Education Commons^™

Participatory Community Archiving To Preserve And Sustain North Georgia Appalachia’S Language, Literacy Practices, And Histories, Leah Panther Dr., Lindsey Walker, Presley Dyer, Tyler Osborn, Kerri Abernathy

Georgia Library Quarterly

This case study presents Swappin’ Stories, a community-based archiving event that serves as a model for public and participatory archiving. The event aimed to address gaps and misrepresentations of southern Appalachia by gathering the voices, artifacts, and stories of Towns County residents. By centering local narratives, it sought to foster a sense of community identity and offer an authentic portrayal of North Georgia, distinct from the narratives shaped by popular media and political figures. This case highlights the potential of community-driven archives to reclaim and reshape regional histories.

University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Faculty Handbook, 2025 August 1, University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga. Office Of Academic Affairs, University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga. Faculty Senate

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Faculty Handbooks

Governance, policies, guidelines, services, and resources managed by and for the faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Expectations In Instructional Design: A Comparison Of Hampton Roads Industry Requirements And Old Dominion University’S Curriculum, Haley Aguilar

STEMPS Master's Level Projects and Papers

This master’s thesis aims to analyze the alignment between Old Dominion University’s Instructional Design and Technology program curriculum and employer expectations for instructional designers in the Hampton Roads region. The study examined job listings from 50 positions and curriculum content from 22 courses across six skill categories: technical skills, design and development competencies, communication and facilitation skills, analysis and assessment skills, project management capabilities, and specialized skills. The findings contribute to understanding the challenges of preparing instructional design graduates for workforce entry.

Empathetic Differentiated Instruction In Deaf Education: Examining Influencing Factors And Experienced Educator Practices, Laura A. Blackburn

STEMPS Master's Level Projects and Papers

This mixed-methods study investigated how experienced K–12 deaf educators implement empathetic, differentiated instruction (EDI) to support the academic and linguistic needs of deaf students who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their language of learning. Guided by Tracey and Baaki’s instructional design empathy model and grounded in constructivism, the study explored how teachers navigated the tension between standardized, English (sound-based) curriculum demands and the need to make instructional decisions aligned with signed language modalities and responsive to students’ real-time learning needs.

A custom electronic survey was distributed to a national sample of experienced educators, with 19 respondents completing Likert-scale items, …

Impact Of Aleks On Math Achievement For Students Who Were Socially Promoted, Jenifer Michelle Goff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the impact of ALEKS on student achievement in mathematics, specifically the correlation between mastering course concepts and preparedness for Algebra 1 as assessed by MAP RIT scores. The investigation focuses on the problem that many students lack the foundational skills necessary for success in Algebra 1 and higher-level math courses, leading to the research questions: "How does student completion in the ALEKS intervention course impact their performance on MAP?" and "How much more likely are students who completed the intervention course to be considered Algebra 1-ready based on MAP than those who did not?"

The study employed …

Perceptions Of First-Year College Students On Respect In The Classroom During Their High School Career, Jane Adele Bailey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influence of teacher respect on classroom climate, student- teacher relationships, and academic performance. Through interviews with college students reflecting on their high school experiences, this research identifies specific teacher actions and communication that foster respect in the classroom. By identifying what respectful communication and actions are through the interviews, teachers will be able to use these in their classrooms.

Six themes were identified by the participants lived experiences. They are: teacher demeanor, social interaction, attitude, emotional support, instructional management and facilitation, and listening. The results gave specific actions and communication, in the eyes of the participants, …

Educating The New Generation Of Food Scientists Through Innovative Learning Experiences, Karen Andrea Nieto Flores

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Food science provides an opportunity to engage high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications. Despite the field’s relevance to public health, food safety, sustainability, and innovation, food science remains largely absent from high school curricula, and few students recognize it as a viable STEM pathway. This research addressed this gap by evaluating immersive summer camp experiences and teacher-focused curriculum review as strategies to increase food science awareness and interest among students and educators. A literature review traced the historical development and current landscape of K–12 food science education, identifying barriers …

Characterization Of Undergraduate Biology Instructors’ Goals And Strategies For Implementing Quantitative Reasoning, Anum Khushal

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Quantitative reasoning (QR) is the application of mathematics and statistics to real-life and scientific contexts. It is essential for understanding complex biological phenomena and analyzing large datasets in both academic and professional settings. In response to the growing demand for QR skills, biology educators and researchers have engaged in curricular reforms and education research. This qualitative study explores how undergraduate biology instructors integrate QR into their teaching using a framework informed by pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and QR. The study involved 21 biology faculty from various U.S. institutions who intentionally incorporated QR in their instruction. Data was collected through semi-structured …

Unlocking Potential: Empowering Educators To Support Girls With Adhd Through Gender-Informed Training, Teresa Davis

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This mixed-methods action research study examined the systemic and perceptual barriers contributing to the under-identification and insufficient support of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in female students. Framed within Improvement Science, the study addressed how gender-based expectations influence educators’ recognition and interpretation of ADHD symptoms. Utilizing a two-phase approach, the research explored the impact of an eight-week asynchronous professional learning series aimed at enhancing educators’ skills in recognizing ADHD characteristics more frequently observed in girls, such as inattention, emotional dysregulation, and internalized behaviors. The findings show that participants developed a more nuanced, gender-aware understanding of ADHD, shifting away from hyperactivity-centered …

Examining The Correlation Between Special Education Eligibility And Socioeconomic Status In Rural Minnesota Public Schools, Lisa Schlosser

Education Doctorate Dissertations

The study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and Special Education identification in rural Minnesota schools, focusing on Specific Learning Disabilities and Other Health Disabilities, to determine whether students from lower-income backgrounds are disproportionately identified for Special Education services. Data were collected from five rural Minnesota public schools, analyzing student-level demographic and eligibility data from the 2022–2023 school year. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and ratio calculations assessed the relationship between SES, indicated by free/reduced-price lunch eligibility, and Special Education identification rates. The results revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.84) between students qualifying for free/reduced-price lunch and …

“They’Re All Our Students!” Using Data-Based Individualization To Increase Reading Performance For Students With Disabilities In The Resource Setting, Jennifer J. Hill

All Dissertations

Students with Disabilities (SWDs) are not making progress in reading, and this is a problem that occurs across the nation. The National Assessment of Educational Progress scores showed that students without disabilities are increasing in reading growth, while SWDs showed a decrease in reading (Stevens et al., 2024; Vaughn & Wanzek, 2014). On average, SWDs are about three years behind their peers in reading (Gilmour et al., 2015). All students, including those with disabilities, need to learn how to read because it leads to success in academics and future careers as an adult (Sullivan et al., 2016). If SWDs do …

Exploring Communication, Connection, And Culture During Technology Implementation: An Autoethnography, Paula Bryant Blue

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Numerous studies have been undertaken on technological innovation in the classroom; however there is a lack of study on innovation at the organizational level and there is also a lack of focus on experiences of individuals leading the transformation. Individuals who are spearheading change can gain and offer valuable insights into their behaviors during the change process by reflecting on and examining their interactions, inclinations, and objectives. Furthermore, it is crucial to take into account the organization's culture and structure in order to comprehend how leadership operates throughout periods of change. This analytical and evocative autoethnography documents the experiences of …

Non-Efl World Language Teachers’ Perceptions And Experiences With Generative Ai Tools, Georgia Konstantinou

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory quantitative research study explored the perceptions and experiences of non-English as a Foreign Language (non-EFL) world language teachers who were members of online communities of practice regarding their use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in their teaching practices. Many research studies began to explore the impact of GenAI tools in various educational settings, and some studies even investigated the perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, but research studies exploring the perceptions of non-EFL world language teachers regarding the use of GenAI tools inside and outside of the classroom remain limited. This study addressed this …

Open Educational Resources In Elder Refugee Esl Contexts: Instructor And Administrator Perspectives, Alison Elliott

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Open Educational Resources (OER) offer a promising solution to educational disparities through their free, adaptable, and shareable nature, fostering collaboration and innovation in pedagogy. While OER, alongside Open Educational Practices (OEP), has seen a vibrant and growing integration within K-16 foreign language contexts, its application within adult English as a Second Language (ESL) education remains significantly under-researched. Adult ESL contexts, especially those serving refugees, present unique challenges: learners have experienced trauma, interrupted education, and have urgent practical English needs, while adult educators contend with inconsistent training, demanding part-time workloads, and a fragmented professional ecosystem that limits professional development and research …

How Do Homeschool Parents In South Carolina Select Curriculum And Make Pedagogical Choices To Support Their Children’S Early Reading Development?, Lauretta O. Osho

All Dissertations

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a period of growth and development for young children as they begin their educational journey. The need for a high-quality early childhood learning experience is necessary for the child’s holistic development, without which children may grow up with learning challenges that could negatively impact their adult life. Each child's early learning experience must begin with a good and deliberate reading foundation. Therefore, understanding the best methods of instilling strong reading skills in children from an early age sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Homeschooling is the practice of educating, instructing, and tutoring children …

An Exploration Of Factors Influencing Sophomore-Year Persistence At A Regional Institution In Southern Appalachia, Jonathan W. Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative and interpretative phenomenological study was to explore factors that participants identified as playing roles in their persistence through their sophomore years at a regional university located within Southern Appalachia. Research on second-year retention efforts is far lacking compared to first-year retention efforts. Reflecting the heavy emphasis placed on the first year, there is also more research on first-year retention. However, students can feel a sharp decline in support entering sophomore year, making that just as critical of a transition. Student retention has been emphasized in higher education since its inception, as an institution’s goal in …

Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions Of An Outdoor Learning Experience Within A Science Methods Course, Steph Dean, Summer Landreth

Publications

Given the challenges currently facing early childhood science education, this exploratory study investigates the advantages of outdoor learning as part of a teacher preparation program. A group of 49 pre-service early childhood education teachers participated in a day-long outdoor learning experience embedded within their science methods course. Guided by the theoretical lens of embodied cognition, we employed a case study approach to collect and analyze qualitative survey data, using both categorizing and connecting strategies to explore participants’ experiences. The findings reveal four key themes related to pre-service teacher perceptions, in that outdoor learning: (1) represented an engaging experience, (2) contributed …

Bringing Life To Our Mission And Vision: A Problem Of Practice, Jessica Preisig

All Dissertations

This study leveraged principles of improvement science and a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of an intentionally designed professional learning cohort for teachers. The intended aim of this study was to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy necessary to effectively utilize instructional technology to meaningfully engage all learners. As one part of a collaborative dissertation in practice, this study explored the broad impact of teachers’ participation in a cohort implementing the seven elements of effective professional development (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017) and framed around the ISTE Standards for Educators (Crompton, 2017). The companion study (Britton, forthcoming) …

Mathematics Achievement: The Impact Of Cooperative Learning Strategies On Math Anxiety And Self-Efficacy Among Adult Basic Education Students, Lacey H. Rogers

All Dissertations

Many adult basic education (ABE) students struggle to pass the mathematics portion of the GED, limiting their access to educational and employment opportunities. This Dissertation in Practice addressed the problem of low math achievement at the New Beginnings Adult Learning Center by implementing cooperative learning strategies aimed at reducing math anxiety, increasing self-efficacy, and promoting student engagement.

Grounded in the principles of improvement science, the eight-week intervention introduced daily Think-Pair-Share routines during math instruction. The goal was to create a more supportive classroom environment where students felt encouraged to participate and build confidence in their math skills. Data were collected …

Understanding The Experiences Of White Female Elementary School Teachers Who Promote Racial Equity And Justice In White Schools, Meredith Valentine

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

In this qualitative study, I conducted semi-structured interviews of six white, female elementary school teachers to better understand how and why they enacted principles of racial equity to challenge the status quo of whiteness with their predominantly white middle-class students and school community. Teachers felt they lacked a formal, structured education to feel confident in their teaching of racial and social justice concepts. Teachers used other forms of social justice teaching that they were more experientially familiar with, such as gender equity, language diversity, and (dis)ability, as a catalyst to discuss topics of racial justice. Each educator navigated their classroom …

Exploring The Impact Of Inclusion Initiatives On The Retention And Engagement Of People Of Color In Nonprofit Organizations: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Kesha Carter

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the impact of inclusion initiatives on the retention and engagement of people of color (POC) in nonprofit organizations. Grounded in Ray’s (2019) theory of racialized organizations, this study examined how organizational structures and practices influence inclusive workplace cultures for POC employees. Although diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies have gained traction, many nonprofit organizations struggle to move beyond performative efforts and address the systemic inequities that shape POC experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 full-time POC employees working in nonprofit organizations across New York State to capture their lived …

An Examination Of How Black Church Leaders Support The Long-Term Impact Of Trauma In The Black Community: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Loretha J. Mccullough

Education Doctoral

The prevalence of mental illness due to untreated childhood trauma continues to be a concern, particularly for Black people. The consequence of obtaining formal treatment is perceived to be discriminatory and stigmatizing in the Black culture. Instead, the preferred method of treatment is religious coping. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine how Black clergy leaders support the long-term impact of trauma in the Black community. The primary source of data collection was semi-structured interviews. These interviews captured the essence of how Black clergy leaders described their preparedness to effectively advise, and counsel congregants on mental health …

Madam President: Navigating The Journey Of Black Women To Executive Leadership In Higher Education, Tressi Daymon

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to examine the leadership trajectories of Black women in senior executive roles in higher education, with a focus on the barriers and supports that have shaped their careers. Semi-structured interviews gathered perspectives on their lived experiences, capturing both the challenges they faced and the strategies used in their journeys. These strategies included networking, skill-building, advocacy, and resilience, reflecting how these women navigated and overcame the unique leadership challenges they faced. Black feminist theory and intersectionality provided the theoretical framework to explore how race and gender biases uniquely affected their leadership journeys. Data …

The Need For Succession Planning In The Non-Profit Sector Through The Lens Of The Black Church: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Lydia E. Hylton

Education Doctoral

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the critical need for succession planning within the non-profit sector, focusing on the Black Church as a case study. Through in-depth interviews with church leaders, this research uncovered the challenges and best practices in leadership transitions. The study provided insights into how effective succession planning can ensure organizational sustainability, preserve cultural heritage, and maintain community trust. By understanding the lived experiences of Black church leaders, this research aims to offer practical recommendations that can be applied across the non-profit sector, promoting resilience and continuity in leadership.

Examining Employers’ Perspectives Relating To Early College High School Programs And Employability Skills, Kathleen Mcguigan

Education Doctoral

This phenomenological qualitative research study examined employer perspectives on the employability skills of graduates from Early College High School (ECHS) programs. The study investigated the program components that enhance the preparation of employability skills and the systems that support graduate transition to the workforce. Using semi-structured interviews with employer partners and an iterative coding process, three key themes emerged across the data. The key themes highlight the importance of factors relating to workplace readiness, including internships and experiential learning, behavioral and soft skills, and structured transition systems, as critical components in preparing ECHS graduates for employment.

The findings indicate that …

Interdisciplinary Studies At Grand Valley State: Brooks College At Twenty, Eric Covey

Grand Valley Reports and Histories

This study, focused chiefly on academic programs, begins with a brief outline of the history of the Cluster Colleges at Grand Valley State University and then goes on to detail how the arrival of a new provost in 2002 revived and reshaped the idea of an independent college dedicated to interdisciplinary experiments. It was written partially to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Social Sprouts: A Play-Based Packaged Intervention - Improving Peer Interactions In Early Childhood Classrooms With A Novel Group Contingency, Brittany D. Garza

Master's Theses

Teaching prosocial skills such as positive peer interactions in early childhood settings not only promotes behavioral health but reliably predicts future learning outcomes. The literature suggests that decreasing levels of challenging behavior may improve peer interactions, and a feasible class-wide strategy that can address this combination of needs effectively is a group contingency. The current study investigated the effect of a novel group contingency, Social Sprouts, on both positive peer interactions and disruptive behavior. This study utilized a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design in three Head Start classrooms to evaluate the effect of this packaged intervention delivered just before and during …

Using Inquiry Classroom Experiences To Correct Student Misconceptions In Elementary Science: An Action Research Study, Hope A. Ellison

Master's Theses

Misconceptions in elementary science education can significantly hinder students' ability to construct accurate and lasting conceptual understandings. Grounded in the constructivist learning theory, this quasi-experimental study investigates how inquiry-based instruction influences the identification and correction of third-grade students’ misconceptions in science, specifically in the domains of energy, force, and matter. Using a pre- and post-test design, along with data derived from daily teacher field notes, the research was conducted with a sample of fifteen third-grade students at a public elementary school in Mississippi. The results, discussed in the methods section, revealed a statistically significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding following …

Formation Of Inclusive Competence Of Future Special Education Teachers, Gulbanu Ashimkhanova, Akbota Autaeva, Anar Rakhmetova, Gulmira Tussupbekova, Kanat Sadykov

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: This study aims to explore the phenomenon of inclusive competence as an integral trait of today’s educators.

Methods: The scientific research involved surveying students from pedagogical universities as well as using methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization, systematization, comparison, and classification.

Results: The concept of inclusive competence is understood as the degree of skills and knowledge required to fulfil pedagogical responsibilities within an inclusive educational environment. Key elements of inclusive competence, such as cognitive, motivational, reflexive, and operational components, have been identified and have the following functions:

• · Cognitive elements enable teachers to develop a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Project-Based Vocational Learning Programs At Vocational Schools, Muhammad Sadam Rizkylillah, Soeprijanto Soeprijanto, Muksin Muksin

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study evaluates the impact (effectiveness and outcome) of project-based vocational learning program in Electrical Power Installation programs (TITL) at vocational schools in Tangerang, Indonesia. Using the Goal Free Evaluation model and a mixed-methods approach, quantitatively, the study found that 93,93% of the program ran well. It identified 33 positive impacts that matched the program's goals, 2 negative impacts, and 6 unexpected positive outcomes for students such as curiosity, confidence, safety awareness, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and honesty. Addressing high vocational graduate unemployment, this research fills a gap by focusing on real impacts rather than predefined goals. The program is recommended to …