Education Related
ASSESSING STUDENT OUTCOMES OF A HIGH-IMPACT GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM IN GUATEMALA
| Themes | Behavioral Science, Cultural Humility, Thematic Analysis |
|---|---|
| Faculty Member | Dr. Megan Moran |
| Academic School |
School of Health Sciences
|
| Description | The Marymount University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) community engagement/service- learning program is a high-impact practice (HIP) that began in Central America in Spring 2010. HIPs are associated with desirable student, program, and institutional outcomes. Although the literature points to positive outcomes of high-impact practices, the impact of the DPT program in Central America has never been formally evaluated. The purpose of this ongoing research is to measure the impact of the community engagement/service-learning trip in Guatemala, and its associated learning activities (such as learning modules, reflective journaling, and community experiences), on the participants’ intercultural development. This mixed-method study utilizes a questionnaire and analysis of students’ reflections within their journals. The role of the research fellow will include transcription, coding, and thematic analysis of student journal reflections and quantitative analysis with SPSS. The results of this study will be shared within Marymount University and in academic journal publications and professional conferences. Findings of a 2023 pilot study were published in the Journal of Global Education and Research. Data from 2024 was presented at AACU’s Conference on Global Learning. |
| Remote Participation? | Yes |
| Contact Information |
LITTLE STORYTELLERS: PRE-SCHOOLERS’ ADVENTURES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
| Themes | Education, Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|
| Faculty Member | Dr. Paula Cristina R. Azevedo |
| Academic School |
School of Education
|
| Description | The increasing integration of generative AI (GAI) in education raises questions about its impact on preschoolers, particularly in creative endeavors like story and art co-creation. In the summer of 2024, Dr. Azevedo launched “Little Storytellers: Adventures with AI-Powered Writing,” a 12-week AI literacy program using KidGeni, a child-friendly AI. This program aimed to explore GAI’s role in preschoolers’ creativity. Data collected from 15 children includes co-created stories, pre- and post-enrichment program storytelling samples, and students’ literacy attitudes. Employing qualitative and quantitative methods, the research will investigate: GAI’s effects on creative storytelling; the evolution of child-AI interaction; and changes in children’s attitudes towards reading and writing. Preliminary findings will be presented at NAYEC and SITE conferences, with final analysis published in high impact research and practitioner journals like Learning, Media, and Technology, Thinking Skills and Creativity, Early Childhood Education Journal, and NAEYC’s Young Children. |
| Remote Participation? | Yes |
| Contact Information |
BUILDING TEACHER CAPACITY:A TAILORED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION
| Themes | Education, Teacher Training, Low-Resourced Countries |
|---|---|
| Faculty Member | Dr. Nicci Dowd |
| Academic School |
School of Education
|
| Description | Background: Teachers at a newly established special education school in Ghana face challenges due to limited resources and insufficient training in differentiated instruction. With only four teachers serving 18 students with diverse learning needs, there is an urgent need for targeted professional development to equip educators with effective instructional strategies that foster inclusive and individualized learning experiences. Although the Ghana Education Service announced plans to transform special schools into resource centers (UNESCO, 2021), many special education schools lack government support to implement inclusive education. As such, there is a need for structured professional development initiatives to help educators meet students’ diverse needs.Purpose: This study aims to develop and implement a professional development (PD) program focused on differentiated instruction for special education teachers in Ghana. The PD series will provide evidence-based, contextually relevant training to improve instructional effectiveness and enhance student learning outcomes.Research Problem: How can professional development programs be designed to support teachers in implementing differentiated instruction in Ghanaian special education schools? This study will explore:1. Challenges teachers face in implementing differentiated instruction. 2. How a structured PD program can be adapted to their needs. 3. The impact of PD on instructional strategies and student engagement.Findings will be shared in publications and at the Council for Exceptional Children(CEC) and Division of International Special Education Services(DISES) conferences. |
| Remote Participation? | Yes |
| Contact Information |
STRENGTHENING DOCTORAL MENTORSHIP: EVALUATING TRAINING NEEDS FOR EFFECTIVE DISSERTATION SUPPORT
| Themes | Education, Educational Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Faculty Member | Jennifer Crystle |
| Academic School |
School of Education
|
| Description | Doctoral completion rates remain low, with only half of all students finishing their degrees. Research highlights that strong dissertation mentorship—where advisors acknowledge students’ daily challenges and foster their proficiency—enhances intrinsic motivation and program completion (Mullen, 2021; Jameson & Torres, 2019). Marymount’s EdD program is committed to strengthening dissertation mentorship through its Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentorship (LDFM) Program, which emphasizes high-touch mentorship and a supportive scholarly community. As the program enters its fifth year, assessing its strengths and areas for growth is critical. This purpose of this research project is to collect data from LDFMs, students, and stakeholders to evaluate training needs and enhance mentorship effectiveness. The research fellow will collaborate with EdD faculty and LDFM coordinators to gather insights that inform program improvements and broader dissertation chair training. Findings will contribute to publications, conference presentations, and ongoing program development. |
| Remote Participation? | Yes |
| Contact Information |
