<p> Low graduation rates are a significant issue for colleges. The majority of higher education institutions in the United States offer learning communities (LCs), which have been found to be effective for improving course success and persisting to the next semester. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the effectiveness of LCs with different types of populations and different types of LCs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to identify the most effective types of LCs. Research questions addressed the effects of different types of LCs on different student success outcomes for community colleges. The study was based on Tinto's interactionist model of student departure and Astin's model of student involvement. Studies examining the relationship between student success and participation in college LCs provided the data for the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used to generate the average effect size for 39 studies and 50 individual effect sizes. The results showed that LCs are most effective with community college students when they include additional support strategies, counseling is available to students, one of the linked courses is an academic skills course, at least one of the linked course is developmental, and the focus is on increasing course success or student engagement. The implications for positive social change suggest that LC programs implement two linked courses, include an academic skills course, focus on developmental courses, and provide access to a counselor and additional student support strategies. In addition, LC programs are most effective when the goals of the program are student engagement and course success.</p>

<p> The purpose of this qualitative exploratory research study was to examine the perceptions of K-12 educational leaders who have experience related to Response to Intervention (RtI) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This study was guided by the following three research questions: 1. What do K-12 educational leaders who have systems knowledge and experience, related to Response to Intervention and CCSS, perceive as the potential modifications needed to align the assessment components (universal screening and progress monitoring) of Response to Intervention with the CCSS for Language Arts? 2. What do K-12 educational leaders who have systems knowledge and experience, related to RtI and the CCSS, perceive as challenges that may result from any modifications to the assessment components needed to aligning the assessment components of RtI with the CCSS for Language Arts at? 3. What strategies do K-12 educational leaders who have systems knowledge and experience, related to RtI and CCSS, perceive might be utilized to address any challenges regarding aligning the assessment components (universal screening and progress monitoring) of RtI with the CCSS for Language Arts? </p><p> This research study utilized a qualitative exploratory design and involved eight educational leaders from Southern California. The findings from this study supported five practice recommendations. The first recommendation was for LEAs to develop a shared vision in regards to the role of RtI in supporting the CCSS for ELA. The second recommendation was for LEAs to develop teams of stakeholders to participate in the development of a comprehensive plan, throughout all phases of implementation, to align their RtI assessment tools to the CCSS for ELA. The third recommendation was for LEAs to develop RtI assessment tools that aligned to the CCSS for ELA. The fourth recommendation was for LEAs to select a College and Career Readiness (CCR) or 21st century framework, in order to help teachers to support the CCR skills embedded in the CCSS. The fifth recommendation was for LEAs to create strategic professional development plans to ensure that teachers receive adequate training to teach the College and Career Readiness skills embedded in the CCSS for ELA.</p>

<p> Postconflict governments and counterparts have collaborated to provide skills training to communities as a critical postconflict development strategy. In these undertakings, the role of community members remains largely undefined. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to understand the perceptions held by rural community members regarding the role they played in influencing government's policy priority for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a local human development strategy in postconflict Liberia. The conceptual framework was based on human capital theory and concepts of motivation and achievement. Fourteen participants were purposefully selected for the study. Data were collected from interviews, focus group discussion, and documents and analyzed using constant comparison. Results indicated that increasing human capital, restoring self-esteem, encouraging civic participation, and building peace were among the community members' motivations for establishing a skills training institution. Leadership, advocacy, and ownership were major roles community stakeholders played in establishing their local skill training institution; voluntarism and collaboration were found to be strategies for support to the local TVET initiatives. Findings have positive social change implications for facilitating community-initiated TVET programs for youth employment as well as informing TVET policies in countries transitioning from conflict to development.</p>

<p> The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine if any relationship exists between a cross-section of 48 fourth-grade elementary-school students in one suburban intermediate school, thirty miles from a large northeast metropolitan city, and their artistic judgments regarding the seven elements of art; color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. Each of these elements of art affects our senses and might offer a better understanding of an individual. This study employed a mixed methods interdisciplinary approach, to identify viewpoints that were shared among children, and the works of art. Four <i> Q</i>-models emerged from the data, and were identified as: (1) Colorful and Eye-catching; (2) Perplexity and Animals; (3) Multiple Components; and (4) Nature. </p><p> Q-methodology, a form of factor analysis, was utilized for its suitability in facilitating children's participation in research. The use of <i>Q</i>-methodology allowed participants to be competent contributors regarding their behavior without speaking. These findings lead to a better understanding of students' likes; which can increase awareness and engagement; strengthen motivation; and lead to better performance in school. </p><p> Participant characteristics included: gender, ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White students), socioeconomic status (SES), academic and artistic ability. Findings showed that each of these characteristics were salient factors. The results of this study support the visual arts in schools; can contribute to curriculum development; teacher education; policymaking; text book visuals; and to the field of neuroaesthetics. Keywords: behavior, fourth-grade students, seven elements of art, Q-methodology</p>

<p> Because of the increase of online education options and the continuously increasing demands on teacher time, this case study analyzed online mentoring's effectiveness for beginning teachers in one Midwestern school. Specifically, the case study analyzed what, if any, the effects were of including an online learning forum to modify the traditional teacher mentoring program as well as the experiences of the mentees. A further analysis was conducted considering the administrator's role in the creation and facilitation of an online learning forum for teacher mentoring. To guide the creation and maintenance of the online learning forum, the participating teachers completed the survey 'Beginning Teacher's Views on Practice' three times throughout the year of research. Both quantitative survey data as well as qualitative data including in-depth interviews and discussion board posts were later analyzed. From the survey analysis it was concluded that of the 12 areas of needed development indicated by the participating teachers, nine indicated minimal to strong positive growth. This level of growth indicated the online learning forum was able to provide beginning teachers with necessary career development. In regard to the experience of the mentees, through indepth surveys it was indicated that the online mentoring program often reflected aspects of previously conducted research; however, most importantly, the online learning forum experience provided a structured but personalized approach to learning. Considering the administrator's role in the facilitation of the online learning forum, it was concluded that the role is complex in that no matter the amount of trust and community built between the administrator and the beginning teachers, there is still a supervisor-subordinate relationship that is difficult to overcome. Although this case study offers a general context of an online learning forum for beginning teachers, further studies should investigate a larger number of participants who span several schools or several districts to increase participation and variety of perceptions and experiences. Further, it would be advantageous to investigate how multiple, non-administrative mentors who maintain the online learning forum affect the participants' experiences.</p>

<p> The number of children in the United States for whom English is not the language spoken at home is increasing. The National Center for Education Statistics (as cited in Hammer, Scarpino, &amp; Davison, 2011) reported that, in 2007, 10.8 million school-age children in the U.S. spoke a native language other than English, an 11% increase in just 25 years. Of these English language learners (ELLs), Latinos represent almost 80% (Jerome, 2009). Numerous studies have shown the importance to both students and schools of meaningfully engaging families in the school environment. This comparative case study focuses on the practices of two elementary schools that successfully promote the engagement of families of Latino ELL students and is intended to increase understanding of the necessary relational components, or the ways that individuals are connected, that promote family engagement in school environments with populations of primarily Latino students and a majority of English language learners (ELLs).</p>

<p> Recent changes surrounding the profession of pharmacy resulted in a growing number of new pharmacy programs as well as expansion of existing class sizes. This extreme growth, coupled with changes to accreditation standards which require volunteer licensed pharmacists to supervise student interns for a minimum of thirty percent of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, have created a great burden amongst higher education administrators to meet these requirements, specifically in terms of recruiting, training, and retaining a qualified and committed pool of preceptors. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to identify what strategies the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Experiential Education Section members utilize to recruit, train, retain, and acknowledge volunteer pharmacist preceptors. The following research questions were answered in this study: 1) What are the strategies utilized by American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) schools to: a) recruit, b) train, c) retain, and d) acknowledge volunteer pharmacist preceptors? 2) What are some of the practices associated with ways AACP Experiential Education Section members handle the supply and demand issues associated with training future pharmacists? 3) What are the characteristics of respondents in terms of institutional demographics (geographic location, three- versus four-year programs, private versus public, class size, teaching or research focus, etc.)? </p><p> An extensive review and report of the literature (AACP, 2004; AAMC, 2008; ACPE, 2007; ACPE 2011; Bandura, 1977; Brown, 2010; Cotter, 2010; Dewey, 1938; Dziedzic, 2010; Freire, 1970; James, 1907; Kolb, 1984; Knowles, 2005; Lewin, 1951; Lillibridge, 2007; NABP, 2012; Rogers, 1961; Zlatic, 2001) preceded design of the survey instrument utilized in the study. Experiential education theoretical frameworks highlighted adult learning theories which showed how hands-on, learning in real world settings promoted meaningful learning experiences. The history of pharmacy education, changes in the profession, and updated accreditation guidelines, including standards which required increased intern hours to be completed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist preceptor emphasized the necessity for a strong group of volunteer preceptors to successfully fulfill the needs of the Pharm.D. curriculum. Additional literature (ACCP, 2012; Bird, Duong, Hagemann, Burton, Britton, &amp; St. Cyr, 2012; Bock, Duong, &amp; Williams, 2008; Brown, Barner, &amp; Shepherd, 2004; DiFrancesco, 2011; Flaherty, 2011; Hill &amp; Kirkwood, 2005; McDonough &amp; Bennett, 2006; Mersfelder &amp; Bonthillier, 2012; O'Neil &amp; Berdine, 2007; Popovich, Katz, &amp; Peverly, 2010; Rodis, Legg &amp; Casper, 2009; Yorra, 2012) highlighted how such practice opportunities benefited students, preceptors, and positively impacted patient care. Coupled with the positives of such experiences were the realities of the challenges to recruitment, training, and retention faced by higher education administrators. Barriers (Assemi et al., 2011; Cerulli &amp; Briceland, 2004; Crill, 2009; Duncan-Hewitt, 2005; Gulseth et al., 2006; Karimi et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2006; Lillibridge, 2007; Marrs &amp; Rackham, 2010; Marriott et al., 2006; McBane &amp; Karr, 2012; McKauge &amp; Coombes, 2005; Medina, 2008; Reid et al., 2007; Scarvell &amp; Stone, 2010; Snyder et al., 2010; Sonthisombat, 2008; Talley, 2006; Verstraten et al., 2006; Warren &amp; Denham, 2010; Wuller, 2008; Zarembski et al., 2004) to effective precepting listed in the literature included lack of training, insufficient resources and personnel, lack of confidence, workload and time stressors, handling difficult students, and balancing resident, clinician, and student roles. Practices in related fields of international pharmacy, nursing, and medicine provided studies of best practices in regards to preceptor recruitment, training, acknowledgement, and retention. </p><p> This study utilized a survey design methodology with thirteen quantitative survey items as well as eight open-ended commentaries allowing for qualitative analysis to address the research questions. Active members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Experiential Education Section were voluntarily surveyed and 233 participants answered using online survey collection in the summer of 2013. Data was analyzed and reported in descriptive statistics. Results identified current strategies utilized by Doctor of Pharmacy programs who are members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Experiential Education Special Interest Group to recruit, train, retain, and acknowledge volunteer pharmacist preceptors. Additionally, the study provided information related to the practices associated with supply and demand issues associated with training future pharmacists. </p><p> Findings of this study are useful for those involved in academia in the health professions, specifically higher education administrators looking to fulfill accreditation guidelines for experiential education in a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. Conclusions and recommendations revealed opportunity for growth and development in the areas of experiential education especially as related to preceptor recruitment, training, retention, and acknowledgement, as well as for future research.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Victoria University of Wellington, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

As dificuldades encontradas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem de disciplinas ligadas aos conteúdos de estudos quantitativos e suas tecnologias nos cursos de graduação em Administração, caso da simulação aplicada à Administração (HWARNG, 2001; JAIN, 2014), sugerem a busca por iniciativas capazes de proporcionar um ambiente de aprendizagem que integre teoria e prática empresarial conforme propõem as Diretrizes Curriculares do curso de Administração. Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar os aspectos fundamentais para viabilizar o desenvolvimento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem de simulação aplicada à Administração, fundamentado na aprendizagem baseada em problemas (PBL - Problem-Based Learning), analisando as habilidades necessárias aos estudantes e professores para funcionamento do processo; o desenvolvimento e uso de problemas para contribuição à aprendizagem; os procedimentos relativos ao trabalho em grupo; e, o processo de avaliação. O estudo fundamenta-se no referencial teórico de ensino-aprendizagem em Administração envolvendo desde as abordagens pedagógicas até os métodos de ensino-aprendizagem, incluindo o PBL, onde destaca-se a sua utilização em Administração e o ponto central que são os problemas que viabilizam a aprendizagem, culminando na estruturação do seu processo de utilização. Os elementos que fundamentam a simulação são discutidos, enfatizando a aplicação da simulação no campo empresarial, habilidades gerenciais necessárias à modelagem e o ensino de simulação. O método de pesquisa classificado em estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa envolveu a análise descritiva da aplicação do PBL por uma docente com apoio de um monitor em 4 turmas, perfazendo o total de 170 estudantes, na disciplina de simulação aplicada à Administração de um curso de graduação em Administração, em que foram utilizadas múltiplas técnicas de coleta de dados: observações, questionários, documentos e entrevistas. Considerando a estruturação do PBL em uma descrição das etapas de implementação do mesmo em sala de aula, foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos estudantes, através de um levantamento de seu perfil, desempenho e frequência nas disciplinas, e avaliação que esses estudantes realizaram do PBL apontando vantagens e desvantagens. A maioria dos estudantes (70%) apresentou melhoria de desempenho na disciplina e avaliou positivamente o PBL. Foram analisados 4 grupos de estudantes que obtiveram melhores e piores desempenhos na disciplina e que avaliaram mais positivamente e negativamente o PBL, verificando que não existe relação entre desempenho e satisfação com o PBL, mas existe um determinado perfil de estudante que prefere o método. Foi realizada uma avaliação da aplicação do PBL sob o ponto de vista da professora e do monitor. Por fim, foi concebida uma proposta de adoção do PBL em disciplinas ligadas aos conteúdos de estudos quantitativos e suas tecnologias em cursos de Administração, de modo a privilegiar a construção da autonomia do estudante para aprender a aprender, por meio da transformação do papel do professor, avaliação mais abrangente, uma maneira colaborativa de trabalhar em grupo e entre grupos, utilização da tecnologia como ferramenta de apoio e funcionamento do PBL com o uso de problemas. Conclui-se que o PBL pode melhorar o nível de desempenho, a participação e a satisfação dos estudantes, mas pode ser discriminante. Este estudo reforça o entendimento de que o PBL pode ser aplicado em uma disciplina de uma área de ensino problemática no curso de Administração, contribuindo para enfatizar a necessidade de mudança na educação gerencial, vislumbrando a oportunidade de ampliação da utilização do PBL na área de Administração e o desafio de desenvolver uma cultura em relação à aprendizagem. / The difficulties found in the teaching-learning process of disciplines related to the content of quantitative studies and their technologies in Administration undergraduate courses, in the case of simulation applied to Administration (HWARNG, 2001; JAIN, 2014), suggest the search for initiatives able to provide a learning environment which integrates theory and business practice as the Curriculum Guidelines of the Administration course propose. This research aims to identify the key aspects to enable the development of teaching-learning simulation process applied to Administration, based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), analyzing the required abilities from students and professors for the process operation and the procedures related to group work and the evaluation process. The study is based on the teaching-learning theoretical framework in Administration, involving from pedagogical approaches to the teaching-learning methods, including PBL, where its use stands out in Administration and the central point, which are the problems that enable learning, culminating in the structuring of its usage process. The elements which underlie the simulation are discussed, emphasizing the application of simulation in the business field, the management skills necessary for its modeling and the teaching of simulation. The research method ranked as case study with qualitative approach involved the descriptive analysis of the application of PBL by a teacher with the monitor support in 4 classes, totaling 170 students, in the simulation discipline of an Administration undergraduate courses, where was used multiple data collection techniques: observations, questionnaires, documents and interviews. Considering the PBL structuring in one of the descriptions of its implementation phases in class with students, a descriptive analysis was done, through a students\' profile survey, their performance and frequency in the disciplines, and the evaluation which those students realized of PBL, pointing out advantages and disadvantages. The majority of students (70%) presented performance improvement in the discipline and evaluated PBL positively. Four groups of students were analyzed who obtained the best and worst performances in the discipline and that evaluated PBL more positively and negatively, verifying that there is no relation between performance and satisfaction with PBL, but there is a particular student profile that prefers the method. An evaluation of the application of PBL was carried out from the professor\'s and monitor\'s point of view. Finally, a proposal for the adoption of PBL was conceived in disciplines related to the contents of quantitative studies in Administration courses, in order to favor the construction of student autonomy to learn how to learn, through the professor\'s role transformation, broader evaluation methods, a more collaborative way of working in group and between groups, the use of technology as a support tool and PBL operation with the use of problems. It is concluded that PBL can improve students\' performance level, as well as their participation and satisfaction, but it might be discriminant. This study reinforces the understanding that PBL can be applied in a problematic teaching area in the Administration course, contributing to emphasize the necessity of changes in management education, glimpsing the opportunity expansion of PBL use in the Administration area and the challenge of developing a culture towards learning

<p> The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore how self-identified academically successful students perceived their nonresident African American fathers&rsquo; involvement in their education and to determine ways to encourage paternal participation in schools. Joyce Epstein&rsquo;s Six Types of Parental Involvement Typology was used as assess how the nonresident African American fathers were involved in their children&rsquo;s education. The research design used for this study was a basic interpretive qualitative approach. Participants in this study were students who attend or have previously graduated from a four-year university or college. There were 25 participants in the study. The students were 18&ndash;23 years of age. The data collection method for the study was in the form of a 60-minute in-depth interview with each participant. Semistructured interview questions were used to collect information for the study. </p><p> Data obtained from the interviews revealed eight themes: (a) encouragement, (b) breaking the cycle, (c) sports, (d) help with schoolwork, (e) offering advice, (f) financial assistance, (g) phone calls, and (h) helping others with similar struggles. The participants revealed that their fathers were not involved directly in their schools, as measured according to Epstein&rsquo;s six types of parent involvement, but rather the fathers were involved in indirect ways in accordance to Dewey&rsquo;s view on education. </p><p> Two of the themes were more participant based: (a) the need to break the cycle of paternal absence, so that their children would not grow up without knowing their fathers; and (b) the desire to be of some support and to offer assistance to others going through the same struggle of not having their fathers in their lives. </p><p> The findings revealed that the involvement of the nonresident African American fathers in this study did not conform to Epstein&rsquo;s parental involvement model, but rather their involvement was indirectly involved in their children&rsquo;s education. Physical absence of the father does not mean that he is not important, but rather that various factors may hinder his involvement with his children. Schools should make a conscious effort to foster relationships between fathers and their children. Nonresident African American fathers can make a difference.</p><p>