Date of Degree
5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program
Education
Advisor
Norman S. St. Clair
Advisor
Kevin B. Vichcales
Advisor
Kathleen A. Bottaro
Abstract
This instrumental case study examined the efficacy of the comprehensive institutional model, a pre-existing conceptual framework addressing the challenges of HyFlex teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 environment at one private university in South Texas. The model was constructed using longitudinal data from a two-year pilot study (2021-2023) and focused on improving teaching effectiveness, investing in instructional technology and infrastructure, supporting graduate students’ academic needs, and executing institutional sustainability actions across three stakeholder groups: administrators, faculty, and graduate students. The study also addressed key gaps in the literature, including the lack of tested HyFlex models in real-world settings. A qualitative, design-based research methodology was used to iteratively assess the model’s components, gathering data from personal interviews, a focus group, classroom observations, course audits, and institutional metadata. The process resulted in four overarching themes: faculty readiness, graduate student inclusion and engagement, the evolving educational landscape, and the diverse needs of graduate students. These findings affirmed the model’s relevance and foundational theories in the post-COVID-19 HyFlex teaching and learning environment. Additional insights emerged regarding graduate students’ expectations for faculty HyFlex competency, flexible attendance, real-world curriculum integration, collaborative research opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging. Researcher recommendations supported by theory and literature are provided for these additional research opportunity areas. The study underscores the transferability of its iterative design-based approach for data collection and analysis, and it provides actionable guidance for institutions facing similar challenges. This research offers a tested framework for supporting HyFlex environments and fostering a sustainable “new normal” in higher education.
Recommended Citation
McCray, Pamela, "Exploring the Efficacy of the Comprehensive Institutional Model (CIM) in a Post-COVID-19 Hyflex Higher Education Environment: An Instrumental Case" (2025). Theses & Dissertations. 463.
https://athenaeum.uiw.edu/uiw_etds/463
First review - F. Lucille (Sia) Achica
PMcCray_Final Dissertation Document with Tables, Figures, and References 1312025 V1_2-7-25.pdf (3102 kB)
Second review - L.F. Achica
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