Education Commons^™

Effects Of Selected Language-Related Factors On Reading Performance And Growth In Grades 4-5: An Hypothesis-Generating, Growth Mixture Modeling Study, Robyn Mennella

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

As U.S. society becomes increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse, public schools face challenges in developing more effective approaches to reading instruction, especially for students who are learning English as a new language. This dissertation investigated the impact of selected language-related factors on the reading performance and growth trajectories of 370 students in Grades 4 and 5, obtained through six nationally-normed i-Ready reading assessments in a suburban New York State public school district. Controlling for gender, socioeconomic status, and having an individualized education program, this study examined three key factors: English language proficiency, participation in two-way dual language instruction, and primary …

Rural Adolescent Girls' Experiences With Female Antiheroes: A Phenomenological Study Of Literature Discussions And Mentorship, Candice Kennedy Byers

All ETDs from UAB

This phenomenological research study focused on the experiences of rural adolescent girls reading female led multicultural young adult literature with the guidance of a female mentor teacher. Using two multicultural young adult novels one with a strong female protagonist and one with a female antihero protagonist, this five-week study sought to explore the lived experiences of 14 adolescent girls in the rural Southeast. The theoretical frameworks of Radical Feminism (Lawford-Smith, 2022; hooks, 2015; Kreps 1972; Rhodes, 2005), Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, 1988; Ladson-Billings. 2003; Delgado, 1989; Harris 1993), and Multicultural Young Adult Literature (Nieto, 2002; Fox & Short, 2003; Boyd …

Mandatory Grade Retention: A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Principals During The Implementation Of The Alabama Literacy Act, Kiana Billings Coleman

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT For over 40 years, the standards-based reform movement has significantly influenced educational policy in the United States (Shanahan, 2014). Educators across the country are under increasing pressure to improve student achievement as states implement policies that link test scores to accountability measures. Recently, the adoption of mandatory grade retention policies has emerged as a popular intervention for addressing low academic performance. Effective leadership is vital to the success of policy initiatives. However, there is limited research on how school principals experience mandatory retention policies. Understanding how administrators navigate retention policies is essential for identifying effective leadership strategies that facilitate …

"It Says Mommy’S Coffee!": Environmental Print As A Tool To Support Young Children’S Emergent Literacy And Family Engagement In Early Care And Education, Melissa Dawn Sudduth

All ETDs from UAB

This study addressed topics related to family engagement in early childhood education, emergent literacy skills, and the use of environmental print (EP) to support young children’s emergent literacy. The children of interest in this study were young children between the ages of birth and 5-years enrolled in licensed, private early care and education (ECE) centers in Alabama. The researcher employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design using a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews to address the following mixed methods questions: How do families of young children perceive family engagement?, Which emergent literacy skills do families of young children value and …

Conference Program 2025, Georgia Southern University

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

2025 Program

The Struggle For Equity In Education: Affirmative Action And Systemic Change, Derek Truong

Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research

Derek’s paper analyzed both the oppressive and liberating roles the education system holds within society. He grounded this research by examining this paradox within the case study of affirmative action, particularly alongside the experiences of Asian Americans and other historically marginalized perspectives. By examining educational theories, Derek argued that a critical analysis of affirmative action demystifies this paradox and exposes deeper systemic inequities in the education system. With a nuanced view of affirmative action based on theory, Derek concluded that systemic and pedagogical changes can occur with internal reforms, such as integrating a more inclusive curriculum that reflects a diverse …

Reducing Transactional Distance With Ai: Examining The Role Of Chatbots In Online Student Satisfaction And Achievement, Joseph Rene Corbeil, Maria Elena Corbeil

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This study explored graduate students’ perceptions of an AI-powered chatbot integrated into an online education course, guided by Moore’s (1997) Theory of Transactional Distance. A total of 47 students completed a survey assessing Dialogue, Structure, Learner Autonomy, Satisfaction, Perceived Achievement, and Intent to Continue Use. Regression analyses revealed that all three transactional distance dimensions significantly predicted student satisfaction, with Dialogue as the strongest predictor. Dialogue and Structure were significant predictors of perceived achievement, while Learner Autonomy significantly predicted students’ intention to use chatbots in future courses. Qualitative responses reinforced these findings, emphasizing the chatbot’s helpfulness and responsiveness. Overall, results suggest …

The Impact Of Professionalism Education And Formative Feedback In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Utilizing The Abbreviated Cpi Feedback Form In The On-Campus Clinic Environment, William L. Scott

Dissertations

Problem

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) developed the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) to assess the professional behaviors required for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student to be considered "entry level" in their clinical training. Feedback from our clinical partners has indicated that, historically, students from the Andrews University DPT program have scored lower than students from other programs in several areas of the CPI during their clinical experiences. According to subjective reports from our clinical partners, these areas included safety, professional behavior, accountability, communication, and critical thinking. These five areas have been the focus of our efforts in …

Moral Identity And Its Relationship To Higher Education Mentoring And Community Service Engagement, Maria O. Rodriguez

Dissertations

Problem

A moral action is a result of the engagement of multiple psychological processes set in motion when an individual faces a moral conflict. Research suggests that an individual's moral reasoning and moral identity strongly influence the psychological processes that precede a moral action. Recent studies have shown that higher education positively influences students' moral reasoning; however, there is a lack of understanding as to the degree to which higher education can influence the moral identity of students.

Method

This study performed a quantitative cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between independent variables—mentoring experiences and community service engagement—and dependent variables—moral …

War-Displaced International Students: A Qualitative Study Of Factors Influencing The Integration Of Ukrainians At A Midwestern Healthcare College, Ivan Riapolov

Dissertations

Problem

The war in Ukraine has disrupted the country’s higher education system, displacing Ukrainian students and affecting their mental well-being. These students encounter numerous challenges while adapting to new academic and cultural environments abroad. Higher education professionals must recognize and address the unique experiences and needs of international students by region of origin to better serve these populations. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the social and academic integration of Ukrainian international students into a new culture and to inform institutions of the best practices for creating supportive environments for international students.

Method

The qualitative study explored …

Religious Participation, Subjective Happiness, And Purpose In Life As Predictors Of Psychological Resilience Among College Students At A Faith-Based Institution In The United States, Elaine Powell Oliver

Dissertations

Problem

During the transition from adolescence to adulthood, also known as emerging adulthood, many college students experience psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness (Arnett & Tanner, 2009; DeRosier et al., 2013). For some students, their psychological distress will impact how they perform academically and whether they will persist in their academic goals (Hartley, 2012; Robbins et al., 2018). Many students lack the resilience needed to survive and thrive amid the challenges of college life (Lane, 2020; McLafferty et al., 2022; Watkins et al., 2012). -- Resilience is considered an essential psychological characteristic to assist students in navigating …

2025 Retirees Association Newsletter, Morehead State University. Alumni Association.

Morehead State Alumni Association Publications

The Morehead State University 2025 Retirees Association Newsletter.

State Of The University Annual Report - 2024-2025, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

Office of the President State of the University Annual Report

No abstract provided.

New Student Convocation, Krysten Walowski

Remarks and Messages

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Craft Academy Student Handbook, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Communications and Marketing Publications Archive

The 2025-2026 Craft Academy Student Handbook.

Burnout And Quality Of Life As Predictors Of Compassion Fatigue In Inner-City Teachers In The United States, Helen Richelle Ceballo-Hernández

Dissertations

Problem

Teachers are under great stress which can result in burnout and the feeling of being overloaded with work. In turn, burnout can induce compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is often referred to in the literature as repeated exposure to others’ trauma endured by first responders, nurses, and other medical professionals as well as others in the helping profession such as therapists and social workers. The empathy of helping professionals incites compassion fatigue for those whom they help. Teachers, though not originally classified as part of the helping professions, are susceptible to compassion fatigue due to their empathy and the amount …

Exploring Educator Burnout: Experiences And Perceptions Of Teachers And Principals In Canadian K-12 Seventh-Day Adventist Schools, David Anthony Elias

Dissertations

Problem

Burnout among educators is a growing concern, particularly within faith-based school systems where teachers often balance high professional expectations with spiritual commitments. In K-12 Canadian Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) schools, limited research has explored how burnout manifests, the factors contributing to it, and its impact on teacher retention. This study aimed to examine the levels and causes of burnout among SDA educators, as well as the systemic factors influencing their experiences.

Method

This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES) to measure emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced …

Inner Life, Spiritual Leadership, And Spiritual Well-Being As Predictors Of The Organizational Performance Of Employees At A Seventh-Day Adventist University In Latin America, Patricio Ordoñez

Dissertations

Problem

While traditional leadership models, such as transactional and transformational leadership, have shown success, recent research highlights the need for leadership approaches that address the spiritual and ethical dimensions of individuals in the workplace. Leaders who fail to integrate spiritual leadership risk negatively impacting employee satisfaction, creativity, and overall organizational performance. Despite the well-established concepts of inner life and spiritual well-being, more research is needed to understand their effects on employee performance in faith-based institutions. This study sought to fill that gap by examining the relationship among inner life, spiritual leadership, and spiritual well-being as predictors of organizational performance among …

Perceived Social Support And Religious Attitudes As Correlates Of Spiritual Well-Being Among Senior Undergraduate Students At Northeast Brazil Adventist University, Hebert Davi Liessi

Dissertations

Problem

Even though the study of spirituality has been a recurrent theme in academia, in Brazil there has been little emphasis on the analysis of spiritual well-being in the context of university students. Few studies have examined the correlation of spiritual well-being with perceived social support or religious attitudes among university students, and most of these have been in the fields of health care or health recovery. Some research has indicated that religious attitudes may be partially disconnected from improvements in the level of spirituality. -- This study aimed to verify whether this disconnection is real or relevant, and assumed …

Developing The Leadership Competency Of Critical Thinking In College Students: A Quasi-Experimental Mixed Methods Study At A Small Christian College, Norberto Restrepo

Dissertations

Our world of constant change and complex challenges requires citizens who know how to exercise higher-order thinking skills, and individuals who have developed their metacognitive abilities to a higher extent are better prepared to perform effectively as leaders. This quasi-experimental mixed methods study employed a pre and posttest design to determine whether the critical thinking skills of students at Hartland College could be improved over the course of a one quarter ten week term through the use of biblical worldview instructional approaches such as biblical worldview development, faith learning integration, and deep Bible study that had critical thinking activities embedded …

The Influence Of The Residency Interview Format On Future Interviewing Models And Use Of Preference Signals, John E. Snellings, Hanwen Miao, Daniel L. Meyer, Miranda A. Moore

Department of Family and Community Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the format of residency recruitment, leading to the widespread adoption of virtual interviews, followed by the adoption of preference signaling. This study examines how the structure of the 2023-2024 interview season influenced family medicine residency program directors' intentions for future interview formats and their preferences regarding the number of preference signals.

Methods: A Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance survey, including demographic questions, was distributed to all family medicine residency program directors in the United States in spring 2024. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, χ² tests, and multivariable logistic …

Educator Equity And Pedagogy: Multilingual Learners In Rural Schools, Marsha R. Martin Kerr

Doctor of Education

This sequential explanatory mixed-method design study aims to understand and identify educator experiences and beliefs and how they affect equitable pedagogy with multilingual learners(MLLs) in rural K-12 public schools today. The research questions the significance of equitable pedagogy, systems, and resistances instructing MLLs to create dialogue supporting educator self-awareness, critical thinking, and collaboration while supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultivating a positive school climate through multicultural education. The theoretical framework threads social learning theory through psychological mechanisms of observance and behavior from others, and social theory examines educational institutions through sociological perspectives and methodologies. These theories support teaching and learning …

International Students' Perceptions Of Enrollment Support Services At Andrews University: An Analysis Of 2021-2024 Data, Erica Fernanda Zaccariotto Batista

Dissertations

Problem

Enrollment services are crucial in shaping students' early experiences by guiding them through complex administrative processes and facilitating their adjustment to the higher education environment. Research indicates that the quality of these services significantly impacts students' first impressions, engagement, and overall satisfaction with their educational journey. However, a gap exists in research specifically focused on how enrollment services affect the experiences of international students navigating higher education. This study examines international students' perceptions regarding enrollment services at Andrews University from 2021 to 2024. It aims to identify the key factors that influence international student enrollment data, evaluate their perceptions …

2025 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

SoTL Commons Conference

2025 Conference Program

Experiences Of Exemplary Supervisors Promoting Workplace Dignity Across Social Identity Differences, Emily Joy Aiken

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Imagine a workplace where supervisors centered the dignity of each unique individual and sought to honor each person in their wholeness. This type of work environment moves beyond a toxic culture to a space that fosters flourishing, growth, and inclusion. Given that supervisors play an integral role in the experiences of staff members, this study explored the experiences of supervisors in promoting workplace dignity across cultural differences within higher education. With a focus on relational practices and a positive framing, this research sought to develop a nuanced understanding of dignified leadership across social identity differences. Leveraging a constructivist grounded theory …

Mental Heath Experiences Of Transracial Adoptees Of The Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color - Bipoc)., Phebe Brako

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing …

Motivated By Love: Can Deep Listening Support The Health And Wellbeing Of Anthroposophical Inspired Organizations, Barbarah Jean Nicoll

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Goethe expressed his devotion to his scientific and artistic pursuits as “love” (Lambert, 2011, p. 35). Motivated by love for anthroposophical initiatives in the world, the research question for this dissertation is: can deep listening be a support for the organizational health and wellbeing of anthroposophical inspired initiatives? Exploring and examining research on listening attuned to anthroposophical initiatives, this research seeks to understand existing wisdom on listening and its impact on organizational wellbeing. The theoretical foundations for this research are based on anthroposophical insights and a Goethean worldview. These foundational concepts relate to indigenous ways of knowing through their acknowledgement …

Are We On The Same Page? A Look At Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion At A Small Liberal Arts College, Lisa Johnson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education have gained momentum in recent years, yet struggle to achieve meaningful, lasting change. This dissertation critically examines whether institutional structures at a small liberal arts college are effectively supporting DEI initiatives, questioning whether institutional efforts align with the lived experiences of students, faculty, and staff. It challenges the notion that mission statements or policy reforms alone are sufficient to drive systemic change. Using an action research framework, students were engaged as coresearchers to explore the disconnect between institutional rhetoric and the realities of DEI implementation. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating …

Creating A General Psychology Curriculum That Embeds Humane Education, Kristina Marie Pham

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Academic freedom is under attack in the United States, hindering the ability of educators to develop critical thinking skills in students to prepare them for their roles as participating members of a democracy. The inquiry that informed the curriculum development is as follows: How to embed Humane Education and Participatory Action Research into a General Psychology class? The theoretical framework of Humane Education was the basis for utilizing the principles of Participatory Action Research in the General Psychology curriculum co-created with rural community college students. The Backward Design Model was chosen because the curriculum was created using an existing General …

Becoming And Belonging: Exploring Teachers’ Insights On Community Interest And Engagement In Waldorf Middle School Students, Monica Laurent

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research explores how Waldorf middle school teachers experience, perceive, and support the development of community interest, engagement, and belonging among the early adolescence years of middle school. Adolescence, particularly ages 11 to 14, is a period of profound developmental transition characterized by intense emotionality, evolving identity, increased peer influence, and growing social complexity. Rudolf Steiner’s philosophical and pedagogical framework positions this stage as a time that leads to the birth of the astral or feeling body, contributing to new levels of self-awareness and the emergence of individuality, the beginning of critical thinking, and moral judgment. This period is also …