Digital Commons Network^™

Motivation And Performance In Computer Science: Test Of An Integrative Theory, Katherine A. Selgrade

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to design and empirically test a parsimonious integrative motivation theory. The theory integrates aspects of expectancy theory, social cognitive theory, goal-setting theory, and commitment theory. The theory was tested with 170 undergraduate, students in an introductory computer science (CS) course.

The study tested relationships among the following variables: CS self-efficacy, mathematics ability, affective commitment to the CS class, goal orientation, effort, and performance. The study also tested the interactive effects of effort and ability on performance. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement model and a series of nested structural models. Findings …

Exploring Content-Based Language Arts Instruction In The Esol Classroom Through A Holistic Approach, María Angeles Cicatello

MA TESOL Collection

The activities contained in this project derive from personal efforts to implement content-based instruction with a language arts thematic unit in the ESOL classroom through a holistic approach.

Public school ESOL students and teachers alike are more than ever experiencing a tremendous pressure to accelerate English language instruction and learning in order to satisfy local/state curriculum tests, and national standards. This materials-development project correlates with the local Board of Education’s Academic Knowledge and Skills Curriculum guidelines without restricting the teacher’s freedom to prioritize what is most important and relevant to students’ lives, respecting their self as learners, and demonstrating their …

A Relationship Between Career Decision And Motivation To Persist, Patricia Ann Ferguson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During the past few decades, research on student retention has been primarily focused on the constructs of social integration, lack of financial support and academic under-preparedness (Astin, 1975; Bean & Metzner, 1985; Cabrera, 1993; Pascarella,1982; Tinto, 1975). This study examined the phenomenal occurrence of low retention due to "lack of major and career direction." The Career Decision Scale and the Achievement Motivation Profile assessments were administered to 105 students at a comprehensive community college. Six linear regressions were conducted to determine if there were statistical relationships between:(a) career decision and the motivation to persist and; (b) career indecision and the …

Low African-American Student Enrollment In The Post Secondary Vocational Education Step Ii Program: A Study Of Motivational Factors, Victor Goldstein

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

A purposive literature review was used in this study to develop a knowledge base on motivational factors impacting enrollment of African-American students in postsecondary vocational education program specifically in the STEP II program. This study examined books, articles, reports, and data from student interviews to understand what motivational factors influence decisions. It was found that low enrollment of African- American students in post-secondary vocational education is not only dependent on motivational factors emanating from the students themselves, but also stem from the institutions that offer training programs.

Self-Concept And Attraction To Physical Activity: The Effectiveness Of An Intervention Programme To Enhance Children's Level Of Physical Activity, Barbara M. Howard

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

According to motivational theory physical self-perceptions are crucial to the intrinsic desire to engage in physical activity through play, games, and sport. While there has been prolific research with middle primary and older children little is known of the importance of young children's physical self-concept and their motivation to engage in physical activity. This study had three major purposes. Firstly it aimed to examine the relationship between children's self-concept, their attraction to physical activity, and level of physical activity. The second purpose of the study was to examine differences between boys' and girls' self-concept, attraction to physical activity and level …