; however, their personal evolution and success in academic achievement and career development once support mechanisms are in place has not been adequately studied. This qualitative study utilized a transcendental phenomenological research design to explore the influence of purpose on degree completion and career advancement of first-generation doctoral students. The study examined the experiences of 14 first-generation doctoral students to find qualities that led to …

A Sikh Boy’S Exclusion In Australian School: A Phenomenological Study Of Parent’S Response, Kanwarjeet Singh, Jane Southcott

The Qualitative Report

Diasporic relocation and resettlement ideally generate new experiences for diasporic communities and their host societies. At times, host societies (in general) and education (in concomitance) could remain impervious towards the unique cultural practices of diasporic communities, fostering a cultural gap. Such gaps may result in conflicts that impact social engagement, including education, posing cultural and educational challenges for diasporic people. Towards realisation of social justice and whilst balancing diversity, contemporary multi-cultural Australian society and educational institutions may cultivate the enactment of exclusion for students with unique diasporic cultural backgrounds. Hence, the search for equity within Australian education may remain elusive. …

The Lived Experiences Of Chinese International Students Preparing For The University-To-Work Transition: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Ian M. Lertora, Jeffrey Sullivan

The Qualitative Report

Chinese international students have been the largest growing number of international students on U.S. college and university campuses for the last ten years. However, there is minimal research literature that pertains to Chinese international students’ experiences on U.S. campuses and currently no research literature that reflects the entirety of their experience studying in the U.S. The purpose of thisphenomenological qualitative study was to give a voice to Chinese international students who are preparing for the university-to-work transition to better understand their experiences as international students in the United States, specifically the types of transitional stressors they experienced and how they …

The Powers That Be: A Phenomenological Study Of College Students' Impressions Of The Bias In Religious Narratives In History Textbooks, Sarah Irene Herrero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perception of bias of college students at a local college regarding the religious narratives in history textbooks. The theory that guided this study was reader response theory, as it identified the tendency of readers to bring their experiences and backgrounds to the literature they read. The study accomplished this by answering (a) how do college students who claim to perceive bias describe their experience of that perception of bias in religious narratives in history textbooks; (b) how do college students describe bias; (c) how do college students construct perceptions of …

The Impact And Influence Mentoring Has On African-American Leaders In Nonprofits, Gary L. Damon Jr.

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This dissertation in transformational leadership demonstrates and characterizes research that support minority leaders seeking leadership roles within the nonprofit sector across New York state. This study gathered and learned varied perspectives and experiences of mentor relationships by interviewing people of color, primarily mature, African-American leaders from nonprofit organizations in New York state. The primary goal of this study was to determine trends and test the assumption whether mentor relationships would affect and influence African-Americans seeking executive level nonprofit leadership. The phenomenological design used for this study included face-to-face interviews and demographic surveys from individuals who participated in the study. This …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of High School Students Engaged In An Established 1:1 Technology Program, Kevin Michael Mathes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to seek understanding as to the impact of an established 1:1 technology program on the educational experiences of high school students. The theories guiding this study were constructivism, based on the works of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, and connectivism, based on the work of George Siemens. Three high schools in a mid-Atlantic state with established 1:1 technology programs were identified as sites for this study. Participants included five high school students from each school site. The sequential data collection process began with one-on-one interviews with the participants, then a focus …

The Gifted Transition: A Phenomenological Case Study Examination Of Preparation Strategies Utilized By General Education Inclusion Teachers, Jawan Brown Alexander

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

If the United States is going to remain globally relevant and competitive with other nations, educational leaders should consider investing in their brightest students. According to the National Association for Gifted Students (2018), education officials are not investing in gifted education at the same rate or to the same extent that they are financing other areas of special education. Public education policy provides special needs learners with required instructional support and accommodation through mandatory supplemental funding; however, gifted students on the other end of the special education spectrum, also requiring and benefiting from intervention and accommodation, do not receive the …

The Lived Experiences Of Black Males In Special Education: A Phenomenological Study Of Parents And Students, Ashonta Lashonda Wyatt

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

Black males rank highest among students who choose to leave school; are suspended, expelled, or kicked out of school; score poorly on tests; have low GPAs and high rates of referral and placement in special education; and are underrepresented in gifted education (e.g., NCES, 2005; Whiting, 2004) as cited in Whiting (2006a). The purpose of this study was to generate an understanding of the attitudes and beliefs related to special education referral and placement of Black males as perceived by six Black students and their parents. The focus of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of six …

Contributing Factors To Earning Tenure Among Black Male Counselor Educators, Michael Hannon, Tyce Nadrich, Alfonso L. Ferguson, Matthew W. Bonner, David J. Ford, Linwood G. Vereen

Department of Counseling Scholarship and Creative Works

The authors used a phenomenological research design and a critical race theory lens to examine interviews with 8 Black male counselor educators and learn what contributed to their earning tenure. Participants described requisite personal dispositions and institutional support as contributing factors. Recommendations include facilitating programmatic sociocultural awareness, assessing faculty experiences, and coordinating mentoring opportunities.

Women Counselor Educators’ Experiences Of Microaggressions, Janeé R. Avent Harris, Heather Trepal, Ashley Prado, Jarryn Robinson

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This phenomological study explored seven women counselor educators’ experiences with committing and receiving microaggressions within the context of their professional roles and academic responsibilities. The following themes emerged: continuum of awareness, responding to microaggressions, power in academia, impact of microaggressions, and intersection of identity. Implications and recommendations for counselor educators and administrators are provided.

Why Stay? Retaining Veteran Teachers In Predominantly Minority, Low-Income, Rural Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Veronica Keyosha Bradley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of veteran teachers who teach in predominantly minority, low-income, rural schools across South Carolina. This study also emphasized the motivational factors that participants attribute to remaining in rural school districts for five or more years. Lastly, this study looked at how participants describe the attribution of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in their perseverance, and how participants perceive social injustice as having an impact on retaining teachers in rural regions. The conceptual framework that guided this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory proposed by Abraham Maslow and …

So You Want To Do Post-Intentional Phenomenological Research?, Katherine E. Soule, Melissa Freeman

The Qualitative Report

In this article, phenomenology, both in its philosophical and methodological variants, is introduced in the form of a fictional dialogue between a student justifying her interest in using a post-intentional phenomenological approach in her dissertation to her major professor. The dialogue tackles founding philosophers, notably Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty; contemporary researchers, including A. Giorgi, B. Giorgi, van Manen, and Vagle; several phenomenological concepts, such as intentionality, bracketing, and bridling; and provides examples of three distinct approaches to phenomenological research.

Evaluation Of The Socio Emotional Learning (Sel) Activities On Self-Regulation Skills Among Primary School Children, Kerem Coskun

The Qualitative Report

I seek the experience of the primary school children who participated in the SEL Activities instructing self-regulation skill. I designed the SEL Activities and conducted them with the participant students’ classroom teacher. I used phenomenological methods (Moustakas, 1994) to collect data through semi-structured interviews with primary school children who are 10-years-old and analysed the data by identifying significant statements and then clustering the significant statements into themes, writing textural and structural descriptions, before finally arriving at a composite description. Findings demonstrate that through the SEL Activities, the participant children became more competent in realizing the influence of emotions on their …

On The Lived Experience Of Truth In An Era Of Educational Reform: Co-Responding To Anti-Intellectualism, Matthew J. Kruger-Ross

Educational Foundations & Policy Studies Faculty Publications

The severity of the challenges made to traditionally and historically accepted understandings of truth, what is true, what is false and “fake,” and even what is real, continues unabated in American public discourse. Nevertheless, the primary argument in this paper does not aim to identify the causes of the breakdown of representation (i.e. in the Trump administration, within the education reform movement) and the correspondence-based conceptions of truth. Instead, the focus is on discussing the hermeneutic phenomenology of Martin Heidegger and offering a conceptualization of truth as lived and experienced. Challenges to truth are to be understood not as an …

#Blackqueerlivesmatter: Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Black Gay Male Leaders In Los Angeles, Christopher Jackson

Education (PhD) Dissertations

The Black community and the gay community have historically experienced marginalization from society, public and private institutions, federal government agencies, and law enforcement. Black gay male leadership is not a conversation within leadership academia. This phenomenological study focuses on understanding the lived experiences and leadership among Black gay men who are leaders in Los Angeles County. This study found that the lived experiences such as oppression, mentorship, community involvement, and advocacy have influenced their leadership development and leadership identity. This study identifies how Black gay men define leadership, based off their lived experiences. It also identifies themes of leadership development …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of First-Generation Caucasian Student Perceptions, Cora Cross

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This dissertation about first-generation Caucasian students’ (FGCS’) experiences is an original independent research project that will contribute to educators’ knowledge regarding issues faced by FGCS when preparing for, deciding to attend, or persisting in college. This intent of this phenomenological research is to create awareness within the education community about the specialized needs of FGCS. Although FGCS appear to form the majority of those attending college, they do not experience privileged based on their race. FGCS often face significant issues in college because their parents have not attended college. Grit provided a significant contribution to the FGCS success in college. …

Australian University Accounting Academics: The Lived Experience, Warrick R. Long

Warrick Long

The Australian University Accounting Academic (AUAA) is located in an environment which is undergoing constant change and impacts AUAAs in a variety of ways. These create pressure points that AUAAs experience and which they value, are challenged by, or affects their outlook. AUAAs are frequently not fully informed about these changes, and may not fully understand them and, as a consequence of not having the power to hold back these changes, AUAAs have little option other than to adapt. These changes challenge the traditional perception of a university accounting academic, which can cause role conflict for those AUAAs who hold …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Digital Badge In Kindergarten Reading Attainment, Amy Cooper

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Educators are consistently seeking appropriate measures of assessment and guidance tools in the 21st century. Tools in classrooms today are lacking the needs relevant to digital natives. Digital badges are a form of assessment, achievement, and accomplishment that show competencies and growth. This phenomenological research study was conducted to examine the experiences of seven teachers and three principals in a suburban school in a Northeastern state regarding the implementation of the digital badge in early literacy. The analysis of the data showed digital badges as intrinsically engaging, preferred over report cards, with a strong impact on instruction and relationships, validating, …