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    9814 research outputs found

    A Program Evaluation on the Impact of South Carolina\u27s Child Early Reading Development and Education Program on Kindergarten Reading Readiness in a Small Rural School District

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    This mixed methods study evaluated the effectiveness of the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP) on kindergarten reading readiness using Stufflebeam’s (2003) context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model. The program was implemented in a rural school district in 2014 and the program’s goal is to provide high-quality instruction to at-risk 4-year-olds in a full-day format. The study’s objective was to determine the extent to which the goals of the program have been met. Qualitative data were collected from focus group sessions with prekindergarten and kindergarten teachers to assess CERDEP’s alignment with the assessed needs and implementation fidelity. Quantitative data included archived prekindergarten and kindergarten literacy assessment data as well as archived literacy checklist data completed by an education associate from the state department. A thematic analysis of data was conducted to identify recurring themes and patterns, and a series of t tests were conducted to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the given values for the assessments and students’ actual scores. Results indicated that the goals of the program were met and students who were enrolled in CERDEP demonstrated significant gains in reading readiness skills. Implications for improvement include providing annual training on implementation practices, opportunities for professional learning, alternative funding avenues for classrooms, and time for vertical articulation meetings. This study contributes to the body of work on research-based early literacy strategies, CERDEP, and closing the achievement gap for at-risk students in reading

    Cultural and Religious Awareness for Online Ministries

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    This purpose of this project was to address the cultural and religious barriers when answering various questions concerning the Bible and daily living for online ministries. In order to be able to effectively convey the gospel message, any online ministry and its staff members need a good understanding of varying and different cultures or religions via online resources of those different religions and cultures. These resources aid in the efficiency and effectiveness of the online ministry staff by enhancing cultural and religious awareness. These resources decrease follow-up questions for further clarification of original questions as well as decrease the reassignment of questions. These resources are used in training and evaluating ministerial staff in their understanding and effectiveness. These resources increase the positive outcome to a better understanding of the salvific message that increase of professions of faith globally. An explanatory sequential design has been used as a mixed methodology. A Likert survey and multiple open ended questions were conducted with the eight (8) editors of GQM, all of whom gave their perception of what kind of resources would be available and how it can be accessed. The literature review was enlightening particularly the Peace Child demonstrating the need for understanding other cultures and religions to convey the salvific message. The findings are that any online ministry preparing to evangelize through technology, is in need of such resources, tools, and training. For online ministries, the mission field is a global stage and there are various cultures, religions, and Christian denominations worldwide

    Teacher Retention, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Job Satisfaction and Culture at Central Elementary School

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    This study’s purpose was to investigate teacher retention at Central Elementary School by identifying, studying, and considering the reasons connected to teacher perceptions and attitudes as it relates to job (dis)satisfaction since turnover rates can be the deciding factor. The evidence collected in this study may profit educators in the near future by having a clearer understanding of the needs and possible challenges faced by high teacher turnover rates. These results and performance data will help to make recommendations and deliver the appropriate strategies and solutions to prevent teachers from leaving. The participants in this study volunteered to fill out an electronic 10-question survey that was revised and accepted by the Institutional Review Board of Gardner-Webb University. Investigating this specific study looked at teacher perceptions of and attitudes toward workplace and organizational situations that affect the culture of job (dis)satisfaction. The influence of using this tool is that it sampled all the teachers in the building of Central Elementary School delivering a sequence of questions on a 4-point Likert-scale as well as open-ended questions that collected data on administrative and teacher perceptions and attitudes towards organizational communication, school climate, and classroom working conditions. This applied research recovered teacher retention rates, utilizing surveys, assessments, and action plans in relation to student achievement. The results exposed that the kind of change that was presented to Central Elementary School teachers was met with resistance

    Teacher Perceptions of ADHD and the Impact of Using Modifications for Students Diagnosed with ADHD in a High School Mathematics Classroom

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    This study was designed to examine the instructional modifications teachers use with students who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It determined teacher perceptions of students with ADHD and the impact those perceptions had on participants’ implementation of instructional modifications designed for students diagnosed with ADHD. This study also considered what effect instructional modifications have on the academic achievement of students diagnosed with ADHD within the context of a traditional high school mathematics classroom. Data were collected through participant interviews, classroom observations, and statistical analysis of pre and post-assessment scores. The results of the study showed a lack of foundational knowledge in the symptoms of ADHD and their impact on the academic performance of students diagnosed with ADHD in the classroom as well as the instructional modifications designed to aid students diagnosed with ADHD. The goal of this study was to show the need for formal training and continued professional development for teachers on the instructional modifications needed to help students diagnosed with ADHD be successful and the impact those modifications had on academic achievement

    Tools, Tips, and Tricks for Beginning Teachers

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    Tools, Tips, and Tricks for Beginning Teachers is a professional learning module (PLM) that supports the growth and development of beginning teachers. The topics reviewed in this PLM include classroom management, collaboration, instructional strategies, and student engagement. The strategies included in this PLM are research-based and support the Beginning Teacher Standards, Professional Teaching Standards, and Beginning Teacher Standards for Science Education. As you proceed through the PLM, you will have opportunities to consider your current or planned practices in each of the focus areas and select new tools, tips, or tricks that can be applied to your classroom practices. View professional learning module.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/improve/1042/thumbnail.jp

    The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Various Aspects of Child and Adolescent Lives: A Literature Review

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    Coronavirus 19 or COVID-19 is a spherical, enveloped virus that causes a lower respiratory tract infection with symptoms including pneumonia, fever, and difficulty breathing (Ochani et al., 2021). This virus caused a global pandemic that infected millions of people and killed over a million people. The aim of this literature review is to examine how the social-distance mandates and quarantines affected various aspects of child and adolescent life and development. This review examines language and speech impairment, behavioral changes/challenges, academic performance, mental health (specifically depression and anxiety), child abuse and neglect, and student-athlete experiences. The results found that language and speech impairment, behavioral changes, mental health, and student-athlete experiences all got worse during the social-distancing and quarantine mandates that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the data showed that academic performance and child abuse/neglect got better during the pandemic. Improvement in academic performance could be since all assignments were online, it was easier to cheat and look up the answers. Improvement in child abuse/neglect was not because there was less abuse/neglect but rather the cases were going unreported due to lack of contact with professionals (educators or healthcare workers). Support services like increased access to therapist and school/academic support can help to correct the negative impacts caused by the pandemic. A limitation of this review is that all the research was short-term data since the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects are so new. Future research on this topic would be long-term studies looking at the long-term effects of the social-distancing and quarantine mandates

    Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Training

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    Achieving peripheral venous access in patients is one of the first steps in most treatment protocols. Delays or even failures to obtain peripheral venous access can delay lifesaving treatments, prolong hospital stays, and affect patient outcomes. Peripheral venous access can be difficult due to chronic disease processes, scarring of valves from frequent cannulation, limitation due to dialysis fistulas, or due to acute conditions such as hypovolemia and hypotension. Studies have found the use of ultrasound-guided techniques can achieve peripheral venous access quickly and prevent the need for more aggressive procedures (Skulec et al., 2020). However, there is a gap between evidence-based practice and clinical practice when the technique is not utilized in clinical practice due to a lack of knowledge and training. The DNP project intervention included the development, implementation, and assessment of a recorded training video. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted to determine if the training video increased participant’s knowledge and confidence in the technique. Forty-one of the 46 employees (89%) participated in the project. The pre-and post-intervention scores were compared and indicated the intervention was successful in increasing participants\u27 knowledge and confidence in the technique. Of the participants, 2% were confident in their knowledge and confidence enough to adopt the technique in the pre-intervention survey. This increased to 51% in the post-intervention survey. This exceeded the goal of increasing the participant’s knowledge and confidence in the technique by 25%

    Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in Prelicensure Nursing Students

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    Nursing programs are intended to prepare nursing students to become competent nurses, that can make decisions to promote positive patient outcomes. However, studies suggest that as students transition into clinical practice, they are still lacking decision-making skills. Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been suggested to improve communication skills, problem-solving, and resilience. The purpose of this project was to enhance the emotional intelligence of Baccalaureate prelicensure nursing students. The PICOT statement was: Can formal EI training combined with interactive EI training, influence EI awareness, knowledge, and skills of baccalaureate nursing students as evidenced by scoring 77% or higher on an EI posttest after completion of the training intervention? The sample population for this project included approximately 115 second-year prelicensure nursing students within a traditional baccalaureate nursing program preparing to transition into clinical practice. Students attended formal EI education in a lecture format as well as interactive training that included role-playing and case studies that allowed students to apply EI skills. Students were also provided with an EI self-assessment to identify their own personal strengths and weaknesses related to EI. Once students attended both the formal and interactive EI training, students participated in a 10-question posttest to evaluate knowledge gained from attending both seminars. The goal was for students to score 77% or higher on the posttest and 98% of the students who participated met the goal of scoring 77% or higher, indicating that the objectives of this project were met. Although the objectives were met, the project revealed that EI education should be introduced to students at the beginning of the program

    Gardner-Webb Department of Music Hosts Four Distinguished Musicians for Trumpet Summit

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    The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music is hosting Trumpet Summit 2023 on Tuesday, April 4. A masterclass with three distinguished trumpeters will be held at 4 p.m., and a concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Both the masterclass and the concert are free and held in Dover Chapel.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/3639/thumbnail.jp

    Gardner-Webb’s Online Degree in Elementary Education Achieves Rapid Growth

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    In 2019, Gardner-Webb University’s College of Education launched the Teacher Assistant (TA) to Teacher Program in response to meeting the critical teacher shortage in North Carolina. Since then, enrollment in the online degree program in Elementary Education has grown from 71 to 172 students.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/3640/thumbnail.jp

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