This mixed-methods study examined the factors contributing to teachers' self-efficacy in teaching for conceptual understanding and investigated the impacts of a targeted intervention on their self-efficacy to work toward all students having equitable access to teaching that builds their conceptual understanding. This three-manuscript dissertation…

Over the past thirty years, research on teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) has developed and grown in popularity as an area of focus for improving mathematics teaching and students' learning. Many scholars have investigated types of knowledge teachers use when teaching and the relationship between teacher knowledge and student…

The purpose of my study was to determine the effectiveness of using dynamic geometry software while exploring the properties of quadrilaterals. Dynamic geometry software can be effective if used properly in the exploration process as students construct their own knowledge through constructivism. Students were given the Van Hiele Test as a pretest…

Chapter 1 is a seismic study of the mantle structure of the passive margin of northeastern North America. This region experienced multiple episodes of rifting and orogenesis in the past, and the study aims to understand how the Wilson Cycle impacts the geometry of the upper mantle seismic structure beneath southern New England using Sp receiver…

Geometry education is an important aspect of STEM education and career development, but it is often overlooked in K-12 education in the United States. Although there is some research on teaching geometry to students with learning difficulties at the elementary level, there is a lack of research on teaching advanced geometry skills at high school…

A small percent of high school students are performing above satisfactory on end-of-course assessments, especially in Algebra 1 and Geometry. This is indicative that mathematics instruction may need to improve. One innovation in mathematics instruction is the incorporation of storying as an instructional strategy, as there is considerable research…

The instructional decisions made by classroom teachers impact the learning acquired by students. The Common Core Mathematics Standards and the history of mathematics education in the United States create a background for how geometry standards are taught in one Midwest middle school. A study of the pacing guides, lesson plans, and naturalistic…

The observational and interview study explored how two middle school teachers, Ms. Watson and Mr. Garry, from two different public schools in a small college town in a midwestern state in the United States, used talk moves to establish mathematical discussions during both small group and whole class discussions. The study also examined their…

This descriptive causal-comparative study examined differences between ACT mathematics subtest scores for students taught using an integrated mathematics curriculum (Integrated Math 1-2-3) and students taught using a traditional mathematics curriculum (Algebra 1-Geometry-Algebra 2). The study also controlled for gender and aptitude. The results of…

Storytelling is a ubiquitous practice dating back to 4000 BC (Abrahamson, 1998). Storytelling, as an effective communication tool and, has helped propagate societies' traditions and culture. Storytelling has also gained popularity in education globally due to its pedagogical advantages, mainly helping students remember information (Morris, 2015).…

Research in this study investigated the impact of assessment on the learning outcomes of students an academic year and the students' academic success on the Louisiana End-of-Course (EOC) test. This study utilized a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design that included a non-equivalent control group selection. Participants…

Over 50% of secondary students failed the geometry end-of-course test in a Florida school district, indicating a need to improve academic performance. Secondary school students' learning characteristics and the effectiveness of teachers' instructional strategies are imperative to educational success. In this qualitative case study, geometry…

The purpose of the study was to explore how a group of at-risk youth in a South Florida alternative high school experienced a freehand visual arts drawing lesson as a learning portal to the teaching of the basic principles of geometry. These young people were completely devoid of interest in and failed to understand basic geometrical concepts.…

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate the relationship between teachers' conceptions of mathematics and their use of intelligent tutoring systems for mathematics instruction. Intelligent tutoring systems are adaptive computer programs which administer mathematics instruction to students based on their cognitive state. A…

Creekside High School is a high-performing public high school where students who are not White or Asian face a racialized school environment. This dissertation examines the school's initiative to detrack its ninth grade Algebra class. Detracking is the process of placing students in heterogeneous classes instead of grouping students by ability.…