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Factors Impacting Adherence To A Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program - A Matter Of Balance, Megan Dean, Justine Eggers, Brittany Stevens, Gunther Wolff

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Falls among community dwelling older adults are a significant public health problem. “A Matter of Balance” (MOB) is a multifactorial fall prevention program that aims to improve participants’ self-efficacy and increase physical activity in order to reduce falls. Although there is some evidence supporting MOB’s effectiveness, no published studies to date have examined the program from the perspective of participants or long-term program adherence. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine self-reported outcomes associated with the MOB program in order to explore participants’ perspectives and program adherence.

METHODS: This study utilized a mixed methods …

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy And Foot Posture In Pediatric Cancer Patients, Parker Deutz, Magdalena Hoelmer, Sarah Knilans, Abigail Semlak

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background

Physical therapists have recognized a potential change in foot structure among pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; however it has not been empirically investigated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with chemotherapeutic induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) develop foot posture abnormalities when compared to gender and age matched controls. We hypothesized that patients with CIPN, especially distal motor CIPN, or ankle ROM limitations demonstrate foot posture abnormalities.

Methods

The medial and posterior foot aspects of pediatric cancer patients (n=38) and age and gender matched controls (n=38) were digitally photographed in a standard position while bearing weight. …

Goal-Directed Leg Movements And Kicks In Infants With Spina Bifida, Emily Goracke, Kelsey Jacobs, Elizabeth Pilney, Katherine Shephard

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Infants with SB present with a known central nervous system lesion that often results in neurologic, orthopedic, and/or cognitive impairments. They usually learn to walk significantly later than typically developing (TD) infants. The delays they experience in learning to walk appear to be related to the fact that they move their legs and kick less often than infants who are TD. Only a small number of studies have reported strategies that therapists and parents may use to increase how often infants with SB move their legs and kick. The purpose of this study was to examine the …

The Effect Of Hip And Hamstring Pathology On Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Series, Sarah Duplissis, Rachel Hedden, Nicholas Manning, Josh Patterson, Luke Wahlstrom

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between hamstring and/or hip mobility and/or weakness that affects SI joint dysfunction (SIJD). Due to anatomical proximity, the hamstring muscle could potentially be involved in SIJD because of the muscle’s attachment site on the pelvis. In addition, problems that occur within the hip joint are in near proximity to the SIJ. There is limited literature exploring these relationships of hip and hamstring abnormalities with SIJ pathology and provided an area of research to explore.

Methods

Two patients referred to a physical therapy clinic with …

Nursing Faculty Awareness Of Transgender Health And Experience: Effect Of An Education Intervention, Laurie Ann Sieve

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose: To assess for a change in knowledge and attitude of nursing faculty before and after an education intervention on transgender health and experience.

Methods: Fifty-six nursing faculty completed a four hour education intervention on transgender health and experience. Participants completed a twenty-two item self-assessment prior to and following the intervention. Pre/post questionnaires were identical with the exception of eight demographic questions that were included on the pre survey.

Results: Nursing faculty recorded a statistically significant improvement in knowledge on 16 of 22 self- assessment questions. The education intervention improved nursing faculty knowledge and attitudes of transgender health and experience. …

Best Practices In Faculty Training For Online Course Design: Implications For St. Catherine University, Rachel L. Hultman

Julie Belle White-Newman Award for Outstanding Research

In fall 2012, St. Catherine University changed the name of its Weekend and Evening College (WEC) to the Evening/Weekend/Online (E/W/O) Program. The change was to better reflect the flexibility and convenience the blending of face-to-face with online instruction afforded students. In spring 2015, registered nurses were invited to apply to St. Catherine University’s first fully online Bachelor’s degree in the RN-BS Degree Completion Program. These changes increased the demand to adapt courses previously taught face-to-face or hybrid to a fully online format. Given that all E/W/O Program courses must be hybrid, and many RN-BS students require fully online courses, it …

Employee Contributions To Organizational Decision-Making Processes And Outcomes, Melissa A. Bearth

Julie Belle White-Newman Award for Outstanding Research

An organizations’ ability to make the right decision at the right time is critical to its success (Wernz & Deshmukh, 2010; Roberto, 2013). Given the importance of effective decision-making to organizations, it is not surprising there is significant research on this topic. However, most analysis and research focuses on the role leaders play in organizational decision-making. I believe a holistic approach to decision-making needs to take into account employees’ contributions to decision-making processes and outcomes. The purpose of my study is to add to the body of literature on organizational decision-making, and provide both leaders and employees with information on …

The Effects Of A Collaborative Team On Early Intervention In A Preschool, Tiffany L. James

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this project was to see what effects collaboration had on early intervention in a preschool. Fourteen guides at a Montessori preschool in Texas were asked to complete a beginning survey, attend weekly collaborative meetings for seven weeks, attend a focus group and complete an ending survey. Data showed that collaboration helped the teachers feel more valued and supported when helping all kinds of different learners. For the purpose of this study, different learners included children with behavioral concerns, learning disabilities and support needs. Interventions ranged from activities or exercises for individual children to lessons given to …

Using Technology To Aid In The Differentiation Of Mathematics In A Sixth Grade Classroom, Abigail Morales

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This Action Research examines the effects of using an interactive, adaptive software program, Front Row, in helping a sixth grade teacher to differentiate mathematics. Ten students who go to a parochial school in a rural, midwestern community were included in the study. The data collection tools included a pre-research reflection, a journal of teacher observations, a daily student questionnaire, computer generated reports, a mid-research reflection, and a post-research reflection. Overall, this research showed an average growth of 1.74 years, or 44.9 percent with regard to grade level equivalency. This growth indicates the students’ ability to perform mathematics skills independently. Due …

Student Involvement In Gardens And Healthier Food Choices, Brittany Masters

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This Action Research Project measured the correlation between extended gardening time and the amount of produce eaten by Montessori students. The project took place at a Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten in Southern California, at a school licensed for 75 children. Journals, pictures, and behavior logs of the children were taken each week. Food tallies were also collected the first and last weeks of the project. While the number of pieces of produce consumed by children did not increase in the four weeks, the amount of language and interaction in the garden and at lunchtime did. The conclusion is that extended …

Purposeful Movement In An Early Childhood Classroom, Dana H. Mccabe

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of physical activity through purposeful movement on behaviors and the ability to focus in a mixed-age Montessori Early Childhood classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks in an independent school setting with 17 children ages 2.5 to 6. Data was collected using observation tallies and notes, a teacher journal, and interviews with the children. Results show some of the children’s behaviors were positively affected by the use of specific movement materials. Although there was not much change observed, the intervention appeared to help some children …

Valorization Of The Adolescent Personality, Maribeth Brown

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The aim of this research was to understand how out-of-classroom experiences, such as farm work and service work positively impacts the development of the Montessori adolescent student. The eleven characteristics of valorization, defined by John Long (2001) were used to evaluate how students progressed towards this goal of valorization in the Montessori adolescent program. Sixteen secondary students were exposed to “going out” experiences over a six-week period. Socratic seminar, peer, self and teacher observations and assessments were used to collect data, as well as daily evaluations of student behaviors related to valorization and a pre and post test self-esteem …

Mindfulness-Based Practice In An Elementary Classroom, Lauren M. Coiner

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this research was to teach children how to control and deepen their focus through mindfulness practice. The study integrated a daily practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) movements, breathing, and focus training. The six-­‐week study involved fourteen children between the ages of 5 and 9 years from a private school in the Bay Area of California. Data collection included a pre-­‐and post-­‐ assessment for each child, daily observations, and parent observations. Results of the pre-­‐and post-­‐assessments revealed mixed opinions on the connection between deepened focus and mindfulness practice. Observation data showed an overall increase in …

T He Effects Of Work Journals, Portfolios, And Cosmic Education On Intrinsic Motivation In An Upper Elementary Montessori Environment, Heather R. Brown

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of work journals, portfolios, and cosmic education on intrinsic motivation. The study was performed at a Montessori school in Indiana that serves children from birth through high school graduation. Thirtyfour learners in an upper elementary classroom participated in the study over the course of eight weeks. Data collection included two pre- and post-assessments, daily observations, and interviews with participants. Results of the pre- and post-assessments showed an overall decrease in both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, although learners perceived their work as having greater value and importance. Observation data revealed an …

The Effects Of Character Education On Social-Emotional Behavior, Diane M. Dodds

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The addition of character education to school curricula has become an increasingly popular response to today’s heightened emphasis for students to succeed on academic high stake tests, leaving little regard for the development of social-emotional competencies. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of character education on the social-emotional behavior of elementary students in a private Montessori school. The study consisted of 18 students in a grade 1-4 classroom over a period of five weeks. Data was collected through daily tallying of negative behavior and through incident forms as well as student pre- and post-test evaluations regarding …

The Effects That Consistent Routines Have On Transitions, Sarah L. Seiberlich

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to observe the effects of a consistent routine on toddler behaviors and transitions. There were six participants, some of which were new students and others had experience in the environment. The age range was 18 months to 3 years old. About halfway through the summer, the toddlers were presented with a daily routine that they followed everyday. Data was collected by observation during transitions, tally attendance, behavioral scales and teacher journals. The results showed improved behavior during transitions in a shorter amount of time than originally predicted. In conclusion, consistent routines allow …

T He Effects Of Loose Parts And Nature-Based Play On Creativity In The Montessori Early Childhood (3-6 Year Old) Classroom, Leah C. Yavuz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine if the addition of natural loose parts, or manipulatives, to the outdoor play yard would increase creativity in the classroom. This study took place in a private Montessori school with 14 children ages 3 to 6 years old over a five-week period. Various methods were used to gather information to determine any change in creativity. Observations of creative behaviors, concentration (state of flow), and spontaneous collaboration were collected as well as drawing tests for creative thinking, and samples of creative writing and artwork. The results of the study found that the loose …

Effects Of Directed Movement On Focus, Catherine A. Zoeckler

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if directed movement would positively affect the focus for all children. Children with underdeveloped executive functions frequently disrupt the learning of others. This study was implemented in a mixed-age lower elementary classroom populated by 27 children ages 6 to 9 years. The project covered a total of six weeks, four of which included directed movement for at least three days of the week. Prior to implementing movement into the classroom, three lessons were presented that related to brain function, focus and mindfulness. Pre-study student work samples, teacher observations of the work period …

The Effect Of Creativity In Nature, Jackie M. Ji

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects on children’s creativity by using natural materials. Children are sometimes lacking in creativity when performing a teacher directed art lesson or step by step crafts. This research, was instigated to observe how using natural materials will affect children’s creativity. In order to determine the effects that nature materials in a preschool classroom have on a student’s creativity, the children were provided with nature materials to use and few instructions to create their own artwork. Data was collected from five sources to measure preschooler’s creativity using nature materials. The data included …

The Effects Of Motivational Strategies To Increase Teachers’ Commitment And Enthusiasm, Donna A. Fiumara

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore motivational strategies that can be used to increase faculty and staff’s motivation in a small private Montessori school, located in New Jersey. Ten members of the faculty and staff participated in this action research project over the course of six weeks. Pre-data collection included an online motivational quiz that identified each faculty and staff member’s top three motivators. Short term goals were created by the participant with the administrator in a pre-conference based on the motivator results of each individual’s pre-test. The administrator used the motivational strategies of each faculty and …