Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Exploring Public Speaking Self-Efficacy In The 4-H Presentation Program, Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, Yu Meng, Steven Worker

Journal of Extension

Strong communication skills are important in an individual’s personal and professional life; however, research regarding what influences youth’s public speaking self-efficacy is limited. To address this gap, we surveyed youth who participated in a statewide presentation event about their self-efficacy and sources of that self-efficacy. Results show mastery experiences have the greatest relationship to youth’s public speaking confidence. Extension can strengthen youth’s public speaking self-efficacy by increasing the number of presentation opportunities and by removing barriers from participating in existing presentation opportunities.

Understanding Your Cultural Identities: A Self-Study Of The Impact Of One’S Cultural Identities On Interpreting Interactions, Shelby L.W. Sammartino

Education Doctorate Dissertations

There is a disproportionality of students of color receiving office referrals for disrespect and defiance because disrespect and defiance are subjective in interpretation by teachers in the classroom. This self-study aims for the researcher to identify and understand the construction of their cultural identities, so they can determine how their cultural identities impact their interpretation of interactions with students concerning disrespect and defiance, how their cultural identities impact their choice of behavior management technique in interactions concerning disrespect and defiance, and how their cultural identities impact their discipline decisions in interactions concerning disrespect and defiance. The data to determine the …

Improving Elementary Nutrition Education Curriculum In San Francisco - A Program Analysis Of The Food Education Project, Audrey N. Chang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Childhood obesity and food insecurity are problems within San Francisco, California. The purpose of this program analysis is to assess the Food Education Project (FEP), which is one of many projects addressing nutrition education and the long-term public health impact is to solve the problems of food insecurity and childhood obesity. Through primary data collection, students shared their honest feelings about food and were able to openly discuss what they know and do not know about food. A literature review was conducted through research from various databases from the University of San Francisco to identify not only current interventions but …

Efl Teachers’ Understandings Of The Role Of Assessment In Second Language Learning, Evelyn Almeida

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

Given the important role of assessment in the process of Second Language Learning (SLL) and framed within Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), this study aims to analyze: (1) how EFL teachers’ understanding of the role of assessment in SLL can be improved, (2) how effective dynamic assessment is in their teaching practices, (3) how EFL teachers’ assessment practices reflect their understanding of the concept of assessment/dynamic assessment, and (4) what strategies can help them understand these concepts. These four points are studied within the context of English classes at a Language Institute in Quito, Ecuador. This project’s contribution brings …

The Impact Of Paired-Partner Reading On Star Reading Scores, Brianna Byer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine how effective paired-partner reading is when used in the classroom with curriculum. Within a 7th grade language arts classroom, this reading strategy focuses on student collaboration, reading comprehension, and providing the opportunity to read aloud on a regular basis. Researchers Stahl, Heubach, and Cramond (1997) stated, “Partner reading provides an opportunity for students to read connected text within a socially supportive context. This context should both motivate children to read well and provide a supportive environment to aid the development of reading skill” (p. 13). The overall goal of this study …

Data Dimensionality Reduction Techniques: What Works With Machine Learning Models, Yuting Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

High-dimensional data has a wide range of applications in research, such as education, health, social media, and many other research fields. However, the high dimensionality of data can raise many problems for data analyses. This study focuses on commonly used techniques of dimensionality reduction for machine learning models, which play an essential and inevitable role in data prepossessing and statistical analysis. The main issues of high-dimensional data for machine learning tasks include the accuracy of data classification and visualization in machine learning models. Therefore, in this study, machine learning algorithms are used to predict and classify datasets to evaluate the …

The Relationship Between Parcc Ela 8 Performance And Performance On Ap Exams, Michael G. Portas

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This quantitative study is primarily intended to examine whether district level performance results from Grade 8 ELA state assessments can help to predict future passing rates on AP exams. The participants for the study are all 218 K-12 school districts in New Jersey, all of which generated results across score levels and passing rates for PARCC testing in the academic years ending in 2015-2017. District level data were also examined for possible predictive validity on AP passing rates in 2019-2021 across categories including demographics, college entrance exams taken in high school, and participation rates in AP/IB coursework and exams, most …

Differentiated Assessments On The Same Topic Can Provide A Better Understanding Of A Student’S Level Of Learning, Marlana Gibson

Essays in Education

Assessments play a critical role in the learning process. There are many different ways to assess student learning and each assessment can determine on what level the student is learning. Students themselves also play a role in how a teacher best decides which type of assessment to use, every student is different and they each have their own way of learning. The teacher must also decide what it is they are assess, what are they looking for through that assessment. So many factors play a role in the determination of assessments and that is why there are so many different …

Indicadores De Sustentabilidad Vba Mesmis, Geovanny Andres Martinez Jimenez

Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables

El presente libro se ha diseñado con el propósito de que el lector tenga una experiencia satisfactoria al momento de emplear los indicadores VBA MESMIS. Por tanto, el documento se estructura de manera minuciosa en dos apartados; el primero que trata acerca de los criterios de diagnóstico, en el que se plantea un ejemplo con información de tres unidades productivas, con el fin de i) desarrollar los indicadores correspondientes a los criterios; ii) conocer el nivel de desempeño de los indicadores; iii) realizar un análisis general y proponer recomendaciones para el fortalecimiento de la sustentabilidad de las unidades productivas; en …

Physical Therapy Students’ Perception Of Their Ability Of Clinical And Clinical Decision-Making Skills Enhanced After Simulation-Based Learning Courses In The United States: A Repeated Measures Design, Fatima Bizama, Masoor Alameri, Kristy Demers, Derrick F. Campbell

Education Collection

Purpose It aimed to investigate physical therapy students’ perception of their ability of clinical and clinical decision-making skills after a simulation-based learning course in the United States.

Methods Survey questionnaires were administered to voluntary participants, including 44 second and third-year physical therapy students of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences during 2021–2022. Thirty-six questionnaire items consisted of 4 demographic items, 1 general evaluation, 21 test items for clinical decision-making skills, and 4 clinical skill items. Descriptive and inferential statistics evaluated differences in students’ perception of their ability in clinical decision-making and clinical skills, pre- and post-simulation, and post-first …

Critical (Re)Approach To Higher Education Admission Policy: The Impact Of Open Enrollment Policy Implementation, Shirdonna Yvonne Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

Federal and state policies affecting higher education, like the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1832, Brown vs. Board of Education, and Higher Education Act of 1965 have posited change regarding the proliferation of diversity and expansion of access (Thelin, 2011).

I analyzed BOT policies for enrollment and conducted a socio-diagnostic CDA on the implementation of admission policy to understand the impact of the policies’ implementation. I focused on 1) exploring how open enrollment (OE) policies were constructed, 2) how institutions adopt and interpret these policies, and 3) how individuals at the institution enact these policies, by conducting a discourse-historical analysis …

The Use Of Single-Subject Research Design For Assessment, Evaluation, And Research In Higher Education, Jordan C. Spencer

Theses and Dissertations

While enrolling in a college for a degree is still considered to be more of the expectation than the rule in households across the United States it is facing public criticism regarding its overall cost versus long-term benefits. This has prompted researchers to reevaluate practices in higher education to determine ways in which post-secondary institutions can improve their overall outcomes. In part, research indicates that this should include revisions to assessment, evaluation, and research (AER) practices. Currently, higher education faces many challenges associated with rigorous AER practices, which include an institutional focus on accountability measures, organizational challenges, and difficulties in …

Food Insecurity Among College Students: Perception Of College Administrators, Ibiyemi Adesanya

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

While food insecurity among college students has existed for decades, only in recent years has the focus on the impact of food insecurity on student success emerged. However, most of the research has been quantitative, conducted at public two-year and four-year colleges and focused on predictors, prevalence, and impact of food insecurity among college students. Although prior student-based research has been beneficial to understand the problem, there is inconsistency in how institutions and higher education professionals address this issue with their students.

A transcendental phenomenological single case study design was used in this study to explore the lived experience …

Using The Social-Ecological Model To Better Understand Sexual Assertiveness Among Undergraduate Women At An Institution Of Higher Education In The Southeastern United States, Lisa Wright

Dissertations

This study examined sexual assertiveness among female undergraduate students at an institution of higher education in the southeastern United States from the context of the social-ecological model. An online survey instrument examined sexual assertiveness, sexual communication self-efficacy, campus climate, and sexual scripts. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between these variables and all variables significantly predicted sexual assertiveness individually, but when examining the relationships collectively, only sexual communication self-efficacy and campus climate remained significant predictors of sexual assertiveness.

Cultura Emprendedora Investigativa Caso Egresados En Las Sedes, Seccionales Y Extensiones De La Universidad De Cundinamarca, Olga Marina García Norato, Ignacio Gómez Roldan, Sandra Milena Melo Perdomo, Carlos Arturo Narváez Benavides, Yudy Marlen Bonilla Bonilla, Luz Alejandra Riveros Sáchica, Luz Mireya Rincón Mora, Cesar Augusto Giraldo Duque, Benjamin Andres Manjarrés Zarate, Oswaldo Vanegas Flórez, Jairo Alonso Ávila Moreno, Dario Benavides Pava, Juan Manuel Andrade Navia, Miguel Alejandro Flechas Montaño

Ciencias Administrativas, Económicas y Contables

Con el ánimo de impulsar la investigación de la universidad desde las culturas emprendedora e investigativa, este libro de investigación tiene por objetivo analizar la cultura emprendedora investigativa de los egresados de la Universidad de Cundinamarca en Ubaté, Girardot, Chía, Facatativá, Zipaquirá, Fusagasugá y plantear alternativas de intervención pertinente a cada contexto. Metodología: Con alcance exploratorio y descriptivo de investigación cualitativa, se da la fundamentación teórica de cultura emprendedora investigativa, se diseñó y aplicó un instrumento en línea los egresados en los municipios donde está establecida la Universidad. Se estudiaron las frecuencias para seis niveles de la escala de Likert …

The Impact Of Utah 4-H On Positive Youth Development, Lendel K. Narine, Kelsey Romney, David Francis, Craig Dart

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

4-H is the largest youth development program in the United States. Utah 4-H conducts programs guided by the principles of positive youth development to help youth across the state lead a successful life. This article discusses the impact of Utah 4-H on the wellbeing of youth.

Developing And Piloting An Adventure-Oriented Confidence-Building Curriculum For Youth, Catherine Hansen, Melanie Dabb, Christina Pay, Cindy Jenkins, Eva Timothy, Andrea Schmutz, Lisa Schainker

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Youth are bombarded with a myriad of life stressors that impacts their self-esteem and ability to be resilient. Young people from diverse backgrounds across the state of Utah participated in a three-day camp structured around a newly developed confidence-building curriculum. Practical application and high-adventure activities reinforced the concepts taught in the curriculum.

Evaluating The Utah Agriculture In The Classroom Preservice Teacher Seminar, Amelia J. Miller, Zak A. Konakis, Emily Yoshikawa-Ruesch, Debra M. Spielmaker, Denise Stewardson

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Utah Agriculture in the Classroom hosts preservice teacher seminars in partnership with five universities across the state. From 2017-2021, approximately 600 college students participated in these seminars. The preservice seminars provided agriculture-themed lessons aligned to state educational standards for future teachers to use as they build resources for their classrooms.

Demonstration Farm Provides Educational Opportunity For Ipm, Nick Volesky, Mair Murray

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The mission of USU Extension’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is to increase the use of sustainable pest management practices within urban and rural landscapes to provide economic, human, and environmental health in Utah. In the spring of 2022, the IPM program established a vegetable farm to test and demonstrate IPM practices. The farm served as an experiential learning classroom for almost 50 farmers and home gardeners.

Reducing The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness In Box Elder County, April Litchford

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Targeted efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Box Elder County provided education and resources to identify and treat individuals suffering from these issues. Utah State University Extension’s efforts to address mental health reached thousands of individuals and generated new partnerships with county organizations.

Outcomes Of The Thriving Hives Beginning Beekeeping Extension Education, Andree' Walker Bravo

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Thriving Hives Beginning Beekeeping Education program caters to novice beekeepers to promote best practices, confidence in beekeeping skills, and healthy apiaries around the state. A major objective of the program is to educate participants on the management of Varroa mites in their hives.

A Transcendental Phenomenology Of Teachers' Experiences With Common Referral And Assessment Practices Of Twice-Exceptional Minority Students, Margeaux Kittles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand which common practices are perceived to be the greatest contributors to the disproportionate representation of 2E, minority students in gifted education programs in north Georgia. The theories guiding this study are the theory of cognitive dissonance and the theory of social cognitive development. The theory of cognitive dissonance asserts that some level of dissonance is unavoidable when individuals are deciding the best course of action for 2E minority students. The theory of social cognitive development describes the influence of peers, adults, and culture on the cognitive development of a child. The …

Children And Technology: Why Technology Is Important For Our Children, Jill Mactiernan

Student Theses

Many people get scared when they hear about how much technology runs the world today. They tend to get frightened when they go to a store and have to use a selfcheckout instead of a cashier. Parents are scared of the dangers of the internet and how it will affect their children, so they tend to try to prevent/limit their children’s usage of the internet and other technologies. However, that may not always be the right move. Technology can not be avoided; it is a part of our everyday lives. With proper guidance and teachings, children can learn how to …

Effect Of Academic Library Usage On Pre-Service Teachers’ Academic Achievement, Nneka Justina Eze Phd, Victoria Olasoji Omosowon Phd, Ifeoma Roseline Iketaku Phd, Claris Nnenna Eze Phd

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study investigated the effect of academic library on pre-service teachers’ academic achievement. Based on the purpose of the study two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Quasi experimental design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised of all the pre-service teachers in the department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ebonyi State University. A sample of 67 pre-service teachers were purposively selected and used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was English Language Achievement (ELAT). The validity of the instrument was established by …

Student And Teacher Perspectives On Asynchronous Learning During The Covid Pandemic, Michele Ehrhart

Education Doctorate Dissertations

The COVID Pandemic shut down schools across the country, leaving K-12 schools unprepared for virtual learning. In this mixed methods study, I examined data gathered from my 8th-grade science classes to assess the effectiveness of asynchronous instruction. My original research question was: How much if at all, did learning outcomes differ as a function of how the lessons were taught (uninterrupted instructional video versus interrupted/interactive Edpuzzle video)? Based on a preliminary examination of data, my study expanded into how self-regulated learning affected students’ comprehension, interest, and motivation. Study results showed no statistical differences in students’ comprehension based on how lessons …

Learning To Reason About Code With Assertions: An Exploration With Two Student Populations, Sarah Blankenship

All Theses

Code tracing is fundamental to students’ understanding of a program, and symbolic reasoning that entails learning to use assertions with abstract input and output values, as opposed to concrete values, enhances that understanding. Symbolic reasoning teaches students valuable abstraction and logic skills that will serve them well in all aspects of programming and their software
development careers.
We use lessons integrated into an online educational tool to supplement classroom instruction to help students learn symbolic reasoning. We explore two ways for students to learn about assertions: Writing assertions to capture the behavior of given code and solving Parsons-style problems in …

Pedagogical Data Literacy With A Multi-Tiered System Of Supports: A Mixed Methods Study Of Teachers Using Data-Driven Reading Instruction In A Title I School, Paula Alexander

All Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to examine how teachers use pedagogical data literacy methods using the South Carolina Multi-Tiered System of Supports (SCMTSS) framework, and its influence on positive student outcomes in reading achievement for all students and students receiving reading intervention supports in Kindergarten through third grade.

Teachers' pedagogical data literacy, or the intersection of educators' knowledge and skills to transform the data into instructional strategies to meet students' needs, provides a lens to fulfill the SCMTSS framework approach of using data-based problem solving to maximize growth of all students. This research study identified SCMTSS Tier I …

Does Teacher Bias Increase Referral Of Blacks To Special Education For A Reading Disability?, Blade Wise Perry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research shows that Black students are over-represented in special education for a reading disability based on the inaccuracy of teacher referrals. Teachers' accuracy in referring Black students to special education for a reading disability is not an extensively researched area. This study aims to determine if teachers' biases and attitudes toward Black students impacted their ability to accurately make a special education referral for a reading disability for this population of students. For this study, teachers completed a questionnaire, cultural competence self-assessment checklist, four vignettes, and a post-vignette question to determine if their personal biases and attitudes impacted their willingness …

Predictive Effects Of Poverty, Gender, Native Language Spoken, And Elpa21 Proficiency On Reading Performance, Carrie Bradow

College of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the predictive effects of poverty, gender, native language spoken, and English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21) proficiency on reading performance measured by the ACT Aspire Summative Reading Assessment for Grades 4, 7, and 10 English language learners in a Northwest Arkansas school district. Through Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the influence of poverty, gender, native language spoken, and ELPA21 proficiency were studied for influences on reading performance. Through a multiple regression analysis I examined the Spring 2019 state assessment and demographic data collected from over 20,000 student records. The findings …

The Empirical Research On University Instructors’ Competencies In Virtual Reality Environment From The Perspective Of Students’ Learning Experience, Jing Ma, Yue Wang, Meng Jiang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The integration of virtual reality (VR) and education is a key way to realize the modernization of higher education. Instructors’ competencies directly affect students’ learning experiences and achievements. Based on the IBSTPI competency standards compiled by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), this study developed an instructors’ competencies scale suitable for the VR environment from the perspective of students’ learning experience and conducted an empirical research on the current situation of instructors’ competencies in VR environment. The scale categorizes of instructors’ competencies included six dimensions: establishing and maintaining learning motivation competencies, expressing competencies, questioning competencies, …