Education Commons^™

Sustainability Of A State, District, And School Professional Learning Community, Gertrude Jones Black

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I explored professional learning community sustainability at the school, district, and state levels. Researchers have found that professional learning communities are a means of effective professional learning for teachers and a vital factor in increased student achievement. However, there is very little multi-case research involving the sustainability of professional learning communities. This multi-site case study extends the research on this topic. I used qualitative methods to clarify my understanding of the phenomenon of sustainability of PLC communities. I investigated how the PLC members’ stances and actions, perceptions of school culture, and commitment to lifelong learning impacted a …

Tame Your Inner Flame: A Sample Nutrition Intervention Protocol For Firefighters, Rachel Keating-Fleming

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Firefighters are an essential part of every community that perform life saving duties and critical work to sustain everyday life. These individuals perform strenuous work every shift and are under larger amounts of job stress compared to other professions. It has been found that firefighters have increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality by sudden cardiac death. Studies have found that this risk comes from factors such as shift work, increased job stress, lack of time to eat a proper diet, and lack of time to engage in physical activity. A Mediterranean diet plan shows promise as an improvement strategy …

Parent Attitudes Towards Predictive Testing For Autism In The First Year Of Life, Aurora M. Washington, Amanda H. Mercer, Catherine A. Burrows, Stephen R. Dager, Jed T. Elison, Annette M. Estes, Rebecca Grzadzinski, Chimei Lee, Joseph Piven, John R. Pruett, Multiple Additional Authors

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Abstract Background Emerging biomarker technologies (e.g., MRI, EEG, digital phenotyping, eye-tracking) have potential to move the identification of autism into the first year of life. We investigated the perspectives of parents about the anticipated utility and impact of predicting later autism diagnosis from a biomarker-based test in infancy. Methods Parents of infants were interviewed to ascertain receptiveness and perspectives on early (6-12 months) prediction of autism using emerging biomarker technologies. One group had experience parenting an older autistic child (n=30), and the other had no prior autism parenting experience (n=25). Parent responses were analyzed using inductive qualitative coding methods. Results …

Cudos To The Teachers: Using Merton’S Norms Of Scientific Practice To Guide Lessons In Critical Thinking, Inez Z. Ponce De Leon

Department of Communication Faculty Publications

Professors are often exhorted to foster an atmosphere in critical thinking in their classes, and there is a wide variety of lessons and activities that college students can be given in order to keep their questioning spirit alive. In this paper, the researcher sets critical thinking against the framework of Merton’s Norms of scientific practice. Robert Merton’s work has been used in the philosophy and sociology of science as a way to discuss what constitutes a scientific culture. The norms are summarized in the acronym CUDOs: Communalism (scientific knowledge is open to all), Universalism (that the practice of science is …

How Do Doctoral Students Perceive Supervision? Lessons Learned From Indonesia, Elok Putri Nimasari, Syihabul Irfan, Ariyanti Ariyanti, Ahmad Iklil Saifulloh

The Qualitative Report

Theorised in Vygotskyan sociocultural and Bakhtinian dialogical perspectives, this article addresses Indonesian postgraduates’ perceptions of their doctoral supervision for their thesis proposal. Twelve Indonesian doctoral students participated in this interpretative phenomenology study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews lasting eight months. Drawing on interpretative phenomenological analysis, the findings identified four micro themes of sociocultural and dialogical theory (i.e., shared expertise, critical dialogue, constructive feedback, and encouraging diverse perspectives). The present study contributed empirical evidence on how doctoral students benefit from their supervisory process in sociocultural and dialogical perspectives embedded with different supervisory dimensions.

Helping To Make The Complex Accessible: A Review Of Larsen And Adu’S The Theoretical Framework In Phenomenological Research: Development And Application, Stephanie Greenquist-Marlett

The Qualitative Report

Understanding the philosophical underpinnings behind phenomenological research is critical for pursuing a proper qualitative study on one’s lived experiences. Larsen and Adu’s The Theoretical Framework in Phenomenological Research: Development and Application succeeds in breaking down the theoretical viewpoints and methodology of phenomenology and delivering it in a manageable way for researchers and practitioners alike. While novices may find the complexity of the theoretical content comparing Edward Husserl’s transcendental approach and Heidegger’s hermeneutic Dasein framework to be daunting, the book does lend itself as an instructional tool that offers easy-to-follow guidelines for those at any experience level interested in pursuing a …

Desirability Of Dape: K-12 Administrators Ideal Pe Teachers Candidates And Their Licensure Areas, Dillon R. Martinez, Steve Baule, Ray Martinez

Essays in Education

Abstract In response to persistent teacher shortages in the United States, exacerbated by specific content areas' scarcity, this article explores the desirability of teachers holding licenses in Developmentally Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE) alongside traditional Physical Education (PE) qualifications. A survey conducted among school administrators in Minnesota and Wisconsin reveals that administrators highly favor PE teachers with DAPE licensure, with 88% of respondents expressing a preference for candidates with this dual qualification. This preference arises from the perceived versatility and enhanced value these educators bring to school districts, addressing multiple challenges such as teacher shortages and meeting diverse student needs. The …

Archetypal Energies And Global Mental Health, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

As a keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Conference 2024, held at Sophia University, Costa Mesa, CA, in-person and virtually, August 16-18, 2024, my topic was "Archetypal Energies As A Framework for Self-Empowerment and Well Being". The theme of this 2024 global conference was: Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom. To supplement my keynote address, I wrote this blog article titled "Archetypal Energies and Global Mental Health".

A Multiple Case Study Of Teaching-Focused Professional Development Programs Offered At Three Different Types Of Us Institutions Of Higher Education, Holly Fortener, Leilani A. Arthurs, Patrick Shabram, Ming-Tsan Pierre Lu, Chu-Lin Cheng, Stephanie Plaza-Torres, Carly Flaagan

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

Teaching-focused professional development (PD) programs offered at institutions of higher education (IHEs) are uniquely positioned to be levers of change that improve the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in ways that broaden participation in STEM education, workforce development, and career pathways in the United States (US). PD programs and their potential to transform undergraduate STEM education, however, are understudied. This multiple-case study compares suites of PD programs offered at three IHEs in the US: a community college, an emerging research institution, and a research-intensive university. Each suite of PD programs is characterized in terms of …

Infographic: Climate Change Education Around The World, Max Hughes

Teacher infographics

Climate change education provides students with the knowledge required to understand and practice climate action. Several UNESCO studies offer international insights into what students know, how confident teachers are on the topic, teacher training plans and current curriculum content. Find out more in this infographic.

August 16, 2024 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

In The Search Of Cosmopolitan Literacies: A Case Of Formerly Expatriated Language Teacher, Asiye Demir

Theses and Dissertations

Cosmopolitanism refers to becoming a world citizen who can live harmoniously with different cultures. Today, our classes in the United States have become diverse daily. While we teach students who can speak more than one language, our teachers are primarily monolingual and monocultural. Hence, teachers who can speak multiple languages are celebrated in the system (Pacheco et al., 2019). Expatriation refers to teacher mobility that can entail learning other languages and being exposed to different cultures. Expatriation, as a form of travel, is an essential construct for cosmopolitan literacies because cosmopolitan dispositions can be developed through traveling (Molz, 2006). Thus, …

Student Experiences With Self-Determination And Agency: Centering Disabled Voices Through Photovoice, Rebecca Boineau Smith Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) are less likely than young adults without disability to be employed, enrolled in postsecondary education, or live independently after high school (Lauer & Houtenville, 2017; Newman, et al., 2011). Self-determination, or the freedom to act as the primary causal agent in one’s life (Palmer & Wehmeyer, 1998), is a well-documented component of enhanced quality of life (Shogren et al., 2017) and a predictor of postschool success (Mazzotti et al., 2021; Test et al. 2009) for students with disabilities. People with IDD are less self-determined than their nondisabled peers, and often less self-determined …

Stem Identity In African American Middle School Students: A Phenomenological Study, Amara L. Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Using a phenomenological approach, this action research study explored the influence of culturally sustaining teaching practices (Ladson-Billings, 2014; Paris 2012, 2021) to impact African American students STEM identity (Collins & Roberson, 2020). Qualitative data were generated through interviews with students, practitioner reflective notes, and classroom observations during the intervention. Analysis and interpretation of the data indicated student- participants had positive experiences during the intervention and the culturally sustaining STEM lessons positively impacted African American middle school students STEM identity. The implications of these findings for STEM curriculum writers, STEM education and STEM educators, particularly those in K-12 education.

The Effectiveness Of Equivalence-Based Instruction On Time-Telling Skills In Children With Moderate Developmental Disabilities Including Autism Spectrum Disorder And Intellectual Disability, Rongzhi Li

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of equivalence-based instruction (EBI) on teaching time-telling skills to children with moderate developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Three children with ASD or intellectual disability participated in the study. The experiment was conducted using a concurrent multiple baseline design across subjects. During the acquisition training, each participant was taught 24 discrimination relations including matching 12 picture analog clock faces and 12 printed digital clocks to their dictated times. After the training, the participants were assessed to see whether their visual-visual responses (transitivity relations) and oral naming …

Use Of Improvement Science To Build The Instructional Capacity Of Faculty In A Community College, Marianne Yohannan

Theses and Dissertations

Up to 78% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students experience poor academic achievement as defined by course grades of D, F and W in college. Students entering these fields are often not prepared (Chen & Soldner, 2013) and struggle to succeed in gateway STEM courses, with one-third of them possibly failing (Freeman et al., 2011). The success rates are lower among first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minoritized groups (Doerschuk et al., 2016). At Tri-County Technical College, 30-40% of introductory biology students are unsuccessful and receive low grades (Institutional Research, n.d.). Low academic achievement has a huge impact on our …

Layers Of Support: Cognitive, Psychological, And Social Factors That Contribute To Success In The High School-To-College Transition, Paige Cristine Mckeown

Theses and Dissertations

The future of individual and societal progress is largely dependent on students’ success following completion of K-12 education. For most traditionally aged students, this entails a journey into higher education at colleges and universities. This transition is rife with pitfalls that may lead students to stop out, fail out, or make inadequate progress towards completion – which further compounds social, psychological, financial, and personal challenges they may be facing. However, the challenges that contribute to these outcomes can be addressed and interventions can be designed to best support students in transition. This dissertation addresses these factors through a thematic literature …

Teacher-Researcher As Indicator: Developing A Third Space For Newcomer Youth In A Secondary Classroom, Gabriel Andres Chen Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This paper was written to reveal answers to the Problem of Practice identified at the site school as it has experienced a steady growth in newcomer multilingual learners. This minority-majority group of students at the school have underperformed academically despite the use of varied teaching strategies. In an effort to help newcomer students through intentional sheltered instruction, I held the believe that as a former multilingual learner now serving as their classroom teacher, I could be an indicator for the classroom allowing me to realize there may be hopes, needs, and attitudes that were hidden from current pedagogical practices.

In …

The Burden Of Belonging: A Case Study Of Black Students' Experiences With Linguistically Code-Switching Between Discourse Communities, Tanner Charles Slagle

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research case study is focused on better understanding the complex and intricate nature of code-switching among Black students. In today’s educational climate, many Black students find themselves speaking one way with their closest friends and family members in front of the swing set and television and another way with their classmates and teachers in front of the blackboard. Due to systemic racism, schools today tend to place the burden of belonging on the youngest children of color rather than on the seasoned, and often privileged, adults who work with them. This dissertation is largely rooted in Gee’s …

The Impact Of An Integrative Stem Educational Approach On Wonder Within A Catholic School, Carrie Kavanaugh Brun

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study explored the challenge of evoking wonder among fourth graders within one Catholic School, using an integrative STEM educational approach. Cognitive constructivism, social constructivism, and situated learning theory guided this qualitative case study. Twenty-one students learned about the Fibonacci sequence and Golden Ratio while engaging in nature walks, group work, and journaling. Students were tasked with creating a 3D design, utilizing the Engineering Design Process. Qualitative data were generated through student journals, practitioner reflective notes, and classroom observations and videos. Analysis and interpretation of the data indicated that (a) nature evokes wonder, (b) students create learning through …

Examining Systems To Improve Third Grade Literacy: Focus On Schools With High Poverty Index, Brenda Kelley

Theses and Dissertations

This improvement project was designed to ensure students enrolled in elementary schools with a high poverty index received literacy instructional strategies that promoted literacy achievement. When analyzing Graham County School data, I noticed third-grade students attending high poverty elementary schools were not achieving literacy success at the same rate as third-grade students attending low poverty elementary schools. An improvement team, consisting of myself, administration, and teachers at a high poverty elementary school implemented the improvement science framework to further study the root causes of this problem. Utilizing the six principles of the improvement science framework, problem focused and user centered, …

Unraveling The Impact Of The School-To-Prison Pipeline: Investigating Racial Disparities In Disciplinary Practices, Zelexis Croffie

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study sought to examine ways to narrow the racial discipline gap in South Carolina’s elementary schools. Employing both the Critical Race Theory and BlackCrit in schools as the theoretical frameworks, the research delved into the narratives of teachers in grades 3^rd through 5^th, exploring their encounters with school-based disciplinary practices. The study integrated Social-Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching to ultimately uncover implicit biases held by teachers that positioned Black students as less innocent compared to their White counterparts. The primary focus was to investigate the relationship between teachers’ inequitable disciplinary practices and the …

The Intersection Of Teachers’ Professional Learning Needs And Instructional Leadership: An Investigation Of Administrator-Facilitated Coaching Cycles, Richelle Battles

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this action research study was to examine the impact of a school administrator–teacher coaching relationship on the professional practice of both the administrator and the teacher. Through a qualitative approach, the study followed the experiences of three coaching pairs (i.e., administrator/coach and teacher/coachee) as they engaged in a 6-week coaching cycle. Data were collected through interviews, weekly reflections, observations, and coaching logs. Results revealed teachers value professional learning opportunities that prioritize their individual needs as practitioners and give them access to educators who demonstrate expertise related to that need. The data also revealed, when serving in …

Connecting Family Funds Of Knowledge With Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum: A Strengths-Based Approach, Molly Kathleen Hamel

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study investigated the application of funds of knowledge research to supplement a Pre-Kindergarten curriculum in order to connect the previous knowledge and lived experiences of students and their families with the concepts and objectives of the classroom. The research combined funds of knowledge theory with social constructivism to form its theoretical framework. The research study used semi-structured interviews with parents to collect information about student and family funds of knowledge which the researcher used to supplement the existing curriculum with materials, activities, and experiences with which students were familiar. The findings revealed how enhancing existing curriculum with …

Improving Equity In Communication: Building Collaborative Partnerships Between Teachers And Spoken Language Interpreters, Angela J. Rush

Theses and Dissertations

In today’s increasingly diverse educational landscape, equitable communication is essential for fostering meaningful parent engagement and ensuring all students have an equal opportunity for a comprehensive education. However, language barriers can pose significant challenges for English Learner/Emergent Bilingual students and parents in the educational context. This improvement study underscores the crucial need for educational systems to address language barriers through targeted support mechanisms, such as quality language access services. The study draws upon the principles of improvement science to design, implement, and examine the transformative potential of a professional development program to enhance collaboration between teachers and interpreters and inform …

The Impact Of A Professional Learning Community On Direct Care Staffs’ Self-Efficacy In Promoting Social—Emotional Learning Skills, Tiffany Drahota

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative collective case study documented three early childhood educators’ participation in a professional learning community (PLC) focused on promoting children’s social–emotional skills. Particularly, it illuminated the impact of a PLC on the direct care staffs’ self-efficacy related to the promotion of the specified skills. Self-efficacy strongly predicts a person’s willingness to persist through challenges, attempt a new task, and exert sufficient effort toward completion. Self-efficacy is highly influenced by social factors including peer observations and discourse (Bandura, 1977). PLCs are a form of professional development that focuses heavily on social interactions such as communication, collaboration, and group goal setting …

The Impact Of Professional Development On 4th-6th Grade Science Teacher's Pck Of Argumentation And Science Teaching Self-Efficacy, Tiffany Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

With the 2015 change in science standards to align more closely with the Next Generation Science Standards, as the district STEM coach, I saw a need for professional development that addressed the lack of understanding and skill needed to teach the Science and Engineering Practices, specifically the practice of Scientific Augmentation. This mixed-methods action research study aimed to investigate the impact of professional development and coaching on 4th-6th grade science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of scientific argumentation and their self-efficacy to teach scientific argumentation. Data collection consisted of (a) PCK of Argumentation Assessment, (b) PRIME PCK Rubric and observation …

How Latinx Students Experience A High School English Class In A Monolingual School District, Elisa Malinovitz

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to address the needs of the fastest growing population at my school, I asked Latinx students to share their experiences of being in a monolingual English 2 classroom. Students also shared opinions about friendships, Latinx culture in school, and alternative methods of educating non-English speakers.

Through action research we can assess the exigencies of Latinx learners. Further study is needed to determine evolving needs and best practices for increasing the academic achievement for this population. Some possible solutions to Latinx students falling behind their hegemonic peers include incorporating Latinx culture in curriculum and school culture, as well …

Therapy Use And Self-Stigma Of Seeking Help Among College Students Of Color, Rawle David Sookwah Ragoonath

Theses and Dissertations

Amidst rapid diversification of higher education student bodies, discrepancies in help-seeking relative to endorsed psychological distress have been noted among college students of color. The treatment utilization disparity exhibited by minoritized racial and ethnic groups attending college necessitates analysis of factors that impact help-seeking. Colleges have increasingly implemented multi-systemic interventions to address rising mental illness prevalence rates across college student demographics. Addressing treatment use disparities and implementing culturally competent services are foci of updated college mental health models. Empowering help-seeking is vital to promoting campus community health. Saint Arnault’s (2009) cultural determinants of help-seeking model (CDHS) posits the interplay of …

The Impact Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy And Appropriate De-Escalation Strategies On African-American Male Office Discipline Referrals, Kourtney Michael Chapman

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the impact of culturally relevant pedagogy and appropriate de-escalation strategies on African American male office discipline referrals. This study took place in a Title I elementary school located in South Carolina and focused on five teachers of African American male students who received one or more office discipline referrals in the previous school year between September to November. These teachers were provided with an 8-week professional development training on how to implement into the general education classroom culturally relevant pedagogy and appropriate de-escalation strategies. The professional development focused on cultural relevance in a classroom, how to create …