The field of adult learning theory, or how adults learn, has exploded in recent years yielding increased knowledge and awareness of how adults learn. While preachers do have a wide variety of ages in their congregations, most of the people they preach to are adults. This dissertation looks at preaching and adult learning theory and what the…

The purpose of this study was to use a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology to understand the learning experiences of trainers who completed a professional development trainer certification. Specifically, this study explored how trainers described their learning experiences, the catalysts trainers identified as instrumental to their…

This dissertation describes the experience of a group of international school teachers engaging in a cooperative inquiry exploring the influence of mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (MBSEL) practices on their personal and professional lives. The current reality for educators is one of systemic stress and burnout, with teachers working…

This research study investigated the coaching effectiveness of 1st-year principals in low-performing schools, employing the International Coach Federation (ICF) coaching framework. The study aimed to provide insights into how successful ICF-coached principals perceive coaching's utility, transfer learning from coaching to their leadership roles,…

Online teaching and learning has become a primary focal point for higher education administrators. Institutions have focused their strategic plans to maximize opportunities to grow their campuses, through distance education. A consistent issue that has surfaced with distance education initiatives is teacher preparation for online education. The…

This thesis project offers a reflective practice-based learning tool to engage preaching experience--from the hearing side of the event--early in diaconal formation to build connoisseurship of effective preaching as the logical prerequisite to engaging the event as preacher. Chapter One proposes connoisseurship as a fruitful metaphor for building…

Biblical illiteracy seems an increasingly significant problem in the Church today, and the problems which arise as a result of the issue have an impact on both the theology of the Church and the way the people of God live out that theology. In a culture which pushes against the biblical narrative, it is as important as ever to instill within the…

Higher education as a baby boomer brings mental, physical, and economic adjustments, concerns, and insecurities. Additionally, life delivers unexpected challenges and barriers which can cause hardships requiring various types of motivation. Fortunately, there are also catalysts which can contribute toward successes. Literature from four major…

For this dissertation, I tested whether transformative reminiscence training is a viable alternative to facilitated life reviews for older adults. Facilitated life reviews involve structured reminiscence, which is designed to enhance the self-positive reminiscence functions of identity consolidation, problem solving, and meaning-making death…

Scholars and policymakers alike have recognized mass incarceration and criminal recidivism as two of the most profound challenges American society faces. For more than half a century, the United States has been the world's most prominent incarcerator, boasting the highest incarceration rate and the third-highest recidivism rate, with analysts…

This mixed methods case study utilized the conceptions of a program evaluation to investigate the Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher Professional Development pilot project, to provide clarity on the implementation, and to inform the program manager, the Ministry of Education, and school leaders of the effectiveness of the professional…

Elementary school teachers are faced with numerous challenges when teaching science using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This action-research case study looked to explore the effects of a coaching cycle on teacher's increased perceived understanding of NGSS and its three-dimensional design as a way to better implement the standards.…

The purpose of this exploratory study of adult learning was to investigate the lived experience of 15 employees who encountered a significant job loss event (an unplanned loss of employment with no immediate replacement of employment--coupled with an unintentional and tangibly significant reduction in income), and how the resultant fear(s) from…

Research has shown that adult learning is a complex and integrative process that requires an interdisciplinary lens of study. Thus, to understand the cognitive dimensions of learning, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This single case study aimed to examine how the role of language function in self-reflection supports the socio-cognitive and…

This qualitative research explored why older people do not participate in formal and nonformal education. This study focused on older adults who have not participated in formal or nonformal education since their retirement. Recent studies have shown that participation in formal and nonformal educational activities is an effective way to maintain…