Search-as-learning research has emphasized the need to better support searchers when learning about complex topics online. Prior work in the learning sciences has shown that effective self-regulated learning (SRL), in which goals are a central function, is critical to improving learning outcomes. This dissertation investigates the influence of…

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to reveal the empowering attributes that promote successful living academically, behaviorally, and socially at home, in school, and in the community as described through the lived experiences of individuals who have completed a social-emotional learning program. The central research…

The present study aims to examine the effects of a combination of academic and behavioral supports on students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) who are also struggling readers. A multiple baseline across participants single case design was used to measure the impact of an evidence-based systematic phonics program, in combination with…

Procrastination is a well-known phenomenon experienced by a lot of people in everyday life. People sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally put off their tasks even though they might be worse off due to the delay (e.g., not paying bills due, even though they have sufficient funds in their bank account). It is safe to say everybody…

The problem addressed in this study was nontraditional community college students were at-risk of not completing their degrees. The purpose of this study was to explore the first-year completion strategies of nontraditional students at an urban Louisiana community college through the lens of their self-efficacy beliefs. I employed qualitative…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to benefit our understanding of the potential of online homework as it relates to developing and supporting students' self-regulated learning (SRL). This descriptive case study explores the use of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies reported by students in the context of completing…

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 purpose of the study was to discover and give voice to the perceptions of Black and Latino adolescent males regarding their school attitudes (attitudes toward school, attitudes towards teachers, motivation/self-regulation, goal valuation, and academic self-perception) and their level of hope (agency and pathways) for the future. This mixed…

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple case study was to investigate the barriers that teachers encounter when attempting to increase the self-regulating skills of students with disabilities. NVivo assisted in sorting interview questions into nodes that resulted in seven primary and minor themes for teacher perceptions of barriers to…

Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have difficulty maintaining their focus during class lessons and often require reminder prompts from an adult including a teacher or instructional assistant. This study used goal setting paired with a technology-based application and Smartwatch to explore increases in elementary student…

Adaptive Learning, as a new online learning environment, intends to individualize the learning experience for each individual learner. Adaptive Learning suffers many shortcomings, as the date of the publication of this dissertation, however, it is considered the next generation of the learning environment for at least the next twenty years;…

This generic qualitative research study was designed to explain the benefits associated with applying self-regulation skills such as time management, being organized, staying focused, and prioritization, to avoid dropping out of an online college program. The theoretical framework for this study is social cognitive theory and self-regulation…

Online learning is one of the fastest growing trends in education. A practical problem faced by instructional designers and online instructors is how to design an interactive learning activity that benefits content mastery without adding technological barriers. The online discussion forum provides quick solutions because it is usually ready for…

Existing literature confirms that social-emotional development and school climate both impact elementary school student achievement. Yet no study has examined the joint impact of social-emotional development and school climate on achievement. Accordingly, the present study examined the association between school climate, social-emotional…

This study sought to determine whether frequent goal setting could increase the use of self-regulated learning strategies in at-risk college students. The students' locus of control, task value for their course, and self-efficacy were also examined in an effort to determine whether frequent goal setting would have an impact on those variables. The…