Educational Methods Commons^™

You Want A Fight? You Found It: Amplifying High School Students’ Voices To Combat Book Banning’S Silencing Effect, Alicia Sue Weaver

Theses and Dissertations

As a high school English teacher in South Carolina, I was concerned about the silencing of teachers and students through book banning, which limited students’ agency and threatened their perceptions of themselves and others. This mixed-method, embedded-design, action research dissertation tells the story of my effort to resolve this problem of practice and provides recommendations to practitioners facing similar challenges. To better understand the root of the problem, I examined research related to policy, self-censorship, loss of teacher autonomy, and harmful rhetoric. The theoretical framework grounding this study came from two primary lenses: treating literature as windows, mirrors, and sliding …

Leading Improvement In Physical Therapist Assistant Education: A Practice-Based Improvement Science Study, Carl Joseph Swearingen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the persistent problem of poor first-semester success rates among Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students at the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL). In the past five years, 25% of students entering the PTA program have been unsuccessful, either due to academic failures or non-academic withdrawals. Even more concerning, over 80% of these students did not persist past the first semester. A root cause analysis using the five whys, fishbone diagramming, empathy interviews, local data, and scanning outside the organization was used to help broaden our understanding of the problem and guide further research.

Based on the results …

The Implementation Of A Manufacturing Curriculum In Secondary Education, John Chieyung Kim Ii

Theses and Dissertations

American manufacturing cannot find workers. By 2030, 2.1 million positions will go unfilled, at a projected cost of one trillion dollars. Secondary schools are not solving this problem. At Ypsilanti Community High School, only 23.7% of graduates pursue postsecondary education. The rest enter the workforce without credentials or technical skills. No manufacturing curriculum existed at YCHS. This Dissertation in Practice built one.

The study used improvement science methodology. Two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles designed, tested, and refined a precision measurement curriculum aligned to NC3 industry certification standards. Thirty-three students participated across both cycles. Cycle 1 used a traditional theory-first sequence over ten …

Examining Role-Play Simulation Effectiveness In Reducing Student Skill Gaps In An Interpreter Education Program, Nicole Nadine Morris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-methods action research study was to identify students’ skill development in an interpreter education program using authentic role-play simulations. Three research questions guided this study. Two questions guiding the quantitative data collection centered on skill development during foundational interpreting courses and through the practicum semesters. The third research question guided the qualitative data collection, which focused on the participants’ perceptions of the usefulness of the role-play simulations in preparing them for their practicum placements. Together, the data indicate that the simulations provide significant benefits for students in interpreter education programs in terms of their professional readiness. …

Examination Of Metacognitive Strategies As An Intervention Supporting College Readiness For Students In Large Enrollment Introductory Biology Courses, Angela S. Mohrman

Theses and Dissertations

Students who meet traditional definitions of college readiness based on prior coursework, grades, and standardized test scores often continue to struggle in large-enrollment introductory STEM courses. These struggles are particularly evident in introductory biology, where high cognitive demands, rapid pacing, and content volume require learners to regulate their own studying in ways many students have never been taught. This action research study examined whether sustained, explicit instruction in metacognitive regulation—planning, monitoring, and evaluating learning—could support introductory biology students’ college readiness and learning of biology content.

Using a mixed-methods action research design, the study investigated a 15-week co-curricular metacognitive intervention taken …

Role Of University Staff In Fostering Graduate Student Engagement, Elizabeth Ellen Caulder

Theses and Dissertations

Graduate student disengagement has increased in higher education, especially after changes from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as automation, remote work, and less face- to-face interaction. This dissertation-in-practice investigated whether relationship-focused interventions could boost student engagement. Guided by Social Exchange Theory and Improvement Science, it used a Plan–Do–Study–Act framework to develop and refine a professional development lunch program. The intervention aimed to promote reciprocal interactions between students and staff based on shared goals. Data from observations, attendance, surveys, and interviews were analyzed across three cycles.

This study illustrates how improvement science serves as a practical, systems- focused approach to tackling problems …

When One Size Does Not Fit All: Helping Teachers Adapt Scripted Curricula For Students With Disabilities, Julie Elizabeth Broad

Theses and Dissertations

Special education teachers are responsible for differentiating instruction so students with disabilities can access the general education curriculum and meet their IEP goals. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that students eligible for special education receive specially designed instruction aligned with their individual needs, yet at the time of this qualitative action research study, I served as a special educator in a district that mandated the use of scripted curricula for math and language arts. To resolve this problem of practice, I sought to understand elementary teachers’ lived experiences with the scripted curricula, including their effectiveness for students with …

Clarifying Educator Roles To Strengthen Inclusive Practices For Students With Disabilities, Anastasia Sara-Nicholas Theophelis

Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation in Practice (DiP) focuses on improving inclusive instructional practices in Clarkston Community Schools by increasing clarity and shared understanding of educator roles. Despite a strong district commitment to inclusion, data and teacher feedback revealed that role ambiguity between general and special education staff limited collaboration led to inconsistent implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and contributed to educator frustration. Research supports that role clarity is foundational to effective co-teaching, collaboration, and sustained inclusive practices (Friend & Cook, 2016; Scruggs et al., 2007).

Guided by the principles of improvement science, this study tested a structured Action Plan and Role …

Bridging The Gap In First Grade: Community Perceptions Of Standards-Based Grading And Literacy Communication In A Rural Virginia School Division, Kristin Janssen

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research study explored the perceptions of parents, guardians, and teachers regarding standards-based grading (SBG) in first-grade literacy instruction and examined community buy-in toward its implementation in a rural Virginia school district. Although state-level mandates such as the Virginia Literacy Act emphasize evidence-based literacy instruction and foundational reading skills, traditional grading practices remain common in early elementary classrooms. These practices often lack alignment with instructional standards and may obscure students’ literacy progress, creating challenges for communication between schools and families.

Surveys with closed and open-ended questions yielded data from first- grade teachers and parents or guardians to illuminate …

Collaborative Technology, Collaborative Technology Integration, Digital Literacy Skills, Teacher Self-Efficacy, Bailey Christine Coen Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

Effective technology implementation occurs when the technology being used in the classroom provides students the opportunity to collaborate and communicate with each other. Additionally, collaboration is an effective pedagogical strategy for building student digital literacy skills. At East Caraway Valley High School, educators seldom utilize collaborative technologies to further their students’ digital literacy skills. This mixed-methods research study aims to explore educator perceptions about their self-efficacy with collaborative technology integration and the practices of using collaborative technologies in the classroom to identify the reasons for a lack of collaborative technology integration and devise strategies for supporting educators to overcome barriers …

The Metacognitive Shift: Reshaping Student Attitudes And Adaptive Reasoning Through Error Analysis In Eighth-Grade Mathematics, Samantha Lynn Graves

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized an action research framework to address students’ lack of adaptive reasoning skills in a mathematics classroom in South Carolina. These students often focus on procedural fluency without understanding the reasoning behind the steps. Using a mixed methods design, this study examined the impact of implementing student- led error analysis as a metacognitive strategy on the adaptive reasoning skills and attitudes of 20 eighth-grade mathematics students. The study took place over 6 weeks at a Title I public charter school, and the intervention required students to identify, correct, and explain errors in various problem types, including fractions, applied …

Fostering High Achievement For Students Within And Beyond The Classroom – Building In Students Academic Language And Literacy Skills To Improve Standardized Test Scores In United States History And The Constitution. An Action Research Study, Amber Nicole Gant

Theses and Dissertations

The scores received on high-stakes tests throughout a student’s educational journey are an indication of the level of mastery of advanced content. Subsequently, these scores highlight their ability to access skills that reflect their likelihood to achieve success and become 21st century college and career-ready individuals. As an educator teaching in an underserved area, students’ inability to comprehend academic language and literacy skills negatively impacts standardized test scores and evidence of complete competency of learned materials. This research examines the effects and outcomes of building on students’ academic language and literacy skills to foster higher academic achievement on standardized tests …

Book Creator In A Dual Language Classroom: The Impact Of A Digital Multimodal Writing Tool On Second Graders’ Spanish Informational Writing Skills And Attitudes Toward Writing, Adriana Hart

Theses and Dissertations

Second grade students in dual-language immersion programs often experience limited vocabulary development and fluency in Spanish, which can affect their ability to comprehend texts and express ideas in writing. In many dual-language settings, Spanish writing instruction receives less instructional time than English literacy, resulting in limited opportunities for students to engage in sustained, structured writing. As a result, there is a need to examine instructional approaches that intentionally support Spanish writing development. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the impact of a digital multimodal writing tool on second grade students’ informational writing skills in Spanish, as well …

Instructional Design To Support Math Identity Growth In Middle School, Sarah A. Foster

Theses and Dissertations

Middle school mathematics classrooms often emphasize performance and correctness in ways that contribute to negative student beliefs, disengagement, and persistent underachievement, particularly among students enrolled in on-grade-level courses. In this action research study, a targeted math identity development intervention was implemented to examine how instructional practices designed to affirm student thinking influenced eighth-grade students’ math self-efficacy, growth mindset, academic performance, and self-perception as mathematics learners. The study also explored teachers’ perceptions of student identity shifts and the instructional strategies they viewed as most effective in fostering positive math identity.

Guided by Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, Dweck’s growth mindset theory, and …

Teachers’ Needs And Preferences Versus School Leaders’ Perceptions: Recommendations For Professional Development On Literacy And Technology Integration In A Rural Elementary School, Kristen Sargent Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to identify and describe early childhood teachers’ needs and preferences, as well as district and school leaders’ perceptions of teachers’ needs and preferences, for professional development on literacy and technology integration at South Elementary School. Like much of South Carolina, South Elementary has reported decreases in reading performance and skills, causing leaders to focus on teacher professional development in early literacy and technology integration. This research was guided by two research questions: (1) What are early childhood teachers’ needs and preferences for professional development on literacy and technology integration at South Elementary School? …

Exploring The Impact Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy On Student Cultural Capital, Jessica Asten Leonard

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the intersection of cultural capital and culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) within the context of eighth-grade social studies education. Grounded in a theoretical framework of Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory, Ladson-Billings’ theory of culturally relevant pedagogy, and principles of critical curriculum theory, this research study investigated how elements of objectified and embodied cultural capital manifested in student participants and how those elements may have been influenced using culturally relevant instructional strategies. Within the context of a mixed methods design, a qualitative survey instrument was administered to students enrolled in South Carolina and United States history courses and sought to …

Soft Skills As The New Hard Skills In The Industry 5.0 Era, Miria Zangirolami Munoz

Theses and Dissertations

As technological advancement reshapes educational and professional landscapes, the human dimensions of teaching have become increasingly critical. This action research study examines the gap between the strong academic preparation of Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) pre-service teachers and their readiness to meet professional workplace expectations. Situated within the context of Industry 5.0, where human-centered skills are emphasized alongside digital competence, the study explores how soft skills, punctuality, digital etiquette, presentation skills, and professional attire, can be intentionally developed within teacher education. Guided by the strength model of self-control and achievement goal theory, a targeted workshop intervention was …

Reimagining Math Instruction: An Improvement Science Study On Student Choice And Teacher Support Systems In 5th Grade, Nikki G. Gilmore

Theses and Dissertations

This improvement study investigates the potential impact of implementing choice-based assignments on student performance in fifth-grade mathematics. Recognizing that traditional, one-size-fits-all instructional models often limit student engagement and ownership, this study explores how offering students meaningful choices in their learning tasks can improve academic outcomes. Grounded in the principles of improvement science, the study began with an examination of student data, empathy interviews, and root cause analysis using tools such as the Five Whys, fishbone diagram, and driver diagram to better understand the problem of practice. This process positioned choice not as a luxury but as a strategic lever for …

Increasing Equity In Technology Integration, Whitney Anne Colley

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of practice focuses on unequal integration of technology across the district. This action research study aimed to understand teachers’ experiences and promote equitable use of technology in classrooms by implementing a coaching cycle centered on co-teaching and collaboration, which supports teachers beyond simply substituting traditional tools with technology, toward more meaningful integration that improves learning. Teachers often use technology as a direct substitute due to limited time and rushed professional development, which can affect their confidence and effectiveness. The study took place in a public elementary school serving 700 students, in which all students from second to fifth …

Examining Shifts In Attitudes Toward Mathematics: A Mixed Methods Study In Undergraduate Business Calculus, Kathryn Pedings-Behling

Theses and Dissertations

Students in my non-theoretical Business Calculus course at the College of Eastshore almost never begin the class with a positive attitude towards mathematics. They are taking the course to fulfill their general education requirements in mathematics, and for most of them, this will be their last experience in a formal classroom setting with a mathematics educator. This profile of a math-reluctant student is not unique to my Business Calculus course; I have spoken with many fellow educators in similar situations who experience the same persistence of negative attitudes toward mathematics from their own students. Their attitude not only has implications …

From Sounds To Success: Multi-Sensory Parent–Child Engagement For Early Phonics Among 4-Year-Olds In Rural Jamaica, Kyc-Ann Denise Scott

Theses and Dissertations

Early literacy disparities remain a persistent challenge in rural Jamaican communities, where many young learners begin school with limited exposure to systematic phonics instruction despite the rich cultural and linguistic resources present within their families. This Dissertation in Practice examined how a multi-sensory parent– child engagement approach could improve phonemic awareness among four-year-old learners in a rural early childhood classroom in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Anchored in an equity-oriented improvement science framework, the study used two iterative Plan–Do– Study–Act (PDSA) cycles to test strategies that integrated systematic phonics instruction with culturally responsive parent engagement practices.

The intervention included daily multi-sensory phonics …

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 …

Strengthening Students' Political Thinking Skills By Researching The Annexation Of Texas, Rebecca Macon Bidwell, Jeremiah Clabough

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

The unit plan in this manuscript uses best practices from the C3 Framework published by the National Council for the Social Studies and Wayne Journell’s ideas about political thinking to engage students in discussion of the politics leading to the nomination of Governor James K. Polk as the Democratic Party nominee for president in the U.S. 1844 presidential election. Students explore the impact of candidates’ views of the annexation of Texas during this election as well as the influence of President Jackson on the nomination process in the Democratic Party. Ultimately, the election pitted Governor James K. Polk, the dark …

Making Social Studies Work In The Age Of Ai, Angelo Letizia

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

The purpose of this paper is to first outline a more embedded stance toward AI use, which I have labeled invisible philosophy and history as DNA and use this embedded framework as a backdrop for a more concrete discussion of skills and dispositions in regard to the use of AI in the social studies classroom and beyond. This dual positioning, one more theoretical and one more concrete, calls attention to the fact that AI should not simply be seen as some flashy tool divorced from a more nuanced and embedded understanding of its role in society. A list of practical …

Hitler Must Be Killed: A Wwii Case Study, Jeffrey Byford, Presley Shilling, Alisha Milam

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Social studies education during the 1960s experienced an educational renaissance known as the new social studies movement. Over 50 projects were funded by the National Science Foundation or private corporations to interject a student-centered curriculum into K-12 classrooms during this period. Nearly 60 years later, can student-centered decision-making activities be used in an era of high-stakes testing and planned curriculum? This article attempts to rekindle students' interest in decision-making and discussion by exploring elements in Moral Reasoning: The Value of Life from the Harvard Social Studies Project (HSSP). The activity called "Hitler Must Be Killed" helped students bring the content …

1st Place Research Paper: "Gaps In The Academy: Evaluating Pre-Service Criminal Justice Training For Interactions With Vulnerable Populations", Rowan Eiselman

Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize

This research investigates pre-service training for law enforcement officers (LEOs), specifically examining how current educational practices prepare them to interact with vulnerable populations, including victims, suspects, and individuals in crisis. The quality of this training is critical, as it directly shapes officer behavior, decision-making, and ethical conduct in the field (Mier, 2018). Amid heightened public scrutiny of police practices and calls for reform, the effectiveness of law enforcement education has become a central concern.

The significance of this topic is underscored by extensive research on training methodologies such as procedural justice and de-escalation, which aim to improve police-community relations and …

A Compendium Of Sound-Symbol Correspondences In English: More Revelations About The Challenge Of Teaching, Learning, And Applying Phonics, David Reinking, Sharon L. Reinking

Publications

In 2022, we published an article in The Journal of Reading Recovery entitled, “Why phonics (in English) is so difficult to teach, learn, and apply: What caregivers and teach- ers need to know” (Reinking & Reinking, 2022) The article outlined the unique challenges of mastering the diverse, irregular correspon- dences between letters and sounds (phonics) in English compared to the regularity of many other alphabetic languages We provided examples and explained how the complexity of English spelling creates and amplifies difficulties in teaching, learning, and applying phonics Our purpose was not to question the importance and viabil- ity of teaching …

The Vital Role Of Communication In Elementary Education: Strategies For Bridging Language, Cultural, And Diversity Gaps To Strengthen Family-School Partnerships, Daniel H. Rack

Dissertations

This study examines how communication systems in elementary schools influence equitable family engagement within a linguistically and culturally diverse, Title I context. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how communication practices support or limit access, participation, and partnership between schools and families. The overarching research question guiding this study is: How do current communication systems support or constrain equitable family engagement? A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Data sources included educator surveys, family surveys, and focus group interviews, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of communication practices from multiple stakeholder …

Reimagining Instructional Planning: Balancing Real-Life Experiences With Ai Instantaneity, Shaanii-Grace Robinson-Ritzdorf

Essays in Education

Instructional planning challenges teachers to balance creativity, time, and application of real-life experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers rapid lesson ideas, personalized resources, and adaptive tools, yet uncritical use risks generic, disengaging instruction. This essay was based on the background study that examined elementary teachers’ integration of real-life experiences in science and math lessons in northwestern New Mexico through lesson plans, professional development materials, and interviews. Results revealed teacher-centered, procedural approaches with limited connection to students’ lived experiences, while personally designed lessons allowed greater flexibility for meaningful examples. Thoughtfully guided AI can bridge this gap, supporting scenario-based learning, differentiation, and student …

Nevada Science Olympiad, Christian Ison

Community Engagement Expo Research Posters

Since 2022, the UNLV School of Integrated Health Sciences has partnered with the Clark County School District to engage and inspire Nevada students through innovative STEM education initiatives. This ongoing collaboration supports the development and hosting of competitive STEM tournaments at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, providing students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while fostering critical thinking, academic achievement, and future workforce development.