phd thesis topics in educational administration

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Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research Theses

Theses and specialist projects from 2024 2024.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING ADJUNCT TEACHING PERFORMANCE: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY , Terry Baggett

FEMALE LEADERS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH: PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND POTENTIAL INTERVENTIONS , Jacqueline Basham

TEACHER BACKGROUND AND UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS IN GIFTED EDUCATION , Kayla Berg

PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC CHILD WELFARE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOLLOWING A MOCK TESTIMONY INTERVENTION , Monica Hines

IMPROVING PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT FOR KINDERGARTEN READINESS: AN IMPROVEMENT SCIENCE STUDY , Sarah Johnson

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF GENDER, RACE, FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE GPA AND PASSING STEM ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF GRADUATING WITH A STEM DEGREE: A MULTIPLE LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS , Amar Patel

REFINING THE GOALS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES: AN EXPLORATORY SINGLE-CASE EMBEDDED STUDY OF A STUDENT-CENTERED PATH-GOALS SETTING , Tuan Pham

BUILDING BRIDGES: AN IMPROVEMENT SCIENCE APPROACH TO FOSTERING CROSS-GROUP CONNECTIONS AND FRIENDSHIPS AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS , Cody Russelburg

Theses and Specialist projects from 2023 2023

The Role of Leaders in Implementing Effective Leadership Strategies Towards the Educational Barriers of US-based Refugee Students: A Qualitative Case Study of Congolese Refugee Students , Faustin Busane

Using Improvement Science to Address Early Elementary Teacher Efficacy and Competency When Addressing Trauma-Induced Behavior , Laura Hayes

Internationalization of Higher Education: Leadership Roles and Challenges Senior International Officers Face in Their Efforts to Internationalize Regional Comprehensive Universities in the United States , Ibrahima Yaro

Theses and Specialist projects from 2022 2022

Anxiety Patterns in Gifted Adolescents from Parents' Perspectives , Felicia Moreschi

The Impact of Teacher Perception of Gifted Individuals on the Instruction of Gifted Students , Justin Moreschi

Theses and Specialist projects from 2010 2010

Characteristics of Local Dual Credit Programs That Promote Sustained Enrollment and High School Achievement , Karl William Olive

Theses and Specialist projects from 2009 2009

How Do Teachers Learn New Skills for Reading Instruction and Transfer Their Learning into the Classroom? , Patricia Ann Sharp

Theses and Specialist projects from 2008 2008

Principals and Teacher Leaders Co-Constructing Theories in Practice: Empowerment and Accountability Exchanged Through School Leadership , Janet Hurt

Theses and Specialist projects from 2007 2007

The Long-Term Effects of a Preschool Program , Kerry Holloman

Theses and Specialist projects from 2005 2005

The Residual Effect of Novice Primary Teachers on Reading Achievement Scores , Connie Mayo

Principal and Teacher Flow of Influence in High-Achieving, High Poverty Schools , Lisa Murley

Reading Achievement: The Impact of America's Choice in Kentucky's Schools , Brent VanMeter

Theses and Specialist projects from 1999 1999

A Comparison of the Transition of Special Needs Students to Regular Education Students , Anita Burnette

Theses and Specialist projects from 1998 1998

Assessment of the Academic Needs of Students Enrolled by the Bowling Green Community College & the Development of a Learning Assistance Model Which Will Maximize Their Probability of Success , Elizabeth Riggs

Theses and Specialist projects from 1996 1996

Assessing Variables Related to Participant Knowledge Retention at General Project Management Training for New Trio Personnel , Charlene Manco

Assessing the Persistence to Graduation of Students Joining Fraternities at Western Kentucky University , Charles Pride

Theses and Specialist projects from 1994 1994

A Comparison of the Tests of Adult Basic Education and the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test in Predicting Academic Success in Practical Nursing Programs , Sally Crenshaw

Assessing the Efficacy of the Training Opportunities Program for Undiscovered Potential (TOP UP) Dropout Prevention Program at Western Kentucky University for At-Risk High School Students , Kaye Foust

Theses and Specialist projects from 1993 1993

Attendance at a University Residential Summer Camp & Students’ Subsequent Enrollment at that University , Mae Guinn

Theses and Specialist projects from 1992 1992

A Study of an Academic Enrichment Program at Western Kentucky University , Huda Melky

Effect of a Summer Camp on the Self-Concept & Wilderness Anxiety of Fifth & Sixth Grade Campers , Mazen Melky

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life & the Occurrence of Drug Abuse: An Epidemiological Retrospective Study , Thomas Nicholson

Teacher Influence in Site-Based Decision Making: A Descriptive Study , Keith Restine

Theses and Specialist projects from 1991 1991

An Analysis of Kentucky’s Principals: Perceptions and Preparedness to Assume the Role of School Based Management , Byron D. Jeffries

Theses and Specialist projects from 1990 1990

Public Relations: Its Importance in the Public School System , Lawrence Crittenden Hunter

A Comparison of the Frequencies of Selected Teaching Behaviors of Trained and Untrained Teachers , Raymonde Antonia Frances Joseph

Stress Indicators of Kentucky Elementary Principals , Helen Kirby

Site-Based Management, Knowledge Base of Kentucky Superintendents , Alan Reed

An Analysis of Attitudes of Administrators Towards Higher-Level Thinking Skills , Janet Zipprich

Theses and Specialist projects from 1989 1989

Peer Coaching & Change Implementation , Jolene Black

Premenstrual Syndrome-Related Personality & Cognitive Processing Alterations as Indicated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator , Linda Scariot

An Analysis of Selected Demographic Variables Concerning Kentucky School Supervisors , Margaret Sims

An Analysis of Administrative Computer Use by Secondary Principals in Kentucky , Darrell Witten

Using Collegial Leadership in a Design to Improve Instruction: The Curriculum & Instructional Leader Program , Cora Wood

Theses and Specialist projects from 1988 1988

Special Ideas , Marlene Ashby

Management Guide for Early Childhood Programs , Cathy S. Jording

A Survey of Factors Affecting Enrollment in Mathematics Teacher Education Programs , Rebecca Miller

Theses and Specialist projects from 1987 1987

Comparative Instructor Attitudes Toward College Level English and Mathematics Experiences for Gifted High School Students , Bruce Vickers

A Study of the Educational Needs of Business & Industrial Employees & a Proposed Industrial Education Degree , Palisa Williams

Theses and Specialist projects from 1985 1985

Factors Affecting Successful Use of Amplification in the Elderly Population , Joseph Etienne

The Effects of Various Kinds of Background Music on the I.Q. Scores of Ninth-Grade Students , L.C. Bud Johnston

Impact of the Educational & Life Planning Course on Undecided Students: An Evaluation Model , Diana Shores

Theses and Specialist projects from 1983 1983

An Evaluation of the Guidance & Counseling Program of the Bishop David Memorial High School , Richard Staples

Theses and Specialist projects from 1982 1982

The Development & Study of a Competency-Based Vocational Education Drafting Program , Kenneth Mussnug

Theses and Specialist projects from 1981 1981

A Model for Use in Planning an In-Service Training Program at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Lakehurst, New Jersey , Martha Gantt

The Effect of Summer Recess on the Reading Achievement of Title I Students at L.C. Curry School, Bowling Green, Kentucky , Virginia Scheider

A Survey to Assess the Awareness of the Bowling Green Community in Regard to the International Student Community at Western Kentucky University , Susan Tesseneer

A Study of the Holding Power and Follow-Up of North Bullitt High School Students (Classes of 1978, 1979 and 1980) , Robert Wagoner

Theses and Specialist projects from 1980 1980

A Study of Grade Retention & Social Promotion in the McLean County, Kentucky School District , John Settle Jr.

A Descriptive Study of the Problems Reported by Selected Students on Academic Probation at Western Kentucky University , James Somers Jr.

A Comparison of the Admission Criteria of Kentucky's Junior Colleges , Janet Walters

A Study of Factors Related to Low General Technical Scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery as Identified by Members of the Second Squadron, Seventeenth Cavalry, Fort Campbell, Kentucky , David Yates

Theses and Specialist projects from 1979 1979

A Comparison of Traditional Grass-Twist Backstops to One of Corrugated Cardboard Design Use on Indoor Ranges , Charles T. Crume Jr.

The Relationship of Sex-role Classifications, Measured Vocational Interests and Expressed Vocational Interests of Selected College Women , SallyAnn McLeod Koenig

A Comparison of Role Performance & Role Expectation of Supervisors in Selected Public School Districts in Kentucky , Mae Mefford

Alienation and the Associate Degree Student within the College of Business and Public Affairs of Western Kentucky University , Leonard Schira

Theses and Specialist projects from 1978 1978

The Perceived Role of the University Residence Hall Director , Jan Akers

A Survey of the Work-Study Programs in the State Universities of Kentucky , Glen Knight

A Comparative Study of the Expenditures of the Robertson County, Tennessee, Pupil Transportation System , James Talley Sr.

Theses and Specialist projects from 1977 1977

ocial Factors & Perceived Problems as Predictions of Success in Basic Combat Training , James Georgoulakis

Theses and Specialist projects from 1975 1975

A Descriptive Study of Ninth Grade Reading Programs in Schools of the Second Education District of Kentucky , Eloyse Jean Groves

Theses and Specialist projects from 1974 1974

A Position Paper of Environmental Education for Nelson County , Geneva B. Hunt

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60+ Amazing Research Topics for Educational Leadership

A dissertation or thesis is a document presented for one to be awarded a degree or professional qualification. It involves research on a given topic.

Educational leadership, on the other hand, involves identifying and nurturing talents in a school set up to meet the objectives of education.

Now let’s merge the two and see the meaning.

A dissertation topic in educational leadership is, therefore, a thesis on how pupils, teachers, and parents will work towards achieving a common goal.

Leadership dissertation topics are common nowadays attributed to the growing number of institutions, and schools were also incorporated. Education dissertation topics are hence being researched daily due to the emerging challenges in running schools.

Dissertation topics in higher education leadership are vast because of the various tertiary institutions available; vocational training institutions, colleges, and universities. Enough of the explanations, and now let’s delve into the course meal. So sit tight and belt up, this is going to be one fantastic flight you’ve ever had.

60 Research Paper Topics in Educational Leadership

• The Effects of Religion on Educational Leadership
• Analyzing Long Term and Short Term Educational Leadership Goals
• How to pass teacher’s excellence to students easily
• The role of Leadership Summits on Educational Leadership
• The Impact of leadership Training Institutions on Educational Leadership
• How To Improve Education Leadership in the Society Today
• How effective is the Youth than the Elderly in Educational Leadership?
• Evaluating Different structures of Organizational Leadership
• How Education Leadership Varies with Different Continental Settings
• The Effects of Teacher-Parent-Student Ratio in Educational Leadership
• How Public and Private Institutions Vary in Education Leadership
• Policies in Educational Leadership and Their Impact
• Analyzing Higher Education Leadership Characteristics
• Leadership in Higher Education Frames Analysis
• The Impact of Higher Education Programs Leadership Development
• The Higher education Leadership Indigenous Perspective
• Distance Education Programs and Transformational Leadership Characteristics in Higher Education
• How to Plan For an American Higher Education Leadership Crisis
• Preparing of Educational Leadership Personnel
• Evaluating Better Schools With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
• How is Educational Leadership in the 21st Century
• Understanding What a Masters in Educational Leadership Entails
• How Educational Leadership is Financed
• Evaluating Differences in Educational Leadership Between Profit and Non-Profit Organizations
• The Need for Effective Leadership in Education
• Analyzing Globalization in Educational Leadership
• Understanding the Different Education Leadership Styles
• When To Start Teaching Education Leadership and The Impact
• Impact of Online Courses on Educational Leadership Graduates
• How Innovative Strategies Impact Educational Leadership
• Evaluating Trends in Educational Leadership
• How Educational Leadership Contributes to Discrimination
• Analyzing Technical Terms in Educational Leadership
• What is the Impact of Subordinate Staff on Educational Leadership
• How Can we Merge Student Leadership with the Administration
• The Need to Simplify Educational Leadership
• Innovative Solutions to Educational Leadership Challenges
• Ensuring Sustainable Student-Parent-Teacher Relationship
• Demystifying Myths About Educational Leadership
• How To Initiate a Re-Birth in Educational Leadership

Also, here are additional dissertation topics for custom dissertation writing on educational leadership:

1. Understanding The Role of Women in Educational Leadership

Ladies, first am being a gentleman here. It has been one of the most researched educational leadership topics.

2. How Cultural Organizations Influence School Institutions

A set way of life defines every Society in any part of the world. These cultural aspects also imply educational leadership.

3. The Influence of Educational Leadership on Transformation

This form of organizational leadership dissertation aims to establish the impact of educational leadership in Society. For instance, how has the Society grown or depreciated as a result of the educational leadership?

4. What Role Does Educational Leadership Serve in Society?

The values and morals set by an education institution determine how the Society will be in the future. A valuable educational leadership system will thus pass on responsible, and reliable people to Society.

5. The Role of Education Leadership on the Success of the Society

Success is critical in any undertaking. If not, why engage with it in the first place? This dissertation topic, therefore, seeks to unveil how education leadership can contribute to the success of the Society.

6. The Impact of Educational Leadership in Research and Literature

Educational leadership determines decisions such as the number of resources invested in research. Thus, it will major on how various forms of educational leadership either contribute to or against study and literature.

7. How Social Media Affects Educational Leadership

The digital era has immensely contributed to the organization of various forms of leadership. Social media can either be positively or negatively impacting educational leadership. Therefore, such a dissertation topic will bring this out.

8. How Poor Leadership and Poor Results in Schools Relate

Decisions made by the parents, teacher, or the students themselves will have an impact on their results.

9. The Role of Technology in Educational Leadership

Has it improved or depreciated the value of educational leadership?

10. The Impact of the Community on Educational Leadership

It focuses on how to incorporate the community into the educational leadership and the subsequent results.

11. How Racism Impacts Educational Leadership

This leadership dissertation topic focuses on institutions with mixed races. Does this affect the running of institutions?

12. The Impact of Interdisciplinary Teams in Running of Schools

Are they effective? And if so, to what extent?

13. The Comparison between Top and Lower Performing Schools

How are the two institutions managed? Are the educational leadership systems the same?

14. How to Intertwine Certain Teaching Methods with an Efficient Organization

Can specific strategic teaching methods be incorporated into educational leadership?

15. How Leadership Wrangles Affect Students

Teachers and parents fighting for different positions in the administration can affect student performance.

16. Analyzing Characteristics of Various Teachers Handling a Certain Subject

The traits of various instructors can either have a positive or negative impact on their mode of delivery.

17. How can Students be incorporated into the Educational Leadership

Ways in which students can adequately represent in the school leadership.

18. Government Regulations on Educational Leadership

Do Government regulations promote or inhibit educational leadership?

19. How Can Special Groups Be Represented Effectively

Persons with disabilities also have an equal right in administration.

20. Evaluating the Impact of the Politics of a Country to Educational Leadership

Do politicians have a say in the running of school institutions?

Use Our Topics And Get A+ Grade

These dissertation topics will properly groom you in writing your next thesis. Ask our professional team of writers to get help in writing more leadership dissertation topics.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
• List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
• Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
• Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
• The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
• The impact of teacher training on student learning
• The impact of classroom design on student learning
• The impact of poverty on education
• The use of student data to inform instruction
• The role of parental involvement in education
• The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The role of critical thinking in education
• The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
• The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
• The use of gamification in education
• The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
• The impact of school leadership on student achievement
• The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
• The implementation of blended and online learning
• The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning
• The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
• The effects of school culture on student achievement
• The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
• The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
• The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
• The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
• The use of project-based learning in the classroom
• The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
• The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
• The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
• The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
• The use of positive reinforcement in education
• The impact of school climate on student engagement
• The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
• The effects of school choice on student achievement
• The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

• Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
• Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
• The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
• The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
• The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
• Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
• The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
• The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
• The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
• Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
• The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
• Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
• Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
• Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
• Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
• The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
• Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
• Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
• The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
• Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
• The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
• The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
• The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
• The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
• Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
• The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
• Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
• The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
• Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

• Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
• The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
• The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
• The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
• The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
• Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
• The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
• Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
• The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
• The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
• The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
• The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
• The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
• The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
• Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
• The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
• The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
• The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
• Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
• The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
• Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
• The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

• The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
• The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
• The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
• Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
• The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
• The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
• The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
• Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
• The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
• The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
• The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
• The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
• Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
• Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
• Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
• The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
• Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
• Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
• The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
• Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
• The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
• The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
• The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
• Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
• Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
• The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
• The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
• Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
• A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
• A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
• Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
• Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
• Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
• Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
• Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
• The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
• Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
• Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
• How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
• The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

70 Comments

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Special education

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Research title related to school of students

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Research title related to students

My field is research measurement and evaluation. Need dissertation topics in the field

Assalam o Alaikum I’m a student Bs educational Resarch and evaluation I’m confused to choose My thesis title please help me in choose the thesis title

Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues

You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/

Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

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Home > CEHS > Educational Administration > Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Department of Educational Administration

Department of educational administration: dissertations, theses, and student research.

The Relationship Between General and Content-Specific Classroom Practices and K-6 Student Math Achievement: A Multi-Method Analysis , Karen Alexander Glueckdert

Perceptions of College Campus Climate among Queer Female Sexual Assault Survivors , Elyxcus J. Anaya

Unlocking the Door to Access and Success: The Keys Program , Timothy Paul Barshinger

The Great Resignation: Narratives of Mid-Career Teacher Burnout and Attrition , Nicole Burton

White Male Privilege in the Perpetration of Sexual Violence: An Exploratory Study of Young Adults , Emily Elizabeth Camp

The Use and Impact of Strategic Planning in Nebraska Public Schools , Jodi A. Frager

Rural Student-Home Community Engagement Impact as a Result of Study Abroad Experiences: From Preparation Through Return , Todd Karr

How College Graduates Decide to Remain in a Rural Community Post-Graduation , Benjamin Lamb

International Women Graduate Students: Transition to Public Research Universities in the Midwest , Tran Thanh Truc Nguyen

A Collaborative Campus Community Policing Model: A Case Study in Fostering Collective Efficacy Among Students, Faculty and Staff , Hassan Ramzah

Perceptions of School Climate , Scott Siegel

Constructing Refugee Identity: A Heuristic Inquiry into Experiences of Ukrainian Refugees , Deana Tsabak

How to Do QuantCrit: A Reflexive Account of Applying Critical Quantitative Methods to a Study of Black Women in STEM , Elizabeth Collins

Support Services and State Standardized Assessments for Homeless and High Mobility Youth: A Mixed Methods Case Study , Veronika Cummings

The Impact of Poverty Informed Faculty on Community College Student Success , Barbara J. Embacher

Understanding the Participation Gap at Predominantly White Institutions: Examining Institutional Practices That Prevent Black Students From Studying Abroad , Jamil Funnah

How Peer Mentors Support the Transition of First-Year College Students , Blair Prevost

The Gendered Experience of Female Resident Assistants , Christa Rahl

Nebraska Elementary School Teachers’ Desired Principal Leadership Qualities and Teachers’ Interest of Becoming a Principal , Gene James Russel

A Multi-Case Examination of Leadership Development Programs for Emerging Educational Leaders in K-12 School Districts , Jason Thomsen

Authentic Truth at Work: A Case Study of the Lived Professional Experiences of a Transgender Educational Leader Through the Lens of the Synergistic Leadership Theory , Rachel Bruce

KEY FACTORS SURROUNDING THE SURVIVAL AND THRIVAL OF RURAL SCHOOLS IN NEBRASKA THROUGH THE EYES OF SUPERINTENDENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY , Sadie Coffey

WOMEN AS LEADERS IN THE BOURBON INDUSTRY , Candice Cress

Engagement is Everything: Principals' Perceptions of their Role in Teacher Engagement , Jennifer Hellbusch

Discrimination in the Employment Search: Narratives from International Students of Color , Yi Xuen Tay

Spaces and Societal Interactions: Foundations of the Critical Disabled Cultural Lens of a Child of Disabled Adults , Amelia-Marie Altstadt

Career Progression and the Imposter Phenomenon: Experiences of Female Student Affairs Leaders , Molly Belieu

Yātrā: A Phenomenology of Acculturation and Sojourner Experience of Indian International Students in the U.S. , Pankaj Amrut Desai

The Complicated Road from Academic Dismissal to Degree Completion: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Student Experience , AnnMarie Gottner

Technology Leadership Qualities in Secondary School Principals in Nebraska Who Support Student-led Social Media Teams , Jill M. Johnson

Deliberate Indifference: An Exploration of the Student Survivor Activism Group Movement , Shyla Kallhoff

Raw and Pure Education in the Society , Iwasan D. Kejawa Ed.D

The Impact of Elementary School Counseling Programs on Student Behavioral Outcomes in the First Year of Middle School , Brenda Chaney Leggiadro

Predicting Teacher Job Satisfaction and Propensity to Leave in the Bering Strait School District in Rural Alaska Through the Application of Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory , Matthew Palmer

“I Always Felt Like I Belonged:” A Case Study on a First-Generation Focused Student Success Program and Sense of Belonging , Stephanie Zobac

What Influences Itinerant Teacher Job Satisfaction and Intent to Stay? , Laura Barrett

Engagement Requires The Institution Too: A Case Study of a California Community College Using Assessment Data to Improve Student Success Practices , Duane Brooks

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS: A STUDY OF WOMEN’S BEACH VOLLEYBALL , Valerie Clem-Brown

The Influence of Principal Leadership on Teacher Collaboration: Does Effective Professional Development Mediate this Effect? , David Evertson

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MTSS PROCESS IN KEARNEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS , Chelsea Feusner

Counternarratives of Success: A Narrative Inquiry into the Life Experiences of Prior-enlisted Reserve Officers Navigating Higher Education , Adam B. Fullerton

Perceptions of Stress and Coping in Traditional Age First-year College Students , Bridgett Grant

You’re Happy and You Know It: Social-Cognitive and Environmental Factors’ Impact on Iraqi Student Satisfaction , Rachel Laribee Gresk

Curating the Campus Nightlife Experience: Documenting a Program Model for Late Night and Weekend Programming. , Derrick Gulley Jr

Structural, Organizational, Cultural Processes and Mechanisms: A Case Study of Writing Center Marginalization and Untapped Potential , Diana Hernandez

Keeping the Faith: The Organizational Saga of Anderson University from 1995-2015 , Mark Hughes

Going the Distance: A Case Study of One Community College's Journey Across the Digital Divide , Michael Robert Jolley

INCENTIVES TO IMPACT THE LONGEVITY OF URBAN SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONALS , Tonya Jolley

Pay No Attention to the Regulation Behind the Curtain: The Implications of the Return to Title IV (R2T4) Federal Aid Policy on Time to Degree , Apri Medina

The Role of Undergraduate Student Affairs Coursework in Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals’ Career Development , Matthew J. Nelson

SCHOOL AUTONOMY DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP AND TEACHERS’ USE OF INNOVATIVE TEACHING PRACTICES , Cailen O'Shea

Defying the Odds, Stories of Success: A case study of Foster Care Alumni in the Community College Environment , Julia Philyaw

First-Generation College Student Experience in the Financial Aid Process , Kristy Saunders

Effects of Career Courses on Career Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations , Celeste Spier

Toward Supporting NPHC Students and Organizations: An Autoethnographic Critical Race Theory Story of What Fraternity and Sorority Life can Learn from the Multicultural Center at one Predominantly White Institution , Ashley Swift

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: THE INTERSECTION OF FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATOR ROLES AMONG COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY DEPARTMENT CHAIRS , Miles Young

Intercultural Leadership Development of Undergraduate Students Using the Transformative Intercultural Learning Model , Mac Benavides

THE IMPACT OF STUDENT PERCEPTION DATA ON TEACHERS: A MULTISITE CASE STUDY AT MIDWESTERN K-12 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS , Brandi Y. Bibins-Redburn

The Perceived Role of Online STEM Dual Credit in Rural Nebraska High Schools , Trentee Bush

Perspectives of Campus Safety: Viewpoints of Community College Faculty and Staff Members , David E. Dibelka Jr.

Financial Aid Director: Educator, Leader, or Manager , Jessica Mohon Flogaites

Addressing the Needs of High School English Learners Through Inclusion in General Education Classrooms: A Descriptive Case Study of a Midwestern Metropolitan Public School District , Amanda Levos

Employer Reports of Skills Gaps in the Workforce , Samantha K. Mosier and Samantha Kristine Kaiser

Experiences of Women Department Chairs in Engineering: A Narrative Study , Kayla Person

Latinidad in the College Union: Perspectives of Latinx Staff Members , Naomi Rodriguez

Addressing the Needs of Middle School English Learners Through Inclusion in General Education Classrooms: A Case Study of a Midwestern Metropolitan Public School District , Mary Krista Schneider

Building a Positive School Climate: What Principals Have Done to Effect Change, an Ethnographic Case Study , Suzanne C. Showers

Responding to the College Completion Crisis in New Mexico: A Case Study of the University of New Mexico , Kalith Smith

Exemplar Advisors Fostering a Sense of Mattering within Undergraduate Students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources , Nicole Michelle Smith

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the Perceptions of Middle School Teachers: What Works During Implementation of a School-Wide System of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports , Jeffrey L. Soucie

STUDENT PERCEPTION DATA AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHERS , Erica R. Walker-Arnold

Emergency Management in Community Colleges: Why Colleges Need to be Prepared , Dave Dibelka

Rural Students’ Sense of Belonging at a Large Public University , Benjamin P. Heinisch

Women's Gender Identities and NCAA Policy , Lauren E. Kelba

Promoting and Establishing an Effective Campus-Wide Academic Advising System , Katie Kerr

A Resource-Oriented Investigation into the Community College Matriculation and Persistence of U.S.-Educated English Language Learners , Naomi Mardock Uman

The Principal Evaluation: Connecting Principals’ Evaluation to the Growth and Development Process: A Case Study , Jackie Nielsen

Examining the Lived Experiences of Native American Students at Predominantly White Institutions , Zachary Palmer

The Cost Effectiveness and Instructional Value of One-to-One Technology Investments Among Nebraska School Districts , William Robert Robinson Jr.

Perspectives of Rural Nebraska Community Leaders on Pre-Kindergarten in Public Schools , Bradley G. Stauffer

Career Building Among Asian American Immigrant Community College Students in Nebraska: A Phenomenological Study , Minerva D. Tuliao

Factors Associated to Teacher Longevity in a Title I Elementary School: A Qualitative Narrative Inquiry Study , Richard Devney

Latinx College Student Sense of Belonging: The Role of Campus Subcultures , Crystal E. Garcia

Factors That Influence Accreditation in Nebraska Public Districts and Schools , David Gibbons

An Instrumental Case Study of Administrative Smart Practices for Fully Online Programs and Degrees , Charles V. Gregory

Latinx Students in STEM Education Research: A CRT and LatCrit Analysis of NSF Funded Projects , Hortencia Lara

The Road Taken That Has Made All The Difference: A Narrative Inquiry of Student Engagement and Success in Butler Community College's Accelerated Learning Program in English , Troy Nordman

HERITAGE LANGUAGE SCHOOLS IN THE U.S.: ADMINISTRATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND SCHOOL OPERATIONS , Nan Wang

Unknown Identities: How Transracial International Adoptees Racially and Culturally Identify in College , Amy Williamson

WE MATTER, WE’RE RELEVANT AND WE ARE BLACK WOMEN IN SORORITIES: AN EXPLORATION OF THE EXPERIENCES OF BLACK SORORITY MEMBERS AT A PREDOMINATELY WHITE INSTITUTION , DeLores J. Allison

Leadership Perspectives of Chief Student Affairs Officers , Jeff Beavers

Implementation of State Developmental Education Policy: A Multiple Case Study of Community College Faculty Perceptions of Involvement , Shirley Davenport

Turnaround Elementary Principals in Rural Missouri , Julie C. Delaney

Teacher + Technology = Blended Learning: How Important is the Teacher in this Equation? , Catherine A. Doom

Comparison of Nebraska Accreditation Options and Effect on Student Achievement: A Mixed Methods Study , Tami Sue Eshleman

Social Media: How a University's Student Organizations Communicate with Students , Becky R. Freeman

THE ASSIMILATION OF BEGINNING TEACHERS INTO AN ESTABLISHED SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY EXAMINING FORMATS OF JOB-EMBEDDED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT , Lynn A. Fuller

A Professional Development Certification Program for Instructors Teaching in the Online Environment and Student Completion and Success Rates at a Midwestern Community College: An Ex Post Facto Study , Marie L. Gardner

Recognizing Earned Credit: Student Motivations for Reverse Transfer Programs and Concurrently Earning Two Post-Secondary Degrees , Matthew S. Geyer

Paths to Leadership of Native Hawaiian Women Administrators in Hawaii's Higher Education System: A Qualitative Study , Farrah-Marie Gomes

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Home > Communities > College of Education & Human Development > Educational Leadership > EL-GRAD

Educational Leadership Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Integrating Environmental Education Into Teacher Preparation Programs , Jenny Bladow

Need For Vertical Alignment In English Classes Between K-12 And Higher Education Institutions , Kelsey Buchholz

Transforming Educational Landscapes: How Student Choice Influences Achievement, Engagement, And Instructional Objectives , Alissa Kaye Carter

Mental Health And Youth Sports: The Importance Of Adding A Smartphone App To Improve Awareness, Education, And Resources For Youth Athletes , Kelli Gast

The Effects Of Covid-19 On School Attendance: Examining Explanations For Chronically Absent Students , Samantha Kaloustian

Educator Perceptions On Equity And Inclusion In The Classroom , Brittany N. Melfi

Building A Better Teacher Evaluation System , Amanda Melsby

Survey Of National Junior College Athletic Directors On The Top Things They Wish They Knew During Their First Year: First-Year Athletic Director Manual For Success , Jayden Olson

Teachers' Perspectives On Transformational Leadership , Kelsey Rae Peltier

Trauma Education In Social Work Curricula: An Innovative Approach To The Teaching Of Trauma-Informed Care , Jennifer M. Schlinger

Faculty Experiences Of Implementing Co-Teaching Strategies , Krystie Lynn Seese

The Experiences Of Black Male Teachers In International Schools In East And Southeast Asia , Myson Jonathan Sheppard

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Helping Students From Refugee Backgrounds Succeed In Higher Education Through Support Systems , Arinola Adebayo

The Z Factor: Generation Z And The Perspectives Of Recruitment Professionals On Sustaining Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions During A Decade Of Expected Decline In Higher Education Enrollment , Shawn Adkins

Examining Relationships Between Wellness And Student Success: Recommendations For Integration Of Wellness At A Community College , Heather Dewaard-Flickinger

Comparative Analysis Of Instructional Strategies To Improve Student Engagement In An Online Introductory Undergraduate French Course , Rachel Beth Dwyer

Development Of The Share Your Story Program: Understanding How Self-Stigma And Mental Health Storytelling Influence Mental Health Experiences On College Campuses , Kyle Cromer Elliott

Instructional Coach Professional Learning: Developing Reflective Practices, Cultural Competence, And Self-Efficacy In An Asynchronous Course , Mena Hill

The Importance Of Inclusive Classrooms For Students With Disabilities: Research Leading To The Creation Of A Needs Assessment To Support Inclusive Classrooms , Tara Jensen

Physical Therapists' Decision To Practice In Vestibular Rehabilitation And Concussion Management: A Qualitative Study Of Influences , Michelle Lea Keller

Rural States’ Use Of Federal Government Terminology Related To Federal Student Aid And Postsecondary Accreditation: A Toolkit To Support Information Access And Use For Rural Students , Valerie Lefor

To Stay Or Leave: Commitment Decisions Of Early-Career Faculty , Kevin Moberg

Vertical Transfer Student Integration At A Technical University: A Case Study Of A Large, Urban, Private Institution , Eric Michael Pope

Internet Training Modules Targeting Home-Based Parent Involvement With Students In Early Childhood Special Education , Nicole Marie Reybok

Better Together: Building Supportive Teacher-Student Relationships With Adolescents Using Alternative School Practices As A Model , Michelle Salyer

A Survey Of Research Administrators To Identify Areas Of Administrative Burden In Federal Research Grant Management , Jessica Lynn Schiller

Increasing Implementation Fidelity Of Behavior Intervention Plans In Public Schools Following Delivery Of Remote Behavior Skills Training For Staff , Shayna Kia Shriver

The Key Actions Of School Leaders That Contribute To Effective Implementation Of Restorative Practice , Amy L. Starzecki

Restorative Justice Practices In Middle School Settings In North Dakota , Carly Theis

Multinomial Logistic And Negative Binomial Regressions Of Campus Instructional Modes, Institutional Characteristics, And Covid-19 Case Counts In Fall 2020 In The Midwest , Katherine Marian Tyler

Effective Differentiation Strategies For Engaging English Language Learners In The General Education Classroom: An Implementation Study , Renee Ullom

Beyond The Brick And Mortar: Examining Internal Selection Of Principals , Brittany Upton

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys Curriculum Series Longitudinal Effects On Grade 4 Student Reading Scores , Daniel Warcken

Voice Of The Voiceless: Alumni Of A Rural North Dakota School Respond To Traditional Urban Solutions For Rural Education , Thomas Warman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

North Dakota Administrators' And Teachers' Perception On School Calendars: Academic And Social-Emotional Learning , Jacqueline Gaye Bye

Educators’ Perceptions Of Youth Behavioral Health Training In Schools Across North Dakota , Elisa Laura Diederich

North Dakota Elementary School Counseling Programs: Implications For Policy And Practice , Holly Larson

Bridging The Transition Gap: Student Perceptions Of Middle To High School Transition Practices And School Connectedness , Amanda Quintus

Fulfilling The Purpose Of Education: Voices Of North Dakota Graduates Pertaining To Curriculum And Graduation Requirements , Sarah Jean Ricks

Participatory Action Research: Managing Smartphones In The Secondary Classroom , Andrea Simon

Creating And Designing Collaborative Learning Spaces In A Secondary School Setting , Darin Walters

Characteristics Of School Success As Identified By School Leaders , Dave Wheeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Critical Race Examination Of The Lived Experiences Of Persistent African American Students At A Predominantly White Community College , Elena Favela Naca

Change Theory And Perceptions Of Innovation From Educators Within K-12 Schools In The State Of North Dakota , Ryan P. Lyson

Elementary And Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Native American Students’ Academic Performances In North Dakota , Andrew Younkam Mangwa

The Role Of A Principal In Creating A School Climate In Which New American Students Thrive: An Ethnographic Case Study Of A Midwest Magnet School , Attia Noor

Student Athlete Perceptions On Coaches' Relationships Impacting Continued Participation In High School Athletics , Mark Allen Rerick

Montana Coaches' Perceptions On Including Transgender Athletes In High School Interscholastic Sports And Its Effect On Team Chemistry , David L. Woods Ii

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Principals' Perceptions Of Implementation Levels Of Innovative Education In North Dakota Schools , Timothy Godfrey

Integrating Best Practice Into Fieldwork: A Narrative Inquiry Into The Level II Experiences Of Occupational Therapy Students , Cherie Graves

Empathetic Student-Centric Decisional Mindset: A Grounded Theory Study Of Teachers' Judgment Experiences , Joshua Sean Grover

An Examination On The Progression Of Students Assigned To Developmental Or College Level Math At A Tribal Community College , Rhonda Blanche Gustafson

Narrative Portraiture Of American Indian Men Who Persist To Completion Of Doctoral Degrees , Shawn F. Holz

Prestige, Status, And Esteem And The Teacher Shortage , Scott G. Klimek

Impact Of A Billing Strategy On Degree Completion Rates At A North Dakota Tribal College , Wanda Lee Laducer

Principals' Perspectives Regarding Grades 9-12 Black, Asian, And Latino Males In North Dakota Public Schools , Maggie Harrison Lowery

Exploring K-12 Superintendent Turnover: Career Advancement Or Dissatisfaction Realized? , Francis Arthur Schill

The Impact Of Support Areas On The Academic Success Of International Students In Community Colleges , Taiwo Olubusoye Soetan

A Presidential Leadership Process For Higher Education In Small, Rural Institutions And Settings , Teresa Caplinger Spaeth

Competing By Tweeting: A Content Analysis Of University Presidents' Tweets , Susan Balcom Walton

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Female Faculty Perspectives On Blended Learning At Universities In Saudi Arabia , Hind Hamed B Alghanmi

Educational Leadership Development In Saudi Arabia: Experiences Of Participants Of The Saudi Oxford Program For Educational Leaders , Azizah Fhad Alogali

A Tapestry Of Educational Technology Women Leaders In Higher Education: A Qualitative Study , Jane Braaten Overmoe

Examining The Effects Of Breakthrough Coaching On Instructional Leadership , Kevin Neil Clace

Examining Teacher Perceptions On Change In Secondary School Libraries To Promote Informational Literacy , Sarah Crary

Intergenerational Perspectives On Leadership By Men Of The Three Affiliated Tribes , Chad Beldon Dahlen

International Freshmen Student Satisfaction With Campus Environments At U. S. Institutions Through The Lens Of The National Survey Of Student Engagement (NSSE) , Ludmi Herath

Exploring Student Perspectives On Elementary To Middle School Transition Practices , Erin Spies

The Role Of A Principal In Establishing And Maintaining Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (pbis): An Ethnographic Case Study , Angela Wanzek

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

A Midwest School District’s Implementation Process Of A New Teacher Evaluation Model , Kristopher G. Arason G. Arason

Attitudes And Beliefs Of North Dakota Early Childhood Educators Toward Gender Constructs , Janelle Jean Ferderer

What Is Teacher Effectiveness? A Case Study Of Educator Perceptions In A Midwest Elementary School , Christine Lynn Job

"A Degree Is A Part Of The Puzzle, But Only A Piece.” Understanding How Employers Determine The Value Of Academic Credentials , Brenda Kaspari

Working And Providing Care: Increasing Student Engagement For Part-Time Community College Students , Daniel Leingang

Teacher Perspectives On The Impact Of High-Stakes Testing On Students With Disabilities: A Grounded Theroy Study , Tammy Mayer

Academic Interventions in Secondary Schools: Examining Teachers' Perceptions of Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support , Shannon Mortrud

Faculty Experiences with Instructional Innovations: A Phenomenological Study of Faculty Use of Instructional Video , Timothy Patrick ONeal

The Long-Term Impacts Of Study Abroad On Oxford Eurospring Alumni: A Phenomenological Study , Karmen Pfeiffer Sorenson

Teacher perspectives on the impact of high-stakes testing on students with disabilities : a grounded theory study , Tammy Marie Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Lived Experiences Of Freshman Students In Their First Semester Of College , Lisa Marie Burger

Spirituality And Student Engagement At A Small, Church-Related Private College , Hal Henry Haynes

Applying The Kano Model To Higher Education: Moving Beyond Measuring Student Satisfaction , Melissa P. Mcdowall

Parent Understanding Of K-6 Student Mathematics Performance Using Standards-Based Compared To Traditional Report Cards , Jill Ann Olson

Passing On The Legacy: How Rural Community College Senior Officers Prepare The Next Generation Of Leaders , Linda Thompson Thompson

A Dual-Level Approach To Enrollment Management , Jason Trainer

Academia Meeting The Needs Of Industry: A Case Study Of Developing A New Degree Program For Petroleum Engineering , Rosemary Vogt

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Roles, Responsibilities, And Experiences Of Rural Superintendent-Principals , Chad Clark

Student Perceptions Of Digital Resources And Digital Technology In A Flipped Classroom , Larry S. Guggisberg

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Graduate Students' Experiences Of Plagiarism By Their Professors , Kimberly Dawn (Hanson) Becker

Regional Education Associations In North Dakota: Perceptions Of REA Directors And School Superintendents , Jeffery E. Lind

College Students Who Abstain From Alcohol: Those Who Choose Not To Use , Sandra Jean Luck

Is MOOC Madness Here To Stay? An Institutional Legitimacy Study Of Employers , Alyssa R. Martin

Turn That Frown Upside Down: The Experience Of Higher Education Faculty Moving From Disillusionment To Vitality , Robert J. Martin

Exploring The Impact And Benefits Of A Health Education Program At Turtle Mountain , Shane Michael Martin

Instrumental Music Participation and the Differences in Academic Performances for Students in Poverty , Shawn A. Oban

How Shared Experiences Impact Teachers Who Remain In American Indian Elementary Schools More Than Five Years , Rae Marie Wilkie-Villebrun

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Influence Of Priming On College Students' Financial Valuation Of Art , Lenetta Choate

Grade Level Retention: A Comparative Study Of Beliefs And Practices In North Dakota And Surrey , Kim Englund

Perceptions Of School Leaders In Western North Dakota Regarding The Effects Of Rapid Population Growth On Pk-12 Educational Organizations , Scott Faul

Understanding Somali Women Refugee Students' Lives And Program Decisions At Two-Year Colleges: A Narrative Approach , Mary Fontes

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Dissertation Database

As the culminating experience of their graduate programs and with the guidance of the faculty, PhD students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis are producing dissertations which contribute to the knowledge base regarding education and offer important insights about improving educational practices and policies. Listed below are ELPA PhD graduates with links to their dissertations.

UKnowledge > College of Education > Educational Leadership Studies > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ACROSS THE ASIA PACIFIC: A SEQUENTIAL EXPLANATORY STUDY , Robert A. Appino

Enrollment Management Leadership Response to System Changes: Case Study , Christopher R. Jensen

Answering the Call of Late Registration , Brooke Justice

THE INFLUENCE OF INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ON SHAPING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE , Ian D. MacPhail

LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES AND MULTI-FRAME THINKING OF RURAL SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS’ DURING PERIODS OF CRISIS , Steven J. Moses

MC Means Mentor the Child: Examining School-Based Hip-Hop Clubs for Youth Empowerment, Leadership Development, and Capacity for Change , Daniel Wolford

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

An Exploration of Effective District Practices For Enculturating and Retaining Kentucky's Newest Teachers in the Profession , Cari Lea Boyd

Principals as Instructional Leaders: Building Knowledge of Applied Learning to Confidently Lead Implementation , Janell Lynn McClure

ADDRESSING A COHORT DISCREPANCY AMONG NINTH-GRADE STUDENTS AT A RURAL/SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL , Bryley Keaton Murphy

UNDERSTANDING FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS SAFETY, SAVVINESS, AND SOCIAL ETIQUETTE ONLINE , Collis Ray Robinson

Investigating the Relationship Between Empowerment and Secondary Science Teachers’ Technology Integration Knowledge , Jane Elizabeth Walsh

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Impacting Website Visitor Engagement Through Information Provision , Will Buntin

Using Communities of Practice to Support At-Home Gospel Learning from a Release Time Seminary Classroom , Nicholas A. Davis

IMPROVING SELF-EFFICACY OF TEAMS SUPPORTING ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS THROUGH COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE , Boyd Gudgel

The Power of Connections: An Online Doctoral Program's Use of Strategic Onboarding to Enhance the Doctoral Experience , Jeri Heileman

CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILL INTEGRATION WITHIN THE EQUINE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY , Savannah Faye Robin

Meeting Transfer Students Where They Are: A New Organizational Approach to Transfer Student Communication, Support, and Recruitment , Daniel Wright

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

TRANSFORMING OUTCOMES TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM SPONSORED BY SUNRISE CHILDREN’S SERVICES , Richard R. Burslem

Action Research as Professional Development: Creating Effective Professional Development in Every Classroom , Lori A. Cambareri

Fostering A Sense of Community Among Teachers Via A Community of Practice: A Mixed-Methods Action Research Study , Apryl Clark Moore

THE EFFECTS OF A STRENGTHS BASED FACULTY COACHING INTERVENTION ON FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE: A MIXED METHODS ACTION RESEARCH STUDY , Conrad Alfred Davies Sr.

A Constructive Approach to Managing Faculty Conflict: An Action Research Study , Natasha L. Davis

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HEADS’ SELF-EFFICACY AND GOVERNANCE: AN INTERVENTION , Joshua Ashley Garrett

BUILDING COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, AND SELF-EFFICACY AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELORS THROUGH COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE , Garrett Rimey

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

NEW TEACHER INDUCTION: IMPROVING TEACHER SELF-EFFICACY , William Jesse Bacon

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Home > School, College, or Department > College of Education > ELP > Dissertations and Theses

Educational Leadership and Policy Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Undergraduate Students of Color Raising Children and Persisting in Higher Education , Kimberly Denise Alvarez (Dissertation)

An Exploratory Study of an Executive Team Leading Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) , Tara LaShawn Cooper (Dissertation)

Exploring the Curriculum and Institutional Contexts of STEM Future Faculty Programs , Amy Mae Forester (Dissertation)

Co-Designing with First-Generation Transfer Students , Randi Petrauskas Harris (Dissertation)

A Qualitative Study on the Persistence of Seasoned Student Affairs Professionals , Russell Taylor Jones (Dissertation)

Is This My Place? Contributing Factors to Community College Students' Longitudinal Sense of Belonging and the Connection of Sense of Belonging to Student Success , Kelly Elizabeth Love (Dissertation)

Sustainable Leadership During Turbulent Times , Paul Marietta (Dissertation)

Embodying Whole Community Preparedness: A Case Study of Student-Facing Preparedness Initiatives at Institutions of Higher Education in the State of Oregon , Francis Pastorelle (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

The Double Dutch Retention Framework: A Grounded Theory Study on Increasing Racial Staff Diversity at Pacific Northwest Community Colleges , Dominique S. Austin (Dissertation)

Local Voices: Counterstorytelling and Retention of Faculty of Color in Oregon's Community College System , Kristin Christophersen (Dissertation)

Understanding the Experiences of Latino Medical Students in a Learning Medical Environment , Leslie García (Dissertation)

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Disability Status Disclosure, Accommodation Use, and Student Success: Curricular and Co-Curricular Implications , Kaela Marie Parks (Dissertation)

The Radical Relationality of Complex Partnerships: Community-Member Experiences in Critical Community-Based Learning , Amie Riley (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Transformative Ecoliteracy Development in Postsecondary Education: Cultivating Intentional Relationships Through Garden-Based Learning , Shevawn Armstrong (Thesis)

Perspectives of Students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability in College Inclusion Programs on their Preparation for Working in Competitive Integrated Employment , Eva R. Blixseth (Dissertation)

Improvement Science: Improving Employee Engagement , Ryan S. Carpenter (Dissertation)

Must Be Present to Win: Principals' Perspectives on Exclusionary Discipline , William Jeremy Cohen (Dissertation)

Culture of Care and Prosocial Leadership: Autoethnography of an Elementary School Principal Navigating Covid-19 , Ashley Marie Davis (Dissertation)

Radical (Re)Positioning of Students as Cocreators of Curriculum: A Participatory Action Research Study of Undergraduate Student-Instructor Partnerships in Online Learning Environments , Kari Eleana Goin (Dissertation)

Amplifying Arab American Heritage Language Students' Voices: A Multiple Case Study on Translanguaging Practices and Identity Negotiation in University Arabic Classrooms , Lina Gomaa (Dissertation)

Silos in Higher Education Institutions: Shifting from Organizational Phenomena to a Practical Framework for Equitable Decision-making , Mandi Sue Mizuta (Dissertation)

Higher Education Futures: The Transformative Potential of Using Critical Foresights Practices & Arts Based Research in Our Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear, and Incomprehensible (BANI) World , Sheila Christine Mullooly (Dissertation)

Professional Development for Special Education Paraeducators: How to Effectively Train Classroom Staff to Support Students with Complex Instructional and Behavioral Needs , Cara Olson-Sawyer (Dissertation)

Keeping in Touch While Sheltering in Place: A Comparative Case Study on the Complex Emotions Experienced by Older Adults When Introduced to ICTs and Video Conferencing Services , Marisa Susan Soltz (Dissertation)

Increasing Collaboration to Improve Student Outcomes: Improvement Science , Cassandra Diane Thonstad (Dissertation)

In Their Own Words: Examining the Educational Experiences, Expectations, and Values of Oregon Low-Income, Single Black Mothers , Reiko Mia Williams (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Walking as a Way of Knowing: An Autoethnography of Embodied Inquiry , Lauriel-Arwen Amoroso (Dissertation)

Creativity in Science, Engineering, and the Arts: A Study of Undergraduate Students' Perceptions , Dildora F. Beaulieu (Dissertation)

Creating Systems of Shared Accountability for Early Leaver Students: Perspectives of Principals , Lorna Kay Fast Buffalo Horse (Dissertation)

Developing Social Work Skills in Online Environments: What Online MSW Graduates Tell Us , Samuel W. Gioia (Dissertation)

Emotional Intelligence and Resonant Leadership: Investigating School Principals' Preparation and Professional Development in Response to Covid-19 and Other Challenges , Ashlie Kaye Miller (Dissertation)

Diffusion of Innovation: Investigations of Technology Advances on a University Campus , Melissa Shaquid Pirie (Dissertation)

An Exploratory Study of Adjunct Faculty Professional Growth Experiences , Bethany Ann Potts (Dissertation)

Women's Work: a Feminist Standpoint Theory Study of Scholarship, Voice, and Resistance in the Academic Generation of Knowledge , Linnea Angelica Spitzer (Dissertation)

Impacts of Nontraditional Admissions Criteria on the Admittance and Retention of Academically At-Risk Student Populations , Kristen Marie Winter (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

An Inquiry into Developing College Student Socially-Responsible Leadership: Ethics of Justice and Care in the Midst of Conflict and Controversy , Jill Frances Childress (Dissertation)

Where's the Learning in On-Campus Student Employment? An Inquiry into the Experiences of Undergraduate Student Employees , Patricia Ann Dorman (Dissertation)

Residence Life as Learning Organizations: an Inquiry Into Organizational Elements that Support Integration of the Residential Curriculum , Heather Kropf (Dissertation)

#AdultingWhileBlack: Encountering in the Campus Climate and the Formation of Racialized Adult Identity Among Traditional-Age Black College Students , Sarah Nana Kutten (Dissertation)

Faculty Use of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) for Internationalization at Home , Sally Strand Mudiamu (Dissertation)

Sense of Belonging from a Distance: How Online Students Describe, Perceive, and Experience Belonging to the Institution , Marleigh Luster Perez (Dissertation)

Cultural Wealth and the Racialized Experiences of Persisting Latinx Business Students in a Predominantly White Institution: a Study on Sense of Belonging , Rebecca Sue Sanchez (Dissertation)

Untangling the Factors that Affect Student Retention: a Quantitative Study of the Relationships among First-Year Seminar Program Characteristics and Instructor Type (Full-Time and Part-Time) , Christina Marie Shafer (Dissertation)

In Search of a Third Place on Campus: an Exploration of the Effects of Built Space on Students' Sense of Belonging , Kimberly S. Stave (Dissertation)

Medical Faculty Engagement in Curricular Revisions: an Inquiry into Individual and Organizational Factors that Support Participation , Tomoko Tanikawa (Dissertation)

The Experiences of Teachers Successfully Teaching Reading to Black Students , Kevin Michael Walker (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Student Sustainability Leadership Development at Portland State University: Developing Holistic Sustainability Leaders , Megan Suzanne Schneider (Thesis)

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dual Immersion Leadership: a Case Study of Three K-5 Principals Who Show Success with Emergent Bilinguals , Ivonne Karina Dibblee (Dissertation)

Online Learners: a Study of their Advising Attitudes, Experiences, and Learning , Stephen Philip Jenkins (Dissertation)

Campus Sexual Assault and (In)Justice: an Inquiry into Campus Grievance Professionals' Roles, Responsibilities, and Perspectives of Justice , Liane Kehaulani O'Banion (Dissertation)

Does AVID Higher Education (AVID HE) Increase Student Term-to-Term Progression, Persistence Toward Credited Classes and Social Capital for First-Generation College Students Placing Into Developmental Education: a Mixed Methods Study , Christie M. Plinski (Dissertation)

Principal and Teacher Beliefs About the Impact of CBAs on School Performance: Five High Performing High Schools in Oregon , Kevin Jon Ricker (Dissertation)

A Million Piece Jigsaw Puzzle: Transition Experiences of Foster Youth Accessing Higher Education through Community College , Karen A. Sullivan-Vance (Dissertation)

Perception of the Online Degree by Accounting Hiring Gatekeepers of Mid-Size Firms in the Northwestern U.S. , Domanic Thomas (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Development of the Global-Self Through Collegiate Recreational Sports , Alexander Rocco Accetta (Dissertation)

Preparing Historically Underserved Students for STEM Careers: the Role of an Inquiry-based High School Science Sequence Beginning with Physics , Jon P. Bridges (Dissertation)

An Exploration of Effective Community College Instructors' Use of Culturally Competent Pedagogies , Aylin Bunk (Dissertation)

Faculty Job Satisfaction and Morale in Biomedical Research , Richard John Goranflo III (Dissertation)

Sustaining the Human Spirit of the High School Principal Leading for Equity , Ryan David Richardson (Dissertation)

Rural Interprofessional Health Care Education: a Study of Student Perspectives , Curt Carlton Stilp (Dissertation)

Culturally Responsive School Leadership For Latino/a Students Success , Victor H. Vergara (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

"Like Drinking Water Out of a Fire Hydrant" Medical Education as Transformation: A Naturalistic Inquiry Into the Physician Assistant Student Experience , Patricia Kenney-Moore (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Principal Leadership Practices in High Poverty K-5 Model Schools in Oregon , Janice Marie Adams (Dissertation)

The Effects of an Overnight Environmental Science Education Program on Students' Attendance Rate Change for Middle School Years , Jennifer Elizabeth Basham (Thesis)

Effective Technology Implementation in Schools: Differing Perceptions of Teachers, Administrators, and Technology Staff , Joseph Stephen Morelock (Dissertation)

Leadership and Decision-Making Skills of High Poverty Elementary School Principals in an Era of Reduced Resources , Kevin Eugene Spooner (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Understanding Male Nursing Student Perceptions of the Influence of Gender: A Qualitative Case Study Approach of Students, Faculty, and Administration in a Pacific Northwest Nursing Program , Jennifer Anne Anderson (Dissertation)

Teachers Teaching Teachers: A Sustainable and Inexpensive Professional Development Program to Improve Instruction , Carol L. Campbell (Dissertation)

Guiding the Work of Professional Learning Communities: Perspectives for School Leaders , Daniel Paul Draper (Dissertation)

School District Bond Campaigns: Strategies That Ensure Successful Outcomes , Linda L. Florence (Dissertation)

From the Whiteboard to the Web: Equipping Administrators to Recruit, Hire, and Induct Top Quality K-12 Online Teachers , Daniel Keith Huld (Dissertation)

Designing the Plane While Flying It: A Case Study on Nursing Faculty Development during Academic Electronic Health Records Integration in a Small Liberal Arts College , Karen Elizabeth Maxwell (Dissertation)

Gender Representations in U.S. Ed.D. Dissertations: A Feminist Content Analysis , Debora Kay Nelli (Dissertation)

The Impact of School-Level Factors on Minority Students' Performance in AP Calculus , Phillip Bruce Pearson (Dissertation)

Teaching and Learning for Intercultural Sensitivity: A Cross-Cultural Examination of American Domestic Students and Japanese Exchange Students , Yoko Hwang Sakurauchi (Dissertation)

Bridging the Future to Postsecondary Readiness , Brian Patrick Sien (Dissertation)

Keeping Equity in Mind: Strategies for Continuing Equity Work Once Formal Training Has Ended , Teri Lynn Tilley (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Improving Assessment Practice at the Course and Programmatic-Levels in Community Colleges: Developing The Guidebook For Student Learning Outcomes & The Assessment Loop , Steven George Beining (Dissertation)

Nursing Student Anxiety in Simulation Settings: A Mixed Methods Study , Mary Louise Cato (Dissertation)

Shaping School Culture: to Support Moving from a Targeted-Assistance to Schoolwide Title I Program , Paul Edward Coakley (Dissertation)

Facilitating Master's Student Success: A Quantitative Examination of Student Perspectives on Advising , Sarah Brooks Drummond Hays (Dissertation)

Designing Innovative Alternatives to Traditional High Schools: What Leaders Need to Know , Chester Roy Edwards (Dissertation)

Global Learning Outcomes of a Domestic Foreign Language Immersion Program , Kathleen Ann Godfrey (Dissertation)

Evaluating Alternative High Schools: Program Evaluation in Action , Drew Samuel Wayne Hinds (Dissertation)

Undergraduate Research and Metropolitan Commuter University Student Involvement: Exploring the Narratives of Five Female Undergraduate Students , Jolina Jade Kwong Caputo (Dissertation)

State Need-Based Aid and Four-Year College Student Retention: A Statewide Study , Kara Lynn McFall (Dissertation)

Academic Advising Structures that Support First-year Student Success and Retention , Brett Leland McFarlane (Dissertation)

Factors Influencing Social, Cultural, and Academic Transitions of Chinese International ESL Students in U.S. Higher Education , Akiko Ota (Dissertation)

Exploring Online Community Among Rural Medical Education Students: A Case Study , Ryan Tyler Palmer (Dissertation)

A Comparative Study of Administrator and Special Education Teacher Perceptions of Special Education Teacher Attrition and Retention , Danielle Angelina Sheldrake (Dissertation)

A Case Study of After-School Activities in one School that is Making Progress in Closing the Achievement Gap , Susan Robin Shugerman (Dissertation)

Developing the Instructional Leadership Skills of High School Principals in Tanzania: A Problem-Based Learning Approach , Peter N. Siamoo (Dissertation)

Short-Term International Service-Learning: Faculty Perceptions of and Pedagogical Strategies for the Design and Implementation of Successful Learning Experiences , Thomas Jacob Van Cleave (Dissertation)

The Retention Puzzle Reconsidered: Second Year Student Attitudes and Experiences with Advising , Michael Edward Walsh (Dissertation)

Student Employment in Student Affairs Units: Characteristics of Educationally Purposeful Environments , Shannon Timm Watson (Dissertation)

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Assessing the Relationship Between Intercultural Competence and Leadership Styles: An Empirical Study of International Fulbright Students in the U.S. , Chris Taylor Cartwright (Dissertation)

Reflective Practice and Readiness for Self-directed Learning in Anesthesiology Residents Training in the United States , Amy Katrina Miller Juve (Dissertation)

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors: Investigation of an Educational Intervention Strategy with At-Risk Females , Susan Romano Rustvold (Dissertation)

Understanding the Role of Social, Teaching and Cognitive Presence in Hybrid Courses: Student Perspectives on Learning and Pedagogical Implications , Janelle De Carrico Voegele (Dissertation)

Engaging Community Food Systems through Learning Garden Programs: Oregon Food Bank's Seed to Supper Program , Denissia Elizabeth Withers (Thesis)

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Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

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• A comparison of the wonder kid and standardized tests used to gauge students’ academic achievement.
• Theoretical underpinnings of distance learning.
• A case study of nuts: the impact of strike action on the preachment of trade union aims in an organization.
• The functions of student behaviour guidelines in terms of managing the classroom.
• Examine the social, intellectual, and personal experiences of homeless university students.
• Private primary and secondary school operators face issues in some selected UK schools.
• Academic achievement and readiness for self-directed learning in online environments.
• The work environment and teacher quality determine secondary school students’ academic performance.
• Analysis of teachers’ participation in classroom management in secondary schools in Nigeria.
• Gaining a deeper grasp of how college students use interactive teaching methods.
• Federal government college guidance and counselling evaluation.
• Assessment of teachers’ knowledge of test construction procedure in senior secondary school’s chemistry objective test.
• Understanding how the principals affect their school by utilizing emotional intelligence.
• Evaluating the impact of the environment on students’ academic performance.
• Assessment of sites related to program objectives for business education.
• The effect of classroom management on pupils’ conduct.
• Assessing how faculty and student perceptions of student participation at public colleges relate to one another.
• The linkage between teachers’ job satisfaction in secondary schools and principals’ leadership style.
• Using walkthrough observations by the principals in the classroom to improve education.
• Factors preventing secondary school principals from managing school records effectively.
• The effect of the teachers’ welfare package on satisfaction with their job.
• The theory of career development by Ginsberg is validated among UK university graduates.
• A determination of government involvement in programs for adults.
• Efficient management of students’ academic records: factors to consider.
• The accessibility of human and material resources in Lagos state teaching senior school.
• The problem of parents’ unfavourable attitudes toward education
• Utilization of technology by the first-year mentor for literacy.
• A case study of UK schools’ junior secondary schools’ role in teaching sexual education.
• The effects of classroom management on pupils’ behaviours.

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Home > Academic Units > Graduate Studies > Student Theses & Dissertations - Subject > Education Admin/ Leadership Dissertations

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The works in this student research collection have been approved by the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Ed.D. in Education Administration/ Leadership from the College of Education.

• All Electronic Theses and Dissertations (1964-present)
• Electronic Theses and Dissertations by Subject Area (1964-present)
• Legacy Theses and Dissertations (1964-2006)

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Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Impact of Dual Enrollment Program Models on College Student Readiness, Persistence, and Retention in Secondary and Post-Secondary Environments , Sharon K. Komanecky

Self-Authorship Among First-Generation Learners: A Qualitative Study , Issac C. Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Through the Eyes of Transition , Andrew J. Dies

Predicting Online Course Success from Usage of an Online Tutoring System , Brett Miles

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Perceived Student Gains Associated with Peer Tutor and Supplemental Instruction Leader Experiences , Rebecca Cofer

Educational Transformational Leadership and Teacher Organizational Citizenship Behavior Motives , Jeremy T. Davis

Leadership Self-efficacy of Students Participating in On-Campus Leadership Programming , Benjamin S. Phillips

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

An Examination of Faculty and Staff Collaboration and Relationships in Higher Education , Jennifer Syno

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Phenomenological Exploration of Principals' Influence on Teacher Attrition , Kellie E. Gebhardt

The Relationship Between Servant Leadership and Teacher Retention and Student Achievement , David Earl Murphy

The Impact of an Intensive Blended Learning Reading Intervention on Standardized Assessment Scores , Ashley M. Snyder

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Relationship between Instructional Leadership Practices and Leadership Self-Efficacy of School Leaders , Carter B. Akins

Predictors of Community College Students’ Academic Success in the Corequisite Model , Damon Andrews

Leadership Behavior Development of First-Year Students Within a Leadership Development Program , John N. Banter

A Phenomologial Study of the Lived Experience of College Students Participating in a Multi-faith Education Program , Atawanna R. Baxter

Qualitative Content Analysis of Policy as an Expression of Educational Theory on Special Education Preschool Placement Options , Jennifer M. Dineen

Exploring Alumni Valuation of an Undergraduate Leadership Program , John D. Egan

Nontraditional Student Veterans' Experience with Campus Support Services Designed to Assist with Degree Completion , Tamela Evans

Elementary School Leaders' Practices to Provide Equitable Discipline: Disproportionality on the Rise , Beverly L. Ford

Stakeholder Attitudes Toward Student Drug Testing , John Jordan

Evaluation of I-Ready Elementary Reading Program , John A. McAfee Jr.

The Multicultural Center's Role In Black Male Success At A Predominantly White Institution , Stephan Tramaine Moore

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Lived Experiences of First-Generation College Students of Color: A Phenomenological Study , Talisha L. Adams

A Georgia's School Districts Grades 3-5 Teachers' and Principals' Perceptions Regarding On-Line Georgia Milestones Testing , Doriastino Cheely Brown

Institutional Conditions That Matter to Community College Students' Success: A Multiple-Case Study , Crystal L. Edenfield

Examining Work-related Factors that May Predict Teacher Retention Intention in Rural Georgia , Katrina M. Evans-Dobbs

A Meta-Assessment of an Institution's Administrative Assessment Processes , Cynthia Groover

The Manifestation of Principal Training: Preparing Assistant Principals for Assuming the Role of Building Leader , April S. Hodges

School Size and Its Effect on Pathway Completion and End-of-Pathway Pass Rates in Georgia , Kierstin Johnson

The Relationship Between Middle School Lexile Growth and School Nutrition , Lori A. Joiner

Systemic Family Engagement in Georgia Schools , Mia Lakes

Examining the Collegiate Experiences of African American Males with Same Race Mentors , Crystal L. Locke

Emotionally Connected: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Work of School Leaders , Tanzy Lewis Mason

Collegiate Recreation Participation and Student Retention, Progression, and Graduation , Gabriela McCollum

Deciding on Classroom Composition: Factors Related to Principals' Grouping Practices , Brigid M. Nesmith

The Relationship Between Teachers' Perception of Data-Driven Instructional Leadership and Their Sense of Efficacy and Anxiety for Data-Driven Decision-Making , Jarvis J. Price

How School Superintendents Make Decisions: The Influence of Politics , LaTanya Reeves

Assessing a Study Skills Freshman Academy Program in a Rural Georgia School District: A CIPP Program Evaluation , Cheryl D. Rowe

Novice Teachers' Perception of Mentoring and Teacher Retention , Alissa Sasser

Intrinsic, Future-oriented Goal Awareness and Two-year College Graduation , Brent A. Stubbs

The Formation and Promulgation of Institutional Ethos by New University Presidents , Charles F. Ziglar

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Pass/Fail Grading in Medical School and Impact on Residency Placement , Brittany L. Ange

Impact of Purposeful Professional Learning on Instructional Technology Integration in Daily Classroom Practices , Julie Chance

Leading Ladies: A mixed-method study of the influence of gender bias on leadership styles for women who lead secondary schools , Angela S. Coaxum-Young

Bahamian Elementary School Principals' and Teachers' Perceptions of Inclusive Education , Tracy Colebrooke

Graduate Student Perceptions of Support Services in Online Degree Programs , Lydia Karakolidis Cross

An Interactionist View of African American Males In Educational Leadership , Samuel D. Dasher Jr

Relationship Between School Climate and Student Achievement , Gail H. Greenway

Producing a College Graduate Using Retention, Progression, and Graduation (RPG) Initiatives: A University Systems’ Approach , Deborah N. Kittrell-Mikell

Academic Engagement, Motivation, Self-Regulation, and Achievement of Georgia Southern University Sophomore Students , John O. LeMay IV

Principals' Perceptions of Their Impact on School Reform in South Georgia , Lisa B. Linton

Speaking Out Despite White Noise: Examining the Leadership of African American Female Technical College Presidents and Vice Presidents , Ashley Morris

The Difference in Academic Achievement for Students in the Healthy Fitness Zone Compared to the High Risk Zone for BMI and Aerobic Capacity , Nathan C. Pennington

A Correlational Study of the Georgia School Board Association's Board Recognition Program and Student Achievement , Holly E. Rutledge

An Analysis of Campus Civility: Best Practices from Student Affairs Professionals , Amy Zieziula

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

A Study of Black Teachers’ Perceptions of the Academic Achievement of Black Male Students in Elementary Schools in Rural Georgia , Marshall F. Aker

In Search of Financial Literacy: A Qualitative Analysis of Student Money Management Centers in the U.S. , Jenny E. Cotton

Student Motivation and Intent to Take Online Courses , Ashley W. Cullum

Surviving at the Top: A Critical Case Study of Female Administrators in Higher Education , Renanda Wood Dear

Charter School Governance: An Exploration of Autonomy and Board Effectiveness , June A. Erskine

Principals' Perceptions of Differentiated Instruction and Leadership Practices for Successful Implementation in Elementary School Settings , Allison Foles

The Complex Dichotomies of Student Affairs Practitioners' Perceived Competencies: A Quantitative Evaluation of Self-Awareness , Jami K. Hall

Deans of Students’ Responsibilities in Campus Crisis Management , Patrice B. Jackson

Dystopian Identities: Exhuming the World of Zombies through the Camera's Eye: A Documentary , Julie Kimble

Perceptions of the Effectiveness of the Communities in Schools Model at One Rural Georgia Performance Learning Center , Roschelle D. Miles

Analysis of Cases on Ethics in Educational Leadership , Angela J. Moton

An Exploration of the Impostor Phenomenon and its Impact on Black Women Administrators in Higher Education in the South , Marian Muldrow

Characteristics of Effective Alternative Schools in Georgia: Leaders’ Perceptions , Janet L. Poole

Exploring the Connection between Christian Colleges' Mission and Finance , Farrah Rachele Senn

Remedial Education Programs and Student Success: Perceptions of Faculty and Administrators at HBCUs , Tenora J. Simonez

The Experiences of High School Principals Implementing One-to-One Technology , George B. Skipper

The Relationship between Secondary Schools' PLC Characteristics and Literacy Achievement , Jennifer C. Topper

The Influence of Middle School Teacher-Student Relationships on Future Academic Decisions of African American Males , Andrea R. Williams-Baugh

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Principals’ Perceptions on Bullying Interventions and Strategies in Georgia High Schools , Jacqueline M. Brown

African-American Males, African-American Female Principals, & The Opportunity Gap , Jennifer N. Dunbar

A Test Score Comparison between Block and Traditional Scheduling , Yancy J. Ford

Army Rotc, Student Engagement, and Graduation , George L. Fredrick

An Evaluation of a Secondary Student Advisement Program , Barbara A. Jordan

Elementary Principals’ Perceptions of the Co-Taught Classroom , Michael Todd Langley

A Phenomenological Study of Instructional Coaches and Critical Friends Groups , Ethelstine Lett

The Road Less Traveled: Alumni Perceptions of the Georgia Early College High School Experience , Tequila Tranise Morgan

The Effectiveness of a Mentoring Program on Teacher Retention at an Urban High School , Tamaine S. Prince

Teacher Perceptions of Bring Your Own Technology Classrooms , Steven C. Puckett

The Influence of Leadership Styles on Teacher Job Satisfaction , Patricia M. Saxon

Principal Instructional Leadership in Ga High Poverty Elementary Schools , Ginger W. Spires

The LandWarNet School, The Army Learning Model, and Appreciative Inquiry: How is a Centralized Training Organization Improved by Introducing Decentralization? , Lisa Jayne Stamper

The Obama Effect on African American High School Males , Aundra Simmons Vaughn

An Evaluation of Principals’ Perceptions of Georgia’s Teacher Keys Effectiveness System , Denise B. Warnock

The Effect of Principal Leadership and Professional Development on Classroom Practices in Southeast Georgia. , Yvette P. Wells

Fighting on the Frontline: An Examination of Teacher Retention Practices in Urban Elementary Schools , Kelley J. Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

The Relationship between Financial Aid Type and Academic Success in a Public Two-Year College in Georgia , Donald D. Avery

IT Staff Turnover Intentions, Job Modification, and the Effects of Work Recognition at Large Public Higher Education Institutions , Steven C. Burrell

Faculty Motivation & Intent to Teach Online , Michael S. Casdorph

Development and Support of Dual Language Policies , Hollis Derek Cone

Achieving Work-Life Balance: Perspectives of Female Principals , Brandy Bray Corbett

Stakeholders' Perceptions of Dropout Prevention Strategies in a Rural Ninth Grade Academy , Shawn A. Davidson

Teachers' Perceptions of Merit Pay in Georgia , Jessica Edenfield

An Exploration of the Relationship between Teachers' Perceptions of Principals' Instructional Leadership and Transformational Leadership Behaviors , Michael J. Finley

An Examination of the Correlation between the Seven Critical Leadership Functions and Middle School African-American and Hispanic Student Achievement , Shannon A. Flounnory

Use of Strategic Intentionality in Becoming Military Friendly , Allison V. Gorman

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Digital Commons @ USF > Theses and Dissertations

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Count Me In: A Study of Social Validity, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and a High School , Amie Dia Davis

Becoming Conscious: An Autoethnographic Study Analyzing the Relationship Between Identity and Leadership , Aaron Izzo

Going Through to Get Through: Life Histories of Black Women in Educational Leadership , Ann Marie M. Mobley

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Crossing Schools, Language, and Migration Borders: The Experiences of Latinx and Caribbean Emergent Multilingual Mothers in K-12 Public Schools , Michelle Angelo-Rocha

Understanding Graduation Rates by Sex by Evaluating the Quality of Student Interactions with Faculty and Academic Advisors , Michael John Bolen

The Relationship between First-Year Expectations and Persistence for Students who Self-Identify as Having Not Declared a Major , Shane Combs

Policy and Leadership Accountability on Black Special Education Teacher Persistence , Brittany M. Holmes

Restorative Practices Interrupted , Celeste Kellar

“So, I Am Back”: Adjudicated Youths’ School Reentry Experiences , Inita S. Knox

The Redesign and Evaluation of a Higher Education Online Instructor Certification Program , Lindsey W. Mercer

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Remnants of Educational Leadership and Desegregation Etched in the Memories of Black Educational Leaders: An Oral History , Janice Barge Clarke

Community Heritage: A Source of Health/Medical Aspirational Capital for Black Males , LaFrance Clarke Jr.

Educational Language Policy: An Examination of Race and Language in Policy Discourse , Dionne L. Davis

Color Defined: An Autoethnographic Exploration of How Race, Trauma, Gun Violence, and Grief Connect for a Black Mother , Kokita Dirton Wilson

Passion to Purpose: An Autobiographical Narrative Inquiry into the Development of the Summer ACE Program , Owen Hooper

Male Student Experiences in Community-Based Federal Work-Study (CBFWS): Exploring the Relationship of CBFWS to Academic Performance, Career Readiness, and Social Support , Dustin Krein

Academic Resource and Social Emotional Advisory Period: Promoting Communities of Care and an Equitable Learning Environment , Mary Jane Lucas

African American Males' Perception of Factors that Contribute to Success in Higher Education , Gary D. Oliver

Designation, Stagnation, and Representation: A Qualitative Exploration of the Self-Perception of Power Among NCAA Division I Senior Woman Administrators , Tayler M. Onion

Exploring Engagement and Persistence Through the Lens of Student Experiences in a Sonography Program , Josephine Elizabeth Peck

A Principal's Story of Leadership: The Evolution of School Culture in a School for Gifted Education , Lori Wiley

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

A Critical Exploration of the Enactment of Successful Leadership Practices Used to Achieve Increasing Academic Achievement in a High Poverty Urban School With High Percentages of Students of Color , LaTeesa A. Allen

Poetic Justice: A Counter-Narrative of the First Black Male Principal in a Coastal Community Since the Desegregation Era , Adrian Anthony

Comprehensive Leadership Development: Principal Characteristics, Experience and Performance , Gregory Basham

Principal Preparation for The Bahamas: A Partnership Approach , Raquel R. Edgecombe

Problematizing Florida’s Extended Reading Time Policy: A Critical Investigation of Place, Demographics, and Curricula , Carrie L. Gentner

Walking the Line: Understanding the History and Development of the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Tests , Jon D. Gurney

A Program Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a University’s Student Persistence Model , Anthea Daniels Henderson

A Study of the Implementation of Technology in the Elementary Setting , Matthew J. Hoff

Success and Sustainability of Sponsored International Development Programs in Education: A Narrative Inquiry , Sara Beth Leikin

Ethical Leadership and Decision Making: Learning from the Perspectives of Experienced High School Administrators , Samuel A. Mclain

The Differential Effects of Navigational Aids on Adults with Intellectual Disabilities , Virginia Morash-Macneil

ESOL Educational Programs for Secondary SLIFE: Planning for Educational Equity , Terri L. Mossgrove

Blaine Amendments and the Judiciary: An Analysis of Government Aid to Religious Schools , Dustin A. Robinson

Do I Belong? What Students Teach Us About Belonging to a New University , Jennifer Ann Scaia

Charter School Management: MO Interaction with Educational Inputs and Outcomes , Joseph C. Simmons

An Evaluation of Student Participation in the Student Alumni Association Program at the University of South Florida , LaToya Wider

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Fostering Success Through Coaching: Perspectives of Help Seeking Within a Coaching Relationship with Post-Secondary Students from Foster Care , Jamie L. Bennett

To Cross the Ocean in Full View of the Sun: The Chinese Government’s Grand Strategy to Influence Academic Freedom and American University Culture , Chris Crandall

School District Responses to Food Insecurity and Poor Nutrition in High Poverty Communities , Richard Grayes

A Narrative Inquiry into a Principal’s Understanding of School Culture and Its Influences on Principal Leadership , Robert M. Holby

Male and Female Students’ Persistence in STEM Fields in Community Colleges: A Secondary Analysis of NCES BPS:12/14 Data , Ying Hu

A Case Study: School Professionals’ Perspectives on Students Exiting Middle School Entering An Achievement High School , Joy Davis Lee

Transformational School Leadership and Students' Gaokao Performance in China: A Multilevel Mediation Analysis , Yanzheng Li

Latino/a Student Success in Higher Education: A Study in Persistence , Ronald K. MacCammon

The Evolution of ESEA: A Language and Four-Dimension Analysis , Ann M. Meggs

K–12 Teachers’ Experiences “with or without” Breastfeeding/Pumping Policy in the School Workplace , Michelle Mae Phillips

Making Meaning of a Whole School Transformation Model: A Policy Ethnography of a Schools of Hope Legislation Implementation , Adam Charles Rea

Community College Students’ Perceptions of the Effects of Peer Mentoring on Their Sense of Belonging , Bryan K. Sullins

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Disciplinary D/discourses: Navigating and Negotiating Disciplinary Paradigms , Michael R. P. Bailey

Leadership Advocacy, Ethical Negotiations, and Resignations to High-Stakes Assessment: A Pilgrimage , Jennifer Galbraith Canady

A Study on the Influence of Instructional Mentors on Novice Teachers in High-Needs Schools , Dodi Palkovic Davenport

Education in the Settler Colony: Displacement, Inequality, and Disappearance via Charter Schools , David R. Fisher

“I Can’t Complete This Template”: The Complexities of Using Asset-Based Discourse in Schools , Anthony P. Jones

Educators' Perceptions of Students' Academic and Social Growth in a Collegiate High School Program. , John Matthew Legg

Reducing Underrepresentation: Promising Practices in Florida , Catherine A. Mullins

Weaved Journeys: Life Writings of Leading and Engagement in Science Education , Tara M. Nkrumah

Building a Collaborative Culture in a Middle School: A Case Study , Andrew Olson

An Autobiographical Narrative of a Principal's Personal Journey with Autonomy , Delilah Rabeiro

Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives on Dual Language Education , Kylie Ross

A Family Histories Study of Parents Engaging Issues of Race and Racism , Omar J. Salaam

A Cross-Case Analysis of Strategies Used by Novice Elementary School Principals to Understand School Culture , Shane Silpe

An Evaluation of the Effects of the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Principal Induction Program on Principal Performance , Gloria Waite

Training Staff's Experiences, Perceived Needs, and Suggestions for Professional Development in a Military Training Organization , George R. Young II

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Behavioral Interventions and Positive Systems of Support in a Culture of Care , Olayinka Alege

Exploring the ‘Spaces Between’: Teachers’ Perceptions of Teacher Leadership within Professional Networks , Cynthia B. Bauman

Student Employment during Senior Year of Undergraduate Study , Christina A. Brown-Wujick

Academic Stress, Depression, and Social Support: A Comparison of Chinese Students in International Baccalaureate Programs and Key Schools , Wenjun Chen

School-based Health Centers in High Poverty Schools , Felicia Davis

The Relationship between First Year Student Expectations and Persistence into the Second Year of College , Ashley Baltuch Dees

Money Matters: An Examination of Special Education Characteristics in Efficient and Inefficient Texas School Districts , Pakethia Harris

High Expectations and Teacher Implicit Biases in a Culture of Care , Jacqueline K. Haynes

Building Capacity and Sustainability through Teachers Leading Teachers , William Woodland Johnson

Enrollment and Disenrollment in Voluntary Prekindergarten: A Study of Educational Leaders’ Decision-Making , Angela Cherie Passero Jones

School Leadership and Appreciative Inquiry in Culture of Care , Anthony Jones

Variations in Experience and Meaning: Accounts of Leadership Involvement and Identities with Special Education and Disability , Roderick James Jones

Union Representatives’ Stories: From Leading the Classroom to Leading a District , Holly Magaditsch

Social and Emotional Learning and Student Achievement in a Culture of Care , Odalys G. Pritchard

Leading and Learning: Principal and Instructional Leadership Team Implementation of a District Multi-Tiered System of Support Initiative , Jennifer Rinck

Leader Self-Renewal: Mind, Body, Spirit Connection Inherent in Sustainable Leadership , LaSonja Roberts

Power To Transform: Teaching In Educational Leadership Preparation Programs , Ericka L. Roland

Developing Teacher Efficacy in High Poverty Schools , Dawn Stites

Culturally Relevant Curriculum and Instruction in a Culture of Care , Johan Von Ancken

Supporting a Culture Where Teachers Are Leading Teachers , Gloria Waite

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Debt Burden of Entry-Level Physical Therapists in Florida , Steven Benton Ambler

Community College Student-Athletes' Perspectives on the Transfer Process to a Four-Year Institution , Jodie Kim Heinicka Libadisos

The Elusiveness of Inclusiveness: A Discursive Analysis of Inclusion in a District Level Exceptional Student Education Leadership Team , Karen Ramlackhan

White Teachers’ Experiences of Working with Black Students within a Response to Intervention Framework: The Role of Racialized Deficit Thinking , Sujay Sabnis

Examining Content Validity of the Nurse Competence Scale in the United States , Jessica B. Shearer

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Efficacy of Child Parent Relationship Therapy when Conducted in an Online Format on Levels of Parental Acceptance , Brenna Michele Hicks

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Perceptions of Latino Students who enrolled in the Adult Basic Education/Under-aged General Education Development Program: Searching a Caring High School Experience , Carlos Joseph Diaz

Principal Experiences In A School Consolidation , Claudius Bassey Effiom

Can a One-Size-Fits-All Parental Involvement Framework Be Applied to an Entire School District? A Comparative Case Study of a District Magnet Program , Bradley Wayne Finkbiner

I Demand. . . Sorry, I Apologize: Power, Collaboration, and Technology in the Social Construction of Leadership across Diversity , Heather Sadler Jones

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Faculty Perceptions of the Importance of Internationalizing the General Education Curriculum in the Florida College System , Bonnie M. Clark

A Descriptive Study of Four Principals' Experiences in Leading , Lewis Curtwright

How Does a Principal Use Intention and Strategy in the Enactment of Advocacy Leadership , Lisa Marie Grant

Marginalized African American Grandmothers Raising their School-Aged Grandsons: Perspectives on Parental Involvement , Felita Grant Lott

The Man Behinf the Mask: A Principal's Search For a Moral Leaderhip Purpose , James Franklin Lane

Negotiating Race-Related Tensions: How White Educational Leaders Recognize, Confront, and Dialogue about Race and Racism , Amy Jo Samuels

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Home > CEHD > EDUCATION > HIGHEREDUCATION_DISS

Higher Education Administration Dissertations Collection

This collection contains open access and campus access dissertations, made possible through Graduate Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The full content of open access dissertations is available to all, although some files may have embargoes placed on them and will be made available as soon as possible. The full content of campus access dissertations is only available to those either on the UMass Boston campus or with a UMass Boston campus username and password. Click on the "Off-Campus UMass Boston Users" link on the record page to download Campus Access publications. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this dissertation through resources like Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global or through Interlibrary Loan.

Dissertations from 2019 2019

Organizational Culture in Community Colleges: Making Connections to Diverse Student Success , Darcy A. Orellana

Dissertations from 2017 2017

An Evolution of Models and Best Practices of Service-Learning at Miami Dade College: A Historical Case Study from 1992-2012 , Cathy A. Kaluzny

Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Influence of the TRIO Student Support Services Program on First-Generation Students: An Exploratory Study , Nate Bryant

Boundary Spanning, Networking, and Sensemaking/Sensegiving: How Career Services Directors Enact Mid-Level Leadership , Linda Kent Davis

Dissertations from 2015 2015

The College Young Christian Students in the United States, a Historical Case Study of a Faith-based Social Movement and its National Office , John F. Denning

Dissertations from 2014 2014

Institutional Conditions to Improve the Educational Outcomes of Part-time Community College Students , Rhonda M. Gabovitch

A Comparative Analysis of Transfer Students' and Native Students' Perceptions of their Higher Education Environment at Two Public Four-Year Institutions , Janet M. Gumbris

Pa'lante! Toward The Presidency: Understanding Factors that Facilitate Latino Leadership in Higher Education , Gloria Lopez

The Role of Identity Development in Multiethnic Latino Students' Sense of Belonging in College , Wanda I. Montañez

Transfer Programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions: A Study of Inter-organizational Collaboration , Milton Santiago

State Directors of Adult Education: Leadership in a Changing Policy Environment , Cynthia Keeshan Zafft

Dissertations from 2013 2013

Understanding the Full-time, Non-tenure-track Faculty Appointment , Pandora Grewe Carlucci

College Athletic Participation and Academic Success: How Student-Athletes Compete for Graduation , Heather B. Gilmour

Culturally Relevant Pedagogical Practice Among White College Faculty: A Narrative Study , Susan F. Miller

Journeys to Transformation: South Sudanese Refugees , Andres Ray F. Reyes

College Student Retention: A Self-Determination Perspective , Jules Tetreault

Dissertations from 2012 2012

College Consortia: Engaging in and Sustaining Community Collaboration Efforts , Wildolfo Arvelo

Nontraditional Approaches with Nontraditional Students: Experiences of Learning, Service and Identity Development , Suzanne Marie Buglione

Faculty Sensemaking and Transformative Learning: Working to Advance Community College Student Learning Through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , Kimberly A. Burns

Spirituality as a Viable Resource in Responding to Racial Microaggressions: An Exploratory Study of Black Males Who Attended a Community College , Lloyd Sheldon Johnson

Noncredit and Credit Divisions in Community Colleges: The Dilemma of Multiple Organizational Identities , Dianne Palter Gill

Being a (Good) Student: Conceptions of Identity of Adult Basic Education Participants Transitioning to College , Mina Reddy

Exploring How White and Asian American Students Experience Cross-Racial Interactions: A Phenomenological Study , Thomas E. Robinson

College Access Programs and the Formation of Social Capital: Understanding the Impact of Upward Bound On the College Decision Process , David Rogers

The Community College Department Chair and Curriculum Leadership: Managing Learning and Learning to Manage , Kathleen Jennings Sweeney

The Role of Research Centers in Fulfilling the Community Engagement Mission of Public Research Universities , Robin A. Toof

Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Role of Situated Learning in Experiential Education: An Ethnographic Study of the Knowledge-Construction Process of Pharmacy Students during Their Clinical Rotations , Paul DiFrancesco

Career Change Experiences of Former Full-Time Dental Hygiene Clinicians to the Community College Full-Time Faculty Role: A Phenomenological Study , Andrea Gancarz

Massachusetts NCATE and NAEYC Accredited Bachelor Degree Programs: Responding to Teacher Preparation Needs in the Filed of Early Education and Care , Winifred M. Hagan

The Role of Data in Decision Making about Online Distance Education: A Case Study of Three Community Colleges , William Allan Heineman

First-Generation College Students and the Four-Year College Environment: An Exploration of Supplementary and Complementary Fit , Nancy M. Ludwig

An Exploration of the Stories and Perspectives of Three Latino Mothers as They Make Meaning of Their Engagement with the Dedham Public Elementary Schools , Jo-Anne Coffey McCormick

The Individual and Shared Meanings Students Make of their Diverse Interactions with African American Faculty: A Phenomenological Study , Kathleen Marie Neville

Dissertations from 2010 2010

Employee Perspectives of Library and Information Technology Mergers: The Recursiveness of Structure, Culture, and Agency , Sara Bronner Baron

Space and Power in the Ivory Tower: Decision Making in Public Higher Education , Sandra McCoskrie Blanchette

Dissertations from 2008 2008

Collaboration to Institutionalize Service-Learning in Higher Education Organizations: The Relationship Between the Structures of Academic and Student Affairs , Joanne A. Dreher

Dissertations from 2004 2004

Institutionalization of Women's Studies Programs: The Relationship of Program Structure to Long-Term Viability , Ann Froines

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Home > STUDENT-WORKS > PROGRAM-ETD > EDU-LEADER-ETD

Educational Leadership Dissertations

If you are a graduate student submitting your thesis or dissertation, please click here to access the submission form.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Outside the Box: Examining the School Experience from the Perspectives of Early Leavers , Caitlin Armstrong

Navigating New Frontiers: A Narrative of CTE Administrators Leading Rural Innovation , Claire Bass

Adjunct Faculty Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Analysis , James Bernard

COVID 19 and Classroom Instruction: A Comparison of Synchronous In-Person and Virtual Student Learning , Jason Brown

A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Undergraduate Students Who Participated in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program , Alexandria C. Craft

Trauma Informed Schools: Investigating K-12 Educator Perceptions from Professional Learning to Implementing Practices , Kelsey Cupp

Internship Experiences for Aspiring Educational Leaders: Student Understanding and Effectiveness , Adam Douglas

A Comparison of Student Academic Variables in Mixed Teaching Methods and Traditionally Taught Biology Courses at Participating Community Colleges in Tennessee , Elesha Goodfriend

The Perceptions of Black Teachers Regarding the Work Environment in Predominately White Schools P-12 , Rhonda Lankford

The Experiences of QuestBridge Scholars at Elite Universities , Karla J. Leybold

No Tolerance for Zero Tolerance: Teacher Perceptions of Restorative Practices , Meghann Ramsey

Understanding Community College Student Perceptions of Academic Advising , Benjamin Umbarger, Jr.

Student Achievement in the State of Tennessee Through Virtual Learning in Asynchronous, Bisynchronous, and Hybrid Approaches , Lindsey Weeden

Consultation Versus Direct Special Education Services and Postschool Outcomes for Individuals with Disabilities as Assessed by Indicator 14 Data , Callie Welch

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Professional Collaboration in Small Rural Schools: Teacher Perceptions of the Role of School Administrators , Brian A. Bettis

School-wide Academic Outcomes and Instructional Modality Used During the 2018-2022 School Years , Matthew Bowser

The Experiences of Students During COVID-19 School Disruptions , Brandi Bullock

Educators’ Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Instructional Practices in One Northeast Tennessee School District , Alecia Burleson

Community College Students' Perceptions of Sense of Community and Instructor Presence in the Online Classroom , Marla Cartwright

Art and Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Literacy Instruction: A Qualitative Study to Examine Educator Perceptions in the Rural Setting , Courtney Collins

Dual Enrollment Matriculation Rates at Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges , Jacob Cutshall Church

The Modern Classrooms Project: Student Efficacy and Achievement , Rhiannon Dunn

Tennessee Promise and Two-Year Community College Retention and Graduation in Rural Appalachia , Tammy Dycus

Perception of Social Media as Seen by Educational Leadership Online Graduate Students , Todd Emma

Secondary Educator and Administrator Perceptions of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Student Academic Achievement , Cynthia Everitt

Selecting Classroom Grading Practices: A Qualitative Study Exploring Teacher Experiences , Tallye Gass

Educator Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act , Dana Johnson

Parent Choice: Learning Pods or Public Education During COVID-19 Pandemic , Shari Kinney

Resident Assistants as Students and Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Amy Korstange

Student Success Programming, College Academic Achievement Scores, and Retention Rates , Leslie D. Merritt

Papa Was a Missing Stone: An Exploration into the Lived Experiences of Father-Absent African American Women , Jamila Jordan Moody

College Commute Distance and Retention for First-time, Community College Freshmen , Michael O'Hagan

Administrators’ Perceptions of Alternatives to Suspension in Virginia Urban Public Schools , Hayley Poland

Finding the Path to College Completion: A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of First-Generation Students at a Technical College in Rural West Tennessee , JacQuene Rainey

Perceptions of Educators on Motivational Strategies Influencing Middle School Students in Mathematics Courses , Amy Rigsby

School Leader Perceptions about the Implementation and Utility of Restorative Practices , Danielle Rutig

Teacher Self-Efficacy in Novice Job-Embedded Practitioners , Shay Shannon

Learning Mindset Dimensions and Completion Status of Tennessee Community College Students , Donna Sue M. Shellman

Advising Minority Pre-Med Students: Perceptions of Pre-Med Advisors at Institutions in the Southeastern Association of Advisors in the Health Professions Region , Victoria Street

Strategic Blended Learning: 9-12 Teacher Perceptions of Digital Engagement Post COVID-19 , Brandon D. Weaver

Exploring the Experiences of Underrepresented Students Pursuing Health-Related Graduate or Professional Programs , Alison Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

The Front Lines of Student Success: A Phenomenography Exploring the Background and Knowledge of Primary Role Academic Advisors in Higher Education , Alicia N. Abney

Physician Quality Scores and the Presentation and Delivery Method of Data in a Residency Program , Monaco Briggs

A Phenomenological Study of Tenure-Track Faculty Serving in Dual Roles as Administrators , Keri L. Carter

A Phenomenological Study of Contributing Factors and Common Trends Related to Teacher Attrition in Western North Carolina , Preston Clarke

Academic Performance Among First-Year College Freshmen Following Participation in a Summer Bridge Program , Gregory Anderson Cross

Virginia High Schools: Academic and Social Climate Performance Measures and Black Public Secondary School Administrators , Tim Duncan

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Schools: Restorative Practices for Social and Emotional Issues in Education , Heather Easterling

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor Perceptions of Instructional Delivery in a Virtual Environment , John Derek Faulconer

The Role of Middle and High School Principals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study , Dustin Ford

Educators’ Perceptions of Implementation and Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Care Training in Three Appalachian Elementary Schools , Jeannie Guess

The Impact of Mentoring in Closing the Achievement Gap for Black Male Students at a Predominantly White University in Tennessee , Patricia Waire Harlan

College Students’ Perceptions of Sense of Community, Satisfaction, and Cognitive Learning in Online Classes , Laura Lynn Higgs Kappel

A Phenomenological Study on How University Employees Experienced Working from Home During a Pandemic , Amy Hill

Transfer Articulation and Transfer Agreement Success: Student Transfer from Community College to Locally Governed, Public, 4-Year Universities in Tennessee , Kathi Horne

The Lived Experiences of Students Who are Single Parents and Attending Community College: A Phenomenological Study , Debbie Johnson

Educator Perceptions of the Working Environment in Tennessee Elementary Schools that Actively Employ Positive Behavior Supports and Restorative Practices , Scott Thomas Lamie

Gen Z Students’ Experiences with College Choice , Heather Levesque

Perceptions of Middle School Teachers Regarding Differentiation Instruction , Karen Mclerran

Relationships Between Dual Enrollment Parameters, College Completion, and Time to Completion at Tennessee Community Colleges , Victoria N. Mellons

Teachers’ Perceptions on the Effects of COVID-19 on Juniors and Seniors in High School , Martha J. Meredith

An Examination of the Working Relationships Between General Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Paraprofessionals in General Education Settings , Rita Page Hosay

Student Achievement and Teacher Perceptions of School Climate in Title 1 and Non-Title 1 Schools , Jennifer E. Pangle

Organizational Communication in Community Colleges: Staff Members’ Perspectives , Sinthea Reynolds

Perceptions of Tenured Science Faculty Regarding the Provision of Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities , Rebecca J. Riggs

Student Experiences Leaving Health Profession Interest Areas , Megan Roberts

K-5 Elementary Alternative Program: A Case Study , William E. Scheuer IV

Beginning Teachers' Perceptions of Administrator Involvement in the Beginning Teacher Induction Process: A Phenomenological Study , Rachel Shepherd

Examining Diversity and the Role and Influence of Post-Secondary Faculty at a Predominantly White Institution in Tennessee: A Critical Race Case Analysis , Lanell Smith

Consequences of Caring: The Manifestation of Compassion Fatigue in High School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Randi Staggs

A Quantitative Study to Examine the Relationship between School Administrators’ Path-Goal Approach and Teachers’ Perceived Working Conditions , Tierra Stark

The Effects of Previous Traumatic Experiences on Learning Outcomes: Perceptions of Black Men Who are Attending Community College , Willie Thomas

Community College Faculty’s Perceptions of Culturally Responsive Teaching , Sarah Tolbert-Hurysz

An Examination of the Factors Contributing to Academic Resilience Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Individuals in Northeast Tennessee , Connie Larissa Trivette

Phenomenological Study of Positive Coteaching Dyads Perceptions of Their Coteaching Relationship , Ashley Weber

Examining How Black Administrator Employment Decisions are Impacted by the Behaviors of Supervisors , Annie Wilson Whitaker

The Contribution of Early Postsecondary Opportunities to Retention and Graduation Rates at One Community College in Tennessee , Joe Wingate

The Lived Experiences of Introverts and their Extracurricular Involvement in a Four-Year University Environment , Maigan Wipfli

Adaptation of Instructional Strategies and Practices During a Pandemic , Lacy E. York Hughes

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Assessment Scores of Remote and In-Person Learning for Grades Three - Six Students in an East Tennessee School District , Jessica Adams

Honors Participation at a Two-Year Community College: Academic and Student Engagement Outcomes , Amanda Bennett

A Causal Comparative Study of STEM Persistence Between Supported and Non-Supported STEM Interested Students , Elizabeth Bernardi

Perceptions of Roane State Community College Presidents on the Events Shaping the Institution’s Leadership History , John Norris Brown

School Accountability and Chronic Absenteeism in the State of Tennessee , Heidi Campbell

Educator Perceptions of Generational Poverty, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Student Learning , Rachel Cook

Sororities Surviving COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study of Panhellenic Virtual Sorority Recruitment , Margaret Darden

Black and White Student Achievement Gaps in Tennessee , Haley Dirmeyer

Influence of Student Characteristics, Class Size, and Instructor Characteristics in Online Student Success , Melody K. Edmonds

A Phenomenological Inquiry Exploring Parental Involvement at Alternative Schools in Eastern North Carolina , Irv Glenn II

Teacher Perceptions of Shifts Within the School Culture After Implementation of a Trauma-Informed Program , Jennifer Green

Looping and Academic Achievement in Elementary Schools , Kate Hall

Response to Intervention 2 EasyCBM and AIMSweb Intervention Programs How They Relate to Student Growth , George T. Hopson

Perceptions of Occupationally Trained Technical College Faculty on their Preparedness to Teach and on the Need for Professional Development: A Phenomenological Study , Brandon Hudson

Generation X and Generation Y: An Exploration of Student Motivation to Learn and Technology Use , LaDonna Hutchins

Retaining First-Generation and Pell-Eligible Students with a Near-Peer Coaching Intervention , Kacie Hutson

Leadership Qualities of Female Presidents Serving the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology System , Kelli Kea-Carroll

Student Chronic Absenteeism and Perceptions of School Climate , Misty Keller

A Phenomenological Study Examining How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Way Teachers Use Technology to Deliver Instruction from March 2020 - May 2021 , Dedra Lamb

A Study Investigating the Experience of Teachers’ Innovative Adaptation of Teaching and Learning , Andrea Lowery

Defining Higher Education Writing Centers from the Perspectives of Writing Center Directors , Paul D. Ludwig Mr.

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Educational Leadership and Management Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A model for assessment leadership: A systematic document analysis in the development of an assessment leadership experience questionnaire , Alixander Haban Escote

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Case Studies of Three Successful Family-Owned Higher Educational Institutions , Maria Luz T. Macasinag

A mixed-method study on the exercise of personal power by schools division superintendents in the Philippines , Glaiza Mama

Towards an understanding of seminary leadership in mainland China , Shejun Ma

Embodying the Marist values in education: A grounded theory approach , Nino Mayor Pizarro

Exploring instructional leadership practices in selected centers of excellence – Colleges of nursing in the Philippines: A multicase study design , Mary Nellie T. Roa

Being a school leader in Filipino-Chinese basic education schools in Metro Manila during COVID-19: A phenomenological study , Angeline K. Tan

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Teachers at the forefront of educational change: A mixed methods study of academic track teachers undergoing a career transition to senior high school in the Philippines , Elizabeth R. Enverga

Defining a Catholic teacher leader: Cultivating the seeds of Catholic school charism , Argel I. Hipol

Actualizing self-autonomy: A grounded theory on the Aetas' understanding of higher education , Michael Anthony B. Lapid

Case studies of three successful family-owned higher educational institutions , Maria Luz T. Macasinag

Achieving the Desired: A Grounded Theory of Visionary Leadership among higher Educational Institutions in the Philippines , Kimberley Mendoza Migallos

Toward a Conceptual Framework of Filipino Leadership among educational leaders in selected Philippine Higher educational institutions using multi-grounded theory , Lorelie Paraiso

Shared strategic leading: A substantive grounded theory of the leadership of academic deans of Centers of Excellence in higher education institutions in the Philippines , Nelson C. Tantoco

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Modeling Leadership: A Grounded Theory on becoming educational leaders , Montano Agudilla Jr.

Development of a transition management framework: Multiple case studies of Catholic basic education institutions in the Philippines , Joseph B. Azarcon

Understanding knowledge management in the implementation of outcomes-based education in Malayan Colleges Laguna , Dodjie S. Maestrecampo

Understanding the instructional leadership practices of exemplar secondary school principals in Kerala, India: A multiple case study , Bijumon Thomas

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Educational Administration and Planning

Educational administration and planning research papers/topics, staff motivation as a tool for effective administration of secondary schools in abuja municipal area council, abuja.

The study was designed to examine Staff motivation as a tool for effective administration of Secondary Schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) F.C.T, Abuja. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and simple percentage. Findings of the study revealed that strategies that could enhance motivation of teachers included payment of salaries as at when...

Determinants of Academic Performance in Selected Primary Schools of Olmoran Division in Laikipia West District in Rift Valley Province in Kenya.

ABSTRACT  The study investigated determinants of academic performance in selected primary schools in Olmoran division of Laikipia west district in Kenya. The intention of the study was to minimize negative determinants of academic perofmrance while enhancing the positive ones which lead to improved academic performance in Olmora division of Laikipia west district. The study highlighted the importance of qualitative education for all and the attempts which have been made by the Kenyan Governm...

Instructional Materials and Academic Performance of Science Students in Secondary Schools, West District Zanzibar, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to establish the effect of instructional materials on the academic performance of science students in west district Zanzibar, Tanzania. The study objectives included to establish the instructional materials being used for teaching in school the second objective was to assess the academic performance of students in science subjects and finally to establish the relationship between the use of instructional materials and academic performance of science subjec...

School Climate and Conflict Resolution Strategies in Selected Secondary Schools in Arua District, Uganda

ABSTRACT The title of the study was “School Climate and Conflict Resolution Strategies in selected Secondary Schools in Arua District, Uganda”. The objectives of the study were to determine school climate, assess the extent which teachers use the conflict resolutions strategies, and determine the relationship between school climate and conflict resolution strategies. The research problem was how the various stakeholder conflicts in school were resolved in relation to the climate of the se...

Socio Economic Factors and the Enrolment Rate of Girls in Early Childhood Development Centres in Hodhan Location, Wajir District Kenya

ABSTRACT The study was about socio- economic factors and the enrolment rate of girls in early childhood development centers in hodhan location wajir county. It was guided by four objectives; to determine the profile of respondents in terms of ages, level of education, income level and occupation on the side of parents and gender, age bracket, level of experience and level of education on the side of teachers, then to determine the level of socio economic factors as regards to home factors and...

Household Behaviour on Solid Waste Management a Case Study of Kicukiro District, in Kigali City Rwanda

ABSTRACT The study examined Household behavior on solid waste management in Kigali city RWANDA. The study was guided by the following objectives; attitudes of people towards solid waste management, the nature of solid waste generated by households in Kigali city, solid waste practices and problems associated. The finding revealed that the people’s attitudes and behavior was positive. This study used the quantitative approach which was based on the questionnaires helped to establish the corr...

Punishment and Rewards on the Academic Performance of Female Students in Selected Secondary Schools of Gasabo District, Kigali City, Rwanda

ABSTRACT This study focuses on “Punishment and Rewards on the Academic Performance of female students in selected schools of Gasabo district, Kigali City in Rwanda”. The objectives of this study were the following: to; Determine the profile of respondents in terms of age, gender, combinations and classes in selected secondary schools of Gasabo District. Determine the degree of punishment of female students in selected secondary schools of Gasabo District. Determine the level of rewards of...

Head Teachers Leadership Styles and Teachers Performance in Selected Public Primary Schools in Churo Division East Pokot District Kenya

ABSTRACT The researcher used questioning technique to collect data. The list of questions was derived from the objective of the study. The questions were categorized into four, those inquiring on respondent profile, those that deal with leadership styles of headteachers, level of teachers performance and those concerned with significant relationship between headteachers leadership styles and teachers performance. The study utilized descriptive correlation survey and targeted 360 teachers fro...

Implementation of Universal Basic Education and Completion Rates of Pupils in Primary Schools in Kaduna North, Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study investigated “Universal basic education policy implementation and completion rates of pupils in primary schools in Kaduna North local government, Kaduna State, Nigeria.” The study was guided by three objectives. 1. To examine the level of universal basic education (UBE) policy implementation of the schools, 2. To find out completion rates of pupils in primary schools, 3.To establish the relationship between UBE implementation and completion rates among pupils in primary...

Resource Availability, Utilization and Performance of Teachers in Universal Primary Education (Upe) Schools in Bugangaizi County, Kibaale District, Uganda.

ABSTRACT Significantly, resource availability, utilization and performance Teachers are very essential in the teaching and learning process in the education system. This study was therefore undertaken to discover how much resources are available in UPE schools and their utilization by the teachers and how these relate with the achievement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) objective and to suggest recommendations that can help to improve the implementation of UPE programme in Uganda with sp...

Capacity Building and Academic Staff Performance in Selected Primary Schools, Central Zone, Malindi District Kenya

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Declaration A Declaration B ii Table of Contents iii List of Tables v Chapter One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1 Background of the study 1 Statement of the problem 3 Purpose of the study 4 Research Objectives 4 Research Questions 5 Hypothesis 5 Scope 6 Significance of the Study 6 Definition of Key Operational Terms 7 Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8 Concept, idea and opinions 8 Theoretical perspective 13 Related Studies 13 Three METHODOLOGY 19 Research Design 19 Target p...

Correlates of Academic Performance of Orphaned Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Musanze District, Rwanda

ABSTRACT The researcher’s purpose is to identify and examine the correlates of orphaned students’ academic performance (academic achievement) in selected secondary schools in Musanze District ,Rwanda. Chapter One of this research work is devoted to portraying the background of this study, emphasizing on the present life of orphaned students in Rwanda. This includes mainly these students’ academic performanceJn Chapter Two, emphasis is laid on factors affecting academic performance in ge...

Reading Culture and Academic Performance of Postgraduate Students in Selected Private Universities in Kampala, Uganda

ABSTRACT This study established the relationship between reading culture and performance of postgraduate students of selected private universities in Kampala Uganda. Specifically, it identified (i) the demographic characteristics of the postgraduate students, (ii) degree of reading culture (iii) level of academic performance (iv) whether there is a significant difference in gender and performance and (v) whether there is a relationship between reading culture and academic performance of postg...

School Feeding Program and Pupils’ Enrolment in Selected Public Primary Schools, in Busanze Sector, Nyaruguru District, Rwanda

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to find out whether or not the School Feeding Programme had enhanced the school enrolment in selected public primary schools located in Busanze sector in Nyaruguru district, Rwanda. The objectives of the study were: to determine the extent of the implementation of school feeding program in public primary schools of Busanze sector in Nyaruguru district, Rwanda; to detennine the level of and trend of pupils’ enrolment in public primary schools in Busanze ...

Resource Availability and Utilization as Correlates of Academic Performance in Selected Primary Schools in Oyam North County, Oyam District in Uganda

ABSTRACT The study investigated the relationship between resource availability and utilization as correlates of academic performance in selected primary schools in Oyam north County, Oyam district of Uganda. 14 out of 56 primary schools were sampled. A descriptive survey design of the ex-post facto was adopted. The head teachers, heads of departments, teachers, local leaders and pupils were sampled. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklists were developed to collect data. Th...

Educational Administration and Planning is the process of planning and integrating the appropriate human and material resources that are made available and made effective for achieving the purposes of a programme of an educational institution. Afribary publishes list of academic papers and project topics in Educational Administration and Planning. You can browse Educational Administration and Planning project topics and materials, Educational Administration and Planning thesis topics, Educational Administration and Planning dissertation topics, Educational Administration and Planning seminar topics, Educational Administration and Planning essays / termpapers, Educational Administration and Planning text books, lesson notes in Educational Administration and Planning and all academic papers in Educational Administration and Planning field.

Popular Papers/Topics

Social demand approach in educational planning, vocational education and acquisition of skills for self - reliance, assessment of peer pressure group and environmental factors on the administration of secondary schools in ogun state, nigeria., the concept of globalization and the implication to the nigerian educational system, women education variables and sustainable development in uyo urban of akwa ibom state, nigeria., the effects of domestic violence on students academic performance in selected tertiary institutions in gboko town of benue state, use of cooperative learning instructional strategy for enhancing sex education in secondary schools in nigeria, social networking sites usage and the negative influence on students’ academic achievement in secondary schools in uyo senatorial district, akwa ibom state., influence of human resource development on teachers job performance in secondary schools in makurdi local government area of benue state, raising the literacy level of nomads in nigeria: issues and challenges, impact of headteachers' leadership style on job satisfaction of primary school teachers in makurdi metropolis, the influence of broken homes on pupil academic performance in selected schools in kwara district., quality control measures and student output in university of uyo and university of calabar, student engagement variables and first year undergraduate retention rate in university of uyo, akwa ibom state, nigeria, teacher time-on-task in selected basic schools in the cape coast metropolis.

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Theses and Dissertations (Educational Management and Leadership)

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• Exploring the significance of parental involvement during COVID-19 pandemic in selected primary schools in Mamelodi East, Gauteng province  Motsumi, Tshegofatso Portia ( 2023-09-21 ) This study explored the significance of parental involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic in selected primary schools in Mamelodi East, Gauteng Province. The educational development of children was adversely affected by ...
• Strategies to develop more efficient novice primary school teachers in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa  Padayachie, Sagree ( 2024-01 ) The researcher chose a qualitative methodology due to its flexibility and basic interpretive design. This approach offered a subjective perspective of human experience. Constructivist principles underpinned this study, ...
• Developing a strategic framework for effective budgeting in primary schools in South Africa: A critical evaluation of budgeting practices  Chaba, Phuti Peggy ( 2024-01 ) In this dissertation titled: Developing a strategic framework for effective budgeting in primary schools in South Africa: A critical evaluation of budgeting practices, I investigated budgeting practices in two rural public ...
• The role of departmental heads in improving learners’ achievement in Mathematics in Limpopo primary schools  Baloyi, Dingani Graham ( 2023-11-13 ) The aim of the study was to investigate how the academic leadership of Departmental heads performativity functions improve quality learner performance in Mathematics in Limpopo, South Africa. Specifically, the study focused ...
• Internal stakeholders’ perception towards embedding e-learning at a TVET college in Mpumalanga Province  Mahlangu, Johannes Elvis Zwanangaye ( 2022-10-31 ) The world is experiencing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and everything in it is technological. The question that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges should be asking themselves is, “Is ...
• The experiences of combined school principals in managing Y-generation teachers in schools in Umzinyashana Circuit in Kwazulu Natal  Chapisa, Caroline ( 2023-11-20 ) This qualitative research study establishes the experiences of combined school principals in managing Y-generation teachers in Umzinyashana Circuit in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. With the emergence of the Y-generation as ...
• Understanding support services provided to students throughout work-integrated learning placement process : case study of selected universities in South Africa  Fernandes, Fatima Araujo Pereira ( 2023-05-25 ) Higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa are under pressure from the government, business, and communities to address the country's overall skills gap, while also expecting to ensure that their students are ...
• COVID-19 and learners’ education in schools in different socio-economic conditions in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal  Cele, Nombulelo ( 2023-10-12 ) The unexpected occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s lives in many ways worldwide, especially during the lockdown periods. Livelihoods, socialisation, employment, and education have been negatively affected. ...
• Towards developing a cyberbullying policy for private schools in South Africa: Policy considerations at a private school in Gauteng province, South Africa  van Rooyen, Ignatius Michael ( 2023-09 ) Cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools, posing unique legal and management challenges. I conducted a qualitative, case study grounded in the critical realism paradigm and employed multiple data-collection methods, ...
• The effects of principals’ leadership style on teachers’ performance  Mkhonza, Mathews Sabelo ( 2023-01 ) School results have been dropping in South Africa and principals are the ones managing school curriculum and assessments. Governement and parents invest a lot of money in education to make sure that they prepare the younger ...
• The role of school management to ensure constructive discipline in secondary schools in the Lulekani Circuit, Limpopo Province  Ndhlovu, Percy ( 2023-08-27 ) The aim of this study was to explore the role of school management in ensuring constructive discipline for effective teaching and learning. This study is based on Skinnerian Model, constructivist paradigm, phenomenological ...
• Stakeholders’ perspectives on TVET colleges-industry partnerships for employability of graduates : an exploratory study of TVET colleges in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa  Ndlovu, Nhlanhla ( 2023-08-31 ) The purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on TVET college and industry partnerships for the employability of TVET college graduates. The study investigates the nature of current partnerships, the ...
• Exploring instructional leadership practices of campus managers in influencing students’ academic achievements in TVET colleges in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, provinces of South Africa  Muthumuni, Veronica Mapaseka ( 2023-04 ) The South African Constitution (RSA, 1996), Section 29, states that “everyone has a right to basic education, including adult basic education, and to further education, which the State, through reasonable measures, most ...
• The role of the principal as an instructional leader in improving school performance  Mathobela, Lodrick Phuza ( 2023-11 ) The dawn of democracy in South Africa saw the introduction of far-reaching changes in the South African Education system. Education provision became more regulated, participative and democratized. The South African ...
• Leadership factors that affect the quality of education in higher learning institutions of Ethiopia  Mulugeta Mekonnen Abay ( 2023-11-09 ) Higher learning institutions (HLIs) are intended to equip learners with advanced knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes in various disciplines. To enhance their economies, advance the welfare of their citizens and ...
• Exploring management practices of directors at early childhood education centres in Ghana  Anyidoho, Emmanuel Dodzi ( 2023-10-26 ) The aim of this study was to explore the management practices of directors at ECCD centres in Ghana. The study aimed to explore the application of basic management principles by ECCD directors at their centres to understand ...
• Examining the participation of parents in selected primary schools in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal  Moodley, Sarah Kesandari ( 2023-07-07 ) This study investigated the level of parental involvement in three primary schools in the King Cetshwayo District. This includes parental duties such as attending school events, assisting with homework, and providing a ...
• Ensuring quality leadership and management in Ghana tertiary education  Owusu, Ivy Asantewa ( 2023-04-30 ) This qualitative study explores "Ensuring Quality Leadership and Management in Ghana's Tertiary Education." The study was underpinned by transformational leadership theory. The researcher used in-depth semi-structured ...
• School governing bodies’ experiences of managing school finances in primary schools, Limpopo Province  Hlungwani, Hasani Maurice ( 2023 ) The research examined school governing bodies’ (SGBs) experiences in overseeing the budget at Malamulele Northeast Circuit Primary Schools in Limpopo Province. Prior to the birth of democracy in 1994, the educational system ...
• A leadership model to facilitate the implementation of recognition of prior learning in higher education institutions  Israel, Shenall Vinesha ( 2023-05-16 ) Academic leaders in higher education institutions are vital in leading change to ensure the successful implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). However, change efforts postulated by RPL policies have failed ...

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Dissertations - Educational Administration and Foundations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Navigating Title Ix Changes through the Lived Work Experiences of Title Ix Investigators , Robert Anthony Braswell

Systems Efficacy for School Improvement: Creating a Highly Effective, Achievement Centered School Team , Angela Codron

Toward More Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in Elementary Social Studies , Laura Delgado

Analyzing Illinois Licensure Testing System ( Ilts ) Content Exam and Pearson’s Educative Teacher Performance Assessment ( Edtpa ) Performance in Teacher Candidates Who Study Abroad , Derrek Drenckpohl

Growing Trust-Building Habits of Novice School Administrators: a Qualitative Research Study , Stacie France

Exploring the Impacts of Marketing Structure on Enrollment Yield in Higher Education , Mark D. Gibson

The Effect of Institutionalized Barriers on Historically Excluded Athletic Training Students , Chelsea Kuehner-Boyer

Exploring a Tailored Approach for Coordinated Early Intervening Services ( Ceis ) Designed To Address Struggling General Education Students Targeted for Special Education , Denise Lynch

A Global Health Crisis and Its Effects on Teaching Online at a Midwestern Institution , Kari McMullen

Programs and Services That Contribute to African-American Males' Academic Success at Predominantly White Institutions , Aaron Posey

Using an Anti-deficit Framework To Explain the Academic Achievement of Black Men in Higher Education: a Narrative Inquiry , Donald E. Reed

By any Means Necessary: How Black Women Academic Deans Sustain in White Spaces , Tiffani Robertson

What Special Education Teachers Need To Remain: a Qualitative Study , Corey Michael Sharp

Beyond Referrals: Examining Teacher Sentiment and Racial Disparities in Exclusionary Discipline , Sherrilyn Thomas

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

What Black Students Need from White Teachers: a Qualitative Inquiry , Renee Sherie Andrews

How I Got over: a Phenomenological Study of Black Vertical Transfer Students’ Academic and Interpersonal Validation at Historically White Institutions ( Hwis ) , Brittany Michelle Barber

Perceptions of High Quality Professional Development: Do Teachers and Administrators Agree? , Daniel L. Brown

Digital Citizenship: a Journey to Internet Safety , Lynn Brown

The Crafting of Pre-service Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Problem Behavior: a Post-intentional Phenomenological Study , Jamillah Gilbert

Shared Reflection on the Perceived Effect of Culturally Responsive School Leadership on Student Suspension Data in K-8th Grade Chicago Public Schools , Christopher Alan Donald Graves

More than a Framework: Adopting an Equity Mindset Action Steps for School Leaders To Enact Change , Michelle Y. Hassan

Response to Intervention: Are We on the Right Path? , Teri Justus

Ex ( in ) Clusion: an Exploratory Case Study of Student Participation in Dual Credit Coursework , Rodrigo Lopez

Lo Bueno Y Lo Malo – Assessing Admissions Staff and Practices Supporting Undocumented Students at Illinois’ Four-Year Public Universities , Dave Marcial

Shifting from a System of Grades to a Culture of Learning: Moving toward a More Equitable Culture of Assessment , Jennifer Pamela McCoy

Exploring Informal Mentoring Relationships between Faculty and Undergraduate Students at a Midwest, Urban Institution , Thomas O'Ryan Menchhofer

“Who Will Guard the Guards Themselves ”: a Phenomenological Discourse Analysis on How Whiteness and White Supremacy Are Upheld by White Hearing Officers on Community College Campuses , Amanda Jane Mesirow

In Debt and Educated Af! the Pursuit of Learning and the Will To Teach: Black Educators' Perspectives , Myskeshia Latrice Mitchell

Building Authentic Relationships: Creating a Supportive Environment for Black, Indigenous, and / or People of Color , Kimberly M. Norton

Tale of Two Toddlers: an Exploration of Policies and Procedures for the Magnet School Process , Mary A. Schloz

What Factors Motivated Female and Minority Students To Pursue a Career in Healthcare , Ken Smith

Shifting the Academic Leadership Paradigm: Culturally Responsive Associate Deans in Illinois Community Colleges , Cathy Y. Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Bombazo Epistemology a Syllabus of Survival: Dismantling Settler Colonialism's Philosophy in the Stolen Land , Armen Alvarez

Faculty Voices in Faculty-Led Programs Abroad , Tara M. Augspurger

Do “You Have To Be Better? ”: a Narrative Inquiry Exploration of Black Female Former Ncaa Division I Student-Athletes’ Experiences in Athletic Departments , Jessica Jeanne Brown

The Impact of Implicit Education Debt on the Lives of African American Mothers in Phd Programs: a Phenomenological Research Study , Tiffany S. Bumpers

The Effects of Co-planning on Co-teaching Service Delivery Models , Amber Elizabeth Buss

White Faculty Responses to Implicit Racial Bias and Racially Responsive Pedagogy in the Community College Classroom , Julie Anne Clemens

An Examination of Student Success and Barriers in a Foundational Secondary Teacher Education Online Course , Gary Higham

The Downside of Financial Aid: an Analysis of Student Loan Default at a Midwest Public University , Brian William Johnston

Empathy Matters: Building Relationships One Story at a Time , David Lee LaFrance

Understanding Female Millennial Administrators and Their Perceptions and Experiences of Leadership in the Community College , Kerri Langdon

Nothing for Us, about Us, without Us, Dream Action Niu: ( re ) Formation of Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students’ Identities of Resistance , Sandra Watson López

Standards-Aligned Math Curriculum, Student Demographics, and School Improvement: an Investigation of Illinois’ Lowest-Performing K-8 Schools , Christine Paxson

Portrait of a"Gentlemanly"Profession: Whiteness and the Persistent Racial Imperviousness of Accounting , Adam J. Saatkamp

The Latino Underground: Decolonizing Knowledge through a Hip-Hop Testimonio Project , Jorge J Sanchez

How Middle and High School Principals Provide Culturally Responsive Leadership for Underrepresented Students in Stem: a Qualitative Comparative Case Study , Kenneth Jerome Sanderson

Revenue Inequalities across Public Universities in the Midwest: What Differentiates the Haves and the Have Nots? , Edward Vize

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Restorative Practices: Its Impact on Racial Inequity in Pk-12 Schools , Shelia Evonne Boozer

Perceptions of Illinois Community College Chief Academic Officers: Fulfilling the Mission , Mark A. Coykendall

A Qualitative Study of the Motivations and Experiences of African Students in Community Colleges in the United States , Ansumana Darboe

Helping Students in the Heartland: Student Affairs at Rural Community Colleges , Gabe Estill

Womanist Ways in a Man's World: Unpacking Anti-blackness in Higher Education Enrollment Management Roles , Mesha C Garner

Gobelin or Guild? : a Foucauldian Analysis of Teachers' Professional Learning under the Illinois Essa , Carrie Hruby

Calculating the Cost of New Student Matriculation in a Midwestern Community College , Daniel Joseph Kelly

How African-American Community College Online Learners Succeed , Lynn Bailey Mackey

Accounting for Trauma and Mindset in Elementary School Classrooms: a Study of Check-In / Check-Out as Trauma Intervention , Jenifer Lynne McGowan

Optimizing University Campuses for Learning, Wellbeing and Equity: an Applied Study of Higher Education Facilities Organizational Systems , Melissa Nergard

A Teacher Shortage and Lack of Representation in the Classroom: a Neoliberal and Critical Race Study of the Broken Teacher Pipeline and the Impact on Education Majors , Sara Piotrowski

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: an Application to Student Affairs , Alexander David Snowden

Creating a Society of Active Citizens: a Study of the Civic Engagement of Alternative Breaks Alumni , Annjanette Maire Weaver

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

The Nature of Primary Source Instruction in Social Science Methods Courses , Judith Loraine Bee

Utilizing a Learner Centered Design Model To Support a Change in Grading and Assessment Practices , Carmen Margot Bergmann

From the Classroom to the Dean’s Office: Engaging in the Equity Audit Process To Involve Educational Stakeholders To Address Disparities in School Discipline for Students of Color , Trevor Michael Chapman

Small-Town Living: Do Illinois Universities Understand the Rural College Student? , Erik Andrew Dalmasso

Community College Foundation Board Members: the Overlooked Partners , Christopher S. Downing

An Analysis of Campus Services for International Students at Institutions in the Midwest , Sylvia Miriyam Findlay

The Battlefield of the Academy: the Resilience and Resistance of Black Women Faculty , Jacqueline Hester

The Experiences of Black Women in Diversity Roles at 4-Year Predominantly White Institutions , Tristen Brena� Johnson

Faculty Perceptions of Students with Mental Health Concerns at a Four-Year Institution: a Qualitative Cross-departmental Analysis , Zach McDowell

Collaborative Teacher Action Research: Improvement Science as Professional Development? , Carol L. Munson

Building College-Going Self-Efficacy for Rural Middle School Students , Laura Ann O'Donnell

An Analysis of School Climate Surveys as a Measure of Student Voice , Deanna L. Oliver

Black while Leading: Unmasking the Anti-black Lived Experiences of Senior-Level Black Men Administrators at Historically White Institutions , DuJuan Eugene Smith

The School Leader Paradigm: Field Testing for the Development of Principals along a Continuum of Improvement , Todd John Vilardo

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Decoded: the Influence of Hip Hop Culture on an African-American Male's Culturally Responsive Leadership , Brandon L. Caffey

A Critical Walk down Illinois Career Pathways , Michael Cermak

Turning the Inside out: Understanding Cultural Formation within National Panhellenic Conference Sorority Collegiate Chapters , Suzette Walden Cole

Navigating for the Adult Student: Ways To Help Adult Students Transfer Successfully from Community Colleges to Universities , Bethany M. Craig

Women in Pk-12 Educational Leadership: Identity and Insight , Amanda K. Jarvis

Taking Advantage of Second Chances through Reassessment , Benjamin D. Lee

Allegory in Black and White: the Vocationalization of U.s. Higher Education , John Hamilton Metoyer

Exploring the Relationship between Members of Lifelong Learning Institutes and Host Institutions , Jon Charles Neidy

You Belong Here: Residence Halls as Disparate Predictors of Sophomore Year Persistence at Predominantly White Institutions , James Raymond Neville

Answering the “More and Cheaper ” Push of the Completion Agenda: What Does It Cost an Illinois Public University To Deliver a Bachelor’s Degree? , Melissa R. Pitcock

Promoting Persistence among Lgbtq Community College Students , Gregory D. Robinson

Public Policy and the Sustainability of Tanzanian Private Universities , Simon Lucas Taabu

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A Critical Interpretation of Study Abroad, Participant Identity, and Second Language Learning , Laura Edwards

Realizing the Ideal School District Size: How District Size Affects Achievement and Expenditure , James L. Hayes III

An Evaluative Study of a Health Information Management Program Following a Significant Curricular Change , Jennifer Lynn Peterson

Using School Leadership Teams as Professional Learning Communities To Improve Professional Capital and Leadership , Matthew R. Seaton

Analysis of Grade Variances in Multisection Calculus Classes , S. Paul Shaffer

“Still I Rise ”: an Exploration of Mentoring Relationships on Degree Attainment for Black Women in Doctoral Programs , Tuwana T. Wingfield

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Students’ Expectations and Faculty Approaches to Instructional Activities: Are Faculty Meeting the Needs of this Generation? , Julie Ann Brines

Student Demographic and Academic Characteristics That Predict Community College Student Success in Online Courses , Jennifer L. Davidson

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Phd-supervisors experiences during and after the covid-19 pandemic: a case study.

• 1 Department of Education, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
• 2 Department of Educational Studies in Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
• 3 Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
• 4 Faculty of Arts and Physical Education, Volda University College, Volda, Norway

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the education sector, and this case study examined nearly three hundred PhD supervisors in Norway. The study was driven by the urgent need to better understand the professional, social, and existential conditions faced by doctoral supervisors during extended societal shutdowns. This explorative case study builds on a former study among PhD candidates and investigates the experiences of doctoral supervisors when remote work, digital teaching, and digital supervision suddenly replaced physical presence in the workplace, largely between March 12, 2020, and autumn 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A mixed-methods research approach, incorporating formative dialog research and case study design, was employed to bridge the conceptual and contextual understanding of this phenomenon. The primary data sources were a survey ( N = 298, 53.7% women, 46.3% men, response rate 80.54%) and semi-structured interviews (with nine PhD supervisors). Supplementary data collection was based on formative dialog research. It included field dialog (four PhD supervision seminars), open survey responses ( n = 1,438), one focus group ( n = 5), an additional survey ( n = 85), and document analysis of PhD policy documents and doctoral supervision seminar evaluations ( n = 7). The survey data, interview data, focus group data, and supplementary data focus also retrospectively on the first year of the pandemic and were collected from August 2022 until October 2023.

Results: The findings from the explorative case study revealed that the PhD supervisors faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, both professionally and personally. For PhD supervisors who extensively worked from home over a long period, the situation created new conditions that affected their job performance. These altered conditions hindered their research capacity, their ability to follow up with their PhD candidates, and their capacity to fulfill other job responsibilities. Although the PhD supervisors received some support during the pandemic, it seems that the incremental measures provided were insufficient.

Discussion: The case study results indicate that it is more important than ever to understand the gap between the formulation, transformation, and realization arenas when distinguishing between incremental, semi-structural changes and fundamental changes in PhD regulations and guidelines brought on by societal crises. This highlights the need for better crisis preparedness at the doctoral level in the years to come.

1 Introduction

Effective doctoral supervision is crucial for guiding PhD candidates through the complexities of their research, ensuring academic rigor and the successful completion of their dissertations ( Bastalich, 2017 ; Wichmann-Hansen, 2021 ; Kálmán et al., 2022 ). The role of PhD supervisors during the pandemic and their impact on educational quality at various levels has been an under-researched area both nationally and internationally ( Börgeson et al., 2021 ; Krumsvik et al., 2022 ). Supervisors who have varying experiences and work under diverse conditions are key players in the transformation arena where central policies are applied at the institutional level. Their interaction with PhD-candidates, whether in-person or remotely, shapes partly the quality of PhD-programs and candidates’ learning experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the education sector in numerous ways, and this case study examined nearly three hundred PhD-supervisors in Norway with a Mixed Method Research design and different methods and data. The impetus for the study was the urgent need for a better knowledge base to understand the professional, social, and existential conditions for doctoral supervisors when society is shut down for an extended period. This explorative case study builds on our former study among PhD-candidates ( Krumsvik et al., 2022 ) and investigates the experiences of doctoral supervisors when remote work, digital teaching, and digital supervision suddenly replaced physical presence in the workplace (to varying extents).

First, the introduction contextualizes the study; second, the methodology is described; third, the main part presents the results from the survey part of the study; fourth, the data from the interviews and Supplementary data are presented; fifth, the discussion and conclusion are presented.

International policy documents underline the importance of PhD-supervision [ European University Association (EUA), 2010 , 2015 ] and, in Norway, it is crucial to view PhD supervision considering the specific frame factors for the PhD’s and some general trends of changed frame factors in doctoral education over the last 10 years ( Krumsvik, 2016a , 2017 ). It is therefore important to examine such frame factors in light of PhD-supervisors’ experiences during the pandemic, but the current state of knowledge is still limited around this topic. However, “The United Kingdom Research Supervision Survey Report 2021″ found that among the 3,500 PhD supervisors in the United Kingdom, 65% felt that supervisory responsibilities have increased during the pandemic, 32% agreed that “concerns over supervision have kept me awake at night over the last 12 months” and 31% agreed that “supervising doctoral candidates makes me feel anxious over the last 12 months” ( UK Council for Graduate Education, 2021 ). With these abovementioned issues in mind, this doctoral supervision study builds on our previous research on doctoral-level education ( Krumsvik and Jones, 2016 ; Krumsvik and Røkenes, 2016 ; Krumsvik et al., 2016a , b , 2019 , 2021 ; Krumsvik et al., 2022 ) and aims to examine the experiences of PhD supervisors in Norway during the pandemic to answer the research questions below:

1. To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic impeded the PhD supervisors’ frame factors on the micro-level, and how do they perceive this situation?

2. To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced PhD supervisors’ frame factors on the meso-level, and how do they perceive this situation?

3. How do the PhD-supervisors experience the more general aspects of their supervision role during and after the pandemic?

1.1 The Norwegian context

To contextualize the research questions to the Norwegian context, one must remember that doctoral candidates in Norway are not students per se but are employees (on a 3–4 years contract) and more regarded as colleagues than students, and in this sense, the roles are more equal than in traditional supervisory relationships at a lower level (supervisor-student). Both by having PhD fellows being considered highly competent adult employees with state employment contracts, where they receive regular salaries, and have regular offices, they are initially part of the work community found within academia with its routines, duties, and rights. Another contextual aspect is that Norwegian PhD-candidates defend their theses relatively late in their careers. The average age for a candidate’s defense is between 37 and 38 years and higher for many candidates within the humanities and social sciences. In comparison, the median age across OECD countries is 29 ( Sarrico, 2022 , p. 1304). Table 1 provides a generalized comparison of doctoral education across Nordic countries, the UK, and the US ( Andres et al., 2015 ; Burner et al., 2020 ). While such broad overviews might exaggerate differences, they provide a framework for understanding doctoral education on a spectrum. This spectrum ranges from countries with significant government influence, where PhD candidates are employed (e.g., Nordic countries), to countries with moderate government influence, where PhD candidates are not employed (e.g., the UK), and finally to countries with minimal government influence, where PhD candidates are also not employed (e.g., the US). Despite these variations, the global trend indicates that doctoral education is becoming increasingly dependent on external funding ( Bengtsen, 2023 , p. 45).

Table 1 . Overview of the Nordic PhD model in comparison to UK and US models.

In addition, women defend their theses on average 2 years later than men. Taking into account that the average age for first-time mothers in Norway is now 30.1 years, there is a lot that needs to happen within a few years, and this may sometimes affect the feasibility of their PhD-projects. This can, e.g., be related to the gender differences in Norway about parental leave days during the pandemic which is much higher for women than for men at the universities ( Krumsvik et al., 2022 ) 1 . Another contextual factor that distinguishes doctoral supervision from other supervision (at lower levels) is that over 90% of the doctoral theses in Norway are article-based theses ( Krumsvik, 2016b ; Mason and Merga, 2018 ; Solli and Nygaard, 2022 ), which implies 3–4 published articles and an extended summary or synopsis (a “kappe” in Norwegian, ranging between 50 and 90 pages). This means that the PhD-candidates receive “supervision” and feedback from approximately 8–10 referees in scientific journals on their articles, in addition to feedback from their PhD supervisors. Because of this, many PhD-supervisors are co-authoring their doctoral candidates’ publications. A final contextual aspect is the recent studies indicating a decrease in doctoral disputations nationwide in Norway over the past two years ( Steine and Sarpebakken, 2023 ) – probably as a consequence of the pandemic. In a survey, Ramberg and Wendt (2023 , p. 22) found that about 60 percent of PhD candidates and 50 percent of postdoctoral candidates ( N = 300) were delayed during the autumn of 2022. The study showed that illness or leave, often due to caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic, was the most common reason for delays among PhD candidates and postdoctoral candidates, particularly impacting women more than men. Following illness, reduced access to supervisors, empirical data, research facilities, and external partners were significant factors contributing to delays in their research activities. Nearly a third of delayed candidates reported reduced access to supervisors, and about a fifth faced issues with external partner access, highlighting the critical role of these resources in completing research projects. When it comes to the PhD-supervisors, more specifically, the supervision differs from other types of supervision in that a formal PhD agreement is signed with a binding supervisor contract that lasts for 3–4 years (the PhD period) and is signed by both the supervisor and the candidate. The supervisor also has an overarching responsibility to avoid delays and ensure that the PhD program can be completed within the standard time frame. Supervisors are primarily responsible for guiding doctoral candidates on the specific, content-related aspects of their projects. This includes helping candidates identify the knowledge frontier in their field, position their study within the research field, develop clear and consistent research questions, choose appropriate scientific and methodological approaches, and provide expert guidance in discussing results and addressing ethical issues related to the thesis. This obviously places relatively high competence requirements on the supervisors, both in terms of their academic and research skills, and in relation to the doctoral supervision itself, as poor or inadequate supervision at this level can expose the candidate to a certain “drop-out risk” in the project.

Maintaining education quality during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging due to the widespread shift to digital teaching, supervision, and remote work. Many university teachers were unaccustomed to the online, digital learning environment, working with PhD candidates remotely for extended periods. Some taught in hybrid settings, with some PhD candidates quarantined at home while others attended in-person classes. Additionally, others navigated ordinary learning contexts with COVID-19 precautions like masks and social distancing. This situation altered frame factors, adding complexity to the discussion of education quality.

Considering this, the case study seeks to understand if, and potentially how, external factors in pedagogical contexts over which institutions, academics, and teachers have no direct control play out. Lindensjö and Lundgren (2014) find that such external factors might have a significant impact on the outcomes of educational training, teaching, and supervision. Therefore, it is crucial to contextualize the pandemic experiences among PhD supervisors with respect to these factors, as they imply national and institutional frames for their PhD supervision. Though there exist several quantitative, survey-based studies on the impact of COVID-19 on PhD supervision (e.g., Pyhältö et al., 2023 ; Löfström et al., 2024 ), there is still a lack of in-depth qualitative understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the supervisory relationship. The studies of Löfström et al. (2024) and Pyhältö et al. (2023) indicated that supervisors faced significant challenges in identifying when PhD candidates needed assistance and providing adequate support for their well-being during the shift to remote supervision. Supporting the progress and wellbeing of full-time candidates, who were more adversely affected by the pandemic than their part-time peers, became increasingly difficult. The increase in email communications could overwhelm supervisors, exceeding manageable levels and complicating their ability to offer timely and effective feedback. The lack of spontaneous, informal conversation, previously facilitated by in-person meetings, further hindered their ability to monitor and support the candidates effectively. These challenges were particularly pronounced for supervisors in scientific fields requiring lab work and practical training, which were severely disrupted by the pandemic, and supporting the progress and wellbeing of full-time candidates, who were more adversely affected by the pandemic than their part-time peers, became increasingly difficult. Furthermore, supervisors reported that their PhD candidates’ lack of a scholarly community and inadequate supervision were significant challenges. This reflects the supervisors’ view that the availability of a supportive research environment and adequate supervision are critical for candidates’ success ( Pyhältö et al., 2023 ). The study by Pyhältö et al. (2023) also found that supervisors generally estimated the impact on candidates’ progress and well-being to be more negative than the candidates themselves did, which may imply that supervisors have a broader perspective on the long-term consequences of disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Research prior to the pandemic ( Pyhältö et al., 2012 ) has shown that apart from the importance of having clear and long-term financing, proper research facilities, and sufficient time to pursue a PhD, supervisors also stress the significance of PhD candidates’ motivation, self-regulation, efficacy, and engagement as essential personal regulators for success in the PhD process.

1.2 Theoretical framework

This case study is exploratory and intrinsic ( Stake, 1995 , 2006 ), utilizing an abductive approach to theory with frame factor theory as our theoretical framework ( Lundgren, 1999 ; Lindensjö and Lundgren, 2014 ). Frame factor theory suggests that society’s influence on education manifests through a target system, an administrative system, and a legal system. This theory, used in educational sciences and pedagogy, acts as a lens for planning and analysis, positing that external factors, beyond the control of institutions and educators, significantly affect educational outcomes. We will further explain the contextual application of frame factor theory in this case study below.

Previous research highlights a gap in (doctoral) education between the formalization and realization arenas in frame factor theory ( Lindensjö and Lundgren, 2014 ; Krumsvik et al., 2019 ). Linde (2012) introduces a transformation arena between these two, explaining the difficulty of implementing measures in complex organizations like universities. There is rarely a straightforward relationship between central decisions (formulation arena or macro-level) and their implementation (realization arena or micro-level). Policy documents require interpretation and application by faculty leaders, PhD program leaders, supervisors, and PhD candidates (transformation arena or meso-level) ( Linde, 2012 ).

Given this context, a main focus of this case study was to evaluate how Norwegian PhD supervisors managed changed frame factors and education quality during the pandemic. The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) defines education quality as “the quality of teaching classes, other learning facilities, and students’ learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence” ( Skodvin, 2013 , p. 2). It is important to differentiate between educational quality, study quality, and teaching quality.

Education quality is a broad concept encompassing everything from the subject/study program level to the government’s education policy. In contrast, study quality is narrower, referring specifically to the educational institution ( Skodvin, 2013 , p. 3). Teaching quality goes further to the micro-level, focusing on course quality, teacher effectiveness, and PhD supervision. This study examined how PhD supervisors experienced COVID-19 restrictions at the micro- and meso-levels, considering two of the three levels. Figure 1 illustrates the analytical lenses in this mixed methods research (MMR) and formative dialog research case study:

Figure 1 . The analytical focus in the case study ( Krumsvik et al., 2019 ) is based on the frame factor theory ( Linde, 2012 ; Lindensjö and Lundgren, 2014 ).

2 Methodology

To understand and corroborate conditions faced by doctoral supervisors related to COVID-19 extended societal shutdowns, both in breadth and in depth, we employed a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative data to show the strength of associations and qualitative data to explore their nature ( Johnson et al., 2007 ; Creswell and Plano Clark, 2017 ). We utilized a three-stage design, QUAL-QUANT-QUAL (qualitative-driven sequential design, Schoonenboom and Johnson, 2017 ), making it a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods study ( Johnson et al., 2007 , p. 124). Using mixed methods research allowed us to explore the complex research problem more comprehensively compared to using either quantitative or qualitative data alone. Though the approach is less common in case studies ( Tight, 2016 , p. 380), the mixed methods are increasingly used (e.g., Ertesvåg et al., 2021 ; Hall and Mansfield, 2023 ; Peters and Fàbregues, 2023 ). Advocates of such approaches consider mixed methods to “complement and extend one another and thus lead to better descriptions, clearer explanations and an enhanced understanding of phenomena, research aims and questions” ( Ertesvåg et al., 2021 , p. 655).

Specifically, an exploratory, sequential mixed-methods design was used to address the research questions ( Fetters et al., 2013 ; Creswell and Plano Clark, 2017 ). This design involves collecting and analyzing qualitative data first (QUAL), using those findings to guide the quantitative data collection and analysis in the second phase (QUANT), and then using the quantitative results to inform further qualitative data collection and analysis in the third phase (QUAL). This method integrates through building, where results from one phase inform the next.

We conducted a cumulative data collection and analysis process ( Creswell and Guetterman, 2021 ), basing survey questions on previously collected data from field dialogues, online observations, seminar evaluations, and document analysis. The questionnaire consisted of a general demographic questions (e.g., gender, educational background and what field(s) the supervisor supervised in), in addition to a range of multiple response items addressing four key themes: (1) important factors to complete a PhD, (2) supervisor challenges, (3) working from home experiences, and (4) perceived need for future competences as supervisors. Finally the questionnaire contained a range of statements measured on a Likert-scale from 1 to 5 where 3 was neutral (e.g., to what extent do you feel that your PhD-candidate(s) are on track with their doctoral project?). The qualitative interview guide ( Kvale and Brinkmann, 2015 ) was developed from the prior quantitative data (survey), and the focus group guide was based on earlier survey and qualitative interview data (see Figure 2 below). We integrated research questions, methods, interpretation, and reporting at various points, using narratives where qualitative and quantitative results are presented in different sections of the same article through the contiguous approach ( Fetters et al., 2013 ). This article primarily examines the coherence between qualitative and quantitative findings based on confirmation , expansion , or discordance ( Fetters et al., 2013 ). The approach used in the study is similar to Hall and Mansfield (2023) and the coherence is derived from joint displays using visual means.

Figure 2 . The research process. The yellow arrows show the main data sources, and the blue arrows show the Supplementary data in this article. In addition, we have conducted focus group interviews and an extra survey, which will be published in another article (since they mainly focus on academic writing with the large language models).

As a consequence of the mixed-methods design, this study combines two approaches in case study research. The first, proposed by Stake (1995 , 2006) and Merriam (2009) and Merriam and Tisdell (2016) , is situated in a social constructivist paradigm, and is attached to the qualitative part (connected to the second part of each research question). The second, based on Eisenhardt (1989) , Flyvbjerg (2011) , and Yin (2012) , approaches the case study from a post-positivist perspective ( Hyett et al., 2014 , p. 1) (connected to the first part of each research question). This intrinsic case study ( Stake, 1995 ) aims to focus on ecological validity:

“Ecological validity is the degree of correspondence between the research conditions and the phenomenon being studied as it occurs naturally or outside of the research setting” ( Gehrke, 2018 , p. 563). Informant selection was based on a purposeful method ( Maxwell, 2013 ), in which we recruited PhD supervisors from Norway.

Next, all interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis ( Braun and Clarke 2019 , 2021 ) where themes were constructed and presented in this paper (see section 4). In addition, we also conducted a sentiment analysis ( Dake and Gyimah, 2023 ) of the nine interviews (see Supplementary file ).

To answer the research question, we combined formative dialog research ( Baklien, 2004 ) and case study research ( Stake, 2006 ). Data collection consisted of fieldwork (see Supplementary file ), a survey N = 298, 53.7% women, 46.3% men, response rate 80.54%, nine semi-structured interviews (with PhD supervisors), and one focus group ( N = 5). Supplementary data consisted of an additional survey ( N = 85), PhD-policy document analysis ( N = 6), field dialogues (4 PhD supervision seminars), open survey data (1,438 responses), seminar observations ( N = 4), and reviews of relevant documents such as evaluations of doctoral supervisor seminars. We also used policy documents and regulations concerning PhD education in Norway as supplementary sources.

We focused on how PhD supervisors experienced changing frame factors, such as university lockdowns, remote work, digital teaching, digital supervision, doctoral progression, and others, with an emphasis on illuminating the micro-level (course and teaching level) from the PhD supervisors’ perspective. This focus is twofold: the program’s structure and quality directly affected the PhD- supervisors during the pandemic. The second is simply that they conducted several evaluations about matters related to the structure and quality compared with the others. However, PhD- candidates’ opinions are also important, and their views are also interwoven because some of them have been present during field dialogs and participated in the PhD-supervision seminars.

When focusing on how PhD-supervisors experience their supervision, PhD’s research progression, psychosocial aspects, their nearest superior, and the main focus are on illuminating the meso-level (institutional and program level).

2.1 Cumulative research process

In our case study, we brought the experiences and our study among PhD’s ( Krumsvik et al., 2022 ) from the period March 12, 2020, to November 30, 2021, into our design of this study. We executed an excessive cumulative data collection process (including a part during the pandemic) and analysis, especially from August 2022 – October 2023. The relatively long time period allowed the researchers to test their interpretations along the way and detect contrary evidence, e.g., reach saturation during the coding and analysis of the qualitative data ( Creswell and Guetterman, 2021 ).

3.1 Quantitative part (survey)

Above and below are the results of the quantitative part of the study, based on the survey data. This analysis is tentative and covers only the survey results. The interview data and Supplementary data will be presented later in the paper. Two hundred and forty respondents completed the survey ( N = 298, 80.54% response rate). The academic backgrounds of the supervisors were diverse, with the three largest groups coming from natural sciences, humanities, education and teacher training. The largest group of supervisors (41.75%) supervised PhD candidates in education and teacher training (see Table 2 ).

Table 2 . Distribution of supervisors by academic background and PhD supervision in various fields.

A narrow majority (58.08%) of the supervisors had submitted an article-based dissertation (see more in attachment 5 in the Supplementary file ), in the Supplementary file meaning that approximately four out of ten supervisors have not “hands on” experience with article-based thesis as their thesis in their own doctoral degree. A large majority (81.67%) had supervised PhD candidates before and after the pandemic, while 11.67% had only supervised during and after. 41.27% of the supervisors stated that the coronavirus pandemic (from March 12, 2020 - January 2022) had impeded their candidate(s) progress in their doctoral project. 21.12% agreed (to a large or very large extent) that the PhDs’ publication process of articles to scientific journals has been delayed because of the journal’s peer review process during the pandemic (i.e., journal processing times seemed to increase due to several factors including a lack of available peer reviewers because of heavy workloads, health issues, more teaching, etc.).

3.1.1 Challenges in supervision

Results in Table 3 indicate that the most commonly reported challenges faced by supervisors during the pandemic were balancing work and family life and working from home, each affecting more than a third of the supervisors. Psycho-social aspects, such as loneliness, also emerged as a notable challenge. The cancelation of conference participation and stays abroad were significant issues, reflecting the broader impact on professional development opportunities. Concerns about supervision quality were also prominent. Some supervisors reported no challenges, highlighting a degree of variability in experiences. Other challenges included delays in the peer review process for journals, difficulties with publishing, and issues related to research ethics, though these were less commonly reported.

Table 3 . Challenges faced by supervisors during the pandemic in terms of supervision.

3.1.2 Challenges in working from home

Results in Table 4 indicated that supervisors faced multiple challenges while working from home during the pandemic. The most common issue was having little contact with colleagues, which affected more than six in ten supervisors. Supervisors also frequently reported having little contact with their PhD candidates. Distractions from others at home were another prevalent challenge. Many supervisors experienced an increased workload due to digital teaching from home, and lacking office equipment, such as desks and office chairs, was also commonly reported. Psycho-social aspects, such as loneliness, were significant issues as well. The lack of space and increased home responsibilities, such as childcare, were notable challenges. A smaller number of supervisors reported having no challenges at all. Other less commonly reported issues included limited access to library services and poor internet access.

Table 4 . Challenges faced by supervisors during the pandemic working from home.

3.1.3 Factors PhD candidates need to complete their doctorate

We find that there is a high degree of consistency between what supervisors ( Table 5 ) and PhD candidates ( Table 6 ) consider to be the most important factors for completing the doctorate. In particular, it is persistence, resilience, and the ability to work independently are the most important factors, in addition to supervision and co-writing with supervisors.

Table 5 . Most important factors in completing a PhD as reported by PhD supervisors.

Table 6 . Most important factors in completing a PhD as reported by PhD Candidates.

Thus, there is considerable agreement between what the supervisors and the PhD candidates report, which may indicate that within the academic tradition, the doctoral journey is primarily seen as an individual endeavor (feat of strength) where the supervisor is the closest supporter.

3.1.4 Appreciation of supervision

The supervisors mostly agreed that both they and the PhD candidates value supervision. 89.91% responded they agree or strongly agree to this question for themselves, and 92.47% responded they agree or strongly agree on behalf of the PhD candidates. In comparison, 61.25% responded similarly to whether the department values supervision, while 24.17% were neutral, and 14.59% responded they disagree or strongly disagree. This may suggest that the supervisory relationship is primarily between the PhD candidate and the supervisor, with less firm ties to the institution.

When it comes to what extent the supervisors think that their institution has been accommodating regarding compensating the loss of progress due to the coronavirus pandemic for their own PhDs, 27.2% stated that this had been done to a small extent or very small extent and 29.39% stated that this had been done to a large extent or very large extent. 30.1% agreed (large extent and very large extent) that supervisory responsibilities have increased during the pandemic. 13.3% expressed (to a large or very large extent) that supervising doctoral candidates makes them feel anxious’ over the last 24 months” (pandemic), but the majority (64.3%) experienced this to a small and very small extent. 9.3% expressed (to a large and a very large extent) that concerns over doctoral supervision have kept them awake at night over the last 24 months (pandemic), but the majority (69.3%) experienced this to a small and very small extent. 56.1% of the supervisors have not discussed any challenges with the progress of their doctoral candidate(s) project due to the coronavirus pandemic with the department’s human resources manager/head.

When asked how many hours they have enshrined in their working plan per semester as the main supervisor per PhD candidate, supervisors state this varies from zero to above 80 h, but for the majority, it is between 20 and 40 h per semester (40.46%). 23.1% state they do not think that their PhD-candidate(s) are on track with their doctoral project, while 50.2% state that their PhD-candidate(s) are on track with their doctoral project. Some PhDs publish their articles in their thesis based on pre-collected data (e.g., as a part of bigger projects), while others publish their articles in their thesis based on data collections done by themselves. 58.77% of the supervisors think this affects the completion time for the last group of PhDs (large and very large extent). 53.4% of the supervisors have been co-authoring their doctoral candidates’ publications.

3.1.5 What competencies supervisors need

As seen from Table 7 , nearly half of the supervisors believed they needed more pedagogical and methodological competence related to supervision. Additionally, about one-third felt they lacked knowledge about formal aspects, such as guidelines, related to the PhD program. The supervisors reported that the guidelines for the doctoral program were somewhat clear, particularly those for article-based dissertations. This perceived clarity was positively correlated ( r = 0.23, p = 0.002) with the extent to which the institution offered “continuing professional development” (CPD), and 39.88% of the supervisors stated that their institution did not provide supervisors with CPD. Thus, while many supervisors recognized the need for enhanced pedagogical and methodological skills, as well as a better understanding of formal guidelines, the availability of CPD programs was associated with clearer doctoral program guidelines. This suggests that increasing access to professional development opportunities could improve supervisors’ competence and clarity regarding program requirements, ultimately benefiting the supervision process.

Table 7 . Competencies PhD supervisors believe they need to increase.

3.1.6 Female academics with children

About four out of ten supervisors (41.07%) agreed (to a large or very large extent) that female PhDs with children seem to have more home responsibilities than men (e.g., for childcare, household, homeschooling, own children in quarantines, etc.) during the pandemic. About three out of ten (27.77%) agreed (to a large or very large extent) that female PhDs’ (with own children) submission rates to scientific journals have been delayed as a consequence of COVID-19, considering that women seem to have more home responsibilities (e.g., for childcare, household, homeschooling, own children in quarantine, etc.) during the pandemic. About two out of ten (23.64%) agreed (to a large or very large extent) that female supervisors’ (with their own children) submission rates to scientific journals have been delayed as a consequence of COVID-19, considering that women seem to have more home responsibilities (e.g., for childcare, household, homeschooling, own children in quarantine, etc.) during the pandemic.

Cronbach’s alpha ( α = 0.87) indicated a high level of consistency among three statements concerning the increased home responsibilities faced by female researchers with children compared to their male counterparts during the pandemic. These statements highlighted that female researchers with children appeared to bear more responsibilities at home, such as childcare, household tasks, and homeschooling, and as a result, their submission rates to scientific journals had been adversely affected by COVID-19. The average response (mea n = 3.18, standard deviatio n = 0.88) indicated that the supervisors were generally neutral toward these statements. However, closer inspection revealed that female supervisors (mea n = 3.29, standard deviatio n = 0.92) agreed with these statements more than male supervisors (mea n = 3.03, standard deviatio n = 0.79), a difference that was statistically significant ( p = 0.017) but with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.30). There was a positive correlation ( r = 0.23, p = 0.002) between whether the PhD candidate had considered quitting the PhD program and the three statements, which suggests that supervisors who reported that PhD candidates had considered quitting also agreed more with the statements. Conversely, a negative correlation ( r = −0.21, p = 0.002) was found between considering quitting the PhD program and the belief that the institution made sufficient efforts to compensate for the lack of progress during the pandemic, indicating that better institutional support might have reduced the likelihood of candidates considering quitting.

3.2 Qualitative part (interview data and other types of qualitative data)

We conducted a cumulative data collection process where the qualitative interview guide questions were built upon previously collected quantitative data (survey). Based on a snowballing sample ( Patton, 2015 ), we recruited nine doctoral supervisors from the humanities, social-, and educational sciences with diverse experience and approaches to supervising PhD candidates during the pandemic. Using semi-structured interviews ( Brinkmann, 2022 ), each supervisor was interviewed online using Zoom with interviews lasting from 30 to 60 min. All interviews were conducted in Norwegian and later transcribed verbatim. We followed Braun and Clarke’s, (2019 , 2021) approach to reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the interview data. The themes constructed from the analysis of the interview data focus issues, such as “The Impact of the Pandemic on Supervision,” “Home Office Experience,” Workload and Employer Support,” “PhD Candidate Preparation for Article-Based Theses,” “Competence in Supervising Article-Based Theses,” and “Guidelines and Structuring the PhD Process.”

3.2.1 Analyzing the interview with Kyle

Introduction: Kyle, aged 47, specializes in professional ethics. He completed his doctoral degree through a monographic thesis and is relatively new to supervising PhD candidates, currently guiding three, two of whom he is the main supervisor.

Impact of the Pandemic : Kyle wore two hats during the pandemic: as a PhD supervisor and as a leader of a doctoral program. He noted that the pandemic did not significantly impact his supervisees due to well-planned data collection that adapted to digital formats when necessary. His role as the program leader gave him broader insights into how other candidates fared, with some experiencing difficulties in recruiting interviewees and needing to adjust their research plans accordingly.

PhD Supervision During the Pandemic : Kyle’s supervision was largely unaffected by the pandemic as most of it was conducted digitally, catering to students located in different parts of the country. He emphasized the importance of maintaining frequent contact, especially when usual social and professional gatherings were suspended. The pivot to online platforms like Zoom and increased digital communication tools helped maintain the continuity and quality of supervision.

Home Office Experience : Working from home was generally positive for Kyle, who appreciated the reduced distractions and the ability to maintain productivity with a well-equipped home office. However, he missed informal interactions with colleagues, which were hard to replicate through digital means.

Workload and Employer Support : Kyle experienced a slight increase in workload as more effort was required to monitor and support students remotely. His interactions with his Head of Department/direct manager were supportive, helping him navigate the challenges of remote supervision.

PhD Candidate Preparation for Article-Based Theses : Kyle observed that many PhD candidates were unprepared for the intricacies of article writing, including the lengthy processes of submission and peer review. He attributed this to their educational background, which primarily focused on monographic work at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Competence in Supervising Article-Based Theses : Although Kyle has not written a synopsis (‘kappe’, i.e., a synthesis chapter for article-based theses) himself, he feels prepared due to his involvement in supervisor training programs that include synopsis writing. He believes in collaborative supervision where co-supervisors with more experience in specific areas can complement his guidance.

Guidelines and Structuring the PhD Process : Kyle praised the clarity of guidelines regarding the synopsis writing at his program, highlighting proactive efforts to discuss and understand these guidelines among candidates and supervisors. He supports the idea of starting the synopsis early in the PhD journey, allowing candidates to develop a clear perspective on how their articles will integrate into their larger thesis narrative.

Summary: Kyle’s approach to PhD supervision during the pandemic was proactive and adapted to the challenges of remote interactions. He emphasizes the importance of clear guidelines, structured support from the academic program, and the benefits of collaborative supervision. His perspective offers valuable insights into managing PhD supervision under crisis conditions and highlights areas for potential improvement in preparing candidates for the demands of article-based theses.

3.2.2 Analyzing the interview with Sally

Introduction: Sally, aged 46, is experienced in the field of educational sciences and professional research, having supervised 15 PhD candidates to completion. She conducted her doctoral research through an article-based thesis.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates : Sally observed that the pandemic had a limited impact on most of her PhD candidates, except for 2–3 individuals who experienced delays, partially due to the pandemic. Disputations were delayed for some candidates who preferred physical attendance, affecting their completion timeline.

Adaptations in Supervision Methods: The pandemic made Sally diversify her supervision methods, including more frequent digital meetings with Zoom or Teams and asynchronous communications like email. She shifted from paper-based to digital comments on drafts, which enhanced the efficiency and immediacy of feedback. This change is something she intends to continue using beyond the pandemic.

Home Office Experience: Sally found working from home manageable and returned to the office as soon as feasible, particularly because she needed to balance work with family responsibilities. The transition to the home office did not significantly disrupt her supervision activities, though it introduced minor challenges like occasional distractions from family.

Increased Workload During the Pandemic: Sally reported a slight increase in her workload during the pandemic due to a need for more frequent communication to ensure the continuity and quality of supervision. This was compounded by the timing of her candidates being in critical phases of their thesis work.

Support from Employer: She felt that the focus of her institution’s support during the pandemic was more on ensuring that PhD candidates were well-supported rather than directly supporting the supervisors themselves.

Preparedness of PhD Candidates: Sally noted that while the PhD candidates were generally well-prepared academically, they often lacked specific training in writing article-based theses, a significant adjustment from writing monographic theses typical at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Competence in Supervising Article-Based Theses: Sally felt confident in her ability to supervise article-based theses despite recognizing the ongoing need to adapt and learn, particularly in managing the synthesis chapter or “kappen.”

Clarity of Guidelines for the Synopsis: She found the guidelines for writing the synopsis at her institution clear and involved in educational efforts to help candidates understand these guidelines better. However, she questioned whether standardization would improve understanding or unnecessarily restrict academic freedom.

Timing for Writing the Synopsis: Reflecting on her experience and current practices, Sally advocated for thinking about the synopsis early in the doctoral process but cautioned against producing extensive texts prematurely. She emphasized the importance of adapting the scope of the synopsis as the research evolves.

Use of Doctoral Committees’ Guidelines: Sally observed that adherence to guidelines varies depending on whether committee members are national or international, with international members often impressed by the candidate’s ability to publish in high-ranking journals.

Overall, Sally’s experiences and insights provide a nuanced view of PhD supervision during the pandemic, highlighting flexibility, adaptation, and the importance of maintaining high standards of communication and support. Her approach demonstrates a balance between structured guidance and allowing academic independence, aiming to foster resilience and adaptability among her PhD candidates.

3.2.3 Analyzing the interview with Gabbie

Introduction: Gabbie, aged 54, specializes in school and teacher education. She has supervised two PhD candidates to completion and is currently guiding four others. Her doctoral thesis was article-based.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates : Gabbie observed varied impacts of the pandemic on her PhD candidates. While two of her students were minimally affected, one faced significant challenges in data collection due to difficulties in recruiting informants. This disparity seems to have been influenced by the candidates’ approaches or perhaps their personal rapport with potential informants.

Changes in Supervision Practices: The pandemic shifted Gabbie’s supervision to entirely online formats using Zoom, Teams, or phone apps. While she was accustomed to digital interaction, the lack of informal, face-to-face interactions led to a more formal and structured supervision style. The spontaneous “corridor conversations” that often enhance relational aspects of supervision were missing, which she felt detracted from the personal connection in the supervisor-supervisee relationship.

Home Office Experience: Gabbie had a positive experience working from home, finding it efficient and beneficial due to eliminating commute times and the conducive environment at home for focused work. Her family setup supported this arrangement well, allowing her to balance work and home life effectively during the pandemic.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: Her workload in terms of PhD supervision remained roughly the same, though the nature of interactions changed. Instead of impromptu office drop-ins, there were more scheduled meetings, primarily online via Zoom or Teams, which required a different kind of preparation and possibly led to more structured discussions.

Support from Employer: Gabbie noted a lack of specific support for supervisors from her employer during the pandemic; the focus was more on ensuring that she, like other staff, was generally coping with the pandemic’s challenges. There was an emphasis on looking out for the PhD candidates’ well-being, translating into a directive for supervisors to maintain close contact and support.

Preparedness of PhD Candidates for Article-Based Theses: Similar to Kyle and Sally, Gabbie agreed with the survey findings that many candidates are not well-prepared for writing article-based theses. She attributes this to their academic background, which primarily focuses on monograph writing. She advocates for collaborative writing for the first article to help familiarize candidates with the process of scholarly writing and peer review.

Evaluation of Own Competence in Supervising Article-Based Theses: She feels confident in her supervisory skills but acknowledges that continuous learning and discussion with peers are essential for handling complex or unfamiliar issues that arise during supervision. Gabbie appreciates the collaborative nature of the supervisory teams at her institution, which helps in managing any gaps in her experience or knowledge.

Clarity of Guidelines for the Synopsis: Gabbie finds the guidelines for writing the synopsis to be somewhat unclear and open to interpretation, suggesting that more explicit guidelines could help, especially for those new to supervising or external committee members who evaluate the theses.

When to Start Writing the Synopsis : She recommends that PhD candidates consider the synopsis throughout their doctoral journey but compile it towards the end. Gabbie advises keeping a file of potential content for the synopsis from the start of the doctoral process, which can include discarded sections from articles or ideas that do not fit into the articles but are valuable for the overarching thesis narrative.

Overall, Gabbie’s experience reflects a pragmatic and flexible approach to PhD supervision. She adapts to the demands of the pandemic while trying to maintain the quality of academic mentorship. Her strategies for managing remote supervision and her positive attitude toward the enforced changes highlight a successful adaptation to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

3.2.4 Analyzing the interview with Henrik

Introduction: Henrik, aged 46, specializes in school and educational research. He has successfully guided three PhD candidates as a primary supervisor and is supervising four more. His doctoral thesis was a monograph.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates: Henrik noted that the pandemic affected his PhD candidates differently based on the nature of their research. Those engaged in classroom interventions faced significant challenges due to pandemic-related restrictions, particularly in accessing schools and conducting fieldwork. Conversely, candidates focused on desk-based research, such as literature reviews, experienced fewer disruptions. One of his candidates, involved in empirical research, had to receive an eight-month extension due to difficulties in data collection, exacerbated by strikes in the secondary education sector.

Changes in Supervision Practices: The transition to online supervision did not significantly affect Henrik, as he was already accustomed to conducting supervision via video conferencing tools like Teams and Zoom. However, he missed the informal, face-to-face interactions that often enrich the supervisory relationship. He noted that the absence of casual corridor conversations led to a more formal and structured online interaction.

Home Office Experience: Henrik found the exclusive home office setup challenging and detrimental to his well-being. He prefers a balance between working at the office and from home. The lack of physical interaction with colleagues and the continuous remote work environment negatively impacted his mental health, requiring him to seek professional health support.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: Henrik reported that his workload related to PhD supervision did not increase significantly during the pandemic. However, other responsibilities became more demanding, and the overall context of working from home without the usual workplace interactions made certain tasks more difficult.

Support from Employer: There was no specific support provided by his employer concerning his role as a PhD supervisor during the pandemic. Support efforts were more generalized and not tailored to the unique challenges faced by supervisors.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: Henrik was particularly concerned about the mental health of his candidates, noting that the isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic were significant stressors. He proactively discussed these issues with his candidates, acknowledging the challenges faced by those with families and those who were isolated without a support network.

Personal Health Concerns: The pandemic had a substantial impact on Henrik’s mental health, highlighting the importance of considering the well-being of supervisors along with their candidates during such crises.

Effect on Completion Times: Henrik observed that the pandemic inevitably led to delays in the completion times of his PhD candidates, with some requiring extensions. He noted a disparity in how extensions were granted, suggesting a need for more consistent criteria.

Preparation for Article-Based Theses: Henrik believes that most PhD candidates are not well-prepared to write article-based theses, as their previous academic training typically does not include writing journal articles. He spends significant time discussing the publication process with his candidates to demystify it and help them understand the expectations of journal editors and peer reviewers.

Overall Reflection: Henrik’s experience reflects the diverse impacts of the pandemic on different types of research activities and highlights the importance of flexibility and support in PhD supervision. His proactive approach to discussing mental health and the structural changes in supervision practices illustrate adaptive strategies that can be beneficial in navigating future disruptions in academic settings.

3.2.5 Analyzing the interview with Luna

Introduction: Luna, aged 55, specializes in English as an Additional Language didactics. She completed her doctoral degree with an article-based thesis and has supervised a total of 11 PhD candidates, two of whom have completed their dissertations under her primary supervision.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates : Luna discussed the varying impacts of the pandemic on her supervisees. One candidate, who was already far along in her research when the pandemic hit, was less affected in terms of supervision but faced uncertainty and stress related to her digital dissertation defense using Zoom. For two new candidates who started during the pandemic, the experience was particularly challenging. They struggled with integrating into the academic community and adapting to remote work, significantly affecting their progress and emotional well-being.

Changes in Supervision Practices : The pandemic required Luna to adapt her supervision methods, emphasizing digital communication tools and frequent check-ins via Teams, Zoom, or phone apps. She noted that these changes allowed for maintaining close communication but shifted many supervision interactions to support coping with the emotional and logistical challenges posed by the pandemic.

Home Office Experience: Luna had a positive experience working from home, which was facilitated by having enough space and a family structure that supported a conducive work environment. She did not face significant challenges balancing work and family life, which helped maintain her productivity and well-being.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: While her direct supervision workload remained stable, Luna’s role as a researcher education coordinator significantly increased her overall responsibilities. She was deeply involved in supporting a broader range of PhD candidates beyond her direct supervisees, which included mediating between candidates and their supervisors and helping navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Support from Employer: Luna felt well-supported by her employer, particularly in terms of responsiveness to her needs and concerns as she navigated her roles during the pandemic. This support was crucial in managing the increased demands on her time and ensuring the well-being of the candidates for whom she was responsible.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: Luna expressed significant concern for the mental well-being of her candidates, noting that the pandemic exacerbated feelings of isolation and stress. She was particularly worried about those who could not integrate into the academic community or faced severe disruptions in their personal lives.

Personal Health Concerns: Despite managing her workload and maintaining her health, Luna acknowledged the intense pressures of her role during the pandemic, which were compounded by the high demands of her coordinator position.

Effect on Completion Times: Luna observed that the pandemic delayed completion times for many PhD candidates, with extensions being necessary but variably granted. She emphasized the importance of transparent and equitable handling of extension requests to ensure fairness.

Preparation for Article-Based Theses: Luna believes that PhD candidates are generally underprepared for writing article-based theses, attributing this to the educational focus on monographic rather than article-based work before the PhD level. She highlighted the importance of guidance in academic writing and understanding publication processes as essential components of PhD education.

Overall Reflection: Luna’s experience during the pandemic underscores the critical role of adaptability in supervision, the importance of mental health support for PhD candidates, and the need for clear communication and guidelines in managing extended impacts on doctoral education. Her proactive approach to addressing these challenges reflects a comprehensive and empathetic supervision style aimed at supporting candidates through unprecedented times.

3.2.6 Analyzing the interview with Lydia

Introduction: Lydia, aged 52, specializes in educational research, focusing on professional development, assessment, and teacher education. She completed her doctoral degree through a monographic thesis and has supervised three PhD candidates to completion, with six currently under her guidance.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates: Lydia noted that the pandemic affected the progress of her PhD candidates, especially those with young children or those who started their projects around the onset of the pandemic. The challenges of remote work and caring for family members led to minor delays in their research timelines.

Changes in Supervision Practices: For candidates who had already started their projects, Lydia managed to continue effective supervision by meeting them on campus when possible. However, starting a supervisory relationship entirely online via Zoom or Teams with new candidates presented difficulties, particularly in building rapport and trust.

Home Office Experience: Lydia found working from home to be somewhat liberating and enjoyed the quiet environment, which contrasted with the often-hectic campus life. Her home setup, which included adult family members who managed their responsibilities independently, provided a conducive environment for work without significant distractions.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: While the actual supervision tasks did not significantly increase in time, Lydia spent more effort on providing emotional support to her candidates. Discussions often veered from academic topics to personal well-being, reflecting the heightened anxieties and social isolation experienced by the candidates.

Support from Employer : Lydia expressed disappointment with her institution’s lack of direct support during the pandemic. The focus remained on expecting faculty to adapt and manage without specific interventions aimed at easing the transition to remote supervision or addressing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: She was particularly concerned about the psychological well-being of her candidates, as many were navigating difficult life stages compounded by the pandemic. Lydia felt a strong responsibility to reassure them and help them maintain confidence in their ability to progress in their research.

Personal Health Concerns: Lydia did not report significant concerns about her own health, feeling relatively privileged and well-adapted to the circumstances. She maintained a positive outlook, supported by stable family dynamics and the ability to engage in outdoor activities, which helped preserve her mental well-being.

Effect on Completion Times: Acknowledging the inevitable delays caused by the pandemic, Lydia noted that extensions were likely necessary for most PhD candidates during this period. She appreciated that post-pandemic policies allowed for extensions to address disruptions, especially those related to family responsibilities.

Preparation for Article-Based Theses: Despite not having written a synopsis herself, Lydia observed that candidates often lack preparedness for writing article-based theses, a gap she attributes to the traditional focus on monographic work at earlier academic stages. She advocates for enhanced training and support for candidates transitioning to this format.

Overall Reflection: Lydia’s reflections reveal a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by PhD candidates and supervisors during the pandemic. Her approach highlights the importance of flexibility, emotional support, and the need for institutions to provide clearer guidelines and more robust support systems to adapt to such unprecedented circumstances effectively. Her experience underscores the critical role of empathy and adaptability in academic leadership during crises.

3.2.7 Analyzing the interview with Michelle

Introduction: Michelle, 41, specializes in educational science, teacher education, and language didactics. She has previously supervised five PhD students to completion and is currently the main and co-supervisor for ten PhD candidates.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates: Michelle reported varied impacts of the pandemic on her PhD candidates. Those who were in the final stages of their research before the pandemic began experienced minimal disruptions, benefiting from the shift to remote work which allowed them more focused time for writing. However, candidates in earlier stages of their projects or those with young children faced significant challenges due to reduced childcare hours and the need to juggle multiple responsibilities.

Changes in Supervision Practices: The pandemic greatly affected Michelle’s ability to provide regular supervision. With the demands of her own childcare responsibilities and the limitations of remote work, the frequency and quality of her interactions with her PhD candidates suffered. Supervision sessions were delayed, and Michelle had to adjust her practices, often conducting meetings via phone, online with Zoom or Teams, or in socially distanced outdoor settings.

Home Office Experience: Michelle found working from home to be extremely challenging, particularly due to the presence of young children and the constant interruptions that blurred the lines between work and home life. She experienced a persistent sense of being unable to adequately meet all her responsibilities as a supervisor and a parent.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic : Her workload related to PhD supervision became more demanding due to the difficulties in maintaining regular and effective communication. Michelle had to find creative ways to support her students, which often meant extended work hours and adapting to less conventional interaction methods.

Support from Employer: Michelle expressed significant disappointment with the lack of support from her employer during the pandemic. She felt that the institutions did not provide clear guidelines or additional support for managing the unique challenges brought on by the pandemic, leaving supervisors to manage as best they could under difficult circumstances.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: Michelle was particularly concerned about the psychological well-being of her candidates, noting that the isolation and disruptions affected different groups in varied ways. She observed that while parents were stressed and overextended, single young men often felt isolated and unproductive, which sometimes led to detrimental lifestyle changes.

Personal Health Concerns: Michelle mentioned that, like many in academia, she was accustomed to working excessively and did not have time to focus on her own health due to the demands of the pandemic situation.

Effect on Completion Times: Michelle anticipated that the pandemic would likely extend the completion times for many PhD candidates due to delays in data collection and the general disruption of academic schedules. She noted that while some extensions were granted, many were not, which added to the stress and uncertainty for the candidates.

Preparation for Article-Based Theses: Michelle believes that PhD candidates are generally not well-prepared to write article-based theses, which is often not addressed until during the PhD program itself. She emphasized the importance of structuring doctoral education to prepare better candidates for the realities of academic publishing and the peer review process.

Overall Reflection: Michelle’s experience during the pandemic highlights the complex challenges faced by PhD supervisors. Her insights underscore the need for better institutional support and clearer guidelines to navigate such unprecedented situations. Her commitment to adapting her supervisory practices despite personal and professional challenges demonstrates her dedication to her role and the success of her students.

3.2.8 Analyzing the interview with Ollie

Introduction: Ollie, aged 55, specializes in educational science and has completed his doctoral degree with a monograph. He has guided one PhD candidate to completion and is currently supervising three, with one about to defend their thesis.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates: Ollie noted significant disruptions for his PhD candidates due to the pandemic. One candidate was fortunate to have completed major data collection just before lockdowns, which somewhat insulated their progress. However, others struggled as their research depended heavily on data collection in schools, which became nearly impossible due to access restrictions and subsequent strikes affecting the school system.

Changes in Supervision Practices: While the physical data collection was hindered, Ollie found digital supervision effective, especially for discussing and editing texts. He appreciated the direct focus on the text that digital platforms such as Teams or Zoom facilitated, contrasting with the sometimes-awkward setups of physical meetings. Nonetheless, the lack of access to schools for his candidates meant there was less content to supervise, which altered the dynamics of his guidance.

Home Office Experience: Ollie had a relatively positive experience working from home, appreciating the convenience and reduced commute time. He noted that being at home allowed for a more relaxed dress code and flexible work hours, although he acknowledged a potential for decreased social interaction and the blurring of work-life boundaries.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: Ollie’s workload in terms of PhD supervision remained largely the same, but the nature of the supervision changed. He spent more time helping candidates pivot their projects to adapt to the new realities, which included more discussions and finding alternative approaches to research obstacles.

Support from Employer: Ollie felt that there was a lack of specific support for PhD supervisors from his employer during the pandemic. The focus seemed to be more on undergraduate and master’s students, with little attention paid to the challenges faced by PhD candidates and their supervisors.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: He was concerned about the delays and the psychological impact on his students, noting the challenges of maintaining motivation and morale under such uncertain and stressful conditions.

Personal Health Concerns: Ollie was proactive about maintaining his physical health during the pandemic, investing in ergonomic furniture to ensure comfort while working from home. He did not express concerns about his psychological health, suggesting a pragmatic approach to dealing with the pandemic’s challenges.

Effect on Completion Times: He anticipated that the pandemic would significantly delay his PhD candidates’ completion times, mainly due to disrupted data collection processes. Ollie stressed the importance of data quality and how difficulties in data collection could impact the overall quality of doctoral research and subsequent publication opportunities.

Overall Reflection: Ollie’s insights reflect a nuanced understanding of the diverse challenges posed by the pandemic to doctoral education. His adaptation to online supervision using videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom or Teams highlights the potential benefits of digital platforms for focused academic work, even as he recognizes the significant disruptions to traditional research pathways. His experience underscores the need for institutions to provide more robust support systems for doctoral candidates and supervisors, ensuring that doctoral training quality and integrity are maintained even in adverse circumstances.

3.2.9 Analyzing the interview with Tyler

Introduction: Tyler, aged 60, specializes in the philosophy of science, organization, and educational leadership. He completed his doctorate with a monograph and has guided two PhD candidates to completion, with four currently under his supervision.

Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Candidates: The pandemic significantly disrupted the plans of Tyler’s PhD candidates, particularly affecting those involved in international collaborations and empirical research. One candidate missed a crucial research stay in Italy, impacting their opportunity to engage with an international academic community. Another had to revise their empirical approach due to restricted access to schools, which was a common issue during the pandemic.

Changes in Supervision Practices: Tyler’s supervision was heavily affected by the pandemic, with all interactions moving to digital platforms, including Teams and Zoom. This shift resulted in less frequent and less personal guidance, which he felt was less effective than the planned intensive seminars abroad. Like Ollie, however, Tyler noted some benefits to digital supervision using videoconferencing platforms, such as the ability to engage with text during sessions directly.

Home Office Experience: Initially, Tyler took on additional teaching responsibilities to compensate for colleagues struggling with digital formats, which increased his workload. Over time, he found a rhythm of working from home and even appreciated the focused time that allowed him to complete a book. He alternated working from home and the office, leveraging the strengths of both environments to maintain productivity.

Workload Changes During the Pandemic: Tyler’s workload in terms of PhD supervision did not increase significantly. Digital Teams or Zoom meetings tended to be shorter and more focused, which somewhat compensated for the increased preparatory work required for effective digital instruction.

Support from Employer: Tyler expressed frustration with his institution’s management during the pandemic, particularly concerning doctoral courses and the increased bureaucratic oversight that he felt stifled academic freedom. He noted a lack of focus on the needs of PhD supervisors and candidates compared to other groups within the university.

Concerns for PhD Candidates: While not overly concerned about the mental and physical health of his candidates, Tyler was worried about the practical aspects of their research, especially those needing to conduct fieldwork, which was severely impacted by the pandemic restrictions.

Personal Health Concerns: Tyler did not express particular concerns about his health; however, he took proactive measures to ensure a comfortable working environment by investing in ergonomic office equipment.

Effect on Completion Times: Tyler anticipated that the pandemic would extend the completion times for his PhD candidates, especially due to disruptions in data collection and the broader impact on academic research activities.

Overall Reflection: Tyler’s experiences reflect the complex challenges faced by academic supervisors during the pandemic, balancing the shift to digital platforms with maintaining academic rigor and support for their candidates. His story highlights the need for institutions to provide better support and flexibility for supervisors and PhD candidates during crises, ensuring that academic standards and well-being are maintained. Tyler’s ability to adapt and find personal benefits during the pandemic, such as completing a book, also underscores the potential for finding opportunities in the face of challenges.

3.2.10 Comprehensive analysis of the Main findings across nine interviews of doctoral supervisors in Norway

3.2.10.1 overview.

This analysis integrates the findings from interviews with nine doctoral supervisors in Norway, structured by the interview guide (based on the main findings from the survey) and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2021) approach to reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the progression of PhD candidates and the corresponding changes in supervision practices.

Main Themes Identified:

1. Impact of the Pandemic on PhD Progression:

• Disruptions in Data Collection : Most supervisors reported significant disruptions in their candidates’ ability to collect data, especially those requiring access to external facilities like schools or international institutions. This was primarily due to lockdowns and restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus. As one supervisor noted: “One of my candidates had to delay their project significantly due to the inability to collect data as schools were not accessible.” (Ollie)

• Adaptations in Research Plans : Many candidates had to alter their research methodologies or adjust their empirical scopes to suit the new constraints, highlighting the flexibility required under crisis conditions. However, one of the supervisors mentioned that: “It affected them very differently. I had three candidates before the pandemic, and two of them were barely affected. However, the third struggled significantly with data collection due to difficulties in recruiting informants.” (Gabbie)

2. Changes in Supervision Practices:

• Shift to Digital Supervision : All supervisors transitioned to online platforms for conducting supervision, such as Zoom, Teams, or phone apps (e.g., Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp). While some found digital tools effective for sharing and reviewing written work, others felt the lack of physical presence reduced the quality of interaction and guidance they could provide. As one supervisor noted: “Digital supervision worked very well because it allowed sharing and discussing texts more effectively than in-person meetings. This actually enhanced the focus on the text during sessions” (Ollie).

• Increased Need for Emotional Support : Supervisors noted an increased need to support the psychological well-being of their candidates, as many struggled with isolation and stress due to the pandemic. As one supervisor noted: “I was particularly attentive to the mental health of my candidates, especially those without local family support. Regular check-ins were crucial during this period” (Gabbie).

3. Work Environment and Work-Life Balance:

• Home Office Challenges : Responses about working from home were mixed; some supervisors appreciated the flexibility and reduced commute times, while others struggled with distractions and the blending of personal and professional spaces. As one supervisor mentioned: “I actually enjoyed working from home as it provided a peaceful environment, but I missed the informal interactions with colleagues.” (Lydia)

• Institutional Support : There was a notable lack of targeted support for supervisors from their institutions. This often left supervisors and their candidates feeling overlooked in broader university responses to the pandemic. As one supervisor noted: “There was no specific support for me as a PhD supervisor during the pandemic. The general support was the same as for all staff members” (Lydia).

4. Professional Development and Academic Output:

• Delays in Academic Milestones : The pandemic delayed key academic milestones, including thesis submissions and defenses, primarily due to halted data collection and extended research timelines.

• Publication Challenges : The disruption also impacted candidates’ abilities to publish their research, a crucial component of their academic careers, due to delays and changes in their research projects.

Integration of Findings with Saldaña’s Coding Framework and Interview Guide:

• Using Saldaña’s coding method allowed for identifying recurring challenges and adaptations among the supervisors’ experiences. The thematic analysis revealed a consistent need for increased flexibility in research planning and supervision methods.

• The interview guide helped maintain a focus on how the pandemic specifically impacted various aspects of PhD supervision and candidate progression. It ensured that all relevant areas, such as changes in work routines, supervision adjustments, and overall impacts on PhD timelines, were systematically explored.

Comprehensive Assessment : The interviews collectively underscore the resilience and adaptability required by PhD candidates and their supervisors during the pandemic. They highlight several areas for improvement:

• Enhanced Institutional Support : Institutions clearly need to provide more structured support tailored to the needs of PhD candidates and supervisors during crises.

• Flexibility in Research and Supervision Plans : Adapting research plans and supervision methods to accommodate unexpected disruptions is crucial for maintaining the integrity and continuity of PhD education.

• Focus on Mental Health : The increased emotional and psychological support needed by candidates suggests that institutions should integrate mental health resources more fully into their doctoral training programs.

• Preparedness and Training : The experience has shown the importance of preparing PhD candidates for unexpected changes in their research environment, including training in digital tools and remote research methodologies.

In conclusion, the pandemic has not only disrupted traditional PhD education paths but also provided insights into how flexibility, digital preparedness, and institutional support can be enhanced to better prepare for future crises. These insights are vital for shaping resilient and adaptive academic environments that can withstand global challenges while supporting doctoral candidates’ academic and personal well-being.

From the analysis of the nine interviews, a few aspects stood out as particularly notable, offering deeper insights (expansion) into the unique challenges and responses within the context of PhD supervision during the pandemic:

1. Resilience and Innovation in Supervision:

• Some supervisors noted that despite the significant challenges, the shift to digital platforms allowed them to explore new forms of engagement with texts and supervision methods. For example, one supervisor highlighted the effectiveness of digital tools for collaborative work on documents, suggesting that these might even surpass traditional face-to-face interactions in certain aspects. This adaptation was a positive takeaway that some found surprising and worth integrating into their post-pandemic practices.

2. Diverse Impacts on Different Research Types:

• The differential impact of the pandemic on empirical versus theoretical research was striking. Supervisors of candidates who needed to conduct fieldwork, especially in schools or abroad, faced severe disruptions. As one supervisor noted: “We had to adjust research plans significantly, shifting to alternative data sources and methods where possible.” (Kyle). In contrast, those whose work was more theoretical or could be conducted remotely experienced fewer setbacks. This variance highlighted certain types of research vulnerability to external disruptions, which was a notable point of concern.

3. Underestimation of Emotional Challenges:

• Another well known, but still important aspect was the depth of emotional and psychological impacts on PhD candidates as noted by their supervisors. The extent to which these challenges affected the candidates’ productivity and well-being was significant and perhaps underappreciated by the institutions themselves. This underscores a critical area for future academic support systems to address more robustly.

4. Lack of Institutional Support:

• The widespread sentiment of insufficient institutional support was particularly striking. Several supervisors felt that there was a lack of targeted strategies to support PhD supervision during the pandemic. This lack of support was not just in terms of transitioning to online modes but also in addressing the specific needs of PhD candidates and their projects during such a disruptive period.

5. The Positive Impact of Forced Adaptation:

• Interestingly, some supervisors pointed out that the forced adaptation to new circumstances led to unexpected benefits, such as enhanced focus and productivity in certain cases, and even opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as writing a book or developing new teaching methods. These outcomes, while not universal, were surprising positives that emerged from a generally challenging time.

The sentiment analysis of the 9 interviews (see attachment 4 in the Supplementary file ) showed some individual variations, but that resilience and adaptability among doctoral supervisors during the pandemic were quite common. Supervisors recognized the challenges but overall maintained a positive and proactive stance, focusing on solutions and effective management of their supervisory roles. The objective nature of their responses indicates a practical approach to dealing with the pandemic’s impact, emphasizing the importance of communication, adaptation to remote supervision, and institutional support.

These insights not only highlight the varied experiences of PhD supervisors during the pandemic but also suggest areas for improvement in how institutions support doctoral education in times of crisis. The resilience and innovative approaches developed during this period could inform future policies and practices to better support PhD candidates and supervisors alike.

3.2.11 Integrated analysis: the main findings from the interviews and the open survey responses

To integrate and analyze the findings from the interviews (see attachment 1) and the 1,483 open survey responses (see attachment 2) from the survey among 293 doctoral supervisors, we can draw on several key themes and concerns that emerge consistently across these data sources. This approach will help us understand the broader implications of the insights gathered from different perspectives within the same study.

1. Adaptation to Digital Tools and Platforms:

• Interviews : The interviews highlighted how supervisors adapted to using digital tools for communication and supervision. This was generally seen as effective but lacking in certain qualitative aspects, particularly in building deeper relationships and managing more nuanced discussions.

• Open Survey Responses : The survey also reflected a reliance on digital tools, with many supervisors recognizing their utility in maintaining continuity. However, there was also an acknowledgment of the challenges in fully replicating face-to-face interactions.

2. Ethical and Practical Concerns with Digital Supervision:

• Interviews : Concerns were raised about the relational and ethical implications of the lack of physical presence and interaction, and the extensive use of digital tools in academic settings during the pandemic.

• Open Survey Responses : Similar concerns were noted, with supervisors emphasizing the importance of ensuring academic integrity and the genuine intellectual development of PhD candidates.

3. Impact of the Pandemic on Supervisory Practices:

• Interviews : The pandemic’s impact was a significant theme, affecting the logistical aspects of supervision and the mental well-being of both supervisors and their candidates.

• Open Survey Responses : Responses indicated varied impacts of the pandemic, with some supervisors noting increased stress and difficulty in maintaining research productivity and supervisory quality.

4. Institutional Support and Professional Development:

• Interviews : There was a noted lack of sufficient institutional support for adapting to new modes of supervision and research during the pandemic.

• Open Survey Responses : This theme was echoed in the survey responses, with mixed reports about the availability and effectiveness of continuing professional development (CPD) related to research supervision. Some respondents felt unsupported, particularly in navigating the challenges posed by remote supervision and digital tools.

5. Preparedness of PhD Candidates:

• Interviews : Discussions highlighted concerns about the varying levels of preparedness among PhD candidates, especially in writing the synopsis and adapting to new research methodologies that include digital tools and remote data collection.

• Open Survey Responses : Supervisors expressed a range of experiences regarding candidate preparedness. While some noted their candidates were well-equipped, others pointed out significant gaps, especially in writing the synopsis and article-based theses and handling the referee process, the timeline and complex research independently.

6. Valuation of Supervision:

• Interviews : Supervisors discussed feeling that their efforts were not adequately valued by institutions, with a need for greater recognition and support for their roles.

• Open Survey Responses : This sentiment was reinforced by survey data, where some supervisors felt that their contributions to doctoral training were undervalued by their institutions, particularly when compared to other academic duties.

7. Suggestions for Institutional Changes:

• Interviews : There were calls for institutions to adapt more proactively to the changing landscape of doctoral education, including better training for using digital tools and more robust support systems for both supervisors and candidates.

• Open Survey Responses : Supervisors suggested various improvements, such as more structured professional development opportunities, better guidelines for remote supervision, and enhanced support for mental health and well-being.

3.2.12 Summary

The integrated analysis across interviews and open survey responses suggests a complex landscape of doctoral supervision during and potentially beyond the pandemic era. Key themes highlight both challenges and potential areas for policy and practice enhancements:

• Digital Adaptation and Ethical Concerns : While digital tools have provided necessary solutions for continuity in supervision, they bring up ethical concerns that institutions need to address more thoroughly, particularly concerning academic integrity and the quality of student learning.

• Support and Development Needs : There is a clear need for institutions to offer more targeted support and development opportunities for supervisors, addressing both the technical aspects of digital supervision and the broader pedagogical skills required in a changing academic environment.

• Recognition and Valuation of Supervision : Supervisors feel that their work is not sufficiently valued, suggesting that institutions should reevaluate how they recognize and support supervisory roles within the academic career framework.

• Candidate Preparedness : There is variability in how prepared PhD candidates are for the demands of modern doctoral research, indicating the need for more robust preparatory programs and entry assessments.

• These insights call for a strategic reassessment of doctoral training programs, supervisory support mechanisms, and institutional policies to better align with the evolving needs of both supervisors and their candidates.

4 Limitations and future research

The present study provides in-depths insights into PhD supervision during the pandemic; however, the study also has several limitations apart from inherited limitations of self-reports and interview data. Firstly, the findings might be context-specific to the educational setting in Norway. The unique characteristics of the Norwegian educational system, cultural aspects, and institutional structures may not be entirely generalizable to other countries. However, the globalization of doctoral education, with increasing international collaborations, international publishing, and standardization of academic practices, might mitigate this issue to some extent, making the findings relevant beyond the Norwegian context. Secondly, the study lacks data on PhD supervisors’ experiences prior to the pandemic. This absence of baseline data means we cannot directly compare the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Nonetheless, the experiences reported in this study correspond well with prior research on academic supervision ( Pyhältö et al., 2012 , 2023 ; Löfström et al., 2024 ), indicating that the challenges and adaptations observed are not entirely unprecedented, even if intensified by the pandemic context.

Future research should aim to explore the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 on doctoral education. It is necessary to investigate whether the changes observed in supervisory practices during the pandemic are fleeting or have led to a permanent shift in how supervision is approached. Specifically, studies should examine if new models of remote supervision, increased flexibility, and the use of digital tools will continue to be integrated into doctoral education post-pandemic, or if traditional methods will resume dominance. This is of special interest in cases where PhD supervisors and PhD candidates are located at different institutions. By addressing these questions, future research can contribute to a deeper understanding of the pandemic’s legacy on doctoral education.

5 Conclusion

In this article we examined the experiences of PhD supervisors in Norway during the pandemic to answer the research questions:

1. To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic impeded the PhD supervisors’ frame factors on the micro- level, and how do they perceive this situation?

2. To what extent has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced PhD supervisors’ frame factors on the meso- level, and how do they perceive this situation?

We conducted a cumulative data collection process and analysis, where survey questions were based on previously collected field dialog data, online observation data, seminar evaluation data, and document analysis data. The qualitative interview guide questions were built upon previously collected quantitative data (survey), and the Supplementary data was based on previously collected quantitative data (survey) and qualitative interview data.

The coherence between qualitative and quantitative findings is mainly examined based on confirmation , expansion , or discordance in this article ( Fetters et al., 2013 ).

The findings from the explorative case study revealed that the PhD supervisors faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, both professionally and personally. They found digital supervision with their PhD fellows via platforms like Teams and Zoom to be convenient and efficient but occasionally lacking in quality. They also encountered difficulties in addressing the psychosocial aspects of their PhD candidates’ experiences and faced various research-related challenges with their PhD-candidates during the pandemic. For PhD supervisors who extensively worked from home over a long period, the situation created new conditions that affected their job performance. These altered conditions hindered their research capacity, their ability to follow up with their PhD candidates and their capacity to fulfill other job responsibilities. Although the PhD supervisors received support during the pandemic, it seems that the incremental measures provided were insufficient. The PhD regulations were established before the pandemic under normal conditions and for normal circumstances. However, it appears that no significant adjustments have been made to accommodate the extraordinary pandemic conditions, which have altered some aspects of their professional roles as academics and PhD supervisors. This was particularly critical for PhD supervisors with young children, especially female supervisors, who had to deal with lockdowns, social distancing, remote work, homeschooling, quarantine for themselves and their children, and COVID-19 illness, since the data showed that they seemed to have more home responsibilities than men during the pandemic. We also found that some supervisors thought that female PhDs’ (with own children) submission rates to scientific journals have been delayed as a consequence of COVID-19, considering that women seem to have more home responsibilities. In addition, the supervisors thought that female supervisors (with own children) submission rates to scientific journals have been delayed as a consequence of COVID-19, considering that female supervisors seem also to have more home responsibilities (e.g., for childcare, household etc.).

This slow-motion disaster lasted up to 20 months and can be perceived as an “external intervention” or a naturalistic experiment which was impossible to predict for universities and society. The case study results indicate that it is more important than ever to plan for the unforeseen in order to be better prepared for the next societal crisis. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and understand the gap between the formulation, transformation, and realization arenas when it comes to the distinction between incremental, semi-structural changes and fundamental changes in PhD regulations and guidelines brought on by societal crises. Although some support from employers has been offered, the overall PhD guidelines, regulations, and supervision norms remained unchanged in the transformation arena (meso- level) during the pandemic. On a general level, this highlights the need for better crisis preparedness at the doctoral level in the years to come.

A common finding related to RQ1 and RQ2 and across the different data sources was that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted some of the PhD supervisors in different ways on both micro- and meso-levels, and some of them perceive this long-lasting pandemic challenging and difficult, while others have experienced this to a lesser degree. This reveals a confirmation across the quantitative and qualitative data in the study. Also, these findings mostly confirmed and expanded on the understanding of the impact of the pandemic on PhD candidates ( Krumsvik et al., 2022 ), with some minor discordance.

More specifically, the PhD supervisors in the study were somewhat satisfied with the educational quality regarding digital teaching but experienced various supervision, research-related and psycho-social challenges. Although some of the supervisors received support during the pandemic, it seems like the majority did not receive sufficient support and their workload increased significantly during the pandemic. This is due to the high complexity of frame factors that have changed the underlying premises for doctoral education during the pandemic, affecting both the PhD- supervision and the PhD candidates’ feasibility on several levels. The regulations for PhD scholarships and PhD regulations, implemented before the pandemic in 2018, were designed under normal educational and social conditions and may not fully address the challenges faced during the pandemic. Therefore, this study shows that to reduce this gap and strengthen the feasibility of the PhDs and the frame factors for PhD-supervision, the institutions must significantly enhance their preparedness to effectively manage demanding situations at both micro- and meso-levels, ensuring they are fully equipped to address future societal crises of a similar nature.

When it comes to RQ3 we find both confirmation, expansion, and discordance across the quantitative and qualitative data. We find confirmation across the quantitative and qualitative data when it comes to the variability in preparedness of PhD candidates for writing the article-based thesis. Article-based theses present unique challenges compared to traditional monograph-based dissertations, particularly in terms of integration and the breadth of skills required. One of the primary challenges with article-based theses is integrating articles that may cover slightly different aspects of a research topic into a coherent overall thesis. This integration is critical, it requires a high level of academic writing skills and ability to secure the coherence of the synopsis. Candidates often come into PhD programs with varying levels of experience in academic writing and publication. The survey and interviews, as well as Supplementary data , indicate that many candidates are not well-prepared for writing article-based theses, highlighting a need for more targeted training in academic writing and publishing early in the doctoral process. The need for robust supervisory support is acutely felt in guiding article-based theses, where candidates must navigate the complexities of publishing in peer-reviewed journals alongside synthesizing their research in the synopsis. This implies that PhD-candidates both are taking a doctoral degree in the Norwegian context and at the same time are publishing articles for the international research context, which can be challenging.

We find expansion when it comes to the need to have guidelines for the synopsis. Supervisors reported significant variation in the guidelines for the synopsis across institutions, both in the qualitative and quantitative part, which can lead to confusion and inconsistency in expectations for candidates and supervisors. Some respondents found these guidelines sufficient, while others find them unclear or obscure, complicating their task of effectively guiding PhD candidates. Clear, comprehensible guidelines are essential for ensuring that the synopsis effectively synthesizes the research in a manner that meets academic standards ( Wollenschläger et al., 2016 ).

And we find some discordance regarding variability in candidate preparedness where both strands of the data indicated a significant variability in how prepared PhD candidates are when they enroll in doctoral programs. Candidates’ preparedness often depends on their previous educational experiences, which can vary widely regarding exposure to research methods, academic writing, and critical thinking skills. The variability in preparedness suggests a need for more robust preparatory programs to equip all incoming doctoral candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their research endeavors. Implementing comprehensive entry assessments could help identify specific areas where candidates might need additional support, allowing programs to tailor preparatory courses or early doctoral training to address these gaps.

These findings collectively point to a need for doctoral programs to clarify guidelines, particularly for the synopsis in article-based theses, to enhance support for supervisory roles, and to develop preparatory programs that address the broad variability in candidate preparedness. This is also based on research on the need for rubrics ( Wollenschläger et al., 2016 ), which shows that transparency around requirements and guidelines is important for students learning. By tackling these issues, institutions can better prepare PhD candidates for the demands of modern doctoral research, ultimately leading to more consistent and successful outcomes in doctoral education. And despite that only 20 (8.3%) of the supervisors agreed or strongly agreed that they were supervising a PhD candidate who had considered quitting the PhD program during the pandemic, it is important to be vigilant around the (complex) reasons that causes this, since this is in many ways a drastic decision, first of all for the candidate themselves, but also for the supervisors, as well as for the society in general who has invested almost 5 million Norwegian kroner in each PhD-scholarship. Dropping out can partly be related to the observed findings that many PhD candidates were unprepared for the intricacies of article writing, including the lengthy processes of submission and peer review, attached to their educational background, which primarily focused on monographic work at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. This also implies that while PhD’s are perceived, assessed and evaluated as student/candidates when they are completing assignments in a doctoral program, there might be a quite new situation for them when they submit their articles to scientific journals with blind review, where they are evaluated as other researchers (and not only as students/candidates). Such findings (and similar findings) seem to go “under the radar” in doctoral programs in Norway and by taking into account such “tacit knowledge” we might be better prepared to bridge the formulation arena and realization arena within doctoral education in the years to come. This development also demands a vigilance within doctoral education of the importance of theory development within doctoral education since international research shows that doctoral supervision is under-theorized and lacks a solid knowledge base ( Halse and Malfroy, 2010 ; Halse, 2011 ) where also eclectic use of theories ( Dalland et al., 2023 ) can improve this area.

Author note

GPT-4o ( OpenAI, 2024 ) was employed in this article to translate interview findings to English after a general thematic analysis conducted in Norwegian and as one of several validity communities for the open survey responses. The GPT-4’s output was manually examined, edited, and reviewed by the authors. The sentiment analysis of the 9 interviews was done by the first author and by using the GPT-4o. Then it was carried out a validation of this sentiment analysis by SurveyMonkey ( SurveyMonkey, 2024 ), Claude ( Anthropic, 2024 ) and Gemini Advanced ( Google, 2024 ).

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/ Supplementary material , further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

RK: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. FR: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Validation, Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft. ØSk: Conceptualization, Data curation, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. LJ: Conceptualization, Data curation, Methodology, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. SS: Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. ØSa: Data curation, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. KH: Methodology, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all doctoral supervisors for their responses to the surveys and for participating in interviews and focus groups on this study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1436521/full#supplementary-material

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Keywords: PhD-supervisors, experiences, COVID-19, supervision, PhD-fellows, frame factors

Citation: Krumsvik RJ, Røkenes FM, Skaar &O, Jones L, Solstad SH, Salhus & and Høydal KL (2024) PhD-supervisors experiences during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study. Front. Educ . 9:1436521. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1436521

Received: 22 May 2024; Accepted: 15 July 2024; Published: 09 August 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Krumsvik, Røkenes, Skaar, Jones, Solstad, Salhus and Høydal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Rune J. Krumsvik, [email protected]

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Olympic Breakdancer Raygun Has PhD in Breakdancing?

Rachael gunn earned a zero in breakdancing at the paris 2024 olympic games., aleksandra wrona, published aug. 13, 2024.

About this rating

Gunn's Ph.D. thesis, titled "Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: a B-girl's Experience of B-boying," did cover the topic of breakdancing. However ...

... Gunn earned her Ph.D. in cultural studies. Moreover, a "PhD in breakdancing" does not exist as an academic discipline.

On Aug. 10, 2024, a rumor spread on social media that Rachael Gunn (also known as "Raygun"), an Australian breakdancer who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, had a Ph.D. in breakdancing. "This australian breakdancer has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture and was a ballroom dancer before taking up breaking. I don't even know what to say," one X post on the topic read .

"Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture," one X user wrote , while another asked, "Who did we send? Raygun, a 36-year-old full-time lecturer at Sydney's Macquarie University, completed a PhD in breaking culture and is a lecturer in media, creative arts, literature and language," another X user wrote .

The claim also spread on other social media platforms, such as Reddit and Instagram . 

"Is she the best break dancer? No. But I have so much respect for going on an international stage to do something you love even if you're not very skilled at it," one Instagram user commented , adding that, "And, I'm pretty sure she's using this as a research endeavor and will be writing about all our reactions to her performance. Can't wait to read it!"

In short, Gunn's Ph.D. thesis, titled "Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-girl's Experience of B-boying," indeed focused on the topic of breakdancing. However, Gunn earned her Ph.D. in cultural studies, not in breakdancing. Furthermore, it's important to note that a "PhD in breakdancing" does not exist as an academic discipline. 

Since Gunn's research focused on the breakdancing community, but her degree is actually in the broader field of cultural studies, we have rated this claim as a "Mixture" of truths.

Gunn "secured Australia's first ever Olympic spot in the B-Girl competition at Paris 2024 by winning the QMS Oceania Championships in Sydney, NSW, Australia," the Olympics official website informed . 

Gunn earned a zero in breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and clips of her routine went viral on social media, with numerous users creating memes or mocking dancer's moves. "As well as criticising her attire, social media users mocked the Australian's routine as she bounced around on stage like a kangaroo and stood on her head at times," BBC article on the topic read . 

The website of the Macquarie University informed Gunn "is an interdisciplinary and practice-based researcher interested in the cultural politics of breaking" and holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies, as well as a bachelor of arts degree (Hons) in contemporary music: 

Rachael Gunn is an interdisciplinary and practice-based researcher interested in the cultural politics of breaking. She holds a PhD in Cultural Studies (2017) and a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Music (2009) from Macquarie University. Her work draws on cultural theory, dance studies, popular music studies, media, and ethnography. Rachael is a practising breaker and goes by the name of 'Raygun'. She was the Australian Breaking Association top ranked bgirl in 2020 and 2021, and represented Australia at the World Breaking Championships in Paris in 2021, in Seoul in 2022, and in Leuven (Belgium) in 2023. She won the Oceania Breaking Championships in 2023.

Gunn's biography further revealed that she is a member of the Macquarie University Performance and Expertise Reasearch Centre, and has a range of teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels "across the areas of media, creative industries, music, dance, cultural studies, and work-integrated learning." 

Moreover, it informed her research interests included, "Breaking, street dance, and hip-hop culture; youth cultures/scenes; constructions of the dancing body; politics of gender and gender performance; ethnography; the methodological dynamics between theory and practice."

Gunn earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Media, Music, Communications, and Cultural Studies within the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University. Below, you can find the abstract of her paper, shared by the official website of Macquarie University:

This thesis critically interrogates how masculinist practices of breakdancing offers a site for the transgression of gendered norms. Drawing on my own experiences as a female within the male-dominated breakdancing scene in Sydney, first as a spectator, then as an active crew member, this thesis questions why so few female participants engage in this creative space, and how breakdancing might be the space to displace and deterritorialise gender. I use analytic autoetthnography and interviews with scene members in collaboration with theoretical frameworks offered by Deleuze and Guttari, Butler, Bourdieu and other feminist and post-structuralist philosophers, to critically examine how the capacities of bodies are constituted and shaped in Sydney's breakdancing scene, and to also locate the potentiality for moments of transgression. In other words, I conceptualize the breaking body as not a 'body' constituted through regulations and assumptions, but as an assemblage open to new rhizomatic connections. Breaking is a space that embraces difference, whereby the rituals of the dance not only augment its capacity to deterritorialize the body, but also facilitate new possibilities for performativities beyond the confines of dominant modes of thought and normative gender construction. Consequently, this thesis attempts to contribute to what I perceive as a significant gap in scholarship on hip-hop, breakdancing, and autoethnographic explorations of Deleuze-Guattarian theory.

In a response to online criticism of her Olympics performance, Gunn wrote on her Instagram profile: "Don't be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that's gonna take you":

We have recently investigated other 2024 Paris Olympics' -related rumors, such as:

• Lifeguards Are Present at Olympic Swimming Competitions?
• Hobby Lobby Pulled $50M in Ads from 2024 Paris Olympics?
• 2024 Paris Olympics Are 'Lowest-Rated' Games in Modern History?

Gunn, Rachael Louise. Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-Girl's Experience of B-Boying. 2022. Macquarie University, thesis. figshare.mq.edu.au, https://doi.org/10.25949/19433291.v1.

---. Deterritorializing Gender in Sydney's Breakdancing Scene: A B-Girl's Experience of B-Boying. 2022. Macquarie University, thesis. figshare.mq.edu.au, https://doi.org/10.25949/19433291.v1.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Lifeguards Are Present at Olympic Swimming Competitions?" Snopes, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/lifeguards-paris-olympics-swimming/.

"Olympic Breaking: Criticism of Viral Breakdancer Rachael Gunn - Raygun - Condemned by Australia Team." BBC Sport, 10 Aug. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/c2dgxp5n3rlo.

ORCID. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1069-4021. Accessed 12 Aug. 2024.

Paris 2024. https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/-raygun_1940107. Accessed 12 Aug. 2024.

Saunders, Grant Leigh, and Rachael Gunn. "Australia." Global Hip Hop Studies, vol. 3, no. 1–2, Dec. 2023, pp. 23–32. Macquarie University, https://doi.org/10.1386/ghhs_00060_1.

Wazer, Caroline. "2024 Paris Olympics Are 'Lowest-Rated' Games in Modern History?" Snopes, 1 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/paris-olympics-lowest-rated-games/.

---. "Hobby Lobby Pulled $50M in Ads from 2024 Paris Olympics?" Snopes, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/olympics-hobby-lobby-ads/.

By Aleksandra Wrona

Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw, Poland, area.

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