Education Commons^™

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Exploring Leadership Styles That Support Teacher Retention In Christian Secondary Schools, Jeremy T. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the leadership styles of school administrators that influence teacher retention for secondary Christian school teachers, in a southeastern coastal state. The theory guiding this study was Avolio’s full-range leadership model, which provides the background to understanding how leadership styles of school administrators influence the retention rate of their teachers. The central research question was: What are the retention experiences of secondary Christian school educators who attribute their persistence to the leadership styles of school administrators? Data was collected from 11 secondary Christian school teachers to explore the persistence experiences of …

Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Biblical Principles In Curriculum: A Phenomenology Of Christian Educators' Mental Health Instruction, Keri Mankos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical study was to explore the experiences of Christian K-12 educators who are in instructional roles who integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with a biblical worldview in their curriculum design and instructional practices at three Christian K-12 schools in the Eastern United States. The integration of a biblical worldview and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques was generally defined as using biblical principles to help students change their thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health. This study examined how educators incorporated biblical principles into the design and delivery of academic courses, such as mental health education and …

Experiences Of Classroom Teachers’ Technology Use During And After A Pandemic, William Primrose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem explored in this study was that during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers began using new or existing technology for which they were unprepared. Framed by Davis’ technology acceptance model (TAM), the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of middle school teachers’ technology use during and after the pandemic, including their perceived usefulness of the technology in their classrooms, their intended use of the technology moving forward, and what support they may need from administration to continue using technology consistently. Data was collected through interviews with 10 teachers who taught during and after the COVID-19 …

Post-Separation Abused Mothers’ Experiences With The Family Court System In Tennessee: A Transcendental Study, Heather Nicole Howse Neisen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of mothers of post-separation abuse who were involved in a family court system where rulings negatively impacted the safety and justice of victims. The guiding theories for this study were Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Coercive Control Theory. There were three research questions for the study, “How have mothers who have experienced PSA been adversely impacted by the rulings from the FCS in TN?,” “How do post-separation abused mothers describe the impact that the Family Court System had on their overall wellbeing?” and “How do post-separation abused …

Career And Technical Education Faculty Members' Attitudes Toward Assessment: A Case Study, Cecelia R. Brewer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand career and technical education (CTE) faculty members’ attitudes toward assessment at a community college in Kansas. This study explored how faculty members perceived and engaged with outcomes assessment, including their beliefs about its effectiveness, their level of influence in assessment-related decisions, and their sense of being valued within a culture of assessment. The research questions were: 1) What are faculty members’ attitudes toward various assessment methods in career and technical education, including the assessment of both knowledge and skills?, 2) How much do faculty members believe assessment contributes to improving teaching …

Uab Trauma To Host Third Annual Heroes And Healers Event Honoring Survivors, Care Teams And First Responders, Micah Hardge

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No abstract provided.

Intrinsic Motivation In The General Education Classroom, Rachel E. Deaton

Honors Theses

This research is investigating how to increase intrinsic motivation within the general education classroom using classroom lessons and procedures. Research was gathered using One Search on the University of Mississippi library website. After narrowing down the research, I used information to inform the making of my Unit by Design and procedural guide. Through research we found that in order to support intrinsic motivation that students need three psychological needs to meet: relatedness, competency, and autonomy. The best ways to meet these needs in classroom gamification, teacher motivation, and movement integration. There are things that you can do to help support …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Higher Education Faculty Towards Inclusion Of Racial And Ethnic Minority Students With Disabilities, Aimee Grace Regala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of higher education faculty toward the inclusion of racial and ethnic minority students with disabilities at a historically Black college and university in the mid-Atlantic region in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Alexander Astin's input-environment-outcome (I-E-O) model. Transcendental study captured the essence of higher education faculty's experiences in implementing inclusive practices for racial and ethnic minority students with disabilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed through epoché, phenomenological reduction, and imaginative variation to answer the …

Exploring Mathematics Faculty Perceptions Of Instructional Design In Ai-Integrated Tools: A Phenomenological Study, Taylor Victoria Moreau

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of higher education mathematics faculty implementing artificial intelligence tools in their classrooms. The theory that guided this study was Piaget’s cognitive learning theory, which emphasizes that learners absorb knowledge by building upon previous understandings and experiences. The central research question guiding this study is: What are the lived experiences of mathematics faculty in higher education who utilize AI tools to support instructional design in their classrooms? Purposeful sampling was used to recruit full-time or visiting mathematics faculty members from four-year colleges and universities in the eastern United …

The Successful Transition Of Military Veterans To Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Kenneth Hollis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of student veterans as they transition into 4-year universities in the southern region of the United States. The problem guiding this work is that student veterans often face significant challenges in achieving academic and personal success during the transition from military service to civilian campus life. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg's transition theory, as it provides a framework for understanding the factors that influence individuals' experiences during change and transition how veterans navigate the academic, social, and psychological dimensions of this pivotal life change. The …

Teacher Perception Of Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder And Acceptability Of Interventions For Students With Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder, Andrea S. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurocognitive disorder, highly diagnosed in students. Teachers play a crucial role in the detection of ADHD and in implementing interventions. However, their perceptions, confidence, and barriers influence how interventions are applied in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ perceptions and knowledge of ADHD and their perceptions of the evidence-based interventions for students with ADHD. The study also explored the role of student-teacher relationships on academic outcomes, perceived barriers to implementation, and factors influencing teachers’ willingness to implement interventions. Participants included 25 certified teachers, teaching core subjects in grades …

A Culture Of Care: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Trauma-Informed Practices Among Teachers In Christian Elementary Schools, Christina Michelle Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions and utilization of trauma-informed practices of Christian elementary school teachers in classrooms in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development, as it highlights how teachers are instrumental in promoting developmentally healthy practices for trauma-affected children through building relationships and interacting with others at varying levels of their ecosystem. The study was designed to answer the following central research question: How do elementary Christian school teachers utilize trauma-informed practices in the classroom? The study used a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design …

Measuring Comfort Levels Of General Education Students When Interacting With Peers With Severe Disabilities: A Quasi-Experimental, Pretest-Posttest, Quantitative Research Design, Kaila Olivia Khai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest research study was to determine whether a disability awareness program would increase high school students' self-reported comfort level when interacting with peers with disabilities. This study is important because student comfort levels when interacting with peers with disabilities has a direct impact on inclusion, social acceptance, and positive relationships throughout the school and community; therefore, this study adds to the literature regarding comfort levels by examining the difference between comfort levels of general education students that have and have not received a disability awareness program. The sample was composed of 90 high school …

The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Algebra Teachers Working With Students With Math Anxiety: A Phenomenological Study, Chanly Kong Henderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of working with students with math anxiety in algebra classrooms for secondary math teachers at the Sunflower School District in the Western United States. The study was guided by attentional control theory, which explains how anxiety disrupts attention and working memory. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of secondary math teachers working with students with math anxiety in algebra classrooms? Ten participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and a journal prompt, and were manually …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of How Daily Explicit Writing Instruction May Contribute To Early Foundational Reading Skills: A Case Study, Jamie Shenk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single case study was to explore how K-3 elementary teachers’ perceptions of how daily writing instruction contributes to early foundational reading skills. The theories guiding this study were Sweller’s cognitive load study and Bartlett’s schema theory. The central research question was: How do educators perceive connections between an explicit, daily writing approach and its influence on foundational reading skills? A single case study was used for this research in order to focus on K-3 teachers who had completed a one-year study on explicit writing instruction. The participants were 12 K-3 teachers in one Title I school …

Retention Of Rural/Small-Town Band Directors In Georgia, Timothy M. Warren

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the retention and tenure of band directors in rural and small-town contexts in Georgia. Research indicates that directors in these areas often face challenges not commonly present in urban settings. This study sought to determine whether there is a trend of short tenures among rural and small-town band directors in Georgia. Data was collected through an online survey targeting current and former directors with rural or small-town experience. The survey included Likert Scale items addressing director qualifications, backgrounds, and common challenges, as well as open-ended questions that allowed participants to describe their …

A Causal-Comparative Study On The Difference Between Elementary, Middle, And High School Special Education Teachers’ Emotional Exhaustion Based On Years Of Experience, Stacey Spruill Earp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional exhaustion differed among special education teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the southern United States while controlling for years of teaching experience. This study is significant because emotional exhaustion is a central component of burnout and has implications for teacher well-being, retention, and the quality of services provided to students with disabilities. A quantitative, non-experimental comparative design was employed. Data was collected from a sample of 158 special education teachers working in public schools in the southern region. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey through …

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training For Stress Urinary Incontinence In Pre-And-Postmenopausal Women, Iesha L. Schorer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a plethora of women in the pre- and post-menopausal phase who have stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which means accidentally leaking urine while coughing and sneezing, and not being able to hold urine for a brief period once they have the urge to void. Kegels have been the suggested treatment for centuries. Currently, numerous research articles on pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs), such as Kegels, electrical stimulation, laser treatment, Botox injections, and pharmaceuticals, do not provide conclusive evidence. The deprivation of evidence leads to a gap in research on the reduction or elimination …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership Tenets On The Soft Skills And Self-Efficacy Of Individuals From A Performing Arts Program: A Phenomenological Study, Carissa Hawksworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of university students who develop soft skills and self-efficacy while working with a director who utilizes transformational leadership qualities to direct a performing arts event. The theory guiding this study was Bass’s theory of transformational leadership, which encourages leaders to develop as individuals, thereby enhancing the performance of the entire group. The central research question was, “What are the lived experiences of university students who participate in a performing arts program led by a transformational leader?” This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology study focused on understanding the lived …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Seminary Teachers Transitioning From Designing And Delivering Instruction Traditionally To Competency-Based Education Approach, Jacob L. M. Li

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences transitioning from designing and delivering instruction traditionally to a competency-based education approach using a learning management system for teachers at four seminaries based in North America. Competency-based education was generally defined as a highly personalized approach to education, where instructions are structured according to the interests, needs, and learning styles of the students who progress according to their competencies certified by formative process evaluation, irrespective of how long that would take, until they have reached the stated desired level of mastery, all the while acquiring knowledge, skills, …

Accelerating Adolescent Girls’ Education In West And Central Africa, Mame Soukeye Mbaye, Sarah Engebretsen, Maty Dia, Karen Austrian

Adolescents and Young People

This brief summarizes the evidence on gender inequality in education in West and Central Africa (WCA), particularly the GIRL Center’s priority countries. It explores attendance, progression, transition to secondary, and re-entry. This brief informs strategies that address persistent inequalities and promote transformative outcomes for adolescent girls in the region.

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Neuroinclusive Teaching Practices For Open Pedagogy Projects, Amanda C. Larson, Hanna N. Primeau

All Things Open

In this presentation, we will share how we intentionally incorporated neuroinclusive teaching practices into our three-credit General Education course Information, Citizenship, and Social Justice where students participated in a semester-long open pedagogy project culminating in the publication of a Pressbook. We will offer best practices for attendees who would like to do the same in their courses. Situated within evidence based practices, such as Universal Design for Learning and empathetic pedagogy, we will share practical in-person teaching recommendations, student reactions to our interventions, as well as asynchronous recommendations so as to accommodate a range of teaching types with low barriers …

Sau Physical Activity Website (Paw)*, Lisbette Sanchez, Alberto Elizondo, Caleb Tenold, Evelyn Shtereva, Siegwart Mayr

Campus Research Month

Problem: Southern’s Physical Activity Website (PAW) used to track physical activity from students and faculty was no longer functional. Aside from unsupported API versions, there was also an issue with authorization and role assignments.

Solution: Southern’s Center for Innovation and Research in Computing (CIRC) adopted the assignment of restructuring a new web application to track physical activity. This project focuses on building a secure and scalable architecture that connects user devices, third-party fitness APIs, and a centralized database to support activity tracking, workout analysis, and fitness history. By combining modern web development practices with API integration and backend data processing, …

Energy Scaling And Frequency Ratios Of Particles And Constants, Alison Christina Menzmer, Donald Chakeres, Vola Andrianarijaona

Campus Research Month

We are exploring quantum aspects of various physical quantities (including Bohr radius, Rydberg constant, Planck time, and Hubble constant) and mass energies of elementary particles (including electron, neutron, and quarks). We express all physical units in an energy equivalence in Hertz, normalized to 1 Hz. Furthermore, the logarithms of these normalized energies are scaled by the logarithm of a chosen particle, which allows the generation of an Arrhenius plot exhibiting numerical structures. Our results presented in this poster show that the proton is a good candidate for an Arrhenius plot with partial fractions (1 + 1/n) and (1 - 1/n).

2026 April 6 - Faculty Senate Agenda And Minutes, Faculty Senate, East Tennessee State University

Faculty Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Principal Preparation Program Components On Self-Efficacy Development In Aspiring School Leaders, Michelle Price

Theses and Dissertations

Leaders with high self-efficacy demonstrate greater persistence when facing adversity, implement organizational change more readily, and establish higher goals for themselves and their organizations. This qualitative study examines which components of principal preparation programs most strongly contribute to self-efficacy development among aspiring school leaders in Utah, specifically in instructional leadership and management for learning. Through semi-structured interviews with 19 recent graduates from three Utah universities, the research explores how program components influence candidates' confidence to lead schools effectively. Grounded in Bandura's self-efficacy theory, the findings reveal that while cohort-based models and faculty characteristics provide foundational support for overall efficacy development, …

Using Metacognitive Strategies To Increase Student Success At A Community College, Adam Blair

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Adam Blair of April 6, 2026.

A Place To Breathe: High School Students’ Perceptions Of A School-Based Wellness Center, Devan Clayton, Elizabeth Cutrer, Paul Caldarella, Michael Richardson, Jared Warren

Faculty Publications

Adolescents face significant academic and emotional stressors, underscoring the need for accessible school-based mental health support. This qualitative study examined high school students’ (N = 17) perceptions of a school-based wellness center, including both users and non-users. Four focus groups were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers to use. Students described the center as a calming, supportive space that aided emotional regulation, short-term recovery, and readiness to return to class. Users emphasized relational connection, belonging, and managing stress and anxiety in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Students also viewed the center as fostering early …

Offloading Learning To A Stochastic Parrot: Generative Ai’S Impacts On Academic Integrity And The Current State Of Best Practices, Mary Broussard

Faculty Journal Articles

Writing-from-sources assignments (also known as research papers) are an integral part of a college education and primarily how librarians support information literacy skill development. While students have always found ways to circumvent learning through plagiarism, generative AI systems’ ability to complete entire assignments means that past recommendations to discourage plagiarism are insufficient. This article reviews previous plagiarism-deterrent recommendations, what has changed in the age of generative AI, and provides suggestions for how teaching faculty and librarians can respond.