The use of student-centered instruction or active learning has been linked to higher rates of student success compared to traditional lecture. However, a mechanistic understanding of why active learning "works" has proven elusive. This dissertation explores active learning in Learning Assistant supported courses and makes the case for…

This exploratory qualitative study explored the phenomenon that is leadership in the learner-centered paradigm from the perspective of 16 school leaders who participated in one-to-one interviews. Of particular focus were the factors that influence a leader's decision to lead from this paradigm, what beliefs and mindsets motivate their actions,…

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine how teachers' beliefs affect their use of formative assessment practices. I studied the teachers' values of formative assessments, as well as how they used formative assessments in the classroom. Additionally, I examined how the teachers used the formative assessment results to not only modify their…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how high school teachers describe problem-based learning as an instructional model for student learning in various academic disciplines in the United States. The research was grounded in constructivist learning theory and Problem-based learning (PBL). The study addressed two research…

In this Educational Leadership Portfolio (ELP), I focus on how to create an elementary-level STEM program. Improving STEM education is a priority for the economic health of the United States. Preparing college and secondary students to enter advanced coursework falls on K-8 teachers to build foundational skills and interest in STEM fields. Yet,…

Moral development is a significant issue in education, yet there is no concrete understanding of how moral learning and moral reasoning are integrated into higher education institutions, especially without a religious connotation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between learner-centered practice, moral development, and moral reasoning…

The purpose of this study was to assist learner and problem-centered education advocates and practitioners in increasing the number of these educational paradigms within US public schools. Lin's theoretical framework for social capital and a thematic review of school governance and curricular policies in the literature for each US educational…

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact and interactions of student-centered instructional techniques on College Algebra student engagement, mathematics attitudes, and achievement. At my place of practice, instructional shifts towards student-centered and social-efficiency models of instruction are taking place, supported by…

Millennials and Generation Zers make up the majority of the undergraduate population in universities and colleges. These generation cohorts are better educated and more technologically inclined compared to prior generations. Even with these characteristics, undergraduate accounting enrollment has declined. Moreover, employers have seen a skill gap…

Background: Higher education is more diverse than ever with a drastic increase in college enrollment over the past two decades by those who have not traditionally sought undergraduate credentials, including students with disabilities (Espinosa, Turk, Taylor, & Chessman, 2019; Clouder et al., 2020). Despite the growing demographic diversity of…

Empirical evidence suggests that educational leaders play a critical role in students' learning. Therefore, attracting, retaining, and developing educational leaders have become paramount for educational systems worldwide. Hence, substantial resources and efforts have been invested in creating Leadership Preparation Programs. Research suggests…

Efforts to improve student learning in K-12 education in the US are not new; however, educational research has traditionally focused on individual components of schools (e.g., teacher professional development, leadership, social relationships, programs, curricula) targeting teachers to improve student learning. While these innovations provide hope…

Schoolteachers in China are required by the government to transition from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. Researchers have shown the challenges of and successes in implementing the instructional changes; however, a gap exists surrounding the challenges and successes of reforms from the perspective of teachers. The purpose of this…

School counselors, as career counselors, play an important role in the career development of K-12 students. However, there is a significant research gap in understanding the unique role of elementary school counselors in addressing the career development of younger African American students and their contribution to creating opportunities and…

This dissertation examines the relationship between healthy adolescent development associated with school success in an alternative high school. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the influence of educators who implement youth development strategies to equip students with the internal locus of control to take responsibility…