This dissertation presents the results and outcomes of an effort to design educational tools and curriculum to improve student learning in introductory programming courses. The work was conducted at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced), situated in the Central Valley of California, and home to a diverse student population. The findings…

Background: Instances of academic dishonesty are common in online learning environments because difficulties in their detection result in considerably low degrees of risks. However, if not identified, the noise introduced by dishonest learners in MOOCs' clickstream data could lead to biased results and conclusions in scientific research.…

In this study, we randomly assigned struggling readers in special needs education (n = 23; 8-12 years of age) to a dog-assisted reading intervention or a similar intervention without a dog present. Students participated in 30-minute reading sessions twice a week for a total of six weeks. Using two standardised tests we measured reading skills…

We examine the fundamental and complex role that time plays in the learning process. We begin by developing a conceptual framework to elucidate the multiple obstacles schools face in converting total time in school into active learning time. We then synthesize the causal research and document a clear positive effect of additional time on student…

Ever since the 1983 landmark study, "A Nation at Risk", was released, educators have been examining the effectiveness of instructional time in American schools (Pedersen, 2012). However, school calendars have remained stagnant and seemingly a product of society and economy, tied to agriculture, for over 100 years (Turner & Finch,…

In recent years, McNamara, and associates Hambrick and Oswald, conducted and published studies which purportedly showed deliberate practice exerts less powerful main effects than presented and popularized in the press, public discourse, and professional circles. Their central aim seemed to be one of correcting a particular misperception, as they…

This empirical study uses a random forest algorithm to examine the factors that influence learners' persistence in online learning at a prominent Korean institution. The data were collected from students who began their studies in Spring 2021, and encompassed a range of variables including individual attributes, academic engagement, academic…

In this demonstration, we implemented the CSS in two self-contained classrooms (Spencer, 2013) to support educators and students with diverse needs. With brief training and targeted feedback, teachers improved their use of evidence-based practices, and student on-task behavior increased. The CSS can be a valuable tool for any setting where…

The aim of this study is to determine the technology of teaching regional economic relationships based on the updated educational content to university students and to determine it. The research was conducted in the fall semester of 2021-2022; the study with the participation of 274 university students was conducted in a screening model. In the…

The Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE) complements the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). FSSE (pronounced "fessie") measures faculty members' expectations of student engagement in educational practices that are empirically linked with high levels of learning and development. The survey also collects information about…

Integrating scientific investigations into science instruction has been a global phenomenon. Particularly in the US, this emphasis has been suggested by the nation-wide science educational standards over decades. However, the details on how the integration could be carried out remain under discussed. The present study focuses on the integration of…

Text comprehension, a daily academic activity in primary and secondary school, is especially challenging for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) students. The present study analyzed the effect of text genre (narrative vs. expository) on accuracy and eye-movement patterns during text comprehension by DHH students (ages 9-15 years) when compared to a…

Middle school students with social and behavioral concerns need additional support. The current study investigated the effects of Class-Wide Function-related intervention teams adapted for middle school contexts (CW-FIT MS) and self-management (SM) in a sixth-grade reading class. CW-FIT MS was implemented, subsequently, for students with data…

Young children spend a lot of time at home, yet there is little empirical research on how they spend that time and how it relates to developmental outcomes. Prior research suggests less-structured time--where children practice making choices and setting goals--may develop "self-directed" executive function in 6-year-olds. But…

Low levels of on-task behaviors can be troublesome for both teachers and students leading to difficulties associated with regulating off-task and disruptive behaviors and providing continuous prompts. Research indicates that students with intellectual disabilities (IDs) frequently engage in off-task and disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking,…