Other Education Commons^™

Utilizing Research Narratives To Advance Systems Thinking In Doctoral Education, Ryan Charles Weber, Kathleen Teresa Scott

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This study examines how narrative storytelling functions as a pedagogical mechanism for advancing systems thinking in doctoral education. Drawing on a qualitative narrative synthesis of publicly available scholarly literature, the analysis explores how narrative practices support sensemaking, complexity integration, and collaborative learning among doctoral students. Grounded in Senge’s (2006) learning organization framework, the study investigates how storytelling contributes to the development of mental models, shared vision, personal mastery, and team learning in advanced academic contexts. Findings indicate that narrative engagement enhances cognitive integration, deepens understanding of systemic interdependence, and strengthens collaborative discourse among emerging scholars. The study extends leadership and …

Analyzing The Impact: Foster Grandparent Program, Shanetta Weatherspoon, Miyue Chen, Monica Pereda

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a multigenerational approach to community volunteerism. The study uses intergenerational solidarity to conceptualize the impact of the FGP. The study aims to examine the impact of two dimensions by analyzing data from the Assignment Assessment Forms and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. Paired t-tests were conducted to determine whether there is a difference in the mentees’ behavior pre- and post-intervention over four years and by way of three priority areas. Results indicated that the FGP has an impact on both the mentees and volunteers. Findings suggest that the program’s activities are the vehicle for …

The Intersection Of Bias, Critical Thinking, & Innovation: A Quantitative Analysis, Jacob Sands, Angel Huerta

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This study examines whether gender differences exist in critical thinking skills among elementary school students through a secondary quantitative analysis of an existing dataset (Putera, 2020). Using a sample of 25 students with complete data, the study employs linear regression and an independent samples t-test to evaluate the relationship between gender and critical thinking test scores. Results indicate that female students scored slightly higher on average than male students; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.634). Regression findings further confirm that gender is not a significant predictor of critical thinking performance. These findings align with existing literature …

Natural Resources Conflict In The Nile River Basin: Natural Resource Nationalism, Environmental Governance, And Transboundary Security., Reagan Ronald Okumu

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This article used a qualitative literature-based transformation methodology to examine governance and leadership in the shared use of the transboundary water of the River Nile Basin. This is important because the basin is conflict-ridden yet yearns for development, driven by natural resource discoveries and the utilization of the River Nile. Appropriate governance and leadership, along with cooperation, are required for development to be achieved. The article examines the increased competition over the exploitation of natural resources, driven by development objectives, pressured by population growth, and fueled by the need for hydroelectric generation, oil and gas extraction, and mining by international …

Teacher Agency In The Classroom, Joy Gibson, Lizeth Sandoval

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Teacher agency is an important factor in student success; it is the ability to intentionally lead classrooms to support student learning outcomes, environments, and school culture. However, teacher agency remains underexamined as a construct for neurodiverse students in K-12 classrooms. This literature review argues that teacher agency is an essential component of genuine inclusivity for neurodiverse students and supports asset-based instruction. Grounded in social-cultural theory, this literature review examines five interconnected areas: theoretical foundation for teacher agency, neurodiversity as an asset-based approach, instructional strategies, teacher development, and the role of collaboration and family engagement. Findings suggest that instructional barriers, including …

Equity, Identity, And Representation In Community College Leadership, Jacob Fry, Tashaka Merriweather, Jennifer Hoeger

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Community colleges provide important access to higher education for many diverse student populations, yet aspiring leaders still face equity, representation, and structural barriers for women and underrepresented groups. Prior research highlights the persistence of gendered norms, gatekeeping practices, and underdeveloped leadership pipelines despite the increased attention to diversity within leadership in community colleges (Eddy & Khwaja, 2019; Hines, 2023; Burmicky & Hartman, 2023). This qualitative phenomenological study examines how leadership perceives the role of women and underrepresented groups in leadership. The study focused on the School of Continuing Education at Santa Ana College and involved semi-structured interviews with 11 leaders …

Leadership Practices And Subordinate Perceptions In Continuing Education: A Case Study At Santa Ana College, Jacob Fry, Jennifer Hoeger, Tashaka Merriweather

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Community colleges play a critical role in expanding access to higher education and workforce development for diverse populations, yet traditional leader-centric models remain prevalent, despite growing calls for collaborative and distributed leadership approaches (Eddy et al., 2023; Fulton-Calkins & Milling, 2005). This qualitative phenomenological study explores leadership, styles, strategies, and perceptions of subordinates among continuing education leaders at a California community college. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 administrators, faculty, and classified professionals at Santa Ana College’s School of Continuing Education. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis approach. Findings identified four dominant leadership approaches: collaborative/participatory, …

The Efficacy Of Dialectical Behavior Therapy For Anorexia Nervosa In Adolescent Females: A Literature Review, Tyler L. Brink

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescent females is associated with high mortality, significant relapse rates, and cognitive and emotional disturbances, suggesting that existing treatments may not sufficiently address core maintaining mechanisms. This literature review synthesizes current research examining the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) for adolescent females with AN, with emphasis on neurobiological vulnerability, emotional dysregulation, and maladaptive overcontrol. Neuroimaging research indicates reductions in cortical thickness and gray matter in regions associated with self-referential processing and emotional regulation, while emerging evidence suggests structural plasticity following mindfulness-based interventions. Behavioral studies demonstrate that emotional dysregulation …

Ministry Leaders Applying Psychological Theories To Overcome Apathy: A Case Study, Glen A. Bowman

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This case study examines the persistent challenge of congregational apathy and the efficacy of integrating psychological motivational theories to revitalize a stagnant church culture. The research focuses on a congregation in California’s Central Valley characterized by a "lukewarm" spiritual atmosphere in much of its leadership and membership. The case study follows a newly appointed minister—representing a different age bracket and cultural background—as he navigates the resistance of an entrenched, change-averse leadership team. The researcher evaluated the practical application of three psychological frameworks to combat complacency and found that the Action-Trait Theory proved itself as the most successful method. The theory …

Proposing Augmented Reality Game-Based Learning For Higher Education, Anna C. Zaldivar

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Simulating the role of an instructional technologist, negotiation takes place to implement the AR technology for use in a higher education institution. There are arguments both for and against the use of augmented reality for higher education. Overall, examining and highlighting these arguments to make an important decision that will shape learners' future. Using BATNA and examining arguments during the negotiation process.

Understanding Generation Z Polarization: Findings From A Preliminary Replication Study, Liane Weintraub

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Amid rising polarization and declining trust in democratic institutions, Generation Z (Gen Z) faces unique challenges in navigating civic discourse. This study presents comparative findings from two survey cohorts (2023, n = 56; 2025, n = 25) examining Gen Z students’ political identity, discourse habits, interpersonal trust, and civic attitudes. Framed by Social Identity Theory (SIT), Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and discourse theory, the study explores how ideological difference and identity signaling shape students’ willingness to engage across divides. Findings indicate continuity in partisan skepticism and discourse openness, but also growing fatigue, reduced trust, and ambivalence toward equity. While affective polarization …

Black Women And Latinas In Stem: A Systematic Review Of Literature, Karin Moore

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This systematic review of literature examines scholarly studies conducted on Black women and Latinas in STEM fields and in STEM higher education. Women are underrepresented in STEM, and on average they comprise 27% of the STEM population (National Science Foundation, 2017). Black women and Latinas are even further underrepresented in STEM by making up only 14.58 % and 3% of the employees in STEM industries (Hispanic Heritage Foundation, 2020; National Science Foundation, 2021). Barriers for all women are the focus of much of the body of literature in STEM (Beach et al., 2024; Moore, 2024). Isolating specific challenges Black women …

Marooned: A Western Frontier Dismal Swamp Narrative, Professor Meya E. Hargett

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Marooned: A Western Frontier Dismal Swamp Narrative centers the erased figure of Samuel Mars, a lost Black station master whose movements through the Great Dismal Swamp have been excluded from dominant Underground Railroad cartographies. Here, the term “Marooned” refers not to abandonment, but to the maroon geographies of Black and Indigenous resistance encoded in land, lineage, and fugitive infrastructure.

Guided by Diasporic Maroon Memory Theory, Lineage as Method, and the Maroon Geographies Framework, this research reconstructs Mars’s trajectory through oral testimony, spatial patterning, and ancestral land memory. Rather than casting the Dismal Swamp merely as a site of refuge, this …

Extending The Emotional And Multiple Intelligence Theories: Integrating Cultural And Spiritual Intelligence Constructs To Fill Research Gaps, Kimberly J. Mcdonald

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This proposed mixed-methods convergent research study aims to explore extending the Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Multiple Intelligences Theories by integrating Spiritual Intelligence (SI) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) constructs. The goal is to explore the interconnectedness of these intelligences to bridge existing research gaps concerning leadership, EI, SI, and CQ. By employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods from organizational leaders, this study seeks to develop a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of leadership efficacy across various organizational contexts. The anticipated outcomes aim to contribute to the body of knowledge and potentially impact leadership development in business, education, and other …

Article Title: Deconstructing Power And Gender: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Of Biopolitics, Necropolitics, And Sexual Scripts In Feminicide In Puerto Rico., Migdalia Marrero-Lafontaine

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Feminicide and gender violence cases in the last several decades in Puerto Rico have continuously increased, suggesting that this problem becomes worse as time passes. This study, therefore, focuses on identifying actionable insights that paint a picture of the impact it has on women over the age of 18 in Puerto Rico. In order to achieve this objective, the study relies on a strong theoretical framework that is made up of Foucauldian discourse analysis, necropolitics, and sexual scripts theories. One of the core findings of this research is that Puerto Rico’s colonial history and cultural norms sustain a cycle of …

The Detrimental Impact Of Early Childhood Exposure To Pornography, Leica Marie Estomo

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

As pornography continues to become more easily and readily accessible, children are at higher risk of viewing it. This work aims to investigate the destructive impact of premature exposure to pornography, and the negative perceptions of sex and decision-making towards it as a result. The operational definition used defines “early exposure” as prepubescents (children of elementary-grade school ages) viewing explicit material through involuntary and accidental initial engagement, and “decision-making” as moral agency and choice of response and action. The populations searched focused more on American culture and its lens on sex and pornography, with the incorporation of other cultural frameworks …

Equity And Effectiveness In Advanced Mathematics Education: A Literature Review Of Ap Calculus, Cambridge Aice, And Ib Curricula, Jinhee Lee

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This literature review investigates equity and effectiveness of three globally recognized advanced high school mathematics programs: AP Calculus, Cambridge International Advanced International Certification of Education (AICE) Advanced Level (A-Level) Mathematics, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics High Level. Access to advanced mathematics is unequally distributed, impacting underprivileged students (Bressoud, 2021). This review examines curriculum content, teaching methods, and assessment strategies in alignment with college admissions, depth of conceptual understanding, inclusion of diverse approaches, and assessment accessibility. Findings will contribute to informed curriculum choices for students and inform equitable practices for educators.

Abc Pharmaceutical Company Change Model: Implementing J.P. Kotter's 8-Step And Adkar Change Models For Ethical Alignment, Shelbi B. Chandler, Amalfi Gayosso, Alison Lawton, Ali Holness-Roland

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

In this paper, we use the pseudonym ABC Pharmaceuticals (ABC) to refer to the company under examination, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABC Pharmaceutical (ABC) must assess, adapt, and change to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain and attract employees, and remain competitive. ABC has a history of erroneous practices and is at risk internally with employees, and externally with regulators and the public sectors. The authors applied J.P. Kotter’s (1996) 8-step and the ADKAR (Hiatt, 2006) models for change management. J.P. Kotter’s top-down model addresses leadership’s role in creating a compelling vision aligned with its actions, and the ADKAR bottom-up model assesses employees’ readiness …

9th Gsep Research Symposium - 2025

GSEP Research Symposium

The Ninth Annual GSEP Research Symposium, themed "Building Bridges to Elevate Humanity: Innovations and Insights in Education and Psychology", was hosted by the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) on June 19–20, 2025, at the historic Château d’Hauteville in Switzerland and virtually via Zoom.

This hybrid symposium convened a vibrant global community of students, alumni, faculty, and scholars to share research that addresses real-world challenges, advances scholarly inquiry, and builds pathways for inclusive collaboration and leadership. Spanning a wide array of topics—from artificial intelligence and mental health to trauma-informed practices, educational equity, social justice, and cross-cultural leadership—the …

Examining The Influence Of Hedonic Motivation And Willingness To Use Ai On Teacher’S Perceived Importance Of Instructional Practices And Student Engagement, Jacob Sands

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The study investigates the relationship between teachers' hedonic motivation to use artificial intelligence (AI), their willingness to accept AI devices, and their perceptions of the importance of instructional practices and student needs. Using a quantitative, predictive, and non-experimental research design, the study aims to determine to what extent hedonic motivation and willingness to adopt AI devices predict teachers’ perceived importance of instructional practices and students. Data will be collected from teachers in Los Angeles County using subscales from the Artificial Intelligence Interaction Model (AIMM) to measure hedonic motivation and willingness to accept AI, and the Importance of Teaching Knowledge Scale …

Educational Policies Impacted By The Utilization Of Ai, Jacob Sands

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into educational policies has ushered in a new era of technological advancement and transformation in global education policies. As AI continues to expand, there is a growing need for educational policies that govern its utilization to ensure responsible implementation. This paper aims to explore the impact of AI utilization on educational policies, supported by economic theories and academic resources. With the rise of AI technology, there is an urgent call for regulatory frameworks that uphold ethical standards and safeguard against its misuse as there are currently no real educational policies surrounding AI. Within the realm …

The Crossfit Affiliate Business Model: The Risks Of The “Unknown And Unknowable”, Anasheh G. Oliven

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

In the wake of the tragic death of six-time Elite athlete Lazar Ðukič at the 2024 CrossFit Games, this study explores how CrossFit, LLC can enhance its public image and cultivate more substantial relationships with its affiliates and customer network. This purposeful case study examines the events surrounding Ðukič’s death in conjunction with founder Greg Glassman’s “Floyd-19” controversy, to posit that authenticity, transparency, and trust are three missing factors in the business model. With intentional and explicit collaboration with the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association, this study argues that the organization’s Affiliate Business Model can be enhanced and affiliate and customer …

Dramatism And Crossfit: The Guilt Redemption Cycle In The Wake Of Ðukič’S Death, Anasheh G. Oliven

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

After the death of elite Serbian athlete, Lazar Ðukič, at the 2024 CrossFit Games, CrossFit, LLC’s leadership was once again in the spotlight of another controversy. In the immediate aftermath, Chief Executive Officer, Don Faul, was responsible for navigating the complex crisis communication that was required. This study evaluates the language in Faul’s oratory and seeks to answer the questions: (1) what pentadic elements are incorporated in Faul’s communication, (2) what ratio prevails and (3) how do the linguistic choices offload the guilt and responsibility that the organization had to ensure athlete safety. In employing a critical linguistic analysis framework, …

Leading Gen Z: The Connected Authentic Leadership Model, James Mitchell

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

Generation Z is rapidly reshaping the global workforce, bringing with them new expectations for leadership grounded in authenticity, purpose, flexibility, technological fluency, and cultural intelligence. However, many traditional leadership models—such as transactional, servant, and even transformational leadership—only partially align with Generation Z’s needs. This study conducted a thematic analysis of 45 scholarly articles published between 2018 and 2024, identifying six leadership dimensions most valued by Generation Z: authentic transparency, servant-transformational focus, adaptive flexibility and inclusion, digital fluency, purpose-driven vision, and cultural intelligence. Based on these findings, the Connected Authentic Leadership Model (CALM) was developed to provide a holistic leadership framework …

Transactional And Autocratic Leadership In Practice: The Case Of Trump’S Attempt To Redefine Birthright Citizenship, Ruolan Huang, Liwei Fang, Jingzhe Zhang, Anna Zaldivar

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This case study investigates how President Donald Trump's autocratic and transactional leadership style influenced the conception, implementation, and social impact of the 2025 executive order seeking to revoke birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. This study employs the case study approach and applies thematic analysis of public documents, legal texts, and media reports. The study identifies five major themes, including autocratic leadership and executive overreach, racialized policy implementation, media manipulation, legal resistance, and a broader crisis of democratic legitimacy. The findings suggest that while the executive order aims at framing a legal structure, it disproportionately affects marginalized immigrant communities, …

Black Americans’ Strategic Disengagement In Digital Protest: A Thematic Analysis Of Youtube Responses To Latino Deportation Appeals (2025), Professor Meya E. Hargett

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This qualitative study, grounded in digital discourse theory, investigates Black Americans’ responses to the Latino community’s calls for protest support against federal deportation policies under the current U.S. administration. Twelve publicly available YouTube videos from Spring 2025 were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify key patterns in Black discourse, including themes of strategic withdrawal, political disillusionment, solidarity fatigue, and historical tension.

This study defines 'stand down' as a deliberate, non-antagonistic decision to refrain from participating in another group’s protest movement. Findings indicate that disengagement is not rooted in apathy but is shaped by long-standing racialized experiences, ideological misalignment, and …

How Cultural Intelligence Shapes Communication And Decision-Making In Multicultural Teams, Jonathan Freking

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This study explores how cultural intelligence influences patterns of communication and decision-making in multicultural teams, with particular attention to behaviors such as turn-taking, conflict resolution, and feedback. Drawing on a thematic analysis of 45 peer-reviewed articles spanning foundational theories, empirical studies, and methodological approaches, this paper identifies six key themes: the evolution of the CQ construct; CQ as an adaptive communication mechanism; its role in conflict resolution; its influence on collaborative decision-making; the emergence of collective cultural intelligence; and methodological approaches for understanding CQ in context. Findings suggest that high-CQ individuals and teams demonstrate more equitable voice distribution, engage in …

Navigating The Academic Terrain: Examining The Challenges And Success Factors Of Student Veterans In Higher Education Institutions, Katherine Reyes, Corey Idleburg

Education Division Scholarship

This study investigates the academic experiences of student veterans, addressing specific challenges they face in higher education. Using Schlossberg’s adult transition theory, it explores the effects of invisible barriers, enrollment trends, and institutional factors on veteran student success, leveraging the VA’s GI Bill Comparison tool to examine public versus private school support. Findings underscore the need for targeted resources, faculty training, and institutional awareness to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances veteran students' academic success and sense of belonging.

Redefining Success: Insights From Lebanese Women Leaders In Higher Education, Lina H. Safa

Education Division Scholarship

This presentation explores how Lebanese women leaders in higher education define and measure success, emphasizing their innovative approaches and transformative impact. By examining personal narratives through a phenomenological lens, the study reveals how these leaders navigate cultural challenges, offering insights into leadership dynamics in a patriarchal society and contributing to global discussions on gender equity and academic leadership.

Addressing Organizational Challenges In The Accounting Industry Through Academic-Industry Collaboration: A Literature Review, Blair Johnson

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The accounting industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by a severe global shortage of accountants, rapid technological advancements, and increased regulatory pressures. This literature review critically examines the accounting profession's multifaceted challenges, including talent acquisition and retention issues, the impact of private equity investment, and the integration of artificial intelligence. The paper highlights the need for strategic partnerships between the accounting industry and academic institutions, particularly business schools, to address these challenges effectively. It emphasizes the importance of modernizing accounting curricula, fostering deeper university-industry collaborations, and co-creating experiential learning opportunities to better prepare graduates for the evolving demands of …