Deep learning techniques are being unified for decision support in various applications. However, it remains challenging to train robust deep learning models, due to the inherent insufficient labeled data that is usually time-consuming and labor-intensive. Self-supervised learning is a feature representation learning paradigm to learn robust…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how learners describe what factors lead learners to abandon a learning strategy and adopt another learning strategy and how the new learning strategy differs from previously learned and implemented learning strategies to reduce the extraneous cognitive load on a single science,…

Instruction facilitating the abstraction and transfer processes necessary for deep conceptual understanding is notoriously difficult. Individual differences in learning strategies are one possible explanation for variation in transfer outcomes. Prior work has shown that rule-abstraction learning strategies facilitate knowledge transfer better than…

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…

An increasing number of people are going online to learn in their everyday lives. Learning and integrating new information from online sources can be difficult because it takes time and taxes human memory (Greene et al., 2018b). People must self-regulate while learning online to accurately and aptly learn new information (Azevedo, 2005).…

The purpose of this explorative field study using elements of case study design was to understand how DIY (Do It Yourself) fashion designers learn to engage in entrepreneurship. DIY fashion designers in this study refers to designers who personally design and make each garment without relying on manufacturers. These fashion designers all have…

This qualitative study explored the experience of third through fifth grade teachers that use kinesthetic learning strategies (KLS) in the classroom and their perception of the student learning process. Most studies on kinesthetic learning have been student-centered, and research to examine the perspective of teachers expands our understanding of…

A solid foundation in mathematics is beneficial not only for individuals' concurrent and later academic achievement, but also for future career success and financial stability. Rational number knowledge plays a pivotal role in mathematical success, yet it is often regarded as a challenging area to grasp comprehensively. The dissertation aims to…

Mathematics instruction can work to open or constrain children's opportunities to learn, and the busy, interactive nature of instruction makes it challenging for researchers to identify patterns in high-quality opportunities to learn. While researchers have documented how whole-group discussions and small-group work can contribute to such…

When transitioning to higher education, students need to develop the skills to become self-regulated learners capable of setting their own learning goals and planning and monitoring their learning. Self-regulated learning and academic performance have been shown to positively correlate with effective time management and study skills. There are…

A large proportion of students in the United States is international students. Thus, educational leaders need to facilitate the learning process for this population. This study investigated the characteristics of international students that affect their academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine how individual characteristics…

This three-article dissertation explores Learning by Evaluating (LbE), an educational approach that enhances student learning through the process of assessing and providing feedback on peer work. Leveraging principles of comparative judgement, students evaluate pairs of exemplars side-by-side to determine which is better and provide a rational for…

For decades, urban public schools have been plagued by systemic and structural challenges that continue today. Scholars, policymakers, and the general public have pointed to problems of learning in urban schools and to low expectations for urban students' learning, but little attention has been given to how urban students themselves conceptualize…

This qualitative case study examines learners' experiences in the development of written complexities during Discussion Board (DB) assignments in an Advanced university level Chinese class. Discussion Board was chosen as the avenue for written complexity development because it provides learners a supplementary space with additional time and…

Lexical inferencing is considered a listening strategy that is commonly employed by advanced EFL (English as a Foreign Language) listeners and a factor that contributes to successful listening comprehension. However, investigations of the factors that influence inferencing success in listening as well as how much each factor contributes to success…