Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Reflection On The ‘Power Of Us’ Conference: How Mainstream Schools In England Offer Provision To Children With Special Educational Needs (Sen), Grace H A Cooper

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

The majority of children in England with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) are educated within mainstream schools. Due to the broad range of needs of children, it is essential that mainstream schools are provided with adequate funding, preparation and training to ensure that the inclusion of every child is achievable and expected. Furthermore, sometimes schools feel that they cannot offer ample provision to give every child an equitable access to learning and therefore they are directed to SEND schooling – can a mainstream school be considered inclusive if they cannot support all children? This article will consider these arguments …

The Evolution Of Schooling: From Industrial Obedience To Techno-Autonomy, Seb Taylor, Ron Roberts Ii

Digital Laboratory: Publisher of Internet Journal

This paper examines the enduring architecture of the American education system as a mechanism designed for compliance, not creativity. Rooted in 19th-century industrial logic, the structure of schooling, its physical design, time constraints, and assessment methods, has remained largely static despite seismic cultural and technological shifts. Through historical analysis and contemporary critique, this work interrogates the persistence of standardized methods, institutional prestige, and top-down instruction as barriers to meaningful learning and value creation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and live case studies, including Alpha School’s AI-powered, mastery-based model, the paper advances the concept of techno-education: a student-centered paradigm informed by feedback …

Narrative Inquiry As Contemplative Methodology, Lauren A.H. Brown

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

This reflective essay describes how contemplative practices, including mindfulness, presence, deep listening, contemplative reading, free writing, visualization, bearing witness, and loving kindness, were engaged during my doctoral research study. As a novice researcher but experienced practitioner, contemplative practice guided my research and creative processes, allowing me to present a deeper understanding of the participants in my study while simultaneously bringing a heartfulness to my ethical decisions. While it is not uncommon for researchers to draw on their existing skills in mindfulness and other contemplative practices, I propose that contemplative practice is central to narrative inquiry research, making it both a …

Increasing Understanding With Multiple Means Of Representation: Interactive Workshop For Teaching Staff, Cathy Stephens

Staff Scholarship - Australia & Dubai

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework aimed at optimising knowledge acquisition for all types of learners, recognising the uniqueness of each.
Within this framework, Multiple Means of Representation (MMR)—providing resources in varieties of forms—maximises access to content processing.
This forum presentation gave an overview of Universal Design for Learning concepts to lecturing staff at SAE University College, exploring some strategies used to diversify content and engage learning. It also used Padlet to engage attendees in a set of active learning exercises to examine manageable ways of incorporating multiple resources.

This National Forum workshop included collaborative, eLearning, active …

Artificial Intelligence And Transformative Curricula Practices In Africa For Educational Development, Ibiwumi Abiodun Alade, P Mthetwa

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

Industrial revolutions in the world have orchestrated numerous innovations, and the impact on educational landscape in different countries do not leave the society to remain static. However, with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fourth era of industrial revolution, the structural shift and the effect it might significantly cause in transformative educational and curricula practices deserve attention. This paper therefore, explored “artificial intelligence and transformative curricula practices in Africa for educational development” In the paper, a review of the transformative era of the Four Industrial Revolutions (4IR) within which artificial intelligence emerges has been explored, Also, an …

Establishing An Evaluative Mechanism For Cura Personalis, Jarrod Stadnyk

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Cura personalis is an important characteristic of Jesuit education. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. helped to focus attention on the importance of cura personalis in Jesuit education. However, rather than simply being individual care for the whole person, cura personalis is an illusive concept that is easier to recite than apply in practice. This article proposes an evaluative mechanism that can be used to gauge a person’s or organization’s depth in providing cura personalis for higher education students. The Higher Education Cura Personalis Reflection Chart within this article is a new mechanism that can help guide the process of determining what …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 5 Issue 1, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Towards Accountability: A Primer On The Space Debris Problem And An Overview Of The Legal Issues Surrounding It, William Schonberg

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Since 1957, the near-Earth population of trackable space objects has grown in number to over 36,000. Of these 36,000+ trackable objects now in low Earth orbit, just a few thousand are working spacecraft. The rest are Earth-orbiting objects which are no longer operational and are considered to be space junk. Because this junk can no longer receive maneuvering commands from its Earth-based owners, the survivability of other spacecraft traveling through or operating in Earth orbit can be jeopardized by the impacts of any number of pieces of this space junk, whose origins can usually be traced back to defunct satellites. …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Why The “Whole Language Approach” To Reading Fails Ell Students & Instructional Strategies To Employ Instead, Caitlyn E. Petrus

Journal of English Learner Education

The research presented in this article demonstrates a qualitative view of the science of reading for phonemic awareness instruction, phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 schools. The research builds upon esteemed writers Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Sylvia Linan-Thompson’s work in their book Research-Based Methods of Reading Instruction for Learners, Grades K-4 and other reading experts such as Dr. Wiley Blevins and Dr. Lisa Moats to apply to the growing population for ELLs in PK-12 schools and how to shift from a “whole language classroom” to a classroom built on the …

Teaching Cultural Awareness To Dental Hygiene Students Through Project Based Learning, Jennifer Fehrenbacher

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

I implemented a cultural awareness project (CAP) to enhance dental hygiene students’ understanding of diverse cultural needs and beliefs related to oral health. This 2-year quality assurance project aimed to assess student perceptions of the CAP.

Two cohorts of 23 junior students each participated. I collected data via post-project surveys adapted from the Student Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) instrument after obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and consent. Both cohorts (n = 23 each) demonstrated positive perceptions of the CAP, with mean scores of 4.9 and 4.8, respectively (p = .024). These data suggest that the CAP …

Diversifying Cybersecurity: Evaluation Of An Internet Of Things (Iot)-Based Cybersecurity Training Course Designed To Bridge The Diversity Gap, Maureen Namukasa, Bhoomin B. Chauhan, Carlie Swords, Curtice Gough, Weronika Dymanus, Catherine Diresta, John Vitali, Vivek Sharma, Tj Oconnor, Meredith Carroll

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-module Cybersecurity course at increasing the learning outcomes of middle and high school students with little to no experience, including underrepresented minorities (URMs) in Cybersecurity. Twice we administered and evaluated the Cybersecurity course, which included hands-on IoT-based activities, utilizing collaborative learning, scaffolding, and representation-based learning strategies. Using a quasi-experimental, within-subjects, repeated measures design, each participant experienced a pretest, the course, and a post-test to evaluate the impact on learners’ self-efficacy, interest, and knowledge. The results revealed that (1) at pre-test, female (p = .001) and in one course administration minority …

Reading Interventions In The Modern Era: Reconceptualizing The Utility Of Video Games, Senaida Mehmedovic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Youth in the United States continue to have difficulty developing reading skills, with only 31% of fourth graders reading at a “proficient level” (NAEP Reading: National Average Scores, 2024). Youth struggling to develop reading skills often have reading anxiety (Chow et al., 2021; Martinez, 2019; Ramirez et al., 2019), which impacts their reading skill development even more (Mohammadpur & Ghafournia, 2015); the interwoven and cyclical relationship between reading anxiety and reading comprehension requires interventions to address these needs concurrently (Francis et al., 2019; Francis et al., 2021; Grills et al., 2012). The increased avoidance and paired aversion of reading-related tasks …

The Self That Practices Deeper Teaching: An Exploration Of Influences On Teacher Beliefs And Values, Kerstin L. Rowe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For decades, educators have called for “a fundamental redesign of the industrial-age classroom.” However, despite ongoing discourse around educational reform, the majority of teachers still use the industrial model of education while too few teachers implement deeper teaching practices which situate students as active learners in addressing complex, real-world challenges rather than being passive recipients of knowledge. Existing literature does not explore the influences upon the beliefs and values of teachers who create deeper learning experiences.

This qualitative study employs educational criticism and connoisseurship to illuminate the inner self of those who practice deeper teaching. Drawing on in-depth observations, interviews, …

Paving The Way: Cultural Relevance In College And Career Readiness Programs, Jacqueline Turner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students of color face persistent educational and systemic barriers that impact their success in college and career readiness (CCR) programs. Standardized approaches to CCR often fail to address the cultural identities, lived experiences, and needs of diverse learners (Castro, 2013; Malin et al., 2017; Welton & Martinez, 2014). Guided by the theoretical framework of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, with the extension of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, this instrumental case study investigates how one CCR initiative—the Legacy Scholars Program (LSP), implemented by a Western Urban School District—integrates culturally responsive practices to better serve students of color. Through interviews, observations, and artifact analysis, this …

Rethinking “Key-Chain Swap” And Other Decontextualized Algorithm Teaching Practices For Rational Number Learners, Connor B. Desai

Education Dissertations

Mathematical literacy is critical in an increasingly data-driven society, yet many students struggle with rational number concepts due to the prevalence of decontextualized algorithmic instruction. This study investigates the impact of targeted professional development (PD) on sixth-grade teachers’ instructional strategies and their students’ rational number achievement. The research examines whether explicit, conceptually grounded teaching of rational number operations improves student understanding compared to traditional algorithm-based instruction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from students at two middle schools. The intervention was statistically significant at School A, where students in the intervention group demonstrated greater achievement …

An Educational Intervention For The Care Of Older Adults, Michele Orzehoski, Dnp, Rn

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

No abstract provided.

Sg-Met: Past To Present Day Evolution, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care,
• negative attitudes,
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

Critical Thinking: Skill Development Framework. 2nd Edition, Jonathan Heard, Claire Scoular, Daniel Duckworth, Dara Ramalingam, Ian Teo

Assessment and Reporting

The ACER critical thinking framework addresses the challenges associated with teaching and assessing critical thinking. It synthesises and harmonises existing theory and research on critical thinking to provide a holistic perspective from which teachers can operationalise critical thinking in the classroom. The framework outlines critical thinking processes in three strands: Constructing knowledge; Evaluating ideas; and Making decisions.

Creative Thinking: Skill Development Framework. 2nd Edition, Jonathan Heard, Dara Ramalingam, Claire Scoular, Prue Anderson, Daniel Duckworth

Assessment and Reporting

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has reviewed the extensive literature on creative thinking and developed both a definition and a framework that synthesises and harmonises existing theory and research on creative thinking. This framework has been developed to address the challenges associated with teaching and assessing creative thinking. It outlines creative thinking processes along prescribed strands and aspects informed by a sound evidentiary basis. The aspects contained within the framework are designed to provide foci for teaching and the basis of assessment. ACER’s creative thinking framework identifies key factors that underpin the development of creative thinking with a …

To Reflect & To Be Reflective: Student Experiences Of Critique In Art & Design Higher Education, Jade Seobin Yun

Masters Theses

This thesis investigated the critique process in art and design higher education, focusing specifically on student experiences at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Through a combination of autoethnographic reflection and a campus-wide student survey, the study explored how critique was perceived, practiced, and internalized by students across disciplines. Central to this inquiry was the emotional and pedagogical complexity of critique, which was often treated as an assumed skill rather than a learned process. Drawing from personal narrative, pedagogical literature, and qualitative data, the research proposed a framework of Trust (Barrett, 2019), Courage (Brown, 2022), and Responsiveness (hooks, 1994) …

Fan Perceptions Of Dynamic Ticket Pricing In Professional Sports: The Impact Of Transparency, Incentives, And Demographics, Joshua Greer, Nicholas Zoroya

The COSMA Journal

Abstract

Dynamic Ticket Pricing (DTP) has become a widely implemented strategy in professional sports, allowing organizations to adjust ticket prices based on demand fluctuations. While DTP optimizes revenue generation for teams, its impact on fan perceptions, purchasing behavior, and loyalty remains a crucial consideration. This study examines the influence of age, gender, pricing transparency, and promotional incentives on fans’ perceptions of fairness, trust, and purchasing decisions within a dynamic pricing model.

A total of 57 participants completed a survey assessing their attitudes toward DTP. Key areas of analysis included perceived fairness, willingness to pay for high-demand games, trust in pricing …

Beyond The Exam Score: An Examination Of The Kenyan Education System, Its Reforms, Inefficiencies, And Impact On Individuals And Society At Large, Olivia M. Pederson

Honors Projects

In Kenya, secondary education plays a decisive role in shaping students’ university and career opportunities as well as their social mobility. The national exam, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), acts as a key gateway to higher education and employment. The quality and accessibility of education for Kenyan youth, however, has been impacted by systemic inefficiencies ranging from underfunding and disparities in resource allocation to an exam-centric curriculum. This study takes a qualitative approach, using both purposive and convenience sampling to gather data through a questionnaire sent to university students and adults that have graduated from a Kenyan secondary school. …

Teaching Engaging Grammar Instruction In The High School English Classroom, Emily A. Erlbacher

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

Grammar is a fundamental component in the content area of English Language Arts. Having a strong foundation in grammar is a critical stepping stone to writing clearly and communicating with success. Despite its importance, grammar is historically not the most engaging topic for high school students. My study, consisting of a seven week action plan involving the ninth graders in an English Language Arts classroom, sought to recognize this disengagement and work to combat it in order to improve students’ writing capabilities. More specifically, the purpose of my action research was to evaluate different grammar instructional strategies recommended in existing …

A Phenomenological Study Of Factors That Impact Math Achievement In A Rural Midwestern Elementary School, Calina K. Krogen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Educational leaders are under pressure to improve student performance in the content area of math after the greatest decline since the National Assessment of Academic Performance began in 1969 (The Nation's Report Card, 2022). Educational leaders are aware of the increasing gap in student performance in mathematics. While teachers recognize the importance of developing math instruction based on student centered needs and differentiated instruction.

The purpose of this research was to conduct a phenomenological study based on the lived experience of rural elementary math teacher’s confidence in instructional practices and the factors that impact their efforts to …

A Case Study Of Ungrading On Student Learning In Higher Education, Brooke M. Creviston

Honors Thesis

This qualitative case study investigates the impact of ungrading in higher education at University A (pseudonym). The participants included seven students and three professors actively involved in ungraded courses. Positive outcomes are reported by both students and professors. Student participants felt that ungrading offered them more ownership in learning and less fear of making mistakes because they could apply feedback to improve their work rather than simply receiving numeric scores. The interviewed professors shared that ungrading allowed them to hold meaningful conversations with their students and helped them develop intrinsic motivation with academic material. Overall, in comparison to traditionally graded …

Storytelling: A Natural Mnemonic, Hailey Stephens

Honors Theses

The present study explored the effectiveness of storytelling as a teaching method in enhancing memory performance for educational material compared to traditional lecture-based instruction. Memory plays a crucial role in learning, and effective teaching strategies should facilitate information encoding, retention, and retrieval. Storytelling, an ancient yet often overlooked pedagogical tool, has been shown to engage students emotionally and cognitively, making presented content more memorable. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to either a storytelling-based instruction group or a traditional lecture group. Both groups received instruction on the ASSURE Model and were tested immediately after the lesson and again …

Professional Alliance For Learning And Support (Pals): A Pilot Career Development Educational Program For Administrative Support Personnel In Healthcare Research, Ebonie R. Hatfield, Humberto Shaw, David P. Farris, Ronald Abraham, Dzifa Duose, Chad M. Middleton, Veronica Garza, Celia Garcia-Prieto, Ignacio I. Wistuba, Rama Soundararajan

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly transformed the healthcare research landscape, staging unprecedented challenges for administrative research-support personnel. While career programs and retention benefits have emerged to support frontline healthcare workers facing health concerns, burnout and employee-turnover, many “classified”/administrative support staff in research departments who experience similar challenges remain without adequate structured support. This lack of structure has impacted job satisfaction, career-progression and talent retention within this crucial sector.

Recognizing the critical importance of addressing this training gap for the benefit of the broader research enterprise, the Interdisciplinary Translational Education and Research Training (ITERT) Core at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center …

Call For Manuscripts, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.