Current Search: UWF Dissertations (x) » Ferguson, Fernaundra L. (x)
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- Title
- A CASE STUDY APPROACH OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF BROWN BARGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE CLOSING OF A. A. DIXON SCHOOL FOLLOWING AUGUSTUS VERSUS ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.
- Author
- Juneau, Gayle Ann Alexandra
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to explore three historical time periods. I interviewed residents who experienced one or more of the three events defined by the cases. I compared and contrasted their responses with information I retrieved about the three events from newspaper articles and meeting minutes. The stories revealed participants struggles with sacrificing their historical African American community schools as they supported school integration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000090, uwf:60689
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY IN ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION AT A NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY.
- Author
- Kuszynski, Lawrence Joseph, Nichols, Joyce C., Thompson, Carla J., Wentz, Charles H., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The practice of assessment for learning based on the four principles identified by Stiggins (2007a) as perceived by both instructors and students at a northeastern university was examined in this case study. Five factors were identified representing the four principles. Results indicate that both instructors and students perceived that assessment for learning was being practiced at this northeastern university. There was no significant difference (Sig. > .05) between instructors' perceptions...
Show moreThe practice of assessment for learning based on the four principles identified by Stiggins (2007a) as perceived by both instructors and students at a northeastern university was examined in this case study. Five factors were identified representing the four principles. Results indicate that both instructors and students perceived that assessment for learning was being practiced at this northeastern university. There was no significant difference (Sig. > .05) between instructors' perceptions and students' perceptions of assessment for learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000228, uwf:60951
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY IN HOW THEORETICAL CONCEPTS UNDERLYING INTEGRATED LEARNING OBJECT-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS TRANSLATE INTO EFFECTIVE PRACTICE.
- Author
- Dawson, David Bruce
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine how theoretical concepts underlying an implementation of an integrated learning object-based instructional system translate into effective practice. Underlying theoretical concepts are grouped into the 5 dimensions of a grounded learning systems design model: psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and pragmatic. These 5 dimensions serve as a framework for examining a case of integrated learning object-based instructional systems...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine how theoretical concepts underlying an implementation of an integrated learning object-based instructional system translate into effective practice. Underlying theoretical concepts are grouped into the 5 dimensions of a grounded learning systems design model: psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and pragmatic. These 5 dimensions serve as a framework for examining a case of integrated learning object-based instructional systems development. Such systems possess characteristics, features, and processes that embody varying interpretations of those theoretical foundations while also reflecting the contexts within which they are developed. Using documentary evidence, structured interviews with key development team members, and critical analyses of main interface screen shots, the framework is used to characterize the links between those practical expressions and the underlying theoretical concepts of such systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- Identifier
- WFE0000023, uwf:60753
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A COMPARISON OF ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE COLLABORATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH STUDENTS' STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT.
- Author
- Eliason, Norma Lynn
- Abstract/Description
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The effects of incorporating an online social networking platform, hosted through Wikispace, as a method to potentially improve the performance of middle school students on standardized math assessments was investigated in this study. A principal strategy for any educational setting may provide an instructional approach that improves the delivery of instruction and enhances the learners' self-efficacy, motivation, and performance. A pedagogical approach that is centered on learner interaction...
Show moreThe effects of incorporating an online social networking platform, hosted through Wikispace, as a method to potentially improve the performance of middle school students on standardized math assessments was investigated in this study. A principal strategy for any educational setting may provide an instructional approach that improves the delivery of instruction and enhances the learners' self-efficacy, motivation, and performance. A pedagogical approach that is centered on learner interaction and engagement is a social collaborative learning environment. The social collaborative learning environment provides an academic atmosphere that highlights Bandura's social cognitive theory of reciprocal determinism. This study identified the triadic reciprocal determinants incorporated within a social collaborative learning environment: (a) social collaborative environmental variables, (b) academic achievement variables, and (c) personal perception variables. The function of the instructional treatment, online social networking collaborative learning environment, for this study was to expose the students to an asynchronous learning environment that encouraged the members to exchange thoughts, communicate perspectives, and employ prior knowledge to enhance problem-solving skills in mathematics. Although the results of the study did not indicate a statistically significant difference in student performance on middle school math standardized assessment, future research could strengthen the effectiveness of developing and implementing an instructional design that incorporates a (online or face-to-face) social collaborative learning environment that will promote learner self-efficacy, motivation, and performance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000438, uwf:61105
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF PREDICTING CERTIFICATION AND PROGRAM COMPLETION SUCCESS IN A SAMPLE OF REGISTERED NURSING STUDENTS.
- Author
- Lipford, Karen Denise
- Abstract/Description
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Nursing shortages are a real concern in today's world. Nursing programs play a pivotal role in helping to solve the nursing shortage by graduating successful nursing students. What are the characteristics of a successful nursing student? The purpose of this study was to investigate a risk profile of nursing students within a nursing program. The participants in the study were comprised of two different nursing classes that attended a college in a rural area of North Florida. The risk profile...
Show moreNursing shortages are a real concern in today's world. Nursing programs play a pivotal role in helping to solve the nursing shortage by graduating successful nursing students. What are the characteristics of a successful nursing student? The purpose of this study was to investigate a risk profile of nursing students within a nursing program. The participants in the study were comprised of two different nursing classes that attended a college in a rural area of North Florida. The risk profile included 25 discrete demographic and academic learner entry characteristics of these participants. This retrospective study utilized archival data collected from academic records. There were five independent variables within the study: prerequisite information (admit grade point average [GPA] and Nurse Entrance Exam Test [NET] score), remedial coursework, nursing course failures and grades, nursing GPA, and cumulative GPA. The independent variables were compared to the dependent variables of successful completion of the nursing program and successful first attempt at the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Correlational analyses yielded the following: as the NET scores increased, the likelihood of success in the program decreased, and as the need for remedial coursework increased, the likelihood of success in the program decreased as well. In terms of nursing coursework, most first-year nursing classes demonstrated a positive correlation and, most second-year nursing classes demonstrated a negative correlation in terms of success in the program and on the NCLEX-RN. Furthermore, as the nursing course failures increased, nursing GPA decreased, and the chances of success in the program or on the NCLEX-RN also decreased. With regard to the cumulative GPA, as the GPA went down, the chances of success in the program and on the NCLEX-RN increased. In comparing the successful versus the unsuccessful group of students, the NET scores and the nursing grade point average were lower for unsuccessful students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000170, uwf:60806
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE ALABAMA READING INITIATIVE-PROJECT FOR ADOLESCENT LITERACY.
- Author
- Merold, Michael Kent
- Abstract/Description
-
This study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched...
Show moreThis study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched the ARI-PAL with three primary purposes. The first purpose was to build highly successful adolescent literacy demonstration sites by making research-based local education authority (LEA) investments in adolescent literacy efforts and by concentrating the available ARI secondary resources in a small number of schools. A second purpose for the ARI-PAL was to develop advocacy and to secure funding for implementing the ARI into more secondary schools. The third purpose for the ARI-PAL was to increase the effectiveness of the ARI secondary model by making it compatible with the latest research on adolescent literacy instruction. The results of this study explain the experiences of the 14 ARI-PAL schools and provide recommendations for other secondary schools interested in strengthening the reading and writing skills of their students. To address the purpose of this study, the following research questions were explored: 1. Did the students participating in the ARI-PAL program in 14 selected Alabama schools increase their achievement as measured by SAT-10? 2. Using descriptive data from site visits and educators' experiences, what were the perceived successes and challenges of the ARI-PAL program during the first year of implementation? SAT-10 data were analyzed to determine if the ARI-PAL model was successful in positively impacting the reading achievement of students in the participating schools. To document the implementation and challenges to the implementation of the ARI-PAL model, site visit forms designed to provide weekly anecdotal data on progress in each school were analyzed. Areas addressed in the site visit reports included instructional leadership, the administration of formal and informal assessments, reading intervention for struggling readers, implementation of strategic teaching in the content area classrooms, and professional development.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000147, uwf:60784
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A LITERARY PHILOSOPHY OF MISSISSIPPI'S FREEDOM SUMMER 1964.
- Author
- Watts, Aimee Gabrielle
- Abstract/Description
-
Planning for Freedom Summer began in 1963 as a voting project under the direction of Bob Moses (Watson, 2010). Moses (1964) insisted the best strategy to see change in Mississippi was to invite White college students for summer work to educate and register Negro voters. He argued no one outside of Mississippi would notice the issues of the state until privileged White children whose parents had connections were involved (Moses, 1964; Watson, 2010). Three letters sent to Freedom Summer...
Show morePlanning for Freedom Summer began in 1963 as a voting project under the direction of Bob Moses (Watson, 2010). Moses (1964) insisted the best strategy to see change in Mississippi was to invite White college students for summer work to educate and register Negro voters. He argued no one outside of Mississippi would notice the issues of the state until privileged White children whose parents had connections were involved (Moses, 1964; Watson, 2010). Three letters sent to Freedom Summer volunteers were located and these letters provide summer volunteers with their summer job assignment and orientation dates. Also included in these letters is a paragraph regarding the need to have a common base of knowledge for all volunteers and a list of five books to be read, with at least the first three completed before coming south. According to three letters the five books, listed in order of importance, were The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois (1903/2003), The Mind of the South by W.J. Cash (1941/1991), The Other America by Michael Harrington (1962/2012), Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King (1958), and Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith (1949/1994). Beginning with historiography, the researcher followed the five steps of finding out what is already known, checking their sources, finding gaps and formulating questions, looking for new evidence, and sharing what one has found. These steps provided guidance toward a review of the literature, which provided a historical timeline of key events leading up the Summer Project. Then the reading list was analyzed using new historicism, which provided a way to analyze the literature through the eyes of the researcher to create connections between the literary authors, their work, and the historical event in which the literature is discussed. Correlations between the authors and their work provided philosophical themes which were connected with a narrative of the Freedom Summer Project. The five books on the required reading list provided core knowledge needed to establish goals and objectives and bridge the gap between volunteers and Mississippians to support the mission that was the Summer Project of 1964.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- WFE0000522, uwf:61257
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A MIXED METHOD RESEARCH STUDY OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING IN SAME GENDER CLASSROOMS AT A RURAL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
- Author
- Hamilton, Albertnetta Rutrina
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of gender-specific classes in regard to student engagement and learning. The study determined student achievement effects, student retention rates, and stakeholder perceptions of student experiences in same-gender classrooms. The introduction provided an overview of the intermediate school's academic gaps. Two quantitative questions and 3 qualitative questions were investigated during the research. The Alabama Reading and Math Test and...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to examine the impact of gender-specific classes in regard to student engagement and learning. The study determined student achievement effects, student retention rates, and stakeholder perceptions of student experiences in same-gender classrooms. The introduction provided an overview of the intermediate school's academic gaps. Two quantitative questions and 3 qualitative questions were investigated during the research. The Alabama Reading and Math Test and Software Technology, Inc. were used to collect quantitative data. Also, researcher-developed surveys were given and a case study was conducted of same-gender teachers, students, and parents. Interviews and open-ended questions were utilized to collect qualitative data.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000226, uwf:60931
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF BEHAVIORAL SCREENING INSTRUMENTS TO IDENTIFY PREDICTIVE CLUSTERING OF BEHAVIORS.
- Author
- Cheatham, Albert Odell
- Abstract/Description
-
This study was a sequential explanatory mixed-methods evaluation of two self-reporting screening tools, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3 (SASSI; Miller, Roberts, Brooks, & Lazowski, 1997a) and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI; Derogatis, 1993). Scores of the subscales of each device were clustered to identify themes with the participants. Qualitative data were obtained from an extensive interview, and results were evaluated for identifiable responses or similarities....
Show moreThis study was a sequential explanatory mixed-methods evaluation of two self-reporting screening tools, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3 (SASSI; Miller, Roberts, Brooks, & Lazowski, 1997a) and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI; Derogatis, 1993). Scores of the subscales of each device were clustered to identify themes with the participants. Qualitative data were obtained from an extensive interview, and results were evaluated for identifiable responses or similarities. Approximately one-third of the sample had similar scores from the SASSI and BSI. Clear indications were found that using the SASSI and BSI to identify individuals suspected of substance-use or abuse and incorporating the results of a structured interview based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM; ASAM, 1996) criteria provided necessary data to make consistent treatment recommendations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000224, uwf:60943
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE FACULTY GOVERNANCE SYSTEM AND FACULTY CONTROL OF THE CURRICULUM AT SELECTED STATE-SUPPORTED UNIVERSITIES.
- Author
- Shaw, Robert Earl, Sr.
- Abstract/Description
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The topic of change in higher education, specifically the curriculum approval process, was investigated. Interviews were conducted with faculty and administrators at 4 Carnegie Colleges and Universities I institutions. From these interviews, within-case and cross-case study analyses were developed. Only minor changes to the approval process were documented as being implemented during the past 10 years although numerous faculty concerns were voiced. Although not impacting the approval process,...
Show moreThe topic of change in higher education, specifically the curriculum approval process, was investigated. Interviews were conducted with faculty and administrators at 4 Carnegie Colleges and Universities I institutions. From these interviews, within-case and cross-case study analyses were developed. Only minor changes to the approval process were documented as being implemented during the past 10 years although numerous faculty concerns were voiced. Although not impacting the approval process, several influences external to the university were identified that impacted the curriculum process.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2002
- Identifier
- WFE0000043, uwf:60745
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE LEADERSHIP STYLE OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS CLUB LEADERS IN KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN.
- Author
- Huang, Mei-Jen
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership style of recreational sports club leaders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A survey and personal interview served as the instruments for this study. Participants completed the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire-Form XII (LBDQ-XII) and demographic information sheet. A 1-way ANOVA was used in the data analysis. Participants were 123 Taiwanese recreational sports club leaders. The findings indicated that a high-task and high-relationship...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the leadership style of recreational sports club leaders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A survey and personal interview served as the instruments for this study. Participants completed the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire-Form XII (LBDQ-XII) and demographic information sheet. A 1-way ANOVA was used in the data analysis. Participants were 123 Taiwanese recreational sports club leaders. The findings indicated that a high-task and high-relationship leadership style was the dominant management style. Research suggested (a) prospective leaders in recreational sports clubs should train to develop high levels on 2 dimensions of leadership; (b) the leaders who were strong on both these dimensions had the potential to be successful leaders; (c) the findings of this study are pertinent to the Taiwan government, local agencies, sports clubs, and schools that provide recreational sports training programs; and (d) more leadership training was recommended for leaders and preservice personnel who planned to become recreational sports club leaders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- WFE0000042, uwf:60766
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG STUDENT INVOLVEMENT, ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, RATES OF RETENTION, AND RATES OF DEPARTURE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS ENROLLED AT THREE RURAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
- Author
- Moore, Maurice
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to associate Astin's (1999) theory of student involvement and Tinto's (1993) theory of student departure as a framework for assessing and understanding the relationships among student involvements, academic performances, rates of retention, and rates of departure for African-American students enrolled at 3 rural Alabama community colleges. A total of 127 Alabama community college students participated in the study by completing the online Community College...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to associate Astin's (1999) theory of student involvement and Tinto's (1993) theory of student departure as a framework for assessing and understanding the relationships among student involvements, academic performances, rates of retention, and rates of departure for African-American students enrolled at 3 rural Alabama community colleges. A total of 127 Alabama community college students participated in the study by completing the online Community College Student Experience Questionnaire (CCSEQ) at 3 college locations. The researcher used the CCSEQ to investigate the estimate of student gains on their quality of effort, effects of the college environment on the quality of students' efforts, effects of age on the estimate of gain and on the quality of student effort, and to determine if different college environments (institutional effects) influence the quality of students' efforts. The postulates of Astin's theory of student involvement and Tinto's theory of student departure were the theoretical formats used to direct this study. Data collected indicated a number of significant findings. Engaged and involved students performed well academically. The estimate of students' gains was impacted mostly by the quality of students' efforts in course activities, faculty interactions, library activities, computer technology, clubs, organizations, counseling and career planning. The more engaged and involved rural African-American community college students were, the greater the likelihood that they reached their educational goals. Finally, campus location or "fit" made a difference when student success was considered. Research findings indicated that community college educators at College A and College B needed to make improvements in the college environments to better serve students' academic and developmental needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- WFE0000362, uwf:61048
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY ON WORK SATISFACTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONALS BASED ON THE INDEX OF WORK SATISFACTION QUESTIONNAIRE.
- Author
- Akerman, Peggy Lou Beach
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes toward work satisfaction between special education paraprofessionals employed at exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Further, this study sought to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes of the two groups relative to age, gender,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes toward work satisfaction between special education paraprofessionals employed at exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Further, this study sought to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes of the two groups relative to age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and years employed. The Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS) measure was utilized to collect the data in this mixed method study. The IWS focused on pay, organizational policies, task requirements, interaction, and professional status. A sample of 214 special education paraprofessionals employed by the Escambia County School District in Florida participated in the study. The data analysis included a one-way ANOVA, a MANOVA, and descriptive statistics. Results of the ANOVA showed that on the IWS subscales of pay and organization policies there were statistically significant differences between special education paraprofessionals employed in exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Results of the MANOVA revealed a significant difference on the subscales of years plus tasks requirements, ethnicity plus years with interaction, and education plus level and plus years with autonomy between the two groups. Results of the analyses of the personal interviews found that the participants loved working with special needs students, but felt paraprofessionals were underpaid for their responsibilities. Other significant findings pointed to concerns of paraprofessionals such as lack of inclusion in the affairs concerning students, being treated with little respect, level of knowledge and skills, and the lack of autonomy. The interconnectivity of the IWS subscales suggested that further research is warranted to ascertain which of the subscales has the greatest impact on work satisfaction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000132, uwf:60778
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SELF-EFFICACY AMONG DIVERSE POPULATIONS.
- Author
- Roberts, Walter Scott, III
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White students. Self-efficacy has been studied immensely related to performance and academic achievement. However, little focus has been placed on general academic achievement across the curriculum. In this quantitative study, the researcher sought to establish a correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy across racial, gender, and socioeconomic...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White students. Self-efficacy has been studied immensely related to performance and academic achievement. However, little focus has been placed on general academic achievement across the curriculum. In this quantitative study, the researcher sought to establish a correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy across racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines using non-probabilistic sampling techniques and surveying. Self-efficacy was studied in the context of Bandura's and other self-efficacy scholars' theories and measured using the Morgan-Jinks Student Efficacy Scale. The results suggested a strong correlational relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White participants. Analysis failed to produce significant results related to the relationship between gender, socioeconomic status, and self-efficacy. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the proportion of low achieving and low self-efficacy students across the three racial groups. Results from this study may provide specific information to help teachers work with low achieving and low self-efficacy students to increase academic achievement. This study will hopefully inspire future studies to implement strategies aimed at increasing self-efficacy and academic achievement as well studies incorporating other demographic groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000451, uwf:61083
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Academic achievement of black males in a rural middle school.
- Author
- Bozeman, Tonya Dukes
- Abstract/Description
-
Educational statistics have consistently recorded low academic performance for Black male students, particularly those in high-poverty settings. Research studies have documented that very few Black male students can perform at the level of their counterparts from other racial categories. Circumstances such as poverty, deprivation, and lack of mentorship affect Black males' academic achievement and underachievement. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive study was to explore the lived...
Show moreEducational statistics have consistently recorded low academic performance for Black male students, particularly those in high-poverty settings. Research studies have documented that very few Black male students can perform at the level of their counterparts from other racial categories. Circumstances such as poverty, deprivation, and lack of mentorship affect Black males' academic achievement and underachievement. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive study was to explore the lived experiences of select Black male students who have been academically successful at a high-poverty rural middle school in the Southern United States. I used, per Bandura's (1977) social cognitive theory (SCT), the framework of the study, human learning and development occur through personal experiences and examination of the actions of others. I explored how behavioral, personal, and environmental factors interact to affect the selfefficacy of 12 Black male students in the school setting. Findings revealed participants perceived positive family support, positive friend or peer network, positive teacher influence, and positive self-image as supportive factors that contributed to their academic success. This study shifts the focus from Black male deficiencies to emphasizing their achievements and how internal factors such as self-perception, attitude, and self-confidence outweigh external factors such as low socioeconomic factors and lack of mentors that could reduce opportunities for success. Study participants' desires for academic achievement created a transformative bridge between their self-efficacious beliefs and their drive for education. Future research should continue to focus on understanding the contributing factors to young Black males' school success and giving them positive voices.
Show less - Identifier
- 1298604350, WFE0000790
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT RATINGS AND INSTRUCTIONAL PREFERENCES: COMPARING BEHAVIORAL, COGNITIVE, AND EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG THREE SCHOOL-AGE STUDENT COHORTS.
- Author
- Conner, Tonya Bess
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to determine the nature and extent of any differences that may exist between upper elementary, middle, and high school students among the 3 dimensions of student engagement-behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. The second objective was to gain a deeper understanding of students' preferences of learning and teaching styles through focus group sessions. The goal was to better support educators in identifying best teaching practices...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to determine the nature and extent of any differences that may exist between upper elementary, middle, and high school students among the 3 dimensions of student engagement-behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. The second objective was to gain a deeper understanding of students' preferences of learning and teaching styles through focus group sessions. The goal was to better support educators in identifying best teaching practices and effective instructional procedures that engage students throughout the students' educational career, therefore, possibly providing an intervention against the high school dropout rate. The engagement ratings and instructional preferences of 93 students in 3 school levels-upper elementary, middle, and high-were examined in this study. Findings of this study suggest there are statistically significant differences between 2 of the 3 primary dimensions of student engagement: cognitive and emotional. However, results indicate there is no statistical difference in the behavioral dimension among the 3 school levels. In addition, findings of this study revealed a strong emotional theme among all 3 school levels. Each group of participants shared a large percentage of comments about emotional connections between students and teachers. Another popular theme among participants is the preference for kinesthetic activities. Each focus group revealed their preference of learning and teaching styles with top choices involving hands-on activities, games, and project-based learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000279, uwf:60904
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND COLLEGE PREPARATION EFFORTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTION OF HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHERS AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PERSONNEL.
- Author
- Driver, Jason Hughes
- Abstract/Description
-
This study examines the relationship between high school efforts at post-secondary preparation for college bound students and the expectations of college and university admissions personnel. The Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and administrators at a rural Northwest Florida high school were administered a quantitative survey in order to collect their perceptions on which strategies and methodologies were most appropriate in preparing high school students for both AP exams as well as...
Show moreThis study examines the relationship between high school efforts at post-secondary preparation for college bound students and the expectations of college and university admissions personnel. The Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and administrators at a rural Northwest Florida high school were administered a quantitative survey in order to collect their perceptions on which strategies and methodologies were most appropriate in preparing high school students for both AP exams as well as preparation for college. The results of this survey were then shared with admission staff from a college and university located in the same county, and their responses collected qualitatively. The results demonstrated that while there were some similarities of expectation between the two groups, there were also areas of non-academic preparation, such as self-advocacy and understanding of college procedure and terminology that were not determined as pertinent to the high school personnel. The study determined a need for increased communication between the college, university, and high school groups in order to best meet expectations of college preparation at the post-secondary level.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000437, uwf:61102
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS INTO THE SUPERVISOR PERCEPTIONS OF THE QUALITY OF TROOPS TO TEACHERS PROGRAM COMPLETERS AND PROGRAM COMPLETER PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR PREPARATION TO TEACH: A NATIONAL SURVEY.
- Author
- Roberts, Jean Ellen Jernigan
- Abstract/Description
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The United States has a severe teacher shortage, especially in inner-city schools and in the areas of mathematics, science, and special-needs. One answer is to hire teachers who have completed the Troops to Teachers (T3) program; the T3 program's mission is (a) to assist qualified veterans through the teacher certification process, usually through alternative certification programs and (b) to assist the T3 teacher find a teaching position. However, does prior military training equip...
Show moreThe United States has a severe teacher shortage, especially in inner-city schools and in the areas of mathematics, science, and special-needs. One answer is to hire teachers who have completed the Troops to Teachers (T3) program; the T3 program's mission is (a) to assist qualified veterans through the teacher certification process, usually through alternative certification programs and (b) to assist the T3 teacher find a teaching position. However, does prior military training equip individuals with skills that translate into success within the classroom for both the teacher and the teacher's students, as evidenced by the most important factor of all: increased student achievement? Is the T3 program a genuine source of highly qualified teachers, or are T3 teachers actually the short straw? In a 2005 national survey, almost 90% of the T3 supervisors reported that they think the T3 teachers they supervised are more effective teachers than traditionally trained teachers with the same years of experience. However, would other T3 supervisors agree with that assessment? The research from this dissertation answers that question.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000192, uwf:60859
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMENS FEARS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIORS ABOUT HIV/AIDS.
- Author
- Washington-Thomas, Johnnii Drucilla
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and fears of African American women about contracting HIV/AIDS with the aim of identifying any common themes of these variables. I used these findings to create recommendations for education and prevention strategies that are crucial for HIV/AIDS risk-reduction behaviors among African American women and teenage girls. Ten African American women participated in the case study. To provide a focus for the study that would achieve...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and fears of African American women about contracting HIV/AIDS with the aim of identifying any common themes of these variables. I used these findings to create recommendations for education and prevention strategies that are crucial for HIV/AIDS risk-reduction behaviors among African American women and teenage girls. Ten African American women participated in the case study. To provide a focus for the study that would achieve the stated research goals, 5 research questions which aligned with a modified AIDS/HIV Questionnaire and AIDS/HIV Risk Assessment Interview were used. The findings from the study revealed that African American women are at the highest risk for exposure to and infection with the HIV virus. One of the main implications of these findings is that while African American women appear to be knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS to a certain degree, some continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. African American women are becoming infected with the HIV virus and dying of AIDS at epidemic rates. The information from the 10 African American women participants in this study reinforces the seriousness for understanding how African American women are becoming one of the most affected groups for contracting HIV/AIDS. Today, for many African American women, sexual encounters and relationships with men who are drug users, living in and out of prison systems or are living on the down low, continues to increase the number of Black women becoming infected.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000091, uwf:60705
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Air traffic control specialists' perceptions of simulation for developing job-related competencies.
- Author
- Harris, Colin Alwin
- Abstract/Description
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Inexperienced and poorly trained Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) contribute to aircraft accidents and other serious aviation mishaps, which negatively impact human safety, the environment, government and personal property, and the efficient and smooth operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can help remedy this problem by ensuring that ATCSs receive academic and simulator competency-based training. The purpose of this qualitative...
Show moreInexperienced and poorly trained Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) contribute to aircraft accidents and other serious aviation mishaps, which negatively impact human safety, the environment, government and personal property, and the efficient and smooth operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can help remedy this problem by ensuring that ATCSs receive academic and simulator competency-based training. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to understand how ATCSs at an air traffic facility in the southeastern region of the United States (U.S.) described their experiences with the ATCoach simulation training (ATCoach) in developing job-related competencies. I employed Bloom et al.'s (1956) taxonomy of the cognitive domain and its six classifications (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) to frame and align the study's research questions and interview questions to determine if five ATCSs perceived simulation as a valuable instructional method. Participants revealed that the ATCoach experiences is a valuable instructional method for enhancing ATC professionals' knowledge and skill levels by preparing them to transfer previous knowledge to practice in dayto-day ATC operations and improve their judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills--not their self-confidence. However, the simulator's physical fidelity limitations had an adverse influence on participants' learning experience. The findings, therefore, indicate ATC knowledge does not necessarily occur during the ATCoach but instead during previous classroom learning or experience. Future research should evaluate the entire ATC training program taking a learner from Certified Professional Controllers in Training (CPC-IT) status to Certified Professional Controllers (CPC).
Show less - Identifier
- 1298604671, WFE0000793
- Format
- Document (PDF)