Middle Tennessee State University
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Unraveling the Complexities of Science Identity Development among First-generation College Students in Learning Assistant-Supported Introductory Science Classes
No full textThis dissertation investigated the science identity development of first-generation college students (FGCS) within learning assistant (LA) -supported science classes. The research aimed to uncover the complex and multifaceted processes through which FGCS come to see themselves as "science people" and how various elements of the educational environment influence this identity development. Conducted through three interrelated studies, this dissertation integrates identity theory with a science identity framework within an interpretivist paradigm to provide a comprehensive understanding of the personal and contextual factors at play.
Manuscript 1 explored the initial perceptions and descriptions of a particular group of FGCS. Findings revealed that these FGCS described a "science person" through the lens of nature-identity, viewing scientific capability as an inherent trait. Participants often believed that being good at science was something innate rather than a skill that could be developed. This mindset posed a significant barrier to their self-identification as science people.
Manuscript 2 examined the impact of LA-supported learning environments on FGCS science identity development and what factors within the learning environment impacted their science identity. The study revealed that vicarious experiences, verbal recognition, and mastery experiences provided by LAs significantly enhance FGCS science identity. Key factors within the learning environment, such as collaborative group work, peer teaching, engaging course material, and a supportive classroom atmosphere, are crucial for positive science identity development.
Manuscript 3 provided a detailed narrative of Tea, a nontraditional FGCS, highlighting her science identity trajectory over a semester. Tea's journey highlights initial challenges, such as self-doubt and feelings of isolation, which were mitigated through consistent support and encouragement from her LA. Tea initially described a science person using nature identity, attributing scientific ability to innate traits. However, through her interactions with LAs, Tea's perception evolved. The manuscript highlighted Tea’s science identity trajectory and the factors supporting her development. Findings highlight the importance of mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, and a growth mindset in fostering science identity.
The findings from these studies collectively emphasize the significant role of supportive educational environments in the science identity development of FGCS. The dissertation contributes to the field by highlighting the critical role of LAs in creating inclusive and flexible learning environments that foster a sense of belonging and engagement among some FGCS. Practical implications for practice include adopting and enhancing LA programs and adopting inclusive learning environments, which broadly aligns with the most recent recommendations for evidence-based teaching. Future research directions are suggested to explore supportive learning environments further as a construct that impacts science identity.Ph.D
The Voice of the Heart; Expressing the Eight Core Emotions Through Song A Creative Thesis
No full textIn this creative thesis, I will explore the connection between music and emotion using
Chip Dodd's book, The Voice of the Heart, as a guide. This thesis will portray the idea
behind “music moves people.” As an audio production major, I’ve always heard and been
around this phrase, but I wanted to do a project that would explore just how influential
music can be on people’s emotional states, including my own. In reading Voice of The
Heart by Chip Dodd, I was inspired to incorporate his revolutionary ideas of emotions
into a musical project, and with my production background, I knew this would be
achievable and a valuable learning experience. This project also takes inspiration from
Ancient Greek Folklore, Biblical themes and stories, and the world around us to create an
album rooted in emotions. While each person will have a unique emotional experience
listening to the album, I hope that it moves the listener and helps them to connect with
and understand their emotions as it has done for me
Re-Repetitive: A Short Film Script Based on Retail Workers' Mental Health Struggles in the recovery stages of COVID-19
No full textCOVID-19 struck the world unexpectedly, and those that it affected have had their journey told quietly or not at all. So much so, that the mention of COVID-19 within media such as film and television brush it off as a simple joke. It is a problem that has negatively affected how we as people perceive how we obtain necessities, groceries, and other goods. While many in the world suffered with layoffs and beyond tight schedules, retail workers are often not disclosed with the topic of mental health during this challenging time. Thus, a look into what a handful of different perspectives could help shed light on a topic not discussed as much as it needs to be. With a dive into a script centered around this time, its impact can be truly gauged after the experience of dealing with a stressful period in history
A Room Full of Noise: A Children's Book that Encourages Young Musicians to Persevere
No full textMusic is a difficult skill to learn. It can sometimes be frustrating, and it feels impossible to progress, especially as a beginner. This creative project, a children’s book, aims to address the issue by encouraging young musicians. The goal is to inspire them with much-needed grit and musical self-efficacy. Studies have shown that both attributes are important not only to music but to many aspects of life.
Jennifer Clark defines self-efficacy as “not only someone’s belief in her own capabilities within a field of study, but the awareness of determined effort and planned persistence involved in succeeding at a particular task, skill, or subject” (Clark 4). In order to have high self-efficacy, someone must understand the work and failures that will be involved with a task on top of believing in themselves. To improve, one must understand that they will often fail, especially early on in their studies. This is not a popular topic, but it is an important one. In Clark’s study on higher self-efficacy in music students, she found that, while all four participants had high self-efficacy, the student with the lowest self-efficacy score had the least consistent practice schedule and ended up having the lowest chair out of the students in the study (Clark 12).
While self-efficacy is a great predictor of success in music, there are many attributes that help build higher self-efficacy. In G. Harpaz and T. Vaizman’s study on music self-efficacy, they write, “the results indicated that self-esteem, grit, … were positive indicators of MSE (music self-efficacy)” (Harpaz 1333). Self-esteem and grit are qualities that will positively influence greater self-efficacy
The Role of Experiential Learning in Developing Career Preparedness for Employment: A Qualitative Study of College Students’ Perspectives and Experiences
No full textThis research seeks to define and understand the experience of adult learners in the Experiential Learning (EXL) Program at MTSU. It looks at how this EXL program prepares these students for the workforce. This has made the role of EXL programs imperative to help deal with the issue of graduates having the proper competency levels for employment. In this research, program evaluation is made from the participants’ narrations on the necessity of internships, apprenticeships, and other forms of workplace learning for the effectiveness of adult learning programs. The results show that such practical assignments enable learners to translate acquired concepts into practical experiences, enhance skills in solving practical problems, and develop skills specific to industries. Also, the study establishes that access to professionals in the field enhances the learners’ confidence and competitiveness in the labor market.
The study notes that the accessibility of programs targeting working adult learners is critical. Virtual and flexible options are needed to address the needs of diverse learners. However, the findings imply the need for a more elaborate study about the cumulative impact of EXL on career mobility. Future research will also be valuable in looking at the difficulties experienced by less involved people and the changes in virtual and remote experience use considering technological progression. In summary, the study provides valuable information on the further evolution of EXL programs to improve the career preparedness of adult students.Ed.D
Oak Ridge: From Federal Base to Tennessee’s First Tech City
No full textCreated during World War II to assist in the creation of atomic bombs, Oak Ridge, Tennessee experienced numerous cultural and societal shifts, some in common with and some unique from the rest of the United States, that were influential in the development of the city’s community. As a part of the country’s top-secret Manhattan Project, and the subsequent ushering in of the “atomic age” and eventual worldwide Cold War, Oak Ridge and its actions weighed heavy on the minds of its people, along with the rest of the state and nation. The revelation of the Manhattan Project’s goals, the movement to incorporate the city into the state of Tennessee, and its role in the arms race and energy concerns of the Cold War gave Oak Ridge a singular position in the American imagination, and the city’s effect on American history was as influential as the nation’s effect on the city’s history.M.A
THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION DOMAINS AND HELPING BEHAVIOR
No full textABSTRACT
Dialogical Self Theory (DST) posits that within the self subsists a “society of mind” in such a way that intrapersonal exchanges mirror interpersonal social interaction. This study investigates the extent to which prayer fits together with self-talk and internal dialogue under the umbrella of DST. The study also examines the extent to which these intrapersonal communication domains relate to helping behavior attitudes. Established measures of prayer (the Prayer Thoughts Scale), self-talk (the Self-Talk Scale and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire), internal dialogue (the Internal Dialogue Activity Scale-Revised) and attitudes about helping behavior (the New Helping Attitude Scale) were used in this study.
The results of this study moderately support the postulation that prayer is associated with self-talk and internal dialogue as forms of intrapersonal communication. Further, intrapersonal communication was moderately related to helping behavior attitudes.M.A
Crystal Cell Solid-State Batteries: Testing and Variations
No full textThis thesis delves into the electrical potentials of solid-state crystal cell batteries through systematic exploration of electrochemical designs and construction parameters. Methodology involved designing and building batteries for comprehensive testing. The study assessed the impact of substrate doping, copper cathode annealing methods, magnesium anode diameter variations, and cell mass analysis on electrical performance. Results showed significant electrochemical variations corresponding to parameter changes. Substrate doping improved ion conductivity and battery longevity. Annealing methods were shown to influence electrical properties. Varying anode diameters affected initial energy output. Cell mass analysis hinted at correlations between dopant characteristics and performance metrics. These findings offer insights for optimizing crystal cell battery design and construction, potentially advancing battery technology
Exploration of the Impact of Complex Host Dynamics on a West-Nile Virus Epidemic
No full textIn this project, we use mathematical modeling and optimal control to study the impli-
cations of variable host competency and host demographics on a West Nile virus epidemic
with the primary objective being to determine how horizontal transmission in birds and
variable bird competency impacts the model reproduction number and endemic steady-
sates(s). The model uses ordinary differential equations to describe the transmission of
the virus between birds and mosquitoes, vertical transmission in mosquitoes, horizontal
transmission in birds, the mosquito life cycle, and bird demographics. Previous work,
which focused on mosquito dynamics, demonstrated the choice of objective functional
can significantly impact the optimal control and its impact on the mosquito population.
However, due to the simplistic treatment of the bird demographics, these conclusions
were limited to the late summer and early fall. Moreover, previous work did not consider
the impact of variable host competency on the epidemic and its control. Here, we for-
mulate and parameterize a model including bird recruitment and two bird types which
are thought to be important for West Nile virus maintenance and transmission: Corvides
(e.g. crows and jays) and Passerides (e.g. sparrows, wrens and buntings). We investigate
how the incorporation of multiple bird types impacts the model reproduction number us-
ing the next-generation-matrix method and investigate the existence of endemic steady
states.M.S
Creativity and Cognitive Abilities: How Are They Related?
No full textResearch has explored creativity, intelligence, and executive function; however, the potential
relationship among all three constructs is limited by inconsistencies in measurement and
methodological strategies. Fifty-three college students at Middle Tennessee State University
completed an abbreviated intelligence test, a creativity task, and three measures of executive
function. Linear regression and PROCESS moderation models were utilized to analyze
participant data. Results demonstrated that creativity was significantly positively correlated with
abbreviated intelligence, specifically fluid intelligence, and two measures of executive function,
updating and inhibition. Interactions between intelligence and shifting, as well as crystallized
intelligence and updating, significantly predicted creativity. The strength of these associations,
however, differed based on the variation of scores on measures of executive function and
intelligence. Thus, different patterns of scores on measures of executive function and intelligence
may modulate the relationship between all three constructs when analyzed simultaneously.
Keywords: creativity, executive function, intelligence.M.A