Education Commons^™

The Integration Of Certified Therapy Dog Teams Into Special Education: Insights Of Volunteer Handlers, Rana Aabed

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to better understand how certified volunteer dog therapy handlers can be integrated into special education settings. Although the pet therapy discourse confirms the overall impact dog therapy has on youth’s psychological health (e.g., Groenewoud et al., 2023), research that could elucidate how volunteer handlers modify the way they have their dogs interact with special education populations is a present-day need that has otherwise not appeared in the literature. In response, this study involved a qualitative multiple-case investigation about the role of volunteer certified handlers and the dog therapy provisions they offer special education populations. …

Online Assignment Submission Delay As A Behavioral Indicator Of Procrastination, Ari L. Cunningham

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Procrastination has long been recognized as an important topic in higher education, and various tools for measuring procrastination have focused on either behavioral or subjective components of the phenomenon. This study examines how online assignment submission delay, used as an objective measure of procrastination, relates to several conceptualizations of procrastination and pacing style measured through self-report questionnaires. It was hypothesized that median assignment submission delay would have a positive relationship with the included self-report measures, a positive relationship with the deadline action pacing style, and a negative relationship with the steady pacing style. Data was collected from 66 students in …

K-12 Teachers’ Ai Literacy: A Key Driver Of Ai Integration Into Teaching Practices, Sedide Gulsah Pekcan

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This thesis examined the correlation between K-12 teachers' artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and their integration of AI tools and resources into their teaching practices. The research question asked, “What is the impact of K-12 teachers’ AI literacy on the integration of AI tools and resources into their teaching practices?” i.e., whether teachers with higher levels of AI knowledge and skills are more likely to incorporate AI-powered tools in their teaching methods. The study hypothesizes that educators who are more proficient in implementing AI will be more likely to adopt AI-driven resources in their teaching practices. The study uses a correlational …

Tsion Zewdie Honors Portfolio, Tsion Zewdie

Honors Capstone Portfolios

Tsion Zewdie's Honors Portfolio captured in August 2024.

Nursing Care During Natural Disasters, War Zones, And Mass Casualty Incidents: Implications For An Educational And Professional Overhaul, Erin N. White

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Emergency situations around the world are inevitable. Any nurse who practices for any period of time is sure to encounter situations like these. Their hospital may be flooded with traumatic and severely life-threatening patient cases where supplies can become scarce. In these situations, a nurse and all other healthcare personnel are expected to act effectively, efficiently and in a highly organized way. Despite this need, many hospitals fail to implement effective disaster preparedness programs and plans. This leaves healthcare workers at a loss for how to treat patients, communicate within and outside of the hospital, coordinate transport, and all the …

Improving Students’ Oral Proficiency In French Through Call In One Tanzanian Public Secondary Schools, Godfrey Alexander Massawe

Master of Education

Oral proficiency is a crucial aspect of language learning; however, the complexities of fluency and accuracy make the study of speaking skills challenging. Recently, secondary school students have been struggling to improve speaking competency, therefore, this study aimed to identify substantial enhancements in language skills, particularly focussing on the aspects of speaking through the implementation of CALL in a Form six class in one of the Tanzanian Public secondary Schools. The study was predominantly Participatory Action Research (PAR) involving 2 teachers in the following principal procedures: reconnaissance, planning, action, observation, and reflection. A mixed-methods approach was employed whereby qualitative data …

Investigating The Benefits Of Integrating Social Media Into Educational Leadership Learning, George Nyaboga Nyarieko

Master of Education

As digital technologies become increasingly integral to teaching and learning, educational institutions must continuously promote the development of digital skills and competencies among educators. This study explored using the popular smartphone application WhatsApp to enhance personalized learning for participants of the DELM program.

A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, interviews, focus groups and analytics over two phases. Phase I assessed participants' digital skills using DigComp 2.1 as a framework and identified competency gaps. Phase II consisted of a design-based intervention integrating targeted WhatsApp workshops. Hands-on activities aimed to improve content creation abilities and familiarity …

Examining Parents’ And Teachers’ Support To Early Learning Through Local Play, Case Of Selected Early Learning Center In Arua City, Uganda., Driciru Ketty

Master of Education

This research study investigates parental and teacher support to early learning through Local Play. While play-based learning is widely recognized as essential in Early childhood care and education (ECCE), the integration of Local Play into formal early learning settings faces challenges, particularly in Uganda, due to insufficient support from parents and teachers. Drawing on sociocultural perspectives of early learning, this action research study focuses on one ECCE center in Arua City to explore how increased support affects learner engagement and skill development. The research questions examine how parents and teachers support and facilitate Local Play activities both at home and …

Investigating Problem-Solving Skills Practices In An Inclusive Early Childhood School: A Case Of One Primary School In Koboko Municipality Uganda, Aziku Dan Silvanus

Master of Education

Inclusive education, aligned with the SDGs and the UNCRPD, advocates for quality education regardless of personal differences. The study adopts a broader definition that includes children from diverse backgrounds for inclusive education. Early childhood teachers play a crucial role in nurturing problem-solving skills. But challenges within inclusive settings, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the need for effective practices. Problem-solving skills are crucial throughout life, fostering the ability to independently address challenges. Nurturing these abilities in early childhood children is vital to navigate social issues. Moreso, limited research on problem-solving skills in inclusive education, in Uganda, necessitates an investigation into …

Exploring Teachers’ Feedback Practices And Its Influence On Students’ Learning In Competency-Based Curriculum: A Case Of A Selected Secondary School In Central Division, Arua City., Anziku Sunday Oyeeson

Master of Education

This study explored teachers’ feedback practices and its influence on student learning in Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in a selected lower secondary school in Central Division, Arua City. The study aimed at exploring how teachers’ feedback impacts on students’ competency development and its related challenges in CBC. The study used a qualitative research approach to engage two school administrators, three lower secondary class teachers and five students through interviews, lesson observations, focus group discussion and document analysis. The data was transcribed using Ms Word, coded using colors and themes derived through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that in addition to written …

Perceptions Of Educational Leaders Towards Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities In Early Childhood Education In Arua City, In Uganda., Bako Jane

Master of Education

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of educational leaders on inclusion of children with disabilities into early childhood education (ECE) in Arua city, Uganda. The research focused on key elements influencing inclusive early childhood education, including perceptions, challenges, and policies. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), it aligned with global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education. Using a constructivist paradigm and a qualitative case study design, the study involved twenty-four participants, including headteachers, deputy headteachers, and teachers from three pre and primary schools. The constructivist approach, inspired by Jean …

Incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge In Integrated Science In Junior Secondary School Curriculum, Charles Oando Opole

Master of Education

Indigenous knowledge, developed over generations through direct interaction with the environment, offers unique perspectives on ecological systems, resource management, and sustainable practices. Integrating this rich knowledge into the science curriculum acknowledges traditional knowledge's cultural diversity and relevance, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of scientific phenomena, and encouraging collaboration between diverse knowledge systems. This study sought to explore incorporating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into the integrated science curriculum in junior secondary schools in Kenya, focusing on the Mbita sub-county, Homabay County. Utilizing a qualitative approach and a case study design, the study was conducted in five junior secondary schools. The findings …

An Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Gender Responsive Pedagogy In Science Education: A Comparative Study Of Teacher Training Institutions In Uganda, Sara Agnes

Master of Education

This study focused on evaluating the implementation of gender-responsive pedagogy (GRP) in science education within teacher training institutions in Uganda and its significance in promoting equity and inclusion. The study objectives included examining the understanding of the concept gender responsive pedagogy, assessing its level of implementation, and measuring the impacts on students learning outcomes and engagement. Comparative case study was employed within mixed methods to engage science tutors and teacher trainees in two teacher training colleges within Arua city in Uganda. Survey questionnaires were administered to science tutors to gather information on their understanding of GRP and implementation strategies. Lessons …

Advancing The Integration Of Ict In Teaching And Learning: A Study Of Secondary School Principal’S Engagement In Malindi Sub-County, Kenya, Simon Onyango Omollo

Master of Education

Effective leadership is critical for driving meaningful integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning. This study, anchored on the TPACK theory, examined the efforts of school principals in advancing ICT adoption through strategies employed, barriers encountered, and impacts realized in public secondary schools in Malindi Sub-County, Kenya. A qualitative research approach under case study design was employed targeting two principals and their deputies, eight teachers and sixteen students purposefully selected from two public secondary schools. Data was collected through semi structured interviews, focus group discussions, documentary analysis and classroom observations while data was analyzed thematically. Findings …

Blog-Assisted Language Learning For Enhancing Proficiency In Essay Writing Among National Technical Award Level 4 Students In Mwanza, Simon Sitta Mabula Matondo

Master of Education

Students at tertiary institutions, like National Technical Award level 4, are encouraged to master writing proficiency to succeed in writing assignments and examinations. Since academic achievements depend on writing activities, it is better to find a better strategy that can improve poor writing proficiency at this level. The current study looks into how blog-assisted language learning can help NTA Level 4 students become more proficient essay writers. The study was conducted in the Mwanza region, Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to determine the current writing proficiency levels of NTA level 4 students in essay writing before using blog-assisted …

Assessing School Self-Evaluation For Enhancing Academic Achievement: A Case Of Selected Secondary Schools In Mara Region, Tanzania, Wambura Mhoni

Master of Education

This study investigates the practices and impact of School Self-Evaluation/Internal School Quality Assurance (SSE/ISQA) on academic achievement in secondary schools within the Mara region of Tanzania. Employing a qualitative approach and case study design, 41 participants were purposefully sampled, including school administrators, teachers, and students. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, with thematic research applied for data interpretation. Key findings revealed that specific SSE practices, including teacher-student collaboration, follow-up on teaching and learning, and the provision of examinations, positively influence academic achievement. However, stakeholders displayed mixed perceptions towards SSE/ISQA, with concerns about transparency and potentially …

Exploring The Use Of Experiential Learning Strategies To Develop Science Process Skills In Primary Schools In Arua City – West Nile, Uganda., Wilfred Joe Ken Okwaimung

Master of Education

Teachers in Uganda still make use of the traditional teacher-centred pedagogies that do not factor in the learners’ past experiences, interactions, and engagement in the learning process. This reduces the learners’ abilities to acquire some Science Process Skills which are vital for further acquisition of scientific knowledge and skills for future learning and practice of science. Science teaching and learning require practical pedagogies that make the learning meaningful. Using lesson observation, interviews, focus group discussion, and document analysis, this Action Research, sought to find out whether the current pedagogies that teachers used, integrated Experiential Learning Strategies as an intervention to …

School Leadership Strategies To Promote Teachers’ Participation In Professional Development Initiatives: An Exploratory Case Study Of Two Secondary Schools In Rongo Sub-County, Kenya, Jacqueline Achieng Dianga

Master of Education

This study aimed to address the low teacher participation in PD initiatives, focusing on two public secondary school in Rongo Sub-County, Kenya. A qualitative approach and case study design were utilized to explore the strategies employed by school leadership to promote teacher engagement in PD. The main objective of the study was to explore the strategies used by school leadership to promote teacher participation in professional development initiatives. The specific objectives were: To assess the current forms and levels of PD initiatives the school leadership supports: To examine the role of school leadership in promoting teacher engagement in PD; To …

Exploring The Influence Of Standardized Assessment As A Tool For Enforcing Teacher Accountability On Teaching And Learning In Selected Public Secondary Schools In Nanyamba Town Council, Mtwara, Charles White Mbunga

Master of Education

This research study aimed to explore the influence of standardized assessments as a means of enforcing teacher accountability in public secondary schools in Nanyamba Town Council, Mtwara region, Tanzania. The study employed a qualitative research approach and a case study design, focusing on two public secondary schools. Purposive sampling, simple random sampling, and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select two heads of schools, ten teachers, and four parents, respectively. Data collection methods included face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The findings emphasize stakeholders' support for a collective and holistic approach to education accountability, emphasizing the role …

Exploring The Use Of Comics In The Teaching Of English Language In One Tanzanian Secondary School, Irene Juma Maganga

Master of Education

The changing demands of EFL teaching and learning made many language scholars find ways to address the teaching of EFL. This shift in demand requires modern English language teaching approaches that facilitate interaction and engagement. The shift from Kiswahili to English as a medium of instruction in Tanzania secondary schools’ results in persistently low student performance in English language examinations. This study explores the potential of comics as a teaching tool to enhance language teaching. The researcher adopted the qualitative research approach, and an action research design was done in one school in the Ruvuma region at Tunduru district council …

Re-Entry Policy Implementation In Uganda: A Case Study Of Two Public Secondary Schools In Vurra County, Arua District., Mane Flavia Eriku

Master of Education

The Education Re-entry Policy aims to provide a second chance for teen mothers to pursue their education after experiencing pregnancy-related interruptions. This study explored Re-entry Policy implementation in two secondary schools in Vurra County, Arua District with the aim of identifying the Re-entry Policy implementation practices, examining the challenges, and investigating the strategies for addressing these encounters in the implementation process. A qualitative approach with case study design was employed where data was collected through interviews with 2 Heads of schools, 2 class teachers, 3 parents, 2 Guidance and counselling teachers, 4 teen mothers who had re-entered school and 4 …

Integrating Technology In Mathematics Teaching And Learning To Enhance Learning Outcomes At A Selected Private Secondary School In Tanzania, Regina Fumbuka

Master of Education

Effective learning outcomes can be achieved if teaching Mathematics is assisted with technology. However, in Tanzania, technology integration into Mathematics teaching remains an indefinable goal for many schools because of the inadequacy of Mathematics teachers' knowledge and competencies in integrating technology within their classrooms apart from other factors. Therefore, this participatory action research study explored how to support a Mathematics teacher to integrate technology in teaching Mathematics to enhance learning outcomes among Form One students. The study comprised three phases: reconnaissance, two cycles for intervention and post-intervention. The philosophical underpinning of this study was constructivism. The school was selected purposively …

Exploring Coping Strategies Employed By Headteachers In Managing Administrative Challenges In Public Junior Secondary Schools: A Case Study Of Selected Junior Secondary Schools In Rarieda Sub County In Kenya., Steve Biko Abudho

Master of Education

Junior secondary schools in kenya serve as crucial intermediaries between primary and secondary education, facilitating the transition of students from a foundational to a more specialized curriculum. Despite their significance, they face multifaceted administrative challenges that impede their effective operation and the successful implementation of the competency-based curriculum. Research that has examined the coping strategies these administrators employ to effectively handle the multiple difficulties encountered in their roles is scanty. This qualitative study therefore sought to delve into administrative challenges faced by the headteachers of Junior secondary schools in Rarieda sub- county in kenya and the coping mechanisms and strategies …

A Looming Crisis: Exploring How Human-Wildlife Conflict Affects Provision Of Quality Education In Kenya., Raphael Mugho Maghanga

Master of Education

This research aimed to investigate the impact of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) on the provision of quality education in Kenya, with a particular focus on schools in Taita-Taveta County near Tsavo National Park. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using SPSS, while the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed several significant outcomes. First and foremost, HWC resulted in high levels of learner absenteeism, primarily due to parents' inability to pay school fees as a result of the …

Ai In Education: Investigating The Potential Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) To Support Biology Teachers In Improving Their Pedagogical Practices To Teaching Topics Perceived As Difficult., Silas Otiende Ouma

Master of Education

Ensuring learner engagement is crucial for achieving conceptual understanding, especially in biology classes. In Kenya, a noticeable decline in average biology scores, and insights from studies indicate that there is a dominant use of teacher-centered teaching methods which rarely engage learners to enable them to comprehend some of the biology topics that are marred with complexity. This research aimed to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support biology teachers in improving their pedagogical practices in teaching topics perceived as difficult. The study began by exploring the perceived difficult topics in biology, the current pedagogical approaches used to teach …

Exploring Teachers’ Use Of Oral Questioning In Enhancing Oral Communication Skills. The Case Of One Secondary School In Sumbawanga Municipality, Tanzania, Michael Joachim Nyandwi

Master of Education

This study investigated the teachers' use of oral questioning practices, and challenges in developing oral communication skills (OCS) among secondary school students in Sumbawanga Municipality. A qualitative approach was used to explore the use of oral questioning practices in enhancing OCS.  A case study design was employed to focus on one secondary school. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain one experienced English teacher, and nine students from one class as they had been using Kiswahili in primary school as a medium of instruction, and when the study was conducted, they were in their first year of secondary education …

Exploring The Integration Of Ict In Early Childhood Education To Enhance Literacy And Numeracy In Kaliua District: Insights From Preschool Teachers’ Practices., Nemes Danstan Benguye

Master of Education

This research project explores how ICT is integrated in early childhood education in Tanzania, focusing on its potential to enhance reading, writing and numeracy skills among young learners. It emphasizes the importance of ICT integration in shaping children's academic trajectory and cognitive development. In developed countries many studies on ICT integration in ECE to enhance literacy and numeracy skills are being conducted unlike those in the global south.  Findings from those studies conducted in the global south, particularly in Tanzania have consistently documented the contributing factors for limited opportunities, challenges associated with the availability of ICT tools and resources, and …

Teachers’ Perception On The Use Of Play To Develop Children's Literacy In Pre-Primary Education In Tanzania., Kessia Kiwia

Master of Education

This study delves into challenges and opportunities in integrating play-based learning in Temeke, Tanzania's pre-primary classrooms. Despite national policies endorsing play-based early childhood education, translating these policies into effective practices encounters substantial barriers.

Semi-structured interviews with six Temeke public school pre-primary teachers unveil the complex landscape they navigate. Barriers include limited resources, inadequate training, time constraints, academic pressures, cultural dismissal of play, and overcrowded classrooms. These hinder play-based learning's effective implementation, impacting its developmental benefits for young learners.

Insufficient resources limit access to conducive play-based education materials and spaces. Teachers need enhanced play pedagogy training. Time constraints and academic pressures …

Spring 2024 Election Results - Student Government Association, Student Government Association, East Tennessee State University

Student Government Association Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Etsu Health Annual Report - 2024, Etsu Health, East Tennessee State University

ETSU Health Annual Reports

No abstract provided.