VIEW ALL ITEMS

Title: Assessing multiple placement methods for college mathematics at a two-year college.
Author: Weirick, Chad William
Abstract/Description: Students who attend two-year institutions are not always academically prepared for the level of work that is required to be successful. Two-year institutions determine students' readiness for college-level mathematics courses using one of three placement methods. However, few empirical studies have investigated which placement methods are most effective in predicting academic success. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the placement methods that best predict student...
Show moreStudents who attend two-year institutions are not always academically prepared for the level of work that is required to be successful. Two-year institutions determine students' readiness for college-level mathematics courses using one of three placement methods. However, few empirical studies have investigated which placement methods are most effective in predicting academic success. The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the placement methods that best predict student success in college-level mathematics courses at a two-year college located in the midwestern United States. Through binary logistic regression, data obtained from the academic records of 1,330 students from a Midwestern U. S. two-year institution revealed a positive statistically significant relationship between placement methods and students' academic success. Students placed using ACT/SAT mathematics score or ACCUPLACER methods, respectively, were 1.85 (p < .05) and 3.91 (p < .001) times less likely to pass their college mathematics course compared to those students who were placed using high school grade point average (GPA). Students who took pre-calculus were 1.66 times more likely to pass than students who took statistics (p < .05) after controlling for the sociodemographic and placement type variables in the model. Age had a positive relationship with passing (OR = 1.05, p < .01). Full-time students were 1.50 times less likely than part-time students to pass (p < .05). Pell Grant eligible students were 1.57 times less likely than non-Pell Grant eligible participants to pass (p < .05). Placing students using high school GPA may improve success in college-level mathematics courses. Higher education policymakers should consider the use of high school GPA as the central method to place students into these courses.
Show less
Identifier: 1130062385, WFE0000680
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The barriers to obesity prevention or elimination in Libya: A phenomenological analysis.
Author: Elrashid, Abubaker Moh
Abstract/Description: Obesity prevalence in Libya has dramatically increased in the last three decades from 12.6% in 1984 to 30.5% in 2009 and from 36.10% in 2010 to 47.4% in 2019. High rates of obesity put Libyans at risk for contracting diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. These obesity-related health conditions ultimately affect national development as the Libyan government allocates much of the healthcare budget to the treatment of obesity comorbidities. The purpose...
Show moreObesity prevalence in Libya has dramatically increased in the last three decades from 12.6% in 1984 to 30.5% in 2009 and from 36.10% in 2010 to 47.4% in 2019. High rates of obesity put Libyans at risk for contracting diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. These obesity-related health conditions ultimately affect national development as the Libyan government allocates much of the healthcare budget to the treatment of obesity comorbidities. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the perceptions of select U.S. Libyan immigrants about the barriers to preventing or eliminating obesity in Libya. The researcher framed the study using the health belief model (HBM; Hochbaum, 1958; Rosenstock, 1974a). The HBM has six main concepts. Perceived barriers, a concept of the model, guided the development of the research questions. The researcher collected interview data from 10 Libyan immigrants in the United States. The study's findings include a perceived inability of current health education to create awareness about addressing the barriers to obesity prevention or elimination among Libyans. Per the findings, health education regarding obesity is not a priority for Libyans because they do not consider obesity to be a disease. The findings of this study have implications for raising awareness about obesity through primary healthcare. The study may also influence policies relative to the adoption of health education programs that will enforce prevention or elimination rather than treatment of health conditions such as obesity in Libya.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1202001229, WFE0000713
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Connecting social studies and power: examining Fayette County's Freedom Village.
Author: Woods, John Edward II
Abstract/Description: Social studies educators often find that creating relevant lessons that will engage students both intellectually and personally is challenging (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013; Yilmaz, 2007). By exploring the lived experiences, educators might better understand the nuances of the period being investigated that can benefit lesson plan development (Woods & Jans-Thomas, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). Also, relevant lessons engage students through connections that could enhance...
Show moreSocial studies educators often find that creating relevant lessons that will engage students both intellectually and personally is challenging (National Council for the Social Studies [NCSS], 2013; Yilmaz, 2007). By exploring the lived experiences, educators might better understand the nuances of the period being investigated that can benefit lesson plan development (Woods & Jans-Thomas, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). Also, relevant lessons engage students through connections that could enhance historical empathy (Perrotta, 2016; Yilmaz, 2007). To support lesson plan development, this phenomenological study identified connections between social studies and power that existed in Fayette County's Freedom Village. Therefore, this study served a twofold purpose: (a) to aid social studies educators in developing relevant lessons and (b) to enhance students' historical empathy. To accomplish the purpose, the following research question was answered: What connections exist between social studies and power that support lesson plan development and enhance historical empathy when examining the Fayette County Freedom Village? The NCSS College, Career, and Civic Life (NCSS C3) Framework and Foucault's (1994) philosophy of power provided the constructs for the conceptual framework. Historical research methods were employed to collect data, while content analysis was utilized to analyze data. The findings revealed that social studies and power connections exist when examining Freedom Village. For example, history, civics, economics, and geography were connected with Foucault's (1994) power strategy, while civics and geography were connected with power relations and freedom. With the findings, educators can develop relevant and engaging lessons associated with the Freedom Village and other historical events.
Show less
Identifier: 1130062504, WFE0000681
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of 4-H youths' prosocial development on academic achievement in north Florida counties.
Author: Hancock, Emily Baxter
Abstract/Description: Placing youths' academic achievement over prosocial skill development is stunting youths' social and emotional growth. Research shows that the 4-H youth organization promotes prosocial skill development in youth. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational study was to examine the relationship between the intensity of participation in a 4-H youth program and the development of prosocial behavior in nine to 12-year-olds in three North Florida counties. The research is framed by Arnold's...
Show morePlacing youths' academic achievement over prosocial skill development is stunting youths' social and emotional growth. Research shows that the 4-H youth organization promotes prosocial skill development in youth. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational study was to examine the relationship between the intensity of participation in a 4-H youth program and the development of prosocial behavior in nine to 12-year-olds in three North Florida counties. The research is framed by Arnold's 4-H thriving model which operationalizes the outcome variables that contribute to positive youth development. The researcher used Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to support Arnold's model. The researcher sampled public school, 4-H youth from three North Florida counties between the ages of nine and 12. A convenience sample of 4- H youth (N = 72) completed the Bridge-PYD survey to evaluate their presentation of positive development while the 4-H leaders and corresponding classroom teachers completed the Child Trends Survey to reveal youths' prosocial presentation in the two environments. Included in the data collection are measures of youths' most recent reading and math scores on the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). Moderation analysis demonstrated a significant moderation effect, p < .001, indicating that the relationship between prosocial development and academic achievement is moderated by the intensity of 4-H participation. The results conclude that North Florida 4-H youths presented high prosocial skill development in addition to academic success as measured by the FSA. This study serves as a resource for youth development practitioners and an examination of current education mandates.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1202024515, WFE0000715
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a nutritional education video game on high school students.
Author: Mitchell, Debra Lynn
Abstract/Description: The problem this study sought to address was to examine adolescent obesity and the need for effective school-based interventions. The purpose of this quantitative pre-experimental study was to examine the effects of a nutritional education video game, Alien Health, on ninth and 10th-grade students' mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs in a high school nutrition class in the Southeastern United States. This study used the narrative transportation theory as...
Show moreThe problem this study sought to address was to examine adolescent obesity and the need for effective school-based interventions. The purpose of this quantitative pre-experimental study was to examine the effects of a nutritional education video game, Alien Health, on ninth and 10th-grade students' mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs in a high school nutrition class in the Southeastern United States. This study used the narrative transportation theory as the theoretical framework (Gerrig, 1993; Green & Brock, 2000). The researcher used four paired samples t-test to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between pretest and posttest mean scores. The researcher conducted a bivariate Pearson correlation, or Pearson's r, to determine if a statistically significant correlation was present among mental imagery, emotional response, attention, and rational food beliefs. The analysis suggested a significant difference between mean scores for nutritional beliefs in ninth and 10th-grade students who played the Alien Health game. The results of the data analysis did not suggest a statistical difference between any of the other variables' mean scores. Analysis suggested a positive linear relationship between mental imagery and emotional response: r(62) = .574, p < .01, two-tailed. There was also a significant negative linear relationship between mental imagery and attention, r(62) = -.342, p < .01, as well as a significant negative linear relationship between emotional response and attention: r(62) = -.282, p < .01. Data analysis did not suggest a significant linear relationship between any of the transportation variables and rational food beliefs.
Show less
Identifier: 1129044607, WFE0000662
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An examination of ethnocultural empathy in campus policing.
Author: Vaughn, Stefan Wayne
Abstract/Description: The quantitative study examined diversity training and police service differences on levels of ethnocultural empathy among Florida's public university campus police officers. Enrollment in Florida's public universities has increased markedly along all social, cultural, and racial lines during the last decade (State University System of Florida [SUS], 2017). As such, campus police officers must interact more routinely with members of various minority groups. Relationships between police...
Show moreThe quantitative study examined diversity training and police service differences on levels of ethnocultural empathy among Florida's public university campus police officers. Enrollment in Florida's public universities has increased markedly along all social, cultural, and racial lines during the last decade (State University System of Florida [SUS], 2017). As such, campus police officers must interact more routinely with members of various minority groups. Relationships between police officers and minority members have long been strained by a myriad of social, political, and economic issues (Clayton, 2018). As a result, campus police officers must maintain cultural competence to promote positive relationships within these diverse campus communities (Moule, 2012). The researcher used the model of ethnocultural empathy (MEE) as a conceptual lens to examine the topic (Wang et al., 2003), along with the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (SEE) to collect data relating to ethnocultural empathy levels (Wang et al., 2003) among a small sample (n = 37) of police officers from five public universities in Florida. Ethnocultural empathy is the model's singular concept. Statistical testing compared group differences using independent samples t-tests. The results identified a statistically significant difference relating to an ancillary factor but not in relation to diversity training or police service. The conclusions drawn from the study infer heightened supervisor interest in diversity training development, demographic underrepresentation in Florida's campus police departments, and the need to standardize diversity training curriculum for campus police officers in Florida. The study has implications for researchers, campus police administrators, police trainers, and campus stakeholders.
Show less
Identifier: 1130061083, WFE0000679
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining factors that influence student use of lecture capturing technology.
Author: Adrian, Todd Lee
Abstract/Description: ABSTRACT: Higher education institutions implement lecture capturing technology (LCT) to provide students access to recorded course lectures. Consequently, institutions can experience barriers implementing LCT related to lack of student use of the technology. This study's purpose was to examine whether performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions influence undergraduate nursing students' decisions to use LCT after attending face-to-face lectures at a...
Show moreABSTRACT: Higher education institutions implement lecture capturing technology (LCT) to provide students access to recorded course lectures. Consequently, institutions can experience barriers implementing LCT related to lack of student use of the technology. This study's purpose was to examine whether performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions influence undergraduate nursing students' decisions to use LCT after attending face-to-face lectures at a state college in Florida. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical framework. This study incorporated a quantitative correlational design and used a modified UTAUT survey instrument to determine if there are statistically significant relationships among the UTAUT constructs and LCT use. A linear regression was performed, and the results suggested there was a statistically significant relationship between the performance expectancy construct and use of LCT, r(116) = .647, p < .01, two-tailed; the effort expectancy construct and use of LCT, r(116) = .249, p < .01, two tailed; and the social influence construct and student use of LCT, r(116) = .255, p < .01, two tailed. A multiple regression analysis suggested performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions statistically significantly predicted student LCT usage, F(4, 113) = 21.32, p < .001. The R2 = .430 with a large effect size (f2 = .754). The results from this study add to the limited body of knowledge on LCT use and provide technology leaders with a better understanding of factors contributing to student use of LCT, which can be used for future research.
Show less
Date Issued: 2019.
Identifier: 1127639386, WFE0000645
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the educational philosophy of Henriette Delille: a case study.
Author: Powell, Charletha D'Lane
Abstract/Description: This dissertation explores Henriette Delille's educational philosophy that was developed during the antebellum era of New Orleans and her contributions to modern day education. The researcher investigated the pervasive culture of White privilege, which existed and denied the enslaved Black populace access to education. Within the literature, there was a lack of information examining the foundation of Delille's philosophy of education as a free Black woman in antebellum New Orleans. The...
Show moreThis dissertation explores Henriette Delille's educational philosophy that was developed during the antebellum era of New Orleans and her contributions to modern day education. The researcher investigated the pervasive culture of White privilege, which existed and denied the enslaved Black populace access to education. Within the literature, there was a lack of information examining the foundation of Delille's philosophy of education as a free Black woman in antebellum New Orleans. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors that influenced Henriette Delille's educational philosophy as well as her contributions to modern day education through the theoretical framework of W. E. B. DuBois' (1903) theory of double consciousness, which included the theoretical constructs of self-consciousness and racial identity. The researcher developed questions that addressed validity, value, and credibility as well as the depth and breadth of the research through the use of descriptive data. Historical and archival data became the voice of Henriette Delille because she is deceased. Major findings included emergent themes of racialization, political manipulation, religious influence, imperialism, and enslavement. The researcher concluded that race, religious influence, and the social strata of antebellum New Orleans guided Henriette Delille's philosophy of education. Implications of this research resulted in policies to address curriculum inequalities, racialization, and inclusive pedagogy. Future research will benefit from the examination of White privilege, disparities in the availability of quality education, and classroom segregation in modern day New Orleans' schools.
Show less
Identifier: 1129598851, WFE0000669
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring elementary student motivationlevels within gamified digital mathematics instructional programs.
Author: Hoover, Jennifer Lauren
Abstract/Description: Some approaches to teaching mathematics have led to decreased student motivation. Gamification is an application of game elements within nongame settings. While gamification may increase motivation in other contexts, its effective use in digital mathematics instruction to motivate elementary students is undetermined. Based on the constructs of self-determination theory (i.e., autonomy, relatedness/recognition, competence/self-efficacy), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were the two...
Show moreSome approaches to teaching mathematics have led to decreased student motivation. Gamification is an application of game elements within nongame settings. While gamification may increase motivation in other contexts, its effective use in digital mathematics instruction to motivate elementary students is undetermined. Based on the constructs of self-determination theory (i.e., autonomy, relatedness/recognition, competence/self-efficacy), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were the two determinants used to develop research questions and frame the study. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify how intrinsic and extrinsic motivators embedded within gamified digital mathematics instructional programs contribute to motivation levels of third- through fifth-grade students at an elementary school located in central Texas. A target research sample that consisted of 38 participants was identified which then produced a data producing sample of 20 participants. Semi-scripted phenomenological interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed by each research question to identify the degree to which gamified components, across nine different subtypes (interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, perceived choice, value/usefulness, intrinsic motivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, and identified regulation), impacted student motivation. This study concluded that students reported the highest motivation levels with a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic gamified motivators. Data suggested that a lack of autonomy established by mandatory participation in digital mathematics instructional programs positively impact motivation. Future research could address the impact of gamification upon levels of motivation by age or grade level and how levels of motivation change over time.
Show less
Identifier: 1129016349, WFE0000658
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring the concepts of critical pedagogy in a university in Western Africa.
Author: Nkansah, Joan Nkansaa
Abstract/Description: Quality education and appropriate training that students need to become relevant to society are lacking in many Ghanaian universities. The instructional delivery techniques in these universities do not expose students to critical thinking and the development of critical consciousness. However, studies have established that when students possess critical consciousness, they improve themselves and take actions that serve the best interest of society. The identified case is a private university...
Show moreQuality education and appropriate training that students need to become relevant to society are lacking in many Ghanaian universities. The instructional delivery techniques in these universities do not expose students to critical thinking and the development of critical consciousness. However, studies have established that when students possess critical consciousness, they improve themselves and take actions that serve the best interest of society. The identified case is a private university in Ghana that has prioritized cultivating critical thinking skills and developing critical consciousness within students. The strategies for teaching and learning at this university bear similarity with the principles of critical pedagogy. These strategies do not only set the institution apart from other universities but reflect in students' academic and career excellence. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study, therefore, was to explore how the concepts of critical pedagogy inform the instructional delivery methods in the university. The study employed critical pedagogy as the conceptual framework with research questions emerging from the concepts (i.e., problem-posing education, teacher and student roles, praxis, dialogue) as well as the study's problem and purpose. Eleven purposefully selected participants provided an in-depth illumination of the subject matter. The study's findings revealed that the concepts of critical pedagogy inform the instructional delivery methods in the institution through problem-based curricula content, entrepreneurial skill development, collaborative education, and leadership skill development. The study has policy implications. The findings provide resourceful information to educational leaders on future curriculum and instructional design that are appropriate for individual and national development.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1202267438, WFE0000724
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring the use of The Big Bang Theory in ESL teaching.
Author: Cook, Stephen Todd
Abstract/Description: This qualitative case study investigated how adult ESL students in a postsecondary English for academic purposes (EAP) program in the Southwest region of the United States experienced The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) television sitcom as a source of humorous authentic teaching materials. Krashen's (1982) affective filter hypothesis served as the theoretical framework to explore 12 participants' experiences in terms of the affective factors of anxiety, self-confidence, and motivation. Corpus...
Show moreThis qualitative case study investigated how adult ESL students in a postsecondary English for academic purposes (EAP) program in the Southwest region of the United States experienced The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) television sitcom as a source of humorous authentic teaching materials. Krashen's (1982) affective filter hypothesis served as the theoretical framework to explore 12 participants' experiences in terms of the affective factors of anxiety, self-confidence, and motivation. Corpus linguistics analysis revealed that 3.96% of all words spoken on the pilot episode of TBBT occurred more frequently in the academic writing section of the Corpus of Contemporary American English database compared to only 0.25% on the words in the pilot episode of Modern Family. These findings suggested the potential suitability of TBBT for use in EAP contexts to expose students to target academic vocabulary and content in a low-filter environment. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and interview guides revealed that TBBT reduced students' affective filters due to its inclusion of humor, authentic language, different communication styles, and different personality types. In contrast, participants reported that TBBT could increase students' affective filters due the show's rapid speed of dialogue, inclusion of potentially inappropriate topics or humor, or its unfamiliar words and content. With proper excerpt selection and preparation, these findings suggested that TBBT could be used to reduce postsecondary EAP students' affective filters. Further research is needed to understand how the use of TBBT may influence learning outcomes in EAP contexts.
Show less
Identifier: 1128883774, WFE0000651
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Faculty acceptance of the peer assessment collaboration evaluation tool: a quantitative study.
Author: Podsiad, Megan Elizabeth
Abstract/Description: The problem this study sought to address was faculty reluctance to use new online peer-assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational factors that influence acceptance of the Peer Assessment Collaboration Evaluation (PACE) Tool among faculty employed at a mid-sized university in the Southeastern United States. This study used Davis's (1986) technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivational constructs "attitude toward using, perceived usefulness and perceived ease...
Show moreThe problem this study sought to address was faculty reluctance to use new online peer-assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational factors that influence acceptance of the Peer Assessment Collaboration Evaluation (PACE) Tool among faculty employed at a mid-sized university in the Southeastern United States. This study used Davis's (1986) technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivational constructs "attitude toward using, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use" (p. 44). The researcher used simple linear regression and standard multiple regression to determine if there was a significant relationship, if any, between the motivational constructs. The simple linear regression analyses indicated large, significant linear relationships for the following pairs of constructs: "attitude toward using and perceived usefulness" (Davis, 1986, p. 133) with R2 = .761, F(1, 49) = 156.043, p < .05, f2 = 3.18; "attitude toward using . . . and perceived ease of use" (Davis, 1986, p. 44) with R2 = .394, F(1, 50) = 32.479, p < .05, f2 = .65; and "perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use" (Davis, 1986, p. 24) with R2 = .544, F(1, 52) = 21.865, p < .05, f2 = .42. Additionally, the standard multiple regression found perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the PACE Tool to be predictors of attitude toward using the PACE Tool with R2 = .776, F(2, 48) = 83.130, p < .05. Cohen's f2 was 3.46 for this analysis, indicating a large effect size.
Show less
Identifier: 1129598261, WFE0000668
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Female experiences in math courses at a Florida college using stereotype threat.
Author: Calloway, Joc Thomas
Abstract/Description: In 2013, changes to Florida Statute ʹ 1008.30(3)(a) and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.0315 reduced the number of developmental courses required for students to complete before advancing to college-level coursework (Florida K-20 Education Code, 2018b). With these changes, eligible Florida college students have additional course options to consider when registering for college math courses. The researcher identified the underrepresentation of women in college math STEM courses and careers...
Show moreIn 2013, changes to Florida Statute ʹ 1008.30(3)(a) and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.0315 reduced the number of developmental courses required for students to complete before advancing to college-level coursework (Florida K-20 Education Code, 2018b). With these changes, eligible Florida college students have additional course options to consider when registering for college math courses. The researcher identified the underrepresentation of women in college math STEM courses and careers as the problem for this study. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of academically at-risk female students at a two-year Florida college, while the secondary study purpose was to explore the manner in which their experience in math courses might have influenced their career pathways. The researcher used stereotype threat theory as the theoretical framework to explore the perspectives and career pathways of participants. A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to collect and analyze data from the study's participants. The researcher conducted interviews with 16 female college students that were part of the site institution's Student Support Services program. Findings were presented based on themes that emerged during the data analysis. Based on the findings, the researcher discovered themes of stereotype threat theory associated with historical gender oppression and contemporary societal viewpoints, the changing gender role in STEM fields, advising and math course selections, and the perseverance of women and college math courses. Future research may include analyzing the perseverance rate of female college students exposed to stereotype threat theory and research related to the role of women in STEM education.
Show less
Identifier: 1128883400, WFE0000650
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impact of social change: a study of the community of Christ.
Author: Rose, Roger Allen
Abstract/Description: This study investigates factors that contributed to organizational changes that happened in the Community of Christ church between 1955 and 1970. Social movements including the Civil Rights Movement, the women's rights movement, the free speech movement, and the anti-war movement each played influential roles in shaping the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The movements of the era called into question long-held beliefs, traditions, and authority at many societal levels. The movements...
Show moreThis study investigates factors that contributed to organizational changes that happened in the Community of Christ church between 1955 and 1970. Social movements including the Civil Rights Movement, the women's rights movement, the free speech movement, and the anti-war movement each played influential roles in shaping the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The movements of the era called into question long-held beliefs, traditions, and authority at many societal levels. The movements also influenced faith traditions in the United States including the Community of Christ. Archival research of the two most widely circulated periodicals produced by the Community of Christ at the time revealed conceptual shifts during the period. Archival research also revealed a small group of individuals who were involved in facilitating the changes. Other primary resources indicated a slow but direct change in church ideology, policy, self-understanding, and theology during the period. Open-ended interviews with 12 influential leaders from the era showed that their early experiences influenced their desires to act in leadership roles in the Community of Christ and also influenced their desire to facilitate organizational change in their church. The three data sources were triangulated to create a historical narrative exploring the changes that took place during what became known as the Decade of Decision. The narrative is a story about how leaders in one faith tradition were influenced by the compelling social experiences of the 1950s and 1960s and in turn facilitated social and educational transformation in their church when they became leaders.
Show less
Identifier: 1129599547, WFE0000672
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Instructor intent to integrate online collaborative activities: a case study.
Author: Valaitis, Karen Lynn
Abstract/Description: Online higher education has expanded over the last decade to meet workforce needs for job placement in areas such as healthcare. Collaborative activities are a method used in higher education to develop the higher-order skills that students need to succeed in today's workforce. However, instructors have continued to make the integration of online collaborative activities a low priority. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore instructor intent to integrate collaborative...
Show moreOnline higher education has expanded over the last decade to meet workforce needs for job placement in areas such as healthcare. Collaborative activities are a method used in higher education to develop the higher-order skills that students need to succeed in today's workforce. However, instructors have continued to make the integration of online collaborative activities a low priority. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore instructor intent to integrate collaborative activities in online undergraduate courses preparing students in the field of healthcare. Participants were a purposefully selected sample of 10 undergraduate instructors in healthcare who were not integrating online collaborative activities at the time of the study. The sources of data were one-on-one interviews, a focus group interview, and document research. The theory of planned behavior provided the framework to align the purpose of the study and the research questions. The theory of planned behavior assumes a person's intentions accurately predict a corresponding behavior, and the factors influencing their intent include personal attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The findings demonstrate that instructors had a negative intent to integrate online collaborative activities, and the primary areas of influence were personal attitude and subjective norms. Major conclusions include the fact that instructors believe collaborative activities do not achieve the intended outcomes and are more difficult for instructors to manage online than in face-to-face courses. Future research should explore whether strategies directed at changing these beliefs alter the intent to integrate online collaborative activities.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1202267738, WFE0000725
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Integrating a cultural fairy tale in a college course through sociocultural theory.
Author: Strickland, Robyn Le'An
Abstract/Description: This purpose of this action research study was to identify another way to promote cultural diversity in a human growth and development course (HGD) at a college located in Northwest Florida. Under the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), all courses listed in general education degree plans assess student learning outcomes (SLOs). A class assignment guided by Vygotskian sociocultural theory and...
Show moreThis purpose of this action research study was to identify another way to promote cultural diversity in a human growth and development course (HGD) at a college located in Northwest Florida. Under the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), all courses listed in general education degree plans assess student learning outcomes (SLOs). A class assignment guided by Vygotskian sociocultural theory and integrating a fairy tale was another way to promote diverse cultures. The participants in this study consisted of 25 students taking an HGD class. Data collection consisted of two in-class presentation/activities, cultural fairy tale "Little Burnt Face," and reflective journaling of the teacher-researcher. The data obtained were then analyzed for cultural codes, themes, and categories. The teacher-researcher suggests future curriculum and instruction can be modified to identify ways to promote diverse cultures in HGD courses.
Show less
Identifier: 1130059714, WFE0000676
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Monograde and multigrade special education teachers' sense of self-efficacy beliefs.
Author: Tutt, Felix Antonio
Abstract/Description: Challenges of teaching special needs students result in high special education teacher turnover (Dev & Haynes, 2015; Linehan, 2013). Bandura's (1977, 1994) self-efficacy theory explains how people remain resilient despite challenges. Resilience is contingent on mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and emotional and psychological states (Bandura, 1994; Tschannen-Moran, Woolfolk-Hoy, & Hoy, 1998). This quantitative study examined a convenience sample of 45 special...
Show moreChallenges of teaching special needs students result in high special education teacher turnover (Dev & Haynes, 2015; Linehan, 2013). Bandura's (1977, 1994) self-efficacy theory explains how people remain resilient despite challenges. Resilience is contingent on mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and emotional and psychological states (Bandura, 1994; Tschannen-Moran, Woolfolk-Hoy, & Hoy, 1998). This quantitative study examined a convenience sample of 45 special education monograde and multigrade teachers to determine if classroom type influenced self-efficacy levels in student engagement, instructional practice, and classroom management. Data collected from the Teacher's Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES) were analyzed. An unpaired, independent t-test assessed any mean differences between variables. The researcher found that multigrade teachers exhibited lower levels of self- efficacy than monograde teachers when assessing how much they can do to get through to and engage the most difficult students. Related to theoretical constructs, lower self-efficacy among multigrade special education teachers may be attributed to lack of individual success engaging these students or opportunities to be observed or be motivated by other successful teachers. The study also highlights that while classroom type may have some influence on teacher self-efficacy levels in student engagement, additional research is needed to identify what other aspects of the learning environment influence special education teacher self-efficacy. Improving special education teachers' self-efficacy may increase teacher resilience in the profession midst of challenges.
Show less
Identifier: 1130060784, WFE0000677
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A multiple case study: disciplinary literacy instruction in middle level science classrooms.
Author: Nagle, Corey Edward
Abstract/Description: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2017) reported that literacy scores have not significantly improved in over 20 years. These scores have prompted investigations of instruction for improving literacy instruction, such as disciplinary literacy (DL), but research supporting DL implementation is limited (Fisher & Ivey, 2005; Moje, 2008, 2015; Shanahan & Shanahan, 2008, 2015). The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the DL instruction implemented in middle...
Show moreThe National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2017) reported that literacy scores have not significantly improved in over 20 years. These scores have prompted investigations of instruction for improving literacy instruction, such as disciplinary literacy (DL), but research supporting DL implementation is limited (Fisher & Ivey, 2005; Moje, 2008, 2015; Shanahan & Shanahan, 2008, 2015). The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the DL instruction implemented in middle level science classrooms in an urban middle school in the United States. The qualitative research paradigm was selected to explore science teacher implementation of DL. Drawing from Shulman's (1986, 1987) theory of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), educator practices were investigated using multiple qualitative case study methodology. Shulman's (1986, 1987) theoretical constructs of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and PCK developed to explain teacher decision-making and instruction were used in this study to explore educator understanding and actions related to DL. Three participants, two veteran teachers and one novice teacher, represented three cases inclusive of science instruction in Grades 6-8. Major findings include participants' expanded definitions of text for literacy, impacts of professional development on DL PCK, the use of both content area and DL, integration of DL with science practices, and the simultaneous development of science and DL PCK. Implications of this study include the need for policies for developing PCK of DL and transfer of learning into teacher practice to improve science and literacy instruction. Further research is necessary to understand the impacts of DL instruction on student achievement.
Show less
Identifier: 1129457574, WFE0000664
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Postgraduation residency plans of sub-saharan African doctoral students in the United States.
Author: Ayivor, Sandra
Abstract/Description: The international student population in the U.S. is rising annually. Upon graduation, the students make postgraduation residency decisions to remain in the U.S., return to their home countries, or move to a new destination. Research on international students' postgraduation plans points to various factors that influence a stay or go decision. However, research on postgraduation plans has not focused on doctorate recipients from sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, educational, business, and...
Show moreThe international student population in the U.S. is rising annually. Upon graduation, the students make postgraduation residency decisions to remain in the U.S., return to their home countries, or move to a new destination. Research on international students' postgraduation plans points to various factors that influence a stay or go decision. However, research on postgraduation plans has not focused on doctorate recipients from sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, educational, business, and government leaders lack information about this population that is crucial to address the effects of brain drain. This quantitative study adopted Lee's push-pull theory, which explains the push, pull, intervening, and personal factors that influence migration, to examine the postgraduation residency plans based on sex, age, marital status, dependent status, field of study, and economic classification of country. The responses to the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) were analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression tests to answer the research questions. The results indicate that, on average, 60% of all sub-Saharan African doctorate recipients plan to reside in the U.S. postgraduation. Furthermore, the variables were statistically significantly associated with postgraduation residency plans. Age, marital status, dependent status, and economic classification of the country of origin were significant predictors of postgraduation residency plans of sub-Saharan African doctorate recipients. Leaders in sub-Saharan Africa and the United States can use the results for student support services and employment-related decisions. Future research should consider employing longitudinal research, mixed methods designs, and include other variables that may provide comprehensive knowledge of the factors that influence postgraduation residency plans.
Show less
Date Issued: 2020, 2020
Identifier: 1201541186, WFE0000710
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Relating student perceptions of parent attitudes to student motivation for learning mathematics.
Author: Schamber, Wendy Diane
Abstract/Description: In response to declining national academic rankings, the United States developed a set of common standards (Common Core State Standards Initiative [CCSSI], 2015; Neuman & Roskos, 2013); however, success requires student effort. In that respect, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between student perceptions of parent attitudes toward student ability and effort following implementation of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and student motivation for...
Show moreIn response to declining national academic rankings, the United States developed a set of common standards (Common Core State Standards Initiative [CCSSI], 2015; Neuman & Roskos, 2013); however, success requires student effort. In that respect, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between student perceptions of parent attitudes toward student ability and effort following implementation of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and student motivation for learning mathematics. The construct of perception evident in Weiner's attribution theory of interpersonal motivation indicates individuals attribute motivation to factors they perceive to be real (Weiner, 2000). Student perceptions of parent attitudes can influence student motivation. This study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design with survey methodology to gather data online from middle school students in a district that implemented the CCSSM. The study used 122 participants for an alpha of .05, power of .80, and medium effect size. The study utilized Pearson's r and Spearman r along with simple linear regression and multiple regression analyses to describe the relationship between the variables. Results indicate that student perceptions of parent attitudes toward student ability have a greater influence on student motivation than student perceptions of parent attitudes toward student effort. Student perceptions of parent attitudes toward both student ability and student effort are more positive than student perceptions of their own ability and effort, consistent with Weiner's (2000) social component of motivation. The study implies possible changes to policy and practice that would increase parent communication and involvement in a child's education.
Show less
Identifier: 1129599806, WFE0000673
Format: Document (PDF)

Dissertations, Academic (16)	+ -
Academic theses (15)	+ -
Education (4)	+ -
Departments (2)	+ -
Evaluation (2)	+ -

Mathematics (2)	+ -
Self-efficacy (2)	+ -
Students (2)	+ -
Teaching (2)	+ -
Universities and colleges (2)	+ -
4-H clubs (1)	+ -
Academic achievement (1)	+ -
Administration (1)	+ -
Campus police (1)	+ -
Common Core State Standards (Education) (1)	+ -
Cultural pluralism (1)	+ -
Education, Higher (1)	+ -
Educational evaluation (1)	+ -
English language (1)	+ -
Food habits (1)	+ -
Foreign speakers (1)	+ -
Gamification (1)	+ -
Mass media and education (1)	+ -
Obesity (1)	+ -
Obesity in adolescence (1)	+ -
Popular education (1)	+ -
Race discrimination (1)	+ -
Science (1)	+ -
Special education educators (1)	+ -

United States (6)	+ -
Africa, Sub-Saharan (1)	+ -
Africa, West (1)	+ -
Fayette County (Ala.) (1)	+ -
Florida (1)	+ -

Academic theses. (21)	+ -
text-txt (21)	+ -
Electronic thesis or dissertation. (20)	+ -
bibliography (20)	+ -
Academic theses (1)	+ -

Adrian, Todd Lee (1)	+ -
Ayivor, Sandra (1)	+ -
Bryson, Mallory Janine (1)	+ -
Calloway, Joc Thomas (1)	+ -
Cook, Stephen Todd (1)	+ -

uwf.digital.flvc.org

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Name

Format

Owner