<p> The purpose of the study was to investigate whether storytelling can be utilized as an instructional strategy to enhance undergraduate learners&rsquo; critical thinking outcomes in an online general education Cinema course in the community college setting. The documented inability of undergraduate online learners to display adequate critical thinking skills in general education courses was identified as the area in need of further scholarly investigation. Storytelling served as the instructional strategy of choice due to its unifying quality of communicating information while creating memorable and lasting experiences. The research question guiding this project asked whether there is a difference between the critical thinking outcomes of undergraduate learners enrolled in an online general education Cinema course who are exposed to storytelling as an instructional strategy and learners who are not. The quasi-experimental quantitative design was employed to collect the participants&rsquo; critical thinking outcomes. Two sections of an <i>Introduction to Cinema</i> course, taught by the same instructor, were selected; one section served as the experimental group and the other section as the control group. The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal II (Watson-Glaser II) measurement instrument was used as an end of semester assessment. The participants were undergraduate online general education learners. The independent samples <i>t-</i>test was utilized to compare the means of two unrelated groups with the independent variable consisting of two categorical, independent groups. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the critical thinking outcomes of the experimental and control groups. Nevertheless, the mean of the experimental group&rsquo;s critical thinking scores was higher than that of the control group and the standard deviation suggested a smaller range. Thus, there are indicators that if the number of the experimental group participants had been larger, there would have been a different result.</p>

<p> Technology usage in educational setting has gained ground in African countries, especially in Nigeria. Although technology resources in education are financed by the Nigerian government, the teachers required to use and implement such technology are not always accepting of technology use. The purpose of this quantitative correlational research was to examine any if there was a relationship between teachers&rsquo; perceptions of technology integration, level of technology integration, teachers&rsquo; age, educational level, grade level taught, years of experience, and content areas taught. The theoretical framework of the study was Bem&rsquo;s self-perception theory. Participants included 374 teachers from the Oyo State teaching service commission (TESCOM) drafted from two zonal offices in the Ibadan metropolis. Participants completed the Teacher Technology Integration Survey (TTIS) which was adapted from the Technology Integration Survey (TIS). Data analyses included both descriptive and correlational Spearman&rsquo;s rank. The results indicated there is a positive relationship in teachers&rsquo; gender, grade level taught, years of experience, or content areas taught and technology integration. A moderate positive linear relationship was found between technology integration between teachers aged 30 and below and 50 and above; whereas there was a weak positive linear relationship between teachers of age 30 and below and 31&ndash;40. A statistically weak negative relationship was found in levels of education; between a doctoral degree and Nigerian certificate of education (NCE), and also between a doctorate and bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s. Recommendations include increased technology orientation and training for teachers.</p>

<p> <b>Purpose.</b> The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare the generational cohorts of Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Generation Y/Millennial, as defined by Howe and Strauss (2007), in terms of learning style preferences in the United States. </p><p> <b>Methodology.</b> A non-experimental, retrospective, causal-comparative research design was used to determine whether the independent variable, generational cohort, was correlated with the dependent variable, learning style preference, by comparing Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y/Millennials. Participants were recruited through an online survey and invited to participate via email to electronically complete the Felder-Soloman Index of Learning Styles (ILS), a 44-item assessment of learning style preference. Results were analyzed using non-parametric chi-square tests of independence in SPSS software. </p><p> <b>Findings.</b> The chi-square analyses did not result in a significant difference between the learning style preferences of the generational cohorts. The cohorts were similar on the four dimensions of learning style preferences. On a macro level, the generations were predominately represented by preferences for reflective, sensing, visual, and sequential learning styles. Generation Y&rsquo;s preference for active and visual learning was higher than the other generations. On a micro level, Baby Boomers and Millennials were the most similar (identical on 12 metrics), followed by Generations X and Y (identical on seven metrics), and by Baby Boomers and Generation X (identical on three metrics). </p><p> <b>Conclusions.</b> The variety of learning style preferences and the similarities among the sample inform decisions about the design and delivery of training. A variety of learning style preferences are present in any generation, and organizations should be cautious about adopting stereotypes that lack empirical evidence to support assumptions about generational differences in learning style preferences. </p><p> <b>Recommendations.</b> Focusing on generational differences is not necessary when designing and delivering training. Organizations will benefit from applying adult learning theory and evaluating the learning style preferences of their unique training audiences. Future studies should include a larger sample size from a global population, include Generation Z, and use additional or different learning style assessments.</p>

<p> This study sought to identify the instructional strategies used by developmental mathematics instructors in Missouri&rsquo;s public 2-year colleges to engage students in the learning process, determine the cognitive complexity of the instructional strategies, and find out the support needed by these instructors to engage their students in the learning process. A sequential mixed method design was employed in which quantitative and qualitative data was collected. Initial participants in this study included developmental mathematics instructors from all 13 of Missouri&rsquo;s 2-year public community colleges, making for a total of 494 instructors. Quantitative data statistical analysis was completed on the demographic data, as well as on the rating and implementation of recommended instructional strategies using the <i>Qualtrics</i> survey tool. Qualitative analysis was completed on the instructor descriptions of strategies for engaging students in the learning process. Additionally, three participants were chosen from the survey for case study analysis in which three observations, post-observation interviews, and artifact collections were used to obtain more extensive qualitative data.</p><p> Results indicate that developmental mathematics instructors describe the methods they use to engage students in the learning process comparably to those instructional strategies as recommended by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC, 2006) to promote active learning, while also including additional strategies. How the instructors rated the instructional strategies as recommended by AMATYC (2006) are given in depth. An overview of the instructional strategies employed by three instructors who were observed, and the cognitive complexity of the tasks and questions used in these instructional strategies is given. Furthermore, recommendations are given for the support needed by developmental mathematics instructors to aid them in engaging their students in the learning process. Implications are offered for the (1) AMATYC (2006) Framework, (2) Professional development on discovery-based learning, (3) Professional development on cognitive complexity of tasks and questions, and (4) Support needed to implement instructional strategies.</p>

<p> An Investigation of Higher Education Faculty About Mobile Learning. Serena Brown, 2018; Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: mobile learning, mobile devices, technology integration, learning engagement, instructor perceptions, MLPS, UTAUT. </p><p> This applied dissertation was designed to investigate instructor perceptions about mobile learning among instructors in higher education. The study included the areas of influences of mobile technologies over the approaches of teaching and learning, use of mobile learning technologies to develop class instruction, use of mobile learning for professional learning, influences of mobile learning over the restrictions of time and space when acquiring knowledge anytime, anywhere, and mobile learning to facilitate teacher-student communications. An additional objective of this study was to add a more current literature source to the existing literature addressing instructor perceptions about mobile learning in higher education. </p><p> The writer used the Mobile Learning Perception Scale, a quantitative survey, using a cross-sectional survey design collecting data at one point in time during the study with nonprobability convenience sampling. </p><p> An overall analysis of the data revealed higher education instructors agreed (mean = 3.81, median = 4.00, mode = 4) with K12 teachers (mean = 4.09, median = 4.00, mode = 4) mobile learning techniques and tools were beneficial for use in the approaches to teaching and learning, influential in the development of classroom instruction strategies, useful for professional learning, influential over the restrictions of time when acquiring knowledge anytime, anywhere, and useful for facilitating teacher-student communication. </p><p> The results of this study provide administrators the benefit of insight into instructors&rsquo; perceptions and attitudes of mobile learning at the higher education level. Knowing higher education instructors&rsquo; perceptions and attitudes about mobile learning afford the institution a much-needed understanding of the direct determinants and influencing key moderators which inform behavioral intention and use of mobile learning technologies (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, &amp; Davis, 2003).</p><p>

<p> This qualitative study examined low achieving online learners' uses of social self-regulated learning strategies. Research has shown that low achieving online learners lack strategies for self-regulated learning, which directly relates to their lack of achievement. Social self-regulated learning strategies examined in this study included help seeking, social comparison and social interactions. As learners constructed meaning and struggled with content, interactions between learners and peers, the instructor/instructor's assistant, technical support, and materials facilitated the process. Low achieving online learners resisted utilizing social self-regulated learning strategies. However, according to the research, little data was collected from low achieving online learners directly. This study asked low achieving online learners to describe their experiences, through semi-structured interviews. Barriers to social self-regulated learning strategies included poor attitudes, internet addiction, and exterior blame, according to the research. Self-regulated learning, in general, is linked to higher achievement. This study found that low achieving online learners lacked the use of social self-regulated learning strategies. Additionally, participants lacked help seeking behaviors, experienced social isolation, and held negative views of their classmates and instructor. The findings in this study may assist instructional designers to increase opportunities for social self-regulated learning in online courses, which may, in turn, increase achievement.</p>

<p> Students possess various learning styles and do not respond equally to the same instructional methods. College students today are often uninterested in their current traditional course design. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in learning styles between students who select a traditional course delivery method versus a technology-enhanced course delivery method. Participants included 113 males and 195 females who were enrolled in a College of Business Principles of Marketing course for non-business majors at a large university in the southeast. The students who were enrolled in the course completed an online questionnaire including the Grasha-Reichmann Student Learning Style Scale (GRSLSS) and demographic questions. The GRSLSS consists of six learning styles: competitive, collaborative, avoidant, participant, dependent, and independent. A causal-comparative research design was used to identify a cause-effect relationship between the two groups of students. </p><p> Data analyses included a factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analyses of variances (ANOVAs). Results from this study indicated a significant difference in course delivery methods and gender across all learning styles and no interactions between course delivery methods and gender. ANOVAs revealed a significant difference between the independent, avoidant, dependent, and participant learning styles between students who enrolled in the traditional and technology-enhanced course delivery methods. Students who enrolled in the traditional course delivery method had more of a dependent and participant learning style and students who enrolled in the technology-enhanced course delivery method had more of an independent and avoidant learning style. Males who enrolled in the course had more of a competitive learning style than females - regardless of the course delivery method. These findings are relevant for a better understanding of why students select a particular course delivery method.</p>

<p> Over the past several decades there has been a continuous stream of government mandates aimed to improve equity, access, accountability, transparency, student performance, and/or expand the responsibilities of public schools. These externally mandated school reforms have largely excluded the voice of teachers and administrators both in problem definition and in the modifications needed to address them. Further, reform literature is predominantly focused on improving or addressing urban school challenges, so little is known about the challenges and needs of suburban schools. The gaps in the literature related to teacher voice and suburban contexts in high school reform form the basis of this inquiry. Therefore, this study examines suburban teacher perceptions of four specific, popular reform ideas being introduced in high schools across the United States. </p><p> This exploratory mixed methods study gathered data from 165 suburban public high school teachers working in 20 different high schools in Massachusetts using an anonymous survey instrument. Three findings emerged from the study: 1) successful suburban teachers welcome consensus high school reform ideas that they believe to be favorable for student learning, growth, and development though they note significant challenges in regard to time; 2) suburban teachers experience anxiety when reforms alter structures or methods that they rely on to ensure all students meet high school outcomes for graduation and college entrance requirements; and 3) suburban teachers&rsquo; perceptions of consensus high school reform ideas are shaped by the ways in which the reforms impact academic disciplines. This study found that suburban public school teachers view the four reform ideas presented in this study as likely having a positive impact on teaching and learning in their school; however, they noted several implementation challenges that would need to be considered to ensure the efficacy of those reforms.</p><p>

<p> Teachers today are spending more time with problem behaviors and less time with instruction. Problem behaviors can affect students&rsquo; learning as well as teachers&rsquo; instructional time. In contrast to traditional disciplinary practices, this study explored teachers&rsquo; perspectives from all three educational levels regarding the efficacy of positive behavior interventions and supports. Many programs and approaches are available to improve student behavior in schools. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is designed to help schools create and sustain effective behavioral supports for students. This study was focused on the perceptions of teachers after the implementation of a program of positive behavior support in districts within the state of Illinois. Forty-five school districts were randomly chosen from each region and educational level. The research that guided the study related to the perceptions of teachers on the efficacy of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports system. The research was inconclusive, as teachers reported that the behavior system was needed, but it did not change the behaviors of the students who displayed challenging behaviors. This study was significant as it added to the body of research of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.</p><p>

<p> This quantitative descriptive comparative study compared test scores from the Ohio Achievement Assessment of students who were taught reading in ability grouped classrooms with those who were taught in non-ability grouped classrooms. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive comparative study was to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between reading scores on the Ohio Achievement Assessments Test (OAA) of third grade students who are ability grouped and third grade students who are not ability grouped with regards to gender and ethnicity. The theories examined for this quantitative descriptive comparative study were the constructivist theory and the theory of multiple intelligences. The primary research question was whether or not there was a significant statistical difference in student test scores for the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) in reading in ability grouped and non-ability grouped classrooms, with regard to gender or ethnicity. This study was a quantitative descriptive comparative design using archived data from the Ohio Department of Education and a school district located in Ohio. The study consisted of 334 student test scores, ability grouped males, females, White, Hispanic, and Black students and then the same groups for non-ability grouped students with regard to their gender and ethnicity. Descriptive statistics (standard deviation and the mean) were used to analyze the variables that were under investigation and to answer the hypotheses. Data analysis was completed using independent samples t-test to determine statistical significant difference among ability or non-ability grouped students with regard to gender. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if a statistical significant difference existed between ability grouped and non-ability grouped students with regard to ethnicity, this resulted in a post-hoc test. It was determined that a statistical significant difference did not exist between males and females, regardless of their grouping status for reading on the Ohio Achievement Assessment. When grouping students by ability, there was a statistically significant difference in Hispanic students increase in achievement, when being compared to Black and White students. When non-ability grouped students were compared, there was not a statistically significant difference in OAA scores with regard to ethnicity. Further research is needed to provide holistic recommendations for grouping strategies across curriculum, types of schools, and age of students. </p><p>