The purpose of this study was to address the role of social comparison in determining individual development by exploring the relationship of four types of social comparison with academic persistence-procrastination and subjective well-being among Chinese adolescents (n = 530, M[subscript age] = 14.59) from both variable- and person-centered…

This study examined graduate students' perceptions of academic bullying and its influence on their mental health and academic success. Graduate students are critical to higher education institutions for research and teaching. Student retention is essential to post-secondary education because it reassures a continued flow of revenues and…

The shortage of teachers is an immense challenge for schools in Illinois, as well as throughout the United States. Districts are changing and adapting their practices to recruit new teachers, but similar changes and efforts need to be implemented to retain the teachers currently in our schools. This research study gave a confidential survey to the…

With a decade-long stagnant 34% Black male college graduation rate, there was little understanding of how and why Black male initiatives, designed to improve Black male persistence and graduation in 4-year colleges, affected retention and graduation-related behaviors, as understood by the Black male participants in such initiatives. This…

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to highlight the characteristics that first-time, first-year students at a small, private, faith-based university in South Florida perceive as part of quality advising, what qualities of advising this group of students perceive as most important for their retention, and whether the advisors…

Several decades of effort have improved the participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but the gender gap remains. Researchers have found diverse reasons for women's underrepresentation in STEM, but less is understood about factors supporting persistence. This study's purpose was to understand how women…

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the new-new-norm in a post-pandemic learning environment. There is a growing number of university students using AI like ChatGPT and Bard to support their academic experience. Much of the AI in higher education research to date has focused on academic integrity and matters of authorship; yet, there may be…

Hispanic and Latino/a/x students encounter substantial barriers and challenges at all educational levels when attempting to find necessary resources in secondary ensembles, graduate from high school, attend college, obtain teacher licensure, and enter the music education profession. Despite data showing growth of the Hispanic and Latino/a/x…

Recruiting and retaining vocational education and training (VET) educators is an increasing challenge in countries across the world. So understanding their transition and retention is vital to the development of a sustainable workforce. This paper draws on interviews with senior administrators of Australian training providers and survey data from…

Creating an environment where teachers feel trusted and responsible is not just a suggestion but a necessity. In this essay, I underline the indispensable role of school leaders in balancing autonomy and accountability and acknowledge the fact that empowered teachers are the cornerstone of engaging and successful learning environments. I discuss…

This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of student engagement in online learning by exploring the effects of salient online learning environment conditions on student engagement and the motivational pathways through which they affect engagement. Survey data were collected from 351 undergraduate students enrolled in various online…

Nationwide there is a teacher shortage crisis. This study underscored the urgency of addressing teacher attrition, specifically among novice teachers in Connecticut. It explored the lived experiences of school administrators guided by theoretical frameworks such as the two-factor theory, human capital theory, resiliency theory, and…

This dissertation aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the distinct challenges encountered by Black first- and second-generation college students within higher education. By highlighting the multifaceted obstacles these students face, this research emphasizes the necessity for a candid and nuanced dialogue that transcends race,…

In a high school classroom, there are many factors that may influence academic achievement. One such factor may be due to the grit of individual learners. While much of the literature related to grit is focused on deficit ideological elements, structural elements, which are often overlooked, may also be present and could impact a student's ability…

Caring teachers play pertinent roles in instilling good values and harnessing efforts toward elevating meaningful relationships with students. Teacher Commitment (TC), a pertinent factor in effective teaching, strongly enhances students' learning, yet it is under-researched, as a mediator to Teachers' Caring Behaviour (TCB), especially in an Asian…