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Characterizing Full-Time, Non-Tenure-Track Teaching Faculty In Biology, Desiree Forsythe, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Institutions of higher education play a major role in teaching undergraduate students. Historically, most courses have been taught by tenure-track (TT) faculty who may also be responsible for research or scholarly activities. However, a recent shift from “teaching-intensive” TT faculty to “teaching-only” contingent faculty off the tenure track has highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of contingent faculty. While there have been an increasing number of studies examining the experiences of part-time contingent faculty, few studies have directly surveyed the increasing number of full-time, non-tenure-track (NTT) teaching faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to capture their experiences, …

A Summer Class Exploring Computer Science With Educators Of Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Meghan L. Mcsherry, Becca A. Leininger, Maria L. Johnson, Annmarie P. Thomas, Susan Outlaw, Douglas C. Orzolek

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this research project was to design, deliver, and informally assess the content and methodology of an introductory course focused on the block-based coding language, Scratch, for educators of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (N=20). Prior work by The Playful Learning Lab examined various STEM resources and their effect on student perception of STEM topics and content retention when utilized for Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12 students. Previous research has shown that computer science and programming resources and curricula available today are not fully accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12 students. Educators and teachers …

Timss 2023 Australia: Highlights On Australian Student Performance, Nicole Wernert, Marina Schmid, Sima Rodrigues

TIMSS 2023

Australia participated in the eighth cycle of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). TIMSS is an international sample study that assesses the mathematics and science achievement of Year 4 and Year 8 students every 4 years. Australia has participated in all cycles of TIMSS since it commenced in 1995 and over this 28-year period has collected rich data about trends in mathematics and science achievement. TIMSS 2023 expanded its scope to assess environmental knowledge and attitudes. This new component provides valuable insights into students’ understanding of environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. This Highlights report …

Timss 2023 Australia. Volume 1: Student Performance, Nicole Wernert, Marina Schmid, Sima Rodrigues

TIMSS 2023

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an international comparative study of student achievement directed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS was first conducted in 1995 and the 2023 assessment formed the eighth cycle, providing 28 years of trends in mathematics and science achievement at Year 4 and Year 8. In Australia, TIMSS is managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the state and territory governments. TIMSS is a key part of Australia’s National Assessment Program. The goal of TIMSS …

Mathematics In Amusement Parks, Kacey Laumann

Honors Projects

This project focuses specifically on the Walt Disney World Park, Magic Kingdom. I started by collecting data through the MyDisneyExperience app. By recording the data, I was then able to create polynomial functions to the fifth the degree. Each attraction received a function which allowed me to predict the wait times for that attraction. Then, by graphing the functions and analyzing the graph using calculus the “best time” and “worst time” to go to the attraction were found. After the analysis the information is used to build a unique schedule for a guest. Then the guest receives this schedule after …

Cultural Responsiveness And Its Effect On Rural Science Achievement, Nerissa C. Deramus

College of Education

Low student achievement in science was explored to determine if teachers with high culturally responsive education (CRE) self-efficacy levels matched the student science achievement in rural, suburban, and urban schools in Alabama. The study aimed to determine if rural teachers with high CRE self-efficacy could improve science achievement. The self-efficacy theory was formulated by Bandura (1977) based on the idea that individuals with a high belief in their abilities to perform tasks have greater outcomes. CRE self-efficacy was measured using the Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy (CRTSE) scale based on the culturally responsive teaching theory. The theory incorporates the works of …

Modeling Pricing And Profit Testing Of Chronic Disease's Insurance Policies Using Prostate Cancer Data In Kenya, Cynthia Mwau, Howard Omukami

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Chronic diseases have been on the rise globally and more so in the African continent. Treatment of chronic diseases requires lots of finances hence posing a challenge even to those people who are considered financially stable. Chronic diseases are expected to rise even further due to the rapid lifestyle change. In an attempt to mitigate the challenge of accessing treatment for chronic diseases, we develop a model for pricing and profit testing chronic disease insurance policy using the modified equivalence principle. We use the Kenyan mortality tables for the computation as they reflect the true mortality rate of the population …

Fitting Quality Of Nmr Relaxation Data To Differentiate Asphalt Binders, Rebecca M. Herndon, Kevin Lai, Magdy Abdelrahman, Klaus Woelk

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Asphalt binder performance grades (PGs) are important metrics in designing pavements for effective transportation infrastructure. the PG system relies on the binder's stiffness and is determined through energy- and time-intensive physical testing. Physical properties, like stiffness, can also be determined by spin–lattice NMR relaxometry, a non-destructive chemical method. NMR relaxometry can quantify the molecular mobility of materials by determining relaxation times from exponential decays of excited nuclear magnetization. While relaxation times have been used to determine physical properties of materials, a quantitative relation to the PG grades of asphalt binder is yet to be established. in this study, T1 NMR …

Space Operations Education Research: Studying Undergraduate Experiences As Predictors Of Early Career Performance For Military Space Operations Officers, Keith Balts

All Dissertations

Undergraduate students who go on to operate space systems, e.g., satellites, launch systems, and ground-based systems, come from a diverse set of demographics and undergraduate experiences. The United States Space Force (USSF), and United States Air Force (USAF) before them, like many professions, have a demonstrated interest in who enters their ranks, but have had limited research available to them to inform their recruiting, selection, training, and early career development policies and processes.

This Profession-Based Education Research study, a term introduced here in contrast to Discipline-Based Education Research, focused on the military space operations profession. This study analyzed newly commissioned …

Professional Portfolio: Assessment Of And Strategies For Improving A Middle School Student’S Mathematics Performance, Gwenyth O. Falck

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project explores strategies to help secondary students with disabilities improve their mathematics performance. With eighth-grade math scores trending downward and algebra serving as a critical gateway to higher education, target interventions are needed. The literature review highlights two main instructional methods: the Explicit Inquiry Routine (EIR) and the Concrete-Representational-Abstract Integration (CRA-I). Both incorporate physical and virtual manipulatives. These approaches have been shown to help students grasp algebraic concepts, retain what they have learned and apply the skills to new types of problems.

In addition to the research review, this paper includes assessment and intervention reports for a seventh-grade student …

A Phenomenographic Analysis Of Undergraduate Student Perceptions Of The Geosciences And Geoscience Careers, Leah M. Wiitablake

All Dissertations

The climate crisis is upon us, whether we like it or not, and its undeniable effects are evident. Take, for example, Hurricane Helene, which caused unimaginable devastation to what was once considered a “climate haven,” Asheville, NC (Andreoni, 2024; Medina & Fausset, 2024). Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4, jumping from a Category 1 in less than 24 hours (Andreoni, 2024), and is noted by the National Hurricane Center as a major hurricane (National Hurricane Center & Central Pacific Hurricane Center, 2024). With the Earth now unlikely to remain below 1.5°C of warming (IPCC, 2023b), perhaps we can …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 2, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

The Impacts Of Using Geogebra On Students’ Perceptions And Achievement In Learning Trigonometric Ratios, Robert Carlos Trejo

Theses and Dissertations

GeoGebra, a dynamic mathematics software, was used to study high school students’ perceptions and achievements in learning trigonometric ratios. The study addresses a critical gap in the literature concerning the use of GeoGebra for understanding trigonometric concepts, particularly in fostering conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills. Rooted in a constructivist pedagogical framework, the research examines how GeoGebra facilitates interactive and exploratory learning environments that encourage active student engagement and deeper comprehension of trigonometric ratio principles.

The study employed a quantitative approach to evaluate the efficacy of GeoGebra. Quantitative data focused on student achievement in solving trigonometric ratio problems through pre- and …

Local Rural Knowledge And Early Childhood Informal Science Education In Rural Nebraska, Sarah Michelle Paulos

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This study aims to discover the existing experiences that lead to local rural knowledge (LRK) of specific rural Northeast Nebraska communities. This information will assist in understanding the impact that LRK has on young children’s science knowledge in rural communities. By engaging in hands-on experiences and interactions, science learning goals for children may be achieved and developed through science outreach programs. During Phase 1 of this study, adults in the selected rural communities participated in an online survey indicating their knowledge of various common rural phrases with the option to share personal stories of experiences and family history. This information …

Investigating The Impact Of An Elaborative Conversation Strategies (Ecs) Intervention On Parent-Child Interactions And Preschool Children's Science Learning Using A Single-Case Experimental Design, Yao Yao

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the elaborative conversation strategies (ECS) intervention in improving the quality of parents' science talk during everyday home learning interactions using a single-case experimental design. Specifically, the study explored whether training parents in ECS could increase their use of these high-quality conversation strategies and enhance the quality of their science talk when engaging their children in science activities. The study also investigated how the ECS intervention impacted children's science knowledge, skills, and interest, as well as parents' attitudes toward supporting their children's science learning.

Participants included five typically developing …

Preparing Educators To Effectively Engage With Postsecondary Stem Students With Autism, Luzconsuelo Gavaldon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime mental disability (Boucher, 2009). Because the brains of people with autism work differently than their non-neurodiverse peers (Kuzminskaite et al., 2020), they tend to respond to external stimuli in a hypo- or hyper-sensory fashion. One of the primary considerations that must be accounted for when working with individuals with autism is that the brains of these persons are each neurologically distinct. In other words, there is no "one-size-fits-all" means by which individuals with ASD learn and develop and, consequently, no single way to therefore engage with said individuals (Anderson & Butt, 2017; Kuzminski …

Populations Digitally Excluded From Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions And Actions For Policy, Practice And Research In A Post-Pandemic Era, Don Passey, Jean Gabin Ntebutse, Manal Yazbak Abu Ahmad, Janet Cochrane, Simon Collin, Asmaa Ganayem, Elizabeth Langran, Sadaqat Mulla, Ma. Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Toshinori Saito, Miri Shonfeld, Saunand Somasi

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

This conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Impact And Effectiveness Of Certification Programs In Preparing And Retaining Educators, Teresa De Jesus Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is integral to STEM fields, making math critically important for the stability and development of the nation. As a result, mathematics teachers have a crucial role in our society. A role whose importance needs the necessary support to accomplish its numerous responsibilities. However, research indicates that certification routes—traditional and alternative—often fail to adequately prepare math teachers for the challenges they face, leading to high turnover rates. This study explores the impact of these certification routes on teachers’ abilities to support student achievement, address diverse learning needs, and manage additional duties. Surveying secondary math teachers in the Rio Grande Valley, …

Leveraging A Community Of Practice To Advance Stem Education Reform And Promote Teacher And Student Self-Efficacy, Ruth Renee Colyer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the impact of the CREST-MECIS community of practice on K-12 STEM teachers and undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in science education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The study was grounded in response to three primary problem statements: 1) the significant learning losses and socio-emotional challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the inadequacy of traditional instructional methods in post-pandemic classrooms, and 3) the need for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices that acknowledge students’ lived experiences. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, survey analyses, and qualitative feedback …

Challenges And Strategies In Science Learning: A Thematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Angelica A. Guanzon

Theses and Dissertations

This study thoroughly explores the relationships between the challenges faced by students and the alternative problem-solving strategies employed. By analyzing these connections, the research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how students address difficulties in science learning and the adaptive strategies they apply. Through this research, teachers can gain valuable understanding in adapting learning resources that successfully address diverse needs of students. By identifying specific challenges and correlating effective strategies, targeted interventions are designed to enhance the overall science learning experience. The study emphasizes the importance of a dynamic and adaptable teaching approach that caters to the evolving landscape …

A Comparative Analysis Of Early Algebraic Thinking Activities From U.S. And Singapore Primary Textbooks, Christian Joel Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies highlight the challenges students face when transitioning to algebra at the secondary level. Introducing algebraic concepts and fostering algebraic thinking at the primary level can help mitigate these difficulties. Prior to formal algebra instruction, early algebra can be cultivated as a mode of thinking known as algebraic thinking. Several international curricula, such as Singapore Math, incorporate early algebraic thinking into the early stages of schooling. Singapore Math, renowned for its high performance in international assessments, has been widely adopted by schools seeking to replicate its success.

This study compares two primary-level mathematics curricula—CCSSM-aligned textbooks and Singapore Math—specifically focusing …

Academic Vocabulary Acquisition In A 3rd Grade Science Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Embedded Study, Nicole Langenhuizen

All Dissertations

With the acceptance of the Next Generation Science Standards, elementary-aged students are encouraged to develop the skills needed to communicate their thinking in science efficiently and effectively (NGSS, 2013). Since implementing these new standards in 2013, South Carolina has seen a decline in science standardized testing scores for grades 3-5. These results show that science and engineering skills support 67% of U.S. jobs today (National Science Foundation, 2021), and the current trend is that science and engineering skills are essential to students today and provide a rationale for exploring how teachers can help students develop the vocabulary necessary to communicate …

Help-Seeking For College Algebra Students' Success: A Phenomenological Mixed Methods Study, Colby Lamb

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Because the failure rate for college algebra is large and sometimes up to 50%, college algebra serves as a gatekeeper to STEM fields and degree completion. Therefore, it is critical to examine students who are at risk of dropping, withdrawing, and failing college algebra help-seeking behavior. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to focus on students’ perceptions of in-classroom and out-of-classroom activities and systems in a college algebra course designed based on principles of active learning and how those activities and systems are affordances or barriers to help-seeking. The research questions to be addressed were:

Central Research Question: …

Exploring Students' Computer-Supported Collaborative Argumentation With Socio-Scientific Issues, Wenli Chen, Yiting Han, Jesmine Tan, Aileen Siew Cheng Chai, Qianru Lyu, Lyna

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Background: This study examined the effect of computer-supported collaborative argumentation (CSCA) on secondary school students' understanding of socio-scientific issues (SSI). Engaging students in collaborative argumentation is known to help with deepening their understanding of SSI. Methods: In this study, a mixed-method design is used to investigate 84 students' collaborative argumentation processes and outcomes. The statistical analysis, epistemic network analysis and qualitative uptake analysis results showed that CSCA was effective in supporting secondary school students' evidence-based argumentation skills on SSI. Findings and Conclusion: Several cases were presented to show how students engaged in CSCA to explore meaningful learning opportunities and how …

Understanding Levels Of Perceived Racism And Discrimination When Utilizing Perinatal Care, Alexandria S. Evans

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social and structural determinants of health, grounded in historical racism and discrimination, significantly influence maternal health outcomes. Because of this, communities of color experience a higher burden of maternal health disparities. In the last several decades, there has been an increased awareness of the need to integrate critical race theory into public health research to address maternal health disparities in the context of perinatal care delivery, policy, and funding decisions.

This three-manuscript dissertation utilized mixed methods to examine the ways in which systemic racism and discrimination are perceived and how it impacts the utilization of perinatal care services in historically …

Development And Testing The Predictability Of An Instrument Based On The Multi- Theory Model (Mtm) Of Health Behavior Change For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Uptake Among People Of Color, Siddharth Raich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health problem in the US and globally. In the US, it disproportionately affects people of color. In 2012, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved by the FDA for HIV prevention. PrEP reduces the chances of acquiring HIV by 99% among people at high risk. However, PrEP uptake among people of color remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test the predictability of an instrument to describe the intent to initiate and sustain PrEP use among people of color. This research utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods design based on the fourth-generation, multi-theory …

Mathematics Education Reform Through Socio-Political Means: A Synthesis, Nadine Ferguson

University Honors Theses

Mathematics education urgently needs reform, as traditional approaches fail to meet the diverse needs of today's student populations. Conventional teaching methods, which often focus on rote memorization and procedural understanding, overlook mathematics being a human activity that is inherently interlinked with culture. This paper explores three key approaches to reforming mathematics education: differentiation, culturally responsive mathematics (CRM), and critical mathematics. Grounded in Rochelle Gutiérrez's definition of equity--which emphasizes nurturing students' mathematical identities and agency--this analysis evaluates how each approach addresses four critical goals: ensuring access for all students to complex mathematics, fostering student confidence, promoting collaboration, and making mathematics relevant …

A Python Pipeline For Rapid Inversion Of Gravity Data Aimed At Early Career Researchers: Application To The Lost River Fault, Idaho, Bradford C. Mack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gravity data and modeling can be used to create a 3D view of basin and fault geometries, a valuable tool for seismic hazard assessment. Additionally, access to a high-speed, easy-to-use modeling workflow will enable more researchers to supplement their work with a new method and allow students to be exposed to modeling earlier in their academic careers. The primary goals of this work are to create a widely usable 3D gravity and basin model, to create an introduction to modeling teaching module for undergraduate geology students, and to apply the model to the northernmost two segments of the Lost River …

Socially Situated Scientific Discourse: Learning Under The Perceived Threat Of Being A Woman, Kayla Taylor

Feminist Pedagogy

As a companion piece to “Diminishing Dialogue: The Fallacy of Florida Politics,” this critical commentary explores how undergraduate humanities courses and feminist standpoint theory shaped the perspective of an aspiring STEM PhD candidate. The subjective nature of scientific objectivity is examined through the lens of feminist historiography and the author’s own experiences as a woman in STEM.