Mathematics is the language and foundation for the science, engineering, and technological fields that define and enhance our lives in the 21st century. Proficiency in math requires problem solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are essential to success in college, the workplace, and everyday life. Unfortunately, math has…

This dissertation investigates how collective process-oriented documentation tools, combined with Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, can enhance knowledge construction in hands-on, open-ended learning environments, such as makerspaces. Through a three-year design-based research, the study developed and tested a collective documentation…

This convergent mixed methods study investigated the relationship between the assessment-capable learning (ACL) instructional model, John Hattie's influence referred to as "students driving their own learning," and math achievement in kindergarten. While Visible Learning literature has focused on secondary and higher education, this…

The problem in this study was that despite encouragement from administrators, kindergarten through Grade 8 teachers struggled to use project-based learning (PBL) in a local school in the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS). Rooted in Kilpatrick's progressive philosophy of education and Piaget's theory of constructivism, this…

Project-based learning is used in K-12 schools to foster student agency, engagement, autonomy, and motivation. Constructivist and motivation theories support project-based learning in the classroom. Project-based learning approaches in education use the essential standards of project-based learning to establish in-person learning or online…

This research revealed promising results by merging old principles to new approaches in visual design education. Initial empirical analysis of participants who tested the "mDes" application applying four of the principles of design in comparison to conventional methodologies showed the most significant results of retention for the…

Active learning is critical to the development of lifelong learners. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to determine the extent to which teachers incorporate rigor and engagement in their classrooms. Both of these elements are required to create active learning environments for students. This evaluation study investigated the knowledge,…

The underrepresentation of women in STEM more generally and in physics specifically has been well established (e.g., Hyater-Adams, Fracchiolla, Finkelstein, & Hinko, 2018; Johnson, Ong, Ko, Smith, & Hodari, (2017); Lock & Hazari, 2016), and the field remains challenged by the negative consequences of this underrepresentation. Women's…