A growing, research-based consensus supports addressing our nation's literacy crisis through instruction aligned with the Science of Reading (SoR). We recognize, however, that the complexity of SoR content, alongside the multiplicity of instructional decisions and practices, and the unique features of each classroom and school, make simple…

The use of design assignments for teaching, learning, and assessment is considered a signature of technology education. However, there are difficulties in the valid and reliable assessment of features of quality within designerly outputs. In light of recent educational reforms in Ireland, which see the introduction of classroom-based assessments…

This study compared three approaches for handling a fourth level of nesting when analyzing cluster-randomized trial (CRT) data. Although CRT data analyses may include repeated measures, individual, and cluster levels, there may be an additional fourth level that is typically ignored. This study examined the impact of ignoring this fourth level,…

Optimal design of multisite randomized trials leverages sampling costs to optimize sampling ratios and ultimately identify more efficient and powerful designs. Past implementations of the optimal design framework have assumed that costs of sampling units are equal across treatment conditions. In this study, we developed a more flexible optimal…

This study sought to develop and validate an instrument to test the self-efficacy of teaching engineering design. This study is part of a larger effort to develop an instrument for both pre-service and in-service teachers of Science, Technology, and Engineering education. The focus of this study is on the initial instrument creation process and…

At the onset of widespread COVID-19 in early 2020, institutions of higher education were abruptly faced with the need to rely on educational technology as a primary mode of teaching students, referred to as emergency remote teaching (ERT). Almost overnight, there was a corresponding and urgent need for instructional designer support and expertise.…

This study explored apprenticeships as a means of workforce development and the creation of new talent pools within manufacturing companies. An apprenticeship is an arrangement between an individual, a company, and in some instances an academic provider to learn a trade or a job through the combination of academics and on-the-job training (OJT).…

Multistage adaptive testing (MST) has become popular in the testing industry because the research has shown that it combines the advantages of both linear tests and item-level computer adaptive testing (CAT). The previous research efforts primarily focused on MST design issues such as panel design, module length, test length, distribution of test…

High schools must format the master schedules and designate a specific number of instructional minutes to help promote student growth. School leaders that attempt to enhance Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment growth scores need an opportunity to utilize a master schedule that fits their needs and to support continued growth. With the emergence of…

The field of Cryptography is rapidly evolving, and the development of quantum computers is on the rise. Lattice-based cryptosystems are promising candidates for quantum resistance, and it is the responsibility of institutions to prepare students for related careers. Undergraduate students in mathematics and mathematics-adjacent fields can -- and…

The purpose of this dissertation is to develop principles and strategies for and identify limitations of multisite cluster randomized trials in the context of partially and fully nested designs. In the first study, I develop principles of estimation, sampling variability, and inference for studies that leverage multisite designs within the context…

"Designing Our Own Support: Grassroots Course Design Efforts for Social Justice in Technical and Professional Communication" is a multi-stage participatory project that focuses on supporting instructors who emphasize social justice in their TPC courses. Working cross-institutionally with five instructors, I developed a prototype tool for…

The engineering design process is very involved, and it is easy to superficially treat some design steps by rushing through them. This superficial treatment not only jeopardizes student learning of good design thinking skills, but it also fosters a sense of busywork because students feel as though they are just checking boxes rather than engaging…

Spreadsheets help businesses run effectively and efficiently. However, many spreadsheets contain errors. Research provides taxonomies and guidance on preventing spreadsheet errors; this information often is not incorporated into training. Training students to use Excel functions and good spreadsheet practices is critical. This instructional…

In Early Childhood Education (ECE) stage there are different models of classroom organization and different teaching methodologies. The scientific literature highlights from no planning models to more organized styles. The relationship analysis between these two assumptions is a key. To investigate this starting point, it is proposed an…