This multiple case study sought to examine the individual experiences of three different teachers' experiences with learning about and using project-based learning in their elementary classrooms. The following factors influencing teachers' instructional decision making were used: teacher knowledge, teacher pedagogical beliefs, teacher…

While zinc (Zn[superscript 2+]) is a vital ion for cell function and human health, we are still learning about how Zn[superscript 2+] concentration and localization is regulated and the role that Zn[superscript 2+] fluctuations may play in regulating cell signaling and cell fate. Here, we use fluorescent tools to study the interaction between…

Project-based (PBL) learning has been found to improve student achievement, engagement, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills; however, it is not widely implemented in K-12 schools in the United States. Prior research has established several barriers and challenges to implementing PBL in K-12 schools including challenges related to teacher…

This dissertation seeks to understand how a work-based learning project develops the skills, attitudes, behaviors, and Jewish sense of self for three Jewish Federation professionals participating in a larger, 18-month professional development initiative focused on experiential Jewish education. Using case study methodology, this research also…

MakerBuses are travelling makerspaces that deliver hands-on tools and resources to community-wide locations to foster 21st century learning and development. Often found in K-12 schools, MakerBuses provide accessible and tangible learning opportunities for all learners, even in the most underserved communities. This single, typical case study…

Student-centered active learning strategies have been found to have a positive impact on student learning outcomes when compared to courses using traditional lecture methods in higher education. The practice of active learning is strongly linked to physical active learning classrooms (ALCs). Comprehensive studies show ALCs outperform traditional…

There is an increased interest in integrating engineering design into K-12 classrooms because it equips students to solve real-world problems. However, before students are introduced to real-world problems, K-12 teachers may need to develop inquiry pedagogies and establish a learning context that supports student problem-solving. This study…

Active learning, a constructivist approach to learning, can be an effective pedagogical tool. As active learning becomes more ubiquitous and begins to replace some lecture-style content delivery, the built environment should also change. A design case study, "a description of a real artifact or experience that has been intentionally…

It is vital for online educators to know whether the strategies they use help students gain 21st-century skills. One skill that has been identified as important in the 21st century is creativity; however, a gap existed in the literature concerning whether online courses could help students to develop creativity. Thus, the purpose of this study was…

At the intersection of scholarly literature on education psychology and early childhood education, documentation of pre-service teachers (PSTs) epistemic thinking can serve to clarify and guide how instructional practice is interpreted. This exploratory case study fills a critical gap in the field of epistemology by providing a profile of PSTs…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of PBL in a high needs district had a positive impact on teacher self-efficacy, student engagement and student motivation. In general, the findings indicated that the implementation of PBL increased teacher self-efficacy and led to an increase in student motivation and…

Calls for history teachers to adopt inquiry methods continue to go unabated in educational research and curricular initiatives. In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the important role teacher reflection plays in managing the uncertainty that accompanies such pedagogy in history classrooms. Accordingly, this dissertation was…

This multiple case study investigated how teachers utilized C3 Framework-aligned instructional materials created with the Inquiry Design Model in unique contexts. Contextual factors related to how teachers enacted and experienced the C3 Framework were explored, in addition to how they planned, implemented, and assessed C3 Framework-aligned…

Schools that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have been created to address a perceived need to increase numbers of students in the United States choosing and persisting in STEM career pathways. This study compared science programs in STEM and non-STEM high schools to determine how implementing a STEM design impacts…

The world has progressed at unprecedented rates in recent years, but a majority of teaching styles and the delivery of instruction has barely changed since the inception of education. How can higher education institutions prepare students for a new age, when they continue to use outdated techniques? The intended exchange for college tuition is the…