Learning in a multimedia environment puts many demands on a learner's limited working memory, but this can become even more demanding as the level of distraction increases in a lesson. What has not been investigated much in previous literature is whether higher levels of distraction in lessons are more harmful to some learners than others. This…

The Human-focused Facilitation (HFF) program was evaluated to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the processes used to build facilitator knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This study used an explanatory sequential, mixed-methods design to analyze data from Human-focused Facilitation participants and a focus group that did not participate…

This dissertation describes a research program focused on investigating learning strategies that could prevent individuals from showing inferior motor performance when performing under psychological pressure, a phenomenon known as "choking under pressure." Choking has been studied from the perspective of different theories. Each theory…

The problem that this action research study addressed was the ineffective facilitation strategies used in professional development for teachers. The purpose of the study was to determine whether reflective practices impact teachers' instructional decisions. The study used Cognitive Coaching, a reflective coaching model, as its intervention. To…

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of curricular organization on student cognitive load and student performance in online learning environments. The findings of this study contribute to the development of usable instruction design principles for online education. This research study used the lens of cognitive load theory to…

This dissertation examines the structures needed to create a successful instructional coaching program to directly support teachers and students in the classroom. Districts spend billions of dollars each year developing research-based professional development opportunities for staff focused on increasing student learning (Knight, 2019; Moody,…

In 2014 the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation replacing end-of-course, multiple-choice assessments with locally developed alternative assessments in five courses, including two middle school social studies courses. This policy allowed Virginia school divisions the autonomy to develop the format, quantity, and focus of their assessments…

The objective of this dissertation is to empirically test the effects of personalized gamification on individuals' performance. In order to achieve this objective, multiple experiments and case studies are conducted, and methods to help in the design of personalized and adaptive gamified applications are presented. Gamification aims to implement…

This qualitative, phenomenological study addressed the research question: What is the nature of the learning experiences of leadership coaches that lead to coaching competency? With the increasing recognition of leadership coaching as a meaningful leadership development experience (Allen & Hartman, 2008; Maltbia, Marsick, & Ghosh, 2014;…

The challenges of entrepreneurship make learning integral to the entrepreneurial process. However, many entrepreneurs work in relative isolation and lack opportunities to engage with peers in ways that promote meaningful reflection and learning. This study explores the experience of group coaching as a setting for meaningful learning and change in…

Educational experts identified certification as a measure of knowledge and a tool to promote excellence that can be used to enhance education to advance specialized competency. As this tool is promoted in the preparation of nurse educators, resources must focus on how the continuing education efforts impact the classroom environment. Little has…

This qualitative study examines the experiences associated with instructional coaching in Title I schools. The experiences of eight teachers and four instructional coaches are represented within the study. The personal experiences and beliefs are provided in the data collection process through the use of one-on-one interviews. Additional accounts…

In Barkley's (1997a, 1997b) model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), he proposes that working memory deficits resulting from ADHD may cause impairments in reading comprehension. ADHD has been associated with poorer processing speed and working memory as well as academic underachievement in some studies. However, more research is…

This qualitative, multiple case study examined teachers' perceptions and strategies used to elicit emotional expression in students' piano playing. Since much of the existing literature depicts the relationship between emotion and music (Juslin, 1997; Perrson, 1993; Tait, 1992), yet little exists which explores conceptualizations of emotion…

This study explored the role of reflection in the personal life-coaching process and the ways it affects clients' change, as perceived by both coach and client. Underlying this study is that coaching is currently recognized as a learning process, yet how reflection is understood or used is currently unspecified. Insights gained from the adult…