Education Commons^™

The Importance Of Pragmatics In The Foreign Language Classroom, Emma Marie Hatsuko Van Ermen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pragmatics has received relatively little attention in language instruction, as it is often regarded as a higher level skill and has only recently gained prominence in linguistic research. This literature review examines the role of pragmatics in foreign language teaching and explores why it is a critical component of language acquisition. First, pragmatics is distinguished from other linguistic branches, such as syntax and semantics, to clarify its unique function in shaping context-dependent communication. Then, the importance of pragmatics in language learning is discussed and the benefits of explicit teaching are highlighted. Finally, common methods for teaching pragmatics such as audio-visual …

Responding To The Needs Of Early Literacy Teachers: Designing Online Professional Development To Improve Writing Instruction For Multilingual Learners, Katie M. Crook, Hazel Vega, Emily Howell, Lindsey W. Rowe, C. C. Bates, Kavita Mittapalli, Amlan Banerjee

Publications

While the population of multilingual learners (MLs) in the United States has grown rapidly in recent years, many teachers feel unprepared to teach them. The professional development (PD) teachers receive is often misaligned with their particular needs and experiences. This design-based research study examined the development and impact of online PD designed with teacher input to improve writing instruction for young MLs. Data were collected over twelve months from 25 teachers in six Southeastern U.S. school districts. Researchers evaluated the impact of the PD on teachers’ knowledge and self-efficacy for teaching writing to MLs. Findings highlight how teachers made instructional …

Multilingual Voices: Transforming Professional Development Based On Student Perceptions Of Literacy Learning, Nicole Ferguson-Sams, Emily Howell, Rebecca Kaminski, Mihaela Gazioglu, Victoria Pennington

Publications

Acknowledging student perceptions of academic learning has been shown to increase the effectiveness of classroom instruction. However, existing research on multilingual learners (MLs) often focuses on their pedagogical and linguistic needs, overlooking their perceptions of literacy learning. This research, part of a large-scale, design-based research (DBR) project, explores MLs' perceptions of literacy learning to increase the capacity of instruction through professional development to classroom teachers in a high-needs school district. Using grounded theory coding, we analyzed MLs' responses from a self-efficacy survey to gain insight into their perceptions of literacy learning. Those findings were used to inform DBR modifications, including …

2024-2025 Library & Learning Annual Review, Library & Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Library & Learning Annual Reviews

Digital version of the 2024-2025 Annual Review for Library & Learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Explore Your Future, Faith M. Merritt

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Explore Your Future, a doctoral capstone project, was developed to aid the development and learning of low socioeconomic status (SES) children attending the McGlynn Center. This project focused on career readiness, addressing community concerns by providing resources on career possibilities, educational pathways, and skills training. A scoping review revealed gaps in research on interventions improving career readiness in low SES children, with limited studies identified across seven databases. Early intervention is proven to enhance career exploration, social-emotional outcomes, social awareness, academic performance, and vocational identity (Howard & Ferrari, 2022). Improvements in self concept, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and confidence …

The Impact Of Postsecondary Programs On The Transition To Adulthood And Key Strategies Educators Can Implement To Support Students With Disabilities, Dava M. Huls

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs play a crucial role in preparing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for adulthood by enhancing employment, independent living, and social skills Zhang et al., (2023). The expansion of PSE programs has provided students with diverse opportunities tailored to their needs, benefiting both individuals with disabilities and their peers without disabilities. However, significant disparities remain in health, economic, and social outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Legislative support, such as the Higher Education Opportunity Act, has promoted inclusion. Still, challenges persist, including low self-disclosure rates and inconsistencies in Summary of Performance (SOP) documentation (Graybill et al., …

The Importance Of Executive Function Skills In Neurodivergent Students, Charlene M. Loverink

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examined three main areas: (a) the impact of executive function skills on academic achievement in students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specific learning disabilities (SLD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); (b) interventions designed to enhance executive function skills in these neurodivergent students; and (c) the long-term effects of executive function skills on academic success. The articles reviewed defined executive function skills to include working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and planning. The term "neurodivergent students" refers to those with ASD, SLD, and ADHD. The review considered both clinical and school-based interventions. This literature review concluded that social-emotional …

Cognitive Behavioral Strategies And Academic Success Among Students Experiencing Trauma, Michael G. Gibbs

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

​​This study explores literature focused on the impact of implementing the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) method to improve academic achievement among students who have experienced trauma. CBITS is a school-based, evidence-informed intervention designed to address the psychological and behavioral challenges that trauma creates, which often interfere with academic achievement. This literature review examines changes in student outcomes, including emotional regulation, focus, and academic performance, following CBITS implementation. A comprehensive analysis highlights the documented effectiveness and benefits of CBITS across diverse studies and educational contexts.

Improving Academics Using Brain Breaks, Nicole Rose Graeve

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how brain breaks, also known as activity breaks, impact student learning and retention as well as student overall well-being. The compiled research in this review demonstrates how breaks taken throughout the day not only help with health benefits, but also help students academically. Breaks help students perform better in the classroom, but even more importantly, students reported greater focus, engagement, and less restlessness after taking either a brain or academic break. This is reinforced through effective classroom implementation and proper application of brain breaks. Examples of common brain breaks include a video with active instructions to get …

College And Career Readiness Through Business-Focused Ctsos, Krystal W. Murphy

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the literature review was to explore how business-focused Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in secondary education contribute to preparing students for post-secondary education and career success. This review analyzes CTSO program components and activities, employability skills, business skills from the Minnesota Career Fields, Clusters, and Pathways (MN Career Wheel) model, the outlook for business-related majors and business-related employment opportunities, and the impact of CTSOs on post-secondary education and career readiness. CTSOs have been designed to enrich college and career readiness opportunities for secondary students. Through rigorous competitions, workshops, and conferences, each business-focused CTSO has a goal …

Southern Adventist University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025, Southern Adventist University

Catalog, Undergraduate

Southern Adventist University's undergraduate catalog for the academic year 2024-2025.

Ssa-25-004 - Sga Legislation, Student Government Association, East Tennessee State University

Student Government Association Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

2025 Election Results - Student Government Association, Student Government Association, East Tennessee State University

Student Government Association Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Ssa-25-001 - Sga Legislation, Student Government Association, East Tennessee State University

Student Government Association Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Navigating Artificial Intelligence: How Traditional Midwestern Four-Year Higher Education Institution Distance Learning Programs Are Addressing Artificial Intelligence, Eric Samaritoni

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

AI's rapid evolution and integration into society has had and will continue to influence how distance education programs teach their students profoundly. This study aimed to explore the opinions of higher education distance education Provost administrators, program managers, directors, department chairs, and other subject matter experts on the perceived impact of AI in the classroom. This study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to examine how AI impacts students, faculty, program delivery, institutional policies, and university budgets. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 faculty members meeting the criteria to answer research questions based on their experience or observations. The study used …

An Adapted Social And Emotional Learning Curriculum For Middle School Students With Emotional Disturbances, Jacob Houston

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

This project addresses how an adapted Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, grounded in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework and aligned with a personalized Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model, can more effectively support the social and emotional learning development of students with Emotional Disturbances (ED). The project culminated in the design of a four-week SEL curriculum unit focused on building relationship skills—one of the five core CASEL competencies. The curriculum is delivered using the SOAR model (Scholarship, Ownership, Awareness, Respect), a personalized PBIS framework that integrates the existing Character Strong SEL program with …

Teaching Financial Literacy: How Educator Background, Confidence And Preparedness Shape Student Financial Behavior, Abigail M. Osborn

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many states have adopted high school personal finance graduation course requirements to address the lack of financial literacy in the United States. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the role of teachers’ backgrounds, confidence, and preparedness in delivering effective personal finance education. Literature reveals a significant financial knowledge gap among secondary teachers, paralleling the financial illiteracy of American adults. This gap contributes to low teacher self-efficacy in providing financial education and negatively impacts student financial knowledge, skills and behaviors. High-quality education for teachers strengthens content knowledge, increases confidence to teach financial literacy, and encourages positive student future financial …

Meeting Student Needs: The Impact Of Physical Classroom Features On Student Success And Well-Being, Amanda Sleen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how physical features of the classroom environment impact student academic achievement and well-being in secondary education. Through a comprehensive literature review, this thesis examines four key areas: classroom lighting, classroom libraries, class size, and technology use. Drawing from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this review investigates how environmental factors meet or hinder students’ basic psychological needs, such as safety, belonging, and self-esteem, and contribute to academic success. Overall, natural and dynamic light in classrooms are tied to mood, focus, and academic performance; classroom libraries can foster identity development, empathy, and motivation to read; small class sizes allow for …

Effective Individualized Services By Case Managers Of Special Education Students At The Secondary Level, David Allan Wenell

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Special education case managers in secondary education may need to utilize check-ins as a service for students. While students should be kept in the least restrictive environment, their needs sometimes necessitate services outside the general education classroom setting. A check-in offers an opportunity for case managers to build positive relationships with their students while providing time to work on student-specific deficits that may not be addressable in the secondary classroom. Special education students across multiple disabilities sometimes have deficits in executive functioning skills and/or social, emotional, and behavioral skills. These may be best addressed briefly at a weekly or monthly …

The Effects Of Literature Groups On Social-Emotional Learning And Reading Motivation Among Adolescents, Jennifer Krista Geisinger

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As students move into adolescence there is an increased need for social and emotional competencies to navigate academic expectations, personal identity, and social structures. Research has shown that social and emotional learning can increase learning engagement, self-management, and social awareness. This literature review explores the use of book clubs to promote social and emotional competencies among adolescents and build reading motivation. Research has shown that when students are provided a choice in what they read, and books that reflect their own cultural and/or personal identity, reading engagement increases. Book clubs can be a powerful tool for students to share their …

Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies For Secondary Students With Disabilities In The General Education Setting, Karlie N. Groves

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Concern regarding the quality of reading instruction continues to be a topic addressed by researchers, educators, administrators, and policymakers. Historically, there have been many avenues reported to teach reading comprehension skills. This study reviews researched-based strategies for secondary students with reading deficits in the general education setting; specifically, students who receive special education services and participate in general education courses. To make progress in reading skills and have access to general education content, students benefit from explicit reading comprehension that includes vocabulary, pre-reading, active reading, and post-reading strategies. This information equips educators and educational staff with research-based strategies, tools, and …

Recovery Capital Among Students In Collegiate Recovery Programs At Two-Year And Four-Year Higher Education Institutions In West Virginia, Amy M. Saunders

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) have been around for decades, supporting higher education students by offering supports, resources, and a community. However, most existing research focuses on four-year institutions, and there is limited data on recovery supports at twoyear institutions, as well as limited research on recovery capital among this population. This study explores differences in recovery capital, a measure of internal and external resources supporting recovery, among students in CRPs at two-year versus four-year institutions in West Virginia by answering the following questions: 1.) Are there differences between students’ reported recovery capital index (RCI) scores based on institution type? 2.) …

Effective Learning Practices For Rural And First Generation College Students, Maureen Kraus Gildein

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the use and perceived effectiveness of instructional strategies among college students, with attention to differences based on GPA, class year, gender, and first-generation status. Four families of strategies—Information Processing, Personal, Behavioral, and Social/Family—were evaluated to understand how students engage with and benefit from various learning approaches. Findings indicate that students employ a multi-faceted set of strategies across all domains, with moderate to high levels of use and effectiveness. Information Processing strategies, particularly logically organized content, were reported as most frequently used and highly effective. Personal and Behavioral strategies, including self-monitoring, goalsetting, and active engagement, were widely applied …

Decreasing Disruptive Behaviors In Elementary Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders To Promote Academic And Social Success, Parker K. Bakke

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated how elementary special education teachers can support students with EBD to promote social and academic success. Students with EBD struggle with behaviors that can negatively affect the classroom environment such as aggression, inattentiveness, impulsivity, defiance, and lack of self-regulation. These result in poor relationships with peers and adverse effects on learning. Teachers who use proper interventions, structured classroom schedules, and consistent routines can support these behaviors. Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL), as well as building safe and strong relationships with both students and their families, can also aid in promoting positive outcomes. Without the appropriate knowledge, support, and …

Etsu At-A-Glance - 2023-2024, University Marketing And Communications, East Tennessee State University

ETSU At-a-Glance

No abstract provided.

Siguiendo El Camino/Following The Path: Exploring The Experiences Of Latin* Second-Generation College Students, Libby Lee Curiel

CGU Theses & Dissertations

With degrees linked to upward mobility and, thus, a robust economy, college completion has become a central focus of the national higher education agenda. As the largest ethnic population in the United States, Latin* college students are at the center of the completion conversation. While enrolling in more significant numbers, they also have some of the lowest degree attainment rates. Most of these students also enter and exit higher education at the community college level. With research and policy focused on low-income first-generation college students in conversations about completion and upward mobility, second-generation college Latin* students and their first-generation parents …

2025 - University Council Membership, University Council, East Tennessee State University

University Council Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Finding Evidence For Understanding The Level Of Technology Integration By Teacher Candidates: A Mixed Methods Analysis To Support Caep Standards, Jennifer R. Jackson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Accrediting bodies, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), are increasingly focused on how teacher preparation programs integrate technology. As part of the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) teacher candidates demonstrate essential classroom skills through submission of teaching videos, lesson plans, and reflections. This study examined which of these three document types provides the strongest evidence of technology use among teacher candidates. Using a technology integration model, the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM), this study quantitatively assessed the levels of technology integration and characteristics of the learning environment visible in a stratified random sample of 150 submitted documents. …

Insights From The Second Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum: Attendee Demographics And Program Perceptions, E. J. Hennessey, C. Wilson, J. Thompson, Y. Wallace, S. Brown, M. Tetui, R. Costa, K. Hogarth, V. Oliver, T. Kayode, J. Wilson, H. Mistry

Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum

The Scarborough Charter (2022) on Anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian Higher Education steering committee invited signatories to attend a two-day inter-institutional forum hosted in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in May of 2024.

The Scarborough Charter Inter-institutional Forum was organized under the theme ‘Bridging Black,’ emphasizing the need to bridge the gaps in both learning and action and to build better connections between senior administration, faculty, staff, students, and Black communities at higher education institutions.

This gathering was the second forum in the series, and the first to conduct an evaluation of organizers and attendees.

The feedback garnered from surveys …

Exploring Educator Perceptions Of The Impact Of Career And Technical Education On Student Outcomes, Michael J. Mosca

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This qualitative study demonstrated the benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) over the traditional educational system and identified key components necessary to implement CTE programs in smaller-sized secondary schools, like those found in the Long Island Region of New York. Although an abundance of research existed on the benefits of CTE, these studies focused on programs in large school districts with high student enrollment and, most often, multiple high schools. Long Island consisted of school districts that are unique from other geographical locations in that its school districts are community based and 87% contain a single high school with …