Institutions of higher learning generally seek to provide students with experiential learning, professional development, and tools for contributing to a diverse global society. However, many students are not able to connect their learning to their career interest. As a result, graduates do not feel confident that they have acquired the job…

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of social media, specifically Twitter, as a way for women in higher education to connect with one another. Seven women who developed a specific hashtag were interviewed in a semi-structured initial process followed by a reflective follow up. These interviews were transcribed, coded, and sent to the…

This mixed-methods research project investigated how active-duty Marines used social media sites to engage in self-directed professional development and personal support activities in response to their military identities and experiences. Quantitative data was collected through surveys with 200 active-duty Marines. Survey results were further…

This longitudinal narrative inquiry explores the influences on a first-year elementary teacher's mathematics-related teacher identity, employing a community of practice lens. Identity is a complex concept. In this study, identity is viewed as socially constructed through new experiences. These social interactions can be seen as an individual…

An increasing number of international graduate students who learn English as an Additional Language (EAL) pursue advanced academic degrees in the United States. Previous studies have indicated that international graduate students often face several challenges as EAL learners while socializing in English academic communities and negotiating…

In schools today, many elementary school teachers have inadequate training and understanding of foundational mathematics. This lack of mathematical understanding could impact the lessons and activities in their classrooms. This study aims to showcase journeys of teachers' mathematical journeys, their experiences as students, as pre-service…

Empathy is a cognitive and affective skill that has significant impact on both the inner world and professional capacities of leaders in many sectors. The purpose of this action research study was to examine how a small group of teachers in a school-based professional learning community could work collaboratively with colleagues and students to…

This qualitative study examined the narrative of community college educators during their journey to embrace a playful teaching practice. Data collection included the narratives produced within a Community of Practice, focus groups with both students and educators, and document analysis. Data analysis revealed six themes. The first theme, origins…

This dissertation focuses on the everyday life information practices of teens in the Nerdfighter online fan community known as Nerdfighteria. Nerdfighteria is the community of fans of vloggers John and Hank Green. This study examines aspects of everyday life information seeking (ELIS) by (1) focusing on an understudied demographic, teens between…

This quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group study compared the impact of Ennis's (1989) mixed instructional methodology to the immersion methodology on the development of critical thinking in a multicultural, undergraduate senior-year learning community. A convenience sample of students (n =171) were selected from four sections of a…