Educational Leadership Commons^™

Understanding Disinterest: How Online Undergraduate Students Perceive And Respond To Disengaged Faculty Members, Blake Clifford

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this interpretative, qualitative study was to discover reasons students participating in asynchronous online undergraduate courses perceive faculty as disinterested, the significance of this perception, and how students respond to disinterested faculty. Online education continues to evolve and change how students learn and how online undergraduate students perceive and respond to faculty members. With these changes, understanding which elements influence and impact the success of online undergraduate students becomes more complex. The distinctive social context of virtual learning environments often contributes to online students characterizing faculty as disengaged. Online students often have limited opportunities to interact directly with …

The Persistence Of Community College Students: A Single Site Case Study, Michael K. Blanchard

All Theses And Dissertations

Only 22% of all students who enroll in community colleges complete an associate degree within three years, and only 16% of students at urban community colleges earn a degree in the same time frame. Community college administrators recognize that a majority of their student population desires to earn a degree, but many lack the knowledge, skills, and support to complete college. The purpose of this single site qualitative case study was to understand how community college students perceive wraparound services and how these services impact students’ persistence. Deil-Amen (2011) was used as the theoretical underpinning for this study. The setting …

The Knowledge And Perceptions Of Generational Cohorts Of K-5 Elementary Educators Who Use Technology For Teaching And Learning, Zachary A. Fodor

All Theses And Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions and knowledge of generational cohorts (Baby Boomer, Generation X, and/or Millennials) of elementary (K-5) educators regarding the use of technology for teaching and learning. The remarkable pace of the transition to digital-age learning environments has made it challenging for schools to build sustainable, program-wide systems for the purposeful use of educational technology during instruction (Stevens & South, 2016). This underscores the need for schools to prepare staff from every generational cohort to be confident, experienced, and ready to lead with technology in their classrooms (Stevens & South, 2016). The first research question was how do …

Personalization And Increased Engagement Through Extended Learning Opportunities, Jennifer L. Crawford

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative intrinsic case study of a bounded system examined student perceptions of their experiences with the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program at Hillsboro-Deering High School. The study data derived from interviews with nine individuals who had participated in the ELO program. The study participants were both current students and alumni. The study explored the ELO program as a means of personalization and engaging students in their learning. Five main themes emerged from the data: Personal Interest, Relationships, Motivation, Self-directed and Self-paced, and Program Awareness. The study shows that students valued their experiences in the ELO program and felt that …

Offering Preceptor Incentives In Nurse Practitioner Education, Pamela Smith

All Theses And Dissertations

Recruitment and retention of clinical preceptors for Nurse Practitioner (NP) students is a challenge for coordinators of NP academic programs. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore what incentives and benefits are offered to clinical preceptors of NP students in accredited NP academic programs across the United States. An online questionnaire was emailed one time to a convenience sample of program coordinators of 333 universities and colleges in the U.S. that offer NP programs. Fifty-four individuals responded (16% response rate) to the survey, and the data were reported quantitatively. Text from additional comments was analyzed and interpreted using …

Examining Online Delivered Orientation To Online Learning Association With Community College Student Success, Kelly White

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to discover if there is an association between student completion of an online delivered orientation (OLO) to online learning and the student success factors of end of course grades and course completion. This study was conducted because course completion rates in online courses are unacceptably low. Educational institution administration, state and federal agencies have all taken an interest in student completion and retention rates. Discovering ways to improve the situation is gaining support. There are many factors which may influence student grades and completion rates. This study focused on the factor of an online …

Impact Of Teacher Perceptions On Instructional Practices In Alternative Public High Schools, Stacy A. Miller

All Theses And Dissertations

Alternative schools are perceived by some as low performing schools with ineffective faculty and delinquent students. This perception affects the perceptions of some alternative school teachers about their students and influences the instructional practices they employ. By being aware of their perceptions and resulting practices, these educators can make a positive impact on the education of at-risk students in alternative settings. The purpose of this study was to understand how alternative school teachers’ perceptions of their students’ abilities influenced their instructional practices and how they perceived those practices support at-risk student academic success in public alternative high schools. To fulfill …

Impact Of Same-Race Mentoring On Adult Female African-American Students Enrolled At A Regional State College, Zohreh Aminian

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the importance and role of race in mentoring relationships of adult female African-American students. In addition, this study presents the experiences and obstacles faced by adult female African-American students working one on one with non-minority mentors at Reginal State College. A final purpose of the study was to document students’ perceptions about their levels of academic success with a White mentor or with an African-American mentor. This is a mentoring model in which students are assigned to a mentor from the time they are admitted to the college, and they work one on one with …

Principal Leadership Of Tier 3 School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports, Cynthia M. Kennedy

All Theses And Dissertations

School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a systems-approach to teaching and reinforcing behavioral expectations within schools. Based on a three-tier public health model, SWPBIS encompasses universal, strategic, and tertiary tiers. This study focuses on early phases of SWPBIS Tier 3 implementations in five elementary schools, and seeks to examine how school principals use SWPBIS Tier 3 to effect transformative change for all students, including at-risk students. Using an ethnographic collective case study methodology, perceptions and attitudes of the participants are utilized to understand how principals use leadership to enact change in their schools with respect to SWPBIS. The …

Engaging Generation Z: A Study On Facebook Group Implementation In Language Courses And In Multiple Contexts, Garrett Fisher

All Theses And Dissertations

This dissertation uses a mixed-methods approach with both an analysis of Facebook group data from a 2016 faculty-led trip and a meta-analysis of Facebook group studies from the past five years to examine popular theoretical frameworks, publication bias, themes, and how a Facebook group can be used with Generation Z learners to facilitate engagement with language instruction. The research was supported by a literature review that includes second language acquisition theory, sociocultural theory, and generational theory. The study revealed that a Facebook group can facilitate engagement for Generation Z language learners at the university level by creating an environment that …

Educational Groupings In The Middle School Science Classroom, Erica L. Mcneil

All Theses And Dissertations

Grouping students for learning has historically been debated among educational professionals. Twenty-first century skills encourage students to work together within their classrooms in preparation for future careers. Adopting Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has required educators to encourage collaboration among students for science learning. Understanding the implications of student groupings and differentiated instructional strategies on learning requires an important conversation for educators who strive to support all learners needs sufficiently and prepare them for their future. This qualitative study examines and describes the perceptions of teachers regarding the role of educational student groupings on student learning of science concepts. Ten …

Mothers’ Stories: How Family And Community Influences Affect Generations Of Literacy Challenges, April Arfaras

All Theses And Dissertations

This study critically examines America’s literacy crisis and focuses on the most affected: at-risk single-parent mothers of infant-toddlers. Illiteracy is a social justice concern that contributes to poverty, poor health, and crime, and affects the economy and America’s status as the former world leader in education. There is contention among academic, corporate, private, and government sources regarding the conflicting statistics of the severity of the literacy crisis (Amarao, 2016; Khazan, 2014; Layton, 2015; Rasco, 2017; Sugrue, 2008). Little is known from mothers closest to the problem (Knowles, 2015). The research questions addressed in this study are (1.) How do at-risk …

Upward Mobility: A Phenomenological Study Of The Hispanic Student Experience In Dual Enrollment, Marina Ashmar Giovannini

All Theses And Dissertations

Dual enrollment continues to experience rapid growth throughout the United States and is viewed as one of the best ways to prepare students for college. Hispanics represent the largest and fastest growing minority ethnic population in the nation, but they are underrepresented in most dual enrollment programs. Although previous research has demonstrated that dual enrollment programs produce positive outcomes concerning academic achievement and college completion, few studies have captured the experiences of Hispanic students in dual enrollment. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to investigate how Hispanic students in an Arizona community college perceive how their experiences in …

Career Technical Education Teachers: Using Handheld Technology To Teach Essential Skills, Olukunmi Olusesan Akingbola

All Theses And Dissertations

This paper explores Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers’ perspective of in-class use of handheld technology in learning environments with effective pedagogical practices that lead the way to improving classroom teaching. The technology for this study encompasses laptops, iPads, tablets, and cell phones, collectively referred to as “handhelds.” This study sought to consider teachers’ own experiences with the use of handheld technology devices in classrooms. The goal of this study was to examine how handheld devices provide a few ways or methods whereby technology can be integrated into curriculum design to help teacher-student interactions and in-class participation in order to …

Using Song Lyrics In Teaching An Undergraduate Statistics Course, Joseph Marc Zagerman

All Theses And Dissertations

Contemporary pedagogical theory examines the shift from passive to active instructional techniques in order to enhance student engagement and learning. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to develop a deeper understanding of the lived educational experiences of Millennials enrolled in an introductory statistics course when song lyrics were used as an instructional technique. Gardner’s (2011) theory of Multiple Intelligence served as the theoretical framework of this study and provided implications for higher education. Seven traditional undergraduate students participated in this study in which song lyrics were used to inform and reinforce the six steps of hypothesis testing. Data …

Biblical Literalism And Implications For Learning, Sara Austin

All Theses And Dissertations

Given that everything we learn is scaffolded onto prior knowledge, how and what we learn is infinitely complex. There are many factors influencing learning, including environment, social and institutional attitudes, access, conditioning and biases. Among the social and environmental factors, religious affiliation is a powerful force which can either encourage educational pursuit, or discourage and demonize it.

This study used Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory (2003) to examine the lived experiences of individuals who were raised in biblical literalist faith traditions. The researcher conducted loosely structured interviews with each participant to learn about their educational and spiritual journeys as they left …

Understanding Acculturative Stress In Post-Graduate, International Veterinary Students: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sherry Bushong

All Theses And Dissertations

Thousands of American veterinary students attend fully-accredited international veterinary institutions every year. There are currently 14 veterinary programs located internationally that are fully-accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association—the same association that accredits American veterinary programs. Although these veterinary students choose to attend these programs, little is known about their experience adapting to the new location and their stressors during their time as veterinary students. With the number of veterinarian suicides rising and the focus on veterinary student mental wellness increasing, gaining a deeper understanding of their experience as students is essential for the future of the profession. The purpose …

From Providing Access To Promoting Success: Transforming A Community College System’S Advising Services, Staci L. Grasky

All Theses And Dissertations

The economy of the early twenty-first century endured the Great Recession, demanded an increasingly skilled workforce, and saw technological advancements that enabled new levels of scrutiny and accountability. Within this environment, institutions of higher education felt the impacts of recession and recovery, changing workforce demands, and heightened scrutiny. For community colleges, student demographics shifted and challenges grew as they admitted high numbers of students who faced obstacles to attaining their academic goals, such as a lack of preparation for college level work, low socioeconomic status, unclear goals, and first-generation status. With little ability to control these factors and mounting pressure …

Transforming Disability To Advantage: A Phenomenological Study Of Career Success For Dyslexics, Bonnie A. Blake

All Theses And Dissertations

The purpose of this Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study was to understand how dyslexics’ and non-dyslexics’ perceptions about dyslexia impacted the life experiences of dyslexic individuals with successful careers. Six dyslexic participants described meaningful experiences in their lives and career success in individual, semistructured, in-person interviews in the New York tri-state area. The participants shared insights that revealed four themes: (1) Challenging Academic Experiences, (2) Thinking Differently and Creating Success, (3) Championing a Growth Mindset and Positive Thinking, and (4) Leading with Strengths and Talents.

This study explored the transformative shift from narrowly viewing dyslexia as a neurological disorder to a …

The Proposed Implementation Of Proficiency-Based Diplomas Within The Larger Context Of Educational Transformation In Maine, Cheri Towle

All Theses And Dissertations

The transformation from an industrialized age model to a student-centered, standards-based model has received various reactions from a multitude of stakeholders. In May 2012, the 125th Maine Legislature passed into law LD 1422, An Act to Prepare Maine People for the Future Economy. This law required students that graduate from Maine public high schools to graduate with a diploma that demonstrated proficiency on standards in eight content areas and guiding principles. One prior study conducted in four phases by the Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) examined the impacts, challenges and facilitators within implementation of this state policy. The …

Leadership Development And Support: The Perceived Effects Of A Dialogic Peer Coaching Program, Michael T. Chase

All Theses And Dissertations

This formative program evaluation examined the perceptions of school-based leaders in a peer dialogic group coaching and discussion program in a larger school district in Western Canada. The pilot program included 14 principals and vice-principals from 12 different elementary or high schools who participated in either a discussion or coaching format to support and develop leadership and communication skills in six biweekly meetings over three months. Qualitative inductive content analysis was used to code and theme the data that resulted from semi-structured interviews and anonymous online surveys. Four main themes emerged from the data, and these themes described key elements …

Examining Correctional Leadership Styles That Encourage Cooperative Compliance From Federal Offenders, Paul Gonzalez

All Theses And Dissertations

Since its inception in 1930, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has experienced tremendous growth in its inmate population. Concluding 1930 with 14 federal prisons, the Bureau of Prisons now maintains 122 federal prisons, and is accountable for over 180,000 federal offenders within federal prisons walls and within contracted correctional centers. The federal inmate population has also grown in diversity, and training offered by the Bureau of Prisons to its employees has not transformed in a manner that addresses the rise in offender diversity. Officers are left to independently devise various leadership styles to meet the needs of the organization. Bureau …

Contextualizing Lgbtq Faculty Experiences: An Account Of Sexual Minority Perceptions, Travis Dimitri David

All Theses And Dissertations

The well-being of faculty is susceptible to influence from intrinsic and extrinsic occupational characteristics. Heterosexism or hostile environments can be associated with decreased satisfaction amongst sexual minorities. As such, this transcendental phenomenology examined perceptions from tenured lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) faculty of their workplace conditions. Eight participants reflected on experiences from within higher education, academic settings. This study purposefully probed how sexual orientation and sexual minority status impacted their overall job satisfaction. Through providing context for social interactions in a traditionally heteronormative environment, cultural and attributional behaviors associated with affecting LGBTQ faculty in higher education was analyzed. …

The Impact Of Integrative Programs And Services On International Students’ Transitions At Three Regional State Colleges, Patriece Campbell

All Theses And Dissertations

Over one million international students study at colleges and universities across the U.S. each year. Yet, some international students struggle academically, not because they do not have the cognitive intelligence to excel but they find it difficult to adapt into the American academic culture that is oftentimes significantly different from their own. The study sought to understand the use of integrative programs and services at three select Pennsylvania state institutions and their impact on international students’ successful transition as a part of their campus community. The intent of this study was to understand the complexities that international students face as …

Identifying Emotional Intelligence And Metacognition In Medical Education, Robert Weigand

All Theses And Dissertations

An extensive literature review identified emotional intelligence and metacognition had not been examined in medical education as integrated concepts in the reflective practice of medical residents. Continued research into the independent application of these concepts in medical education maintains a perspective that has permeated medical literature for 20 years. Research into emotional intelligence and metacognitive functioning and its’ influence on reflective practice in medical education acknowledges the need for more taxonomies of knowledge and skills. A quantitative correlational study was conducted utilizing Family Practice residents. Three valid and reliable assessment tools identified as the MSCEIT, MAI and Groningen were used …

An Evaluation Of Interprofessional Education: The Medical And Pharmacy Student Experience, Daniel Mickool

All Theses And Dissertations

Interprofessional education (IPE) in health professions continues to garner attention and is widely encouraged in the overall improvement of health care delivery in the U.S. The lack of communication and cross-profession collaboration contributes to errors and lower patient outcomes. As a result, medical education is undergoing transformation as new models are sought to deliver curricula that foster collaboration among health care disciplines. The purpose of this mixed methods program evaluation was to explore pharmacy and medical students’ perceptions of interprofessional learning after a six-week clinical rotation in a family medicine setting, as well as describe student perceptions of patient benefits …

Teachers’ Self-Efficacy When Differentiating Between Language Acquisition Difficulties Or Possible Learning Disabilities In English Language Learners, Elizabeth Hallett

All Theses And Dissertations

This multiple-case study examines teachers’ self-efficacy, or perceptions of their effectiveness, when differentiating between typical language acquisition difficulties and possible learning disabilities in English Language Learners (ELLs) who are challenged academically. Five mainstream elementary teachers from a mid-sized urban school district in the northeastern United States participated in the study. Data from individual interviews, meeting observations and artifacts were collected from each of the participants. Meeting observations occurred during each participant’s Integrated Learning Team meetings. During interviews, participants described their experiences working with ELLs who struggled more than typical ELLs and presented an artifact representing experiences teaching such students. Across …

Distributive Leadership’S Relationship To Teacher Self-Efficacy: An Ecological Model, Mary Dawson Jacques

All Theses And Dissertations

This ecological study identifies and tests research based constructs of distributive leadership and teacher self-efficacy on the 2012 and 2014 TELL survey using ecological methodology. This includes a confirmatory factor analysis of survey items that best measure distributive leadership and teacher self-efficacy. The overall population mean for participants who agreed or strongly agreed with the survey items was calculated and analyzed. The research focuses on a microsystem analysis, but includes a reflection on the exosystem and an analysis of variance with the macrosystem.

Analyses revealed three major findings. First by calculating the overall population mean of participants who agreed or …

Understanding Experiences Of Gratitude In Elementary Teachers: Implications For School Leaders, Joseph D. Mcdonough

All Theses And Dissertations

The science of gratitude is a fairly recent phenomenon, emerging out of positive psychology. The basic premise of the field is that cultivating a positive perspective and focusing on what one can be grateful for has positive outcomes in life. The benefits discovered include increases in subjective well-being and life satisfaction, better interpersonal relationships, and increases in pro-social behavior. In the school setting, research has found that developing gratitude can increase adolescents’ level of satisfaction with school experience and academic attainment. The purpose of this phenomenological study is develop a deeper understanding of how elementary teachers experience gratitude. By learning …

The Influence Of Instructional Coaches On Special Educators’ Skills And Effectiveness, Julie Olsen

All Theses And Dissertations

Instructional coaching has been a practice in public schools since the early 1990’s and began in the area of reading coaching. While coaching has expanded nationally to include other content areas over the years, there is little information regarding the use of Instructional Coaches who are experts in the field of special education. This qualitative study, grounded in Vygotsky’s (1934) sociocultural theory of human learning and Jim Knight’s (2007) partnership theory, examines the ways in which Instructional Coaches influence special educators’ skills/effectiveness and the experiences special educators have with coaching models in a K-8 public school district. Thirteen special educators …