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- Title
- THE IMPACT OF SUCCESSMAKER ON THE FCAT READING SCORES OF LEVEL-1 AND LEVEL-2 SIXTH GRADERS.
- Author
- Wheeler, John Morrison, Nichols, Joyce C., Wentz, Pat J., Whinnery, Keith W., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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This quantitative experimental study used a one-group pretest-posttest design to examine the possible effects of SuccessMaker, a computer software reading program, on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading scores of level-1 and level-2 sixth-grade middle school students. Data were gathered from the participants’ FCAT reading scores at the beginning of their sixth-grade academic year (pretest, 2005) and again after the application of the SuccessMaker program (posttest, 2006)...
Show moreThis quantitative experimental study used a one-group pretest-posttest design to examine the possible effects of SuccessMaker, a computer software reading program, on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) reading scores of level-1 and level-2 sixth-grade middle school students. Data were gathered from the participants’ FCAT reading scores at the beginning of their sixth-grade academic year (pretest, 2005) and again after the application of the SuccessMaker program (posttest, 2006) at the close of their sixth-grade year. The data was collected from one dependent sample utilizing the 47 participants using two sources: the time spent on the computer using the SuccessMaker reading program and b) the two categories of FCAT reading scores which were the achievement level scores and the mean scores for the developmental scale scores (DSS) portion, respectively. Two research questions were addressed. The Pearson r test was used to analyze the amount of time students spent using SuccessMaker (independent variable) and the FCAT reading achievement scores (dependent variable). The results indicated there was no significance between the two variables. The paired-samples t-test was used to compare the mean scores between the FCAT reading DSS pre- and post-test (2005 / 2006). The results indicated a significant increase between the pre- and post-test FCAT reading DSS mean scores.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000072, uwf:60676
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE NEUROSURGEON.
- Author
- Nicholson, Marilyn Redmon, Rogers, Mary F., Ferguson, Fernaundra L., Largue, Robin, Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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This qualitative case study examines the lived experiences of Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African American female neurosurgeon. A feminist perspective provides the theoretical framework for looking at the gendered systems of power in a male-dominated profession. The purpose of this study was to identify challenges Dr. Canady encountered related to race, gender, and class in her educational and professional achievements and the strategies she used to overcome them. Data were derived from...
Show moreThis qualitative case study examines the lived experiences of Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African American female neurosurgeon. A feminist perspective provides the theoretical framework for looking at the gendered systems of power in a male-dominated profession. The purpose of this study was to identify challenges Dr. Canady encountered related to race, gender, and class in her educational and professional achievements and the strategies she used to overcome them. Data were derived from document analysis and 12 in-depth interviews, 9 with Dr. Canady and 3 with other participants. In order to understand this unique case, both power and privilege in Dr. Canady’s life were explored.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- WFE0000053, uwf:60723
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- TEACHERS AS PROFESSIONALS: NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION.
- Author
- Gantt, Anita Masha, Rogers, Mary F., Ferguson, Fernaundra L., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The broad purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers who participate in the National Board Certification process. My individual interviews with the 4 teachers touched on many of their experiences. The 3 matters that emerged as paramount included professional relationships, teaching practices, and professional development. Focus groups were used with a different set of participants to supplement the individual interviews in order to provide multiple perspectives....
Show moreThe broad purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers who participate in the National Board Certification process. My individual interviews with the 4 teachers touched on many of their experiences. The 3 matters that emerged as paramount included professional relationships, teaching practices, and professional development. Focus groups were used with a different set of participants to supplement the individual interviews in order to provide multiple perspectives. Four topics predominated. These topics included feelings of an elevation of status or validation, improved teaching practices, enhanced relationships with colleagues, and rich learning experiences. Improved teaching practices and enhanced professional relationships were topics that emerged from both the individual interviews and the focus groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- WFE0000037, uwf:60731
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SELF-EFFICACY AND EXPERIENTIAL VARIABLES: DO THEY INFLUENCE PERSISTENCE OF GRADUATE STUDENTS IN COMPLETING THEIR ONLINE COURSES?.
- Author
- Desposito, Ofelia Ragadio Lanada, Stout, David L., Rasmussen, Karen L., Nichols, Joyce C., Maloy, Nancy N., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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This study was designed to investigate why some online graduate students persist in completing their courses, while others do not. Three research questions guided this project: (a) do self-efficacy and experiential variables interact to influence the persistence of graduate students in completing their online courses, (b) how does self-efficacy influence the persistence of graduate students in completing their online courses, and (c) which experiential variables impact the persistence of...
Show moreThis study was designed to investigate why some online graduate students persist in completing their courses, while others do not. Three research questions guided this project: (a) do self-efficacy and experiential variables interact to influence the persistence of graduate students in completing their online courses, (b) how does self-efficacy influence the persistence of graduate students in completing their online courses, and (c) which experiential variables impact the persistence of graduate students in completing their online courses? The independent variables were self-efficacy and experiential variables while the dependent variable was persistence. Out of 364 questionnaires mailed, 175 were completed. The findings indicated self-efficacy combined with experiential variables form an ideal predictor model towards persistence among online graduate students. Recommendations were proposed for practitioners, faculty, institutions, and future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- WFE0000049, uwf:60732
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- OUTCOME-BASED EVALUATION OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AT THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR BOYS.
- Author
- Johnson, Kenneth Earl, Zimmerman, Sherri L., Boling, Charlotte J., Kaczynski, Daniel J., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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Qualitative research examining the relationships of teacher-student interpersonal relationships and student satisfaction with the school was conducted at the Washington County School Board (WCSB) program at Northwest Florida School for Boys (NFSB), located in Marianna, Florida. NFSB is a level 8, high-risk residential program for male youth adjudicated to the supervision of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Teacher-student relationships were examined using the Questionnaire of...
Show moreQualitative research examining the relationships of teacher-student interpersonal relationships and student satisfaction with the school was conducted at the Washington County School Board (WCSB) program at Northwest Florida School for Boys (NFSB), located in Marianna, Florida. NFSB is a level 8, high-risk residential program for male youth adjudicated to the supervision of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Teacher-student relationships were examined using the Questionnaire of Teacher Interaction through interviews with teachers and students. Satisfaction with the school was examined through interviews using the Comprehensive Assessment of School Environments Satisfaction Questionnaire. The dependent variable of reading achievement was quantified through pre- and posttest scores using the Standardized Test of Ability in Reading.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000013, uwf:60756
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MILITARY WIDOWS AGING TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY.
- Author
- Small, Frankie Anne, Rogers, Mary F., Friedrich, Douglas, Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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Utilizing the individuals story as a method to impart practical knowledge through their lived experiences is often undervalued and overlooked. The story allows for giving voice to and inclusion of those that are often unheard in society. Currently, statistics show a high percentage of women outliving their male spouses for a considerable part of their adult life-span. Viewing from a feminist communitarianism lens, this study explores the potential women's communities might hold for widows...
Show moreUtilizing the individuals story as a method to impart practical knowledge through their lived experiences is often undervalued and overlooked. The story allows for giving voice to and inclusion of those that are often unheard in society. Currently, statistics show a high percentage of women outliving their male spouses for a considerable part of their adult life-span. Viewing from a feminist communitarianism lens, this study explores the potential women's communities might hold for widows facing life alone, as they utilize and embrace their symbolic shared past community and the care imparted along the way. This multiple case study, venturing into the life-world of four military widows, illustrates how each widow is able to maintain her own individual identity while living and interacting with others in community. Their stocks of knowledge from across their life span tell a history of social life as well as individual life (Handel, 2000). In this study, I explore each widow's life in community as a child, as a military spouse, and as a widow aging in community. I focus on a grass roots effort which is initiated by a process of civic renewal through social learning and civic engagement. A community emerges where social capital is built and sustained through care efforts over decades because of the value the active duty military community holds and expresses for its othermothers - The Enlisted Widow.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000161, uwf:60776
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- VOICES OF ANOREXIA.
- Author
- Boles, Sheryl Whitman, Rogers, Mary F., Pilcher, Janet K., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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This qualitative research study explored the lived experiences of women struggling with anorexia nervosa. Three women diagnosed with anorexia (DSM-IVTR criteria) participated in three in-depth interviews, and five women participated in two focus groups to discuss the movie The Devil Wears Prada. One group included women who have eating disorders while the other included only women who do not. I also surveyed some of the broad trends in popular culture with reference to body sizes, shapes, and...
Show moreThis qualitative research study explored the lived experiences of women struggling with anorexia nervosa. Three women diagnosed with anorexia (DSM-IVTR criteria) participated in three in-depth interviews, and five women participated in two focus groups to discuss the movie The Devil Wears Prada. One group included women who have eating disorders while the other included only women who do not. I also surveyed some of the broad trends in popular culture with reference to body sizes, shapes, and appearance in general. The data generated during this study suggest that women of all ages are vulnerable to the development of eating disorders. This vulnerability may be tied to a woman?s lack of voice or her childhood experiences and perceptions, as well as to the push for perfection dramatized through various media and centered on one standard of beauty: thinness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000133, uwf:60796
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MEDIATION, DIVERSITY, AND JUSTICE IN THE WORKPLACE.
- Author
- Powell, Catherine Shivers, Nichols, Joyce C., Ferguson, Fernaundra L., Haraway, William M., Tankersley, William B., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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Facilitative and transformative mediation models, including their symmetry and neutrality roles for mediators, were investigated in this qualitative research study. The purpose of the study was to understand, from the perspective of diversified workplace mediation participants how and whether they perceived justice to have occurred with their mediation experiences. Using participant roles in facilitative and transformative mediation sessions as a model, this studys participants represented 3...
Show moreFacilitative and transformative mediation models, including their symmetry and neutrality roles for mediators, were investigated in this qualitative research study. The purpose of the study was to understand, from the perspective of diversified workplace mediation participants how and whether they perceived justice to have occurred with their mediation experiences. Using participant roles in facilitative and transformative mediation sessions as a model, this studys participants represented 3 groups: (a) employee disputants who filed complaints or grievances alleging injustice or unfairness in the workplace and later participated in workplace mediation to resolve the issues involved, (b) employer disputants who represented their employer or organization in mediation as respondents to grievances or complaints filed by employee disputants, and (c) workplace mediators who had used facilitative and transformative mediation models to assist members of both disputant groups to resolve workplace disputes to the mutual satisfaction of both sides in the disputes. The study was guided primarily by scholarship that focused on the following 3 phenomena: (a) workplace diversity (inclusive of multiculturalism), (b) workplace mediation, and (c) workplace justice. Using social theory and primarily social identity theoretical frameworks, this qualitative study emanated from postmodernist paradigms designed to contribute holistically to the literature by adding new understandings to the literature while also including the subjugated or absent voices of workplace mediation participants for complete accountings. A six-factor empirically-designed justice model provided a theoretical framework for organizing, analyzing, and interpreting the qualitative data. The data were generated primarily from personal interviews with key informants. The interviews were designed to elicit key informants own accounts, understandings, and interpretations of their lived experiences with workplace mediation. Through comparative analysis of perceptual data reflecting individual participants descriptive justice conceptualizations and fairness perceptions with the traditional prescriptive justice definitions embedded in the justice model, common understandings of interactions between workplace diversity, workplace justice, and workplace mediation emerged. Consequently, new understandings were illuminated to reveal whether and how the justice was perceived to have occurred during the facilitative and transformative workplace mediation experiences in which the key informants participated.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000163, uwf:60811
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- WOMENS SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONS OF EVERYDAY LIFE: AN EPISTEMOLOGY OF FOOD PREPARATION AND PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE.
- Author
- Hoover, Katherine McKibben, Rogers, Mary F., Blanchard, Dallas A., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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Common, day-to-day events and mundane interactions often have no history but leave a practical knowledge legacy. Knowledge construction is about creating meaning through social interactions. Food preparation is a medium through which women provide for the social construction of knowledge. This comparative case study involving the lived experiences of six women from the rural South who grew up during the Great Depression illustrates how knowledge is socially constructed in everyday life...
Show moreCommon, day-to-day events and mundane interactions often have no history but leave a practical knowledge legacy. Knowledge construction is about creating meaning through social interactions. Food preparation is a medium through which women provide for the social construction of knowledge. This comparative case study involving the lived experiences of six women from the rural South who grew up during the Great Depression illustrates how knowledge is socially constructed in everyday life leaving a legacy for future generations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000120, uwf:60820
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- NOVICE TEACHER MENTOR MODEL IMPACT ON TEACHER EFFICACY AND RETENTION.
- Author
- French, Phyllis Preston, Thompson, Carla J., Kramer, Thomas J., Ferguson, Fernaundra L., Holmes-Bouchillon, Wally S., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this research was to investigate a Novice Teacher Mentor Model impact on teacher efficacy and retention of 50 novice teachers in a southern school district in Alabama. The introduction provided an overview of two identified problems for novice teachers. Two quantitative questions and three qualitative questions were investigated during the research. The research used concurrent mixed-method research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The Teacher Sense of...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to investigate a Novice Teacher Mentor Model impact on teacher efficacy and retention of 50 novice teachers in a southern school district in Alabama. The introduction provided an overview of two identified problems for novice teachers. Two quantitative questions and three qualitative questions were investigated during the research. The research used concurrent mixed-method research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and a Retention Survey (RS) are used to collect quantitative data. Also, a case study was conducted of five novice teachers. Interviews, observations, open-ended questions were utilized to collect qualitative data.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000109, uwf:60845
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- PRINCIPALS USE OF DATA IN SMALL AND RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF FLORIDA.
- Author
- Meadows, Hubert ONeal, Rasmussen, Karen L., Holmes-Bouchillon, Wally S., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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Federal and state legislation require greater attention and effort on the part of schools to meet higher student-achievement standards. Principals are the driving force at the school level to direct that needed attention and effort. Developing strategies for continuous school improvement requires constant collection and analysis of data for better decisions that produce effective outcomes. National and state standards for school leaders include the use of data as a resource for instructional...
Show moreFederal and state legislation require greater attention and effort on the part of schools to meet higher student-achievement standards. Principals are the driving force at the school level to direct that needed attention and effort. Developing strategies for continuous school improvement requires constant collection and analysis of data for better decisions that produce effective outcomes. National and state standards for school leaders include the use of data as a resource for instructional leadership. Florida has an increasing need for new principals with data analysis skills. Little is known about the use of data by current principals in small and rural school districts. This study replicates the research by Torrence (2002) and updates prior research while contributing a rural Florida perspective of the use of data by principals. Two questions guided (a) a description of how principals use data in their roles as instructional leaders and (b) the determination of the relationship(s) between predictor variables and principals use of data. A sample of 164 principals out of 240 from the 33 legislatively designated small and rural school districts in Florida responded to a questionnaire developed by Torrence (2002) and used in this study with permission. Findings of the survey were similar to those of the Torrence study, in that principals are using data in various ways and are embracing the role of instructional leader. Additionally, this study indicated that principals attitudes, principals personal competencies in using data, and the characteristics of the school proved statistically significant in predicting principals use of data. However, principals self-perceptions, principals professional development, and characteristics of the school district did not prove to be statistically significant. The results of this study are important because individuals planning continual professional development for current principals and developing preparation programs for teacher leaders or aspiring principals will be able to target effective strategies to the attributes shown to be the best predictors of principals use of data for school improvement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000101, uwf:60852
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ROSENWALD JUNIOR COLLEGE: PLACE MATTERS IN A SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
- Author
- Riggle, Allison Marie, Pilcher, Janet K., Harrell, Susan W., Largue, Robin M., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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In this dual case study, I build a place matters framework in order to understand the experiences of students and staff at Rosenwald Junior College. Rosenwald Junior College was one of Florida.s 12 Black community colleges in the mid-20th century. The dual case study has as its specific purpose to recognize, identify, and describe the interconnectedness of agency and social structure within a complex social phenomenon. My two cases include the staff and students of Rosenwald Junior College...
Show moreIn this dual case study, I build a place matters framework in order to understand the experiences of students and staff at Rosenwald Junior College. Rosenwald Junior College was one of Florida.s 12 Black community colleges in the mid-20th century. The dual case study has as its specific purpose to recognize, identify, and describe the interconnectedness of agency and social structure within a complex social phenomenon. My two cases include the staff and students of Rosenwald Junior College and the president of the college. I propose that the two cases are complementary and collaborative and can potentially illuminate the complex sociopolitical and historical connections between biography and social structure. My dual case study design is integral to my place matters framework. I define place by two perspectives "insider to outsider" and "insider to insider." The "insider to outsider" perspective relies on the concept of image and the "insider to insider" perspective on caring. In particular, I create a theoretical framework of place that interconnects image and caring. I use the participants. stories to determine how the major thematic identifiers, image and caring, develop a framework centered on the construct place. This study is phenomenological and influenced by Goffman's dramaturgy and a Black feminist ethic of care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000191, uwf:60865
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MARIETTA JOHNSON AND THE ORGANIC SCHOOL EXPERIMENT.
- Author
- Crawford, Jonathan Cliff, Pilcher, Janet K., Nichols, Joyce C., White, Jill T., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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In this historical research study, I examine Marietta Johnson and her organic teaching philosophy. I identify the role Marietta Johnson played in the Progressive Era educational reform movement. I identify organic education as a child-centered theory which addresses each student's mind, body, and spirit. I examine the ideological foundations that shaped Johnson's world view as well as the intellectual roots of organic educational theory. I outline the major pedagogical principles of organic...
Show moreIn this historical research study, I examine Marietta Johnson and her organic teaching philosophy. I identify the role Marietta Johnson played in the Progressive Era educational reform movement. I identify organic education as a child-centered theory which addresses each student's mind, body, and spirit. I examine the ideological foundations that shaped Johnson's world view as well as the intellectual roots of organic educational theory. I outline the major pedagogical principles of organic theory and describe its precise instructional practices. I also analyze the paradoxical role of gender and race in Johnson's life and at the organic school.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000272, uwf:60905
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON TEACHERS' AND STUDENTS' ATTITUDES IN A FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE CLASSROOM.
- Author
- Dickerson, Kenneth Ray, Rasmussen, Karen L., Hastings, Nancy B., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this qualitative case study is to investigate how technology impacts teachers' and students' attitudes in a fifth grade science classroom. Twenty-one fifth grade students were observed and completed a Likert-type written survey. Two science educators participated in a focus group session, were observed, and completed a Likert-type written survey. The educators believed the professional development provided by the school district was an adequate, fair, and beneficial to...
Show moreThe purpose of this qualitative case study is to investigate how technology impacts teachers' and students' attitudes in a fifth grade science classroom. Twenty-one fifth grade students were observed and completed a Likert-type written survey. Two science educators participated in a focus group session, were observed, and completed a Likert-type written survey. The educators believed the professional development provided by the school district was an adequate, fair, and beneficial to integrate technology in their daily instruction. Factors which contributed to the integration of technology were external barriers, internal barriers, and general barriers. The majority of the students surveyed, 81%, exhibited a positive attitude toward the integration of technology in a science classroom. All educators surveyed exhibited a positive attitude toward the integration of technology in a science classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- WFE0000237, uwf:60919
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT, RELATIONSHIP QUALITY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG WHITE FEMALES IN WHITE FEMALE-BLACK MALE INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS.
- Author
- Robinson, Brigette Belanger, Walch, Susan E., Thompson, Carla J., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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White women in Black-White intimate romantic relationships (IIRs) comprise a small portion of the population in the U.S. This mixed method study aimed to assess relationships among ethnic identity, social support and opposition, psychological wellbeing, and relationship satisfaction among a sample of White women. This study included 40 White women in Black-White interracial relationships as well as 42 White women in monoracial relationships who completed quantitative, standardized, self...
Show moreWhite women in Black-White intimate romantic relationships (IIRs) comprise a small portion of the population in the U.S. This mixed method study aimed to assess relationships among ethnic identity, social support and opposition, psychological wellbeing, and relationship satisfaction among a sample of White women. This study included 40 White women in Black-White interracial relationships as well as 42 White women in monoracial relationships who completed quantitative, standardized, self-report measures. In addition, five White women in Black-White relationships were interviewed for qualitative data. White women in Black-White relationships reported ethnic identity, psychological well-being, and relationship satisfaction comparable to White women in monoracial relationships. However, White women in Black-White relationships experienced more social disapproval of their romantic relationship and reported high levels of race-related stress. Cultural racism and other group orientation were negatively correlated in the findings of this study. White women in IIRs may develop coping mechanisms for dealing with race-related stress, although some of the mechanisms employed may potentially inhibit racial identity development.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000246, uwf:60921
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- REFLECTIVE PRACTICES AND RESULTS OF LEADER ROUNDING.
- Author
- Lipnick, Regina Ann, Pilcher, Janet K., Largue, Robin M., Owen, Karen S., Nichols, Joyce C., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of implementing the practice of leader rounding at Ferry Pass Middle School. Specifically, this study focused on how certain leader actions influenced staff's satisfaction with their work environment and parents' satisfaction with their child's education. The teachers' perceptions of principals applying leader rounding were also determined. In this study, the leader rounding process was implemented in the spring semester of 2010. Survey...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of implementing the practice of leader rounding at Ferry Pass Middle School. Specifically, this study focused on how certain leader actions influenced staff's satisfaction with their work environment and parents' satisfaction with their child's education. The teachers' perceptions of principals applying leader rounding were also determined. In this study, the leader rounding process was implemented in the spring semester of 2010. Survey instruments were administered to 887 families and 85 staff members at Ferry Pass Middle School to determine staff and parent satisfaction. In addition, two focus group sessions were conducted to gain teachers' perceptions about the leader rounding process. The findings indicate that the actions included in the leader rounding process positively influenced staff's perceptions about their work environment. Data from focus groups indicate that leader rounding made a positive impact on morale and opened up lines of communication. Ferry Pass Middle School is a better place to work for employees. Staff members see the benefits of leader rounding and would like the process to continue.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000247, uwf:60927
- 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
- THE INFLUENCE OF THE ANALYTIC TRANSFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM ON INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS' LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION SKILLS.
- Author
- Williams, Michael Keith, Havard, Byron C., Nichols, Joyce C., Zimmerman, Sherri L., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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A one-group pretest-post preexperimental quantitative research design was used to measure the effects of the Analytic Transformation Training Program (ATTP) on intelligence analysts' leadership and collaboration skills. The ATTP is a training program used for teaching leadership and collaboration skills to newly recruited intelligence analysts whose jobs are to analyze data to help thwart terrorism within the United States. Forty-eight participants participated in the study, which was...
Show moreA one-group pretest-post preexperimental quantitative research design was used to measure the effects of the Analytic Transformation Training Program (ATTP) on intelligence analysts' leadership and collaboration skills. The ATTP is a training program used for teaching leadership and collaboration skills to newly recruited intelligence analysts whose jobs are to analyze data to help thwart terrorism within the United States. Forty-eight participants participated in the study, which was conducted in the northeastern United States. After data screening, 46 participants' data were used for analyses. The theoretical framework included the leadership theories of transformational theory and path-goal theory and the collaboration theories of exchange theory, functional theory, new field theory, and dramaturgical theory. The theoretical framework supported using 4 factors as independent variables for leadership skills and 4 factors as independent variables for collaboration skills. Eight research questions were investigated and 8 null hypotheses were rejected because of significant findings. The research design used descriptive statistics, paired-samples t tests, Multiple Analysis of Variances, univariate Analysis of Variances, and multiple regression analyses to describe the participants and test the null hypotheses. A significantly higher posttest mean score than pretest mean score was found for both leadership and collaboration skills after analysts experienced the ATTP. Linear regression analyses indicated the ATTP increased analysts' leadership skills as they were taught collaboration skills and increased collaboration skills as they were taught leadership skills. The amount of variance explained by leadership factors on leadership skills and collaboration factors on collaboration skills were both approximately 98%. Demographic differences indicated that officers who attended the ATTP finished with higher leadership and collaboration mean scores than nonofficers. These findings suggest the ATTP's curriculum should be reviewed to help teach nonofficers to acquire higher leadership and collaboration skill levels. Overall, the study indicated the ATTP is a viable training program at increasing intelligence analysts' leadership and collaboration skills.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000295, uwf:60970
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF MOZART'S BACKGROUND CLASSICAL MUSIC ON FOURTHGRADE STUDENTS' MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT SCORES, CONCENTRATION, MOOD, AND ON-TASK PERFORMANCE.
- Author
- Haley, Julia Walker, Nichols, Joyce C., Pelton, Melanie D., Zimmerman, Sherri L., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this quantitative research was to determine whether Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major K.448" (hereafter referred to as "Sonata K.448") had a significant impact on student math achievement scores by comparing the results of the total population of 24 control students who had no music being played in the background and the total population of 38 students who had music played in the background. The findings of the study showed that listening to Mozart was not related to...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative research was to determine whether Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major K.448" (hereafter referred to as "Sonata K.448") had a significant impact on student math achievement scores by comparing the results of the total population of 24 control students who had no music being played in the background and the total population of 38 students who had music played in the background. The findings of the study showed that listening to Mozart was not related to math lab performance, standardized test score performance, or the amount of daily misconduct. In addition, the 6 math lab outcome measures were not related to gains in standardized test score performance. The small sample size of 62 could have led to problems with design, resulting in no effect results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- WFE0000320, uwf:60987
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDINGS OF THE MEANINGS OF RACE.
- Author
- Horner, Amy Compton, Chung, Hui-Min M., Nichols, Joyce C., Thompson, Carla J., University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to assess college students' understandings of three contextual meanings of race. Biological race is race as a taxonomic category in which organisms are classified based on biological criteria. Human biological race is the biological race concept to the classification of humans. Race is culture is race as a social construction of human races without connotation to biological attributes. It is not the intent of this researcher to argue one contextual meaning of...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to assess college students' understandings of three contextual meanings of race. Biological race is race as a taxonomic category in which organisms are classified based on biological criteria. Human biological race is the biological race concept to the classification of humans. Race is culture is race as a social construction of human races without connotation to biological attributes. It is not the intent of this researcher to argue one contextual meaning of race against another but rather to describe students' understandings of race and race concepts. This was a descriptive study in which data from a multiple choice and true-or-false questionnaire assessment instrument was collected from participants taking college-level non-majors biology courses. From the pilot study, internal consistency reliability was estimated with a Cronbach's alpha reliability rating of 0.792 (N = 27). Ten constructs, which emerged from factor analysis, were used to interpret and draw conclusions from the study data. The vast majority of study participants (N = 141) understand that there are multiple meanings of race and see race as a valid category and unit of classification. Most participants define race in biological terms or as a combination of both biologically and sociologically defined factors and do not fully comprehend the biological race concept. Student understandings of subspecies and the relationships between natural selection, human variation, and human genetics are muddled. Even though most participants understand the race is culture concept, most participants do not situate their understandings of race as purely socially constructed. In response to specific questions, students demonstrate understandings of all three race concepts. When the data is interpreted as a whole, student understandings of the three separate race concepts are often confounding or are in conflict. There are multiple pedagogical problems concerning human variation and race in the college biology classroom. The results of this study show that student understandings of race reflect the discontinuities and conflicts concerning the concept of race within the scientific communities. The results of this study indicate the need for an increase in the discourse on race and human variation in the biology classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- WFE0000310, uwf:60996
- Format
- Document (PDF)