Since 2010, gamification, a concept and practice, gained attention in academic research. Results of its effectiveness were mixed and often lacked the use of grounded models or frameworks. Dichev et al. (2019b) proposed the existence of demotivational factors and highlighted two distinct sets of motivational drivers--one linked to game elements and…

The five chapters of this dissertation are anchored around the theme of supporting teachers in making inclusive instructional decisions in science to facilitate active student participation and engagement in science learning for students with complex support needs (CSN). Chapter 1 describes the benefits of inclusive education for students with…

One challenge in STEM education is the learning of technical terms. In order to reason about higher-order scientific concepts, knowledge of technical vocabulary is often a prerequisite. Improving this knowledge may enhance the learning of higher-order concepts because it reduces cognitive load students experience while learning. To that end, we…

The concept of a learning city has existed since the Faure et al. (1972) report proclaimed that lifelong learning was the path to a global learning society where all humans could achieve their best selves and by extension all countries their highest purpose. The rationale for learning cities is built on a belief that "lifelong learning lays…

The purpose of this study is to design and test a children worship service that may facilitate active participation and learning with limited resources. This study is focused on finding elements to design a children worship service with and applying them into it in a small church in contrast of large churches with more resources in space, budget,…

Institutions of higher education are under increased scrutiny as graduation rates decline while student loan debt soars. One proposed strategy to improve completion rates is to give additional support to those students who are most at-risk of leaving college before graduating. Research has shown that first-generation students are more likely to…

Exposing students to quality STEM education has a multitude of benefits: critical thinking, collaboration, relationship building, and perseverance are all enhanced by involvement in STEM activities (Ugras, 2018). A well-trained and diverse STEM workforce is also critically important for the United States to remain competitive a global economy.…

Parental engagement is an essential element in the social-emotional and academic achievement of students. However, barriers to this involvement continue to exist. Barriers may take many forms including time, school and staff perceptions and bias, power dynamic, communication with teachers, curriculum, and differences in language and culture.…

Science museums conduct presentations for their audiences to attract and educate visitors, yet research on presentations has primarily concentrated on whether individual presentations were effective. This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study looks at how the presenter's mental and physical engagements within a presentation affects audience…

The significance of evaluating academic engagement strategies that contribute to immigrants' success has increased in recent years. The influx of immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States accounted for the increase. The purpose of the research study was to examine educators' experiences with academic engagement strategies for recent…

This dissertation addressed the topic of early childhood literacy development in the home environment. The dissertation will focus on studying the early childhood literacy experiences a small population (7 to 10 participants) of single mothers living in the municipality of Utuado, Puerto Rico had during this stage of their lives. The single mother…

This quantitative research study explores student-athletes' involvement in educationally purposeful activities offered at higher education institutions competing in a Midwest athletic conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). While there is some research regarding involvement in educationally purposeful…

Educational research on belonging shows that a student's sense of belonging in the classroom can positively affect everything from cognitive functioning and academic achievement to participation and retention (Baumeister et al., 2002; Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Goodenow, 1993; Osterman, 2000; Pintrich & DeGroot, 1990; Slaten et al., 2018).…

The research explores Black and Latinx recent high school graduates' perceptions of their high school English classes and the value they placed on their experiences and their futures. This study aims to amplify the voices of students who have been dismissed from academic research on issues concerning student voice by providing recent graduates an…

The research explores Black and Latinx recent high school graduates' perceptions of their high school English classes and the value they placed on their experiences and their futures. This study aims to amplify the voices of students who have been dismissed from academic research on issues concerning student voice by providing recent graduates an…