http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/topic/50/education Inquiries Journal provides undergraduate and graduate students around the world a platform for the wide dissemination of academic work over a range of core disciplines. en-us Sat, 30 May 2026 00:11:13 -0400 Sat, 30 May 2026 00:11:13 -0400 http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1939/funding-for-creative-education-and-its-socioeconomic-benefits-a-literature-review By Grady Klein - The United States spends more on public education per student than all but three countries in the world based on 2016 findings from the National Center for Education Statistics, and yet a similar study by the same agency three years later demonstrates that, by comparison, the literacy of those students is faring much worse than countries of lesser FTE (Full-time equivalent) funding - where approximately twenty-one percent of adults read under a 12th-grade reading level. Empirical data suggests that an increase in creative arts involvement among students leads to an increase in overall student... Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:55 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1939/funding-for-creative-education-and-its-socioeconomic-benefits-a-literature-review http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1935/do-textbooks-shape-attitudes-toward-war-narrative-images-and-implicit-social-cognition By Noemi Andrusello - To explore the relationship between history education and attitudes to war, narrative primes about World War II were read by 20 undergraduate students at California State University, Fresno. Afterwards, in the course of experimental interviews, participants responded to news of a hypothetical terrorist attack and shared policy solutions and opinions about war. Analysis revealed that interview responses were patterned by narrative. While readers of an ‘enemy’ narrative conveyed feelings of loss, aggressive policies, and war support, readers of ‘ally’ and ‘imperialist... Wed, 19 Jan 2022 01:29 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1935/do-textbooks-shape-attitudes-toward-war-narrative-images-and-implicit-social-cognition http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1861/the-efficacy-of-the-incorporation-of-first-language-in-esl-english-grammar-learning By Hiu Man Ho - English grammar learning is challenging but essential for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners. It is vital for ESL learners to develop effective learning strategies to facilitate grammar learning. The efficacy of the incorporation of a learners' first language (L1) in English grammar learning is in doubt. This article investigated the effectiveness of the inclusion of L1 in ESL learners' grammar learning based on analyses on the roles of L1 play in developing cognitive, metacognitive, social and affective learning strategies. To examine the hypothesis that L1 is beneficial for ESL learners... Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:19 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1861/the-efficacy-of-the-incorporation-of-first-language-in-esl-english-grammar-learning http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1767/restoring-justice-an-alternative-to-the-school-to-prison-pipeline By Daisy Morales - The school-to-prison pipeline, a "partnership” between juvenile courts and the school system, "developed through a punitive and harmful framework to the detriment of many vulnerable children and adolescents,” is a phenomenon of the late twentieth century (Mallet, 15). However, juvenile courts and the school system have been historically linked through their focus on controlling young people perceived as troublesome (Mallett, 15). As early as the 1800s and as late as the 1970s, corporal punishment, such as beatings with a ruler, was used by many schools as a normalized method of dealing... Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:10 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1767/restoring-justice-an-alternative-to-the-school-to-prison-pipeline http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1747/exploring-the-origins-of-achievement-goals-and-their-impact-on-well-being By David A. Olson - Achievement goals refer to the motivational approach of an individual when facing an achievement situation that challenges the person’s sense of competence, such as a university course (Baranik, Stanley, Bynum, & Lance, 2010; Harackiewicz, Barron, & Elliot, 1998; Reeve, 2009). Research in this area is primarily quantitative and largely does not provide the opportunity for participants to elaborate on why they adopt certain achievement goals or what effect it has on their personal well-being. Drawing upon a questionnaire completed by fifty participants, seven interviews, and three... Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:21 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1747/exploring-the-origins-of-achievement-goals-and-their-impact-on-well-being http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1735/on-the-necessity-of-developing-general-education-for-undergraduates-in-chinese-higher-institutions By Songchen Ma - The promotion of general education is a matter of ongoing debate owing to the pressing question of how to improve higher education in China. However, the available analytical material still remains somewhat experiential and emotion-oriented.In this paper the author—an undergraduate student of engineering who has received professional education at a prestigious top 10 university in China—reviews the origins of and literature pertaining to general education in the West. Subsequently in its literature review and cultural criticism study,this paper demonstrates the importance of developing... Mon, 23 Apr 2018 11:42 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1735/on-the-necessity-of-developing-general-education-for-undergraduates-in-chinese-higher-institutions http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1708/walking-gendered-lines-the-contradictory-expectations-of-men-who-work-in-early-childhood-education By Isabella Scurfield - This paper aims to look at the expectations set forth for males working in ECE and how they affect the men’s willingness to enter the field, as well as the level of care they are able to provide once there. In order to fully address these issues, the ways in which traditional values and ideas of hegemonic masculinities affect men’s (and larger society’s) view of childcare influence men’s perceptions of this field as a career choice must also be addressed. Acker’s theory of gendered occupations will be used as a starting point through which these issues can be addressed... Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:48 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1708/walking-gendered-lines-the-contradictory-expectations-of-men-who-work-in-early-childhood-education http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1630/a-tale-of-mattels-two-dolls-and-the-politics-of-dollplaying-a-critical-examination-of-barbie-and-american-girls-roles-in-educating-young-american-girls By Xiaoyi Xu - individuals who provide "a point of recognition widely shared with other members of one's society" and let people "imaginatively explore race, sexuality, and femininity" (Rogers, 1999, 2-3). Barbie is an icon intended to have more direct personal connection through possession with girls, allowing a sense of autonomy and ownership (Lord, 1994, 1). This unique attribute of Barbie could potentially amplify the doll's power unintentionally, by influencing little girls' early childhood development, molding certain aspects of their identity, attitudes, values, and ideology in both positive and negative... Sat, 01 Apr 2017 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1630/a-tale-of-mattels-two-dolls-and-the-politics-of-dollplaying-a-critical-examination-of-barbie-and-american-girls-roles-in-educating-young-american-girls http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1588/choosing-a-dissertation-adviser-challenges-and-strategies-for-doctoral-students By John M. Hineman - The process of selecting a dissertation adviser can be accomplished in a number of ways. The importance, however, of this process should not be understated. This relationship between adviser and advisee often can be the difference between completing or not completing the dissertation. This research study looked at the selection process of a dissertation adviser from both a theoretical as well as practical perspective in a fast-track three-year doctoral leadership program at a medium size university in the United States.The methodological approach utilized a single focus group along with follow... Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:07 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1588/choosing-a-dissertation-adviser-challenges-and-strategies-for-doctoral-students http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1522/linguistic-hegemony-in-academia-and-the-devaluation-of-minority-identity-in-higher-education By Joe Henao - A commonly observed trend among American universities is the relative underperformance of minorities in the academic arena. The usual, often lazily regurgitated explanation for this phenomenon revolves around socioeconomic situations that minority groups find themselves in, contributing to their academic plight. While this deserves some credit, this fails to tell the entire story. Apart from the general socioeconomic status of many social groups, minorities often engage in academic communities that do not even remotely mirror their cultural upbringing, values, or habitus. Institutions of higher... Mon, 30 Jan 2017 06:01 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1522/linguistic-hegemony-in-academia-and-the-devaluation-of-minority-identity-in-higher-education http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1425/a-community-approach-to-education-in-the-luang-prabang-region-of-laos By Jennifer C. Langill - Laos ranks quite poorly by most development indicators. Laos is one of 48 countries on the United Nations’ list of Least Developed Countries and ranked 141st out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index (United Nations 2016; United Nations Development Programme 2015). Economic growth has been unevenly distributed, leaving over 20 percent of the country below the international poverty line (CIA World Factbook 2014; Estudillo et al. 2013; Howe and Sims 2011; The World Bank 2016). This percentage has been declining, however improvements have been quite slow. While there are over 100... Thu, 23 Jun 2016 07:10 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1425/a-community-approach-to-education-in-the-luang-prabang-region-of-laos http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1407/an-econometric-analysis-of-the-major-choice-of-first-generation-college-students By Sam Trejo - Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, I estimate a multinomial logit choice model for the college major decisions of first-generation college students|students who are the first in the families to attend college|and non-first-generation students. The model controls for other factors such as sex, race, ability, and family income to isolate the effect of first-generation status on major choice for two otherwise identical students. I find that first-generation college students do make statistically different college major selections than otherwise identical students. I then... Tue, 03 May 2016 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1407/an-econometric-analysis-of-the-major-choice-of-first-generation-college-students http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1377/todays-non-traditional-student-challenges-to-academic-success-and-degree-completion By Karen M. Watkins-Lewis - Nontraditional students represent a substantial proportion of those enrolled in higher education institutions. The purpose of this literature review is to identify (1) distinctions between traditional and nontraditional students and (2) factors that impact retention among nontraditional students. Age, selection of major among females, socio-culture, environmental factors and enrollment status were identified as barriers to degree completion. Proactive intervention as a possible strategy for improving academic success, and implications for higher education institutions are discussed. Higher education... Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:17 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1377/todays-non-traditional-student-challenges-to-academic-success-and-degree-completion http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1374/too-much-tech-harms-reading-retention-in-young-children By Maria E. Yienger - For today's children, technological devices such as iPads, smartphones, and e-readers are quickly replacing more traditional "toys" as sources of learning and entertainment. With their capacity to contain a multitude of activities within a single device, tech devices are the new norm and are being utilized from a young age. Many critics have explored the negative implications that technology has on reading and learning, and while it may seem like iPads and other technological devices are a convenient way to keep young children entertained and distracted, it has also been shown that reading habits... Sun, 06 Mar 2016 06:39 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1374/too-much-tech-harms-reading-retention-in-young-children http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1368/utilizing-technology-for-learning-stem-subjects-perceptions-of-urban-african-american-middle-school-students By Xue Wen - This study was designed to explore current issues of access, interests and attitudes towards technology use in STEM related courses for a population of middle school students enrolled at a Title I urban school in the South. The participants in the study were largely African-American students enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8. Data were collected from 124 usable anonymous surveys. The study focused on respondents’ perceptions of and experiences with computers and mobile devices, especially with respect to learning in math, science, technology and other so-called STEM courses. Potential differences... Mon, 22 Feb 2016 04:15 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1368/utilizing-technology-for-learning-stem-subjects-perceptions-of-urban-african-american-middle-school-students http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1348/an-exploration-of-perseverative-behaviors-in-young-children-with-autism By Madison M. Ralph - The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) characterizes an autism spectrum disorder by social communication deficiencies and stereotypical or repetitive behaviors (SRBs) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The National Institute of Health defines SRBs as behaviors that exhibit stereotypies, rituals, compulsions, obsessions, perseverations, or repetitive speech (Watt, Wetherby, Barber, & Morgan, 2008). Stereotypical behaviors are the third most often studied behaviors of autism (Horner, Carr, Strain, Todd, & Reed, 2002). Due... Wed, 03 Feb 2016 02:48 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1348/an-exploration-of-perseverative-behaviors-in-young-children-with-autism http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1346/responsiveness-in-american-higher-education-the-evolution-of-institutional-governance-structures By Jonathan W. Stoessel - Building a framework to understand a complex system, such as American Higher Education, requires a focused approach. The richness of history behind colleges and universities in the United States can lead analysts in any number of directions. From economics to governance, to curriculum and accreditation, approaches to analyzing the system have grown exponentially as more stakeholders have been brought into the conversation. As the demand for higher education has become an international imperative, perhaps it is more fitting to analyze what makes the American system unique. In his work, the &ldquo... Mon, 01 Feb 2016 10:03 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1346/responsiveness-in-american-higher-education-the-evolution-of-institutional-governance-structures http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1325/updating-academia-rethinking-the-methodology-of-academic-discourse By Nick D. Piron - Academic writing retains myriad formal and informal conventions that can include awkward citation-structures, the use of complex phrasing and jargon, definitions inside text, and arcane writing customs specific to each sub-genre, among other things. These cumbersome norms serve as hurdles that demonstrate an author's credibility. However, such conventions form a secondary discourse that do not weigh on the quality of the idea while nevertheless serving as gatekeepers to the publication and distribution of ideas. Furthermore, this focus on establishing credible ethos has the tendency to delay and... Wed, 06 Jan 2016 10:57 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1325/updating-academia-rethinking-the-methodology-of-academic-discourse http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1580/divided-society-divided-schools-divided-lives-the-role-of-education-in-creating-social-cohesion-in-northern-ireland By Kara Schiaparelli - The Troubles, a period of conflict between mostly Protestant Unionists and mostly Catholic Nationalists in Northern Ireland, ended in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday or Belfast Agreement. The division of society, however, continues in its segregated education system. In Northern Ireland today, 93% of children attend either a Protestant or a Catholic school (Conflict Archive on the Internet). Despite widespread agreement on the need for change, and the transformation of other institutions in society such as the parliament, civil service and police, little progress has been made in reforming... Thu, 31 Dec 2015 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1580/divided-society-divided-schools-divided-lives-the-role-of-education-in-creating-social-cohesion-in-northern-ireland http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1357/how-university-websites-portray-study-abroad By Gina Apperson - Study abroad has become an important aspect in higher education in the United States, as the phenomenon of globalization has grown increasingly important to how universities equip students for the professional and social world. In 2014, the Institute of International Education proposed the Generation Study Abroad campaign to provide more study abroad opportunities, with the goal of reaching 600,000 students studying abroad by 2019, more than a twofold increase from the 2013-2014 academic year ("Generation Study Abroad," 2014). As study abroad becomes more relevant and timely for university students... Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1357/how-university-websites-portray-study-abroad http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1366/an-analysis-of-successful-student-run-public-relations-and-advertising-agencies By Amanda Limoges - Across the nation, student enrollment in journalism and mass communication programs has continued to rise in recent years (Becker, Vlad, Tucker, and Pelton, 2006). Notably, enrollment in strategic communications has experienced a significant increase in recent years. Correspondingly, the majority of strategic communications students at Elon University, and those in similar majors at other schools, work at communications agencies after they graduate. While internships can prepare students for work in an agency, most internships are hard to get without prior experience. Like other communication-... Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:00 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1366/an-analysis-of-successful-student-run-public-relations-and-advertising-agencies http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1249/exploring-the-impact-of-the-autobiographical-story-on-learning-english-as-a-foreign-language-case-study-in-the-primary-classroom By Miren Askasibar - This case study examines the effects of an EFL teacher’s autobiographical story on 26 Spanish primary students in terms of comprehension, raising interest, engagement, motivation and willingness to communicate in L2, by comparing it to a story in the ELEANITZ multilingualism project. A questionnaire, a behavioural observation instrument and a post-test survey were used to collect data. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, effect size (Hedge’s g) and content analysis. The results reveal that the students understood the autobiographical story better, found it more... Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:29 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1249/exploring-the-impact-of-the-autobiographical-story-on-learning-english-as-a-foreign-language-case-study-in-the-primary-classroom http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1330/media-initiation-in-environmental-education-an-indian-model-of-environmental-pedagogy By Nithin Kalorth - Environmental communication is now an emerging and a significant curriculum from schools to research centers. The effective and efficient environmental communication occurs when learners interact with their surrounding environment/ecology in which they live and reciprocate for sustainable protection and restoration of it. Developing countries in Asia and Africa are now setting up new role models and practices in curricula of environmental communication. The traditional theory based environmental communication curriculum of the last century is now actively investigated and restructured through... Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1330/media-initiation-in-environmental-education-an-indian-model-of-environmental-pedagogy http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1333/ecuador-communicating-to-bridge-the-education-gap-in-nutrition By Brittany Pitruniak - After conducting a study in May of 2014 on nutrition communication in Ecuador and how it affects consumer behaviour, researchers identified a gap between the level of education obtained by students and the knowledge of nutrition provided to them. This article uses that study to assess whether or not the communication of nutrition information can be understood with the level of nutrition education available through cultural and educational means. Researchers first gathered data using quantitative methods in a survey administered to students at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. The data was... Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:00 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1333/ecuador-communicating-to-bridge-the-education-gap-in-nutrition http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1042/the-influence-of-language-difficulties-on-the-wellbeing-of-international-students-an-interpretive-phenomenological-analysis By Glory Gatwiri - Language difficulties are cited as the most critical issue facing international students today. This study particularly looks into the influence of language difficulties on the wellbeing of international students. The study was conducted at a student accommodation in Melbourne, Australia using an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach (IPA). This explored the subjective experiences of five international students from Colombia, Mongolia, China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Results were organized into six themes, all of which supported the hypothesis that language difficulties influence the level of... Sat, 23 May 2015 10:17 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1042/the-influence-of-language-difficulties-on-the-wellbeing-of-international-students-an-interpretive-phenomenological-analysis http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1023/higher-education-reform-in-florida-considering-senate-bill-1720-remedial-education-and-college-readiness By Pascal Roubides - Senate Bill 1720 took effect in the state of Florida in 2014. This new education policy makes college placement tests and remedial courses voluntary for many students preparing to enter college, with the aim of providing better access to college for a large number of students in the state. The bill also attempts to alleviate budgetary concerns and enable quicker access to college-level work for students. However, the law fails to address the preparation gap that exists between secondary and post-secondary levels of education in the state and, as a result, it may have little or no effect on its... Wed, 08 Apr 2015 07:29 EDT http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1023/higher-education-reform-in-florida-considering-senate-bill-1720-remedial-education-and-college-readiness http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1006/the-researcher-at-the-dance-epistemology-ethics-and-the-ethnographer By Christopher T. McMaster - Before the ethnographer can enter the field of research, indeed, before the researcher can interpret data from the field, he or she must first be aware of how knowledge and meaning are made. The epistemological lens the ethnographer uses will have crucial implications on the hows and the whys—not only of the research itself—but on the role of the researcher. This essay will argue (with the assistance of two young parents, one salmon, and a farm yard full of dancers) that the only ethical ethnography is critical, and the responsibility of the ethnographer is to actively participate... Fri, 06 Mar 2015 04:22 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1006/the-researcher-at-the-dance-epistemology-ethics-and-the-ethnographer http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1004/the-cost-of-for-profit-education-how-much-is-your-degree-really-worth By Pascal Roubides - This paper examines the latest attempt by the United States Department of Education to enact new regulations for addressing the issue of whether many post-secondary educational program offerings are appropriate in preparing students for gainful employment and under which conditions these programs can remain eligible for federal student financial aid. The proposed regulations are expected to affect mostly programs at for-profit educational institutions, though many state-supported institutions may be affected as well, thus making this a crucial issue for students and their equal opportunity access... Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:33 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1004/the-cost-of-for-profit-education-how-much-is-your-degree-really-worth http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/940/the-implementation-of-social-software-in-authentic-literacy-activities By Allan M. Carter - While international literacy results show Canada maintaining a strong standing, there have been declines in the results for both traditional and digital literacy in several provinces, including New Brunswick. A trial of authentic literacy activities across a range of subject areas in the high school curriculum has been implemented in New Brunswick. Implementing social software in authentic literacy activities is discussed with an exploration of recent research that involved the implementation of technologies, primarily social software, in literacy teaching environments. How traditional literacy... Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:24 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/940/the-implementation-of-social-software-in-authentic-literacy-activities http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/939/the-gender-binary-working-towards-uniqueness-in-american-education By Kenneth J. Macri - Many individuals grow up with gender-biased tendencies and don’t even realize it. They grow up with an unwarranted perception of what gender is supposed to be, and they conform to conventional gender roles inside the classroom, resulting in those roles being mimicked outside of the classroom. Mary and David Sadker argue that “boys were far more likely to receive praise or remediation from a teacher than were girls. The girls were most likely to receive an acknowledgement response from their teacher.” They also go on to argue that “teachers give boys greater opportunity... Tue, 11 Nov 2014 11:11 EST http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/939/the-gender-binary-working-towards-uniqueness-in-american-education