Problem: Online learning is a form of distance education that occurs via the Internet (Adams, 2004; Carliner, 1999). The success of online learning depends on student-related factors such as acceptance, willingness, and motivation (Almaiah et al., 2019; Almaiah et al., 2020). When online learning systems are not utilized, students cannot realize…

This study looked at the link between academic motivation, student-instructor relationships, and student engagement on a Historically Black College and University campus. This study used quantitative research methods to identify a relationship between students' academic motivation, campus engagement, classroom engagement, and student-instructor…

The education system in the United States has historically scored low among countries across the globe. The Nation's Report Card, created by the National Assessment of Educational Progress [NAEP], showed that the proficiency in math for students decreased as they matriculated through school: Grade 4 -- 41%, Grade 8 -- 34%, and Grade 12 -- 24%…

As student enrollment in colleges across the United States continues to diversify, teaching and learning practices must keep pace with demographic shifts. The growing majority of today's college student body, dubbed post-traditional learners, is older, racially and ethnically diverse, more experienced in work and life, and stretched by competing…

In this dissertation, I will present social-cognitive frameworks that support the use of mental imagery for possible self enhancement; and articulate and evaluate a pedagogical intervention designed for the foreign language class. This intervention will allow students to explore and develop prominent and vivid mental representations (self-schemas)…

Research into second language acquisition (SLA) has shown that individual difference (ID) variables can be strong predictors of language achievement (e.g., Dornyei, 2003; Skehan, 2003). Traditionally, this research conceptualized ID variables as static and monolithic variables (e.g., Dornyei, 2010). More recently scholars have questioned this…

Beyond the classroom experiences are useful learning endeavors designed to help students connect classroom learning to the real world (Kilgo et al., 2015). The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the effect of a technology-based blended learning system on student motivation and interest in participation in beyond the classroom…

The lack of learning transfer is a significant issue facing many organizations across the United States. Senior leaders and managers must be ready to support the development of their employees to see an increased return on investment. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis study was to explore how employees perceived the…

The objective of this dissertation was to explore the impact of gender, maternal parenting style, and social class on the level of motivation in first-year college students. Existing research has shown that, individually, these three variables can influence motivation in students. However, we do not know how a mothers' parenting style paired with…

Prisons within the United States contain a large population of inmates with low levels of education. Contributing factors of a successful release from prison have included participation in educational services during incarceration as recidivism rates increase without receiving additional skill sets afforded to inmates. The self-system model of…

This qualitative study was designed to add to educators' understanding of veteran student success and offer ways to reframe how they measure veteran student success. Currently, university leaders tend to measure veteran student success using traditional metrics such as retention and graduation rates. This study involved examining whether there are…

The concept of a learning city has existed since the Faure et al. (1972) report proclaimed that lifelong learning was the path to a global learning society where all humans could achieve their best selves and by extension all countries their highest purpose. The rationale for learning cities is built on a belief that "lifelong learning lays…

Researchers have shown that aesthetic design has a positive effect on viewers of web pages. The problem is that the aesthetic design of e-learning courses is understudied, especially concerning nondisabled students in accessibly designed online classes. Thus, administrators, course designers, instructional technologists, faculty, and students may…

This autoethnography explored my experiences in designing a nature-based literacy unit in Hawai'i. Whereas a small body of research highlights a positive relationship between nature-based experiences and literacy outcomes, there is minimal research on the planning process. I wanted to understand the experience of planning for nature-based literacy…

Second language learning success relies on instructional methodologies that foster guidance, engagement, motivation, creativity, and active learning in an inclusive environment. As language educators, it is important to establish instructional modes to entice positive behavior and stimulate the senses. The problem to be addressed by the study is…