Education Commons^™

The Impact Of Classroom Technology Integration On Elementary Students’ Cognitive Development And Critical Thinking, Michelle Lynn Vandross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examined the impact of technology use in the elementary classroom on students’ ability to employ critical thinking skills. The objective was to initiate change by promoting professional development for elementary school teachers, leading to a meaningful and appropriate thought process. The primary intention of the literature review is to provide a three-fold framework, grounded in Biblical, theoretical, and thematic perspectives, that offers new insights into social-emotional learning by serving students through collaborative learning. The literature review lays the foundation for demonstrating the connection between Biblical integration and the cycle of social-emotional learning that supports students’ cognitive processing in …

A Predictive Correlational Analysis Of Ninth And Tenth Grade Students' Perception Of Culture Of Excellence And Their Attitude To Stem, Mofoluwake Abiola Laleye

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if ninth and 10th grade students’ attitude toward Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), specifically in mathematics and science can be predicted from their perceptions of culture of excellence (CoE). The continued disparity in academic performance and the representation of minority in STEM workforce has prompted the need to explore the effect of CoE on their attitude to STEM. Data for this study were collected from 177 ninth and 10th grade students attending a public charter school predominantly serving underrepresented minorities in southeastern Tennessee. The primary instruments were Student …

A Causal-Comparative Examination Of The Impact Of Male And Female Secondary Students' Social Anxiety Enrolled In Blended Courses, Tabitha C. Batts-Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if a difference existed in male and female students’ social anxiety scores in the pedagogical approach of blended learning. This study was essential because social anxiety impacted students' quality of life, affecting them long after leaving high school. The ramifications of social issues impacted future earnings, relationships, and psychological well-being; therefore, this study added to the literature on social anxiety and blended learning pedagogy. The sample was comprised of 79 students in blended learning with flipped instructions and 79 enriched virtual. All students were from a rural high school in …

A Quantitative, Quasi-Experimental Study Of Students' Strengths Using Devereux Student Strengths Assessment Scores In A Maryland School District, Tamara L. Brandon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the social emotional competencies of students after implementing positive feedback classroom intervention. The independent variable was positive feedback classroom intervention. The significance of this study was to encourage positive behaviors of students in a way that builds their positive character, enhances self-esteem, which will therefore ignite their intrinsic motivation to learn and ultimately diminish negative characteristics or behaviors that lead to the use of negative disciplinary methods. This study was conducted with a sample of 94 students in the third …

Phenomenological Qualitative Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Women With Terminal Degrees Related To The Gender Gap In Education Leadership Roles, Ashley Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the gender gap within education leadership for female teachers with terminal degrees within a Midwestern suburban school district and geographically similar educators recruited via Facebook. The theory that guided this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy as it explains the relationship between self-efficacy and the choice to pursue professional leadership roles. Using purposeful and snowball sampling, 10 women were selected to participate in this study. Nine women who fit the selection criteria were recruited from the XYZ school district, and one participant was recruited via Facebook. Data were collected through …

Motivating And Retaining Alabama Band Directors: A Comparison Of Rural, Suburban, And Urban Band Directors, Brandon Jay Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite existing challenges in rural, suburban, and urban communities, band directors face a lack of motivation due to burnout and insufficient resources. This study examines the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors who teach in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Guided by a correlational research design, this mixed-method research study identifies motivational factors that still need to be explored to highlight the motivational factors that drive band directors to continue teaching in their current Alabama communities. This study explores the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors based on their responses to a Likert-type survey and emailed interview questionnaire. …

The Lived Experience Of Students With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities And Smartphones For Higher Learning, Eric F. Sandstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of college students with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) using smartphones for online learning during historic levels of both enrollment of students with NDDs and smartphone use in education. The guiding framework is Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory, which explains how learning occurs in a social context that includes interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental factors. This study asks: What are the lived experiences of students with NDDs in college using smartphones for online learning? The study seeks to understand how smartphones influence students’ perceptions of disability accommodations, internal locus of control, …

From Theology To Practice: A Faith-Based Financial Literacy Program For Church Leaders And Congregants, Jacklyn Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Dissertation-in-Praxis addresses the pressing need for financial literacy within church communities by developing a faith-based financial education program tailored for Reignited Worship Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the abundance of biblical teachings on stewardship, many churches and their members experience chronic financial instability, limiting ministry effectiveness and personal well-being. The praxis project identifies a gap between theological understanding and practical financial management among African American congregants, exacerbated by systemic economic challenges and limited educational resources. Guided by biblical principles and a holistic ministry approach, this study proposes a comprehensive program integrating scriptural stewardship with practical financial tools. The …

Influences On The Achievement Gap For High School Students In Pennsylvania: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Michael Grant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the compounded influences of intersectional influences on student achievement for parents of high school students in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse urban school district in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study is Bourdieu’s social capital theory, which explains how access to social networks, resources, and systemic inequalities influenced educational outcomes. The central research question for this study is, What are parents' perceptions of the influences contributing to the achievement gap for high school students in Pennsylvania? The study will employ a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design. Utilizing semi-structured individual interviews and focus …

Play, Instruct, Lead: Investigating The Influence Observing Same-Gender Role Models Has On Leadership Development Of Collegiate Women Student-Athletes Coaching At Youth Sports Camps: A Phenomenological Study, Mercy-Nora Osei

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe how observing same-gender role models influenced the leadership development of collegiate women student-athletes (CWSA) when coaching at youth sports camps (YSC) at NCAA institution campuses in the United States. The theory that guided this study was Albert Bandura’s theory on social learning, as it explained the relationship between observational learning and the influence role modeling had on leadership development. The central question was: How does observing same-gender role models influence the leadership development of collegiate women student-athletes when coaching at youth sports camps? This study used a transcendental phenomenological design to …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Research Study Of Empathy In Education And Its Defining Influences, Patricia Cuffe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of showing empathy to students for college professors at a private evangelical Christian university in the southeastern region of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Hoffman’s empathy theory, which describes the concepts and ideologies of empathy and explains the factors influencing professors' empathy towards their students. The Central Research Question was: What are the lived experiences of college professors showing empathy to their students? The study employed a transcendental-phenomenological research approach to describe participants' lived experiences. The participants in the study were ten professors …

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Social Media As Informal Professional Development For Music Educators Teaching Students With Disabilities, Bailie Queen Greeson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music educators enter the profession with little experience teaching with disabilities. Professional development opportunities are limited, so music educators are left to discover how to do so independently. Many music educators have turned to social media as a form of informal professional development. Guided by Brown and Poortman’s model of Professional Learning Networks, this research study identifies why in-service music educators seek informal professional development in teaching students with disabilities through online social media communities. As educators resort to online communities to gain pedagogical knowledge, results may help current and future music educators in discovering and planning their learning through …

A Phenomenological Study Of Homeschooling From A Single Parent Perspective: Pipe Dream Or Possibility?, Sarah C. Ball

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of single parents who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems. The central research question was focused on how single-parent home educators describe their experience. The methodology used was qualitative, utilizing the following data collection methods: personal interviews, journaling, and focus groups. The participants were single parents — widowed, divorced, or by choice — who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. Once the data were collected, the analysis included identifying commonalities, recognizing emergent themes, and transcribing …

The Efficacy Of Experiential Learning In Chinese Education: Bridging The Gap Between Academic Rigor And Real-World Application, Megan Hutchinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of experiential learning in developing practical English skills for Chinese EFL students at a university in China. The theory building this study, Kolb’s experiential learning theory, was used to explore how incorporating experiential learning theory could help students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-life ability, allowing them to practice in authentic learning environments and preparing them for life outside the classroom. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of college students who participate in experiential learning in EFL classrooms in China?” This …

Military Quality Of Life And Its Impact On Spouses’ Perceived Stress And Marital Satisfaction, Jazmin L. Frett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation research discusses the challenges of military life that can impact the overall quality of life for spouses and how their perspective on the military quality of life can influence depression amongst spouses and their overall marital satisfaction. Military couples endure many military-imposed challenges that affect the quality of life due the demands and nature of military life. The military as a culture can create stress and anxiety for military spouses. Although there may be some resources that the Armed Forces can provide to assist with enriching marriages, it is not apparent of those sources aide in how spouses …

The Cultivation Of Resilience: A Phenomenological Study Of Music Teachers’ Experiences Teaching Children With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Angela Dawn Matthews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological multi-method study examines the lived experiences of music teachers in Virginia and North Carolina working with students who have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the cultivation of resilience in music students through music ensemble participation. The researcher interviewed music teachers (n = 16) to explore experiences instructing children with ACEs. Music ensemble students (n = 66) and non-music ensemble students (n = 62) completed the ten-item version of the original 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the CD-RISC 10. Research questions guiding the study were: How do children with adverse childhood experiences interact and respond in music ensembles? How do …

Intradistrict Inequality: Examining Educational Opportunity In Richmond Elementary Schools, Tara Sheehan

Honors Theses

Educational inequality in the U.S. is often discussed across district lines, but differences between schools within the same district are just as significant. This paper examines intradistrict disparities in Richmond Public Schools (RPS) by comparing William Fox Elementary and Broad Rock Elementary. Although both schools operate under the same district, they serve very different student populations and produce markedly different outcomes. William Fox serves mostly White and economically advantaged students, with higher test scores, lower absenteeism, fewer behavioral incidents, and access to a wide range of enrichment programs. Broad Rock, on the other hand, serves predominantly Hispanic and Black students, …

How Racism Affects Attitudes About Post-Secondary Education, Anne Duong

Masters Theses (Archived)

As the number of students of color in America continues to increase each year, these minority groups remain underrepresented in higher education. The educational system must adapt and make changes to better serve the diverse cultures and backgrounds of new students. Recognizing the presence of structural and systemic racism in American history, this research aims to explore whether racism affects students' learning experiences in K-12 schools and how this, in turn, influences their attitudes toward pursuing post-secondary education. The study focuses on high school students in 12th grade from a Texas public school, representing the backgrounds of students of color. …

What Are The Effects Of Implementing Effective Restorative Practices In The Classroom?, Liana V. Rios

Masters Theses (Archived)

This qualitative case study examines the implementation of restorative practices in an elementary classroom, focusing on their impact on students’ social, emotional, and academic development. Data was gathered through observations, student journals, surveys, and feedback from school administrators. Five themes emerged from the analysis: improved emotional regulation, increased student voice, relational changes, academic gains, and a supportive environment. The results indicate that restorative practices effectively reduce conflicts, empower students, and foster positive teacher-student relationships, while also increasing academic engagement. Parental feedback further supported these findings, highlighting increased confidence and more positive attitudes toward the school environment. While external variables influenced …

A Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Ninth And Tenth Grade Students' Perception Of Culture Of Excellence And Their Attitude To Stem, Mofoluwake Abiola Laleye

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if ninth and 10th grade students’ attitude toward Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), specifically in mathematics and science can be predicted from their perceptions of culture of excellence (CoE). The continued disparity in academic performance and the representation of minority in STEM workforce has prompted the need to explore the effect of CoE on their attitude to STEM. Data for this study were collected from 177 ninth and 10th grade students attending a public charter school predominantly serving underrepresented minorities in southeastern Tennessee. The primary instruments were Student …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Exploring Special Education And General Education Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Teaching Phonemic Awareness To English Language Learners, Nicholas Kenneth Hebert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study described teachers' experiences teaching phonological awareness to English Language Learners in New York State. The theory guiding the study is Bandura’s work on self-efficacy from his social cognitive theory (SCT). Bandura’s work on self-efficacy provided a framework to answer the central research question: what are the lived experiences of kindergarten through grade 5 special education and general education teachers regarding self-efficacy teaching phonemic awareness to English Language Learners (ELLs)? There were 10 special education and general education teachers who have a master's and have worked with ELLs within the last 5 years. Purposeful, …

Predicting Emotional Intelligence Based On Cultural Dimensions And Narcissism Among Military And Educational Leaders, Juan P. Remy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study is to examine how well cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies predict emotional intelligence among military and educational leaders. This study is important because it will identify how cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies influence the emotional intelligence of military and educational leaders. The sample consisted of 90 of 122 military leaders who had attended any professional military education (PME), and 120 educational leaders were recruited from a population of 183 within a military school district in the central United States. The data were collected using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), …

Improving Muscle Tonus Of “Weak” Muscles In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series Addressing The Role And Impact Of Proprioceptive Response And Isolated Isometric Exercises, Jeffrey S. Tardiff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonspecific chronic low back pain affects most people through-out the world at some point within their lives, negatively impacting 80%-90% of the overall population, their families, and their communities. Thus far, the outcome of most studies indicate that the best form of treatment for this specific problem is a form of resistance training exercises, core stability exercises, mobilization, manual therapy, and or proprioceptive training with no consensus on which provides the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore an individualized approach in treatment utilizing methods shown to improve muscle tonus or “stability” in muscles of the abdomen, …

Why Not Me: Increasing Black Male Participation In Church Leadership, Veronica Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This ethnographic qualitative study aimed to understand how the volunteerism and service of young Black males between the ages of 18 and 25, who were raised in and currently attend African American Baptist churches in the State of Georgia, are influenced by Transformational Leadership behavior. During the research, volunteerism and service were defined as those who participated or were connected to church ministries within their home church. The theory guiding this study was Burns’s (1978) transformational leadership theory as it relates to the behavior behind senior pastors’, youth ministers’, and senior church leaders’ mentorship of young Black males for leadership, …

Building Belonging: Designing A Training Program To Foster Inclusion In Children's Ministry, Amanda J. Lemieux

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The strategic problem aims to address how to train volunteer children’s ministry workers to feel more confident and well-equipped to handle children with diverse needs. Paul wrote in Romans that one should be accepting of all people just as Jesus accepted (Rom. 15:5-7). Humanity is created in the very image of God, the Creator. It is essential to recognize that everyone is created in God’s image and, therefore, deserves to be treated as such (Gen. 1:27). A healthy children’s ministry should ensure that all children are not only welcome within the classroom but also taught in a way that they …

A Quantitative, Predictive Correlational Design Study Examining The Relationship Between School Principal’S Transformational, Transactional, And Laissez-Faire Leadership Style And School Culture In A Public High School, Michelle Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational design study is to examine how well the school principal's transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership style predicts school culture among public high schools in eastern Maryland. This study is important because a principal’s leadership style can have a direct impact on school culture, and understanding that relationship could influence student achievement, teacher satisfaction, and overall school effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to add to the literature regarding the impact of a principal’s leadership. The study uses a convenience sample of 73 teachers from traditional public high schools in the eastern region …

Exploring The Impact Of A Four-Day School Week On Teachers’ Mental Health, Kelly Lewis

Masters Theses (Archived)

No abstract provided.

The Shortage Of Male Teachers Of Color In Education, Robert H. Lopez Iii

Masters Theses (Archived)

The Shortage of Male Teachers of Color in Education (December 2025) Robert Hernandez Lopez, III Graduate Thesis Chair: Karen L.B. Burgard, Ph.D. This qualitative study examines the critical shortage of male teachers in early childhood and elementary education (PK–5), with a particular focus on the experiences and impact of male teachers of color. The underrepresentation of men in these educational spaces is deeply intertwined with societal constructions of masculinity, traditional gender roles, and persistent misconceptions about male educators—especially in nurturing and caregiving roles. These gendered expectations not only discourage men from entering the profession but also shape public perceptions and …

Factors Influencing Hispanic Students Obtaining A Post-Secondary Degree, Amy Paz

Masters Theses (Archived)

This qualitative case study explored the factors influencing Hispanic students’ decisions to pursue post-secondary education. Guided by the research question, What factors influence Hispanic students’ decision on obtaining a post-secondary college degree? the study examined the lived experiences of five participants who pursued various pathways, including two- and four-year institutions, vocational training, and workforce entry. Semi-structured interviews revealed four central themes: (1) influence and motivation, (2) cultural and educational background, (3) challenges and barriers, and (4) the importance of a college degree. Findings highlighted the significant role of family as both motivators and guides, the influence of cultural values, and …