Current Search: UWF Dissertations (x)
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- Title
- ASSESSING ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS' INTENTIONS TO TEACH NUTRITION: AN APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR.
- Author
- Green, Heather Lynn
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to apply the theory of planned behavior (TpB; Ajzen, 1985, 1991) to describe factors that influence physical education teachers' intentions to teach nutrition as part of their physical education curricula. An instrument (Teaching Nutrition in Physical Education Survey [TNPES]) was developed following the guidelines established by Fishbein and Ajzen (2010) to measure all variables of the TpB. Two pilot studies were conducted to establish the reliability of the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to apply the theory of planned behavior (TpB; Ajzen, 1985, 1991) to describe factors that influence physical education teachers' intentions to teach nutrition as part of their physical education curricula. An instrument (Teaching Nutrition in Physical Education Survey [TNPES]) was developed following the guidelines established by Fishbein and Ajzen (2010) to measure all variables of the TpB. Two pilot studies were conducted to establish the reliability of the TNPES items based on internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and to determine validity of the TNPES using principal component analysis, a content analysis by experts, and a test of concurrent validity. Temporal stability of the belief-based measures of the TNPES was also established using the test-retest method. Cronbach's alpha, based on the results of the second pilot study, was .906 for the direct measures of attitude toward the behavior, .705 for subjective norm, and .917 for perceived behavioral control. Pearson correlation coefficients for the test-retest reliability analysis of the belief-based measures were as follows: behavioral beliefs (r = .532), normative beliefs (r = .845), and control beliefs (r = .898). The TNPES was administered to a sample of elementary physical education teachers who were working in six school districts in the state of Florida (N = 106). The results revealed that the participants had quite strong intentions to teach nutrition as part of their physical education curricula. A multiple regression analysis resulted in significant regression equation, F(3, 102) = 15.013, p < .001). Collectively, the constructs of the TpB explained 30.6% of the variance in participants' intentions to teach nutrition. However, the beta weights from the regression equation showed that only subjective norms were a significant predictor of behavioral intention. The analysis of the belief-based measures indicated that participants' intentions to teach nutrition were influenced by (a) significant others (e.g., school administrators, principals, other physical education teachers), (b) the amount of nutrition training they received, (c) the amount of class time they believed they would have to teach nutrition, and (d) beliefs about the availability of resources, materials, and support in the workplace.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- WFE0000388, uwf:61063
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASSESSING HOW LOW-INCOME ADOLESCENTS PERCEIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY: A CASE STUDY AT A COMMUNITY CENTER IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA.
- Author
- Patten, Angelina Cohen
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the views of low-income minority adolescents toward computer technology. Bourdieu’s (1979/1984) cultural capital theory provides the backbone to the theoretical framework, with other theories providing supporting and opposing views that involve cultural and social influences on attitudes. Five African American adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 16, residing in a low-income area participated in this case study. The results suggest...
Show moreThe purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the views of low-income minority adolescents toward computer technology. Bourdieu’s (1979/1984) cultural capital theory provides the backbone to the theoretical framework, with other theories providing supporting and opposing views that involve cultural and social influences on attitudes. Five African American adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 16, residing in a low-income area participated in this case study. The results suggest that the cultural capital of each of the participants appears to have had a positive effect on their adoption and implementation of computer technology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- Identifier
- WFE0000025, uwf:60737
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SELF-EFFICACY AMONG DIVERSE POPULATIONS.
- Author
- Roberts, Walter Scott, III
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White students. Self-efficacy has been studied immensely related to performance and academic achievement. However, little focus has been placed on general academic achievement across the curriculum. In this quantitative study, the researcher sought to establish a correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy across racial, gender, and socioeconomic...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White students. Self-efficacy has been studied immensely related to performance and academic achievement. However, little focus has been placed on general academic achievement across the curriculum. In this quantitative study, the researcher sought to establish a correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy across racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines using non-probabilistic sampling techniques and surveying. Self-efficacy was studied in the context of Bandura's and other self-efficacy scholars' theories and measured using the Morgan-Jinks Student Efficacy Scale. The results suggested a strong correlational relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement for Hispanic, Black, and White participants. Analysis failed to produce significant results related to the relationship between gender, socioeconomic status, and self-efficacy. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the proportion of low achieving and low self-efficacy students across the three racial groups. Results from this study may provide specific information to help teachers work with low achieving and low self-efficacy students to increase academic achievement. This study will hopefully inspire future studies to implement strategies aimed at increasing self-efficacy and academic achievement as well studies incorporating other demographic groups.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000451, uwf:61083
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE LEADERSHIP STYLE OF RECREATIONAL SPORTS CLUB LEADERS IN KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN.
- Author
- Huang, Mei-Jen
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership style of recreational sports club leaders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A survey and personal interview served as the instruments for this study. Participants completed the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire-Form XII (LBDQ-XII) and demographic information sheet. A 1-way ANOVA was used in the data analysis. Participants were 123 Taiwanese recreational sports club leaders. The findings indicated that a high-task and high-relationship...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the leadership style of recreational sports club leaders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A survey and personal interview served as the instruments for this study. Participants completed the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire-Form XII (LBDQ-XII) and demographic information sheet. A 1-way ANOVA was used in the data analysis. Participants were 123 Taiwanese recreational sports club leaders. The findings indicated that a high-task and high-relationship leadership style was the dominant management style. Research suggested (a) prospective leaders in recreational sports clubs should train to develop high levels on 2 dimensions of leadership; (b) the leaders who were strong on both these dimensions had the potential to be successful leaders; (c) the findings of this study are pertinent to the Taiwan government, local agencies, sports clubs, and schools that provide recreational sports training programs; and (d) more leadership training was recommended for leaders and preservice personnel who planned to become recreational sports club leaders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- WFE0000042, uwf:60766
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG STUDENT INVOLVEMENT, ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, RATES OF RETENTION, AND RATES OF DEPARTURE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS ENROLLED AT THREE RURAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
- Author
- Moore, Maurice
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to associate Astin's (1999) theory of student involvement and Tinto's (1993) theory of student departure as a framework for assessing and understanding the relationships among student involvements, academic performances, rates of retention, and rates of departure for African-American students enrolled at 3 rural Alabama community colleges. A total of 127 Alabama community college students participated in the study by completing the online Community College...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to associate Astin's (1999) theory of student involvement and Tinto's (1993) theory of student departure as a framework for assessing and understanding the relationships among student involvements, academic performances, rates of retention, and rates of departure for African-American students enrolled at 3 rural Alabama community colleges. A total of 127 Alabama community college students participated in the study by completing the online Community College Student Experience Questionnaire (CCSEQ) at 3 college locations. The researcher used the CCSEQ to investigate the estimate of student gains on their quality of effort, effects of the college environment on the quality of students' efforts, effects of age on the estimate of gain and on the quality of student effort, and to determine if different college environments (institutional effects) influence the quality of students' efforts. The postulates of Astin's theory of student involvement and Tinto's theory of student departure were the theoretical formats used to direct this study. Data collected indicated a number of significant findings. Engaged and involved students performed well academically. The estimate of students' gains was impacted mostly by the quality of students' efforts in course activities, faculty interactions, library activities, computer technology, clubs, organizations, counseling and career planning. The more engaged and involved rural African-American community college students were, the greater the likelihood that they reached their educational goals. Finally, campus location or "fit" made a difference when student success was considered. Research findings indicated that community college educators at College A and College B needed to make improvements in the college environments to better serve students' academic and developmental needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- WFE0000362, uwf:61048
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A STUDY ON WORK SATISFACTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONALS BASED ON THE INDEX OF WORK SATISFACTION QUESTIONNAIRE.
- Author
- Akerman, Peggy Lou Beach
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes toward work satisfaction between special education paraprofessionals employed at exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Further, this study sought to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes of the two groups relative to age, gender,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes toward work satisfaction between special education paraprofessionals employed at exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Further, this study sought to determine whether a difference existed in the perceptions and attitudes of the two groups relative to age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and years employed. The Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS) measure was utilized to collect the data in this mixed method study. The IWS focused on pay, organizational policies, task requirements, interaction, and professional status. A sample of 214 special education paraprofessionals employed by the Escambia County School District in Florida participated in the study. The data analysis included a one-way ANOVA, a MANOVA, and descriptive statistics. Results of the ANOVA showed that on the IWS subscales of pay and organization policies there were statistically significant differences between special education paraprofessionals employed in exclusively special education centers and special education paraprofessionals employed in special education programs located in regular education facilities. Results of the MANOVA revealed a significant difference on the subscales of years plus tasks requirements, ethnicity plus years with interaction, and education plus level and plus years with autonomy between the two groups. Results of the analyses of the personal interviews found that the participants loved working with special needs students, but felt paraprofessionals were underpaid for their responsibilities. Other significant findings pointed to concerns of paraprofessionals such as lack of inclusion in the affairs concerning students, being treated with little respect, level of knowledge and skills, and the lack of autonomy. The interconnectivity of the IWS subscales suggested that further research is warranted to ascertain which of the subscales has the greatest impact on work satisfaction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000132, uwf:60778
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMENS FEARS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIORS ABOUT HIV/AIDS.
- Author
- Washington-Thomas, Johnnii Drucilla
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and fears of African American women about contracting HIV/AIDS with the aim of identifying any common themes of these variables. I used these findings to create recommendations for education and prevention strategies that are crucial for HIV/AIDS risk-reduction behaviors among African American women and teenage girls. Ten African American women participated in the case study. To provide a focus for the study that would achieve...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and fears of African American women about contracting HIV/AIDS with the aim of identifying any common themes of these variables. I used these findings to create recommendations for education and prevention strategies that are crucial for HIV/AIDS risk-reduction behaviors among African American women and teenage girls. Ten African American women participated in the case study. To provide a focus for the study that would achieve the stated research goals, 5 research questions which aligned with a modified AIDS/HIV Questionnaire and AIDS/HIV Risk Assessment Interview were used. The findings from the study revealed that African American women are at the highest risk for exposure to and infection with the HIV virus. One of the main implications of these findings is that while African American women appear to be knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS to a certain degree, some continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. African American women are becoming infected with the HIV virus and dying of AIDS at epidemic rates. The information from the 10 African American women participants in this study reinforces the seriousness for understanding how African American women are becoming one of the most affected groups for contracting HIV/AIDS. Today, for many African American women, sexual encounters and relationships with men who are drug users, living in and out of prison systems or are living on the down low, continues to increase the number of Black women becoming infected.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000091, uwf:60705
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND COLLEGE PREPARATION EFFORTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTION OF HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHERS AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PERSONNEL.
- Author
- Driver, Jason Hughes
- Abstract/Description
-
This study examines the relationship between high school efforts at post-secondary preparation for college bound students and the expectations of college and university admissions personnel. The Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and administrators at a rural Northwest Florida high school were administered a quantitative survey in order to collect their perceptions on which strategies and methodologies were most appropriate in preparing high school students for both AP exams as well as...
Show moreThis study examines the relationship between high school efforts at post-secondary preparation for college bound students and the expectations of college and university admissions personnel. The Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and administrators at a rural Northwest Florida high school were administered a quantitative survey in order to collect their perceptions on which strategies and methodologies were most appropriate in preparing high school students for both AP exams as well as preparation for college. The results of this survey were then shared with admission staff from a college and university located in the same county, and their responses collected qualitatively. The results demonstrated that while there were some similarities of expectation between the two groups, there were also areas of non-academic preparation, such as self-advocacy and understanding of college procedure and terminology that were not determined as pertinent to the high school personnel. The study determined a need for increased communication between the college, university, and high school groups in order to best meet expectations of college preparation at the post-secondary level.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- WFE0000437, uwf:61102
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT RATINGS AND INSTRUCTIONAL PREFERENCES: COMPARING BEHAVIORAL, COGNITIVE, AND EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG THREE SCHOOL-AGE STUDENT COHORTS.
- Author
- Conner, Tonya Bess
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to determine the nature and extent of any differences that may exist between upper elementary, middle, and high school students among the 3 dimensions of student engagement-behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. The second objective was to gain a deeper understanding of students' preferences of learning and teaching styles through focus group sessions. The goal was to better support educators in identifying best teaching practices...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to determine the nature and extent of any differences that may exist between upper elementary, middle, and high school students among the 3 dimensions of student engagement-behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. The second objective was to gain a deeper understanding of students' preferences of learning and teaching styles through focus group sessions. The goal was to better support educators in identifying best teaching practices and effective instructional procedures that engage students throughout the students' educational career, therefore, possibly providing an intervention against the high school dropout rate. The engagement ratings and instructional preferences of 93 students in 3 school levels-upper elementary, middle, and high-were examined in this study. Findings of this study suggest there are statistically significant differences between 2 of the 3 primary dimensions of student engagement: cognitive and emotional. However, results indicate there is no statistical difference in the behavioral dimension among the 3 school levels. In addition, findings of this study revealed a strong emotional theme among all 3 school levels. Each group of participants shared a large percentage of comments about emotional connections between students and teachers. Another popular theme among participants is the preference for kinesthetic activities. Each focus group revealed their preference of learning and teaching styles with top choices involving hands-on activities, games, and project-based learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- WFE0000279, uwf:60904
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS INTO THE SUPERVISOR PERCEPTIONS OF THE QUALITY OF TROOPS TO TEACHERS PROGRAM COMPLETERS AND PROGRAM COMPLETER PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR PREPARATION TO TEACH: A NATIONAL SURVEY.
- Author
- Roberts, Jean Ellen Jernigan
- Abstract/Description
-
The United States has a severe teacher shortage, especially in inner-city schools and in the areas of mathematics, science, and special-needs. One answer is to hire teachers who have completed the Troops to Teachers (T3) program; the T3 program's mission is (a) to assist qualified veterans through the teacher certification process, usually through alternative certification programs and (b) to assist the T3 teacher find a teaching position. However, does prior military training equip...
Show moreThe United States has a severe teacher shortage, especially in inner-city schools and in the areas of mathematics, science, and special-needs. One answer is to hire teachers who have completed the Troops to Teachers (T3) program; the T3 program's mission is (a) to assist qualified veterans through the teacher certification process, usually through alternative certification programs and (b) to assist the T3 teacher find a teaching position. However, does prior military training equip individuals with skills that translate into success within the classroom for both the teacher and the teacher's students, as evidenced by the most important factor of all: increased student achievement? Is the T3 program a genuine source of highly qualified teachers, or are T3 teachers actually the short straw? In a 2005 national survey, almost 90% of the T3 supervisors reported that they think the T3 teachers they supervised are more effective teachers than traditionally trained teachers with the same years of experience. However, would other T3 supervisors agree with that assessment? The research from this dissertation answers that question.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000192, uwf:60859
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN AGENT FOR CHANGE: THE STORY OF REVEREND H. K. MATTHEWS.
- Author
- Wiley, Lusharon
- Abstract/Description
-
This case study examines the Civil Rights Movement in northwest Florida through the lived experiences of a Black Civil Rights activist. I attempted to situate the participant in the political as well as cultural and historical context of the time. By conducting interviews foremostly with the subject of this study as well as others and examining archival data, I developed a clear picture of the racism embedded in the dayto-day life of Blacks and Whites from the 1950's to the present. Within...
Show moreThis case study examines the Civil Rights Movement in northwest Florida through the lived experiences of a Black Civil Rights activist. I attempted to situate the participant in the political as well as cultural and historical context of the time. By conducting interviews foremostly with the subject of this study as well as others and examining archival data, I developed a clear picture of the racism embedded in the dayto-day life of Blacks and Whites from the 1950's to the present. Within this framework, I explore the lived experiences of one ordinary man who had the courage to become an agent for change, who by his actions changed history. His story suggests that activists must possess vision and passion and be willing to risk loneliness and rejection if they are to be successful agents for change.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000066, uwf:60685
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT WINGS: HOW THE NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL DESEGREGATED THE LUNCH COUNTERS OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, 1960 TO 1962.
- Author
- Jonas, Sarah Zahra
- Abstract/Description
-
Approximately 50 years ago, Blacks were refused the right to sit down and receive service at lunch counters in most variety stores, drug stores, department stores, and restaurants in the South (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP], 1962). On February 1, 1960, four young Black men of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T) defied this prejudiced system by sitting down at an all-White Woolworth lunch counter and demanding to be served ...
Show moreApproximately 50 years ago, Blacks were refused the right to sit down and receive service at lunch counters in most variety stores, drug stores, department stores, and restaurants in the South (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP], 1962). On February 1, 1960, four young Black men of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T) defied this prejudiced system by sitting down at an all-White Woolworth lunch counter and demanding to be served (Dykeman & Stokely, 1960). The press reported the incident, which immediately empowered other young students across the country to take a stand by sitting-down (Dienstfrey, 1960). Within just two months, sit-ins spread to over 60 Southern cities ("Dixie Negroes," 1960). Although Pensacola, Florida, became involved in the national sit-in movement just months after the Greensboro Four's demonstration ("Klansmen Want Sheriff," 1960), little of this history was known since most of the lived experiences remained undocumented prior to this study. This study addressed the role of the NAACP Youth Council's (YC) civil rights protests on desegregating the lunch counters of Pensacola, Florida. By implementing Busha and Harter's (1980) methods of historical inquiry, data were collected through archival research, site-based research, and interviews. Data were then analyzed and triangulated. While archival sources were organized to provide a chronological framework for the study, site-based data provided a geographical framework for the study. Interviews then provided personal first-hand emotions and experiences of individuals in the social and political setting. The results of this study are a detailed account of how protests were organized, sustained, and implemented in Pensacola.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- WFE0000483, uwf:61117
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN ANALYSIS OF BANDURA'S THEORY OF SELF-EFFICACY AS IT RELATES TO UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBERS' INTENT TO USE SYNCHRONOUS TECHNOLOGY IN ONLINE CLASSES BY USING THE INNOVATION DIFFUSION PROCESS.
- Author
- Islam, Mofidul
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this quantitative study was to analyze relationships between instructors' self-efficacy and their intent to use synchronous technology in online environments. Both traditional, brick-and-mortar universities as well as for-profit, fully online universities might benefit from this research study because this study is about the adoption of technology innovations. Recent trends indicated that more technological innovations led to the development of higher-speed computers with...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to analyze relationships between instructors' self-efficacy and their intent to use synchronous technology in online environments. Both traditional, brick-and-mortar universities as well as for-profit, fully online universities might benefit from this research study because this study is about the adoption of technology innovations. Recent trends indicated that more technological innovations led to the development of higher-speed computers with larger-capacity hard drives. In turn, high-speed computers with large storage capacities allowed online colleges to offer education to remote students. Both online and traditional universities have developed ways to recruit and retain students. Many universities now incorporate audio, video, and picture illustrations into their online courses in order to keep the course materials up-to-date and attractive to students. Not all universities, however, conduct research to determine the best strategies to motivate instructors to use technologies to teach online courses. This ex post facto research focused on factors that might influence university faculty members' perceptions regarding the use of synchronous technology in teaching online classes. The results of the study could not confirm the correlation because the study violated assumptions of Pearson's correction r. However, the research added to the current literature in online learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- WFE0000541, uwf:61239
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN ANALYSIS OF JUVENILE JUSTICE TEACHER SURVEY RESPONSES REGARDING PREPARATION FOR TEACHING IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE ENVIRONMENT.
- Author
- Bohac, Paul David
- Abstract/Description
-
Recruitment, selection, employment, and retention of teachers in the juvenile justice education system are significant problems in Florida and elsewhere. Educators employed in juvenile justice education programs enter the field without benefit of professional teacher preparation to work in the environment. College and University teacher preparation programs are designed to prepare prospective teachers for employment in a K-12 public school, private, or charter school, classroom. New employee...
Show moreRecruitment, selection, employment, and retention of teachers in the juvenile justice education system are significant problems in Florida and elsewhere. Educators employed in juvenile justice education programs enter the field without benefit of professional teacher preparation to work in the environment. College and University teacher preparation programs are designed to prepare prospective teachers for employment in a K-12 public school, private, or charter school, classroom. New employee preservice orientation is the primary method of preparing newly hired juvenile justice teachers to work within the setting and assume classroom instructional responsibility. Ongoing inservice training is intended to enhance skills and competencies. Voluntary juvenile justice teacher survey respondents suggests that current college and university teacher preparation programs, new employee pre-service orientation, and ongoing inservice training programs need to be redesigned as part of the effort to retain teachers in the juvenile justice system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- WFE0000164, uwf:60783
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BANDURAS TRIADIC RECIPROCALITY, TECHNOLOGY, AND MATH ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH A SOCIOECONOMIC LENS.
- Author
- Listak, Charles Mark
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of research-grounded variables of educational technology and high school math achievement through a lens of socioeconomic status (SES) using a national dataset from the National Center for Education Statistics. An additional purpose was to examine the achievement benefits, generic or differential, gained from home computer access and technology instructional method based on SES. Findings from this study indicated that math experience,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of research-grounded variables of educational technology and high school math achievement through a lens of socioeconomic status (SES) using a national dataset from the National Center for Education Statistics. An additional purpose was to examine the achievement benefits, generic or differential, gained from home computer access and technology instructional method based on SES. Findings from this study indicated that math experience, SES, self-efficacy, instructional method, expectation, and home access to computers were significant predictors of math achievement. In addition, a positive relationship between home computer access and math achievement, controlling for math experience, was discovered, indicating that home computer access provides a strong, generic achievement benefit across all SES levels. Gains in achievement scores as a function of home computer access increased as SES levels increased, suggesting differential benefits of technology based on SES levels. A negative relationship between teacher computer instructional methods and math achievement based on SES was also discovered. Both traditional-transmission and constructivist computer instruction generically correlated with lower math achievement scores across all SES levels, but traditional-transmission instruction appeared to be more of a detriment for high-SES students than for low-SES students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000135, uwf:60825
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BEATING THE ODDS: PEDAGOGY, PRAXIS AND THE LIFE-WORLD OF FOUR AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN.
- Author
- Richardson, James Oliver, Jr.
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of my qualitative research is to reveal how four African-American men overcame inferior education and Jim Crow laws. In the early twentieth century the social and economic conditions of African American men were appalling, yet they refused to accept the notion of inferior beings and second-class citizenship. Phenomenological interviews were conducted. The major conclusions that evolved from the data were that family and church were significantly important to the participants. This...
Show moreThe purpose of my qualitative research is to reveal how four African-American men overcame inferior education and Jim Crow laws. In the early twentieth century the social and economic conditions of African American men were appalling, yet they refused to accept the notion of inferior beings and second-class citizenship. Phenomenological interviews were conducted. The major conclusions that evolved from the data were that family and church were significantly important to the participants. This is a study about four African American men’s pedagogy, praxis and their quest for discovery, self-realization and high expectations. My inquiry is also about their struggles, dreams, failures and disillusionment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000086, uwf:60710
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE ALABAMA READING INITIATIVE-PROJECT FOR ADOLESCENT LITERACY.
- Author
- Merold, Michael Kent
- Abstract/Description
-
This study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched...
Show moreThis study describes the initial year of the Alabama Reading Initiative-Project for Adolescent Literacy (ARI-PAL). The ARI-PAL was developed in response to a growing concern over the state of literacy instruction in Alabamas secondary schools after the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed that 77 percent of the states fourth-graders and 78 percent of the states eighth-graders were reading below proficiency. In the spring of 2006, the Alabama Reading Initiative launched the ARI-PAL with three primary purposes. The first purpose was to build highly successful adolescent literacy demonstration sites by making research-based local education authority (LEA) investments in adolescent literacy efforts and by concentrating the available ARI secondary resources in a small number of schools. A second purpose for the ARI-PAL was to develop advocacy and to secure funding for implementing the ARI into more secondary schools. The third purpose for the ARI-PAL was to increase the effectiveness of the ARI secondary model by making it compatible with the latest research on adolescent literacy instruction. The results of this study explain the experiences of the 14 ARI-PAL schools and provide recommendations for other secondary schools interested in strengthening the reading and writing skills of their students. To address the purpose of this study, the following research questions were explored: 1. Did the students participating in the ARI-PAL program in 14 selected Alabama schools increase their achievement as measured by SAT-10? 2. Using descriptive data from site visits and educators' experiences, what were the perceived successes and challenges of the ARI-PAL program during the first year of implementation? SAT-10 data were analyzed to determine if the ARI-PAL model was successful in positively impacting the reading achievement of students in the participating schools. To document the implementation and challenges to the implementation of the ARI-PAL model, site visit forms designed to provide weekly anecdotal data on progress in each school were analyzed. Areas addressed in the site visit reports included instructional leadership, the administration of formal and informal assessments, reading intervention for struggling readers, implementation of strategic teaching in the content area classrooms, and professional development.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000147, uwf:60784
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF HIGH- AND LOW-STAKES TESTING ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.
- Author
- Mathis, Frankie Eubanks
- Abstract/Description
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With increased emphasis on accountability, the use of low-stakes test data to make high-stakes decisions about program effectiveness is on the rise. In order to make valid inferences about what students know and can do, it is crucial to understand the consequences of low and high stakes in testing contexts. As a result, with a sample comprised of 49 eleventh grade students enrolled in Saraland High School, this study indicates that relationships between student performance on state-mandated...
Show moreWith increased emphasis on accountability, the use of low-stakes test data to make high-stakes decisions about program effectiveness is on the rise. In order to make valid inferences about what students know and can do, it is crucial to understand the consequences of low and high stakes in testing contexts. As a result, with a sample comprised of 49 eleventh grade students enrolled in Saraland High School, this study indicates that relationships between student performance on state-mandated testing programs in Alabama and grades earned in corresponding mathematics courses exist. Through regression analyses, it was determined that grades earned in mathematics classes are predictors of scores earned on the state-mandated tests. Additionally, in this study, the sample data revealed that student achievement did not increase as the individual consequences associated with the test increased. Rather, student achievement on the state-mandated tests was consistent with the overall mathematics achievement levels demonstrated in the classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- WFE0000342, uwf:61015
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A CASE STUDY APPROACH OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF BROWN BARGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE CLOSING OF A. A. DIXON SCHOOL FOLLOWING AUGUSTUS VERSUS ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.
- Author
- Juneau, Gayle Ann Alexandra
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine case studies linked to three important historical time periods in the Pensacola, Florida educational community. These historical moments included the (a) Augustus v. School Board of Escambia County, Florida landmark legal case regarding desegregation in Escambia County educational institutions; (b) transformation of Brown Barge Elementary School to Brown Barge Magnet School; and (c) closing of A. A. Dixon Elementary School. I used case studies to explore three historical time periods. I interviewed residents who experienced one or more of the three events defined by the cases. I compared and contrasted their responses with information I retrieved about the three events from newspaper articles and meeting minutes. The stories revealed participants struggles with sacrificing their historical African American community schools as they supported school integration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- WFE0000090, uwf:60689
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN EGALITARIAN HONORS PROGRAM: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF RURAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Author
- McMillan, Barbara Ferguson, Rogers, Mary F., Pilcher, Janet, Nichols, Joyce, University of West Florida
- Abstract/Description
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This qualitative research study examined the lived experiences of students at a community college that has implemented an open-enrollment honors program. I surveyed high achievers who opted not to participate as well as a variety of students who had enrolled so that I could explore issues of self-efficacy in students' enrollment decisions. In addition, to understand the meaning of the program to its participants I conducted two in-depth interviews with program participants, facilitated a...
Show moreThis qualitative research study examined the lived experiences of students at a community college that has implemented an open-enrollment honors program. I surveyed high achievers who opted not to participate as well as a variety of students who had enrolled so that I could explore issues of self-efficacy in students' enrollment decisions. In addition, to understand the meaning of the program to its participants I conducted two in-depth interviews with program participants, facilitated a focus group with honors graduates, and recorded direct observations of the program in its first two years of operation. The narratives and other data generated during this study suggest that students enjoy the program and believe it is beneficial to them, which may increase engagement. In addition, it seems that because many students have not defined themselves as capable of success in an honors program, they may lack the self-efficacy required for voluntary enrollment. Their comments imply that individual encouragement from an instructor who provides accurate information about the "no-risk aspects of the program increases the likelihood that a student will participate.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- WFE0000125, uwf:60792
- Format
- Document (PDF)