Metacognition involves the monitoring, regulation, and evaluation of one's own cognitive processes and is known to enhance educational outcomes and retention in students (Bruin & Van Gog, 2012). This study assessed metacognitive practices among college students at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, by administering existing…

The roles and responsibilities of colleges and universities vary globally but a common objective remains to prepare students for life after graduation. Institutions of higher education emphasize career readiness within their students' chosen fields of study. Digital literacy has become an important part of this employability in a time defined by…

Student Learning Objectives (SLOs), as a measure of students' academic growth, have been broadly used in the evaluation of teacher effectiveness. In this research I employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design and incorporated four studies to investigate using SLOs in teacher evaluation in South Carolina (SC). For Study 1 and Study 2, I…

Higher education institutions have been grappling with significant enrollment declines and have urgently implemented retention strategies to sustain their student populations amid shifting demographics and economic challenges (American Association of Community Colleges, 2023; Hanover Research, 2021). However, these programs often neglect the…

The problem addressed in this study was the trend of students completing health sciences stackable credentials not pursuing the related health sciences associate degree after completing the stackable credential, despite the availability of the streamlined pathway. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study utilizing semi-structured…

Although African Americans and other minoritized groups have gradually increased in the number of students graduating with a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree over the years, these groups remain underrepresented in STEM. Among the many factors contributing to the lack of representation is "college…

The retention of undergraduate students through graduation must be integral to the ongoing mission of higher education institutions. Students with a working knowledge of hope theory and positive psychology interventions can increase their sense of hope surrounding academic goal attainment, thereby reinforcing their path to graduation. A one-group…

This research aimed to determine if community college students who complete an associate degree before transferring are likelier to complete a baccalaureate degree than those who transfer before completing an associate degree. Additionally, this study examined if the type of institution, public vs. private, that a student transfers to impacts…

Students with disabilities often encounter challenges when solving mathematical word problems. This case study used an Improvement Science approach in a 15-week Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle where leadership approaches and collaborative structures were utilized to support teachers as they implemented problem-solving and goal-setting strategy to help…

Although many kinship and foster youths have clear academic ambitions during high school, research indicates that many do not graduate high school, and fewer complete a college degree compared to non-foster youth. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to explore and advance an understanding of the experiences that influence…

This Narrative Analysis examines the complex connection between financial literacy and the experiences of first-generation low-income students attending a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Given the rising expenses associated with higher education, students who are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary…

Food insecurity among students is a problem on college campuses. The most comprehensive study to date, conducted by the HOPE Foundation, found that 42% of community college students experience food insecurity (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018). Despite the awareness that food insecurity exists and awareness that food insecurity can cause physical,…

This dissertation delves into the pedagogical implications of handheld/mobile game features on EFL learners' vocabulary learning outcomes. The research is segmented into two comprehensive studies. The first study, a systematic review spanning from 2011 to July 2022, scrutinizes empirical research detailing the correlation between various game…

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine how the application of the community cultural wealth model can help raise the capacity of first-generation Latino at-promise youth towards finding greater educational success in a secondary school setting. Participants included first generation Latino at-promise students and their parents…

This qualitative research study employed the Diverse Learning Environment Model to examine how dual credit/dual enrollment course participation by Native American students impacts their college readiness and transition to college. Literature shows that students who take dual credit/dual enrollment in high school are more likely to graduate from…