Title: On the exploration of a mobile executive functioning coaching solution for students with and without disabilities in post-secondary STEM education

Authors: Jingrong Xie

Addresses: Information Technology Services, Truman State University, 100 East Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO, 63501, USA

Abstract: This study investigated the insights of post-secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students with and without disabilities regarding their experiences with academic coaching through mobile phones and examined whether e-mentoring is effective in supporting the executive function skills (EFs) of those students. The researcher explored the design of a mobile EF coaching solution to satisfy individuals with diverse learning needs, especially students with disabilities, and to provide academic support to their post-secondary STEM gateway course. A parallel mixed methods study design was adopted. A total of seven participants completed the mobile coaching study. The pre/post-test results and the analysis of qualitative content showed improved EFs and learning strategies/skills for those students. Two levels of coding were used to analyse the qualitative data. This study added to the limited but growing research on implementing EF coaching via innovative technology tools to support students' academic goals and performance.

Keywords: students with and without disabilities; EF coaching; mobile technology; success and persistence; post-secondary STEM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2020.106165

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2020 Vol.14 No.2, pp.136 - 160

Received: 06 Feb 2019
Accepted: 17 Apr 2019
Published online: 01 Apr 2020 *

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