Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Math Education: A Comprehensive Guide To Teaching The Foundations, Claudia Jayne Staruch

Honors College Theses

This thesis investigates the critical need for strong foundational mathematics education for adults. More specifically, for incarcerated individuals who lack basic numeracy skills because of the systematic inequalities that they have faced, the need for a mathematics foundation is even higher. This work emphasizes a non-technological approach to teaching these basics through qualitative analysis, including teaching strategies and practical lessons, while recognizing the various barriers many learners face. This research serves as a guide for educators to use for how to sequence and pace lessons, address certain learning styles, and gain classroom engagement, comprehension, and long-term retention of the materials. …

The Impact Of Student Engagement Activities On Future Climate Change Adaptation: The Case Of Student Simulation Models, Bassel Mostafa Elkalaf

Future Journal of Social Science

This paper explores the critical role of student engagement in addressing the growing challenges of climate change, with a focus on the Model United Nations (MUN) as a case study. As climate-related security threats increase globally, educational platforms that prepare youth for effective leadership in climate politics are more essential than ever. MUN, a widely practiced student activity simulating global policy-making, provides a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, peace, and security. By participating in MUN simulations, students engage in debates, develop innovative solutions, and practice diplomatic skills, all while exploring the …

Impact Of Safety Training On Employee's Perceptions Of Organizational Safety Culture, Brooke Reid-Graves

Dissertations

Workplace safety and well-being are vital for all workers, regardless of their profession (Young et al., 2022). Studies show that providing employees with training focused on recognizing hazards and implementing safety practices is essential for reducing occupational risks (Namian et al., 2020; Rose & Rae, 2017). Research underscores the importance of fostering a positive organizational safety culture for risk reduction (Berry et al., 2020; Downey, 2019). Understanding the impact of safety training on shaping an organization’s safety culture is key to promoting safe working environments (Mahjoub, 2013).

This study utilized the perspectives of high school staff regarding safety training and …

Students' Perspectives On Co-Creation Opportunities Within Bachelor's, Master's, And Doctoral Level Education Preparation Programs, Oana M. Manta

Dissertations

This study examines Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students’ experiences with co-creation activities in education programs. Responding to voiced student concerns, it seeks to uncover ways in which students wish to share ownership of the learning process. Additionally, this study aims to contribute students’ thoughts to the existing co-creation literature. Incorporating evidence from a survey and multiple participant interviews, this study demonstrates that students across all three levels of study wish to experience an increase in co-creation activities, but the type and extent vary by level of study. It argues for instructors and overseeing institutions to negotiate, not prescribe, certain aspects …

A Qualitative Study Of Iranian Efl Teachers’ Perceptions Of A Digital Diversified Education, Seyed Mohammad Reza Marvasti Zadeh, Azizollah Dabaghi Varnosfadrani Advarnosfadrani, Mohammad Amiryousefi

The Qualitative Report

Because Iran is a country of learners of diverse languages, socio-economic classes, genders, and ages, digital diversified education seems appropriate to address needs in English language education. However, there is a notable gap in research on teachers’ perceptions about this type of education. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding a diverse digital education. Data were collected via an open-ended survey with 30 EFL teachers, both male and female, who were selected through convenience sampling. Analysis revealed several key themes, including the utilization of diverse …

An Exploration Of The Role Of The Disorienting Dilemma In Professional Learning For Academic Library Instructors, Anne Grant

All Dissertations

This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed method design to understand more about the learning experiences of academic library instructors from 2- and 4-year institutions during a professional development session centered on using Universal Design for Learning. Transformative Learning Theory served as the lens to examine data, and the concept of a disorienting dilemma that serves as a trigger for deep learning in adults. The experiences of the participants are explained using data from a pre- and post-survey as well as semi-structured interviews with participants to learn more about factors that may predict whether or not participants experience a disorienting …

The Challenges That Nontraditional Early Childhood Educators Face When Completing Higher Education, Polixeni Pantelidou

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The Challenges that Nontraditional Early Childhood Educators Face When Completing Higher Education by Polixeni Pantelidou

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the challenges that non-traditional Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers face as they pursue higher education. The study aimed to identify key barriers, motivators, and strategies that influence their educational progression and completion. It aims to identify the motivators that drive these individuals to pursue further education, the challenges they encounter once enrolled, and the strategies they employ to overcome these barriers.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative descriptive method, engaging a select group …

Competencies Essential For Early Career 4-H Agent Success, Andrew Toelle, Ed Osborne, Nick Place, Hannah Carter, Dale Pracht

Journal of Extension

The purpose of this study was to identify the competencies essential for Florida early career 4-H agent success. This four-round Delphi study asked three expert panels to identify the competencies required for Florida early career agent success in years one and three. The Delphi procedure is a multi-round consensus building process, with the preceding round dictating the questions asked in subsequent rounds (Werner, 2017). The panels identified 55 year-one and 67 year-three competencies that fell into 15 competency areas. These competencies can be used to develop professional training programs to meet the needs of early career agents.

Thank You To Our 2023/2024 Reviewers, Paul Freeman, William Miller

Optometric Clinical Practice

Reviewers

Applying Multimodal Imaging In The Evaluation Of A Rare Complication Of Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma, Mariana Ferraz Od, Julie Rodman Od, Msc, Jose Diaz Md

Optometric Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background: Retinal cavernous hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors usually encountered incidentally on routine examination. Although usually asymptomatic, complications have been reported and can result in vision loss. Ancillary imaging modalities such as fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography provide valuable information about the lesion and possible associated findings. Case Report: A 66-year-old Caucasian female presented to the clinic for a comprehensive exam with mild blurry vision in both eyes with current spectacles. Her ocular history was remarkable for a retinal cavernous hemangioma along the superior-temporal arcade of the left eye. Dilated fundus …

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Associated With Ipsilateral Bell's Palsy, Patricia Salazar Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background: Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus with spread along the dorsal root ganglion and sensory nerve to a dermatome. In herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), involvement of the ophthalmic (V₁) branch of the trigeminal nerve results in ocular sequelae and often presents with a characteristic pseudodendrite. Reactivation within cranial nerve VII can lead to the neurologic complication of facial nerve palsy on the affected side. Case Report: This case report describes a patient diagnosed with HZO and subsequent same-sided facial nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy) and discusses the potential link between the two …

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis; A Case Report, Amy Garbo Maxey Od, Kristin Wilson Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease disorder that affects the skeletal muscles causing increased fatigability and weakness. When it affects the ocular muscles only, it is known as ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). Patients with OMG will often have symptoms of diplopia and ptosis, which will be worse towards the end of the day. This case report will discuss the common symptoms of OMG as well as the appropriate treatment and management. It will also review the diagnostic tests used to aid in the diagnosis of OMG and discuss the prognosis of OMG. Case Report: A 67-year-old male …

A Most Difficult Conversation, Paul Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Radical Hospitality: Transforming Adjunct Care, Jennifer L. Kritsch, Rachelle Wong, Michael Corke, Ricardo Ramos, Deb Erickson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

What would it look like to actively connect with others instead of fighting to affirm our differences? Could radical hospitality usher in a way to connect with others? What would a deep connection to adjuncts in an educational community look like? This research intended to document adjunct faculty responses to departmental efforts to better support adjunct faculty based on their expressed needs. Further, the researchers examined literature on the ethic of care, hospitality, invitational theory, and the role that leadership plays in making people feel welcome. The research team also illuminated how radical hospitality/transformative care can redefine the relationships found …

Principal Agency 50 Years After The Lau Decision: Building And Sustaining Bilingual Education Programs For Asian Languages, Kevin M. Wong, Zhongfeng Tian

Education Division Scholarship

This study examined how three champion principals of Asian language dual language bilingual education (DLBE) programs—Cantonese, Korean, and Mandarin—in California have navigated the oscillating language-in-education policies after the Lau decision. We explored principals' various roles through a lens of agency in a social justice leadership framework, specifically considering the opportunities and challenges for agentive leadership from three different phases: foregrounding and engaging, planning and implementing, and evaluating and sustaining. Findings demonstrate that the success of DLBE programs goes beyond the overarching language policies that supposedly enable bilingual education; rather it hinges on the bottom-up commitment, collaboration and resilience of principals, …

Using Hermeneutic Phenomenology To Research Teacher Professional Learning, Rosamund Whaley

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

The professional growth of teachers is complex to study given the many factors involved in both adult learning and student outcomes. This article proposes phenomenology as an effective philosophy and method to provide a holistic investigation by describing a hermeneutic study of the professional learning experiences of teachers in the International Baccalaureate program. It is hoped this account will clarify some of the misconceptions regarding the different forms of phenomenology and provide detailed guidance to researchers utilizing this methodology to study professional development and other forms of learning in educational contexts.

Getting Better Faster: An Examination Of Instructional Specialist Role Clarity And Efficacy, Jasmine J. Scott

All Dissertations

An instructional specialist, sometimes also known as an instructional coach or curriculum specialist, plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of education. To fulfill the role of an instructional specialist, the educator must understand the expectations of their role and have the capacity to coach teachers. Effective coaching can play a significant role in leveling the educational playing field. Equitable instructional support requires acknowledging and addressing teachers' diverse needs and contexts (Desimone, 2009). This study is designed to capture and quantify the effectiveness of instructional specialists. This study addresses missing data gaps by providing data from instructional specialists on …

Spatial Mapping With Polaroid Post-Its, Angela C. Dittmar, Katie Claiborne

Arts-Based Collaborative instructional materials

No abstract provided.

Why Researchers Need To Hear Practitioners’ Voices: A Call To Action, David Wolff, Donna Zerr, Carissa Gober

Essays in Education

Educators play a crucial role in shaping student learning experiences. Practitioners engage in scholarly inquiry daily in classrooms and educational settings. Scholarly inquiry varies based on context and student needs. By viewing classrooms as research labs, educators can foster curiosity and develop research. It is the goal of this article to encourage educators to engage in The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning by formalizing their insights into publishable writings.

“I Know How Much He Cares For Our Learning”: Moral Life In University Elt Classrooms, Leila Tajik, Seyyed Abdolhamid Mirhosseini, Mahsa Kashkooli

The Qualitative Report

In Iran’s higher education English language teaching (ELT) context, we explored the moral nuances embedded in two conversation courses offered to undergraduate students majoring in English Literature at one of the branches of the Islamic Azad University (IAU) in Tehran. We collected data through classroom observations, field notes, and semi-structured individual and focus group interviews. Our content analysis revealed a range of moral values embedded in significant incidents, which we categorized into five themes: (a) relations, (b) rules and regulations, (c) assessment, (d) curricular substructure, and (I) culture. These themes were further subcategorized into more specific concepts that emerged from …

Academic Support Programs At Hbcu Law Schools, Marla L. Dickerson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative descriptive case study delves into the effectiveness of academic support programs (ASPs) for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) law schools, focusing on enhancing academic performance and passing the bar exam. The underrepresentation of minority lawyers in the United States, which is attributed partly to standardized test disparities, underscores the need for tailored support mechanisms. Drawing from social cognitive theory (SCT), the study investigates how ASPs impact academic success, informed by participant interviews and thematic analysis.

Key findings reveal four prominent themes. Firstly, effective features of ASPs for promoting academic performance include personalized guidance from academic …

Teacher Development- Going Beyond Conventional To A Collaborative Approach, Scott Robinson

Graduate Teacher Education

Professional development (PD) is a foundation of growth for K-12 educators. PD is the mechanism that allows teachers to improve their teaching by learning new materials or strategies. Teacher learning is essential in providing students with a high-quality education. Not all PD models are equal or designed the same way. There are many types of PD, and some models significantly impact teacher motivation, effectiveness, and student outcomes. Teachers expressed that traditional methods of PD were not meeting their needs and that a more collaborative approach would provide more opportunities for professional growth. Studies indicated that while a moderate amount of …

Learning Resilience: Veterans Of Color Learning Positive Coping Strategies., William Carpenter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how veterans of color learned positive coping strategies to endure the challenges experienced during their transition from active duty. There has been limited research examining the veterans’ of color experiences during their transition from active duty military. The research questions focused on how veterans of color were learning to adjust and cope in response to the adverse experiences they encountered during their transition. The theoretical framework used for this investigation was a combination of Mezirow’s transformative learning theory and adult learning theory.

For this study, seven Black Post 9/11 veterans of African …

The Perception Of The Implementation Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy To Support Black Male Students In Mathematics – A Case Study, Chiquita Granville

Dissertations

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy is a method of education that promotes an inclusive and empowered learning environment by acknowledging and valuing students varied cultural origins. CRP is especially important for tackling the ongoing achievement discrepancies encountered by high school Black Male students in the context of mathematics instruction. This abstract emphasizes the value of culturally sensitive instruction in enhancing black male students' mathematics learning results and experiences.

This research will examine the difficulties faced by Black male students in Mathematics classes, including prejudice, a lack of cultural representation in the curriculum, and a lack of relevance between the subject matter and …

Digital Intelligence In Egypt’S K-12 Public Schools: Educators’ Perspectives, Mohammed Al Mousa

Theses and Dissertations

Technological integration has been a dominant feature of Egypt’s education recently, especially after the announcement of the Education 2.0 initiative, which aims to transform Egypt's education to digital-based and skill-based learning (UNICEF, n.d.), Ever since, public schools in Egypt started adopting technology into teaching practices through online classes, digital textbooks, e-learning platforms, and digital examinations. This educational transformation requires teachers and students to possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become effective and responsible users of the transforming digital education system and the digital world in general, which are collectively known as Digital Intelligence (DQ). Despite the substantial role …

Cte Teacher Recruitment, Training, And Retention Toolkit: A Nationwide Search 2024, Lisa Martino, Sara Shaw

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This updated toolkit is a collaborative effort of ECMC Foundations research fellows from the University of Central Florida as well as U.S. academic experts with experience in postsecondary and secondary CTE teacher recruitment, training, and retention. The purpose is to create a digital toolkit of practical and proven strategies for the hiring and retention of quality postsecondary CTE teachers. This toolkit contains similar information from seven U.S. states and two U.S. territories regarding their CTE teacher policies and practices including lessons learned and best practices. By comparing similar information in a digital toolkit, CTE leaders and stakeholders have easily accessible …

Black School Leader Truth: How Black School Leader Epistemology Influences Liberatory Mindset Development In Their Staff, Orpheus Williams

Dissertations

Black students in the United States have consistently been denied access to empowering, culturally affirming, and responsive learning experiences in the traditional public system. The epistemological and pedagogical beliefs embedded in a liberatory mindset can subvert this pattern of disempowerment (Shujaa, 1998). Black school leaders (BSLs) who understand the systemic and institutional pressures Black children may face and have to overcome, having undergone similarly racialized experiences in school, are uniquely placed to create liberatory spaces for Black students by recruiting and developing these liberatory mindsets in their staff. This instrumental case study used qualitative research methods of front-porch pedagogy (McTighe …

Promoting Positive White Racial Identity Development In K-12 Teachers: A Qualitative Case Study, Johnny Cole

Educational Studies Dissertations

The process of racial identity development (RID) is widely agreed to be the process by which an individual comes to understand the role race plays in their sense of self, how it influences their ability to acquire information and reach goals, how it affects their interpersonal interactions with others, and the manner in which it assigns group membership in the larger society. The formative years students spend in K-12 educational environments can play an important role in their RID; thus educators’ awareness of these developmental processes can potentially help dismantle the systems of inequity within a critical race theory framework …

An Exploration Into Urban Middle School Teachers’ Perspectives On Student Voice And Their Classroom Management Approaches, Gina D. Upshaw

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

Abstract

This dissertation explored the intersectionality between student voice and classroom management within middle school educational settings through the perspective of ten urban middle school teachers. Classroom management is defined as the array of techniques educators employ to foster an environment conducive to learning, often characterized by order, focus, and positivity. This encompasses the establishment of explicit expectations and procedures, adept handling of student behaviors, and the promotion of an ambiance that nurtures student engagement and scholastic achievement. The significance of adept classroom management is particularly pronounced in urban middle schools, where it is pivotal for engendering affirmative learning contexts. …

Social Constructivist Mentoring Program To Support Teacher Professional Development: An Action Research Approach, Kurniawan Yudhi Nugroho, Choiril Anwar, Hartono Hartono

The Qualitative Report

Despite the presence of various TPD initiatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations, English teachers in the private universities in Indonesia continue to encounter challenges in accessing TPD programs, that fit their specific needs. This study explored the implementation of a social constructivist mentoring program to support the professional development of seven teachers teaching English academic writing. Using an action research approach, this mentoring emphasized collaborative inquiry, reflective practice, and continuous improvement. We opted for a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding and exploration of the learning process within the program. Data were collected from multiple resources such as interviews, …