Education Commons^™

Noteworthy, Meredith Harrigan, Patrick Montanaro

Noteworthy

Noteworthy recounts Merry's journey to understand her grief in losing her smile. She explores her community park and discovers solace and inspiration in sights and sounds along the way.

Through a unique blend of critical autoethnography, parable, collage, and visual art, this book captures the intricacy, complexity, and fluidity of navigating a difficult experience, and engages readers in exploring how human and natural elements in combination with the arts, sciences, and humanities might pave a path to self-acceptance during times of difficult change.

Noteworthy Expanded: Creating Spaciousness In Higher Education, Meredith Harrigan, Patrick Montanaro

Noteworthy

Noteworthy Expanded: Creating Spaciousness in Higher Education builds on the story of Noteworthy, adding in education-related reflections, inquiries, discoveries, and the new practices they inspired. It builds on Merry's story to explore the intertwined personal and professional journey the author traversed. Alongside the story is a notebook that presents a combination of jottings, drawings, and reflections, and tangible examples of changes and expansion in the undergraduate classroom throughout this journey.

Ready, Set, No: Why Not All Successful Dual Credit High School Graduates Matriculate To Postsecondary Education, Jessica Deckard Mann

Dissertations

Dual-credit programs that allow students to earn college credentials in high school have become commonplace in the United States. Early College High Schools (ECHSs) were specifically developed to support equitable access to these programs, targeting groups that are historically underpopulated in postsecondary education (PSE). ECHSs aim to close the achievement gap, increase the number of college credentials earned by high school students, better train the workforce, and improve the life-time earnings potential of a diverse population.

The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to gather data from graduates in one Midwestern state who earned a college credential in high …

Upper-Level Undergraduate Pre-Healthcare Students’ Journeys To Graduation And Health Professional Graduate Programs, Holly L. Sisson

Dissertations

Despite decades of research on undergraduate student retention and persistence, only a handful of researchers, such as Dumke et al. (2018) and Stull et al. (2021), have looked specifically at pre-health students preparing for graduate health professional programs and the complex challenges these students face while trying to achieve their goals. Very little research focused on upper-level undergraduate students pursuing graduate health professional programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or similar graduate health professional programs excluding medical school. To help fill this gap, my study focused on the experiences of pre-healthcare students as they navigated their undergraduate …

Understanding Undergraduate Aspirations For Law Enforcement Careers And Motivation In The Classroom, Gabriella N. Burt

Honors Thesis

This study investigates the factors shaping undergraduate student interest in law enforcement careers. By surveying students from various Midwestern universities, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between social influences, gender, and curricular exposure in shaping law enforcement career aspirations. Specifically, it examines how motivations for pursuing a public service career, external influences, and background characteristics shape career interest overall. The study also examines how these factors shape career interest between men and women and overall motivation to engage with specific law enforcement course topics. Findings inform policy and curriculum design.

Classroom Environment: How Seating Effects Student On-Task Behaviors, Meg Jackson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Schools across the nation have seen an uptick in the number of students who struggle to stay on-task and focus during classes in which they are seated for long periods of time. With the increase in distracting behaviors, teachers are left looking for ways to help students engage in lessons and stay on-task. There are many tools that are advertised and claim to help students focus. However, to what extent are these tools effective? This study aims to determine the effect the classroom environment has on student on-task behaviors. The particular focus of this study is the effect different seating …

Improving Mathematical Achievement And Engagement Through Technology Integration, Jennifer Ham

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Engaging students effectively requires continuous effort from educators to improve their classroom learning experiences. Research has demonstrated the benefits of educational technology in enhancing student learning outcomes. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research in the United States on how the integration of technology affects students' engagement and comprehension of mathematical concepts in elementary education. This inquiry-based research aims to investigate the impact of technology integration on the understanding and engagement of fourth graders in mathematics. This study aims to address the following questions: How does integrating technology in fourth-grade mathematics impact students' understanding of math concepts? What impact does …

Using Digital Word Puzzles To Develop Executive Functioning Skills In Adolescent Males With Known Skills Deficits, Lisa K. Griffith

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research shows that game-based interventions can effectively help develop some executive functioning (EF) skills. However, the majority of the interventions previously studied involve specialized and/or expensive games. The author believes that using commonly available word-based digital puzzles to “warm up” students’ brains can lead to improved EF skills, leading to students being more motivated to engage in learning, which in turn promotes greater success in the classroom as well as in life in general. Two adolescent males were studied for five weeks (total of 17 school days) using Merriam-Webster’s Blossom (2025) as an intervention for EF skills at the start …

The Impact Of Self-Reflection On Teacher Growth And Effectiveness, Thatcher Goodale

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study explored how consistent self-reflection can support teacher growth and improve instruction. Over a four-week period in a 7th-grade computer science class, I used daily reflections, journal entries, and informal observations to see how reflection influenced my teaching and student engagement. Small, regular check-ins after each class helped me adjust lesson pacing, improve transitions, and respond more intentionally to student needs. Themes like time management, classroom flow, creativity, and collaboration came up often, but student engagement was mentioned the most. Without major changes to the curriculum, reflection helped me teach with more purpose and confidence. While this study focused …

Looping Classrooms, Kelly Fitzgerald

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based Capstone Project examines the effects of classroom looping, where students remain with the same teacher across consecutive years. One or more teachers looped with their students from fourth to fifth grade. The study focuses on a group of students from a low-income and rural elementary school setting. Using student surveys and reflections, the researcher examines the influence of peer connections, student-teacher relationships, and overall student satisfaction with looping. A majority of the students reported positive experiences with looping, including positive relationships with their teachers, increased emotional support, and improved classroom identity. However, some students reported challenges such as …

Desire To Improve Or Enrich Curriculum – Student-Centered Learning, Cailey Dolash

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study investigates the relationship between teacher efficacy and the implementation of student-centered learning in PreK-2 classrooms, supporting the need for teacher professional development to support effective practice. Due to growing interest in student-centered approaches, there are challenges, often due to teachers perceived self-efficacy in managing and adapting new instructional strategies. Using Bandura's Teacher Efficacy Survey, this research examines the self-reported efficacy levels of 16 teachers across various grade levels PreK-2nd Grade. The results indicate a significant correlation between higher teacher efficacy and the successful use of student-centered learning techniques. Teachers with lower efficacy ratings need professional development in this …

Effect Of Mental Math Instruction On Students' Problem-Solving, Noelle Dehaan

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of incorporating daily mental math practice on students’ problem-solving and reasoning skills. This research was designed to address the issue of dropping mathematics test scores in the United States and the researcher’s observation regarding students commonly struggling with solving real-world problems. The researcher is a middle school math teacher who also teaches two high school courses. A quantitative study was conducted, and two assessments were used, taken as a pre-test and a post-test, to determine the effectiveness of the mental math intervention. One evaluation was designed to assess students’ mental …

Peer To Peer Inclusion School Improvement Plan, Michelle Davidson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

As an educator with both classroom and special education experience, the impact that true inclusion can have on a child’s life. While inclusive education has long been recognized as a key to equity in our schools, many students with disabilities still face social isolation and limited participation in general education settings. This school improvement plan introduces a practical, research-supported peer-to-peer inclusion model aimed at increasing academic engagement, supporting social-emotional development, and creating a stronger sense of belonging for every student. With peer-reviewed studies and supported by proven best practices, the plan lays out a structured approach with clearly defined peer …

Why Kindergarteners Need To Have Daily Social-Emotional Instruction, Ali Boger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

There has been a rise in disruptive behaviors across the nation, negatively impacting teachers, students, and academic performance. Research suggests that daily social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction can enhance the quality of education by addressing these challenges. When educators adopt a whole-child approach, focusing not only on literacy and mathematics but also on emotional development, students are better equipped to navigate stressful situations and build resilience. This inquiry-based research explores the impact of daily SEL in the kindergarten classroom, specifically examining how ten minutes of daily SEL instruction affects executive functioning and the overall classroom environment. Results from this study indicated …

The Effects Of The Preschool Sdi Program On Students With Disabilities In The Inclusive Setting, Sarah Westhoff

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study's purpose was to determine if the Preschool SDI program, created by Iowa, was an effective program for creating a successful inclusive environment for all students. To determine the effectiveness, the following guiding questions were asked: 1) What is the rate of growth between the amount of time spent in an inclusive setting and academic success and 2) What inclusive models are successful in creating inclusive settings for teachers and students? To answer these questions this study focused on a north central Iowa school district. Participants included a total of 67 three- to five-year-old children enrolled in the district’s …

Using The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (Siop) To Improve Academic Achievement And Confidence In Students Recently Exited From Esl Services, Melissa Van Middendorp

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This mixed-methods research study examines the impact of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) on the academic achievement and confidence of recently exited English as a Second Language (ESL) students in a sixth grade science classroom. The study utilized quantitative data from pre-assessments, progress monitoring checks, post-assessments and a student survey. The study utilized qualitative data from the researcher’s observations and participant work samples. Despite limitations of the study, findings suggest that implementing the SIOP framework into the mainstream classroom improves academic success and student confidence.

The Impact Of Gamification On Student Motivation, Autumn Schott

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many middle school students struggle with low motivation and disengagement, particularly in STEAM classrooms where creativity, persistence, and collaboration are essential. Gamification using game design elements like challenges, points, and badges in a learning context has emerged as a promising strategy to increase student motivation and academic engagement. This action research project explored how intentional gamified instruction impacts student motivation, engagement, and performance in a middle school STEAM class. Using a mixed-methods approach, the teacher-researcher collected data through pre- and post-surveys, student work samples, classroom observations, and weekly reflective journal entries. The results indicated a positive correlation between gamification and …

The Impact Of Project-Based Learning On Student Engagement And Participation, Dakota Schnell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many students, particularly in middle grades, demonstrate disengagement with traditional teaching methods, resulting in decreased participation and challenges in meeting learning objectives. This lack of engagement often manifests as low motivation and a disconnect from classroom activities, especially in subjects like English. Project-Based Learning (PBL) presents a potential strategy to address this issue by fostering a more dynamic, student-centered environment. This inquiry-based research aimed to determine whether implementing a PBL project could improve student engagement and participation compared to traditional methods within a 7th-grade English classroom. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 30 seventh-grade students participating in a "Get …

Peer-Mediated Interventions Within The Special Education Classroom, Jessica Sass

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Preschool teachers are being asked to do more with less, especially when looking at the shortage of staff and the increase in students with IEPs. Students are starting school with more significant social and language needs, and the ability to integrate into the general education classroom and provide support is becoming more challenging. Research suggests that peer-mediated interventions (PMI) are a viable option in providing support to students who need support in language and social skills, especially when peers involved in the interventions are trained, and exhibit prosocial behaviors and interest in the target students. This inquiry-based study aimed to …

The Role Of Teachers In The Development Of The Curriculum, Kaylon Nevers

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The role of teachers in the curriculum development process is crucial to the educational success of students. This study explores the impact of teacher involvement in curriculum development, focusing on how their insights and expertise shape a more effective and relevant curriculum for students. Utilizing various sources, including peer-reviewed journals, literature, observations, surveys, and interviews, the research highlights significant contributions teachers make when actively involved in the curriculum development process. These data led to the conclusion that teacher involvement in curriculum development has significant positive impacts on the effectiveness and relevance of the curriculum for students. These data confirmed that …

The Impact Of Mindfulness Practices On Enhancing Focus And Reducing Behavioral Challenges, Janet Larrison

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This research investigates how mindfulness practices affect student focus and behavioral regulation in an elementary classroom. Conducted in a second-grade classroom at a preschool through fourth-grade school in a rural district in Osage, Iowa, this study addresses the growing need for effective strategies in social-emotional learning and self-regulation for young learners. Eighteen students, ages seven to nine, participated in a mindfulness-based intervention to promote self-regulation, enhance classroom engagement, and increase focus. The intervention incorporated developmentally appropriate mindfulness practices, such as yoga, breathing exercises, and guided meditation, into the daily classroom schedule. A qualitative approach was employed, combining teacher observations, surveys …

The Impact Of Workload On Special Education Teachers' Effectiveness, Haley Jacobsen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based research study explores the impact of workload, specifically, special education caseload size, on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. Utilizing survey data from approximately 190 special education teachers across Iowa, the study investigates how the number of IEP goals, hours worked outside of contract time, and emotional stress levels affect goal attainment, job satisfaction, and instructional quality. Results revealed that most teachers monitor over 20 IEP goals at a time, yet more than two-thirds reported meeting less than 25% of those goals. Despite high levels of self-reported confidence, over 60% of respondents indicated feeling overwhelmed "often" or "always." Notably, …

April 2025 Faculty Senate Packet, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Packets

No abstract provided.

Navigating Challenges: Public Community College Leadership In The Face Of Existential Crisis, Sarah Lynne Lupton-Houston

School of Public Service Theses & Dissertations

This study answers the question: "When faced with an existential crisis, indicated by declines in key performance indicators, how do public leaders make decisions?" The research uses the Garbage Can Model and Incrementalism combined theoretical framework to explore how public administrators navigate crises in complex, hierarchical, and bureaucratic structures where unpredictable challenges often demand adaptive responses. This study offers insights into decision-making processes that blend reactive, opportunistic choices with measured, gradual adjustments.

The findings from this research contribute to the field of public administration by examining the decision-making strategies used by leaders at public community colleges in Virginia during a …

The Magazine, Spring 2025, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Alumni Association Publications

The Magazine of Morehead State University from spring of 2025.

Teaching Art Beyond The Hierarchy: How “Big Ideas” Combat Cultural Appropriation, Carlie Pearson

Institute for the Humanities Master's Papers, Projects, and Capstones

[First paragraph] As an art educator who has worked with children aged 5-18 in the public-school setting, I find myself constantly assessing and reevaluating my practices. When I was in high school and falling in love with the world of visual art, I had a teacher who introduced me to the beautiful and sacred art of mandala making. We learned about how Buddhist Monks create massive works with colorful sand, and I was shocked to hear that the pieces are traditionally swept away upon completion. When I started my first full time teaching position seven years ago at a high …

The Use Of A Four-Day School Week To Recruit And Retain Teachers In A Rural District, Liz Hollingworth, Brian P. An

The Rural Educator

The purpose of the study was to explore the implementation of a four-day school week policy in a rural district. The research questions driving the study were: (a) How does the transition to a four-day school week affect the well-being of the school district teachers, students, and parents, and (b) how does the four-day school week affect teacher recruitment and retention in the school district? The researchers conducted a mixed-method case study with school administrators, parents, and teachers. The researchers compiled survey results and examined publicly available teacher retention and turnover rates from 2017–2024. Results suggest the new policy had …

Preparing Preservice Teachers For Rural Teaching Through Professional Learning During Teaching Practice, Blandina Daniel Mazzuki

The Rural Educator

Resource deficit in rural schools has been reported to affect recruitment and retention of teachers. However, many researchers focus on external factors that can attract teachers to teach in rural schools. This study explores teacher educators’ and preservice teachers’ perspectives on strategies that may equip preservice teachers with professional learning during their teaching practice to attract them to teaching and staying in rural schools. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam University College of Education-DUCE). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions conducted with 5 teacher educators and 33 preservice …

Understanding The Adoption Of Virtual Labs In Rural Secondary Schools: A Descriptive Analysis Of Perceived Usefulness, Ease Of Use, And Behavioral Intentions, Brian Shambare, Thuthukile Jita

The Rural Educator

Despite the promising advantages of cutting-edge technologies like virtual laboratories (VL) for enhancing science education, a significant gap remains between their theoretical benefits and practical application, particularly in rural schools in the Global South. This article argues that the effective integration of VL is largely dependent on teachers’ perceptions of the technology. Research suggests that user acceptance issues, especially related to teachers’ views, are critical when introducing new technologies, including VL, into educational settings. This study presents data from a quantitative survey of 186 life science teachers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Using Davis’s technology acceptance model …

Process And Preliminary Results In Developing A Rural Teacher Intention Survey, Jennifer G. Whitfield, Devon Brenner, Diana Outlaw, Dana Pomykal Franz

The Rural Educator

Across the US, schools struggle to recruit and retain teachers in rural communities. While the body of research that documents rural teacher staffing challenges is increasing, more research is needed about preservice teachers’ decisions about where to teach and how their educator preparation programs (EPPs) may influence their decision. An important step in this process is collecting data regarding preservice teachers’ intentions to teach in rural schools before entering the profession and their perceptions of experiences in EPPs that may have influenced those decisions. In this article, drawn from a larger National Science Foundation collaborative research project focusing on the …