Education Commons^™

California Polytechnic Design-Build Lab Course, Nicho Domine

Construction Management

This paper explores the development and execution of a project-based Design-Build (DB) course implemented at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The course aimed to replicate real-world DB processes in a controlled academic setting, engaging Construction Management and Architecture students in simulated but immersive industry experience. From Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Final Presentation and Closeout, the course mirrors a typical DB project lifecycle. Through collaborative exercises, students gained exposure to roles and responsibilities, submittals, cost estimating, procurement strategies, risk analysis, virtual coordination, stakeholder communication, and more. This paper describes how a sequence of weekly assignments was structured to …

Skip The Grid: Empowering Navajo Students Through Solar Energy And Education, Daniela S. Gonzalez

Construction Management

The Skip the Grid project by our California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) team was more than just installing solar panels. It was about making a real difference in people’s lives. We focused on helping families in Chinle, Arizona, a community where many households do not have access to electricity, clean water, or fresh food. These are basic needs that support students’ ability to learn and succeed. Without lights to do homework or warm meals to stay healthy, it becomes harder for kids to concentrate or dream about going to college. To help address these challenges, our team installed solar …

The Experiential Value Of Gambling In F2p Gamespaces, Orlando Woods

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

This article explores the experiential value of gambling within free-to-play (f2p) gamespaces. In doing so, it offers a more balanced understanding of the gambling/gaming interplay. Whilst existing understandings tend to focus on the assumedly predatory monetisation techniques that players are subjected to by game developers, I instead argue that a logic of gambling is integral to the f2p experience economy of Asian players. Drawing on an analysis of in-depth interviews with Singapore-based game players/developers, I show how the virtual items and worlds that players engage with through f2p gamespaces are imbued with experiential value, whilst developers leverage the volumes of …

Adam Smith: Social Imaginary And Religion, Jan Van Vliet

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Characters In The Kingdom Story Of God, Joel E. Kok

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Living In Wisdom's House: The Proverbs' Convocation Message, Wayne Brouwer

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

By Wisdom, God Laid An Intricate Foundation: A Christian Approach To Ecological Restoration, Michelle E. Howell

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

In The Beginning: Crucial Lessons For Our World From The First Three Chapters Of Genesis (Book Review), Eduardo Echeverria

Pro Rege

Reviewed Title: In the Beginning: Crucial Lessons for Our World from the First Three Chapters of Genesis. Catholic Answers Press, May 2, 2024. 272 pp. BOD392K526

Why Should We Give Thanks?, Calvin Vandermeyden

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

A Reformed Psychology Of Human Relations In Business: Part Ii, John Van Til

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Creative Coding Communities: Exploring The Relationship Between Scratch Use And Child Well-Being, Nikita Khalid

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This international study assessed the relationship between the use of Scratch, the world's largest coding community for children, and child well-being. Specifically, the study focused on the presence of well-being indicators in the RITEC-8 framework (RITEC, 2024) including creativity, relationships, competence, and autonomy within Scratch users’ behaviors. The participants (N = 17,315) included children aged between 8 and 16 who used Scratch in 2023 and came from 29 countries. The study examined trends in Scratchers’ behaviors including project creation, sharing, studio curation, and socialization based on their country of origin, gender and age. The data were used to construct user …

Diversity Initiatives In Higher Education: Understanding The Experiences Of Black Males In Cuny’S Nyc Men Teach, Fatima Sherif

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This qualitative study examines the experiences of Black males in New York City Men Teach (NYCMT), a diversity initiative designed to increase the representation of Black male educators. Despite efforts, Black men remain underrepresented in education. Drawing from narrative-inquiry and guided by Critical Race theory and the Radical Care framework, this research explores how participants experience NYCMT and what their stories reveal about the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Data from Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing five key themes: community, financial benefits, mentoring, professional development, and challenges. Findings show that while NYCMT offers critical emotional, financial, and structural …

Chatgpt’S Performance Evaluation In Spreadsheets Modeling To Inform Assessments Redesign, Michelle L. F. Cheong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Background: Increasingly, students are using ChatGPT to assist them in learning and even completing their assessments, raising concerns of academic integrity and loss of critical thinking skills. Many articles suggested educators to redesign assessments which are more “Generative-AI-resistant” and to focus on assessing students on higher order thinking skills. However, there is a lack of articles that attempt to quantify assessments at different cognitive levels to provide empirical study insights on ChatGPT’s performance at different levels, which will affect how educators redesign their assessments.Objectives: Educators need new information on how well ChatGPT performs to redesign future assessments to assess their …

Scaffolded Integration: Aligning Ai Literacy With Authentic Assessment Through A Revised Taxonomy In Education, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The accelerating prevalence of generative artificial intelligence in educational and professional spheres necessitates a reevaluation of when and how such technologies are introduced within pedagogical practice. The principal challenge for educators is not merely the imperative to prepare students for an AI-driven world, but rather to ensure that assessment practices remain authentic—providing an accurate measure of what students can independently achieve before leveraging the augmentation potential of intelligent systems. This article contends that the incremental introduction of AI, mapped onto a scaffolded framework aligned with a revised Bloom’s Taxonomy, constitutes a methodologically sound approach for maintaining academic integrity, fostering transferable …

Social Media And The Effect On Student Engagement, Lara Mcelveen

Dissertations

The purpose of my study was to determine the impact of social media on student engagement and behaviors in high school classrooms. The overarching research question that guided my study was: What is the impact of social media on student engagement? I used a mixed methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data to research my topic. I collected the data using surveys of two stakeholder groups in the study: young adults and educators. The survey results showed that both educators and young adults perceived a decline in class engagement and the rise of behavior in the classroom from social media …

Through The Wire: Examining The Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Students In Prison Education Programs And The Wraparound Services Needed To Support Their Success, Isabel Castro

Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals in Prison Education Programs (PEPs) and the wraparound services necessary to support their success. Through Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, this study explores how incarcerated students navigate educational transitions and how educators facilitate transformative learning. Using case study and narrative inquiry, interviews were conducted with fifteen formerly incarcerated PEP participants and seven educators.

Thematic analysis revealed six major themes: Access to Education in Carceral Settings, the Impact of Education on Incarcerated Individuals, Wraparound Services and Student Support, Experiences of Formerly Incarcerated Students, the Role of Educators and Program Facilitators, and Best Practices …

Impact Of Student Voice In The (Dis) Engagement Of Middle School Students In Urban Elementary School And Academic Achievement, Valandra N. Lloyd

Dissertations

This formative mixed-methods evaluation study explores the impact of culturally inclusive teaching practices on student voice, engagement, and academic outcomes among middle school students in an urban elementary school. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (Ladson-Billings), Culturally Responsive Teaching (Gay), and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (Paris & Alim), the study addresses persistent academic disparities experienced by students of color. Using classroom observations, student surveys, student focus groups, and teacher interviews, the research examines how teacher facilitation and inclusive classroom environments affect behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. Findings will inform actionable strategies to amplify student voice and promote culturally …

The Financial Effects Of Enrolling Students With Disabilities In Catholic High Schools In States That Offer Vouchers Or Scholarships For Students With Disabilities, Susan M. Noonan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the financial effect of enrolling students with disabilities in Catholic high schools located in states that offer vouchers or scholarships for these students. Furthermore, the research aimed to understand the school’s experience in collaborating with the U.S. Department of Education to meet the criteria for voucher acceptance. It is important to note that enrollment and tuition revenue is the key to a school’s financial stability. Using an exploratory case study approach, information was gathered from a variety of stakeholders including the superintendent, administration, business manager, admissions coordinator, teachers, and counselors. The findings indicated that parents of children …

Organizational Cyber Resilience In Higher Education: How Administrative Leaders Experience A Disruptive Cyber Attack, Elizabeth R. Brentzel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite increasing cyber threats to higher education, little research examines how administrative leaders experience and navigate these crises to keep their institutions operational. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven administrative leaders in three higher education institutions following cyber attacks that disrupted normal operations. This study examined how leaders make sense of cyber crisis experiences and what factors shape their decision-making during response and recovery. Key findings reveal five critical areas of impact. First, cyber attacks can have deep emotional impacts on leaders and staff. Despite these effects, they maintain a strong dedication to enacting the educational …

The Impact Of Principals’ And Mexican American Parents’ Preset Perspectives On Parental Involvement And What It Means For Student Achievement, Brenda Fouse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parental involvement is crucial to increasing student achievement. However, elementary school principals do not always know how to provide effective parental involvement opportunities, particularly for second-generation Mexican American families. This phenomenological qualitative study was designed to improve the understanding of and describe the lived experiences of second-generation Mexican American families and their relationships with schools. A purposive sample of five second-generation Mexican American parents and five elementary school principals participated in semistructured audio and video interviews. The study offered insight into principals’ mindsets as they provided parental involvement opportunities for the families they serve. The major parental themes identified in …

Exploring New Mexico 4-H Volunteers’ Acceptance And Use Of Technology: A Qualitative Approach, Kayla Dawn Hinrichs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Integrating technology into youth development programs like 4-H is increasingly vital for enhancing communication, education, and engagement. However, technology adoption among 4-H volunteers remains inconsistent. This qualitative study explored the barriers to technology adoption among New Mexico 4-H volunteers. The researcher aimed to understand the factors influencing their willingness and ability to integrate digital tools into their volunteer roles. Guided by Rogers’s (2003) diffusion of innovation theory and framed by Creswell and Poth’s (2024) qualitative research design, this study employed semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 4-H volunteers across the state. Following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six- phase approach, …

“What Makes It Eigen-Esque-Ish?”: A Form-Function Analysis Of The Development Of Eigentheory Concepts In A Quantum Mechanics Course, Megan Wawro, Kaitlyn Stephens Serbin

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Eigentheory concepts are central in mathematics and physics; they serve multiple functions, such as symbolizing physical phenomena and facilitating mathematical computations. Words and meanings associated with eigentheory develop and vary over time, as do their associated symbols. In this study, we investigate how “eigen” develops over time in one quantum mechanics course by analyzing form-function relations (Saxe, 1999) for eigentheory concepts over 22 class sessions. We share results concerning our microgenetic and ontogenetic analyses of the creation of form-function relations and their shifts over time by characterizing the continuity and discontinuity of the various functions and forms associated with concepts …

Exploring The Quality Of Professional Development In Addressing Challenges With Behavior Management Of Special Needs Students In Inclusive Classrooms: An Instrumental Case Study, Reem Hussein Abuwatfa

Theses

Inclusive education has become a major educational priority globally and within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by policies promoting the full participation of students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. This study explores how elementary-level general education teachers perceive the quality of professional development (PD) in addressing their challenges with behavior management of students with SEN in inclusive classrooms. A qualitative case study approach was used, utilizing semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated that teachers face challenges from the behavioral issues of SEN students in inclusive classrooms, affecting both typical peers and teachers. Moreover, teachers had mixed perceptions …

The Evolution Of Sprinting Performance: Technological And Regulatory Influences From 1976 To 2024, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk, Grzegorz Trybek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the progression of sprinting performance across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the influence of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Over the past decades, sprinting has been significantly shaped by developments in track surfaces, footwear technology, training methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing how sprint times have evolved and what future trends might emerge. Materials and methods: Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from international athletics federations, this research applies time series analysis, regression modeling, and variance testing to assess trends, gender disparities, and performance variability. Data sources …

Reality Now: Tobacco And Vaping Report, Tamara Van Der Zant, Terese Hooper, Katherine Dix, Toby Carslake

Wellbeing

This report presents findings from data collected through the Reality Now program, providing a long-term study exploring tobacco and vaping behaviours among Australian secondary school students. Conducted from 2018 to 2024, the program collected nearly 30,000 responses from students in Years 7 to 11. Using a social norms approach (SNA), the program aimed to identify and correct misperceptions about peer substance use and promote healthier behaviours. This report focuses on tobacco and vaping behaviours, whereas the broader program also examined the use of alcohol, cannabis, and MDMA. The findings show that while actual tobacco and vape use remain low, students …

Highlighting The Benefits Of Community-Based Public Art Practices: Narrating A Year Of Living And Working Amongst The Creative Communities Of Providence, Rhode Island., Keara Mchaffie

Masters Theses

This thesis investigation explores the benefits of publicly

accessible arts programming and considers the significance of art

education experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.

The social and emotional benefits of these spaces are specifically

considered as a means to build confidence, and foster meaningful,

supportive connections beyond traditional academic measures.

Embracing a qualitative, mini-case study approach, the study

details hands-on experiences collaborating with different

organizations across Providence, Rhode Island during a year-long

graduate program. The data highlights how access to public

programs in community-based settings, such as libraries, play a

pivotal role in strengthening creative ideologies and community

relations.

Mfa Confidential, Julius Cavira, Julius Cavira

Masters Theses

What happens when the studio meets the classroom? This thrilling deep-dive uncovers the untold story of artists-turned-educators, balancing creation with instruction in the high-stakes world of higher education. Packed with real voices and raw insight, it reveals how teaching isn't just a job—it's the next evolution of artistic practice.

This study offers key insights for graduate-level visual artists considering careers in higher education as art educators. It examines the dual roles of artist and faculty by outlining the foundations of an art practice and exploring the varied experiences within academic environments. Drawing on a wide range of testimonies, articles, and …

To Reflect & To Be Reflective: Student Experiences Of Critique In Art & Design Higher Education, Jade Seobin Yun

Masters Theses

This thesis investigated the critique process in art and design higher education, focusing specifically on student experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Through a combination of autoethnographic reflection and a campus-wide student survey, the study explored how critique was perceived, practiced, and internalized by students across disciplines. Central to this inquiry was the emotional and pedagogical complexity of critique, which was often treated as an assumed skill rather than a learned process. Drawing from personal narrative, pedagogical literature, and qualitative data, the research proposed a framework of Trust (Barrett, 2019), Courage (Brown, 2022), and Responsiveness (hooks, 1994) …

Rooted In Learning: Eco-Art Pedagogy And Place-Based Learning, Emily Van Heusen

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the integration of eco-art pedagogy and place-based learning (PBL) in secondary art education, investigating how these approaches help develop artistic practices and deepen environmental awareness among high school students. The study focuses on the implementation of a 4-week curriculum at Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, Rhode Island. This research examines how art making and place-specific learning contribute to local environmental investment, personal connection and environmental engagement. Using a mixed-method approach grounded in arts-based research (ABR) and teacher-research methodology, this study analyzes teen-created artworks, sketchbook and journal reflections, and researcher personal reflections and field notes. The research …

Daily Creative Practice: A Path To Well-Being For Self + Society, Ellie Cashman

Masters Theses

Daily creative practice is a proven way to promote health and happiness, and to counteract what many are currently calling a global crisis in mental health.

There has perhaps never been a better time to be creative. Our collective healing and future human flourishing depend on it.

The author’s life and teaching experiences are explored, in the context of human history, (social) psychology and the challenges of contemporary culture.

Finally, the author offers a preview of a curriculum for Daily Creative Practice that will be further developed and implemented in Fall 2025, thanks to a grant from RISD’s Graduate Commons. …