Education Commons^™

Enhancing Self-Concept Among Preschoolers, Amanda Collings

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Academic achievement and what influences it among students is a focus of many researchers today. When students do well in school, they are more likely to succeed in other areas of life. Self-concept is one factor associated with academic achievement among youth. It is important for adults working with children to understand not only its importance but how to improve it among children so that they succeed in school and after graduation. Early childhood educators have an opportunity to instill a positive self-concept in preschoolers before they enter kindergarten, setting them up for high academic performance. It requires professional development …

Using Data-Driven Decision-Making To Guide Instructional Strategies In The Classroom: A School Improvement Plan, Samantha Dolezal

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the use of data-driven decision-making in educational settings to improve instructional strategies and student outcomes. Educators can utilize various data sources, such as state summative assessments and classroom formative assessments, to make informed decisions tailored to their students' diverse needs. This school improvement plan suggests that data-driven decision-making can lead to a more personalized learning experience, targeted instructional strategies, and better teacher responsiveness to student needs. The plan also outlines the responsibilities, resources, and process for monitoring success and challenges for each student in schools looking to implement data-driven approaches in teaching and learning.

Professional Learning Community Implementation Plan, Amanda Wirt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan focuses on the implementation and enhancement of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within a rural school district. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among teachers, thereby improving student achievement through collective instructional practices. Research highlights the importance of group collaboration over individual classroom efforts, emphasizing that schools need to develop processes that optimize and sustain teacher learning. This plan outlines the methodologies and expected outcomes of the PLC implementation, aiming to create a more cohesive and effective educational community. By establishing structured weekly meetings, administrative involvement, and clear agendas, the school seeks to develop a sustainable and …

Ongoing Professional Development For Teachers To Create A School Community For English Language Learners, Sydney Withrow

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This school improvement plan aims to enhance the school climate and culture for English Language Learners (ELLs) at Fairfield West Elementary. The research focuses on developing and implementing ongoing professional development, including SIOP virtual training, to support teachers in creating a more inclusive educational environment. Key research questions include: How can professional development improve instructional practices for ELLs? What impact does a supportive school climate have on ELL student outcomes? Participants in this study comprise school administrators, teachers, ELL students, and their families. Methods include surveys, feedback forms, classroom observations, and academic performance tracking. Data analysis involves both quantitative and …

Social Emotional Learning Program: A School Improvement Plan, Emily Lynch

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Learning Through Play-Based Education, Tina Wilson-Cook

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the importance and benefits of Play-Based Learning (PBL) in early childhood education, with a focus on West Elementary School. It highlights the current problems, like less playtime in kindergarten, which has caused behavior issues and missed growth opportunities. The study stresses the need for a balanced curriculum that includes PBL to help children grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Key findings show that adding PBL can improve academic results, reduce behavior problems, and boost overall student development. The proposed plan includes strategies for increasing playtime, creating play-based activities, and providing teacher training. Involving parents and the community …

Improving Fine Motor And Handwriting Skills, Anne Weber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Early childhood years are a crucial time for the development of fine motor and handwriting skills. Research links these skills to success in other academic content such as letter identification and counting skills. Gripping, pinching, and manipulating interventions have been shown to improve fine motor and handwriting skills. A school improvement plan was created to address the lack of time dedicated to these two skills in a rural Iowa public school. A plan to implement fine motor and handwriting curriculums in preschool through first grade is described in detail. With successful implementation, fine motor and handwriting skills will significantly improve.

Lawrence, Spring/Summer 2024, Lawrence University

Alumni Magazines

No abstract provided.

Virginia History Standards And Inclusivity, Laura Byers

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Diversity in the Commonwealth of Virginia is increasing rapidly and there is some concern among citizens that the Social Studies Standards of Learning are not accurately representative of the student population. The purpose of this study was to analyze and assess the current Standards of Learning for diversity and inclusion. The research study was a content analysis of the 2023 Social Studies Standards of Learning. It was found that the standards do not currently reflect the diversity of the student population. The results of this research study highlights gaps in diversity and inclusion of racial/ethnic groups and genders in Standards …

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Summer 2024, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

Drawing Teacher Identity: Perspectives Of Students In A Teacher Education Program, Minsun Shin, Laurel Weston Alpern

Department of Teaching and Learning Scholarship and Creative Works

Teacher identity significantly influences pedagogical decisions, classroom practices, and professional development. Understanding the development of preservice teacher identity is particularly important during initial teacher education, as it involves navigating and integrating the perspectives of both a learner and an emerging teacher. This exploratory study investigated the perceptions of teacher identity held by students in a teacher education program at a public university in the United States. Guided by phenomenography and a drawing-based research method, the data sources included drawing tasks and a focus group interview. The findings revealed that the participants had predominantly positive and idealistic views of teacher identity, …

Etsu Today - Summer 2024, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU Today [magazine]

Earlier this summer, our Men's Golf Team competed for a national title, ultimately placing 12th in the nation among a field of 30 competitors comprising primarily state flagship institutions. It was ETSU's fourth straight appearance in the NCAA Men's Golf Tournament, and we are one of just nine programs in the country to accomplish that feat. Our golf team's ability to compete at an elite level against far larger schools is outstanding. But it is not unique — at least not at ETSU. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are achieving national and international recognition in research, scholarship, athletics, the …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 1, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Adult Learner Success In Higher Education Through Decision Tree Models: A Machine Learning Approach, Emily Barnes, James Hutson, Karriem Perry

Faculty Scholarship

This article explores the use of machine learning, specifically Classification and Regression Trees (CART), to address the unique challenges faced by adult learners in higher education. These learners confront socio-cultural, economic, and institutional hurdles, such as stereotypes, financial constraints, and systemic inefficiencies. The study utilizes decision tree models to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting graduation outcomes, which helps in formulating tailored educational strategies. The research analyzed a comprehensive dataset spanning the academic years 2013–2014 to 2021–2022, evaluating the predictive accuracy of CART models using precision, recall, and F1 score. Findings indicate that attendance, age, and Pell Grant eligibility are key …

The Effects Of A Mediated Field Experience Methods Course On Pre-Service Elementary Mathematics Teachers' Beliefs, Valorie L. Zonnefeld, Luralyn M. Helming

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

A mediated field experience (MFE) mathematics methods course increased both pre-service elementary teachers’ (PSTs) self-efficacy for teaching mathematics and mathematical dispositions. The semester-long MFE with significant, structured teaching experiences was conducted onsite at an elementary school. Quantitative, pre- and post-surveys of mathematics teaching efficacy revealed statistically significant increases over the semester. A qualitative analysis of PSTs as sophomores and seniors further explored and supported this increase in PSTs’ self efficacy for teaching mathematics. Qualitative data also revealed interesting changes in mathematical dispositions and a shift in PSTs from a self-as-student perspective to a self-as-teacher focus.

Social Cognitive Factors That Contribute To Student Retention In A High School Engineering Pathway: A Longitudinal Study, Matthew Vargyas

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study investigated the cognitive factors that impacted students’ choice to continue within a high school engineering pathway, and the effect of multiple engineering courses on students’ engineering self-efficacy. Participants (N = 87) were students who completed three quantitative surveys throughout the engineering course(s) in which they were enrolled. Using the theoretical framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory, each survey measured student engineering self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, persistence goals, external supports, and external barriers. Near the end of the course, students completed a qualitative, open-response questionnaire where they indicated their decision to continue in the engineering …

Entrypoints For Integrating Computing And Tech Into Teacher Education: Addressing Problems And Opportunities With The Encite Framework, Sara E. Vogel, Aman Yadav, David Phelps, Aankit Patel

Publications and Research

To coherently integrate computing and digital technology into teacher education, stakeholders at teacher preparation institutions must grapple with a complex landscape of problems and opportunities. This paper’s literature review maps that landscape into problems and opportunities that are (1) technological, (2) pedagogical, definitional / (3) ideological, (4) political, and (5) developmental in nature. While existing frameworks respond to particular aspects of these areas (e.g. the popular TPACK framework zooms in on technological and pedagogical questions), stakeholders engaged in curricular planning must think more holistically about how to prepare future teachers. We share EnCITE (Entrypoints to Computing Integrated Teacher Education), a …

The Greenbook, Faculty Handbook, 2024-2025, Marshall University Academic Affairs

The Greenbook

This book has been published for the faculty of Marshall University for the specified period of time. This book was created by Academic Affairs and is for the period of 2024-2025.

An Evaluation Of Factors Impeding Growth On Telpas And Insights For Academic Advancement, Blanca I. De La Sierra

Education Theses and Dissertations

The study evaluates factors impeding the growth of the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and provides crucial insights for academic advancement among English Learners (ELs) within a Texas district. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from STAAR and TELPAS scores with qualitative insights from interviews and surveys, offering a comprehensive understanding of ELs’ academic challenges and successes. A significant improvement in STAAR reading performance from 2021 to 2023 was observed. However, TELPAS scores remained stable, indicating that improvements in reading proficiency did not fully translate into overall language proficiency gains required for reclassification. This …

July 2024 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

July 29- August 9th

Online Auction- 18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

August 1

SWOSU Near You: Eischen’s in Okarche, OK

August 9

SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

August 10

18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

September 13

SWOSU Charitable Hunt

October 26

SWOSU Homecoming

Perception Of Motivation On Adult Student Academic Achievement, Hailey Swanson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated how adult learners describe their educational motivation. Twenty-four adult students from two adult education programs responded to a cross-sectional survey focused on intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for pursuing continued education. The survey items consisted of both Likert scale statements and short responses. The data collected led to the conclusion that no definitive description of motivation would allow for a single reactive change to adult curriculum. The research indicates a significant overlap in intrinsic and extrinsic motivational impact. The resulting answer to the research question was that motivation is interrelated and not divided cleanly between intrinsic and extrinsic …

Beyond Four Walls: Outdoor Recess As A Complement To Classroom Engagement, Valerie Mulvenna

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined the impact of increased outdoor recess on elementary students' classroom engagement following the implementation of Illinois' 2021 The Right to Play Every Day Act. The study is driven by two main research questions: (1) Does increased outdoor recess influence a student’s classroom engagement? (2) What are educators' perspectives on the implementation of the Act? Quantitative data was collected through classroom observations of 16 third-grade students over six weeks, measuring on-task behavior before and after recess periods. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with five elementary educators. While statistical analysis yielded inconclusive results regarding the relationship …

Success Factors: English Learners Speak About What Worked For Them, Said Garaad

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the ways of improving the education of English Learners (EL). The purpose of the study was to uncover the narratives that helped their academic success and the challenges they encountered. Central to this research are the firsthand experiences of seven individuals who have navigated the transition out of EL programs. Their experiences offer valuable insights into the effective methods of instruction and environmental factors that contribute to a learner’s success. This study is focused on the experiences of former English Learner (EL) students in American K-12 education in order to determine the most effective strategies for enhancing …

Multilingual Learners’ Perceptions Of Their Home Languages Using Ruíz’S Language Orientations, Sophie Breen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

As the number of multilingual students in classrooms grows, research suggests the positive effects of encouraging growth in both English and students’ home language(s). Many researchers have addressed how multilingualism is perceived in the classroom from the perspective of teachers and administrators, however there is a lack of information from the student perspective. This research aims to address this gap through discussing multilingual students’ perceptions of their home languages using Ruíz’s (1984) language orientations. Participants for this study included 14 English learners in ninth grade at an urban high school. Two data points were collected and analyzed, student journals and …

Exploring The Second Language Learning Experience And Its Influence On Willingness To Communicate And Language Use: A Case Study, Christopher Henchcliffe

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Henchcliffe, C. (2024). Exploring the Second Language Learning Experience and its Influence on Willingness to Communicate and Language Use: A Case Study

The research question guiding this capstone thesis is: How does the L2 learning experience in the classroom affect willingness to communicate and L2 use in adult beginner ESL students? The literature review focuses on topics such as willingness to communicate, L2 motivation, and the classroom learning experience. I also explore ways that willingness to communicate and motivation are measured. To help answer the research question, an eight-week mixed methods case study was conducted with one participant enrolled in …

Medical Graphic Novels: Comic Art And Medicine, Leesha Coleman

University Faculty and Staff Publications

Leesha Coleman, USA Biomedical Librarian, gave a presentation at the West Regional Library of the Mobile Public Library. She discussed the use of medical graphic novels and the incorporation of art in science degrees.

Sotl As Scholarly Inquiry: Expanding Our Disciplinary Boundaries, S. Raj Chaudhury

University Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Can Nutrition Education Reduce Division Iii Female Athlete's Risk Of Developing Low Energy Availability, Coby Stover

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context: Low Energy availability (LEA) is widely acknowledged as a state in which an individual does not have sufficient energy to support normal functions within the body after energy has been expended through exercise. In sports environments, athletes can exhibit LEA for a variety of reasons. These reasons range from improper food intake to effectively fuel and re-fuel their body for the energy demands of their specific sport, to eating disorders (ED) and eating disorder behaviors. Access to appropriate nutrition knowledge is also a major factor that can place athletes at risk for developing LEA. Both males and females …

Parenting Identity And Parental Mental Health In Chinese Parents In Mainland China, Zhenqiao Yang

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

In the modern context of mainland China, parents of young children face unique parenting stressors, making parental mental health during the early stages of parenting a significant public concern. Increasing awareness of the role of self-concepts in mental health underscores the importance of exploring the relationships between parenting identity concepts, parenting stress, parental mental health, and familial factors. This study aims to examine the relationship between parenting identity and parental mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, in the context of early childhood parenting stress. Data were collected from 456 parents at four daycare centers and public spaces in an Eastern …

The Influence Of Student-Teacher Relationship Quality On Educational Outcomes For Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Cassidy Ann Spradlin

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine the associations between student-teacher closeness, student-teacher conflict, and educational outcomes (i.e., academic, social, and behavioral outcomes) for students with elevated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive student-teacher relationship quality is linked to educational success and has been found to be inversely related to adverse outcomes in the general population. Previous research has examined differences in student-teacher relationship quality for students with ADHD, but the association between student-teacher relationship quality and educational outcomes is not well understood for students with ADHD. This dissertation study examined the association between student-teacher relationship quality and …