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Description
This study tested the effects of two kinds of cognitive, domain-based preparation tasks on learning outcomes after engaging in a collaborative activity with a partner. The collaborative learning method of interest was termed "preparing-to-interact," and is supported in theory by the Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) paradigm and the Interactive-Constructive-Active-Passive (ICAP) framework. The current work combined these two cognitive-based approaches to design collaborative learning activities that can serve as alternatives to existing methods, which carry limitations and challenges. The "preparing-to-interact" method avoids the need for training students in specific collaboration skills or guiding/scripting their dialogic behaviors, while providing the opportunity for students to acquire the necessary prior knowledge for maximizing their discussions towards learning. The study used a 2x2 experimental design, investigating the factors of Preparation (No Prep and Prep) and Type of Activity (Active and Constructive) on deep and shallow learning. The sample was community college students in introductory psychology classes; the domain tested was "memory," in particular, concepts related to the process of remembering/forgetting information. Results showed that Preparation was a significant factor affecting deep learning, while shallow learning was not affected differently by the interventions. Essentially, equalizing time-on-task and content across all conditions, time spent individually preparing by working on the task alone and then discussing the content with a partner produced deeper learning than engaging in the task jointly for the duration of the learning period. Type of Task was not a significant factor in learning outcomes, however, exploratory analyses showed evidence of Constructive-type behaviors leading to deeper learning of the content. Additionally, a novel method of multilevel analysis (MLA) was used to examine the data to account for the dependency between partners within dyads. This work showed that "preparing-to-interact" is a way to maximize the benefits of collaborative learning. When students are first cognitively prepared, they seem to make the most efficient use of discussion towards learning, engage more deeply in the content during learning, leading to deeper knowledge of the content. Additionally, in using MLA to account for subject nonindependency, this work introduces new questions about the validity of statistical analyses for dyadic data.
ContributorsLam, Rachel Jane (Author) / Nakagawa, Kathryn (Thesis advisor) / Green, Samuel (Committee member) / Stamm, Jill (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
This dissertation discusses the findings of a descriptive study of early childhood teachers' musical practices in the state of Arizona. Drawing from socio-cultural and cultural-historical activity theory perspectives, this study utilized an online survey design for 2 months in which 312 participants from distinctive types of programs responded to 42 items that addressed early childhood teachers' music practices, perceived role of music, the teachers' preparation, challenges and needs for teaching music in their programs. The study uses the findings to explore how music is incorporated into the curriculum, its role, challenges and needs for teachers as well as inform policy makers of the effectiveness of music in early childhood curriculum that might bring about a resurgence of thinking about funding opportunities to promote music in different programs that serve children. These results reflected the diversity of most early childhood programs in the U.S in areas of scheduling, types of programs, working environments and curricular approaches used as well as in the duration and frequencies of music activities. However, there was a significant difference between how music was used in elementary versus early childhood centers. The results revealed that, although teachers used music at various times, for various reasons, planned or unplanned and as an integral part of other content areas, there was great variance in the manner in which music was emphasized in the total curriculum. In this study context, music in early childhood education centers was mostly teacher led and its value was geared towards specific behavioral outcome such as enhancement of language development rather than sheer enjoyment and relaxation. Although teachers used music on a daily basis, they were inadequately prepared and most teachers were looking for opportunities to improve their music abilities including required courses and workshops on ways of effectively incorporating music into curriculum/classroom. Funding, time and lack of confidence remain top challenges for early childhood and elementary teachers. The study recommends that music courses be required in teacher education programs and refresher workshops for in-service teachers about how to effectively use music in classrooms be more widely available.
ContributorsOkong'o, Benson Charles Odongo (Author) / Swadener, Elizabeth Blue (Thesis advisor) / Nakagawa, Kathryn (Committee member) / Stauffer, Sandra Lee (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
During the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many universities shifted their focus to hosting classes and events online for their student population in order to keep them engaged. The present study investigated whether an association exists between student engagement (an individual’s engagement with class and campus) and resilience. A single-shot survey was administered to 200 participants currently enrolled as undergraduate students at Arizona State University. A multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlations were calculated. A moderate, significant correlation was found between student engagement (total score) and resilience. A significant correlation was found between cognitive engagement (student’s approach and understanding of his learning) and resilience and between valuing and resilience. Contrary to expectations, participation was not associated with resilience. Potential explanations for these results were explored and practical applications for the university were discussed.
ContributorsEmmanuelli, Michelle (Author) / Jimenez Arista, Laura (Thesis director) / Sever, Amy (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description
We attempted to apply a novel approach to stock market predictions. The Logistic Regression machine learning algorithm (Joseph Berkson) was applied to analyze news article headlines as represented by a bag-of-words (tri-gram and single-gram) representation in an attempt to predict the trends of stock prices based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The results showed that a tri-gram bag led to a 49% trend accuracy, a 1% increase when compared to the single-gram representation’s accuracy of 48%.
ContributorsBarolli, Adeiron (Author) / Jimenez Arista, Laura (Thesis director) / Wilson, Jeffrey (Committee member) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description
Literature on the topics of education and religion suggests that there is a relationship between the two, one which could be assessed as positive or negative depending on the religion. One religion whose impact on people’s educational experience has recently become of interest is the Jehovah’s Witness religion. By analyzing the narratives of people who once practiced as Jehovah’s Witnesses, this paper sought to investigate how religion can impact people’s educational experience, and whether there is a positive or negative relationship. I utilized questions from the Life Story Interview with a framework of analysis that corresponds to common themes in narrative research. My data results consist of narratives from three different participants, which I analyzed according to different narrative themes. The analysis of my data indicated that active members of the Jehovah’s Witness community admitted to feeling less confident in pursuing education. This finding indicated that Jehovah’s Witnesses as students have unmet needs during their years of primary education, such as social support from peers and family members and an understanding of how educational opportunities would benefit them. Findings of the study also indicate that high school teachers might be well-positioned to provide social support and educational information for students in religions like the Jehovah’s Witness religion. Future research could focus on investigating the best practices for teachers to utilize when meeting the needs of students who belong not just to the Jehovah’s Witness religion but to religious minority groups overall.
ContributorsZuniga, Celeste (Author) / Nakagawa, Kathryn (Thesis director) / Theisen-Homer, Victoria (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor) / School of Social Transformation (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
Disparities in schooling in the United States have been well-documented and researched,along with pedagogies that strive to create equitable learning environments. One such
inequity is the overrepresentation of novice teachers in low-income and culturally
diverse schools. Novice teachers have been found to have lower self-efficacy and leave
the profession at a higher rate than veteran teachers. High self-efficacy beliefs have been
correlated with better student outcomes. Therefore, the overrepresentation of novice
teachers in low-income schools is yet another inequity. This mixed-methods,
phenomenological study answered the following research question: How does awareness
of Culturally Responsive Teaching affect novice teachers' self-efficacy? There are two
theories being used in this research project, Teacher Efficacy and Culturally Responsive
Teaching. The results of the study showed that attending three mindset-focused
professional developments on Culturally Responsive Teaching improved novice teachers'
self-efficacy in student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom
management. Based on these promising outcomes, it is suggested that pre-service and
novice teachers be provided with Culturally Responsive instruction opportunities and
mentorship. Further research should be done with larger sample sizes and with
classroom observations.
ContributorsHargous, Kelsey (Author) / Scott, Kimberly (Thesis advisor) / Nakagawa, Kathryn (Committee member) / Tobias, Evan (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Since the genesis of the long experimental project known as the United States of America, the country has invested in the creation, implementation and maintenance of exclusionary policies and practices which have effectually denied whole and equitable access to educational spaces for Black children. These conventions have presented in a myriad of ways from: ignorance compulsory laws, segregation, disparate rates of school suspensions and expulsions, school closures, school funding inequities, denial of access to rigorous classes, burdensome school admissions policies and the disproportionate funneling of Black children into disabled and low-track class designations. Throughout this constant contortion of approaches to educational exclusion, Black mothers have had to guide, cover and encourage their children as they navigate these barriers and dodge the pitfalls of educational removal. This critical ethnographic oral history seeks to investigate the ways that a grassroots community organizing group led by a cadre of Black othermothers, known as the Aurora Coalition of Black Mothers, strategize to challenge the educational structures that support pushout and the continued exclusion of Black children from schools. Employing the frames of Critical Race Theory, BlackCrit and Black Feminist Thought, this study seeks to interrogate the following overarching concerns: 1) How does the mothers’ standpoint affect their response to school system inequities. 2)What is the influence of their efforts towards school equity? What is revealed is the mothers’ ability to employ a strategic wisdom that acknowledges the limits of systems change, perseveres against the intractability of White supremacy and works towards a freer Black education future for their children.
ContributorsDemps, Dawn M. (Author) / McGuire, Keon (Thesis advisor) / Nakagawa, Kathryn (Thesis advisor) / Bertrand, Melanie (Committee member) / Sampson, Carrie (Committee member) / Stovall, David (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021