The quality of teachers is now a central focus of policy and research. In spite of this focus, two key gaps exist, and this dissertation helps to fill them: First, mediation models involving the study of the effects of teaching are rare; instead, most current investigations of teachers focus primarily on the effects of teachers, with less…

Although art therapy has been used for over 100 years as an adjunctive treatment method for physical and mental health disorders, the research findings regarding the efficacy of this approach have been mixed and inconclusive. Reviews of the current literature on the efficacy of art therapy have noted the field lacks well-controlled studies.…

The study utilized a quantitative multiple regression research design looking at the association between home technology use to complete school work and student achievement scores as measured on an online diagnostic assessment. Despite a tremendous amount of literature studying the potential effect of home use of technology on student achievement,…

Autonomy is the sense that one has control over one's actions within an environment or that one has some degree of choice over his or her own life. Autonomy support involves an individual who is in a position of authority, (e.g., parent, teacher, coach), taking the perspective of another (e.g. student, child), acknowledging their feelings, and…

This research explores one university's effort to facilitate integrative learning with a reflective ePortfolio process. Integrative learning is conceptualized using a multi-theoretical construct consisting of transfer of learning, reflective practice, and self-authorship. As part of the evaluation of this process, students completed a pre-survey…

Over the past few decades, college student survey response rates have been declining. This is a problematic trend because student survey data are used extensively in endeavors such as accreditation, institutional improvement, and scholarly research. While low survey response rates are not necessarily a problem, they will be if they impact the…

Using data collected through classroom videotaping, student surveys, and the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), the present study explored associations between teacher-provided intellectual challenge, two types of support (instrumental and emotional), and students' momentary academic engagement in high school science classrooms. Results of 3-level…

This study was aimed to investigate the potential negative impact that positive (e.g., praise and rewards) and punitive (e.g., sending students to the office) disciplinary techniques, commonly used within the Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) approach, have on students' prosocial motivation, and how aspects of…