Education Commons^™

Room 1: Digital Accessibility And Oers: How, Why, And When, Stewart C. Baker

Open Educational Resources Symposium

This short talk will cover the basics of digital accessibility and why it's essential to creating effective OERs. Digital accessibility is the practice of designing digital content that can be used by people with disabilities. But it shouldn't just be an afterthought or an "if I have time!" By building accessibility into your creation process from the start, you can make your OER much more effective and easier to use for as many people as possible—including those without disabilities at all. By the end of this session, you will be able to describe core digital accessibility principles, articulate how they …

Behind The Degree: The Hidden Struggles Of Graduate Student Life - A Qualitative Analysis Of Student Perspectives, Barbara Holmes, Kent Willis, Kyle Borske, Conner [email protected], Jared Gerke, Kaitlyn Calabrese, Dylan Sawicki, Mattie Schimenz, Dejuanna Parker

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

This qualitative study explores the persistent challenges facing graduate students in contemporary higher education, where attrition rates remain at approximately fifty percent. Through analysis of graduate student narratives and existing literature, this research identifies key barriers to degree completion including financial constraints, mental health challenges, online learning isolation, work-life balance issues, and academic preparation gaps. The study presents findings from direct student perspectives and offers institutional recommendations for improving graduate student retention and success.

Keywords Graduate Student Attrition, Scholarly Writing, Persistence, Student Perspectives

From The Editors, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

JSESD remains a venue for the dissemination of research and practice related to the education of students with disabilities in the science classroom and laboratory since 1998. Volumes #1 through 11 were published in a print format. Starting with Volume #12, the journal has been published online and Open Access. Having JSESD in the Open Access format maximizes access for readers and authors and allows the journal to remain economically sustainable.

Copyright, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Investigating Teachers’ Perspectives On The Practices Of Public-School Inspections In The United Arab Emirates, Ruqaia Adel Haidara

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This research paper investigates public school teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of school inspections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Additionally, it examines the impact of teachers’ demographic factors on these perceptions. Data were collected using an online, structured, five-point Likert-scale survey distributed via email to teachers in UAE public schools by the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE). A total of 218 teachers across the UAE participated in this study. The research focused on four key domains within the School Inspection Perception Framework (SIPF): Perceived Effectiveness of School Inspections (PESI), Perceived Effectiveness of School Inspection Training (PESIT), Perceived Credibility of School …

Remote Teaching During A Pandemic, Jennifer B. Sample

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

No abstract provided.

Volume 11 Full Text, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Stitch Theory, Brittany Adeline Adama King

Theses and Dissertations

This paper weaves personal history together using “stitched” citational text, supporting the concept that an archive can function as support, as worn; as garment.

Gene X Environment Interactions: Polygenic Scores And The Impact Of A Early Childhood Intervention In Colombia, Orazio Attanasio, Gabriella Conti, Pamela Jervis, Costas Meghir, Aysu Okbay

Discussion Papers

We evaluate impacts heterogeneity of an Early Childhood Intervention, with respect to the Educational Attainment Polygenic Score (EA4 PGS) constructed from DNA data based on GWAS weights from a European population. We find that the EA4 PGS is predictive of several measures of child development, mother’s IQ and, to some extent, educational attainment. We also show that the impacts of the intervention are significantly greater in children with low PGS, to the point that the intervention eliminates the initial genetic disadvantage. Lastly, we find that children with high PGS attract more parental stimulation; however, the latter increases more strongly in …

Collaborative Research: Developing And Testing Innovations: Early Childhood Maker Literacies: Fostering Computational Thinking Among Navajo Youth And Educators, Kristin Searle

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Volume Cxliv, Number 20, May 2, 2025, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Inherited Fervor: Maternal Archive, Maria Angela Talavera Tejeda

Theses and Dissertations

Inherited Fervor: Maternal Archive investigates the deconstruction of the non-verbal language of Catholic ecstasy rituals to develop a choreographic language. Through the piece Doves Don’t Fly at Night, it explores the expansion of dancers’ physical range, positioning the body as an archive that embodies memories and mirrors the audience’s humanity.

Aquí Y Ahora A Dance Tribute To Gustavo Cerati And The Expression Of Hispanic Immigrant Identity In New York City, Karina Terán

Theses and Dissertations

This Thesis explores how dance serves as a language of cultural identity among Hispanic immigrants in New York City. Through a multidisciplinary performance and research, it reflects lived experiences, blending movement and music to celebrate legacy, resilience, and community, while honoring the influence of Argentine rock icon Gustavo Cerati.

Cultivating Confidence, Curiosity, And Motivation In The Second Language Classroom, Janelle Carter

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This portfolio documents the author's journey through the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University, highlighting the evolution of their teaching philosophy and pedagogical practices through theoretical exploration, hands-on classroom experiences, and reflective practice. It details the integration of current research, collaborative learning, and innovative assessment strategies, such as self-created rubrics, to foster student engagement and agency in teaching German as a second language. Additionally, the portfolio includes a co-authored research study that examines the motivational factors influencing university students’ decisions to continue learning Arabic, French, and German. This study explores how personal, academic, and social …

May 2, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Harnessing Neurodiversity And Artificial Intelligence In Education To Bridge The Cybersecurity Workforce Gap, George Antoniou

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This perspective paper examines how neurodiversity and artificial intelligence (AI) can jointly address the critical workforce shortage in cybersecurity. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, industry reports, and case studies, it explores how neurodivergent individuals—such as those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia—possess strengths in pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and attention to detail that align with cybersecurity demands. AI-based educational tools, including adaptive tutoring systems, scenario-based simulations, and real-time analytics, can personalize learning for neurodiverse students, enhancing engagement and skill mastery. The paper discusses how these targeted interventions not only accelerate knowledge retention and practical competence but also foster greater inclusion …

Entry-Level Physical Therapists’ Perceptions Of Initial Employment, Richard G. Hubler Jr.

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As physical therapy (PT) grows as an autonomous profession within the ever-changing healthcare system of the United States, PT educators strive to provide students all the training that they require for a career in professional clinical practice. Although graduates of PT education programs receive a doctoral degree, their preparedness to succeed in their early career is unclear. The purpose of this qualitative research study is to investigate the perceptions of entry-level physical therapists (PTs) toward early professional practice and their initial employment choices. Entry-level PTs that have been employed full-time for one year or less were interviewed to gain an …

Teachers’ Perceptions When Working With Students Who Have Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Mirra Ann Lefort

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A persistent problem in special education was the limited research on how teachers perceived and supported students with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) in junior grade classrooms. While inclusive education has been widely studied, few studies have addressed the specific instructional experiences of teachers working with this population. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of students with MID in junior grades. A generic qualitative design was used to gain insight into teachers’ experiences and perspectives. Guided by the self-determination theoretical framework (SDT), the study explored how teachers responded to students’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in …

Editor’S Introduction, Michael D. Pante

Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Character And Leadership Development In High School Athletes, Jonathan M. Heeren

Doctorate in Education

The impact of sports on American society cannot be understated. High school athletics is considered a unique representation of the school and, often, the community. High school sports have long been used to serve several purposes. In addition to promoting physical health and competitive spirit, one purpose of sports is to develop the overall character of the athletes who participate, including leadership. With over 8.5 million students (National Federation of High Schools [NFHS], 2023) participating annually, there exists opportunities within an ideal environment in which to develop leadership. Coaches are tasked not only with teaching the fundamentals of their particular …

Enhancing Communication For Individuals With Complex Communication Needs: The Critical Role Of Training And Evidence-Based Aac Strategies, Rachel H. Williams

Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education Faculty Publications

Communication is a basic human right, as affirmed by the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC, 2024). For individuals with complex communication needs (CCN), special considerations must be taken into account to ensure equitable access to this right and must be supported through appropriate services, tools, and strategies. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are essential for many individuals with CCN, enabling access to expressive and receptive language. However, successful AAC implementation requires well-trained educators, speech-language pathologists, and support staff who understand how to assess, model, and support communication effectively (Brady et al., …

May 2, 2025 Minutes, Swosu Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Mentoring Teacher Identity Development Among Early Childhood Preservice Teachers, Marla Ruth Pankratz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is that many mentor teachers struggle to support early childhood preservice teachers in developing teacher identity. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand mentor teachers’ challenges and what professional development or support fosters development of teacher identity in early childhood preservice teachers. Guided by Wenger’s communities of practice conceptual framework, data were collected via semistructured interviews with seven participants who had at least 3 years of early childhood teaching experience and had mentored an early childhood preservice teacher from a midwestern regional university in the last 5 years. Data analysis involved …

Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education: A Case Study Of Faculty Teaching Methodologies At A Private University, Ellen Ramsey, George Antoniou, Matteo Peroni, Karima Lanfranco, Brent Muckridge, Raouf Ghattas, Philip L. Fazio, Wendy Wallberg, Saidi Porta, Mary Smith, Gary Solomon, Kristen Migliano, David G. Wolf

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This research study examined the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education from the perspective of the faculty of a private university. It inquired into the impact of AI on pedagogical methods, administrative procedures, and ethical values. Qualitative case study methodology and in-depth semi-structured interviews were designed and conducted with faculty from four academic departments. Responses related to impressions, challenges, and opportunities for AI integration were gathered. The study findings from qualitative and quantitative data analysis indicated that AI is perceived to help improve educational outcomes with student-personalized learning pathways through streamlined administrative processes. The study revealed that participating …

Exploring Metacognitive Interventions To Enhance Pre-Licensure Nursing Student Academic Performance: A Mixed-Methods Perspective, Angela Christian, Kara Delafosse

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

rigorous demands of nursing school and the high expectations for critical thinking. Situating students for success requires implementing effective study strategies. Metacognition is the ability of students to manage their studying and learning tactics, while recognizing how and when to employ various strategies to master content (Chang et al., 2021). Metacognition directly correlates with enhanced critical thinking, clinical judgment, effective communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities which are critical in the nursing profession (Chang et al., 2021). Incorporating these skills to assist students as they matriculate through their academic journey situates them for success in the nursing profession. Using metacognitive awareness …

Cultivating A Sense Of Belonging: Pathways Of Support In Higher Education, Tanya M. Tarbutton, Lori B. Doyle

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Institutions should proactively consider the need for cultivating a sense of belonging among online adult students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Hispanic and first-generation learners face unique challenges to overcoming potential barriers associated with obtaining an advanced degree. The impact of higher education institutions (HEI) on the overall development and betterment of society cannot be overstated which adds a level of importance regarding the experience of all learners from any context. A conceptual framework, based on research specific to supporting diverse learners, will be explored. In addition to drawing on the tenets of the sense of belonging framework, facets of …

Leading Through Change: Building Resilient And Adaptive School Teams, Ashlee Boothe

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

This reflective essay examines the vital role of resilience, adaptability, and vision for school leaders experiencing change during unstable times. By fostering these qualities during stable periods, school leaders can effectively prepare for upcoming challenges, such as budget constraints, irate parents, and unexpected crises. Using the example of school closures during COVID-19, the reflection highlights how resilient leadership and a clear vision enable school leaders to make informed, strategic decisions. Fostering resilience, providing staff autonomy, and articulating a shared vision are key to ensuring schools can handle challenges and achieve meaningful change. This paper argues that now is the time …

Thriving Through Change: Strategies For Building Resilience And Adaptability In Organizations, Anitha Peddireddy

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

In the evolving landscape of education and organizational development, resilience and adaptability are increasingly recognized as critical competencies for fostering individual and institutional success. This reflective essay examines the intersection of these traits within the context of leadership, teaching, and learning environments. Using both scholarly research and professional experience, the article explores how educators and administrators can respond effectively to disruptions such as technological change, workplace stress, and diversity challenges. Key strategies include cultivating a growth mindset, enhancing emotional intelligence, promoting inclusive practices, and leveraging data-informed decision-making. The paper further emphasizes the role of educational leadership in creating psychologically safe, …

Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope: Enacting Cultural Humility, Institutional Accountability, And Sustainable Resistance, R. Danielle Scott

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Higher education faces unprecedented political and organizational shifts, including bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These challenges create barriers for educators committed to equity and justice. Grounded in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope,” this article explores cultural humility—particularly institutional accountability—as a key strategy for navigating this evolving landscape. Cultural humility fosters critical self-reflection, redressing power imbalances and lifelong learning, offering a sustainable approach to social justice advocacy. This article outlines strategies for bolstering institutional accountability. The author introduces Five Care Practices—Recalling Core Values, Remembering, Resting, Reading and Intellectualism, and Radical Self-Care—as essential tools …

Table Of Contents And Front Matter, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.