This study serves to collate and evaluate measures of self-directed learning (SDL), with the goal of guiding the measurement and discussion of SDL. Used in a variety of settings, many applications of SDL have been proposed, but a consistent definition has yet to be formulated. Despite the lack of a cohesive definition, several tools exist to…

This quantitative study investigated the perceptions and experiences of K-12 teachers utilizing social media platforms for self-directed professional development. Through a survey administered to 111 public elementary school teachers in Mississippi, data was collected to analyze various factors influencing teachers' engagement with social media…

Higher education institutions have recently increased the number of online courses offered to students. A need exists to understand student success within asynchronous self-paced online education programs. This study explores the factors that impact student success in the Independent Study Program (iStudy) at the University of Mississippi,…

This study examines Arkansas early childhood practitioners' propensity for self-directed learning when using mobile phones to participate in self-paced online professional development. Further, the activity system model provides context for understanding practitioners' willingness to use technology, like smartphones, to adopt new information when…

This dissertation explores the transformative evolution of online learning, focusing on its role in K-12 online education and the critical issue of student engagement. Tracing its origins from early correspondence courses to today's dynamic, technology-driven platforms, this research examines how online learning has revolutionized educational…

The COVID pandemic was an unprecedented event declared a worldwide pandemic in March 2020, which caused a disruption among the graduate students and faculty instructors of colleges and universities nationwide. The purpose of this instrumental qualitative case study was to explore the challenges brought about by the phenomenon faced by faculty…

The field of adult learning theory, or how adults learn, has exploded in recent years yielding increased knowledge and awareness of how adults learn. While preachers do have a wide variety of ages in their congregations, most of the people they preach to are adults. This dissertation looks at preaching and adult learning theory and what the…

Professional development (PD) hours are required for licensure renewal for the more than 110,000 teachers in Ohio. Despite being entrenched in the culture of education; many teachers view PD negatively. In this qualitative study, three structures of PD are studied to determine their impact on teacher attitudes. These three structures are online…

For many learners in the United States, the education system has been dominated by compulsory education that largely ignores the learning that can happen when learners are able to follow their curiosity and explore without significant adult intervention. The research problem was that despite a wide body of literature on the benefits of…

The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to assess if and to what extent differences exist in teacher self-efficacy for implementing self-regulated learning (SRL) instruction (direct instruction, providing choices, providing challenges and complex tasks, and building in evaluation) between novice and veteran middle school teachers in…

This dissertation examines the integration of behavior analytical procedures into teaching performing arts dance skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mainly the innovative use of song-lyrics self-instruction. Individuals with ASD often face unique challenges, including social communication delays, limited play interests, and…

This dissertation addresses the critical issue of student e-readiness for online learning, particularly in developing countries where the challenges and disparities in access to technology and digital literacy are pronounced. Despite the increasing adoption of online education, the readiness of students to effectively engage in e-learning remains…

The purpose of this quantitative correlational retrospective cohort study was to investigate Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student use of practice quizzes (self-study retrieval practice) and their relationship to academic achievement as a part of self-regulated learning in a foundational science course in the first year of doctoral curriculum.…

This study examines the role Google Calendar has in improving Self-Regulated Learning (SRL), planning, and time management in post-secondary students with intellectual disabilities (ID). Individuals with ID experience difficulties in executive functioning (EF) skills, such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment,…

This study explores students' perspectives regarding high school students receiving an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree while taking dual enrollment with career and technical education courses in the Engineering Systems Technology (EST) program. Using a qualitative study, the research captures the experiences and viewpoints of program…