Community College Leadership Commons^™

The Impact Of Social Isolation On Community College Students' Learning Modality Preferences, Melinda F. Walker

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 Melinda F. Walker on April 8, 2026.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence For Transformative Education: Challenges And Recommendations, Papia Bawa

Journal of Research Initiatives

The sheer force with which GPT models are inundating business, education and economic fields speaks to its ability to not only transform the ways in which we interact and act but also disrupt these ways. This systematic literature review applies the PSALSAR method to synthesize findings from 72 articles on AI applications in education, emphasizing its transformative potential across various domains. AI is transforming personalized learning by customizing content and feedback to individual needs, addressing challenges like data privacy and ethical concerns. It enhances administrative efficiency through automation and data-driven decision-making, improving institutional performance while managing biases and maintaining human …

Digital Maker Education In Project-Based Learning Through Design For English As A Second Language Skills Development, Pratima Rani Banick

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study investigated the effectiveness of integrating a Maker Education (ME) approach within the PLT design, assisted by Computer-Mediated Tools (CMT), in enhancing the reading skills of Grade 10 ESL learners (aged 15–16) in an online ELT setting. Motivated by the growing need to foster creative and critical thinking and to address learners' lack of interest in traditional approaches to teaching academic reading, the study adopts an experimental design. Students were divided into two groups—a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 10)—using random sampling. The control group received instruction using the conventional teaching approach, while …

Introducing The Aasspectq Framework: A New Typology For Assessing Quality, Pedagogy, Outcomes, And Learning In Micro-Credentials, Felix Quayson

Journal of Research Initiatives

Micro-credentials have gained increasing attention as a flexible and competency-based approach to bridging the gap between formal education and workforce demands. Unlike traditional qualifications and degrees, micro-credentials focus on discrete, demonstrable skills that can be rapidly developed, assessed, and recognized across industries. I proposed the Auditing, Avoidance, Specificity, Skills, Personalization, Efficiency, Competency, Technology, and Quality Assurance (AASSPECTQ) conceptual framework to examine the current state of micro-credential implementation, highlighting the tools, learning outcomes, and assessment instruments necessary for effective program design. The challenges of quality assurance, portability, and recognition that continue to limit widespread adoption were also explored. By …

Braving Ai In Tertiary Education: Generative Artificial Intelligence And Chatbots In Civics, Magdalena Brzezinska

Journal of Research Initiatives

This article explores tested strategies for the responsible and inclusive use of text- and video-generating artificial intelligence (GenAI) and educational chatbots in university classrooms, with a focus on foreign language learners, including students from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Drawing on case studies from WSB Merito University in Poznan, Poland, the author presents methods for integrating AI in civics education in a culturally relevant and equitable manner, emphasizing the importance of responsible technology use. The strategies discussed are adaptable to various tertiary education settings and aim to enhance global skills, foreign language proficiency, AI literacy, and visual literacy among college students. …

Theorizing The Potential Of Lo-Fi Music And Ai-Driven Innovations To Foster Academic Focus And Well-Being, Oksana Karapetian, Simone Elias, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

This conceptual paper examines the potential of lo-fi music as a tool for enhancing academic focus and well-being among students. Drawing from cognitive and psychological perspectives, as well as historical and educational frameworks, this study explores the implications of integrating lo-fi music into learning environments. Research suggests that background music can influence cognitive performance, memory retention, and emotional regulation (de Witte et al., 2019; Fancourt et al., 2016), making it a compelling subject for investigation. Additionally, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), and automation have introduced new possibilities for personalizing and optimizing background music in educational settings. …

Going Online: Decision Processes Of Community College Students Enrolling In Online Degree Programs, Michael Hill, Cassandra M. D. Hart

Benerd College Faculty Articles

This paper examines the decision-making process of students who enroll online at two California community colleges to learn how fully-online students gather information about potential institutions and programs, which alternatives were considered, and which sources were most useful to them in choosing programs. We draw on interviews with 25 students intending to attend fully online; interviews were conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest that students are aware of the availability of online classes and make the choice to attend at a given institution based on convenience, finances, and familiarity with the college. The students that we interviewed …

Online Student Performance Under Synchronous And Asynchronous Instruction In California Community Colleges, Cassandra M. D. Hart, Rachel Baker, Michael Hill, Di Xu

Benerd College Faculty Articles

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in both an increased use of online courses in general and an increased the use of newer forms of online instruction like synchronous instruction. These changes create an urgent need for updated research on how students perform in these courses relative to face-to-face alternatives. Our paper uses data on student course enrollments in the California Community Colleges system from 2015–16 through 2021–22 to explore how the relative performance of students in asynchronous and synchronous courses compared to face-to-face courses has changed over time and how performance differs across various student subgroups (e.g., by race/ethnicity and financial …

Returning To Roots: A Self-Study Of Married Faculty Transitioning To Faculty Roles At Alma Maters, David Wolff, Melissa Wolff, Mark Diacopoulos

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This self-study explores the transition of two faculty members returning to teach at their alma maters. Using visual methods, reflective journals, and peer dialogue, the researchers documented their experiences over six months. Triangulated data revealed eight themes, including: Identity Formation, Shifting Perspectives from Student to Faculty, Interpersonal Attunement, Navigating Changes, Memories Shape Perception, Occupational Stressors Impacting Transitions, Student Advocacy, and Personal Growth. The study highlights how personal and professional identities evolve during career transitions, and how reflective practices can deepen understanding of adaptation in higher education. These findings contribute to the literature on faculty development and offer insight into the …

Building Micro-Credential Frameworks: A Strategic Approach For Institutional Success, Justin R. Louder

TxDLA Journal of Digital Learning

The rise of micro-credentials in higher education presents a transformative opportunity for institutions to deliver flexible, workforce-aligned learning experiences. This article explores key strategies for implementing micro-credential frameworks that align with institutional goals while ensuring quality, scalability, and employer recognition. Drawing from existing models and institutional case studies, the article outlines five critical factors for success: (1) aligning micro-credentials with institutional priorities, (2) conducting market and audience analysis, (3) ensuring academic quality and rigor, (4) leveraging technological infrastructure, and (5) fostering external partnerships. The discussion highlights best practices from leading institutions and offers actionable recommendations for practitioners looking to launch …

Ignite Collaboration For Interactive Meetings, Kelli Erwin

TxDLA Journal of Digital Learning

This article explores how intentional design, inclusive facilitation, and purposeful tools can transform meetings into interactive environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and meaningful outcomes. Designed for educators, instructional leaders, and organizational facilitators, it provides practical strategies to elevate meetings through collaboration, interactivity, and purposeful design.

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

The Key To Acquiring The Language Of Law, Science, And Technology In The Esl College Classroom, Patricia George-Hunter

Journal of English Learner Education

Since vocabulary plays a significant role in second language acquisition, expansive vocabulary targets should be set and pursued. This paper explores the results of introducing affixes to develop vocabulary and increase motivation for beginner to intermediate-level English language learners (ELLs) pursuing academic disciplines in law, science, and technology at a New York City community college. Participants included 23 ELLs with diverse linguistic, educational, and sociocultural backgrounds enrolled in an online synchronous Integrative Language Seminar (ILS) designed to develop all areas of English language proficiency. Pre‑, post‑, delayed tests, questionnaires, and post‑intervention interviews were conducted and analyzed to establish the language …

Examining The Evolution Of The Community College, Marian E. Truehill

Journal of Research Initiatives

Community colleges created opportunities for expansion to feed into four-year institutions in the United States. Community colleges served high school students, military veterans, and diverse student populations in U.S. communities. In the twenty-first century, various educational needs and rebuilding processes existed for many community colleges in the United States. Community colleges serve as educational hospitals, assisting four-year institutions in higher education.

Examining The Influence Of Digital Transformation On Organizational Culture And Employee Adaptability In Higher Education Institutions Across The Gulf Cooperation Council (Gcc), Hussein Elsayed Mohamed Ismail

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

The study aimed to explore the impact of digital transformation on organisational culture and employee readiness within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Conducted in 2024, it involved research that used a sample of employees and administrators from various universities across the region. Structured questionnaires served as data collection tools, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of the different dimensions of digital transformation. This study primarily utilises secondary data analysis, which involves examining data from existing studies, reports, and scholarly articles. This approach is selected for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as it allows access to extensive …

Teachers’ Perspectives On Incorporating Moodle In A Ninth-Grade Reading Classroom, Cathy Miamba

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective technology use in the classroom can help stimulate a variety of learning styles and engage students through fun and exciting activities that help the students comprehend the content. Although research reported the benefits of technology in the classroom, there is a lack of knowledge of the effects of technology like Moodle on students’ academic scores, engagement, motivation, and overall achievement. As such, the problem addressed in this study was the lack of effective use of technology that affects students’ motivation, engagement, and achievements in the classroom. Using Vygotsky’s constructivism theory as the theoretical foundation and qualitative case study as …

Teacher Retention And The Future Of Learning: Alarming Concerns About Preparing The Next Generation Of Citizens, Dejuanna M. Parker, Barbara D. Holmes

Journal of Research Initiatives

Research is robust in detailing the various reasons teachers leave the profession. There is scant literature on why teachers stay and what should be done to improve teacher retention. Teacher retention is a primary concern nationally and internationally. The inability to retain teachers has resulted in a teacher shortage and significantly affects student learning. Sorenson and Ladd (2020) This study yielded three emergent themes related to integral factors of teacher retention: changing attitudes on administrative support, workplace collegiality, and persistence of passion and purpose. Recommendations offered include encouraging administrators to leverage the passion and commitment of the educators to create …

Factors Influencing Jordanian College Understudies' Impressions Of Learning Through Emergency Distance Learning (Edl), Abdelnaser Sanad Alakayleh

Journal of Research Initiatives

In this study, which used a quantitative and correlational approach, the variables influencing Jordanian university students' perceptions of their education under emergency remote learning scenarios were investigated. An online survey was administered to a sample of 765 male and female education stage students. Jordan offers higher education for both genders and at different levels in different regions. Many criteria connected to perceived learning were taken into consideration when administering the study questionnaire. It was discovered that the economics students had a more positive perception of learning than the education and science students, followed by deep learning, avoiding superficial learning factors, …

Strategies For Success: Developing The Hero Within To Increase Persistence Of Community College Students Returning From Academic Dismissal, Angela Cavazos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students are enrolling in college at a higher rate than ever before, yet retention rates continue to be problematic for higher education institutions across the United States. Many students fail to persist beyond their first year and are often forced out due to academic difficulties. Students who return from academic dismissal are likely to be dismissed again. This quasi-experimental quantitative action research study aimed to evaluate the impact that a student success intervention course designed through an asset-based positive self-leadership framework and focused on the development of psychological capital constructs of hope, efficacy, resilience, and self-efficacy (HERO) had on the …

Connecting Through Screens: A Case Study On Student Engagement In Online Esol Classes In The Post Pandemic Era, Meral Kacar

Master's Theses

The sudden shift to emergency online education during the global pandemic affected various academic fields, including English language teaching. While many schools faced challenges, some successfully implemented online educational programs. Despite the large impact of the global pandemic on education, there is limited research that examines the effectiveness of online ESOL programs with a focus on the key factors that contribute to student engagement. This thesis explores the factors contributing to effective online ESOL instruction, focusing on fostering engagement and improving teaching practices in the post-pandemic era. The study for this thesis employs an instrumental case study methodology, focusing on …

Examining And Exploring Online Instructors' Professional Development Experiences, Attitudes, And Perceptions In A Post-Secondary Education System, Jena R. Hartley

Dissertations

Effective professional development for online instructors is critical to student and organizational success. The online instructors’ knowledge transfer on workplace performance outcomes positively or negatively impacts student and organizational success. This study explored online instructors’ professional development experiences, attitudes, and perceptions. The research questions guiding this study were: What are the online instructors’ experiences and attitudes about professional development? How do online instructors perceive the quality and impact of professional development experiences? How do the online instructors’ experiences, attitudes, and perceptions impact knowledge transfer and workplace performance outcomes? Participants in this study were from one post-secondary system in Mississippi. The …

Community College Student Success During Covid-19 Pandemic Based On Class Modality, Rebecca Aslinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, comparative study was to determine whether there were significant differences in Introduction to Education grades as measured by GPA among community college students between 2018-23 with the change of class modality due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study examined differences in Introduction to Education grades as measured by GPA at three community colleges from 2018-23. Archival data were used for this study. The population for this study consisted of all students enrolled in the Introduction to Education course at three institutions. Both in-person and online classes were examined during the time before, during, and …

Their Stories, Our Testimony: A Narrative Inquiry Into The Remote Teaching Experiences Of Community College Clinical Nurse Educators During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Catherine E. Fenner

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This narrative inquiry explored the lived experiences of clinical nurse educators who taught at community colleges during the COVID-19 global pandemic, contributing to the growing body of literature about what nurses endured during the pandemic. The pandemic and the ensuing havoc it caused occurred when the profession faced significant staffing shortages. In the early months of 2020, when the virus was spreading rapidly, many states issued stay-at-home orders requiring nursing programs to pivot to remote learning platforms. Teaching hands-on skills, communication techniques, and time management strategies through virtual and remote pedagogy was a time of confusion for nurse educators, who …

Cultural Advocacy And Teachers Of Color, Torine Champion, Linda Wilson-Jones

Journal of Research Initiatives

Teachers of color face marginalization and microaggressions that their White counterparts do not have to face. African American teachers experience microaggressions pathologizing their cultural values and communication styles, cultural/ethnic insensitivity, an ascription of their intelligence, and being treated as second-class citizens) that are hurtful, undermining, and disparaging (Brown, 2019). Asian American teachers face gendered, racial, and sexualized expectations on their campuses (Endo, 2015). A study of Latina bilingual teachers revealed that they felt alienated from their colleagues, had larger workloads, and did not have access to support (Amos, 2016). Teachers of color experience inequalities, microaggressions, and marginalization that impact their …

Hbcu Faculty Job Satisfaction: Implications For Effective Higher Education Leadership, Demissie Karorsa, Monica E. Allen

Journal of Research Initiatives

Studies show that the success of organizations typically depends on the extent to which leaders promote their employees' job satisfaction and commitment (Kouzes & Posner, 2007). As a result, employees' job satisfaction has received significant attention from business leaders and researchers (Belias & Kouestelios, 2014; Cakmak et al., 2015; Hesli & Lee, 2013; Seifert & Umbach, 2008). Most businesses recognize that enthusiastic, committed, and satisfied employees add value by enhancing customer satisfaction and retention, increasing productivity, and working toward the long-term success of their organizations (Choi, 2016; Cook, 2008). This survey sought to understand Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) …

Shifting To The Online Environment: Exploring Virtual And In-Person Collaborations Between Community College Libraries And Writing Centers, Julia Stone

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Community college libraries and writing centers are natural partners due to their shared goals regarding academic support and student success, as well as their joint focus on the interrelated processes of writing and research. Research has shown that libraries at four-year institutions and writing centers collaborate in many ways, but little research has been conducted on collaborations at community colleges and whether these collaborations have moved to a virtual setting. Given the rise in online education at community colleges and students' need for developmental education in writing, this study used a qualitative survey approach to gain a better understanding of …

College And Career Readiness Effects On Minority Male College Retention, Naquiyah Hodges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The continuously low college retention and low degree attainment of African American and Hispanic men is a generational and decades-long hindrance to the elevation of these marginalized communities in the United States and the state of Texas. In Texas, the last 3 years’ worth of data has proven college-readiness rates of African American and Hispanic college students were significantly lower by large margins than White students in English language arts, math, and both subjects by large margins. Consistent low college retention rates of minority men produce a need to conduct further research of how this phenomenon affects minority men …

Emory Healthcare Training Module For Esol Teachers, Parker Lindsey Timmons

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning (Archived)

The Language Instruction Training Module, specifically designed for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers at Emory Health Systems, serves as a pioneering educational tool to enhance English language proficiency among non-English speaking employees. This comprehensive program aims to equip educators with essential tools and strategies for effective language teaching within a diverse healthcare setting. Recognizing the pivotal role of language educators in fostering a culture of inclusivity and effective communication, this module focuses on facilitating language acquisition and developing communication skills among staff members. The training is uniquely tailored to the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of language …

Letter From The Editor In Chief, Jeffrey Lee

Transform

The TRANSFORM journal is a space for leaders, mentors, researchers, and practitioners of transformational leadership to be seen, heard, and valued; it is a place for making connections. Relationship-building is central to transformational leadership at all levels of an organization; this fundamental truth is a trending topic in literature. Otherwise, however, leadership can be an isolating experience.

As an ethnographer, I believe the best way to launch an academic, peer-reviewed journal is to do what I do best: storytelling. I want to share my thoughts on transformational leadership through a story in the form of a letter to my younger …

“Navigating Virtual Spaces”: A Study On Online Student Engagement And Inclusivity At Andrews University, Noma Mpofu, Jerry Chi

Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship

This research explores innovative strategies for fostering online student engagement and inclusion at Andrews University, focusing on diverse, interactive learning environments and equitable access to resources to optimize educational outcomes for all students amidst the evolving educational framework.