Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Deep Community Engagement: Faculty Responsiveness Perspectives At A Hispanic Serving Institution, Joseph Coppola

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, narrative inquiry investigates how experienced faculty members embody and enact responsive pedagogical practices at a community college Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Despite generational poverty and low degree attainment among Latine students, institutions face mounting pressure from deficit-mindedness and political mandates that threaten educational equity and resources for HSIs. This research sought to answer: How do community college faculty teaching at a Hispanic Serving Institution exhibit attributes of responsiveness?

The theoretical framework utilized the core tenets of Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy and integrated models from Gloria Ladson-Billings (culturally relevant pedagogy), Geneva Gay (culturally responsive teaching), Django Paris (culturally sustaining pedagogy), …

Navigating Cultural And Professional Identities: A Study Of Hispanic Women's Experiences In Aerospace Internship Programs, Jennifer Becerra

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study investigated how Hispanic women navigated cultural identity and professional development during National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) internship programs, examining the role of culturally responsive mentoring in supporting retention. The research question was, How do Hispanic women in aerospace-internship programs navigate the intersection of cultural identity and professional development as they transition from academic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to aerospace careers, and what role does culturally responsive mentoring play in supporting their retention?

Using Anzaldúa’s nepantla concept, Duncan-Andrade’s critical-hope theory, and Ladson-Billings’ culturally relevant pedagogy as theoretical frameworks, in this study, I employed semistructured …

The Relationship Between Perceived Transactional Distance, Cultural Values, And Online Instruction Among Higher Education Students: A Quantitative Analysis, Judith Kay Guetzow

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative survey research study examines potential correlations and influences on the learning of students enrolled in online classes at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The study specifically investigates whether transactional distance (TD) as conceptualized in Michael G. Moore’s Transactional Distance Theory (TDT), and cultural values such as power distance (PD), uncertainty avoidance (UA), and collectivism (CO) as defined in Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, are associated with, and impact the learning experiences of online students. The analysis primarily centers on students’ perceived transactional distance and their self-reported cultural orientations.

Reflections Of Linguistic Experiences In A Borderland: Influences On Cultural Identity And Teacher Praxis, Iliana Cantu

Theses and Dissertations

This Autoethnographic dissertation uses autohistoria-teoria to critically analyze my lived curriculum as a Mexican-born raised in the borderland of the Rio Grande Valley. This research aims to understand the influence of my linguistic experiences on my cultural identity and teaching praxis within the same context. Drawing from Anzaldua’s (1987) concept of Borderlands as a contextual lens and Raciolinguistics as a theoretical framework, I examine and reflect on key linguistic experiences that have perpetuated colonizing linguistic practices rather than fostered linguistic diversity. Additionally, Culturally Linguistic Sustaining Pedagogy serves as a framework to critically analyze my teaching praxis in relation to my …

Barriers To Hispanic Post-Secondary Education In Science Fields, Luis Slayton

Theses and Dissertations

The study aimed to examine whether external barriers could be identified and are present throughout a Hispanic individual's educational life. The beliefs of the Hispanic community regarding education and the nature of acquiring an education could be relevant to the factors that impede the completion of high school. A survey approach was chosen as the methodology for the study due to the confidential nature of a questionnaire. Human nature tends to be more honest when not asked personal questions face-to-face. Additionally, there is potential to generalize attributes from a small sample to a larger population, allowing inferences about the identified …

Finished!: How Newcomer Students Leveraged Family, Culture And Community To Complete A University Degree, Brenda Eliana Bocanegra

Theses and Dissertations

The transition from high school to college represents a pivotal time in the life of a student. For Latino/a students, this transition may be met with unique challenges shaped by their cultural, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. This research aims to delve into the multifaceted experiences of newcomer Latino/a students as they navigate the transition from, high school to university, to educators, exploring the factors that influence their paths, the barriers they encounter, and the support systems that helped facilitate their success.

This research used Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth as the framework to examine the factors that influenced and impacted …

Other Others At The Border: An Autoethnographic Inquiry, Clover Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation critically examines the concept of multiple otherness in online learning environments in Hispanic Serving Institutions. Hispanic Serving Institutions may unintentionally perpetuate practices and curricula that exclude and decenter the needs of older, disabled, or geographically diverse black women who may not identify within the university’s focus. Despite their missions to servingness of a stated population, Hispanic serving institutions must examine existing curricula that primarily cater to the dominant minority group they have tasked themselves to serve. By investigating existing curricular practices, this research seeks to maintain the integrity of minority-serving institutions while encouraging inclusivity for all students. By …

¿Puedo Decirlo En Español?: Teacher Views On Utilizing Translanguaging Pedagogies To Bridge The Language Gap In Secondary Classrooms, Luis Carlos Bocanegra

Theses and Dissertations

Translanguaging disrupts the notion of language as a fixed, separate system, offering a deeper insight into how individuals fluidly navigate and construct meaning across linguistic boundaries. This research study uses narrative research and participatory action research to employ translanguaging as a pedagogical framework to create inclusive spaces where emergent bilinguals could fully utilize their linguistic repertoire in secondary schools in the borderlands of the Rio Grande Vally in deep South Texas.

The findings of this study are organized into two overarching themes: cultural relevance and inclusivity in borderland schools, which brings to light the importance of culture, inclusivity, and supportive …

Linguistic (In) Security And Persistence In Doctoral Studies: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Impact Of Metapragmatic Discourses On The Persistence Of Multilingual Doctoral Students, Germaine Tondji

Theses and Dissertations

Linguistic beliefs and practices in doctoral studies have often been overlooked, partly due to the assumption that advanced students face fewer language-related challenges. However, research on multilingualism in hypernormative academic contexts suggests that linguistic concerns persist even among the most educated. Multilingual doctoral students (MDSs) operate at the intersection of multiple linguistic and epistemic systems. In English-dominant, monoglossic environments, they must not only navigate the complexities of doctoral study but also reconcile competing linguistic and epistemic identities. This study explores the role of linguistic insecurity (LI) in MDSs' doctoral persistence through a mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase draws on survey …

Effectiveness Of A Multidisciplinary Atlas: Integrating Dermatological And Urological Anatomy For Enhanced Medical Education, Neharika Penmetcha, Jared Hensley, Blake C. Martin, Justin Heckman, Aun Bangash, Ricardo Belmares

Research Symposium

Background: Understanding the connections between the skin and urogenital systems is important for medical students, as many diseases affect both areas. Dermatology and urology are often taught separately, but combining them into a single learning resource could help students see how these systems are linked. By including real clinical cases in a multidisciplinary atlas, students might better understand anatomy, retain knowledge longer, and develop stronger problem-solving skills. This review explores how combining dermatological and urological anatomy in one atlas could improve medical education.

Methods: This literature review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies on multidisciplinary teaching strategies, case-based learning, and visual …

Stem Como Respuesta A La Interdisciplinariedad En El Currículum Mexicano, María Del Rocío Hernández Hernández, Alma Adrianna Gómez Galindo

Critical Proceedings of the STEM ED Conference (2024)

No abstract provided.

Differential Effects Of Workplace Readiness Training And Job Placement Services Provided By Vocational Rehabilitation Vs School Transition Programs: A Retrospective Study Of Young Hispanic Adults, Ashley Laura Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This ex-post facto study, “Differential Effects of Workplace Readiness Training and Job Placement Services Provided by Vocational Rehabilitation vs. School Transition Programs: A Retrospective Study of Young Hispanic Adults” investigates differential effects of workplace readiness training and job placement services provided by vocational rehabilitation versus local education agency on employment outcomes for young, Hispanic, transition-aged youth with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities. The study examines sustained employment and differences in employment rates for individuals aged 18-23 who participated in work-based learning experiences with job coaches through VR or an LEA. Participants include 30 TAY with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities who exited …

Identifying Key Predictors Of Academic Achievement In A Longitudinal Medical Research Module., Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Kory Deshawn Punch, Natasha N. Quailes, Nina Mourao, Elias Arellano Villanueva, Tyler Torres, Nikhilesh Anand, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad

Research Colloquium

Background: Research engagement among medical students is often hindered by perceived time constraints, lack of motivation, inadequate facilities, and insufficient supervisory guidance. Only 7% have published research papers. Project-based programs enhance research skills but frequently lack alignment between objectives, teaching methods, and evaluation. In the Rio Grande Valley, there is limited research on these issues. This study aims to analyze the performance of pre-clerkship students in a two-year longitudinal research course.

Aim: We hypothesize that core independent variables (InVar) such as attitudes toward research (R-ATR), cognition (BCRS), self-efficacy, and competency scores will improve throughout the longitudinal Research Module. These …

Use Of Digital Cadaveric Digital Atlases To Improve Student Performance In Neuroanatomy, Kevin A. Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Kory Deshawn Punch, Megan W. Szobody, Tori Sayers, Nina Mourao, Blake Martin, Tyler Torres, Juan Torres, Natasha N. Quailes, Neharika Penmetcha, Sriya Gullapalli, Lois F. Baldado, Isabella Rodriguez, Arjun Bellamkonda, Sridhar Srinivasan, Xiaoqian Fang, Bharathi Shrikanth Gadad, Ricardo Belmares

Research Colloquium

Background: The use of digital platforms to teach various subjects in the pre-clerkship curriculum is a fast-developing field, but their utility compared to traditional in-person didactics is unclear. Partly fueled by the recent demand for remote learning materials and ever-burgeoning access to artificial intelligence, the drive has been to develop materials to meet the demands of the digital age. Our goal is to evaluate the efficacy of the use of a digital atlas to improve learning outcomes in the field of neuroanatomy, namely developing skills in interpreting imaging studies featured on summative examinations. Literature has shown that the implementation of …

Escúchame, Mi Ciencia Cuenta: Leveraging Cultural Ways Of Knowing To Increase Chicana Stem Engagement, Patricia Ramirez-Biondolillo

Theses and Dissertations

This paper is about leveraging cultural ways of knowing such as ethnobotany in order to increase STEM engagement in Chicanx populations. The conceptual framework utilized in this study combines social justice, Chicana feminist epistemology, land-based pedagogy, critical place-based pedagogy, pedagogical praxis, pluralism and ecological sustainability to achieve this end. Four pre-service Chicana science teachers provided testimonio from their elder assignment and engaged in two focus groups in order to identify relevant themes that impact Chicana engagement in STEM. Major themes identified were challenges in bilingual education, elder knowledge as a form of pedagogy, stagnation in common science teaching practices, tensions …

The Perspectives Of Using Desmos For Students’ Conceptual Understanding And Procedural Fluency To Solve Linear Equations, Larmel Dimatulac Madrilejos

Theses and Dissertations

The study examines the perspectives of using the Desmos calculator of Algebra I students' conceptual understanding and procedural fluency to write, graph, and solve linear equations in Algebra I STAAR. While the students have continuously used technology for mathematics assessment, emergent bilingual students in South Texas still need help passing high-stakes testing. The framework of the study is grounded in the theory of mathematical education (knowledge of mathematics educators to teach), the theory of mathematical learning (understanding how students learn mathematics), and social constructivism. The study seeks ways to teach all students, mainly the minority, to learn …

Comparing Socioeconomic Status To Educational Diagnosis Of Serious Emotional Disturbances: A Linear Analysis Of Texas Data, Cristina Rangel

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was prepared to determine if a correlation existed between a student’s poverty level and an educational diagnosis of serious emotional disturbance. I hypothesize that students at or under the United States’ definition of poverty are more likely to exhibit signs and symptoms of a serious emotional disturbance and therefore be diagnosed and placed in special education. Both federal data (i.e., poverty levels) and Texas data (i.e., dx of SED) were compared to determine correlation and directionality. TEA combines districts into 20 regions. Special education placement data is publicly available on State databases. Federal poverty levels are available …

Level Of Opportunity For Translanguaging In A One-Way Dual Language Program, Cristina Flores

Theses and Dissertations

In the context of language diversity in schools, this research underscores the persistence of monolingual academic standards despite linguistic variety. Bilingual education, historically intertwined with sociopolitical agendas aligning with dominant societal power structures, necessitates a paradigm shift. Bilingual educators must empower students to utilize their complete linguistic repertoire, fostering creative language expression through translanguaging (Sánchez et al., 2018, p.13). This approach challenges superficial language norms, potentially deviating from the standard language codified by a powerful central group.

The study delves into the types of language practices teachers permit, promote, or prohibit and examines teachers' perceptions regarding the constraints of a …

Examining The Increasing Prevalence Of Academic Dishonesty: An Investigation Of Students’ Perceptions Of Academic Integrity In Higher Education, Luis Angel Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

A primary concern in academic institutions is the high frequency of academic dishonesty among students. Concerns surrounding this issue negatively affect the institution’s reputation and the acquisition of external funding. The purpose of this research was to explore the increasing prevalence of academic dishonesty at higher education institutions. Furthermore, the aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of students engaging in academic dishonesty, reasons for academic dishonesty, and awareness of academic dishonesty. Increasing awareness, prevention, and education regarding academic dishonesty can bring a positive environment to students in higher education. The participants were students enrolled in The University …

Reimagining Associate Degree Nursing Education: An Insider’S View, Ntiense E. Otu

Theses and Dissertations

The demographics of nursing students in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program are diverse, hence the need for nurse educators to prepare and handle the challenges faculty face in the ADN program. Although many pieces of literature have addressed different modalities of instructional delivery and teaching methods in nursing education, transition experience of nurse educators, and teaching preparation and readiness, these are not evident in the ADN programs in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The teaching preparation of nurse educators and their utilization of instructional methods in the ADN program in the RGV is limited in the literature. This study …

Addressing Engagement: Student Perceptions Of Meaningful Gamification In Online Courses, Jessica M. Sanchez-Barrera

Theses and Dissertations

Although there is high enrollment in online college courses, there are concerns about student engagement (Martin & Bolliger, 2018; Dumford & Miller, 2018). Gamification has been shown to have the potential to improve student engagement. The purpose of the study was to describe how academic student engagement is impacted by Nicholson’s Meaningfully Gamified online course compared to traditionally taught online course. An embedded multiple case study research design was employed using self-determination theory as the theoretical framework to measure engagement. The theory constructs analyzed were autonomy, competence, relatedness, and student engagement. The research was conducted …

A Case Study Of Student And Faculty Experiences In A High-Achieving Early College High School Along The Texas-Mexico Border, Kelly Louis Stuart

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the high academic achievement of Excelencia Early College High School (EECHS), located along the Texas-Mexico border. An open-enrollment public school, EECHS serves students who are characteristic of the lower Rio Grande Valley. These include students of low socioeconomic backgrounds, minorities, first-generation, and those typically underserved by higher education. Over two years, seven student focus-group interviews and fifteen faculty personal interviews were conducted. These interviews addressed key research questions such as: What are the lived experiences of students and faculty at this high-achieving school? What motivates students to overcome challenges and …

A Victim No More: An Arts-Based Autoethnographic Inquiry, Richard D. Edmonson

Theses and Dissertations

Heteronormative culture and curriculum have traditionally prevailed within the college classroom (MacGillivray, 2000). Many LGBTQQIA+ students still find challenges regarding acceptance and integration which may impact their learning experiences (Nodin 2022). Addressing heteronormative curriculum and pedagogy includes discussing the relevance of LGBTQQIA+ inclusivity, visibility, and histories. For schools to become safe and welcoming environments for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and for the negative consequences of heterosexism to diminish for all, homophobia, heterosexism, heteronormativity, and heterosexual privilege must all be explicitly addressed and interrogated in students’ learning (Nunn & Bolt, 2015). One of the ways to do this and ameliorate …

The Relationship Between The Volume And Complexity Of Books Read Based On Accelerated Reader Assessment Data And The 5th-Grade Students’ Reading Achievement Scores, Glenda Edna Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reading performance data for a grade level of fifth graders using the Web-based Accelerated Reader assessment program. Based solely on student archival data, this study focused on the hypothesized relationship between the volume and complexity of quizzes taken from books read using the Accelerated Reader assessment program and academic performance on the state’s standardized reading achievement portion of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. An independent sample t – test was also performed to investigate if there were any differences between the gender, language, and socioeconomic status of the subgroup …

Being A Trafficked Teacher: An Asiancrit Autoethnography Exploring The Exploitation Of Filipino Migrant Teachers In Louisiana, Christopher R. Jose

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this autoethnographic study is to critically explore the lived curriculum of Filipino migrant teachers trafficked by a Louisiana school district using the theoretical lens of AsianCrit. Using the different tenets of AsianCrit, this study wrestles with the injustices of this lived curriculum as connected to a broader set of hegemonic curricular experiences and demonstrates the ways such injustice still permeates the lived curriculum of migrant teachers. It explores its discussion on critical race theory in education, migrant teachers and human trafficking in the United States. This study shares the effects of human trafficking of teachers and the …

Steps On Establishing A Faculty Development Curriculum For Health Science Educators In A New Medical School, Beatriz Tapia, Karina Madrigal, Robert Nelson

Research Colloquium

Purpose: New Medical Schools need health science educators, to teach throughout the medical education continuum from basic science to clinical years. The need to establish a defined faculty development curriculum for health science educators will aid in standardizing best teaching practices and build a potential master teacher to move the curriculum toward active learning and innovation. The UTRGV SoM is a distributed campus, to achieve increase outreach we will offer synchronous and asynchronous online faculty development during the pandemic. This poster will share our progress to date.

Methods: A pilot, faculty development program, was established from faculty needs assessment data, …

Establishing A Mentoring Program For Health Science Educators In A New Medical School, Karina Madrigal, Beatriz Tapia, Robert Nelson

Research Colloquium

Purpose: New Medical Schools need mentoring programs to enhance the personal and professional development of mentees and mentors. The need to establish a mentoring support mechanism is critical. This poster will share our progress to date.

Methods: A pilot mentoring program was established for junior faculty. These faculty members were paired with an associate professor or professor to serve as mentors for career development and engage in a focused scholarly project over a nine-month period.

Typically, the junior faculty is within the first three years of appointment and hold the rank of assistant professor. Each mentee will have 10% protected …

Impact Of Academic Golden Weekend Initiative On Academic Success For An Internal Medicine Clerkship, Elif S. Duran, Maria A. Alvarenga, Stephanie Onyechi, Jose E. Campo Maldonado

Research Colloquium

Background: COVID-19 precautions led to a change in the number of protected weekends for the UTRGV Internal Medicine Clerkship, going from 2 protected weekends to none. The aim of Academic Golden Weekends during a fully inpatient clerkship has been to maximize the student experience by providing enough time to balance all the necessary components of the student experience. Starting April 26, 2021, all cohorts completing their Internal Medicine Clerkship as third-year medical students had 3 protected weekends.

Methods: Two surveys were created to compare the pre-intervention and post-intervention cohorts. The surveys focused on student satisfaction regarding the time they had …

Electronic Books: Educational Enhancement Or Novelty?, Felipe O. Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

The study’s purpose was to explore if there was a statistically significant difference in reading comprehension of non-Limited English Proficient students when reading eBooks compared to printed books. Second, it explored if there was a statistically significant difference in Limited English Proficient students. Third, it explored if there was a statistically significant difference between non-Limited English Proficient and Limited English Proficient students while reading in neither format. The research sample of the study drew from the population (N=8,100) of students at the middle school level within a district in south Texas who participated in the Accelerated Reader program during …

Professional Development For Teaching In The Digital Age: Addressing Teachers’ Digital Competency, Blanca Nery Ibarra

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify teachers’ digital skills proficiency gaps in order to determine preparedness for teaching in the digital age. Using a survey research design helped identify teachers’ digital skills self-confidence, attitudes towards the use of technology in the classroom, and current uses of technology for instructional purposes. The participants in this research study consisted of 320 middle school teachers from a border school district in south Texas. The data was collected using a survey instrument consisting of the TPSA C-21 and researcher-developed items. The data was analyzed using the Spearman-rank order correlation to describe the …