Higher Education Commons^™

Assessing Teachers’ Conceptual Leadership Perceptions Of School-Site Administrators As An Approach To Improve Teacher Morale, Darlene C. Landy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to have teachers complete a self-assessment survey to assess their conceptual belief of the leadership styles of school-site administrators that are conducive to high teacher morals. The questions addressed how teacher morale affected the teachers according to the number of years they had been teaching, their college majors, their highest college degree, their gender, and their ethnicity. The teachers who participated in this study were volunteers who had to be teaching for 2 years or more.

This was a quantitative study that used the Teacher Rapport With Principal dimension of the Purdue Teacher Opinionnaire …

Teacher Views Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication With Nonverbal Students With Severe Intellectual Disabilities: A Generic Qualitative Study, Lelita K. Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

Students with significant intellectual disabilities who are nonverbal often depend on augmentative and alternative communication devices to engage with lessons and participate in secondary educational environments. Despite advancements in this technology, issues pertaining to training, consistency, and institutional support persist, hindering effective application in urban schools. The objective of this generic qualitative study was to investigate the perspectives of teachers and related service providers regarding the utilization of these devices for nonverbal students with severe intellectual disabilities in urban secondary schools.

Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 11 participants, comprising special education instructors, related service providers, and special education …

Examination Of The Influence Of A Standardized Law Enforcement Curriculum, Christopher E. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the extent to which the standardized 2024 Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Basic Law Enforcement recruit curriculum influenced the attitudes of 33 cadets at the Broward Police Academy concerning critical policing issues. Employing a pre- and post-survey design with a convenience sample, the research specifically assessed changes in cadets' preconceived notions regarding the appropriate use of force, the perceived dangerousness of individuals experiencing mental illness, and the necessity of police discretion in community interactions. The findings revealed statistically significant shifts in two key areas following academy training: cadets demonstrated a reduced perception that police …

Female Offenders' Perceived Needs And Assistance Received During Reintegration Into The Community, Sarah I. Bauer

Theses and Dissertations

Reentry after prison is a challenge for justice involved females, with many factors contributing towards a positive reintegration into society or negatively, which can promote recidivism. Programs and policies exist to assist female offenders with a positive re-entry experience after incarceration and are in place to affirm that this population are able to reintegrate into society successfully. However, the recidivism rate continues to trend upwards, even with these programs and policies in place. Prior literature has directly associated certain factors, such as family, housing, substance abuse and mental health been directly correlated with reentry practices. This dissertation will use a …

Perceptions Of Maine Batterer Intervention Program Directors On Treatment Challenges, Jenna Ostrowski

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV), commonly known as domestic violence, is a widespread social issue that continues to impact many victims. To combat this problem, multiple funded resources target not only the victims’ needs, but also attempt to reduce recidivism rates for domestic violence offenders. Treatment programs for domestic violence offenders have been operational since the 1970s, with curricula directed toward changing power and control dynamics in intimate relationships. Growing research supports the idea that domestic violence offenders have more prevalent histories of childhood trauma and mental health issues, which may increase the risk of IPV perpetration. However, research also shows …

The Lived Experiences Of Project Rebound Students In California, Jeffrey R. Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations

As the United States attempts to address issues of prison overcrowding, recidivism, and rehabilitation, states like California have turned to higher education during and after incarceration to remedy the situation and promote successful community reentry among individuals who have served time in the nation’s prisons. People who are formerly incarcerated are often up against a myriad of obstacles once released, and programs like California State University’s Project Rebound aim to aid in this transition through a model rooted in community and campus care. Numerous bodies of research have explored the impacts of education on individuals who are actively incarcerated; however, …

The Perceptions Of Training And Development And Emotional Intelligence Among Virtual Leaders In Public And Private Institutions Of Higher Education, Ryan J. Trautweiler

Theses and Dissertations

This applied qualitative dissertation explored virtual leadership in higher education, examining virtual leaders' perceptions of training and development and emotional intelligence. Using an inductive research approach, data were collected through semistructured interviews and a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to eight virtual leaders from public and private higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Findings revealed distinctions between public and private institutions. In public institutions, training and development focused on faculty preparedness, resourcefulness in overcoming limitations, and its impact on student engagement. In private institutions, training was …

Beyond The Brochure: Exploring The Reality Of Belonging In South Florida Private Schools, Jennifer Vigille

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to explore Black parents’ perceptions of teachers and leadership in predominantly White private schools. The research drew on a rich body of literature on race, education, and social dynamics in diverse school settings. The study addressed the ongoing challenges Black families faced in navigating these environments, particularly in terms of communication and cultural competence. The central research questions investigated how Black parents experienced and interpreted teacher and leadership relationships and support in predominately White private schools.

The study hypothesized that Black parents perceived significant gaps in communication and cultural competence among educators and leaders, affecting …

Lived Experience Of Middle School Science Teachers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, David E. Abbott Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education worldwide, compelling schools to adopt remote teaching and learning. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of six middle school science teachers in an Alabama school district during this period. Data were collected through interviews and reflective journals maintained for 2 weeks following the interview. The research investigated how teachers navigated shifting instruction to remote settings, engaged students, assessed and monitored their progress, and managed challenges. Guided by the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) framework, findings revealed that teachers leveraged a combination of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge to adapt their instruction. Despite …

Factors Contributing To Teacher Attrition From The Perspectives Of Teachers Who Left The Profession, Malik Padgett

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examined teacher attrition, a persistent challenge in K–12 education. Nearly 20% of teachers leave by their third year, with up to 50% departing by the fifth year. High turnover disrupts learning, strains resources, and diminishes educational quality, particularly in under-resourced communities. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving retention and fostering stability.

The study explored key factors driving attrition, including inadequate compensation, excessive workload, insufficient professional development, and limited administrative support, especially in the post-COVID era. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the research highlighted the role of leadership in fostering morale and ethics rather than merely transactional …

A Qualitative Study For Parental Involvement In Middle School: Perspectives Of Parents And Teachers, Twana Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the barriers contributing to low parental involvement in a selected middle school. Parental engagement has been widely linked to student academic success and positive behavior outcomes; however, involvement tends to decline as students enter middle school. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of educators and parents regarding parental involvement, identify the challenges families face, and discover opportunities to strengthen school-family collaboration.

The researcher employed a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants, including six middle school teachers and five parents. …

Parent Social Validity Ratings Of Receiving Functional Communication Training, Shani Davies

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide greater insight on parent and caregiver views and perceptions on participating in functional communication training. While extensive research exists regarding the effectiveness of functional communication training and parent training in general for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, evidence on the social validity with respect to caregivers is lacking.

The researcher utilized evidenced-based social validity scales to explore parent/caregiver perceptions of receiving caregiver functional communication training, their perceived effectiveness of the treatment modality, and overall acceptance of the approach.

An analysis of the data revealed that parents’ overall perception was neutral regarding general views …

La Retroalimentación Bidireccional En El Proceso De La Enseñanza Y Aprendizaje Con Modalidad Hibrida En Una Institución Secundaria De Puerto Rico, Annette Muñiz Andújar

Theses and Dissertations

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la percepción de los docentes sobre la importancia de la Retroalimentación Bidireccional en el Proceso de la Enseñanza-Aprendizaje con Modalidad Hibrida en una Institución Secundaria en Puerto Rico. Este estudio se realizó utilizando un diseño fenomenológico, con enfoque cualitativo. La población y la muestra del estudio estuvieron compuestas de docentes de una escuela Pública del área Norte de Puerto Rico. Los datos fueron recopilados mediante la entrevista semiestructurada. Durante este proceso, la investigadora utilizó un cuestionario guía, con el cual procedió a recolectar los datos, utilizando la entrevista semiestructurada.

Los datos cualitativos obtenidos de …

La Percepción Del Docente Sobre La Efectividad Del Liderazgo Del Director En La Gestión De Conflictos En Una Escuela Pública Secundaria En Puerto Rico Con Diversidad Generacional, José Pérez Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

El propósito de esta investigación fue explorar la percepción del docente en cuanto al liderazgo del director escolar y la gestión de conflictos en un entorno educativo caracterizado por la diversidad generacional. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo, llevado a cabo en una escuela pública de Puerto Rico. La muestra se conformó con ocho docentes de cuatro generaciones diferentes. Para la realización de las entrevistas semiestructuradas, se utilizó un protocolo que incluyó un cuestionario guía diseñado por el investigador. Luego de concluido el ciclo de entrevistas, los audios se transcribieron textualmente. Para analizar las evidencias que aportaron los …

Teacher Retention In The Wake Of The Inclusion Movement: A Mixed Methods Study On Teachers’ Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy, Tessa Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation studied the problem of the national teacher shortage by considering the impact of the inclusion movement on general education teachers’ self efficacy. This mixed-methods study sought to contribute to the body of literature examining factors responsible for poor teacher retention and factors responsible for low teacher self-efficacy. Nine participants were interviewed and administered the Teacher Effective Inclusion Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Attitudes Measure. The researcher conducted coding and thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and six themes emerged. The researcher scored the questionnaires and compared the scores to the responses provided in the interviews.

Themes revealed that the …

Perceptions Of Mental Health School-Based Team Members On Addressing Suicidal And Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Implementation And Practice In School Settings, Ashlande Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of mental health school-based team members regarding the effectiveness of current prevention and intervention practices for addressing suicidal and non-suicidal self-harming behaviors among school-age children in a large suburban school district in the southern United States. Despite the alarming increase in self-injurious behaviors, with crisis calls rising from 144 incidents in the 2022 school year to 736 incidents in the 2025 school year, the district lacked comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to effectively address this critical issue.

The researcher used a qualitative phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences and …

Factors That Contribute To Employment Success For Young Adults With Disabilities Completing A Postsecondary Education Program, Leatha Pfanmiller

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this research was low employment rates for young adults with disabilities. Young adults with disabilities are employed at a much lower rate than their neurotypical peers. The factors identified in this study could be beneficial to other college and postsecondary education (PSE) programs with employment components, to promote higher rates of employment for students with disabilities who attend those institutions.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that contribute to employment success for young adults with disabilities completing a PSE program. The study was conducted at a medium-sized, 4-year, public university in the …

Legislative Impacts On K-12 Social Studies Teacher Identity, Curricular Decision-Making, And Receptiveness To Professional Development, Staci Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examines how K-12 public school social studies teachers are navigating their instructional decision-making regarding content about marginalized groups in response to state legislation. Quantitative data were collected through an online Likert-scale survey to measure teachers’ reported agreement on how state legislation has impacted their instructional decision-making, job satisfaction connected to their professional and personal identities, inclusion of instructional materials, and receptiveness to professional development.

Following data collection, the researchers analyzed whether factors of district political context and teachers’ personal and professional identity characteristics predicted their responses. Survey results showed most teachers reported feeling that state legislation has …

Percepción De La Policía De Puerto Rico Sobre La Utilización De Las Cámaras Corporales, Vicente Villegas Laboy

Theses and Dissertations

En Puerto Rico, según la literatura revisada, la investigación sobre el tema de las cámaras corporales policiacas apenas está comenzando. A pesar de esto, en lugares como en los Estados Unidos de América y Europa, si hay estudios relacionados con las cámaras corporales. Estas investigaciones, en su mayoría, se han concentrado en el efecto que causa esta tecnología en los policías que las utilizan, así como, en los ciudadanos que interactúan con estos policías. Este estudio de disertación doctoral explora este tema, pero, desde la percepción del policía que utiliza la cámara corporal, día a día, como parte de su …

Demystifying Research Paradigms: Navigating Ontology, Epistemology, And Axiology In Research, Lynette Pretorius

The Qualitative Report

A sound understanding of research paradigms is crucial for developing coherent and philosophically grounded research designs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. This paper offers an accessible overview of the most common research paradigms: positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, social constructionism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism. These paradigms differ in their approaches to ontology (the nature of reality), epistemology (the nature of knowledge), and axiology (the role of values in research). The paper also discusses the methodological and ethical implications of these paradigms. Reflexivity and ethical responsibility are emphasised, where researchers must account for how their own biases and values influence …

Student Misbehaviors, University Instructors’’ Mental Health, And Trauma Management: A Phenomenological Study, Abdul Karim, Bineeta Rahman, Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan

The Qualitative Report

The present study aimed to unpack student misbehaviors that instructors face inside the university campus. It also intended to unfold how student misbehaviors affect instructors’ mental health and how they overcome the trauma engendered by student misbehaviors. Adopting a phenomenological approach, we explored the phenomenon to answer the research questions by conducting semi-structured interviews with six teachers. Through a thematic analysis, we found that university instructors experience various misbehaviors presented by students inside the university campus, and as a result, their mental health suffers. However, instructors tend to ignore their mental health and focus on academic activities to overcome the …

Insider-Outsider Research, Qualitative Discovery, And The Enhancement Of Social Justice, Randa Abbas, Deborah Court

The Qualitative Report

We have for over twenty years researched the Israeli Druze community in an insider- outsider research partnership, coming to deep understanding of the family and communal factors that limit the access of Druze and Muslim women to higher education and academic and professional advancement. These research insights have enabled us, in the academic institution where we work, to enact practices that increase academic and professional access for these women. While we did not plan this as a research focus or goal, we have lately come, in inductive fashion, to the realization that this is social justice work. According to John …

Estrategias Para Promover Comportamientos Urbanos Responsables En Los Campus Universitarios: Un Análisis Cualitativo Del Alcance, Willian Sierra-Barón, Pablo Páramo

The Qualitative Report

Los Comportamientos Urbanos Responsables (CUR) son fundamentales para garantizar la convivencia y la sostenibilidad ambiental. A pesar de que se han implementado diferentes estrategias para fomentarlas en diferentes entornos públicos por parte de las administraciones municipales o su testeo en los campus universitarios, no existen estudios que recojan los resultados de estas experiencias dentro de la literatura científica. El propósito de esta investigación fue identificar publicaciones relacionadas con estrategias para promover comportamientos urbanos responsables, para describir las principales características y hallazgos de su implementación, particularmente en los campus universitarios. Se realizaron búsquedas en Scopus y Web of Science, revistas especializadas …

The Current (Including Special Section) - Volume 35 Issue 6, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Current - Volume 35 Issue 5, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

The Current - Volume 35 Issue 4, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Tqr16: What It Is And What It Can Be, James A. Bernauer

The Qualitative Report

This article was written in response to the Call for the TQR16 Conference in 2025. I was compelled to write this article because of the poignancy of the theme. The questions posed were first whether we care whether our work makes an impact outside of academia and second whether this work would have a greater impact if we involved participants as true co-researchers from the very beginning of our inquiries. I explored these two questions by sharing my thoughts about the citations, the qualitative/quantitative divide, our natural need to discover, barriers to achieving the satisfactory answers to the two questions, …

Sources Of Information That Introduced Undergraduate Students To Their Allied Health Major, Erin Vanderbunt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Selecting a college major can be overwhelming for undergraduate students. The factors influencing major selection not only impact student success and degree completion time but also affect university recruitment and retention strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the most influential sources of information that first introduced undergraduate students to their current major of nutrition, public health, or speech pathology and sought to determine if any differences existed between the academic majors or by the demographic variables of gender or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Methods: A total of 121 undergraduate students from a regional, midwest institution participated in …

Recent Graduates’ Perceptions Of Immersion And Its Effect On Preparation For Professional Practice, Dana Karlene Bates, Jessica L. Moore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs now requires students to complete an immersive clinical educational experience. There is limited research in athletic training education on recent graduates’ perceptions of the impact of these immersive experiences. The purpose of our study was to explore recent graduates of a masters’ athletic training program perceptions of an immersive experience as it relates to preparation for professional practice. Method: A qualitative inquiry was utilized for this study to explore athletic trainers’ perceptions following an immersive clinical experience. Ten recent graduates (1 male, 9 female) who completed a 10-week …

Incorporating Transparency Into An Online Respiratory Care Curriculum, Kristen Mchenry, Adrian Hoyal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework has been shown to impact student academic success, improve retention rates, and increase reported course satisfaction. This instructional strategy has demonstrated effectiveness in traditional, online, and underrepresented student groups. This project aimed to revise one elective 7-week course in an online undergraduate degree advancement (DA) program in Respiratory Care to incorporate the TILT infrastructure and assess retention and satisfaction pre and post-implementation. Methods: The methodology can be characterized as evaluative, non-experimental research. An objectives-oriented approach was used to retrospectively evaluate the pedagogical change (TILT) and its degree of instructional impact on …