Adult and Continuing Education Commons^™

Learning And Workers In Transition (Wit), Jeffrey Burgazzoli Jr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study utilized autoethnography to generate new understandings about learning and workplace transitions. I journaled the first 90 days in a new job, writing about the notable learning events that occurred and collecting work artifacts to create a rich storyboard of the transition scene. Qualitative analysis of the storyboard revealed four broader dimensions of learning that must be considered: 1) knowledge growth and development, 2) cognition, 3) situational context, and 4) emotion. The results of the study illuminated key inflection points that happened during the transition process, conceptualized how my learning changed over time, and showed how I processed and …

Speaking Of Disruption: Experiences Of Speech Faculty In Transitioning Face-To-Face Courses To Remote Instruction, Amanda Ratcliff

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Online learning is not new to higher education, but the rapid transition from face-to-face instruction to virtual course delivery in the middle of an academic term due to the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for better training and preparation (Mseleku, 2020). This qualitative study explored the experiences of speech and communication faculty members (N = 5) who were required to swiftly transition to online teaching with short notice. Based on faculty perspectives, findings reveal the need for recognizing different pedagogical approaches to distance education, the need for more faculty training to teach online, the need for engagement and interaction with …

College Athletes’ Safe Return To Play: Perceptions Of Strength And Conditioning Training In A Midwest University, Reid Peters

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

This study focused on exploring the lived experiences of student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic at a midwestern university in the United States of America. Survey responses from collegiate athletes regarding perceptions of strength and conditioning training during the pandemic uncovered meaningful information to inform practices of strength and conditioning personnel during unexpected disruption to daily operations. Sixteen student athletes from a Midwest university were the respondents providing feedback to open-ended survey questions during fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Student perspectives offer important insight about cares and concerns that athletic administrators, coaches and institutional leaders should consider when developing …

University Admissions Leaders Rethink Recruitment Strategies In The Wake Of Covid-19, Emily R. Albright, Elizabeth A. Schwanke

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

In the wake of COVID-19, university admissions leaders were challenged to rethink recruitment strategies and practices. This qualitative research inquiry explored how admissions leaders changed student recruitment strategies in response to the inability to connect with prospective students in-person. The study collected data from six university admissions leaders in the Midwest region of the United States. Systems theory and the concept of organizational adaptation supported this investigation. Findings of the study reveal challenges admissions offices faced in response to the pandemic, identify new recruitment strategies developed by admissions leaders, and information what strategies may comprise the future of recruitment. Three …

Midwest University Coach Perspectives On Student-Athlete Recruitment During Unprecedented Disruption, Jonah Bradley

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Recruiting student-athletes is one of the fundamental elements of success for college-level athletic coaches. The COVID-19 pandemic made student-athlete recruitment next to impossible due to restrictions on in-person activities. Utilizing Participatory Action Research (PAR), this study sought to understand the experiences of four athletic coaches in one Midwest college basketball program. Three themes from this study that informed the recruitment process during disruption were: theme 1: traditional recruiting replaced with technology-enabled recruiting. theme 2: inability to engage in person hinders interactions and communication, and theme 3: roster management and player development inconsistent with disruption. This study reveals a need for …

Non-Profit Leaders Confronting Challenges Presented By Covid-19, Tennille Spears

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

Little is known about the totality of the challenges non-profit leaders are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how non-profit leaders are adapting to challenges caused by COVID-19. This paper presents an inquiry into participatory action research questions with responses from non-profit leaders’ firsthand experience with the challenges faced during the pandemic. The study collected data from three non-profit leaders in Wisconsin. Crisis management conceptual framework supports this investigation. The findings of this study reveal challenges non-profit leaders face in response to the pandemic include identifying new skills needed by non-profit leaders, and gaining information on the financial …

When Failure Is An Option: A Scoping Review Of Failure States In Game-Based Learning, F. Eamonn Powers, Robert L. Moore

STEMPS Faculty Publications

As interest in the use of games and gaming elements within learning environments grows, educators and designers may find it easier to account for winning than for losing and failure. This scoping review examines the role of failure and loss within game-based instructional interventions. Because of the varied methods and relatively small number of articles directly addressing the intersection between failure and loss within game-based instructional interventions, a scoping review was undertaken. This review included 14 peer-reviewed articles which explored a range of instructional contexts implementing failure state game mechanics. We identify several key takeaways that indicate how failure state …

Multimodal Learning For Dyslexic Musicians: Practical Applications For Adults, Melissa Mikucki

Theses : Honours

Dyslexia affects 15 to 20% of the population according to the International Dyslexia Association. Multimodal media, such as smartphones and tablets, which are capable of presenting varied modes of information (for example, visual, aural, and kinetic), have been shown to aid learning in dyslexic children. Music has been identified as a useful multisensory tool to help educators improve literacy skills in children. However, little research has been done on the impact of dyslexia on a child or adult’s ability to learn and perform music. Few studies have been undertaken that focus solely on dyslexia’s effect on musical ability in children; …

Hospital Employer Perceptions Of Baccalaureate Registered Nurse Competency-Based Education To Meet Workforce Needs, Regina Cash

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Competency-based education (CBE) is an alternative educational system of instruction that allows students to earn academic credit based on demonstration of learned skills and knowledge. This study addressed a gap in research related to the differences between the way hospital employers currently perceive potential employees’ educational credentials through traditional degrees and through CBE credentialing programs. The purpose was to explore the way hospital hiring employers perceive potential employees’ registered nurse Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN BSN) CBE credentials relative to traditional degrees to meet their workforce needs, which the research questions were focused on. Bailly’s model of employers’ beliefs …

Imprecise Words: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Institutional Statements Addressing Anti-Black Racism In 2020, Shedrick Wayne Daniels Iii

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

A series of highly publicized off-campus acts of racial violence between February and September 2020 ignited a national reckoning on race, racism, anti-Black racism, and the role of higher education in systemic discrimination. In response, a number of college and university leaders published public statements attempting to address anti-Black racism both nationally and on their respective campuses. The purpose of this study is to take a closer look at how colleges and universities in the University of Wisconsin System (UW-System) utilize public statements to address anti-Black racism. Utilizing Critical Race Theory as a theoretical framework, as well as Bitzer’s theory …

Examining Changes In Learning And Engagement Of Higher Education Students In A Fully Online Flipped Learning Distance Education Classroom, James David Riel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The challenge of implementing effective online distance education courses for academics and institutions is a centuries-old task. We can look across early developments in the 18^th century with the creation and delivery of correspondence courses; into the 20^th century with teaching and learning across analog methods such as audio and video; and now in the current era of digitized mechanisms that enable the online classroom. This includes advances in internet technologies and computing abilities that are the empowering the backbone processes, bridging connectivity between the student and the instructor. As society has trended toward massive increases in online …

Identifying Characteristics That Lead To Better Academic Performance For International Students In U.S. Colleges, Hadi Rajabbeigi

Theses and Dissertations

A large proportion of students in the United States is international students. Thus, educational leaders need to facilitate the learning process for this population. This study investigated the characteristics of international students that affect their academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine how individual characteristics of international students affect the learning strategies they choose and how it affects their academic performance. For this purpose, the survey was designed according to the literature, which measures characteristic variables based on VIA character strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004), learning strategies (MSLQ) developed by Pintrich et al. (1991), and academic performance …

Academic Goal Orientation: New Insights And Cultural Adaptation Of Academic Goal Orientation Questionnaire Into The Turkish Language, Fuat Findikoglu, Mehmet Gurol

Georgia Educational Researcher

This study aims to review and provide new perspectives for academic goal orientation. The study introduces first chronological history of goal orientation and depicts how goal orientation evolved into a new construct in learning from the discussion on motivational factors. At first, this study isolates goal orientation from motivation and provides novel insights into goal orientation as a separated factor affecting learning. Then, this study provides analyses of the adaptation work of the academic goal orientation questionnaire into the Turkish language. The translated scale was applied to a sample of 729 undergraduate students, 376 (51.6%) of which were female and …

Their Lessons: Inspiring Stories Of Ten Retired African American Volunteers Serving The Augusta, Georgia, Community, Gwendolyn Bentley Clayborne

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

African Americans found ways to respond to the needs of their communities as volunteers when they were denied many services available to Whites citizens. Opportunities to volunteer were provided both formally and informally through churches, sororities, fraternities and other organizations. Many families would not have been able to afford care for their children and/or elderly family members had it not been for other members of their family and friends volunteering to provide the needed services. Growing up in the early fifties, before starting to school, my first caregiver was Mr. Allen, an elderly man. His wife, who worked from home …

Enrolling And Matriculatiing Adult Learners At A Public Community College In Illinois, Christina J. Coclanis-Loding

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Christina J. Coclanis-LodingDepartment of Higher Education and Student Affairs Northern Illinois University, 2021 Carrie A. Kortegast, Director

There are 44 million adults over the age of 24 who hold a high school diploma, and another 35 million adult who have some college credit, but have not earned their college degree. These numbers make adult learners a viable population to attract and matriculate at community colleges. Considering the impact adult learners would have on enrollment in a time when enrollment numbers have been declining and the benefits to the local economies by providing skilled workers, the recruitment of adult learners is …

A New Frontier: The Transformative Essence Of F-1 International Students At Suburban Community Colleges In The American Midwest, Gregory Michael Gordon

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the impediments, social adjustments challenges, and classroom experiences of F-1 international students enrolled at community colleges in the Midwest region of the United States with at least one semester completed after their arrival. Through their respective accounts, the participants shared their positive and negative experiences about their respective host environments, struggles and challenges, acculturation, perseverance, and triumphs. The assertions and themes produced from the analysis of participant interviews provided salient insights into the experiences of the selected F-1 international students. Many of the participants while accommodating themselves to their respective community college environments struggled with issues …

International Graduate Students’ Interactions With Their Writing Tutors And The Role Of Writing Center In Their Academic Experiences, Chynar Amanova

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The main purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the interactions of international students who were pursuing doctoral degrees at a public university in the Midwest (PUM) with their writing tutors. This study also explored how their writing center experiences contributed to their academic experiences. Sociocultural theory and situated learning theory served as the conceptual framework for this qualitative case study. Sociocultural theory guided understanding of the nature of the interactions, while situated learning revealed how the students’ experiences with their writing center coaches helped them join the U.S. academic community of practice through the socialization process. Semi-structured …

Spiritual Leadership In Early Intervention Practice, Jo Lynn Mccray

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore ways to integrate the principles of spiritual leadership theory into therapeutic practice and to understand how spiritual leadership is used in therapy sessions from therapists’ own perspectives. Semi-structured interviews served as the major sources of data. The findings of the study reveal that early intervention therapists incorporated the elements of spiritual leadership, such as hope and faith, to enhance services provided to children and families.

Why Older Adults Do Not Engage In Formal And Nonformal Educational Programs, George Psaras

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative research explored why older people do not participate in formal and nonformal education. This study focused on older adults who have not participated in formal or nonformal education since their retirement. Recent studies have shown that participation in formal and nonformal educational activities is an effective way to maintain and enhance cognitive health. The study identified unique individual experiences that influenced the decision-making process regarding participation in educational activities—related to personal interests, commitments, previous academic achievements, classroom environment, benefits derived from participation, and financial considerations. Study participants were involved in daily activities that they believed would help them …

Female Student Service Member’S Experiences With Higher Education And Military Transitions, Sophie Cieslicki

Masters Theses

This study explored the experiences of female student service members when transitioning between military-related and higher education responsibilities as well as their motivations for degree completion and campus resources they utilized. While the number of studies on female student service members is growing, research on this population is scarce. This study utilized a narrative qualitative approach to give female student service members a voice and platform to share their experiences and truths. Participants in this study have served at least one year in the United States Armed Forces and have completed at least one semester of college coursework. Participants were …

Understanding Teacher Legal Literacy In Pre-Service Education Programs And How To Improve Teacher Legal Literacy Through Self-Efficacy Professional Development, Peter T. Kupfer

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examined the term legal literacy as it applies to education, the state of legal literacy in educators today, and how that might be improved through lens self-efficacy. This dissertation is organized into four separate papers. Paper 1 is a review of the literature about legal literacy in both the field of education and in the legal field. Having determined in Paper 1 that teachers possess a low legal literacy, Paper 2 examined the role of pre-service teacher programs in exposing teaching candidates to legal topics. Having found in Paper 2 that pre-service undergraduate programs in the US do …

Self-Efficacy, Motivation, And Academic Success: Learners With Adhd In Online Universities, Kareta Lewin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on traditional or brick and mortar universities suggests that there is an association between self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation (IM), extrinsic motivation (EM), and academic success in higher education. What is not yet clear is whether self-efficacy and motivation (IM and EM) are associated with academic success in online universities. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an association between self-efficacy, motivation (IM and EM), and academic success for learners with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who attend online universities. The possible role of self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between IM and EM and academic success was …

Teaching Study Skills To College Students Using Checklist Training, Sarah T. Kong

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Deficits in the study skills of college students can lead to lower academic performance and disqualification. Although behavior analytic research has evaluated methods for teaching, structuring in-class notes, increasing attendance, and improving participation, no studies have evaluated methods for improving independent studying outside of the classroom using a single-case design. We evaluated the effects of a study skills training package using a multiple probe design across skills with college students. Sessions took place in a room arranged to emulate the typical study space found in a dorm or library. During sessions, participants were given a 3–6 page reading from a …

The Rise In Use Of Emotional Support Animals By College Students: The Impact Of Parenting Styles, Misty G. Smith, Samantha Ballard, Jill Willis

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

As the generational context of higher education shifts, a rise of Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and mental health concerns are present for students on college campuses. While previous studies have aimed to address the relevancy and controversy of ESAs in higher education as well as their effectiveness in supporting individuals, less research has explored underlying factors that contribute to the use of an ESA. The purpose of this study was to explore the parenting behaviors of parents/caregivers of students with ESAs in comparison to parents/caregivers of students without ESAs. An embedded mixed methods design was used. Participants completed the Parenting …

Facilitating Veteran And Adult Students' Learning And Retention In Engineering: Faculty-Student Partnership - A Model Of An Evidence-Based Practice, Kim E. Bullington, Anthony Dean, Cynthia Tomovic, Vukica M. Jovanović, Rafael E. Landaeta

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

With the growing number of adult and military veterans entering higher education, it is important to understand and incorporate the basics of andragogy in curriculum, course development, and the learning environment to facilitate learning and degree completion. Researchers in this S-STEM project funded by the NSF share observations of a student-faculty partnership that resulted from the development of a formal learning community. A series of targeted seminars were conducted that appear to have increased adult and military veteran engineering and technology students’ levels of connectedness and self-efficacy. Results of this pilot study are shared as an evidence-based practice to enhance …

Evaluating Individualism As A Predictor Of Workplace E-Learning Training Transfer, Allison Kendall Archer

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Organizations have long invested in employee training as a means for development. Returns on these investments are limited, however, when, as commonly observed by practioners and researchers, knowledge or skills acquired from training fails to be implemented. This is referred to as the training transfer phenomenon. Workplace training has historically been designed by and for individuals accustomed to Western learning culture, yet increased globalization has reshaped the workforce of the 21st century. Further, there has been a recent shift in workplace training methods from instructor-led/classroom training to online/e-learning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate individualism (a dimension of …

Professional Learning Community: Perspectives Of Rural School Teachers And Leaders, Brenda Olivia Martinez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed rural school administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions about the implementation and participation in professional learning communities (PLC) to impact teacher growth, increase student achievement, and improve instructional practices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of rural administrators and teachers about PLCs within a rural West Texas school district. Research protocols were polished through a pilot study group that provided input to refine the survey and interview questions. The researcher administered a survey for all participants, conducted a one-on-one interview with administrators, and interviewed teachers in focus groups. Findings indicated that collaboration, implementation factors, and …

Learning Transformation Perceptions Of Preservice Second Career Teachers, Shosh Leshem, Rivi Carmel, Merav Badash, Beverley Topaz

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Teachers’ shortage has become a critical issue in most countries in the world. One of the solutions has been the initiation of short-term teacher education programmes which attract adult career changers who enter the programme with prior working experiences and world knowledge. However, the process of transferring previous knowledge is challenging and teachers need to navigate new horizons. The aim of the study is to identify shifts in students’ perceptions regarding the teaching profession, and what experiences prompted the shifts. The research was conducted among 15 students in a teacher education college in Israel. The analysis of interviews exposed five …

Online Education Practices And Teaching Team Compositions In Australian Preservice Primary Science Education, James Deehan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Australian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) has long been marred by instability, scrutiny and high academic workloads. University wide workforce changes and the proliferation of online education require ongoing consideration as these factors have the potential to both enrich ITE and exacerbate existing issues. As subsect of ITE, preservice primary science education faces unique hurdles as establish student-centred, authentic practices have historically been delivered by tenured staff in traditional face-to-face settings. This paper aims to explore online teaching practices and teaching team composition in Australian preservice primary science education via interview and survey data collected from 17 academics in a Type …

Educational Policies And Schooling For Arabic Speaking Refugee Children In Australia And Turkey, Nina Maadad, Munube Yilmaz

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper aims to compare refugee settlement and education policies between two geographically and culturally distinct nations, Australia and Turkey. Due to its geographical position in the Middle East, Turkey now hosts millions of refugees especially following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Australia also has a long history of hosting and supporting refugees from many countries and the Arabic-speaking nations are no exception. Conducting a comparative historical analysis, this study aims to fill the gap in our knowledge about the education policies and practices of both countries. Based on the expectations and needs of refugee students, …