This study captures the voices and lived academic experiences of first-generation college students at a four-year residential college due to the emergency shift to online classes during the onset of COVID-19. What were the academic experiences of first-generation college students in that virtual environment? What were the challenges posed by…

This dissertation explores the role of classroom culture in shaping equitable student experiences and outcomes in science education, and examines how curricular structures might further reinforce equity. Here, equity in science education means supporting student identification, belonging, "and" learning in science, with particular…

This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of college freshmen who maintained good academic standing of a GPA 2.0 and higher and used a Health and Wellness Workout Center at least once a week. The study used a qualitative research design, specifically a focus group, to gather in-depth information from participants. Participants…

Highly sensitive students are in every classroom, but few educators know of their presence or the problems that they face in the learning environment. This group of children often struggle in silence as twice-exceptional individuals who have both significant gifts but also particular challenges to navigate a neurotypical school environment. Both…

This mixed methods study investigated the effectiveness of a novel educational framework, Creative Teacher Preparation (CTP), in enhancing the creative teaching abilities of undergraduate education students during field-based learning. The study focused on pre-service teachers enrolled in an undergraduate program designed for initial…

For-profit colleges and universities have gained considerable popularity over the last two decades due to an increase in non-traditional student enrollment, a rise in the availability of federal aid and student loans, and a proliferation of online courses (Cellini, 2021; Domnisoru & Schiopu, 2021). Despite increased interest in online programs…

The problem is that online learners in universities experience mind-wandering while viewing video lectures because of low rates of engagement, leading to a loss of focus. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore how interactive online activities that relate directly to a lecture can mitigate the problem faced by online university…

In response to the lack of literature, we conducted a phenomenological study of 10 school counselors in four states and nine school districts exploring their experiences providing virtual school counseling services during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many K-12 schools were closed. Results of this study indicated that…

Online learning continues to grow rapidly in higher education. As institutions of higher education develop online courses and students participate in those courses, various issues arise: retention rates, feelings of isolation, and a decrease in feelings of success. By assisting students in establishing both a social presence as well as a learning…

Online assessment is a new introduction in many developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Malaysia, Lithuania, and Spain. The current study conducted a phenomenology study to probe insights about fairness in online assessment. The interview data were interpreted from the perspective of social psychology theory that emphasizes…

The goals for the study were threefold. One was to screen for traumatic experiences and challenging behaviors in children who live in an at-risk, deprived environment in Eastern Türkiye. Using a projective technique, second goal was to explore how children in such an environment experienced trauma. Finally, the third aim of the study was to…

With the continued interest in trauma-informed practice (TIP) knowledge at the P-12 level, it has become imperative to consider the role of teacher preparation programs in providing this crucial knowledge to preservice educators. The TIP program at Mountain U (pseudonym) School of Education (SOE) is working to increase the current TIP knowledge of…

This study examined California Community Colleges' administrator decisions about online proctoring software during the COVID-19 global pandemic between March 2020 and June 2022. Understanding how decisions were made, by whom, what information was considered, and how information was evaluated can support more informed decision making regarding…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how seminary and institute students describe their spiritual and learning experiences when studying scripture in a digital format in Alberta, Canada. Cognitive flexibility theory provided the theoretical framework and lens whereby the researcher explored the phenomenon and was used…

Classrooms on college campuses reflect the heteronormative assumptions of society which leaves queer students to navigate learning in a mostly heterosexual and cisgender world. This can influence students' ability to see themselves reflected in course content and it can negatively impact interactions with faculty and peers. Despite research in…