Education Commons^™

Aligning Education And Industry: Analyzing Public School Curriculums' Influence On Skilled Trade Preparedness In Texas, Lee Bryan Whitten Iii

Theses & Dissertations

Existing literature on education and industry pipeline underscores the rising call for addressing the alignment of the two sectors to achieve relevant career pathways for students. These efforts were demonstrated when Congress enacted the Perkins Act in 1984, emphasizing career and education alignment by strengthening CTE programs in public schools. This study quantitatively determined the students’ skilled trade preparedness by analyzing the relationship between the student's College and Career Readiness Standard (CCRS) skills and those of students who pursued CTE courses and their counterparts. Three student categories composed of STEM, STEM-related, and non-CTE concentrates who graduated in May 2023 from …

A Qualitative Study Using An Interpretive Description Methodology On The Cognitive Process Used By Subject Matter Experts Preparing To Train Job Skills, Steven R. Linley

Theses & Dissertations

Many U.S. companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, rely on subject matter experts (SMEs) to train employees rather than hiring professional training specialists. While SMEs possess deep expertise in their fields, they often lack formal preparation for training. This study focused on how SMEs develop their instructional approach without having a formal training background. This qualitative study incorporated interpretive description methodology to examine the possibility of an unintentional observational learning process among SMEs. Seven pharmacy teaching assistants without formal training credentials participated in semi-structured interviews to describe how they prepared for their training roles. The findings presented a consistent cognitive …

Effective Best Practices In Social Studies Education: Empowering Students Despite Institutional Barriers, Shelbie A. Merriweather

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social Studies has remained a prevalent feature of the curriculum taught in the United States education system since the start of the 20th century as society became concerned with teaching children to be active citizens in their communities, and has evolved to integrate the development of critical and historical thinking skills that will enable students to analyze historical events and figures to generate a historical narrative (Coleman, 2021; Smith et al., 1995). The lack of standardized tests centered around social studies has meant that legislation like No Child Left Behind limits the funding provided to social studies as opposed to …

Investigating Preservice Elementary Teachers (Psts’) Views Of Nature Of Science (Vnos) And Science Attitudes Following Engagement In An Integrated Physics And Chemistry Content Course, Anna Stahurski

Honors Theses

Students’ classroom experiences affect their views of science, placing importance on teachers’ instructional approaches. Current reform suggests that inquiry-based science instruction supports positive views of science. However, students and teachers have been shown to hold developing views of nature of science (VNOS), or understanding what science is and how it progresses. Compounding matters, every student has their own personal science experiences that shape their science understandings and attitudes. This project investigates the attitudes and VNOS among preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) enrolled in an integrated physics and chemistry content course (SCI142). Two course sections were surveyed throughout one semester (n = …

All Clear For Virtual Simulation In Transition To Practice, Stephanie Barrett Msn, Rn, Onc, Rebecca Riznyk Msn, Rn, Cne, Npd-Bc

Posters

The goal of this innovative project was to increase new graduate nurses’ comfort with emergency management, improve communication with the interdisciplinary team, and provide a valuable and engaging experience in a TTPP at a large health care system

Targeting Student Outcomes Through Implementation Of Laboratory Experiences In A First Year Medical Neuroanatomy Course, Grant Boxey

Anatomical Education Dissertations

The pillars of anatomical sciences, including neuroanatomy, have undergone massive shifts in their teaching methodologies in recent years. With the increased enrollment in graduate medical education, as well as the introduction of new technologies, the anatomical sciences have reformed the ways in which future healthcare practitioners learn. Among the challenges to neuroanatomical education have been reliable access to donor specimens, and a decrease in laboratory-based hours. This study evaluated the introduction of voluntary laboratory-based experiences within a first-year medical neuroanatomy course. The first research question evaluated the effect of hands-on laboratory experiences on examination performance between participants and non-participants. There …

The Impact Of Sensory Materials On The Behavior Of Children In Early Childhood Education, Hannah Holt

Honors Theses

In the field of early childhood education, several studies report the benefits of sensory play on children’s physical and cognitive development. This study focuses on the impact sensory play has on the behavior of young children as reported by primary teachers at the SUNY Cortland Child Care Center through surveys. The surveys found that engaging in sensory play had a positive effect on the behavior of young children, which suggests the need for further research into why sensory play positively affects a child’s emotional state.

Toujours Beaucoup: Representations Of Childhood And Education In 20th Century French Literature And Cinema, Delaney Drury

Poster Presentations

This project explores French literature and cinema with significant representations of education for the purpose of examining to what extent educational ideals are upheld or undermined.

Library News-- May, 2025, Rwu University Library

Library Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Editorial Review Board Vol. 64 Issue 1

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

No abstract provided.

Teacher Autonomy And Decision Making On Curricular Book Choices, Melanie D. Koss, Kathleen A. Paciga

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This article reports findings from an email survey of 748 U.S. PreK–8 teachers. The survey invited teachers’ reflections on their autonomy in selecting children’s literature for classroom instruction and classroom libraries. In this descriptive study, researchers used frequency counts, cross-tabulations, and examination of text-based responses. Data were analyzed across three constructs of teacher autonomy: capacity, self-direction, and freedom. Findings show teachers feel well equipped to select quality literature, have more self-direction in literature used for read-alouds and inclusion in classroom libraries than for instruction, and report recent sociopolitical events in the United States have stifled their feelings of freedom. Internal …

From Disengaged To Flourishing: The Impact Of Authentic And Practical Professional Development On Teachers And Students, Julianne Scullen

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Building upon the ideas of social constructivists work in dialogic instruction (Bakhtin, 1981; Vygotsky, 1978) and self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1977), this study sought to answer: How does teacher participation in a book club impact teacher disposition to dialogic practices in the classroom? And how does teacher participation in a book club influence teacher efficacy regarding the implementation of dialogic practice? Using case study research based on semi-structured interviews, book club transcripts, and participant reflective journal entries, changes in disposition toward dialogism and efficacy in dialogic classroom practice were explored. The book club itself served as an intervention and provided teachers …

Collaborative Leadership Approaches’ Impact On Student Athlete Participation, Jacob Ledger

Leadership Education Capstones

The purpose of this study is to identify reasons for the decline in student athletes participating in high school football within the Big Nine Conference. The research is intended to identify several key reasons for the decline in youth sports, which contributes to high school sports, and ultimately football programs in the conference. The study also identifies two specific coaching and leadership styles and how they impact sports participation. Collaborative leadership and coaching styles compared to authoritative leadership and coaching styles. Using a qualitative research method using surveys and document review themes of sport specialization, Technology, burnout, Culture, and Feedback …

Using Scaffolding, Gamification, And Self Awareness To Create Responsive Ux/Ui In Cad Software To Nurture Metacognition In Novice Users, Obed Ibrahim Gonzalez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computer-aided Design (CAD) software represents a significant shift from manual and analog design processes to digital workflows, offering substantial utility, accuracy, and productivity benefits. However, CAD software often presents a steep learning curve, particularly for novice users who are new to the software or possess only basic knowledge. Traditional CAD curricula have predominantly focused on technical problem-solving—teaching tools and systems—while often neglecting strategic knowledge that encompasses reflection, planning, and refining, which are essential components of metacognition. Metacognition is crucial for transforming novices into experts who use fewer and more complex commands, employ sophisticated planning, and achieve their goals more efficiently. …

Adult Effects And Affects: Dialogic Reflections And Theoretical Analysis Of Systemic Led Education, Early Childhood Education, And Art Education, Katherine Galaz

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Through self-exploration, reflexive dialogue, and literature review I look to the grey areas, contradictions, and margins of hegemonic educational practices. I highlight the ways in which the standard of education is structured in opposition to how children seek to understand and make sense of the world. In my analysis of early childhood settings and art education under the umbrella of the U.S. education system, I approach historical antecedents involving colonialism and systemic injustice. Within the field of art education, I specifically look at the artistic and imaginative ways that children resist societal norms in early childhood education. As such, I …

“Proving Our Worth”: Discourses Of Teacher Evaluation In Literacy Coaching, Carolyn S. Hunt, Deborah A. Macphee

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

There is increasing evidence that literacy coaching is an effective method for supporting teachers’ professional development. At the same time, teacher evaluation systems have intensified in response to reform initiatives, raising questions about what happens at the intersection of teacher evaluation and coaching. Despite the potential of coaching to promote deep reflection and professional growth, discourses of teacher evaluation can disrupt teacher-coach relationships if accountability is privileged over professional learning and coaches are positioned as experts who judge and report on teachers’ performance. The purpose of this study was to explore how dominant discourses of teacher evaluation influenced the professional …

Adults’ Remembered Stories Of Early-Grades Reading Groups: A Narrative Inquiry, Cari Brooks

All Dissertations

This study examined literacy narratives composed by participants aged 18 to 71 to learn how they remembered, described, and constructed stories about their experiences in ability-based reading groups when they were children learning to read in public schools. The purpose of this study was to add voices and perspectives to a decades-long debate over the varied impacts of using ability-based reading groups that separate children by skill level, particularly with regard to connections to learner academic and literacy self-perception and the perpetuation of systemic social inequity. The study was grounded in a critical pedagogy theoretical foundation and employed a narrative …

The Impact On General Education Preschool Teachers Mainstreaming Children With Special Needs: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study That Aims To Explore General Education Preschool Teacher Experiences Regarding Challenges And Strategies When Mainstreaming Students With Special Needs In The General Education Preschool Classroom, Magdalena Tapia Lamas

Dissertations

Purpose: This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore general education preschool teacher experiences regarding challenges and strategies faced in differentiating instruction while engaging and supporting all students in learning based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological methodology was conducted using semistructured interview questions with 12 general education preschool teachers. Results of interviews and an artifact collection and review were used to analyze how general education preschool teachers described their experiences regarding challenges and strategies faced in differentiating instruction, based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

Findings: The findings from the study indicate …

Situated Learning Within A Transition Program For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Hannah M. Drew

All Dissertations

Through a lens of situated learning through legitimate peripheral participation (Lave et al., 1991), findings from this study suggested design elements of a transition program supported language participation among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Program stakeholders described ways in which a program afforded access to two distinct communities of practice, situated in authentic contexts in a workplace setting. Communities in a training room and in genuine internship experiences offered unique opportunities for youth to participate in socially situated practices to varying degrees. Using tools, including language, stakeholders described how youth engaged in contextualized language practices alongside community members. Perspectives …

Evaluating The Effects Of Literacy-Embedded Play Centers On The Academic Success And Social Emotional Learning Behavior Of Kindergarteners, Jennie Danneman

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of literacy-embedded play centers (LEPCs) on kindergarten students academic and social emotional achievement, demonstrating the need for play in the educational setting. This research is significant as previous studies have not explored the connection between LEPCs and academic achievement or social-emotional learning. A month-long study using a control and experimental group was conducted in one kindergarten classroom. The experimental group participated in 15 minutes a day of LEPCs. Pre-test and posttest data were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that LEPCs had a considerable impact on students’ academic achievement, and no significant impact on their …

The Effects Of An Administrator’S Years Of Service On A K-12 School’S Culture Perceived By Teachers, Mitchell S. Schank

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This correlative study explored the relationship between the length of service of K-12 administrators and teachers’ perception of school cultures in public schools. The study used a correlation analysis to determine significance in these two variables. Three key domains were used to measure school culture: engagement, safety, and environment. Data was collected through a survey using a modified questionnaire from the ED School Climate Survey (EDSCLS) to assess perceptions of school culture. These findings found no significant correlation between the length of service of administrators and teachers’ perceptions of school culture. R2 values of each domain were below 0.1, showing …

Mentorship As Experienced By Black Woman In Stem At Predominantly White Institutions, Chelsei Lasha Arnold

Honors Theses

Black female college students have experienced a marginalized history in STEM higher education. Although students associated with this identity are enrolling and earning college degrees at historic rates, there is a gap in the resources available, especially at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), for these students once they reach collegiate level. The goal of this study is to examine the role of mentorship in the lived experiences of Black women STEM students at PWIs. I used interpretive phenomenological analysis on transcribed interviews to examine psychological patterns, and then I carefully analyzed the phenomenon of being mentored. Through the analysis, I sought …

Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs: “How Can We Better Equip Students, School Systems, And Society For Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs In Career And Technical Educational Environments?”, Mikala A. Highsmith

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce by providing essential knowledge, technical skills, and industry-recognized certifications. As the number of students with disabilities, including neurodivergent learners, continues to rise, CTE programs face increasing pressure to adopt innovative, inclusive educational practices. Integrating creative teaching strategies and leveraging technology are now critical tools in addressing diverse learning needs that promote effective classroom management and enhance student engagement. Moreover, CTE programs emphasize the development of professional competencies, workforce protocols, and transferable skills that strengthen students’ employability across industries. This paper examines …

Examination Of Language Sample Analysis In Children Who Are D/Hh Using Clan, Caroline G. Stewart

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hearing is the building block of developing receptive and expressive oral language skills used to effectively communicate. Children who experience hearing loss typically experience delays in phonological, morphological, semantic, and even pragmatic development. Understanding the specific language challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) young preschool-age children is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies aimed at optimizing their language development. This research aims to analyze the nuanced aspects of phonological, morphological, semantic, and pragmatic language development among D/hh children, shedding light on areas that may require specialized support. The preliminary research will inform best practices in language assessment …

Optimal Time Of Training To Prioritize Sleep, Stress, Recovery And Performance In Student-Athletes, Ryan E. Mutzner

Leadership Education Capstones

This study investigated the impact of training time—morning versus afternoon—on the sleep, stress, recovery, and performance of high school student-athletes. With increasing demands placed on student-athletes, particularly during the academic year, understanding how training schedules influence both physiological and psychological well-being is critical. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from ten student-athletes over six training sessions through self-reported surveys and performance testing via Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) assessments. The study found that afternoon athletes consistently reported longer sleep durations and higher peak performance, while morning athletes demonstrated better sleep quality and more consistent performance across sessions. Afternoon participants experienced higher …

Bridging The Gap: Analyzing The Impact Of The On Track Program On Academic Achievement And Retention Rates Of Academic Warning Students, Tyler J. Peil

Leadership Education Capstones

This thesis examines the effectiveness of a college program called the OnTrack Program, which addresses achievement gaps, improves retention rates, and boosts academic performance for its students considered "at-risk." The study analyzes data from two groups: Students who qualified for the On Track program and chose not to participate, and students who enrolled in the On Track program. Through both quantitative measures of research, such as GPA and retention statistics, as well as qualitative measures of researchers, such as student testimonials, the research investigates whether the targeted academic support significantly impacts students' educational outcomes and student experience. By evaluating the …

Using A Process Evaluation In Extension Programming: Takeaways For Teams, Cristina Connolly, Jeantyl Norze, Stacey F. Stearns

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Health fields use process evaluations to measure how closely an intervention aligns with its intended delivery. Despite their potential for improving Cooperative Extension programming and impacts, process evaluations are not widely used outside the medical sciences. We adapted the process evaluation framework for Extension use. The components assess project components such as content, dose delivered, dose received, and reach, as well as moderating factors such as quality of delivery, participant responsiveness, complexity, facilitation strategy, recruitment, and context. The modified process evaluation framework was used to assess an Extension project in the Northeast region of the U.S. Extension teams in the …

Growing Pains: Assessing The Strategic Organizational Communication Approaches Of An Expanding Extension Organization, Anissa M. Mattox, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Lauri Baker, Angela B. Lindsey

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

As social structures evolve, strategic organizational communication (SOC) must also evolve for organizations to best meet the ever-changing needs of stakeholders. Assessing communications can guide the direction of an organization while also elevating the organization to the next level. For this study, researchers assessed the SOC strategy of the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) through qualitative focus groups. Results of this study revealed internal communication and resources provided by the organization were perceived as positive communication approaches, while external communication and visibility were identified as negative communication approaches. Other Extension organizations could benefit from the results of this research as …

Investigating Teacher Practice In Designing Educational Digital Games To Improve L2 Chinese Word Recognition Skills, Shutan Dong

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study explores the design strategies and pedagogical principles that shape digital games for developing second-language (L2) Chinese word recognition skills. Drawing on design documents, reflective journals, and design notes, it analyzes the game development process, the reasoning behind design choices, and their perceived effectiveness and challenges. The analysis is grounded in established game-based learning frameworks and second language acquisition theories. Findings reveal that the practitioner employs five design strategies: learning alignment, cultural contextualization, achievement mechanics, user-centric navigation, and functional aesthetics. These strategies are shaped by pedagogical principles, including scaffolding, multimodal learning, active learning and immediate feedback, as well as …

Resiliency Training For Music Therapy Students During Fieldwork Experiences, Crystal Weaver

Dissertations

All music therapy undergraduate and equivalency students in the United States must complete 1,200 hours of fieldwork experience to obtain degree conferment from an accredited and approved higher education program (American Music Therapy Association, 2023b, p. 1). While engaging in fieldwork had several benefits for music therapy students, such as the opportunity to build practical experience and refine skills, the experience also involved several challenges (Forinash, 2019; Tien & Trang, 2020). A challenge not yet thoroughly examined by faculty and staff within higher education music therapy programs was student mental health. To date, researchers had not examined the prevalence of …