Conference Session

GSD 2: Identity and Motivation

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Denise Rutledge Simmons P.E., University of Florida; Ifeoma Mary Nwanua, University of Florida; Jasmine E. McNealy, University of Florida; Idalis Villanueva Alarcón, University of Florida

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies Division (GSD)

adaptation process progressed, we systematically aligned the COMM-FLOWS tool itemswith both the theoretical framework guiding the study and the lived communication experiencesof graduate students. This alignment was essential to ensure that the tool accurately captured therealities of communication in graduate education while remaining grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). To achieve this, we conducted an item-construct mapping toconfirm SDT alignment, cross-checked items against graduate student communicationexperiences, and revised or eliminated items that did not fit theoretical expectations or practicalapplications. This process ensured that the COMM-FLOWS tool authentically reflected thevoices of graduate students while maintaining its