Student participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate research experiences has received national emphasis. The undergraduate research model used at a comprehensive public university supported faculty-mentored student projects across STEM and all disciplines. Between 2016 and 2019, 356 undergraduate…

Needs analysis (NA) has been a core component of language for specific purposes (LSP) research and curriculum development for the past half-century, and within the past decade has seen significant methodological advancement. Specifically, certain LSP NA research has adopted task as a unit of analysis (e.g., Youn, 2018; Malicka et al., 2019), and…

Research shows that enriching learning experiences such as learning communities, service-learning, undergraduate research, internships, and senior culminating experiences -- collectively known as High-Impact Practices (HIPs) -- are positively associated with student engagement; deep, and integrated learning; and personal and educational gains for…

A positive and welcoming school environment is a foundational aspect of student success that provides both physical and emotional safety for all students. A growing body of scientific evidence links SEL to improved academic performance. It fosters a sense of self-efficacy while boosting self-confidence and a sense of belonging. This literature…

Today, L.S. Vygotsky's concept of a 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) is often used to just mean best practices in early years teaching, like scaffolding. But in his original theory, the zones linked age periods distinguished by age-specific neoformations -- one of which was the formation of concepts at adolescence. So Vygotsky rejected Stern's…

There is a knowledge gap in best practices for incorporating performance arts into science instructions. The study focused on the design and implementation of the Performance Arts Enhanced 3-Stage Instructional Model (PAEIM), which incorporated drama, dance and music. The PAEIM was implemented in mixed factorial quasi-experimental research during…

COVID-19 disrupted face-to-face instruction across university campuses world-wide. As universities struggled, instructional design teams stepped in to assist. At one southeastern university in the US, an instructional design team, with support from instructional systems analysts, responded by creating online instruction for faculty and…

Rapid development and adoption of mobile technologies including Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) platforms have transformed teaching and learning practices over the past decade. This paper presents an analysis of how students used WhatsApp as an example of a MIM platform to organise their learning activities. Drawing on Rhizomatic Learning Theory…

School districts across the country have long been finding ways to give greater autonomy to schools, theorizing that providing school leaders with authority over the decisions that most directly affect their students will enable them to better meet students' needs and, in turn, improve student outcomes. Charter schools, which are public schools…

This dissertation explored the lived experiences of undergraduate and graduate students with learning disabilities and learning-affected disorders within the context of the college writing classroom. Utilizing a critical incident technique (CIT) framework, the dissertation inquired about the writing processes, learning styles, decisions regarding…

Science communication is an intersectional practice that involves informing and raising awareness of science-related topics, while increasing public engagement with science. Although there is a fair amount of data in understanding the relationship between scientist representation in popular media and identification with STEM, there is still more…

The authors present evidence-based digital literacy practices and resources for teaching and learning English as an additional language in two different educational contexts where these practices have been applied successfully with adolescent learners.

This brief examines trends, demographics, and outcomes for students navigating housing instability. Key takeaways include: (1) Demographic disparities exist among students identified as navigating housing instability; (2) While around 3% of Oregon public school students are identified as navigating housing instability in any given school year,…

Nearly a decade ago, Alyssa Rockenbach, the editor of the "Journal of College & Character's" "Spirituality on Campus" section, issued a call to action. First, she invited scholars to better assess campus spiritual and religious climate. Then, she urged practitioners to redouble their efforts to share and promote best…

The authors conducted a content analysis on quantitative studies published in "The Journal for Specialists in Group Work" ("JSGW") between 2012 and 2015. This brief report provides a general overview of the current practices of quantitative group research in counseling. The following study characteristics are reported and…