Educational Methods Commons^™

I Fina’Nå’Guen I Famagu’On Put I Tåsi: The Impact Of Phenomena-Based Learning On Explaining And Conceptualizing Ocean Acidification In The Pacific, Angelia Jean Blas-Lizama

Theses and Dissertations

This convergent mixed methods study examined the impact of a new phenomena-based (PhBL) lesson plan—grounded by social constructivism and the NGSS framework—on 1) student ability to explain and contextualize a phenomenon, and 2) assess student perceptions of PhBL compared to traditional science instruction. This addressed the shift towards science education reform that better prepares K-12 students for the STEM pipeline and creates student agency surrounding human impact on the environment. Ocean acidification was the selected phenomenon for this study as it was culturally and locally relevant to the participants—sixth-grade science students at a Pacific Island public middle school. Findings revealed …

Filling In The Gaps: Evaluating A Self-Regulated Learning Strategy For Middle School Students Using Action Research, Leslie Eller Southerland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to evaluate the effects of a self-regulated learning innovation on middle school students’ self-regulated learning skills. One way to address problems such as student motivation, student engagement, and distracting behaviors in the classroom is to explicitly teach self-regulated learning skills such as goal setting, strategy use, self-monitoring, and systematic practice. Two research questions guided this study: (1) How and to what extent does a self-regulated learning innovation impact 7th and 8th grade students’ self-regulated learning skills (planning, self-monitoring, evaluation, reflection)? (2) In what ways do 7^th and 8^th grade students …

An Investigation Of Preservice And Novice Elementary Education Graduate Students’ Self-Efficacy Toward Teaching Engineering Design, Victoria Harkins Cameron

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study examined how an experiential learning–based pedagogical approach influenced the development of teaching engineering self-efficacy in preservice and novice elementary education graduate students. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, the study examined the impact of mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and affective states on shaping participants’ instructional self-efficacy. Data were collected using the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale (TESS), written reflections, and a focus group. Engineering pedagogical content knowledge was the only TESS construct to show statistically significant gains, while qualitative findings indicated broader growth in self-efficacy and emotional readiness. The study’s …

The Effect Of An Interdisciplinary Project On Students’ Understandings Of Mathematical Interdisciplinarity: A Qualitative Action Research Study, Jaime Krause

Theses and Dissertations

The siloed nature of education has likely caused some high school students to not recognize the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics, leading them to misunderstand its relationship to other subject areas. A misunderstanding of mathematical interdisciplinarity can cause issues when these students approach interdisciplinary problems later in life. The purpose of this study was to observe, investigate, and analyze the ways in which students understand mathematical interdisciplinarity following a collaborative and interdisciplinary project. I implemented a descriptive qualitative action research approach to determine how a collaborative interdisciplinary project on NASA technology in a high school mathematics course affects students’ understandings of …

Examining The Impact Of Teacher Participation In Pedagogical Content Knowledge Development Intervention On The Academic Achievement Of Culturally And Socioeconomically Diverse Students, Emelyne Viteve Baucicaut

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examines the impact of a Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) intervention on elementary teachers' instructional practices and student outcomes in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). The goal was to address student underperformance by enhancing teachers' PCK and exploring how improved content knowledge and pedagogical strategies influence classroom teaching and student achievement. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, baseline data were collected through surveys, classroom observations, and student assessments. Over five weeks, teachers participated in professional development focused on lesson planning, student exemplars, and success criteria. Due to scheduling constraints, computer-based assessments were replaced by analyzing student work …

Enhancing Self-Efficacy In Ap Psychology Through Targeted Intervention Strategies, Felicia Jennifer Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-method action research case study was to measure the effects of an individualized intervention on academic self-efficacy and academic achievement in an Advanced Placement (AP) psychology class. The study focused on four students who received a failing grade on the first unit test and took place over an eight-week period. Quantitative data was collected in the form of assessment data (both formative and summative), survey questions modeled after the General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (GASE), and assignment completion. Qualitative data was collected in the form of semi-structured interviews and open-ended reflection questions. The findings suggest that psychology …

Effects Of Science Of Reading Pedagogy On Student Self-Efficacy In The Elementary Intervention Classroom, Emily Marie Robinette

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study investigated the effects Science of Reading pedagogy and curriculum have on students’ reading self-efficacy within the setting of the elementary intervention classroom. The theoretical framework, Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, guided the study’s research questions, review of literature, methodology, and data analysis. The conceptual framework of the Science of Reading theory and educational movement served as the primary source of design and implementation of the intervention. Students participated in pre-, mid-, and post intervention interviews which measured students’ perceptions about their reading self-efficacy throughout the intervention period. They also participated in weekly reading self-efficacy questionnaires, which provided …

Clinical Correlates: Using Case-Based Learning In The Physician Assistant Classroom, Pamela Schindler Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Physician Assistant (PA) education is rigorous and comprehensive. In only 27 months, the students must learn medical knowledge and skills for effective patient care. Instruction must be efficient and effective to teach these students how to be safe and functional PAs. Of primary concern is teaching students how to perform like clinicians, which requires critical thinking, self-directed learning, and teamwork.

This convergent, mixed-methods action research explored the impacts of case-based learning (CBL) in the PA classroom. The findings support using CBL to develop clinical reasoning skills, improve comprehension of the material, and develop self-directed learning skills. CBL requires the students …

Impact Of Participation In Extracurricular Activities On Female Students’ Motivation, Noha Ibrahim

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the impact of extracurricular activities (ECAs) on academic motivation among female high school students at a semi-governmental international school in the UAE. It addressed three research questions: (1) the effect of ECA participation on academic motivation, (2) students’ perceptions of how these activities influence their motivation, and (3) teachers’ perspectives on their impact. I conducted this action research in a school of 4,500 K-12 students predominantly local and from high-income backgrounds with an international teaching staff. Participants included grade 11 and 12 female students (ages 16–18) enrolled in one of four clubs (Reading, International, Sports, and Art) …

Promoting The Mathematical Success Of High School Geometry Students Through Project-Based Learning, Amanda Shankle-Erdman

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study explores the impact of project-based learning (PBL) on the mathematical success of high school geometry students, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Students from low SES households often face challenges in acquiring foundational math skills, which in turn leads to low math-related self-efficacy and poor academic performance. The study aimed to determine whether implementing PBL enhances students' understanding of geometry, improves students’ math-related self-efficacy and anxiety, and changes students’ attitude toward math by creating real-world connections to their lived experiences. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach, the study collected both qualitative and quantitative data from high school …

Multi-Dimensional Strategies Impacting Beginning Readers’ Word Solving And Engagement, Brooke Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation studied the impact of reading instruction on beginner-level readers’ decoding skills and engagement among four first-grade students in Lexington, South Carolina. The following research question directed the study:

Will an instructional strategy foregrounded on direct, systematic phonics instruction in conjunction with multi-dimensional reading strategies improve beginner readers’ decoding skills and engagement?

The study is grounded in several theoretical frameworks, including Scarborough’s Reading Rope (Appendix A), the Simple View of Reading, the Active View of Reading (Appendix C), Onset-Rime phonics instruction, and Self-Determination Theory. Interventions included the LETRS Science of Reading Phonics Small Group Plan (Moats & Tolman, 2019) …

The Impact Of Teachers’ Cultural Competence On Curriculum Development In Advanced English Courses, Rhine D. Kirkland

Theses and Dissertations

As student demographics become increasingly more diverse, it is imperative that classroom teachers are responsive to the needs of learners from varied backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of teachers’ cultural competence on their curriculum development in advanced English courses. This case study provided insight on the use of administrative instructional coaching as a professional learning approach to aid in teachers’ creation and implementation of culturally responsive curriculums based on the tenets of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. The analysis and triangulation of survey, interview, document, and observation data yielded key themes regarding the considerations and conditions …

Cultural Competency Of Teachers And Its Effect On Their Instructional Practices, Martin Sims

Theses and Dissertations

Core content teachers at S Middle School participate in a study that reveals how increased cultural competency levels among 7^th-grade core content teachers positively influences their instructional practices. The increased cultural competency led to a more inclusive and effective learning environment across all core content areas. Throughout the study, teachers reflected on their own cultural identities while also considering the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students in each class period. As a result, teachers gained a deeper understanding of how cultural factors shape students' learning experiences and needs. The participants adjusted their teaching strategies to better connect with …

Irish Teachers’ Perceptions Of Immigrant Students: Exploring How Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Affects Biases, Metacognition, And Inclusive Teaching Practices, Dorothy Widener Alton

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe a qualitative, reflective action research study that examined if learning and reflecting on culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) affected Irish post-primary teachers’ perceptions of immigrant students, metacognition of biases, teaching practices, and inclusivity of these marginalized students. Qualitative data consisted of administering an online survey to post-primary teachers across Ireland, chosen by convenience sampling. In addition, I conducted an in-depth reflective survey before, during, and after providing CRP literature to four select participants, selected by purposive and snowball sampling. Data was analyzed by coding and observing emerging patterns to identify overarching themes …

Relevant Reading: Modernizing High School Reading Lists, Michele Honeycutt

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research study, using case study methodology, explores the modernization of high school reading lists to ensure inclusivity, cultural relevance, and engagement in contemporary educational settings. Grounded in Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Constructivism, and Problem-Posing Theory, this research examines how diverse literary selections impact student learning, motivation, and critical thinking. The study uses semi-structured interviews, observations, and student surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating contemporary texts that reflect varied cultural, social, and political perspectives. The findings highlight the tensions between traditional literary canons and efforts to introduce diverse narratives, emphasizing the challenges of book bans, parental resistance, and …

Utilizing Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices In The Classroom, Lindsey Nicole Finley

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to address the impact of teaching concepts of culturally responsive pedagogy on teachers’ understanding of their implicit biases. Additionally, it examined the impact that professional development training utilizing culturally responsive teaching (CRT) methods have on teachers working with multilingual learners (MLs). The research questions were: (1) What is the impact of teaching concepts of culturally responsive pedagogy on teachers' understanding of their implicit biases? and (2) What is the impact of intentional, ongoing professional development utilizing CRT methods for teachers working with multilingual learners? This study used a theoretical framework of culture centered pedagogies such as …

Exploring The Sense Of Community And Perceived Professional Learning Of Multigrade Teachers In Cohort-Based Online Community Of Practice Sessions: An Action Research, Paola Franco-Oudri

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to explore the influence of cohort-based, online Community of Practice sessions on the sense of community and perceived professional learning of multigrade teachers in a faith-based, private school system in North America. Approximately 25% of teachers in the Seventh-day Adventist school system are multigrade elementary teachers and teach three or more grade levels in the same classroom. Multigrade teachers often have limited access to traditional professional development (PD) options because of distance, cost, and staffing limitations, but furthermore, traditional PD programs do not address the needs and realities of small, multigrade schools. Additionally, …

Analyzing Factors Affecting Retention And Attrition Rates Of Teachers In The Pee Dee Region Of South Carolina, Jessica Allen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to determine the factors and variables that affected the retention and attrition rates of novice and seasoned teachers in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Utilizing three frameworks, the Self-efficacy theory, the Social Identity theory, and the Multidimensional Theory of Burnout, the researcher conducted a virtual survey of 33 respondents and interviewed seven participants to collect data. Data was thematically coded to discover commonalities amongst the participant responses.

The data revealed administrative influence, teacher working conditions such as autonomy, time, and control, and workload were the most frequent elements of …

Hearing All The Colors: Stories Of Engagement From Teachers' Perspectives, Carolyn Allison

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study documented four high school English II End of Course teachers' stories about student engagement in the classroom. Students of color, in particular, have been maligned for underperformance on state-mandated tests. Instead of focusing on the despairing headlines and data, this study focused on how teachers follow the state standards and district curriculum guides to increase success. The teachers' authentic voices on student engagement shine through their stories. Student engagement is not a one-size-fits-all scenario which these teachers prove.

The teachers' stories served as the data for this study. The data was viewed through the lens of …

Developing Mathematical Thinking And Reasoning For Students With Disabilities Through Professional Learning Communities, Dawn Pilotti

Theses and Dissertations

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are designed to improve learning outcomes for all students through educator collaboration. Guided by systems theory and supported by social cognitive, social practice and change theories, this longitudinal participatory action research study explored the development of an interdepartmental PLC, and its impact on mathematics teachers’ practices and students’ performance. Additionally, this study explored the relationship between participation in the PLC and participants’ collective efficacy. The study was conducted at a school for students with learning disabilities. The PLC included Grade 5 and Grade 6 mathematics teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, a mathematics specialist, reading …

Essential Characteristics And Perceived Needs Of Teachers And School Leaders Of Steam-Focused Elementary Schools: An Exploratory Study, Christopher Abbaleo

Theses and Dissertations

While STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education has traditionally been emphasized at the high school level, there is growing recognition of its importance in elementary education. This exploratory, action research multiple-case study identified the essential characteristics of two STEAM-focused elementary schools and how they are operationalized as well as the perceived needs of teachers and school leaders working within the schools. Within-case analyses and a cross-case synthesis revealed both common and distinct STEAM-focused curricular approaches, along with other commonalities such as enriching co-curricular offerings, connections to STEAM careers, professional development, teacher collaboration, visionary leadership, and networking with external …

“Freedom Looks Different For Everyone”: Transforming Pre-Packaged Literacy Programs Through Critical Literacy, Theodore Reginald Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

The Hartford Area Education Network (a pseudonym) adopted EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) in response to the passage of the Right to Read Act by the Connecticut General Assembly. Multinational Magnet School, (a pseudonym) which is operated by the Hartford Area Education Network, uses EL Education for its literacy instruction in all kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms. Module 3 of the fourth-grade sequence discusses perspectives of the American Revolution, though it minimally discusses people of color. Guided by a theoretical framework that incorporates critical pedagogy, Critical Race Theory, and decolonizing pedagogy, my qualitative action research study looked at how critical literacy …

"We Have Such Fantastic People Working Here": Using Action Research To Address Community College Burnout, Christine Pipitone

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research dissertation explores faculty burnout at a New Jersey community college to propose actionable, faculty-led solutions through a collaborative approach. Grounded in a theoretical framework that integrates theories of action, critical theory, and job demands–resources theory, the study included three phases that followed an explanatory sequential design. In the first phase, quantitative and qualitative data obtained through an anonymous questionnaire provided baseline information about the dimensions of burnout participants experienced. The data informed the second phase, which consisted of semi-structured focus group interviews. In the third phase, an action research team worked together to make recommendations based …

Apathy Or Agency: Exploring Civic Engagement With Ap Psychology Students, Regina Dilley

Theses and Dissertations

Sensing my high school students’ apathy toward civic engagement, I used a community of inquiry framework to address this problem of practice. Through mixed-methods action research, I explored participants’ perspectives on community, civic engagement, and their involvement in both spheres. A community of inquiry framework was the foundation for my research questions, and as I collected data, I launched an intervention based upon my findings. Although the results of this study were not statistically significant and are not generalizable, I collected a wealth of survey, interview, and reflection data from 48 students across two classes. Analysis grounded in my observations …

Understanding Community College Students’ Thoughts And Motivations Regarding Tutoring In An Undergraduate Mathematics Course, Whitney Paige Cherekos

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examines community college students’ thoughts and motivations regarding tutoring, with the aim of identifying disparities in tutoring utilization and engagement at a community college in North Carolina. The purpose of the dissertation is to evaluate tutoring effectiveness and explore students’ perceptions of tutoring. The findings of this study led to proposed solutions to reduce or eliminate the barriers that today’s community college students encounter when needing academic support.

To evaluate tutoring effectiveness, I collected quantitative data from institution registration reports, transcripts, tutoring logs, and an anonymous student survey for students enrolled in multiple sections of a single …

Hearing The Unheard: Creating A Brave Space To Analyze The Experiences Of Men Of Color In Student Service Roles And Their Mental Health Challenges Within Higher Education, Calvin Maurice Joyner

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the experiences of five men of color in student service roles dealing with mental health stressors, such as discrimination, workplace burnout, tokenism, and low morale. To highlight their experiences, a brave space was utilized as an intervention. The following questions were examined and answered within this qualitative, action research study: (1) What are the experiences of men of color with mental health challenges in student service roles? (2) How do mental health problems affect the personal and professional lives of men of color in student service roles? (3) How do the brave spaces impact the mental health …

Students’ Experiences Using Peer Review To Affect Writing Self-Efficacy And Writing Performance In An Undergraduate Mass Communications Writing Course, Nina Morrison Brook

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to examine the impact of peer review on writing self-efficacy and writing performance in an undergraduate online writing for mass communications course. The study focused on two research questions: (1) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing self-efficacy in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? and (2) How and to what extent does structured peer review affect undergraduate students’ writing performance in an online writing for mass communications course in a large public Southeastern university? This research used peer review …

Positive Self-Talk, Politics, And Poetry: The Impact Of A Culturally Responsive Workshop In A High School Support Lab, Danielle Ann Verwers

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation describes my effort to expand access to the arts for my high school students with IEPs through a culturally responsive poetry workshop. For this qualitative study, I used ongoing content analysis to explore how the experience impacted my students and me, drawing insights from artifacts, field notes, and interview data. Predetermined categories of student identity, writing, and poetry yielded themes like positive self-talk, family, voice, and reimagining to illuminate the students’ experiences. As I analyzed my own experience, two categories of pressure and political impact emerged, characterized by freedom, growth, struggle, burnout, and hope. In addition …

In Their Own Words: How Standardization Shapes Student Learning Experiences, Jessica Cantley

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research study explores how students perceive and experience standardized and elective educational environments in a rural, Title I high school in the U.S. South. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with seven diverse participants, the study investigates student-defined learning objectives, motivation and engagement across different classes, and youth perceptions of valuable learning experiences. The research is grounded in constructivism, applying feminist theory and critical race theory as lenses to challenge power dynamics and promote equality in education.

Findings confirm the problem of practice that inspired the study by revealing a contrast between students’ experiences in standardized …

From Chalk Dust To Destiny: Race, Gender, Hair, And The Making Of My Stem Identity, Angela Gaines Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This critical autoethnography explored the evolving STEM identity of myself as a Black female student and educator and examined how race, gender, and hair politics intersected to shape experiences within predominantly white institutions. Guided by a two-fold framework of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Transformative Leadership Theory (TLT) , I posed two research questions: 1) How has my STEM identity as a Black woman evolved over time through my experiences as a student and educator?; 2) In what ways does my current STEM identity as a Black woman, as understood through reflective practices, inform my pedagogical approaches and mentoring of …