Contributions to conservation biology research are traditionally approached from an ecology and evolutionary biology perspective, but education research can be equally valuable. Population genetics research can inform management decision-making while education research can improve how we teach conservation. My dissertation tackles conservation…

This dissertation aims to present an emerging theory of leadership for active learning organizations in higher education by clarifying factors leaders should integrate to facilitate adaptability. The emergent theory is grounded in multi-year mixed methods action research exploring the role of design, delivery, and leadership of a reflective action…

This research study conducted a meta-analysis to integrate the studies that investigated the effectiveness of project-based learning on academic achievement based on a worldwide higher-education population. The researcher explored the variables that previous meta-analysis studies used to evaluate academic achievements, such as student grade point…

This research study sought to examine the relationship between classroom culture, active learning strategies, and higher education success for adult learners. This mixed-method correlational and causal-comparative research design determined that adult learners have a readiness to learn and an increased need for the teaching to be centered around…

In higher education, researchers have shown that student engagement is related to personal development and learning. The overall purpose of this non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational study was to examine differences in student engagement across active learning experiences in prelicensure nursing clinical education. The specific active…

There is a plethora of research showing the effectiveness of active learning in a variety of academic disciplines; however, very few higher education faculty implement these techniques effectively into their classrooms. Departmental teaching culture influences the use of active learning as faculty's teaching behaviors often reflect the shared…

As nontraditional student numbers are rising, it is critical to the students' and to colleges' success to determine what works for the nontraditional student. By using a mixed methods research design to study Tinto's Integration Theory, the researcher collected and analyzed data to determine whether there are relationships between classrooms'…

Critical thinking (CT) is a 21st-century skill critical in education and learning. Second language teaching has focused on language form, and there needs to be a shift from form-focused instruction to a function-focused paradigm, where students simultaneously practice language learning and deal with real-world issues in authentic contexts…

The present study investigated the experiences of educators who taught in the virtual world Second Life®. Second Life has shown promise in the field of higher education but identified gaps exist: the identification of a set of best practices, a foundational theory, and educators' experiences using Second Life in higher education. Using a single…

The education and training of future food and nutrition professionals plays a vital role in preparation for managing complex food and nutrition problems. Within food systems, food???? and nutrition professionals provide nutrition education to individuals and families and work to ensure? ?access???? to nutritious and culturally significant foods.…

Effective integration of active learning technology tools in classrooms is a key component of 21st century higher education classrooms. Challenged with outdated technology access and traditional classrooms, a local university in North Carolina initiated a strategic plan to update classrooms and laboratories with the 21st century technology. The…

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…

Vision and Change states that one of the major changes in the way we design biology courses should be a switch in approach from teacher-centered learning to student-centered learning and identifies active learning as a recommended methods. Studies show performance benefits for students taking courses that use active learning. What is unknown is…

A growing number of college leaders are making assumptions that traditional classroom spaces designed primarily for lecture are less effective than more flexible learning spaces in supporting student engagement and learning. As a result, many post-secondary institutions are investing significant resources into the development of new and improved…

The educational attainment gap is a concern in colleges and universities throughout the nation. More Whites obtain degrees than Black and Latino students. The problem is more critical with Black and Latino men, who represent an even smaller percentage of students on college campuses. Much of the student engagement research indicated that student…