The graduate program in education at Dordt College prepares teachers for service in diverse settings, equipping them with God-centered reflective and transformative skills, knowledge, and dispositions for teaching, learning, and leading.
Theses from 2024
Effectiveness of Student-Corrected Pretests to Increase Spelling Test Scores of Students with ADHD and Low Working Memory, Melissa J. Johnson
Factors of Teacher Retention and Attrition in a Post-Trauma Environment, Pamela J. Van Dop
Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Hayley Vander Wal
The Benefits of Using Open-Note Assessments, Logan Schaefers
Theses from 2023
Co-Teaching for English Learners, Fabiola Addink
Impact of Audiobooks on Reading Attitudes of Upper Elementary Students, Jessica Grace DeWit
Preschool Instructional and Assessment Practices at Stepping Stones Preschool, Julie Hoogland
School Climate Measurement and Analysis, Adrian J. Vandenberg
Student-Led Conferences in the Early Childhood Classroom, Lizzie Van Wyk
Teacher-Directed Interventions vs. Freckle: A Study in the Efficacy of Tier II Interventions, Kellie Den Hartog
The Effect of Reflection on Retrieval Practice to Self-Regulated Learning, Janean Heyboer
Theses from 2022
Benefits and Barriers of Block Scheduling, Courtney Huebner
Christian School Relationships with Homeschool Families, Karla R. Schwitters
Effective Board Governance in Covenantal Christian Schools, Justin Raap
Exploring the Mental Health and Burnout Among Educators, Kelsey Van't Zelfde
Impact of Career and Technical Education on Student Engagement in Small Suburban Christian Schools, Brad A. Homan
Math Fact Fluency Assessments and their Impact on Math Anxiety, Kathryn De Vries
Teachers' Perceptions of Instructional Coaches, Melanie Sharp
The Effectiveness of Writing Portfolios to Develop Metacognition, Beth Bleeker
The Successful Adoption of Teaching for Transformation: Utilizing Kotter's 8-Stage Process for Leading Change, Marcus Todd
Theses from 2021
Crew as a Tool to Foster Belonging at School, Leendert de Visser
Examining the Relationship Between Teacher Efficacy, Stress, and Email Use, Jonathan Van Santen
Factors Influencing Advanced STEM Course Enrollment for Females, Marissa Erickson
Implications of Mental Health and Educators, Krista Bosman
Journey of Reform: A Phenomenological Study of the Perceived Impacts of Standards-Based Grading on Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction, Melanie K. Cleveringa
Measuring Student Engagement and Student Satisfaction in Online and In-Person High School Classes, Joseph Jasper
School Schedules and Their Impact on Teacher Job Satisfaction, Heidi VanWeelden
Student Perceptions in Temporary and Cohort Groups, David Miedema
Writing for an Authentic Audience in the Middle Grades, Emily Huffman
Theses from 2020
Academic Stress and Honors Students: A Phenomenological Study of Christian High School Students’ Perceptions and Experiences, James Uitermarkt
Brain Breaks and Engagement, Joe'l Vander Waal
Disordered Eating Behaviors Amongst Student Athletes, Sarah Wensink
Peer Coaching at an Independent School, Lindsay Anderson
Self-Efficacy and Its Effect on Student Achievement in Reading and Math, Morgan Van Hulzen
Technology Use in the Classroom, Danny Mooers
The Classroom Environment: Effects on Learning, Motivation, and Behavior, Angela Pierotti
Theses from 2019
A Case Study for Improving Reading Comprehension in Third Grade Using Literature Circles, Joy Hinds
Amateur Sport Participation and the Development of Athletes, Mycah Hulst
Effect of Formational Learning Experiences on Student Attitudes, Pamela Zuidhof
Growing Motivation and Learning for the Middle School Student through Reassessment Practices, Payton Ponstein
Place-Based Education and Reconciliation, Jonathan Boone
Self-Assessment and the Growth Mindset of Middle School Students, Julie Gross
Smartphones and Schoolwork: Determining the Relationship Between Students’ Beliefs and Habits Regarding Phones, Luke Breems
Technology: Engagement and Motivation in the Elementary Classroom, David Nieuwsma
The Impact of Faith-Based Programs on Christian High School Students in a Rural Christian Independent School, Mike Cumiskey
Understanding Teacher Shortages in Christian Schools, Ralph Medema
Theses from 2018
Authentic Learning Experiences: Investigating How Teachers Can Lead Their Students to Intrinsic Motivation in Meaningful Work, Rhonda Van Donge
Do Kindergarten Readiness Screenings Predict Academic and Social Success?, Lori Schaap
Feedback and Growth Mindset: Nurturing a Growth Mindset Through Feedback with Middle School Students, Lori Carpenter
Flipped Classrooms and the Video Creator’s Impact on Achievement, Kailee Davelaar
Formative Feedback and Student Attitudes: Investigating the Impact of Teacher Feedback on Student Attitudes in the Classroom, Aaron Vedder
Is a Flipped Classroom in a High School Geometry Class Effective?, Charles Dirks
MAP to Khan Academy Connection: Analyzing the Potential Role of Using Khan Mappers to Boost MAP Scores, Glenda Elgersma
Theses from 2017
Blended Learning and Math Growth: Investigating the Role of IXL Math in the Growth of 5th Grade Students’ Math Fluency Scores, Dan Van Ruler
Childhood Fitness and Academic Achievement: An Exploration into the Effect of Physical Fitness Scores on Academic Assessment Tests, Kevin Vanderwal
Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on Students' Spiritual Growth, Alexa Groen
Exploration of Mathematics: Investigating the Continuum of Mathematics from the Middle Years Program to the Diploma Program at International Baccalaureate Schools, Stela Irene Tampubolon
Math Anxiety and Assessment Strategies, Ronald Vis
Meaningful Instruction of Basic Multiplication Facts: Applying Constructivist Concepts to Basic Fact Acquisition, Donna Stille
Parent Support Groups and Well-Being: Investigating the Benefits of Parent Support Groups for Families of Children with Special Needs, Rachel Zeutenhorst
Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Mathematics Achievement, Laura Kramer
Revolutionizing Reading: Discovering the Power of a Reading Workshop Model in the High School English Classroom, Kaitlyn De Wild
Social Emotional Learning: The Impacts of an Implemented Plan at a Private Christian School in the Urban Setting, Lindsey Cooper
Teaching Kindergarten Reading Comprehension Using Transactional Strategy Instruction, Heather Schultz
The Effects of Reading Fluency Interventions on Different Populations of Students Repeated Readings vs. Lexia Core 5, Matt Den Hartog
Visual Formative Assessment and Learning Styles, Julie Pickard
Theses from 2016
Cooperative Groups and Student Engagement: Exploring Cooperative Learning Groups in Mathematics, Trisha Reszel
Importance of Play: Play-Based Instruction Within a Preschool Learning Environment, Sarah Sjoerdsma
Institutional Culture in Christian Schools, Jill Friend
Motivation, Mindset, and Grading Systems, Russell J. Vander Molen
Parent Involvement in the Middle School, Stephanie Walhof
Perceptions of International High School Students Regarding Flipped Classroom Strategies in the Humanities Classroom, Nathanael Gibson
Reading as a Necessity: Best Practices for Incorporating Reading into One English Course, Kristin M. Janssen
Teacher Retention at a Tribal School, Cara Mulder
Teaching for Transformation: A Tool for Christian Teachers, Rachel Vanden Hull
Teaching History: Effective Teaching for Learning History - Chronological vs. Thematic Approaches to Student Historical Comprehension, Shane Williams
Theses from 2015
Case for Improved Reading Achievement Using a Co-Teaching Model, Jill Van Soelen
Comparison of Online Student vs. Public Student Performance on the ACT, Sarah Schultz
Gender Bias in Teacher Interactions with Students, Kaily Stevens
Holistic Versus Dualistic Christian Worldview: A Study of Comparative Impact in a Latin American Community, Jinhi K. Roskamp
Improving Number Sense Using Number Talks, Kelsie Ruter
Physical Activity and Time-on-Task, Lisa Mouw
Recurrent Phenomenon of Divine Intervention in the Recruitment of Teachers at the American Christian Academy: A Narrative Inquiry, Karen Ann Nwulu
Self-Management Program to Handle Social/Emotional Baggage in the Classroom, Lisa N. Hines
Stability Balls and Handwriting Proficiency in a Kindergarten Classroom, Megan Haan
Survey of Students’ Perceptions of Assertive Discipline and Restorative Discipline in American Christian Academy, Ibadan, Nigeria., Adedayo Oladeji Okunade
Teachers as World-Makers in the Digital Age, Abby De Groot
Technology, Mathematics and the Flourishing of the Elementary Student, Judy de Waal
Theses from 2014
Best Practices in the Foreign Language Classroom, Allison Kleinsasser
Case for Foreign Language in the Elementary School, Mary Beth Pollema
Character Education in Christian Schools, Curtis Van Dam
Cooperative Learning in Today's Bilingual Classrooms, Heath Swanson
Correlation Between Interactive eBooks and Printed Text in Reading Achievement and Student Interest, Kimberly D. Beimers
Effective Transitional Strategies for the First Grade Classroom, Ashley Rose Perrin
Interpersonal Intelligence and Problem-Based Learning, Denise M. deNevers
Kindergarten Phonics Instruction, Erika Hall
Motivating English Language Learners: An Indonesian Case Study, Rebekah Nichols