Education Commons^™

The Art Of Engagement: Personal Connections, Innovative Practices, And Goal-Driven Language Motivation, Margrit Staiger

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This portfolio includes the author’s personal experiences, practices, and perspectives for teaching languages, all refined and revitalized during her time in the Master of Second Language Teaching program at Utah State University. The author’s teaching perspectives have been informed by her experiences teaching French to primary, secondary, and university students, as well as by courses taken throughout the program. The following consists of three main pieces: the author’s teaching philosophy, an overview of research and practical applications of Game-Based Learning, and finally, research on factors that influence continuation of Arabic, French, and German in a university program.

Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, And Metacognition: The Influence Of A Professional Development For Grades Three To Five Teachers, Jason Hart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Formative assessment is a strategy that teachers use to improve student learning. This study explored how professional development focused on assessment for learning practices (AFL), with the main emphasis on learning intentions and success criteria, influences teacher use of those strategies and changes in teacher and student metacognition. The overarching research question was: How does professional development on AFL practices influence teachers' reported use of AFL practices and teacher and student metacognition? This study utilized a mixes-methods research design and provided professional development on AFL practices to 16 in-service elementary mathematics teachers and measured changes to their AFL practices and …

Component Analysis Of Interactive Computer Training To Teach Paraprofessionals To Deliver Behavioral Skills Training, Scott V. Page

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In education and Applied Behavior Analysis, there is growing demand for well-trained entry-level individuals to deliver behavior interventions. Interactive Computer Training allows trainees to access online instruction with video demonstrations, interactive tasks, and feedback, without a live instructor. This training approach could save valuable training time and money. Prior researchers demonstrated these types of training can teach trainees to correctly use behavior interventions. There are gaps in our understanding of Interactive Computer Trainings that limit its successful use. Few studies measured cost-effectiveness, identified the effective features of Interactive Computer Training (e.g., videos, quizzes, feedback), or trained users to deliver effective …

Beyond Borders And Binaries: A Queer Look At Study Abroad Advising For Lgbtq+ Students, Austin Smith

Capstone Collection

This study examines the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ students studying abroad, the practices of study abroad advisors in their support of LGBTQ+ students, and their alignment with one another. Findings from qualitative analysis of survey responses from LGBTQ+ students that have studied abroad in the past five years and interviews with current study abroad advisors suggest that study abroad advising practices can unintentionally reflect a deficit-oriented perspective, emphasizing risks and challenges LGBTQ+ students may face while abroad over strengths and resilience. However, advisors embrace equity-based practices that seek to address barriers and affirm LGBTQ+ identities within study abroad, even when …

Investigating Factors That Influence Rural Student Degree Attainment At Urban Institutions., Kevin Kelleher Buckley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Decades of research have shown that rural students attend college at rates lower than their non-rural peers. When they do attend college, they tend to stay closer to home. Considering that over two-thirds of higher education institutions in the United States are in urban areas, this presents two challenges—rural students limit their options for where to attend college, and urban institutions face difficulty attracting and retaining rural students. Very little quantitative research is available that explains what may make a rural student more likely to be successful at an urban institution or if the geographic origin of a student plays …

The Impact Of Consensus Decision Making On Creating Conditions For Psychological Safety In Sbdm Councils., Rachel Ann Klein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study reflects an examination of the forces and factors that impact effective decision-making on a Site-Based Decision Making council (SBDM) in Kentucky. It explores the relationship between consensus decision-making, the leader of a school, and the stakeholders who sit on an SBDM council as it relates to members’ feelings of inclusion, value, and belonging. A qualitative case study was designed to capture observational data gathered during SBDM meetings, as well as data gathered during member interviews. This data was analyzed through a relativist theoretical lens, which revealed that when open, trusting relationships are established among council members, decision-making flourishes. …

A Pedagogy Of One: Engaging The ‘Missing Middle’ Toward Inclusion In Education, Jess H. Mitchell

Full-Text Theses & Dissertations

Attempts to implement inclusion practices in post-secondary education have heretofore focused mainly on diverse modes of content, presentation, delivery (tactical), and/or on largely abstract academic and policy calls to awareness of systemic social inequities (socioemotional).

This thesis argues that both strategies are necessary, but not sufficient to action an effective and implementable inclusive pedagogical practice. This thesis is an exploration of what is missing beyond the tactical and the socioemotional—conceptualizing how to address a gap in actioning inclusion. Arriving at that framework for understanding what is missing requires exploring barriers that persist in access to equitable education. This work is …

Hickory Street Square Revitalization, Spencer Knight, Grace Dungan, Tim Kula, Evan Lauritsen, Lindsey Mennenga

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Hickory Street Square Revitalization Project seeks to transform a central public space in Sidney, Nebraska into a dynamic, community-oriented area that supports local events, economic activity, and cultural heritage. The project addresses six core objectives: 1) convertible street design, 2) parking lot reconfiguration, 3) public amenities, 4) event flexibility, 5) lighting and signage, and 6) old electric plant renovation. A conceptual design was developed by the design team (S.T.E.E.L. Sentinel Solutions) by synthesizing the most effective features of three preliminary alternatives, shaped further through community feedback and evolving project constraints. The final project design minimizes disruption to existing activity …

Investigating Fatty Acid Influence On West Nile Virus In Mosquitoes And Birds, Hayley Moree

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Vector-borne diseases, including Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue virus (DENV), and West Nile virus (WNV), pose considerable global health threats, accounting for over 400 million infections and more than 700,000 deaths annually. Many vector-borne diseases are within the Flaviviridae family. Despite this, effective treatments have not been found for some flaviviruses. Flaviviruses exploit host cellular machinery to facilitate their replication and survival, reprogramming metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism. Lipids play essential roles in the viral life cycle, providing structural components for the viral envelope, enabling membrane rearrangements for replication complexes, and supplying energy resources necessary for particle assembly.

Targeting lipid metabolism …

One-To-One Chromebook Best Practices In Secondary-Level English Language Arts Classrooms, Jonathan M. Cook

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to examine the lived experiences of secondary-level English Language Arts (ELA) teachers to better understand what, if any, best practices exist for the use of one-to-one Chromebooks in these teachers’ classrooms. Seventeen participants agreed to be interviewed for this study. All participants had at least two years of teaching experience and at least two years of Chromebook experience. Interviews took place over Zoom and were digitally recorded. Five common themes emerged from these collected data: 1) the importance of training; 2) the frequently problematic oversight from administrators; 3) the overall lack of innovation in classroom …

East Tennessee General And Special Education High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Co-Teaching In Core Academic Classrooms, Michael A. Sanders

Ed.D. Dissertations

In April 2023, Tennessee legislators implemented rigorous graduation requirements for all students, disabled and non-disabled, including Algebra II and Chemistry or Physics. The legislators created angst among school leaders and educators across the state due to the more rigorous graduation requirements and the lack of qualified math, science, and special education teachers to help meet those new requirements. I found a lack of research on guidance for educators in how to address the changing of Tennessee’s high school graduation requirements in 2023. I also found a lack of research on how to better instruct special education and general education high …

Pre-Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching Early Literacy Skills Incorporating The Science Of Reading, Sarah Dunn Cheek

Ed.D. Dissertations

Since every student has the right to receive a high-quality education that fosters reading proficiency, researchers have conducted considerable research on the most effective ways to teach students to read for many years. Researchers highlighted the importance of literacy instruction based on the science of reading. Still, there was a gap in the research on this type of instruction in pre-kindergarten classrooms. The purpose of my qualitative, interpretive study was to explore East Tennessee pre-kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of their abilities to implement science of reading-based literacy instruction and how these teachers were implementing this instruction in their classrooms. After collecting …

An Exploration In Using Aesthetic Creative Modalities In Professional Supervision, Linda Young

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project examines the integration of aesthetic and creative modalities into professional supervision, traditionally dominated by conversation-based methods. Drawing on over thirty years of experience in education, ministry, and supervision, it addresses the need for more creative, diverse, expressive, and reflective tools to be used in professional supervision practice. The study proposes a theoretically and theologically grounded curriculum to equip supervisors in postgraduate training with creative approaches that enrich learning, insight, and practice within the evolving landscape of professional supervision in Australia.

Baby, Did You Get Your Diploma?: The Lived Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men In The Pursuit And Attainment Of College Degrees, Charles D. Gidney

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated African American men in the pursuit and attainment of college degrees. This qualitative study examined the post-incarceration educational journeys of eight men. Formerly incarcerated African American men were selected based on the limited amount of academic research that exists targeting this student demographic. A broad cross section of educational attainment was represented in this study with two participants possessing PhD’s; one doctoral candidate; two doctoral students; and three undergraduate students (one freshman, one sophomore, and one junior). At the time of the study their ages ranged …

2025 Nsu Graduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

May 9, 2025

• Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
• College of Dental Medicine
• College of Optometry
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences

May 15, 2025

• Shepard Broad College of Law
• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

2025 Nsu Undergraduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

May 5, 2025

• Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center
• Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
• College of Psychology
• H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Shepard Broad College of Law

May 6, 2025

• Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
• Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing

Moving To Learn: Georgia, K-12 Teachers' Perspectives On Physical Movement Strategies In The Classroom, Remel Williams

Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive research study was to better understand Georgia K-12 core content area teachers’ perceptions of physical movement, how students responded to physical movement strategies, as well as understand any supports and barriers when planning for physical movement strategies during the 2023-2024 school year. Data for this study was collected from public K-12 core content area (math, science, reading, language arts, foreign language, history/social studies) teachers who had been in the classroom for at least one year. Their responses were gathered through a Qualtrics questionnaire and through interviews and focus groups via Zoom. Through the study, …

Tennessee Science Teachers’ Views, Challenges, And Practices Addressing Scientific Misinformation In The Science Classroom, Lauren Wilmoth

Ed.D. Dissertations

Scientific misinformation was a major threat to society in the 2020s because individuals often made ill-informed decisions impacting their well-being and the well-being of others. Because of the unique nature of scientific misinformation, key stakeholders advocated for science education to incorporate skills associated with identifying scientific misinformation into science curricula. Despite the call for action, there was little extant research about how high school science teachers addressed and felt about addressing scientific misinformation. Therefore, the purpose of my interpretive qualitative study was to determine Tennessee high school science teachers’ views, challenges, and practices addressing scientific misinformation in the science classroom. …

An Examination Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Women Instructional Coaches (K-12), Courtney Tate

All Dissertations

The underrepresentation of Black women notably impacts the landscape of educational leadership as a result of a predominantly White workforce within the teaching profession (N. N. Johnson & Fournillier, 2021). This inequity not only highlights systemic inefficiencies as evidenced by worsening educational experiences for African American students following Brown v. BOE but also underscores the silence within studies exploring the experiences of Black women faculty in instructional leadership roles (Brown, 2005; Foster, 2005; N. N. Johnson, 2024; N. N. Johnson & Fournillier, 2021). The role of instructional coaches in shaping teacher practice positions them as integral to instructional leadership; it …

Reimagining The Leader Behind The Badge: A Qualitative Study Examining Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Leadership From The Perspective Of Law Enforcement Officers, Willie Ng

Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the influence of leadership practices within law enforcement on the professional journey, job performance, and personal well-being of a career officer with over 30 years in the field. Set against a backdrop of evolving societal expectations and public scrutiny, the research investigates how entrenched leadership practices impact both individual experiences and the broader organizational culture within law enforcement. Key themes include outdated hierarchical practices, declining public trust, and resistance to innovation. These themes are examined using the new professionalism model, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, legitimacy, and innovation as essential leadership principles in modern policing (Bass & Avolio, …

#Teachersoftiktok - From Hashtags To Habits: Social Media's Influence On Teacher Identity, Practice, And The Role Of Teacher Preparation Programs (Chapter From Exploration Of K-12 Teaching And Learning Teacher Educators), Martha A. Wilkins, Danielle Ligocki

Education Faculty Books/Book Chapters

Social media, particularly TikTok, has become a major influence on pre-service teachers (PSTs), shaping their professional identity, pedagogical expectations, and instructional decision-making. While TikTok offers networking and inspiration, its algorithm-driven content prioritizes entertainment over evidence-based pedagogy, reinforcing idealized, oversimplified, and commercialized portrayals of teaching. Many PSTs consume and apply TikTok-derived strategies without critical evaluation, contributing to the casualization and deprofessionalization of the profession. Ethical concerns, including student privacy, influencer-driven monetization, and digital professionalism, further complicate its role in teacher education. Grounded in Critical Media Literacy (CML) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study argues for explicit media literacy training in …

Creating A Co-Teaching Plc To Help Find Practical Solutions For Problems In Co-Teaching At A Suburban Middle School, Rachel Siân Machens

Dissertations

The research focused on addressing equity and communication challenges in co-teaching through the implementation of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and peer mentoring within a suburban middle school. The study took place in a predominantly white, lower-middle-class suburban school that utilized co-teaching across various subjects to provide students with disabilities greater access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment. The primary objective was to establish a PLC composed of co-teachers from different disciplines, leveraging existing co-teacher training strategies to improve equity and communication within co-teaching partnerships. The PLC operated through an online forum, where the researcher, serving …

An Exploratory Study Of Instructional Practices Inventory And School Culture Survey, Morgan Wilhoit

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Much research has allowed for in-depth analyses of student engagement, a growing issue in education, without uncovering a solution. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between school culture and student engagement, a connection not yet studied, by using two valid and reliable instruments, the School Culture Survey and Instructional Practices Inventory among Indiana Principal Leadership Institute elementary schools. Data were gathered quantitatively, as well as qualitatively, to determine that there is no statistically significant relationship between culture and engagement. While the schools varied in culture results and qualitative observations, the engagement levels remained the same, regardless …

2025-05-01 Caudill Connection, Morehead State University. Caudill College Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences.

Caudill Connection

Caudill Connection newsletter for May of 2025.

Integrating Of The Unesco Digital Teacher Course In The Teacher Education Program: A Case Of Aku-Ied Med Program, Esther Kibga, Oluwakemi Olurinola, Fredrick Mtenzi

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Purpose:

This study planned to explore the effect of the UNESCO advanced educator course in the M.Ed. instructor training program at the Aga Khan College, Dar es Salaam specifically on digital pedagogical competency.

Methodology:

The research study employed a pre-experimental research design and fifty-nine (59) Aga Khan University M. Ed Education students from the three East African countries were involved. The research instruments involved in this study include a competency level rating scale (SelfieForTeachers) and a pre-post-training survey.

Findings:

The findings revealed the influence of the UNESCO Digital Teacher course on enhancing participants' digital pedagogical competencies, with a specific emphasis …

May 2025 General Education Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney General Education Council

General Education Council

No abstract provided.

Exploring Principals' Equity Mindset As It Applies To Their Practice Within A Mexican-U.S. Border Community, Sonia D. Aguilar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The study's aimed to explore principals' equity mindset to respond to the research question: How do principals' lived experiences, identity, beliefs, attitudes, and values construct their understanding of equity, and how does it impact their practice within the school communities they serve? The study employed narrative inquiry as a methodology to gain knowledge and understanding of principals' conceptualization of equity and how equity emerges in their practice. These principals' rich descriptive narratives showed that their understanding and embodiment of equity are reflected within their practice. Their inherent values, beliefs, attitudes, and overall sense of self and upbringing are at the …

Transnational Teachers On Both Sides Of The U.S.-Mexico Border: Exploring Their Identities And Conocimiento. A Phenomenological Study With A Comparative Stance, Isaac Frausto Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The transnationalism phenomenon is at the core of an increasingly globalized world. This phenomenological study with a comparative stance explores the lived experiences and perspectives of teachers with a transnational migration background with regards to how they [re]construct their identities and conocimiento. It compares and contrasts the histories and insights from participants in the borderlands with those from the heart of Mexico. Specifically, this study contributes to the under-explored body of literature which has taken a comparative stance in looking at transnationalism in education on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Data derived from migration memory maps and in-depth, phenomenological …

An Alienated Population; Societal Issues And Educational Neglect In The Field Of Gifted Education, A Narrative Literature Review, Venus Jennifer Mendez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative literature review is to explore societal issues and educational neglect in gifted education, focusing particularly on the underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students. Through a comprehensive analysis of 36 peer-reviewed sources, the study reveals systemic inequities which leads to a creation of different themes stemming from racial and linguistic biases, imprecise definitions of giftedness, and the lack of teacher diversity, which collectively hinder equitable access to gifted programs. The findings magnify the urgent need for reform in identification process and procedures where the impact of having imprecise definitions and a lack of teacher diversity …

Las Jefas: Latina Leadership On The Us-Mexico Border Region Las Jefa's Fronterizas, Ruenna Valdez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study shares the lived experiences of a Latina superintendent leading a large school district along the U.S.-Mexico border, with the aim of highlighting the systemic barriers and enabling factors that shape Latina leadership trajectories in historically underrepresented contexts. Grounded in Latino/a Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) and employing a narrative inquiry through Testimonio methodology, a semi-structured, in-depth interview was conducted and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Saldana's (2015) two-cycle coding approach - narrative coding followed by pattern coding - to distill rich, counter-storytelling insights into the superintendent's journey. Four interrelated themes emerged overcoming systemic barriers and gender bias, …