Higher Education Commons^™

In Their Own Words: The Unique Perceptions Of Minority Encounters With Law Enforcement, Summer Louis

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the perceptions of people of color who have experienced interactions with law enforcement during adulthood. Utilizing a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 individuals of color. The findings illuminated various perceptions significantly influenced by personal experiences and community context. The most prominent themes identified by the majority of participants include: (1) frequency of police encounters; (2) personal experiences with law enforcement; (3) negative experiences; (4) racial profiling; (5) police misconduct or mistreatment; (6) police use of force and excessive force; (7) contributing factors to these experiences; (8) perceptions of law enforcement …

Case Study: Implementing Strategies To Meet The Needs Of English Language Learners, Sierra Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide an understanding of effective ways to meet the needs of English language learners. To focus its inquiry and gain a thorough understanding of the experiences and methods of teachers in various classroom environments, the study used a case study approach. Extensive interviews with the participants yielded interesting insights into the methods they use to tailor their instruction to the requirements of their students as well as the useful resources they include into their instruction. A thorough grasp of instructional dynamics was also made possible by the participants' permission for the researcher to observe …

Parent Participation In Student Academics And Behaviors At An Urban Early Learning Center Utilizing The Two-Generation Approach To Education, Angela E. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

The problem in the study was students living in low-income areas, below the poverty level, were vulnerable to experiencing less academic and behavioral success in school. The purpose was to understand how the experiences of parents engaged in a twogeneration approach impacted the success of students living in poverty. The early education and care of young children, especially those of low socioeconomic status, was essential for child development. Children who attended these programs were more likely to develop the necessary skills to become lifelong learners. When children attended early childhood education programs, it helped prepare them cognitively and socially prior …

Pressure Points: A Quantitative Study Of Young Adults Perception Of Police Officers, Yasmean Talas

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to quantify factors contributing to young adults' perceptions of law enforcement based on their experiences and exchanges with police. Data were collected via an online survey from young adults to assess variables such as peer influence, familial influence, social media impact, police interactions, and perceptions of law enforcement (POPS).

On average, participants exhibited neutral perceptions of law enforcement. The analyses revealed significant relationships between family influence, social media impact, police interactions, and POPS scores. Specifically, family and police interactions showed significantly positive associations with POPS scores, indicating that strong family bonds and positive police interactions tend to …

Examination Of The Differences And Similarities In The Classification Of Multiple Homicide Perpetrators, Lucy M. Papp

Theses and Dissertations

The applied dissertation compares the lifestyle and behavioral characteristics of mass, serial, and spree murderers. Historically, studies have focused on serial murder according to the perpetrator's typology or indicators at the crime scene. The current topics of research lack a comparison of these classifications. While the classification and described typologies are essential for academic and investigative purposes, understanding the impactful lifestyle factors of these perpetrators may also serve as an essential factor in predictive analysis, victimology, and the motive behind their heinous crimes.

The researcher collected data on the classifications for each type of multiple homicide perpetrator: mass, serial, and …

Shades Of Service: Navigating Racial Diversity, Mental Health, And Occupational Stress Among Black Police Officers, Manina Jeudy

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to learn about the unique challenges Black police officers face by exploring their lived experiences. This study looked at how these current and retired Black police officers navigate racial diversity, handle occupational stress and how their mental health is affected. The research was prompted by the lack of existing literature that focuses specifically on the lived experiences of Black police officers, as most studies of policing do not address this population in depth. Through Zoom interviews with a small group of officers, this study revealed their struggles at work and in their personal lives. By sharing …

A Descriptive Study Of The Perception Of Emerging Adults Aged 18-25 Years Toward Police Efficacy And Image In The United States, Jude Louis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of emerging adults toward police efficacy and image. The study was descriptive, used quantitative methodology, and utilized a non-experimental design. Close-ended questions were used in an online format to survey emerging adults aged 18-25 years in the United States. The data was collected using the SurveyMonkey Audience, which was relatively cost-effective, able to gather information from the target audience within a short period of time, and efficient with any sample size. The study occurred over two months in 2024. Emerging adults in the United States aged 18-25 years irrespective of …

Understanding Needs: Facilitating Faculty Support For Formal Assessment Processes In Higher Education, Terrance Cao

Theses and Dissertations

Prior literature discusses how conflicting beliefs regarding assessment, competing workloads, and a lack of formal assessment resources may contribute to faculty reluctance to engage with formal assessment processes. There is a gap in research on exploring assessment leader-faculty relationships through the lens of Leader-Member Exchange Theory and how that may affect participation in formal assessment processes. To address this gap, the researcher implemented a qualitative, phenomenological study to interview faculty about their lived experiences in working with formal assessment processes and interacting with assessment leaders. The goal was to discover emerging thematic categories regarding faculty perceptions of formal assessment processes …

Photovoice As A Reflective Pedagogy For Undergraduate Community Psychology Students, Shereé Bielecki

Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive qualitative study was designed to understand the experiences of former Community Psychology (CP) undergraduate students who participated in a degree program at a California university. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how former Community Psychology undergraduate students describe their experiences using reflective Photovoice activities to learn about and become involved in social justice. The theoretical frameworks that informed this study were in social justice theory, pedagogical practices related to teaching social justice using Photovoice, and the practice of self-reflection in college classrooms. Two primary research questions guide the inquiry: 1) How do former Community Psychology …

Learning Technology Professors’ Experiences With National Science Foundation (Nsf) External Grant Funding In Higher Education, Mitchell Gurick

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of learning technology professors with National Science Foundation (NSF) external grant funding focused on education. The study investigated stories related to using NSF grants by learning technology professors across the United States, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It enumerated the need for collaboration between industry, government, and higher education institutions (HEIs). The study aimed to establish how more grants lead to increased opportunities for learning technology professors to pursue academic research and impact society. The research questions were: What outlier stories emerge from learning technology professors by securing NSF grant funding? How …

Exploring The Perceived Effects Of Online And Hybrid Learning On The Experiences Of Students In Nigerian Universities, Amaechi Ugwu

Theses and Dissertations

Recent years have seen an apparent increase in the popularity and acceptance of online and hybrid learning as alternative models of learning at universities and other institutions of higher education in Nigeria. However, there is doubt whether the increase in popularity and acceptance of online and hybrid learning has translated to better learning conditions or satisfaction for students and graduates of higher education. These issues among others have made online and hybrid learning models to represent an area of growing academic interest by scholars. The main purpose of this study was to explore the perceived effects of online and hybrid …

Not At The Expense Of Me: Best Practices For Black Women Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Social Justice Practitioners In Higher Education, Brittney Michelle Elese Fink

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research paper investigated the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and the year 2020 in sparking a phenomenon of hiring chief diversity officers (CDOs) in higher education. By exploring the interplay between the pandemic, racial justice movements, evolving higher education landscape, and institutional accountability, this study aimed to understand the motivations behind the increased hiring of CDOs during this transformative period. Additionally, this research examined the specific effects of this phenomenon on Black women diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice (DEI&J) professionals in higher education. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by …

The Success Strategies Of The Iranian-American Women Who Initially Received Their Primary And/Or Secondary Education In The Post-Revolution Iranian Education System In Attaining Higher Education Degrees In The United States, Niloufar Mirhashemi

Theses and Dissertations

The driving theme for this research was cultural discontinuity as experienced in the American academic institutions. Cultural discontinuity is understood as a way in which the cultural practices and values of students’ home culture affect the academic achievements of the students usually, resulting in low academic accomplishments. This phenomenon can be triggered by the existing disparities and gaps in the educational and cultural structures of a society. This research investigated the encounters, challenges, and perspectives of women born in Iran who initially received their primary and/or secondary education in the post-revolution Iranian education system and later obtained college degrees in …

Success Factors And Challenges Faced By First And Second-Year Undergraduate Female Students In Computer Science-Related Majors, Oscar Navarro

Theses and Dissertations

There is a significant gap in the number of women who go into college as computer science majors and decide to pursue the field in the workforce. There are challenges present for female students since the start of their education that their male counterparts do not face, which ultimately contributes to this gender gap. Such challenges include a lack of mentorship, a feeling of not belonging, and a dearth of resources to engage students in computer science. Research and studies that explore the first two years of college for female students who are majoring in computer science or computer science-related …

Faculty Exodus From Africa: Exploring The Experiences Of African Academic Diasporic Faculty In The United States Of America, André Crenshaw

Theses and Dissertations

African higher education institutions are experiencing a faculty shortage influenced by globalization, internationalization, and brain drain. Prior literature on immigrant African and diaspora faculty exodus from Africa focuses on the brain drain in African higher education. Still, there is a need for further exploration of faculty teaching experiences virtually from the U.S. to Africa using educational technology with multiple academic appointments. This study aimed to assist stakeholders in gaining insight into how African Diasporic faculty adopt educational technology for virtual teaching, faculty development, cross-culture university-to-university collaborations, and exchanges. This research explored the experiences of higher education faculty, Black African academic …

Empowering The Next Generation: An Exploration Into The Best Practices That Support The Advancement Of Iranian-American Female Leaders In Higher Education, Noosha Razmara

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the experiences of Iranian-American and Iranian female leaders within higher education institutions. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research actively engaged a cohort of 18 participants through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Four research questions guided this study, highlighting the experiences, perspectives and complexity of these women in their journey towards leadership roles in higher education. The research questions focused on highlighting challenges, methods to overcome them, measures of success and recommendations for aspiring Iranian and Iranian-American leaders. This study aimed to showcase the distinctive intersections of identity, culture, and gender within a lens of leadership experiences …

Successful Lebanese Women Leaders In Higher Education, Lina Safa

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the success strategies of Lebanese women leaders in higher education, a sector where they have historically faced underrepresentation. It examined the evolution of women’s roles in this field, highlighting the progress and ongoing challenges related to gender biases and societal constraints in Lebanon. The research employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of these leaders, focusing on how they navigate cultural norms and societal expectations. Theoretical frameworks like appreciative inquiry, emotional intelligence, and social constructivism were used to analyze their transformative potential within Middle Eastern patriarchal structures. This study aimed to inform policies and …

Empowering Black Women Professors Teaching Within Predominantly White Institutions: Exploring Success Strategies And Best Practices Amidst Challenges, Wendy Perkinson

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the historical journey of Black women in America, spanning from enslavement (Best, 2015) to activism as abolitionists, advocates for women's suffrage (Sesko & Biernat, 2010), and leadership in civil rights (Rushing, 2021), Black women's resilience shines through amid challenges. This study investigates the phenomenological experiences of Black women professors teaching in predominantly white institutions (PWIs) who are often marginalized because of racial and gender intersectional bias (K.W. Crenshaw, 2017). It explores the challenges these professors endure and examines the success methods they employ to overcome their challenges while discovering their needs for personal and professional success. The study's framework …

College Preparedness. Narratives Of Transitions From High School To College., Chelsey Luann Vincent

Theses and Dissertations

Despite many theories on student success as well as many resources to help students make the transition from high school to college, many students do not persist in or graduate from college. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide insight into what takes place when students leave P-12 institutions and enter institutions of higher education by using focused narrative inquiry. This study took place at a large research university in the south. The study included 4 participants at various parts of their transition journey. Participants in the study responded to written prompts. Follow up interviews were conducted, and a …

The Impact Of Institutional Culture On Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge In Higher Education, Kenna Spiller Vowell

Theses and Dissertations

Teaching and learning online is an increasingly important aspect of higher education, especially post-Covid-19. Previous studies have shown a relationship between Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and teaching efficacy and teaching efficacy and student success. However, the contextual factors impacting TPACK have not been adequately explored. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if the contextual factor of institutional culture impacts TPACK among online higher education faculty at institutions in the Southeastern United States as well as to what extent specific dimensions of institutional culture effect TPACK levels. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey that was …

Increasing Graduate School Enrollment In A Shrinking Applicant Pool: A Look At Factors Influencing College Choice, Lindsey Erin Storey Shelton

Theses and Dissertations

For years, the impending enrollment cliff has been a regular topic amongst higher education officials. With this event slated to hit undergraduate programs by 2025, it is anticipated that graduate schools will begin feeling the impact by 2029. By examining factors influencing graduate student college choice, enrollment managers can identify ways to offset the decline in eligible graduate students.

This study looked at applicants’ decisions to enroll or not enroll over a 5-year period at a public, research-intensive institution. The results of this study provided insight into the individual and academic factors that influence college choice, while also measuring the …

Examining Social Factors Influencing Latino Students' Academic Learning In Rio Grande Valley Via A Quantitative Design, David T. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to examine the social factors that could influence the academic learning experiences of Latino college students. Hispanic students are pursuing post-secondary degrees at a higher rate than in previous years. Many Hispanics represent their respective family members as the first members of their respective families to attend college (Trevino & DeFreitas, 2014). The academic achievement of Latino college students is becoming a major concern in the United States due to their growing population and special needs (Trevino & DeFreitas, 2014).

It is imperative to examine the social factors that could affect the academic learning experiences of …

Examining The Increasing Prevalence Of Academic Dishonesty: An Investigation Of Students’ Perceptions Of Academic Integrity In Higher Education, Luis Angel Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

A primary concern in academic institutions is the high frequency of academic dishonesty among students. Concerns surrounding this issue negatively affect the institution’s reputation and the acquisition of external funding. The purpose of this research was to explore the increasing prevalence of academic dishonesty at higher education institutions. Furthermore, the aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of students engaging in academic dishonesty, reasons for academic dishonesty, and awareness of academic dishonesty. Increasing awareness, prevention, and education regarding academic dishonesty can bring a positive environment to students in higher education. The participants were students enrolled in The University …

Strategies Community College Mexican American Adult College Algebra Students Use When Graphing Function Transformations, Roxana Pamela Jimenez

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study pursued to describe the different strategies Mexican American adult students in a local community college used to graph function transformations. Participants in the study were purposefully selected using a criterion sampling to ensure participants were atypical, above average students between the ages 18-22, and had a final course average of 89.5-100 in College Algebra. Three research questions were examined 1) In what ways do Mexican American adult college students graph a function transformation? 2) Which strategies do students implement when graphing a function transformation? Qualitative research methods using think aloud semi-structured interviews were used in this …

How Students Learn: Examining The Differences In Learning Strategies Between Flight And Nonflight Students, Jennifer A. Torres

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences in learning strategies between undergraduate flight and nonflight students attending a 4-year university that offered a Part 141 flight training program. Learning strategies were measured using Panadero et al.’s (2021) 30-item Deep Learning Strategies Questionnaire and its four subscales—Basic Learning Self-Regulation Strategies, Visual Elaboration and Summarizing Strategies, Deep Information Processing Strategies, and Social Learning Self-Regulation Strategies—all of which were the dependent variables. The primary independent variable was group membership, but the study also incorporated two covariates—self-efficacy and intrinsic value—which were measured using the respective subscales of Pintrich …

Addressing Engagement: Student Perceptions Of Meaningful Gamification In Online Courses, Jessica M. Sanchez-Barrera

Theses and Dissertations

Although there is high enrollment in online college courses, there are concerns about student engagement (Martin & Bolliger, 2018; Dumford & Miller, 2018). Gamification has been shown to have the potential to improve student engagement. The purpose of the study was to describe how academic student engagement is impacted by Nicholson’s Meaningfully Gamified online course compared to traditionally taught online course. An embedded multiple case study research design was employed using self-determination theory as the theoretical framework to measure engagement. The theory constructs analyzed were autonomy, competence, relatedness, and student engagement. The research was conducted …

Counter-Stories From Former Foster Youth: College Graduates Disrupting The Dominant Narrative, Amanda May Moon

Theses and Dissertations

In the past decade, research on children in foster care or adults with foster care backgrounds has begun to explore factors that contributed to successful trajectories. Little work has been done, however, on factors that can be controlled, such as resources and support offered by K-12 schools, or for K-12 schooling. In this qualitative study, I explored the beliefs and perceptions of former foster youth college graduates about the impact of K-12 experiences on their academic and life trajectories. After surveying and interviewing five former foster youth college graduates, I used narrative analysis to understand the impact of their K-12 …

My Journey Toward A Culturally Relevant Music Pedagogy, Adam Michael Steele

Theses and Dissertations

In this study I utilized critical autoethnography to examine my role as a White, male implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) in an early childhood music classrooms. Five research questions were posed: (a) In what ways does White supremacy appear in an elementary music school curriculum? (b) What curricular transformations occur when I, as a White teacher, seek to make my curriculum more relevant to students of Color? (c) What dispositional transformations occur when I, as a White teacher, seek to make my music curriculum more relevant to students of Color? (d) What happens when students of Color engage in a …

Print Versus Electronic: A Mixed-Method Exploration Of Student Preferences At Marathon University, Jennifer King Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

Academic libraries have been adapting and changing their collections with technology. Often, this technology has accompanied a conversion from physical collections, such as print books to electronic collections and electronic books. This mixed methods case study aimed to understand how first-generation college students at a public research university use print books versus electronic books. Data was collected using a survey based on the Academic Reading Questionnaire (Mizrachi, 2015) to assess the attitudes of both first-generation college students and continuing-generation college students towards these materials in the Marathon University Library collection. A qualitative semi-structured interview was also conducted, which focused on …

Afl Students’ Perception Of Using Mnemonics As A Strategy To Enhance Their Vocabulary Acquisition And Retention, Elsayed Elsisi

Theses and Dissertations

Research in the field of language teaching and learning reveals that mnemonics is one of the most effective language learning strategies for vocabulary. Researchers like Rasiban, et al. (2019); Levin (1993); Zulfa (2019); Kayaaltu (2018) suggest that using mnemonics to learn new vocabulary has a positive effect on vocabulary retention and retrieval. Research also shows however that students’ perceptions may encourage or inhibit the usage of any learning strategy depending on their perceptions of its effectiveness. Hence the importance of detecting learner perception about any learning or teaching device. Despite the above there is limited research about students’ perceptions about …