The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the relationship between social skills and dramatic arts. In an effort to explore and eventually eradicate the negative problems plaguing today's generation, this study sought to question youth who may have grappled with social and communicative problems during their matriculation in…

Believe-Empathy-Wellness-Empower-Listen-Learn (BE WELL) program offers a promising replacement for traditional punitive suspensions in California schools. Amidst the over 6 million suspensions reported in 2022, this on-campus program fosters self-reflection, academic growth, and life skills within a compassionate and accepting learning…

The first year of college is a time of challenging transition for many. Students are adapting to a new way of learning as well as developing as adults. Using a mixed methods design, this action research study aimed to provide insight into the student experience for academically at-risk first-year students in a health professions program at a…

Noncognitive factors, such as persevering, having grit and self-control, using metacognition and setting goals, and exhibiting a growth mindset, are considered intrapersonal characteristics necessary for lifelong success both in and out of school. However, most U.S. elementary schools do not concentrate specifically on developing most noncognitive…

The researcher explored the impact of a student voice initiative (SVI), the Student Ambassador Council (SAC), on the social-emotional competencies (SECs) of middle school, 5th-8th grades students. Drawing upon the principles of youth empowerment, more specifically Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), and social-emotional learning (SEL), the…

The purpose for this study was to examine the perceptions of students' preparation and development of cultural competence during university coursework in the field of dietetics. A secondary aim of the study was to examine if cultural competency training is provided in the university curriculum for prospective nutrition professionals in their role…

This study tells the story of first-grade teachers as they have experienced the return to the school building after year-long building closures. It identifies changes needed to support students' social-emotional needs having missed their kindergarten school year of face-to-face instruction in the school building. This study also explores teachers'…

Leisure activities are important in assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to build relationships, learn to behave socially appropriately, and acquire new interests--competences that assist in cultivating positive self-consciousness (Specht et al., 2002; Womack et al., 2011). Statistics indicate that 2.3% of 8-year-old children…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify effective teaching strategies used with students with autism to enhance social skill development. With the growing need for teachers to address students with autism, viable strategies are needed to be implemented effectively to ensure social outcome success for students. The Individuals with…

Today, millions of high school students are taking the opportunity to gain higher education credits as well as a sample of the college experience through dual or concurrent enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or middle and early colleges. Essentially, dual or concurrent enrollment, as well as AP and IB courses,…

This evaluation case study explores the impact of the An Achievable Dream social, academic, and moral program on college student's performance in college. Through this study, the researcher was able to provide insight on college student and college student advocates perceptions of An Achievable Dream's social, academic, and moral program's impact…

Little empirical research has been done on student learning outcomes and college experiences in China, where the gross enrollment rate in higher education reached 26.5 percent and the undergraduate population exceeded 22 million in 2010. This study seeks to describe, explain, and interpret student learning as perceived from students in Chinese…

In a world that changes every day, individuals who assist others with change, support change, and create strategies for change, herein referred to as "change agents", play an important role in society. The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP), and Saybrook Graduate School and…

The purpose of this action research study was to support the members of a fourth grade inclusion team, namely three fourth grade teachers and a teacher assistant in (1) developing a deeper understanding of student belongingness, (2) identifying teacher practices that contribute to a student's sense of belongingness, and (3) developing and…

This study provides a quantitative approach to analyzing college students' levels of self-actualization. Specifically, it addresses the distinction between students from non-rural and rural hometowns relative to their level of self-actualization. Students from five public state schools, in one Midwestern state, were surveyed. Self-actualization…