9814 research outputs found
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Strengthening the Flock: A Survey on Member Recruitment and Retention
Full text linkThis dissertation examines the dynamics of membership at Bryant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (BCAMEZ), focusing on the significant issues of recruitment and retention that many religious organizations encounter. Utilizing appreciative inquiry as its theoretical lens, the study sought to identify methods for attracting new members while reinforcing connections with current members. Data were collected through an online survey and comprehensive interviews with existing members to reveal effective practices. The analysis indicates that although BCAMEZ effectively leverages social media and community service, there is a pressing need for more focused and inclusive engagement strategies. The findings underscore the importance of strategic outreach, clear communication, and customized engagement efforts to connect with diverse populations. To improve membership growth and retention, the study recommends enhancing outreach programs, creating initiatives tailored to specific demographic groups, improving communication methods, encouraging small group participation, and fostering leadership and inclusivity. This research highlights the urgent need for BCAMEZ to implement a proactive and flexible strategy to tackle its membership challenges
The Influence of LETRS Volume 1 on Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices Around Systematic Phonics Instruction in a Rural School in North Carolina
Full text linkThis dissertation is a mixed methods study that examined the influence Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Volume 1 had on elementary educators’ perceptions and practices around systematic phonics instruction in a rural, Title I elementary school in North Carolina. Adult learning theory was the theoretical framework used to ground this study. A sequential explanatory design was used: Quantitative data were collected through surveys, and qualitative data gathered through interviews were used to help frame and explain the quantitative data. Both data sources overwhelmingly supported that the completion of this professional learning positively influenced teachers’ perceptions of systematic phonics instruction. Additionally, the data indicated that teachers perceive that completing this professional learning has significantly influenced their decision-making when selecting instructional resources to use during phonics instruction and positively influenced their students’ reading achievement. This study’s findings are consistent with the existing literature: Systematic phonics instruction is supported by research, and research also shows that high-quality professional learning can influence teachers’ perceptions, practices, and students’ achievement. The findings are significant because, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, elementary scholars are underperforming in reading nationwide. The recommendations from this study include continuing LETRS Volume 1 training for the new teachers at the school, providing professional learning aligned with concepts from LETRS for staff who have already completed the training, and facilitating teacher collaboration around phonics instruction across grade levels
An In-Depth Interview Study on Needed Professional Development For Assistant Principals Within One Rural School District in North Carolina
Full text linkThe purpose of this interview study was to gain better insight and understanding into what professional development is needed for assistant principals to be successful in the principalship. During this study, 17 participants were interviewed across three different groups: central office administrators, principals, and assistant principals within one rural school district. Based on the three different groups interviewed, the data provided that the perception is that assistant principals need more development in budget/finance, K-12 curriculum knowledge, school improvement, evaluations/observations, day-to-day operations, policy/law, curriculum/instruction, and professional development. It was determined that professional development in those areas needed to be continuous throughout the year and presented by central office administration, principals, assistant principals, and external stakeholders. The data collected determined that only four of the seven North Carolina Standards for School Executives needed related professional development to have a successful transition to the principalship: Standard 1: Strategic Leadership, Standard 2: Instructional Leadership, Standard 4: Human Resources Leadership, and Standard 5: Managerial Leadership
Behavior Management Strategies for Beginning Teachers
Full text linkBehavior Basics: Empowering New Educators is a professional learning module (PLM) intended to shape behavior and ignite success. This learning module is geared towards beginning teachers looking to strengthen their classroom management by reflecting on research based strategies highlighted in this module.
View professional learning module.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/improve/1045/thumbnail.jp
The Path to Zero CLABSIs: The Benefits of Central Line Care Teams, Supplemental Checklist, Increased Education and Utilizing CLABSI Bundles
Full text linkCentral line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in a plethora of deaths each year and cost the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). CLABSIs have been a type of bloodstream infection that has affected a plethora of individuals for years and one that does not discriminate patient type. Many articles were reviewed, but they all inferred that CLABSIs bundles,supplemental checklists, and central line care teams all showed the most significant data and resulted in the most decreased CLABSI rates. Upon assessment of the project unit, it was noted that the issue that most impacted CLABSI rates was not the lack of supplies or supplies being insufficient, but instead, compliance with central line dressing care and sterility. This sparked the idea of making dressing changes a two-person job and ensuring all staff are properly trained and aware of their impact on preventing CLABSIs. Staff was educated about proper dressing change techniques and sterility and completed a survey that assessed central line knowledge pre-education and post-study completion. Over 12 weeks, two-person dressing change “teams” were implemented
Pantry to Plate: Using Local Food Pantries to Improve Diabetes Self-Care Deficits
Full text linkThis project aimed to improve food pantry participants’ diabetes self-management and understanding of diabetes nutrition education through a collaborative approach. Over the course of 2 months, the project provided educational resources on diabetes nutrition at a food pantry. The target population included individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and those responsible for preparing meals for diabetic individuals. A certified diabetes specialist was enlisted to ensure the delivery of culturally sensitive, evidence-based educational support tailored to participants’ diabetes health goals. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory served as a framework for this project. A mixed-methods approach was utilized through pre-and post-test design to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in participants’ knowledge of diabetes nutrition following the intervention. Additionally, participants reported an improved perception of their ability to achieve personal diabetes health goals
Heart of an Athlete: Educating on the Importance of Cardiovascular Screening of High School Athletes
Full text linkThere is a lack of education regarding cardiovascular screening and the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in high school athletes. The target population needing improved education is primarily school faculty, staff, trainers, and coaches. Effective cardiovascular screening and education will aid in the prevention of a catastrophic injury, including SCA and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Educating high school faculty and staff will bring forth awareness of signs and symptoms of SCA and aid in proper care and treatment for high school athletes who are at higher risk. The goal of this project was to educate faculty and staff on the importance of cardiovascular screening and provide increased awareness of SCA prevention through educational tools. This provided additional advocates and transitioning experts to further educate for years to come and help reduce the incidence of SCA
Increasing Awareness and Support for Women With Anxiety Disorders in Rural Communities
Full text linkAnxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, disproportionately affecting women, particularly those in rural communities with limited access to care. Many women experience perinatal, postpartum, or generalized anxiety, often suffering in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate mental health education. This project focused on increasing awareness and understanding of anxiety disorders among women in rural Randolph County, North Carolina. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the scope of anxiety disorders in women, identify community education needs, and explore evidence-based interventions. Ten relevant studies were analyzed, including randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, and mixed-method designs. Despite small sample sizes, findings consistently demonstrated that digital and community-based educational interventions improved mental health literacy and support-seeking behavior. Building on this evidence, the project proposed a mobile app platform and community-based outreach through postpartum classes, church groups, and mothers’ groups to increase access and engagement. The intervention successfully improved participants\u27 knowledge of anxiety and awareness of local resources. Continued efforts, in collaboration with stakeholders, are vital to addressing the mental health disparities experienced by rural women and improving long-term outcomes for individuals and families
Analyzing Real-time Behavioral Shifts in Response to Tourism Policy Using Google Trends Data and Advanced Difference-in-Differences (DiD) Methods
Full text linkGoogle Trends is a publicly available aggregate search data portal that allows researchers to capture and review search interests. This dissertation analyzes real-time behavioral shifts resulting from tourism policy changes in Venice, Italy using Google Trends data. This work contributes to the current literature in DiD modeling, by using information-seeking behavior that is ahead of observable, lagged, outcomes. Through the integration of recent DiD advancements, this work further extends DiD applications in tourism econometrics, and a case-example of real-world tourism policy assessment. This dissertation highlights changes in search behavior immediately following policy implementation. Additionally, this work highlights Google Trends as an effective tool for real-time evaluation on policy impacts. Furthermore, this dissertation concludes that advanced DiD modeling provided greater opportunities to explore the data for economic implications than canonical DiD approaches used in contemporary policy analysis
Social Media Influencers’ Impact on Curated Subscription Purchases
Full text linkSubscriptions gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that consumers would have access to their products without human contact. As consumers emerged from lockdown, marketers faced the challenge of whether consumers will continue to purchase subscriptions and how to attract customers now that in-store shopping has resumed. The purpose of this study is to investigate how user generated content (UGC), promotion, and trust impact the purchase intention of curated box subscriptions with social media influencers (SMI) serving as a moderating variable. The stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework was used to model how UGC, promotion, and trust can impact curated subscription purchases online. Data was collected through MTURK online surveys and analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This research will help marketers and firms strategize how and when to utilize SMI to increase sales. Findings from this study also suggest that marketers should tailor curated subscription strategies to specific generational demographics