The goal of this dissertation was to explore how self-directed learners assess their learning in informal contexts. Self-directed learners experience high intrinsic motivation and learner control, so studying these learners' experiences provides valuable insights into learning. I pose four questions: 1) How do self-directed learners in informal…

The findings from a systematic literature review of 24 empirical studies of interventions for post-secondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are reported in this study. A diverse range of interventions were examined, many of which appeared feasible and high rates of participant satisfaction were also reported. Differing responses…

Multidisciplinary teams have become a consistent part of school culture and the decision-making process (Buck et al., 2003), however limited and inconsistent research (Huebner & Gould, 1991) is available regarding the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams within the school environment. Current literature provides common themes regarding…

For close to a decade, the Jefferson County School District (JCSD) was characterized by failed academic performance and financial instability. Some of the factors that drove these outcomes include school board dysfunction, poor use of financial resources, failure to recruit and retain highly effective teachers, revolving school leaders, and the…

Mindfulness-based approaches have been shown to be effective in improving the mental health of parents of youth and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, but prior work suggests that geography and caregiving demands can make in-person attendance challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility,…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how the use of behavioral skills training of behavioral interventions with staff untrained in ABA influenced participants' overall experience and indicated usefulness of the training procedure in the Northwestern portion of the United States. This study was guided by the theoretical…

The main objective of the study is to identify a set of factors with regard to online training environment that may lead to increased performance and satisfaction for online trainees. Around 722 academic counselors who will join the Academic counselors training programme (ACT-Online) of IGNOU and around 20 instructors/evaluators involved in the…

Home care workers deliver care services to community-dwelling seniors across Canada, but home care workers' variable education and unfamiliarity with assessment data systems can impede client-centered care. This pilot study therefore examined the effectiveness and feasibility of five educational modules on geriatric care, developed with a…

Effective communication requires a good message delivered through an effective channel and received by a receptive individual. When that communication is successful, the result is enhanced credibility and trust between the sender and the receiver. Telling the Extension story effectively requires both relevant, credible data to compose a clear…

This research paper is based on a broader exploratory case study of a sustainability tour that the authors undertook. The larger study explored "the concept of learning application through the case of a sustainability tour" (Gillard, 2016, p. 226 ). The tour was part of a certificate program for sustainable community development offered…

Using phenomenological methodology, the authors explored the experiences of 11 men in a master's-level counseling program. Participants described the challenges and advantages of being a minority in number, being in a relational environment, and having an awareness of a patriarchal system. These findings suggest the importance of counselor…

The rapid needs assessment and response technique (RNR) is a useful tool for Extension professionals seeking ways to improve workshop structure. Facilitators using RNR organize workshop participants in small groups and then rotate the groups through a series of stations where participants dialogue on questions central to the workshop topic. The…

Two 4-H Camp-related bus tours offered new nontraditional professional development (PD) experiences that better align Extension's PD opportunities with the organization's experiential education pedagogy. Creating quality PD opportunities for employees is important because such experiences can affect overall work performance, community connections,…

Schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) is a three-tiered framework for preventing and addressing challenging behavior and improving school climate. SWPBIS requires ongoing coaching and consultation to ensure implementation fidelity and improve the efficiency and efficacy of data-based decision making and problem-solving…

Purpose: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) exhibit social and motor impairments and circumscribed interests/behaviors that contribute to lower physical activity (PA) levels. Despite the need for exercise interventions for these children, there is a dearth of evidence-based treatments. This study…