Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Encouraging Healthy Eating Among Older Adults Using The Transtheoretical Model: An Evaluation Of A Pilot Intervention, Lauren Brinkman Roberson

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Older adults, defined as those age 60 and above, are at an increased risk for many health-related complications that are directly related to nutrition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). This study highlights the lack of nutrition education material developed for older adults in Kentucky. Such material has great potential to influence the health of older adults (Chernoff, 2001). This study evaluated an intervention developed, by means of formative research, to teach older adults nutrition basics. Both direct and indirect measures related to stages of change for healthy eating behaviors were collected six weeks pre-intervention and then immediately post-intervention. …

How Secondary English Language Arts Teachers Determine, Select, And Plan Using Complex Text, April Hughes

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study examined how secondary English language arts teachers determined, selected, and planned how to use complex text. Another aim was to detail what resources and instructional activities they found successful in assisting students with diverse, academic, and sociocultural needs. Finally, this study shows the need for additional resources and scaffolding currently absent in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The conceptual framework for this study was based on the RAND™ reading comprehension model.

The descriptive design employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants included secondary level ELA teachers from the Denver Public School system. The teachers took a survey, …

College Student Confidence In Career Readiness Competencies, April Pickett

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

There is an expectation of college students to transition to their post college workplace with the necessary competencies to be successful. This study sought to explore college students’ perspective on their confidence in career readiness competencies and the experiences and activities in and out of the classroom that they feel contribute to their career readiness. Current college students may provide perspectives that illuminate how to design and develop student activities and events for workplace preparedness; therefore, an exploration into student experiences with university curricula, programs, and student services may give some insight to the learning environments that facilitate opportunities to …

Participatory Action Research In Schools: Unpacking The Lived Inequities Of High Stakes Testing, Tiffany A. Dejaynes, Tabatha Cortes, Israt Hoque

Publications and Research

Purpose – This paper aims to examine a school-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project on educational inequity and high stakes testing.

Design/methodology/approach – A former high school teacher (currently a university professor) and two former students (currently research assistants and university students) take up a youth studies framework to collaboratively resee multimodal artifacts from a tenth-grade course in qualitative research.

Findings – Findings illustrate the power of finding allies in peers and educators; the transformative power of deep participation; and the longitudinal nature of social change and action. Thus, this research demonstrates that when students are positioned as researchers, …

Precarity In Feminism And Feminist Art Education: Decentering Whiteness Through Reproductive Justice Activism, Michelle Bae-Dimitriadis, Olga Ivashkevich

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

The article addresses precarity in mainstream feminism and feminist art education as a systemic dismissal and exclusion of the critical concerns and voices by disenfranchised women of color from its narratives and agendas. It draws on a case of the reproductive justice feminist activism to illustrate how the mainstream pro-choice feminist movement neglected the urgent and often life threatening reproductive concerns by Black, Brown, Indigenous and immigrant women, which led to an establishment of the reproductive justice coalitions by activists of color. The reproductive justice movement is an important call to action to challenge and decenter Whiteness in mainstream feminism …

Counting On Collaboration: A Triangular Approach In The Educator Preparation Program For Teachers Of Mathematics, Jason Robinson, Patricia Mcclung, Caroline Maher-Boulis, Jennifer Cornett, Beth Fugate

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper outlines the process of establishing a stronger and more reciprocal partnership for collaboration between an education preparation program and a local education agency. The essential partners identified included the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education at Lee University and stakeholders in the local school district. First, this paper will discuss a theoretical framework that speaks to the importance of dialogue and a dialogic approach to teaching mathematics. Secondly, the processes and methods of the project involving collaboration through partnerships are described. These partnerships gave rise to the realization that coursework would be more …

Teaching Portfolio: Gerry Zelenak, Gerry Zelenak

History Graduate Certificate Portfolios

Gerry Zelenak's Teaching Portfolio captured on May 27, 2020. This capture includes screenshots of the various portfolio pages found on Gerry's webpage (https://gzelenak1.wixsite.com/historyportfolio). Where possible, copies of the documents found on the pages have been included as Additional Files. Some of the pages are links to videos and these links are listed below.

This portfolio contains the following layout:

• Home

• Graduate Certificate Outcomes

• Primary Source Analysis = Contains 3 Sections: Making History: Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War [3 Documents = Discussion Post, Thucydides Essay, Classroom Application]; Dick Gregory and the Birmingham Campaign [3 Documents = Research Outline and …

Reconciling The Civics Test With Inquiry-Based Instruction: Making The Best Of What Seems Like Just One More Thing, Jennifer Leeanna Fraker

Theses and Dissertations--Curriculum and Instruction

This dissertation consists of three articles that focus on teaching, learning, and testing in civic education. Each article provides insights into how instructional practices in teaching and learning intersect with a state-mandated civics test.

Article One, “Is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test Worthy of Being Included as a High School Graduation Requirement? A Closer Look at Implications for Kentucky,” is mixed methods sequential explanatory study on the implementation of the civics test requirement within two specific Kentucky school districts using student-level assessment data. Findings indicate that opportunities not only to learn civic content, but also learn it …

The Voices Of Typers: Examining The Educational Experiences Of Individuals Who Use Facilitated Communication, Aja Mckee, Audri Sandoval Gomez

Education Faculty Articles and Research

As the number of students with autism grows, professionals must find ways to understand how to best educate this student population. Although current research addresses teaching students with autism, studies on educating autistic students with limited or unreliable verbal speech is nominal. In this qualitative study, interviews with eight autistics who type using the method facilitated communication are analyzed in relation to their educational experiences. The study resulted in a number of key findings that play significant roles in the participants' educational experiences, including (a) the notion of disability hierarchy and the presumption of competence, (b) the importance of building …

Creating Project-Based Math Curricula: A Narrative Inquiry, Marcie Hull

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study is a narrative inquiry about the participant’s experiences, in three individual case studies, involving teachers of high school mathematics engaged in the creation of a project-based learning curriculum, in a one-to-one laptop school. The researcher analyzed data from field notes, digital artifacts, and teacher interviews to document how math teachers are creating curriculum in an inquiry-driven, project-based, technology-infused instructional model. Findings from restorying and the analysis of three-dimensional space —regarding teacher lore —reveal themes about math teacher curriculum conflicts in skill-building, application of iterative design thinking, and structures inherent to project-based learning. Rich, thick description of the cases, …

Building Honors Contracts: Insights And Oversights, Kristine A. Miller

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs

Acknowledgments

Building Honors Contracts: Insights and Oversights, Kristine A. Miller

Curriculum Gone Bad: The Case against Honors Contracts, Richard Badenhausen

The Timeliness of Honors Contracts, Shirley Shultz Myers and Geoffrey Whitebread

Honors Contracts: Empowering Students and Fostering Autonomy in Honors Education, Anne Dotter

An Undeserved Reputation: How Contract Courses Can Work for a Small Honors Program , Jon Hageman

One Hand Washes the Other: Designing Mutually Beneficial Honors Contracts, Antonina Bambina

Honors Contracts: A Scaffolding to Independent Inquiry, Cindy S. Ticknor and Shamim Khan

Enhancing the Structure and Impact of Honors by Contract Projects with Templates and …

Internationalizing Honors, Kim Klein, Mary Kay Mulvaney

National Collegiate Honors Council Monographs

This monograph takes a “holistic approach to internationalization. [It] highlights how honors programs and colleges have gone beyond providing often one-time, short-term international experiences for their students and made global issues and experiences central features of their honors curricular and co-curricular programming. It presents case studies that can serve as models for honors programs and colleges seeking to initiate and further their internationalization efforts and highlights the latest research on the impact of internationalization on our students, campuses, and communities.” * * * “Our hope is that this monograph will serve multiple audiences: faculty wishing to develop new globally focused …

Learning Science With Mobile Technologies: Opportunities For Enhancing Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Science Conceptual Understanding, Deepika Menon, Zarah Salas, Allison Mellendick, Meera Chandrasekhar, Dorina Kosztin

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

The use of technology is increasing rapidly in our society, and classroom teachers must recognize the impact and importance of technology in the lives of their students. It is crucial that college faculty involved in teacher training design courses that integrate mobile technologies to prepare the next generation of teachers. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of an iPadbased curriculum app, Exploring Physics, to enhance preservice elementary teachers’ physics conceptual understanding in a physical science content course. Data were collected using a pre-and postPhysics Conceptual Understanding (PCU) survey and open-ended questionnaires. We found significant statistical gains in participants’ (N …

The Critical Literacies Advancement Model (Clam): A Framework For Promoting Positive Social Change, Petra A. Robinson

Faculty Publications

This paper outlines the development and structure of the Critical Literacies Advancement Model (CLAM) and discusses its usefulness as a framework for promoting positive social change through the advancement of critical literacy skills which have been classified into five major categories.

First Responders' Perceptions Of Diversity Training Practices To Assist At-Risk Populations, Sara Parry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

New York State first responders, including police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, often lack consistent awareness and diversity training to assist at-risk populations, which can pose challenges to preparedness and response strategies during disasters and emergencies. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness and diversity training practices among first responders across New York State in assisting people with at-risk characteristics during disasters. Punctuated equilibrium theory provided the framework for the study. Data from interviews with 15 participants and from historical and legal documents were coded and analyzed to identify themes. Findings indicated that that there had been …

Instructional Design Techniques Used To Develop Virtual Reality-Based Safety Training In An Industrial Environment, Mia Da'nene Joe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Instructional designers face the challenge of developing strong immersive virtual environments for education. However, there is very little research regarding the study of both the competence and practice of instructional design in the immersive virtual reality environment. The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to identify best practices that could be used by instructional designers when designing virtual reality-based safety training in order to improve safety competence and practice in the industrial environment. The conceptual framework for this study was based on the 3 primary groups of learning theory: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Guiding questions were specific to the …

Corporate Trainers’ Intent To Adjust Training Programs For Fostering Employee Self-Efficacy, Peter Cronrath

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To stay current on technology trends, trainers are tasked with providing cost-effective training to meet the needs of the organization. It is not known if to develop employee self-efficacy, organizational trainers should consider making changes to their programs in accordance with (a) generational needs of employees, (b) methodology of training, and (c) position levels of employees in an organization. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was to determine whether there is a correlation between organizational training professionals’ intent to make changes to training programs and if self-efficacy development is considered in generationally different individuals at different position levels …

The Effects Of Problem-Based Learning On The Academic Achievement Of Elementary Students And Teacher Perception, Eva Marie Cwynar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As a result of a district’s initiative to change educational practices, schools in the local setting were considering the problem-based learning (PBL) constructivist model as a way of increasing student achievement. The problem was that it was unknown to what extent PBL was being used in the classroom and how its use correlated with student achievement. The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to determine the correlation between teachers’ reported degree of PBL implementation and the academic achievement of their students on the ELA assessment and to explore teachers’ experiences when implementing PBL. The study took place in …

Parent Home-Based Literacy Activities With Third-Grade Students, Erin Antionette Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a widening reading achievement gap for third grade students in a southern state as indicated by declining reading achievement scores of third-grade students on the state standardized assessment over the last few years. The problem in the local setting is that little is known about how the local school district includes home-based literacy activities as an aid to improve literacy instruction and student achievement. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to explore ways that home-based literacy instruction is currently implemented in the local setting and to capture how parents’ experience this instructional partnership. The conceptual framework …

Faculty Perceptions Of The Use Of Virtual Learning Environments In Introductory Biology Courses, Whitley Shaina Webb

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Blended learning (BL) and virtual learning environments (VLEs) are innovative approaches that many higher education instructors are using to promote student success and learning in introductory biology courses. However, research does not provide insight into whether specific VLEs such as Mastering Biology (MB), are useful or effective in increasing student success. The purpose of this basic qualitative research study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of higher education introductory biology instructors regarding the use of BL and MB to promote student success and learning. The theoretical framework for this study was connectivism, based on the work of Siemens. Research …

Investigating Middle School Teachers’ Experiences In Inclusive Classrooms, Jilleane Archie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Meeting the needs of students with disabilities, while implementing research-based instructional strategies in inclusive settings, presents an array of successes and challenges for both general and special education teachers. The problem at the local study site was that both general and special education teachers faced challenges as they implemented inclusion practices to meet the College and Career Readiness Performance Index, Closing Gaps component improvement targets for students with disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate general and special education teachers’ successes, challenges, and needs as they implemented inclusion practices in middle school classrooms. This study was …

Perceptions Of English Teachers About Professional Development For Evidence-Based Writing Practices, Julie Nicole Bollich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Writing teachers in a southern school district have not consistently implemented evidence-based practices (EBPs) in writing instruction as indicated by students not meeting proficiency levels on state and campus writing assessments. Despite professional development (PD) provided to writing teachers, writing assessment scores remained lower than state level scores between 2012 and 2019 at the target campus. Teachers’ perceptions of their competence related to the implementation of writing strategies in the classroom, their perceptions of how district and campus PD supported their skill development, and their efficacy in designing and implementing lesson plans focused on teaching writing strategies were explored in …

Incorporating Twitter In The Clinical Supervision Process: Perceptions Of Secondary School Level Supervisors, Paula Abiola Willis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Collaborative supervision and social media in education have been the focus of many studies, yet research on incorporating Twitter into clinical supervision is limited. Secondary school level supervisors need to learn and understand educational opportunities when using collaborative supervision incorporating online support. This study explored the perceptions of secondary school level supervisors on using Twitter to collaborate with teachers in the clinical supervision process. Siemen’s theory of connectivism and Cogan’s clinical supervision model framed the study. The research questions explored the perceptions of secondary school level supervisors regarding the use of Twitter for collaborating with teachers during the clinical supervision …

Perceptions And Test Results Of Spatial-Temporal Math In Middle School, Lilian Uneojo Zekeri

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The spatial-temporal math (ST Math) technology program was developed to address mathematics deficiencies experienced by students. However, the advantages and challenges of implementing ST Math for middle school students and teachers had not been examined. This single case study of 7th and 8th grade students’ performance after using the program had 2 purposes. The 1st was to ascertain teachers’ and administrators’ perceptions of the advantages and challenges of implementing the ST Math program. The 2nd was to see what a descriptive analysis of students’ test results indicated about performance of students using the program. Vygotsky’s activity theory, Mayer’s cognitive theory …

Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Implementing The Workshop Model In Their Classroom, Patience Ndidi Onyegwara

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Due to the increasing diversity in U.S. schools, there is a need for differentiated and individualized educational models for these learners to be successful in the future. However, little is known about innovative educational models allowing differentiation and individualized education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of middle school teachers implementing the innovative Workshop Model (WSM) of teaching and learning. The conceptual framework for this study included the diffusion of innovation, sociocultural, and andragogical theories, and the principles of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). The participants were 10 middle school teachers …

Understanding A Transitional Educational Program For Students With Autism And Intellectual Disabilities, Robin E. Ruiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of children in U.S. schools diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities disorders is increasing and they face low levels of employment after graduation. Without a viable education, including work skills training, these students cannot be successful citizens. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of educators implementing an innovative transitional secondary education program designed to prepare students who have intellectual disabilities and autism to be successful in college or the workplace. The conceptual framework for this study included the theory of self-efficacy, sociocultural learning theory, differentiated instruction, and experiential learning theory. …

Experiences, Reflections, And Applications Of Service-Learning Among Rookie Police Officers, Jacqueline Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public safety is put at risk when police officers do not positively engage with community members. Though police officers learn how to deescalate volatile situations in police training, some officers still rely on use of force (UOF) and are not fully incorporating positive engagement to deescalate volatile situations. Service-learning provides one way to learn positive modes of engagement. The problem addressed in this project study was that service learning has not been adopted as a widespread teaching practice in criminal justice professional development in a Southeastern local setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences, observations, conceptualizations, …

Using Formative Assessment Of Map Data To Shape Instructional Practices, Jeremy Wagner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A school district in the Southwestern United States identified gaps in student performance on 3rd grade math standards and implemented the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) provided by the Northwest Evaluation Association so that K-2 teachers might better inform their instruction of math standards. The problem was that the district needed to determine the ways in which MAP has changed formative assessment practices. A qualitative case study was conducted using the 5 components of formative assessments identified by Laud and Patel as a conceptual framework. The research questions asked about how formative assessment of students reflects the 5 components in …

Museum Educators' Processes For Creating Inclusive Curricula On American Slavery, Dawn Chitty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To close a gap in the literature, this study sought to develop a deeper understanding of the processes museum educators use to create inclusive curricula on American slavery. The research design was a qualitative, descriptive, multicase study using data collected from a purposefully selected sample of museum educators, along the Eastern Seaboard region of the United States, who had previously created inclusive curricula on slavery. Null's radical curriculum theory formed the conceptual framework for this study. Individual interviews of 11 museum educators were recorded, transcribed, and coded in two cycles, using in vivo and pattern coding methods. Additionally, examples of …

Instructor Beliefs Related To Technology Use After Professional Development, Bethany Ann Croton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Faculty in higher education often see themselves as researchers and identify less as instructors. The problem is that nearly every profession has embraced technology in new ways, except in the world of education and students need 21st-century skills to be competitive in the workforce. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore instructors' lived experiences and beliefs regarding teaching and technology integration before, during, and after completion of a professional development program at a Midwestern Tier 1 research institute. The study was framed by Rogers's diffusion of innovation theory and the sustainability education academic development framework. The research …