Education Commons^™

Behaviorism Literature Review On School Suspension And The School To Prison Pipeline, Joelle Tidwell

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

An analysis of the current body of research about the school to prison pipeline demonstrates that exclusionary practices are indicators for which students will encounter the criminal justice system in their youth and adulthood. Moreover, exclusionary practices are associated with a variety of other negative outcomes such as poor mental health, poor physical health, and lower wages. This research demonstrates the need for exclusionary practices to be replaced with school-wide behavioral supports that will provide intervention and strategies for students that help keep them in the classroom instead of simply punishing them with isolation.

The Learning Crisis: Three Years After Covid-19, Tomasz Gajderowicz, Maciej Jakubowski, Alec Kennedy, Christian Christrup Kjeldsen, Harry Anthony Patrinos, Rolf Strietholt

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to education, with school closures affecting over one billion children. These closures, aimed at reducing virus transmission, resulted in significant learning losses, particularly in mathematics and science. Using data from TIMSS 2023, which assesses fourth and eighth-grade achievements across 71 education systems, this study analyzes the impact of school closure duration on learning outcomes. Mixed-effect models estimate deviations from pre-pandemic trends, adjusting for demographic factors. Results show a global average decline of 0.11 standard deviations (SD) in student achievement, with longer closures linked to more severe losses. The effects on low performers, girls, and …

Improving Environment Novelty Quantification For Effective Unsupervised Environment Design, Jayden Teoh, Wenjun Li, Pradeep Varakantham

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Unsupervised Environment Design (UED) formalizes the problem of autocurricula through interactive training between a teacher agent and a student agent. The teacher generates new training environments with high learning potential, curating an adaptive curriculum that strengthens the student’s ability to handle unseen scenarios. Existing UED methods mainly rely on regret, a metric that measures the difference between the agent’s optimal and actual performance, to guide curriculum design. Regret-driven methods generate curricula that progressively increase environment complexity for the student but overlook environment novelty–a critical element for enhancing an agent’s generalizability. Measuring environment novelty is especially challenging due to the underspecified …

Generating A Reflexive Ai-Assisted Workflow For Academic Writing, Corey W. Johnson, Trena M. Paulus

The Qualitative Report

Digital research workflows are study designs that intentionally consider the use of technology in meaningful and reflexive ways. While most scholars use digital tools and spaces in their research process, doing so has consequences that are infrequently considered in an intentional way. Especially in this age of generative AI, technology integration into research studies will have an even greater impact and consequences on study outcomes. This paper documents one digital research workflow, the academic writing process, to demonstrate how inviting generative AI to be a writing partner can be done in a reflexive manner. Drawing on Paulus and Lester’s (2023) …

A Report Summarizing Hsc Faculty Participants: Ithaka S+R Coordinated Study Making Ai Generative For Higher Education, Laura J. Hall, Robyn Gleasner

Publications

This report presents findings from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s (HSC) participation in the ITHAKA S+R study Making AI Generative for Higher Education. Seven faculty members from HSC disciplines including internal medicine, pathology, psychiatry, nursing, radiology, and population health were interviewed to explore their perspectives on generative AI (GenAI) in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and institutional support. A unique theme of “practice” emerged, reflecting how GenAI is influencing clinical care, bench-to-bedside translation, and the preparation of students for future professional practice. The report highlights faculty experiences, ethical concerns, and support needs, offering insight into how …

A Descriptive Case Study Of An Innovative, University-Based Coaching System For Resident Teachers, Matthew J. Wester

Dissertations

Teacher residency programs (TRPs) have emerged over the past two decades as an effective model of teacher preparation. Within this alternative pathway to teacher certification, pre-service teachers, known as resident teachers, engage in a lengthy clinical teaching experience under the guidance of a trained mentor teacher and field supervisor while concurrently completing closely aligned, graduate-level coursework.

A key element of successful teacher residency programs is the use of a structured coaching system to support resident teachers — defined in this study as the components that form the coaching framework for resident teachers within a defined educational context, operating together to …

Leading The Charge: A Case Study On The Leadership Behaviors Of Education Leaders At Title I Campuses In Texas Prisons, Ashley Mckelvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Each year, eligible schools across the nation receive Title I grant funds through the Elementary and Secondary Act. These funds, justified in pursuit of social justice and educational equity, serve to provide supplemental education services to neglected and delinquent students. While the majority of the awarded schools operate within the traditional school setting, a very small number of schools in the United States operate within the correctional setting. These schools receive Title I Part D Subpart 1 funds. Consequently, most of the guidance pertains to best practices within traditional public schools, which provides no provision on the appropriate use of …

A Comparative Analysis Of Early Algebraic Thinking Activities From U.S. And Singapore Primary Textbooks, Christian Joel Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies highlight the challenges students face when transitioning to algebra at the secondary level. Introducing algebraic concepts and fostering algebraic thinking at the primary level can help mitigate these difficulties. Prior to formal algebra instruction, early algebra can be cultivated as a mode of thinking known as algebraic thinking. Several international curricula, such as Singapore Math, incorporate early algebraic thinking into the early stages of schooling. Singapore Math, renowned for its high performance in international assessments, has been widely adopted by schools seeking to replicate its success.

This study compares two primary-level mathematics curricula—CCSSM-aligned textbooks and Singapore Math—specifically focusing …

It’S So Liberating To Do The Work: Education In Archives Creates Space For People With Disabilities, Jen Hoyer, Julia Pelaez

Publications and Research

What are the barriers and possibilities archives education presents to the disabilities community? More specifically, how can archives education and teaching with primary sources provide opportunities for disabled students that they might not find in mainstream education settings? What matters when working with students with disabilities in archives, and what does it feel like to be a disabled educator in an archive? How can education in archives provide opportunities for vulnerability, connection, and liberation? Sharing a passion for the possibilities of education work in archives and special collections, Jen Hoyer and Julia Pelaez sat down for a conversation about these …

Preparing Educators To Effectively Engage With Postsecondary Stem Students With Autism, Luzconsuelo Gavaldon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime mental disability (Boucher, 2009). Because the brains of people with autism work differently than their non-neurodiverse peers (Kuzminskaite et al., 2020), they tend to respond to external stimuli in a hypo- or hyper-sensory fashion. One of the primary considerations that must be accounted for when working with individuals with autism is that the brains of these persons are each neurologically distinct. In other words, there is no "one-size-fits-all" means by which individuals with ASD learn and develop and, consequently, no single way to therefore engage with said individuals (Anderson & Butt, 2017; Kuzminski …

Unequal Struggles: The Heightened Burdens Of First-Generation College Students During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristen Nichole Branch

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This narrative literature review explores the current research and data on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on first-generation college students. From academics to mental, emotional, and social effects, the COVID-19 pandemic took the hurdles that this unique group of students already faces and amplified their challenges. This narrative literature review looks at different studies starting at the peak of the pandemic, 2020, to the current year, 2024, where we are beginning to see mitigation strategies and changes to policies to assist the flaws within the education system for first-generation students.

Examining Key Predictors Of Enrollment At A Regional, Open-Access Research University On The U.S. - Mexico Border, Marcus Gay

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Each year, approximately 64% of admitted students do not enroll at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). This is particularly concerning given the projected decline in regional high school graduates beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The El Paso region is also predominantly composed of groups who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, including Hispanic or Latino students, individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, and first-generation college students. Using logistic regression analysis, this quantitative study investigates how seven key factors impact the likelihood of enrollment among admitted UTEP applicants. The study utilized admissions data provided by UTEP’s Texas …

A Qualitative Study Of School Resource Officers In A Borderland School, Myrna Lozano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the role of school resource officers (SROs) in enforcing discipline in K-12 public schools. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of SROs involved with discipline issues at schools. By conducting interviews with SROs and examining official school documents, this study will shed light on how these officers navigate the complexities of the job while balancing the need for security with the goal of promoting positive outcomes for students. It is crucial to explore the perspectives and experiences of SROs to better understand their involvement with the K-12 public school …

Unpacking Exclusion: A Narrative Literature Review And Discrete Analysis Of Preschool Suspension And Expulsion, Megan Pheterson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores exclusionary disciplinary practices in preschool settings, where children from marginalized groups, particularly racial minorities and those with disabilities, face a higher risk of suspension and expulsion. This thesis provides a qualitative overview and interpretation of existing literature, pointing trends and gaps in research and highlighting four main themes: (1) Navigating the layers of exclusionary practices: From policy to practice; (2) Exclusionary practices: An adult decision with complex consequences; (3) Exclusive education: Who is left out and why in early childhood settings; and (4) Resistance as a tool for inclusion. Through a Disability Critical Race Theory framework, this …

Constructing A Discourse Model Across Modalities In Bilinguals, Diana Uribe

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The present study aimed to explore whether discourse integration is affected by differences in modalities, and if the magnitude of the effect is modulated by language dominance for bilingual readers. Spanish-English bilinguals read and listened to pairs of passages describing two fake science facts, one of which was repeated across passages and the other revised in the second passage. The pair of passages were either in the dominant or less dominant language. The modality (audio or text) of each member of the passage pair was manipulated across four within-subject conditions. After the second passage of each pair, participants verbally recalled …

Enhancing Student Learning Of The Physics Of The Human Eye In The Context Of Computer Vision Syndrome During Covid-19, Liang Zeng, Guang Zeng

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Development Of Qr Code-Based Arabic Teaching Materials For Oral Skills: A Case Study On Hobby Topics For Grade 1 Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, Dina Mutiatunnisa, Zulfa Azalia Mujahidah, Imam Asrori

Al-Arabi: Journal of Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

The development of Science and Technology (IPTEK) demands learning activities that also involve technology. Especially now that the world of education has been filled by the Alpha generation who are very close to digital skills, so the teaching materials used must also support students to collaborate with technology. This study aims to develop teaching materials for Arabic oral proficiency grade 1 elementary school using QR Code and describe the characteristics of the product developed. This research uses a Research and Development (R&D) approach with Thiagarajan's 4D development model which has four stages, namely define, design, development, and disseminate. The results …

Model Selection Posterior Predictive Model Checking Via Limited-Information Indices For Bayesian Diagnostic Classification Modeling, Jihong Zhang, Jonathan Templin, Xinya Liang

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Recently, Bayesian diagnostic classification modeling has been becoming popular in health psychology, education, and sociology. Typically information criteria are used for model selection when researchers want to choose the best model among alternative models. In Bayesian estimation, posterior predictive checking is a flexible Bayesian model evaluation tool, which allows researchers to detect Q-matrix misspecification. However, model selection methods using posterior predictive checking (PPC) for Bayesian DCM are not well investigated. Thus, this research aims to propose a novel model selection approach using posterior predictive checking with limited-information statistics for selecting the correct Q-matrix. A simulation study was conducted to examine …

The Shift: Web 2.0 Tools And Learner Engagement From The Teacher Perspective, Deig Aaron Sandoval

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 epidemic has altered the educational technology landscape and made Web 2.0 tools' potential for online instruction more apparent. This study uses the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) paradigm to examine teachers’ perceptions of Web 2.0 tools and online learning. The study aims to investigate and advance the expanding body of research on teachers' perceptions of Web 2.0 tools' potential to increase student participation in the classroom. The research questions examine how ready instructors are to utilize Web 2.0 tools, how they feel about using them, how perceived behavioral control variables affect their intents, and how subjective norms …

Student Loan Debt Disparity Among White, African American And Hispanic Women: A National View, Arnoldo Trejo

Theses and Dissertations

Published research into the student loan debt problem reveals a disproportionate impact on underrepresented groups within higher education, notably Hispanics, African Americans, and women students. Research on student loan debt underscores that lower-income and first-generation college students are significantly more affected when compared to their higher-income counterparts. The escalating trends in student loan debt are forcing college-going students in the United States to postpone major life events such as homeownership, marriage, and starting a family. The burden of high student debt negatively influences the accumulation of family wealth, including critical aspects such as home ownership, retirement savings, investments, and other …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Impact And Effectiveness Of Certification Programs In Preparing And Retaining Educators, Teresa De Jesus Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is integral to STEM fields, making math critically important for the stability and development of the nation. As a result, mathematics teachers have a crucial role in our society. A role whose importance needs the necessary support to accomplish its numerous responsibilities. However, research indicates that certification routes—traditional and alternative—often fail to adequately prepare math teachers for the challenges they face, leading to high turnover rates. This study explores the impact of these certification routes on teachers’ abilities to support student achievement, address diverse learning needs, and manage additional duties. Surveying secondary math teachers in the Rio Grande Valley, …

A Phenomenographic Analysis Of Undergraduate Student Perceptions Of The Geosciences And Geoscience Careers, Leah M. Wiitablake

All Dissertations

The climate crisis is upon us, whether we like it or not, and its undeniable effects are evident. Take, for example, Hurricane Helene, which caused unimaginable devastation to what was once considered a “climate haven,” Asheville, NC (Andreoni, 2024; Medina & Fausset, 2024). Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4, jumping from a Category 1 in less than 24 hours (Andreoni, 2024), and is noted by the National Hurricane Center as a major hurricane (National Hurricane Center & Central Pacific Hurricane Center, 2024). With the Earth now unlikely to remain below 1.5°C of warming (IPCC, 2023b), perhaps we can …

A Mixed-Methods Outcome Evaluation Of A National Science Foundation Advance Project Examining The Effect Of Gender On Organizational Climate And Faculty Experience With Inclusion, Alena Hofrova

All Dissertations

Despite increased efforts through the NSF ADVANCE program to enhance the representation and inclusion of female faculty in academia over the past two decades, challenges related to gender equity persist. This raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of these initiatives, with research indicating gaps in the evaluation of institutional transformation efforts. This mixed-methods dissertation utilized secondary data analysis from the NSF TIGERS ADVANCE Organizational Climate Survey conducted in 2017 (N = 446) and 2024 (N = 429) at Clemson University. A unique identifier was used to track participants' responses over time (N = 76), facilitating the evaluation of …

Parental Involvement In Early Warning System Use In A Mid To Low-Poverty School, Carrie Mccain

All Dissertations

This study examines the effectiveness of an Early Warning System (EWS) originally designed for high-poverty schools and its potential impact on improving outcomes for students living in poverty but attending a mid to low-poverty school. The focus is on reducing the graduation rate disparity between economically disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers through intentional parental involvement. The research explores how structured communication between parents, teachers, and students, combined with tailored interventions in the EWS, can enhance student engagement and academic performance. Quantitative data, including attendance, behavior, and course performance, were analyzed before and after the intervention, while qualitative data …

An Exploration Of The Role Of The Disorienting Dilemma In Professional Learning For Academic Library Instructors, Anne Grant

All Dissertations

This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed method design to understand more about the learning experiences of academic library instructors from 2- and 4-year institutions during a professional development session centered on using Universal Design for Learning. Transformative Learning Theory served as the lens to examine data, and the concept of a disorienting dilemma that serves as a trigger for deep learning in adults. The experiences of the participants are explained using data from a pre- and post-survey as well as semi-structured interviews with participants to learn more about factors that may predict whether or not participants experience a disorienting …

Space Operations Education Research: Studying Undergraduate Experiences As Predictors Of Early Career Performance For Military Space Operations Officers, Keith Balts

All Dissertations

Undergraduate students who go on to operate space systems, e.g., satellites, launch systems, and ground-based systems, come from a diverse set of demographics and undergraduate experiences. The United States Space Force (USSF), and United States Air Force (USAF) before them, like many professions, have a demonstrated interest in who enters their ranks, but have had limited research available to them to inform their recruiting, selection, training, and early career development policies and processes.

This Profession-Based Education Research study, a term introduced here in contrast to Discipline-Based Education Research, focused on the military space operations profession. This study analyzed newly commissioned …

The Impact Of Trauma-Informed Practices On Academic Outcomes Of First Nations Children: A Pilot Study Of Culturally Responsive Supports In Australia, Govind Krishnamoorthy, Ellisa Harrison, Kay Ayre, Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi Forooshani, Emily Berger, Bronwyn Rees, Keane Wheeler, Nathan Eiby, Sabrina Ong, Vicki Dallinger, Anwaar Ulhaq

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This pilot observational study examined the effectiveness of trauma-informed and culturally responsive behavior support practices on the academic outcomes of predominantly First Nations children in an Australian primary school. The research supports integrating culturally relevant ways of knowing, being and doing into prevalent pedagogical and behavior support practices. The cohort study found that the co-designed, multi-tier Trauma-informed Behaviour Support program improved students’ literacy and numeracy scores over 2 years. The findings highlight the complex relationship between behavioral difficulties and academic abilities. Changes in numeracy scores were significantly higher for students with improved teacher-reported rates of disruptive behaviors. In contrast, changes …

Responsible But Powerless: Staff Qualitative Perspectives On Cheating In Higher Education, Rowena Harper, Felicity Prentice

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teaching staff play a pivotal role in the prevention, detection and management of cheating in higher education. They enact curriculum and assessment design strategies, identify and substantiate suspected cases, and are positioned by many as being on the ‘front line’ of a battle that threatens to undermine the integrity of higher education. Against this backdrop, the experiences of teaching staff with contract cheating were investigated by a large-scale Australian survey across eight universities. This paper reports on the qualitative findings from the survey’s only open-text question: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us?”. Of the 1,147 survey …

We Share But They Cheat: Student Qualitative Perspectives On Cheating In Higher Education, Rowena Harper, Felicity Prentice

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper addresses the marked absence of student voices in contemporary research on academic integrity, and in doing so challenges a number of persistent ideas about cheating in higher education. We report the qualitative findings from a large-scale survey of Australian university students (n = 14,086), in which 4,915 students responded to one open-text item: ‘Is there anything else you want to tell us about cheating in higher education?’. Responses indicated that the survey’s focus on ‘contract cheating’ was misdirected, reporting that other forms of cheating are far more prevalent and accepted as behavioural and ethical norms. Most critically, responses …

Assessing Divergence And Convergence In The Design Process: Results From Two Experiments, Arlindo Silva, Tamas Makany, Matt Chiu

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

It is often assumed that the design process comprises divergent and convergent thinking cycles. Although many authors studied the design process in depth, a quantification of divergence and convergence is yet to be established. This paper attempts to quantify divergence and convergence in the design process for teams of design students. Student submissions from two independent design-related courses from two Universities are analysed for divergent and convergent thinking. Such an approach uses Natural Language Processing to harvest existing student submissions in written documents and converts them into a 'real-time' dashboard for feedback that can be used in multiple ways: searching …