Pragmatic difficulties resulting in problems with reciprocal conversation are widely studied in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is some consensus on the conversation differences between individuals with autism compared to neurotypical groups and groups with other developmental delays. There is little information on whether…

Research on productive failure suggests that attempting to solve a problem prior to instruction facilitates conceptual understanding compared to receiving instruction prior to problem solving. The assumptions are that during the problem-solving phase, students activate their prior knowledge, become aware of their knowledge gaps, and discover deep…

An essential feature of many modern teacher observation protocols is their "global" approach to measuring instruction. Global protocols provide a summary evaluation of multiple domains of instruction from observers' overall review of classroom processes. Although these protocols have demonstrated strengths, including their…

It is widely believed that regression models for binary responses are problematic if we want to compare estimated coefficients from models for different groups or with different explanatory variables. This concern has two forms. The first arises if the binary model is treated as an estimate of a model for an unobserved continuous response and the…

One reason for treating stereotypic behavior is that it may negatively impact how others perceive the individual displaying the behavior, thus impeding social interactions; however, few studies have directly evaluated this possibility. As a first step toward testing this position, participants (college students) in Study 1 watched 5-min video…

This chapter examines an underexplored way in which deans enact their authority in Responsibility Center Budgeting (RCB)--mobilizing the expertise of administrators in their colleges to establish academic and budgetary priorities. The findings underscore the benefits of deans harnessing the expertise of their senior administrative teams to make…

While an extended stay abroad is generally assumed to be a valuable experience, some students are reluctant to take up the opportunity. To understand this phenomenon better, this study looks at students' concerns before they embark on their time abroad (to undertake a study placement, work placement, or a language assistantship) and looks at…

Among the initiatives to provide effective all-encompassing learning experience is by including internship or industrial training programmes for undergraduates. While it is expected to equip students with important work-related skills, it too could result in negative impacts if it is not being properly managed. This article presents the findings…

An essential feature of many modern teacher observation protocols is their "global" approach to measuring instruction. Global protocols provide a summary evaluation of multiple domains of instruction from observers' overall review of classroom processes. Although these protocols have demonstrated strengths, including their…

Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI) have garnered attention for their presenting sex differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, previous works have claimed that RRBI are less predictive of an ASD diagnosis for females relative to males. Previous reports have demonstrated mixed findings: females present with…

This dissertation is comprised of five distinct chapters. The first chapter is an introduction to Direct Instruction reading interventions as well as an explanation of the challenges experienced by struggling readers identified with emotional disturbances. The next three chapters serve as standalone papers. Chapter 2 is a systematic literature…

Background: We explored whether school-based Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) may optimise both academic and psychological outcomes at school. Training of executive control skills may form a novel approach to enhancing processes that predict academic achievement, such as task-related attention, and thereby academic performance, but also has…

Can you think of a research-supported strategy that simultaneously encourages critical and creative thinking; develops knowledge, skills, and affect; promotes meaningful connection with music; and creates lifelong learners? Problem-based learning (PBL) effectively meets and exceeds these criteria by providing an engaging opportunity for students…

Schools' ability to manage student misbehavior rests largely on students' perceptions of the discipline system and authority. According to the procedural justice perspective, when schools use discipline practices students perceive as unfair, they fail to see authority as legitimate, making them less likely to comply with rules and demand. Youth…

The goal of this paper is to illustrate different ways that cardsorting activities (or "card stacks") can be implemented in the introductory physics classroom, along with various tips and resources for getting started. My first attempt at developing a card stack came about from simply wanting to try out a fun way to change student…