Educational Methods Commons^™

Honors Is More Than A Grade: Removing The Experiential Ceiling In Honors, Justin L. Rheubert, Marisa Prisco, Paige A. Grum, Abby L. Kalkstein

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

The stress created by academic pressure may prevent honors students from exploring curricula beyond that required by their majors. Challenged with additional workload and extracurricular requirements, students in honors often confront added stress caused by a desire to perform favorably in all academic pursuits. This pressure may result in hesitancy to explore new ideas, nurture curiosity, or break free from the rigors of a defined program of study—the opposite of what honors pedagogy and practice purport. This essay presents the process of converting a weighted grading system to pass/fail in an effort to provide students with opportunities for academic exploration …

You Are Not Alone: An Innovative, Collaborative Approach To Student Wellness And Mental Health In Honors, Sheryl Ford, Joshua Stockley

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

This essay presents an innovative, proactive solution to the growing mental health needs of honors students. Authors discuss the ways in which one program at a large public university revised curriculum, created programming, and formed strategic partnership with the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program to understand and address student mental health in honors. Acknowledging a growing national trend of depression, anxiety, and suicide among college students, authors posit that dynamic outreach and dialogue with students about their struggles with assignments, activities, and academic expectations can create effective strategies for nurturing student development and well-being.

Charting A Course For Belonging: Creating An Honors Mindfulness Learning Community, Kristy Spear, Gayathry Prabhakaran

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

In today’s post-pandemic world, a sense of belonging within and in the larger relational world is something that many people struggle with, particularly those individuals leaving home to enter college. Socially engaged mindfulness can connect individuals with their breath, thoughts, emotions, and one another to promote and support well-being. This essay presents a programmatic overview of a Mindfulness Learning Community (MLC) in honors. Created for incoming first-year students (N = 31) to aid in their transition to college life, the multi-semester academic, social, and experiential-based learning community aims to teach honors students the psychological and physiological value of mindful practice, …

Mental Health Among Honors College Students: Evidence From College Entry Essays, Mohini Gobin, Jaclyn Kopel, Eric Osborne-Christenson, Anna Shostya

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

This study explores the effect of preexisting mental health issues on college students’ academic performance. Using unique data from the honors college at a medium-sized urban private university, authors examine college entry essays (N = 1,062) in five classes (two pre-pandemic and three post-pandemic), as well as advisors’ (N = 7) notes. Mental health (MH) concerns are grouped into six non-mutually exclusive categories: depression/anxiety, neurodiversity/learning disabilities, identity-related concerns, grief/loss, trauma, and the mental health of others whose lives impact the student. The study finds that the number of honors students citing mental health in their entrance essays more …

The Well-Being Of Honors College Students Compared To Non-Honors College Students Accounting For Prior Gifted Experience, Hannah C. Dewald, Allyson S. Graf

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

Student wellness is a growing concern among educators. Previous studies on the well-being of honors students as compared to other undergraduates result in mixed findings. This study examines the trajectory of gifted programming in education and specific challenges to the collegiate experience, presenting differences between honors students (N = 49) and non-honors peers (N = 138) using two well-being indicators (academic anxiety and academic self-efficacy) and three related factors (perceived past school competitiveness, maladaptive perfectionism, and pressure due to labeling). While authors posit that honors students may have higher academic anxiety and lower self-efficacy than those not enrolled …

Face-To-Face: A Sociologist Looks At College Students' Mental Health, Maureen Kelleher

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

While both individual honors programs and their broader campus communities have implemented new initiatives and intervention strategies to address undergraduate mental health, significant needs remain unmet and concerns unaddressed about the long-term implications for students. This paper provides a framework for understanding the current (2023) environment on many campuses by presenting national legislation that shapes campus response, offering cases of specific institutional responses to crisis, and exploring the impact of face-to-face interaction between faculty and students in classrooms. Awareness of these three levels of response—national, campus, and classroom—equips and empowers the honors community to understand and effectively deal with myriad …

You're Not The Only One Who Can Teach Us: Teacher Facilitation In Three Secondary School Music Contexts, David Dwight Bowman

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last half-century, school music reforms have focused more on content than process, and the directive teaching that serves as the dominant method used by secondary school music teachers is not adequately meeting the needs of the students who currently occupy American high schools. To improve teaching practice in one such high school, an action research study was conducted to investigate the use of facilitative teaching strategies, how those teaching strategies impact students’ learning experience, and what the perceived impacts of those strategies are. A qualitative case study methodology was employed to determine how an intervention period of facilitative …

The Impact Of Client Education Videos On Stroke Rehabilitation: An Educational Video Series, Sydney Ellis, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Stroke is one of the leading causes of severe disability and death in the United States. During the initial stage of recovery, clients receive stroke education to learn about what their new reality looks like after discharge; however, many clients feel that the education provided, although appreciated, was not inclusive to all individuals and only occurred one time. This led to difficulties in knowledge retention and acquisition. Although there is a plethora of educational resources available there seems to be a lack of carryover and understanding of information obtained from these resources, this leaves the client wondering how they can …

Exploring Culturally Relevant School Leadership Practices: An Autoethnographic Study, Kezia Myers

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this autoethnographic study was on the implementation and impact of Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) within an elementary school. The school is comprised of approximately 400 P-5 students, with a predominantly Black student body (77%), along with students who identify as Hispanic, multiracial, White, and other ethnic backgrounds.

Three research questions were posed: 1) In what ways have I, as a school principal, integrated culturally relevant leadership practices into the decision-making framework at the school? 2) How might what I learn about other principals’ implementation of CRP in their respective schools inform my understanding of its effectiveness …

Increasing Engagement And Self-Efficacy Levels In Underachieving 5Th Grade Students: A Qualitative Study, Raney Altman

Theses and Dissertations

Student achievement and mastery of content taught in reading is measured each year in the state of South Carolina. A pattern of low achievement was identified, but more specifically, there were patterns of low engagement and self-efficacy levels in 5th grade students in this study. Because reading is a critical tool needed to participate in all life necessities such as finding work and experiencing interviews, paying bills, and following simple everyday directions, it was evident in student behavior in the classroom that adjustments needed to be made instructionally to ensure success for all students in school and in future endeavors. …

Utilizing Project-Based Learning To Improve Statistical Literacy, Edward Sabat

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on statistical literacy among community college students enrolled in introductory statistics courses. The study addressed the challenge students face in interpreting statistical results in real-world contexts, despite achieving correct numerical answers. Utilizing a PBL approach during the hypothesis testing unit, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, incorporating a pretest and posttest using the Reasoning and Literacy Instrument (REALI), followed by structured interviews. Quantitative results demonstrated improvement in statistical literacy in all areas assessed on the REALI, particularly in the area of hypothesis testing and p-values. Qualitative …

The Effect Of Modality On Spirituality Outcomes In Theological Higher Education, Johnnie H. Peyton

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this research study was to examine differences in perceptions of spirituality outcomes between online and in-person students taking theology courses at a Christian liberal arts college in the Midwestern United States. Using a validated instrument, the Religious Education Survey (RES), 71 students were surveyed. A one sample t test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of mean perceptions of spirituality between the online and in-person students. The difference in mean score perceptions of spirituality between online and in-person students was not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis was retained. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Student Engagement In The Urban Elementary Classroom: A Qualitative Case Study, Lavern M. Mcneil

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

are responsible for providing opportunities to use learning strategies in the classroom. The students’ engagement shows an observable reflection of the educator's teaching practice. This qualitative case study highlights teachers' perceptions of student engagement in the urban elementary classroom. The research questions asked about teachers’ perceptions of student engagement and the contribution to student engagement. The research questions also asked about the resources and barriers to student engagement. The theory used for consideration was the bioecological framework by Urie Bronfenbrenner. The theory connected to the importance of systems' role in a child's growth and how they have a crucial impact …

Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions Of How Developmental Mathematics Courses Prepare Students For Degree-Required Mathematics Courses, Felicia N. Brooks

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Students at most open-enrollment colleges must take a placement exam to determine what courses they will need to enroll in as their first math course. Students who score below a certain threshold are placed in a developmental math course. Students must complete the developmental math sequence before enrolling in degree-required math courses. Students’ perceptions of being enrolled in developmental math courses were investigated for this study. The purpose of this quantitative study was to highlight students’ perspectives on being required to take developmental math and whether such courses adequately prepared them for the mathematics class required for the students’ majors. …

Dyslexia: Teachers’ Self-Efficacy In Differentiating Literacy Instruction, Joanne S. Scharff

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, impacting approximately 20% of school-age children. Students with dyslexia need specialized instruction from an educator who can confidently differentiate literacy instruction to accommodate the learning needs of the dyslexic student. The purpose of this study is to measure general education teachers' self-efficacy in differentiating literacy instruction for students with dyslexia in public elementary schools in Florida. Moreover, the study evaluates whether educators are confident in using explicit, systematic, and multisensory methods based on the science of reading to differentiate for students with dyslexia. A survey was completed anonymously by 111 teachers, of which …

Improving Collaborative Lesson Planning By Implementing Design Thinking In A Professional Learning Community, Kelli Jo Bellant

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzes the effects of incorporating design thinking processes in implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) towards collective lesson planning practices among elementary teachers. This study occurred at Forest Creek Elementary School (FCES), indicating a need to improve collaborative lesson planning. The study sought to determine how using a design thinking protocol in a PLC impacted teachers' views about collaborative lesson planning and whether participating in a PLC to co-create lesson plans impacted teachers' views of efficacy. The framework of the study was based on the social constructivism perspective and the design thinking model. This action research was conducted with …

“We Don’T Know What We Don’T Know”: Improving The Quality Of Stem Teaching In A British International School By Developing Teachers’ Stem Pedagogical Knowledge And Stem Instructional Practices, Matthew James Fagg

Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed at improving the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching at a British international school in Brunei Darussalam. Evidence from a range of sources suggested that teachers at the school were not employing common STEM instructional practices when giving their pupils STEM problems to solve. The purpose of the two research questions was to identify how STEM lessons were being taught in Grades 2 to 7 in the school, and to measure the influence of STEM-related professional development sessions on teachers’ STEM pedagogical knowledge and STEM instructional practices. The researcher followed an eight-stage action-research cycle …

A Flipped Classroom Approach For Algebra 2 Students Who Have Struggled In Previous Mathematics Courses, Abby Suss

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed method study examined the effect of a flipped classroom approach on the engagement and attitude of Algebra 2 students who had struggled in previous mathematics classes. Videos for students to watch at home were constructed with adherence to the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia. Class time then focused on students working together and with teacher support in accordance with active learning theory. Qualitative sources of data - pre and post intervention interviews, pre and post student questionnaires, and teacher anecdotal notes and quantitative sources of data - the SEMs and the ATMI - were gathered and analyzed. Results showed …

Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries: A Study On The Integration Of Social Studies Within Elementary Ela Education, Jill Knight

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research study investigates the integration of social studies within English Language Arts (ELA) education, highlighting the challenges educators face in balancing curriculum demands amid increasing literacy and math instruction pressures. With over 20 years of experience teaching high school history, the researcher identified a concerning decline in social studies education at the elementary level, a situation worsened by legislative measures such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which prioritize tested subjects. The primary aim of this study was to collaborate with elementary teachers to explore their perceptions and experiences related …

Bridging The Digital Divide: A Multiple-Case Study Examining The Impact Of Instructional Coaching On Technology Integration Of High School Teachers, Jennifer Elizabeth Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the impact of an instructional coaching cycle on four high school teachers’ use of technology in the classroom. The problem of practice was identified as the struggle that high school teachers face regarding integrating instructional technology tools into their classrooms in purposeful and meaningful ways that would enrich the classroom learning environment. Using a convergent mixed methods framework, the research was conducted in a multi-case study format with four participants in the study. The research was based on Vygotsky’s (1986) Sociocultural Theory with specific emphasis on the use of scaffolding and the zone of proximal …

Creating A Quality Feedback System Between School Administrators And Teachers, Gerald Keith Price

Theses and Dissertations

After moving to a new school district as superintendent, I recognized early on that student achievement was low and intentional work needed to be done to bring about academic improvement. As the district leadership team began to explore causes and discuss possible solutions, we decided we needed to focus on changing the perception around instructional leadership. School administrators are much more likely to have mutual dialogue with their teachers when they assume the role of a coach rather than a superior. With open lines of communication, teachers and administrators are able to discuss ways to maximize learning time with students …

Empowering Science Educators: A Study Of Self-Efficacy, Phenomenon-Based Instruction, And Community Of Practice In Arabic Language Classrooms., Rolla Elsaiary

Theses and Dissertations

In the dynamic realm of science education, a crucial demand exists for customized teacher professional development (PD) initiatives that address diversity and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These programs should be designed to accommodate varied student demographics, explicitly addressing the needs of those engaging with science education in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), such as Arabic. Four fundamental questions guide this research. First, it should assess teachers' self-efficacy in teaching science in the context of Arabic instruction. Secondly, it needs to explore the impact of phenomenon-based instruction (PBI) on elevating teachers' self-efficacy in delivering science education in Arabic. Thirdly, …

Exploring The Impact Of Teacher Curiosity On Job Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy: A Quantitative Study In Stem Education, Christopher Jeffcoat

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a quantitative study involving 96 teachers of STEM subjects, aimed at investigating the relationship between teacher curiosity, job satisfaction, and teacher self-efficacy. The primary objective was to examine the significance of teacher curiosity in the context of educators' job satisfaction. The research findings indicate a moderate positive correlation between teacher curiosity and job satisfaction (r=0.57), suggesting that educators with higher curiosity tend to experience greater job satisfaction. Also, a moderate positive correlation (r=0.51) was identified between teacher curiosity and teacher self-efficacy, emphasizing the connection between curiosity and educators' belief in their ability to positively impact student learning. …

Impact Of A Mathematics Review On Students' Chemistry Self-Efficacy And Problem-Solving Skills In An Undergraduate Chemistry Course, Antoinette Marie Gayle

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is an integral part of chemistry courses, and the application of arithmetic and algebraic knowledge is important for solving calculation-based problems in undergraduate general chemistry. Students begin undergraduate chemistry with varying levels of mathematics skills and experience which may impact their ability to solve problems and understand the content in chemistry courses. Utilizing a convergent mixed methodology, this action research study evaluated the impact of an in-class mathematics review intervention on students’ chemistry self-efficacy and problem-solving abilities in general chemistry. Mathematics review sessions were conducted in undergraduate general chemistry classes with 40 first-year students at a small university college …

Incorporating Digital Tools In A Social Studies Course: An Action Research To Support High School Students’ Critical Thinking And Collaboration Skills, Tara Grant

Theses and Dissertations

Digital tools have the potential and ability to develop and support critical thinking skills in high school students, as they provide interactive and engaging platforms for learning. The purpose of this action research was to implement digital tools for student collaboration in two high school Social Studies classrooms, to evaluate the tools’ potential impact on students' critical thinking skills, and to assess the participant’s perceptions of the impact and use of digital tools for collaboration in the classroom. This study focused on two overarching questions: (1) How, and to what extent, does the use of digital tools for student collaboration …

Investigating Student Engagement Through The Implementation Of A Performance Task In Secondary Mathematics: A Mixed Methods Action Research Study, Sulema Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Through teaching experiences in the math classroom, students voiced that solving mathematical problems did not benefit them in the real-world. This study discussed the use of a performance task in a high school geometry class as a way to engage students, increase their confidence when solving math problems, and determine the impact they have on engagement compared to supportive assignments. Students' perspectives were used as one measure in determining engagement, alongside, my perspective of using a tally table. Through the use of a performance task that connected to the life experiences, students’ perspectives proved that implementation increased their engagement in …

Music Production And Girls: A Phenomenological Study Of The High School Music Technology Classroom, Mary Angel Cleary

Theses and Dissertations

Female representation in public spheres and organizations is a continuing topic in American research. Females have historically been left out of all aspects of computer technology and the technical sides of the music industry. In upper echelons of music making, from composition to production, they remain vastly under-represented. People begin forming ideas about who they are, their abilities, and their future career interests in high school, especially in elective courses like music technology that are geared towards allowing students to explore their creative skill sets to determine if these elective experiences are something for which they have a life-long passion. …

Panic At The Library: Origins And Manifestations Of Library And Technology Anxiety In High School Sophomores, Kelly A. Guistwhite

Theses and Dissertations

Constance Mellon formally identified library anxiety in the mid-1980s. Library anxiety can result in students avoiding the library, its resources, and its staff. Students with library anxiety perform worse on academic tasks than their more comfortable peers. Library anxiety causes procrastination on assignments and undermines academic success. Technology anxiety has evolved with library anxiety changing as new information technology becomes available. This exploratory research investigated to what extent library and technology anxiety manifests among sophomore students, the relationship between library anxiety and technology anxiety, and the perception of online services at Maple Bluff and Scarlett Woods High Schools. This study …

Pedagogical Relationship Between Written And Taught Curriculum In Private Schools, Melissa Andrews

Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study explores the impact of teacher-selected instructional strategies on the implementation of a standardized written curriculum across different academic levels for 11th grade students at Bishop Thomas Academy, an all-boys Catholic school in Rhode Island. The aim was to better understand how teachers' instructional autonomy impacts the successes or challenges in delivering curriculum. Grounded in Social Constructivist theories and aligned with Bishop Thomas Academy’s school mission, the research aimed to determine how the written English curriculum defines and measures desired student outcomes; how the taught curriculum aligns with or deviates from the written curriculum; and how instructional strategies …

Providing A Social Emotional Learning Opportunity To Virtual Students Struggling With Social Anxiety: Group Counseling As An Intervention, Josie Kate White Ivey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods action research dissertation was to offer a social/emotional learning opportunity for virtual students struggling with social anxiety. A six-week group counseling experience was offered to on-campus high school students focused on social anxiety in order to determine is group counseling would be a beneficial intervention strategy for virtual students also dealing with social anxiety. An observer protocol was used to make note of participants responses and physical characteristics related to social anxiety and make reflective notes after each counseling session. Group participants also completed quick-check exit tickets to help the researcher determine the student’s …