The process of spoken word recognition is influenced by both bottom-up sensory information and top-down cognitive information. These cues are used to process the phonological and semantic representations of speech. Several studies have used EEG/ERPs to study the neural mechanisms of children's spoken word recognition, but less is known about the…

This dissertation examines the associations between pragmatic meaning categories in English and specific realizations of prosodic prominence. It has been well-established that in Mainstream American English (MAE), prominence is often used to convey contrast. A more limited set of studies suggests that prosodic prominence may also be capable of…

To build an Artificial Intelligence system that can assist us in daily lives, the ability to understand the world around us through visual input is essential. Prior studies train visual perception models by defining concept vocabularies and annotate data against the fixed vocabulary. It is hard to define a comprehensive set of everything, and thus…

In order to comprehend complex and abstract phenomena, students must partake in the process of learning by integrating complex and invisible components without ever physically encountering or manipulating such components. Prior knowledge and experiences will influence the way students assimilate and model new experiences and knowledge. If prior…

In a world full of divided opinions and experiences with law enforcement, school districts are struggling to decide whether to employ a School Resource Officer (SRO). There is history of the integration of police in schools in response to a growing need for safety in schools related, in part, to the rise of school shootings. The tension…

Tactile graphics convert visual information into touchable patterns and braille, providing an essential solution for accessible graphics for individuals with visual impairments. Pioneering research advocates for the potential of audio-augmented tactile graphics, which convey complex information through auditory and tactile modalities rather than…

Implementing the delayed measure feature in music education has transformed the learning experience for students that are learning to read music. By combining cognitive engagement, visual perception, and real-time performance, this approach enhances students' ability to recognize, process, and perform intricate rhythm and note patterns…

Governing board professionals, described in The Chronicle of Higher Education as "a pocket of power advising both the board and the administration," (Jesse, 2023, para. 3) are charged with ensuring governing boards meet their fiduciary obligations and operate effectively. Despite the role's growing recognition as a "linchpin…

Given the inclusion of sensory reactivity as a diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the theorized etiological role of sensory reactivity in the development of autism, adequate sensory measures of sensory reactivity in autism, including measures extending to use in infancy, are needed. Adequate sensory measurement relies on…

Dental hygiene education and practice do not have a solid theoretical foundation to justify its existence or purpose. Life course theory is used to understand the human condition in a nuanced and detailed fashion. Life course theory is used in nursing education and practice, elder studies, criminal justice, and especially in maternal/child…

Within the last five years, more than two-thirds of the United States have passed state laws specific to dyslexia, yet there is very limited empirical research that investigates the voices of parents and/or caregivers (Woodcock, 2020). While the science of reading is at the forefront of conversation in education and legislation in Florida and…

The COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization, and racial reckoning are but a few of the challenges faced by U.S. independent schools and their heads today (Bassett, 2010; Juhel, 2016; Rowe, 2021b). This basic qualitative study sought to understand the challenges facing heads of U.S. independent schools and how these challenges inform heads'…

Novice teachers are leaving the classroom within five years. Educator preparation programs are preparing teachers, but improvement is needed to meet the culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms of today. Transitioning from pre-service to in-service teacher can feel insurmountable while establishing the classroom environment, managing…

Learning practices in education are constantly evolving to provide high-quality education. One of the trends used to provide high-quality education is incorporating technological tools to teach and learn STEM concepts. Implementing physical manipulative tools and virtual manipulative tools in STEM classrooms positively influenced conceptual…

Situation awareness (SA) is linked with actionable decision-making and clinical judgment in nursing practice. The cognitive processes used in developing SA, outlined in Endsley's (1995) model, is the framework underpinning this study and are interwoven into the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Clinical Judgment Measurement Model…