This dissertation uses a three-article dissertation, including a literature review and two research articles, related to the understanding and development of self-regulation (SR).Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), the literature review examined 22 articles researching a self-regulation…

Many students throughout the country disengage from the traditional high school model, and all students who graduate from high school do not necessarily acquire the skills required for postsecondary success in college or careers. This action research study sought to examine and develop a competency-based model of curriculum and assessment that…

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of undergraduate students who choose to take online courses. In light of this trend, this research aims to delve into the performance and development of online learning identities to gain a better understanding of the unique experiences of these learners. Additionally, the study…

Are our schools doing enough to create environments where learners are motivated to learn, and can problem solve and be autonomous in their learning? The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine a sample of schools in Indiana and determine to what extent they are utilizing research-based methods to ensure an environment where learners…

The purpose of this collective case study was to describe the student-autonomous learning experiences of secondary chemistry students actively engaged in classrooms utilizing a flipped classroom approach (FCA). The FCA is a pedagogical framework that includes asynchronous, student-paced experiences outside the classroom and face-to-face active…

The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the experiences of African immigrant farmers in the U.S. Data were collected from eight participants who have experienced the phenomenon using in-depth interviews and field observation. Findings revealed that Immigrant farming is anchored on cultural practices resulting from parental…

Personalized learning tracks within MOOCs remain underdeveloped. Despite MOOCs possessing tremendous potential for personalized learning, little individualization of the MOOC has occurred. Some students look at MOOCs as a textbook, others as a formal course, and others as an opportunity to socialize. Understanding student enrollment needs are a…

In this qualitative study using participatory action research (PAR), educators explored how to understand and implement culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy (CLRP) and joyful learning strategies to support Chinese ELLs. In PAR project and study over 18 months, we focused on building teacher capacity in working with Chinese ELLs in…

This phenomenological study explored fourth-grade students' perspectives on the barriers and successes they experienced in flexible blended learning. Focus group interviews were conducted to gain insight into the students' motivation, perceived barriers, possible changes, and their own skills and characteristics for success. Thematic analysis was…

The goal of this dissertation was to explore how self-directed learners assess their learning in informal contexts. Self-directed learners experience high intrinsic motivation and learner control, so studying these learners' experiences provides valuable insights into learning. I pose four questions: 1) How do self-directed learners in informal…

Electronic learning offers opportunities to complete post-secondary education to students who are unable or reluctant to relocate. Successful electronic learning requires study skills and learner autonomy; aspects of transactional distance theory. The problem addressed in this quantitative correlational study was the absence of strategies to…

The ways in which individuals act within the world around them and the ways in which individuals engage with commodities as consumers play a vital role in providing insight into innate human values and opportunities for growth. By exploring the seemingly mundane and small but meaningful ways individuals engage in the consumer process and space,…

Throughout my career as an elementary music educator, I constantly sought ways to decenter myself as the instructor and make space for student agency and independence to flourish. However, my efforts over 10 years were rooted in Western Eurocentric thought. Where I thought I was creating a more egalitarian environment, my Whiteness shielded me…

In the modern higher educational system, technology permeated almost all the provisions of educational processes and transformed individual learning transactions. Empirical evidence reveals students' skill gaps in the digitized campus and the real-world work environment driven by technology. Technical training is of high value and in high demand…

School and university classrooms remain the standard around the world for second language instruction. However, over the past 20 years various methods of language learning have permeated the educational landscape to include self-study textbooks, language learning software and online teachers. Some models are evidence based while others lack…