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An Investigation Of The Relationships Between Educational Technology And Mathematics Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Kenneth George Mcleod

Dissertations

Educators are continually looking for ways to use technology that will help students who struggle with mathematics, especially students with learning disabilities. There is limited research on the effects of instructional technology resources on the achievement of students with learning disabilities in the state selected for this study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of instructional technology resources on the mathematics achievement of students with learning disabilities.

This study used a mixed-method triangulation concurrent design. In the quantitative portion of the study, the independent variable was 8th grade AMRT math scores in 67 school districts …

Student Achievement In Block And Non-Block Schedule Schools, William Shelton Smith Jr.

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of minutes allocated for high school instructional periods influences student achievement. The study also examined the perceptions of principals regarding one method of instructional time allocation, block scheduling.

The study examined the differences in student achievement on a high school exit examination in the content areas of Reading and Mathematics between schools in a southern state using a four-period block schedule and schools using a non-block schedule in order to ascertain if the type of schedule has any impact on student achievement. Additionally, information pertaining to scheduling was collected …

Comparison Of Multivariate Methods For Measuring Change From Pretest To Posttest, Justin Leslie Rogers

Dissertations

Three multivariate methods for measuring change from pretest to posttest are compared with respect to statistical power over various levels and combinations of effect size, alpha level, sample size, number of dependent variables, number of significantly different dependent variables, correlation between corresponding pretest and posttest scores, and correlation between unrelated pretest and posttest scores. The method utilizing posttests as the dependent variables and pretests as covariates was found to have superior statistical power in the majority of the scenarios examined. However, there were scenarios where the method utilizing change scores as dependent variables and the method utilizing only posttests as …

The Effect Of Direct Instruction In Teaching Addition And Subtraction Of Decimals And Decimal Word Problems On Students At Risk For Academic Failure, Heather Hoopes Small

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated the effects of a direct instruction program on the ability of elementary school students identified as at risk for math failure to add and subtract numbers with decimals, and complete addition and subtraction word problems with decimals. Direct instruction has previously been shown to increase the math skills of special education and general education students. This study examined the extent to which these students could master these skills in six hours of instruction, with carefully designed sequences of examples and strategy instruction in word problems. The study took place in two elementary schools. The participants were fifth …

An Analysis Of Mathematics Interventions: Increased Time-On-Task Compared With Computer-Assisted Mathematics Instruction, James M. Calhoun Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Student achievement is not progressing on mathematics as measured by state, national, and international assessments. Much of the research points to mathematics curriculum and instruction as the root cause of student failure to achieve at levels comparable to other nations. Since mathematics is regarded as a gate keeper to many educational opportunities as well as, eventually, potential job prospects, critics are asking schools to fix the problem.

This research project is a comparison of two different interventions used to improve student performance as tested on the Colorado State Assessment Program (CSAP). The first intervention, increased time-on-task, was used at Freedom …

The Socioeconomic Achievement Gap In Mathematics, Adam Meador

Dissertations

Currently in the United States a gap exists in the education of high and low socio-economic students. There is an education available for the socioeconomically challenged and a different system of education for those who live in a higher socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to explore the achievement gap in mathematics for elementary students. Specifically, the gap between the students’ scores who attended a school with a free and reduced price meal percentage below 25% and students’ scores who attended a school with a free and reduced price meal percentage above 75% was explored. Additionally, the focus …

Quantum Stochastic Flows: Trotter Product Formula, Dilations And Quantum Brownian Motion., Biswarup Das Dr.

Doctoral Theses

Motivated by the major role played by probabilistic models in many areas of science, several quantum (i.e. non-commutative) generalizations of classical probability have been attempted by a number of mathematicians. The pioneering works of K.R. Parthasarathy, L. Accardi, R.L. Hudson, P.A. Meyer and others led to the development of one such non-commutative model called ‘quantum probability’ which has a very rich theory of quantum stochastic calculus a la Hudson and Parthasarathy. Within the framework of quantum stochastic calculus, the ‘grand design’ that engages us is the canonical construction and study of ∗-homomorphic flows (jt)t≥0 on a given C ∗ or …

Using Technology To Increase Interest In The Learning Of Mathematics, Teresa May Anderson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop unit openers in the form of PowerPoint presentations to introduce students to upcoming topics. Within the PowerPoint presentations, relevant visual images are used to pique the interest of the students. Also, within the presentations are opportunities for students to use a hand-held Student Response System to respond to questions. The questions the students answer are related to the upcoming material. After responses are entered, a visual display will show the responses and discussion will follow between the students and the teacher. The project will be used in geometry mathematics classrooms at the …

Strategies To Improve Math Fact Fluency In Elementary School Students, Jennifer Whealy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide that contains strategies to improve math fact fluency in elementary school students. The guide is developed to be used by elementary school teachers in Washington State to show them how to incorporate strategies for math fact fluency into their math curriculum. The math fact fluency strategies ca:n be used to help teachers support students in their understanding of their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. This guide will contain research based strategies to improve math fact fluency for kindergarten through fifth grade students. The guide will include research based …

The Effects Of Learning Groups On Student Achievement And Attitude In A Sixth Grade Mathematics Class, Jay Randall Mcguffin

All Graduate Projects

A handbook for implementing "Student Team Learning" as an alternative teaching strategy for middle level math teachers was developed after conducting extensive action research project within a sixth grade math classroom. A literature review on barriers to learning mathematics in middle schools and Student Team Learning as a teaching strategy was conducted. An action research project was conducted and from the pre to post-test data and best practices implementation regarding student team learning methods the handbook project was constructed. The handbook includes an introduction to Student Team Learning; guidelines for implementation; a student attitude survey; lesson practice questions, review sheets, …

On Decompositions And Connes's Embedding Problem Of Finite Von Neumann Algebras, Jinsong Wu

Doctoral Dissertations

A longstanding open question of Connes asks whether every finite von Neumann algebra embeds into an ultraproduct of finite-dimensional matrix algebras. As of yet, algebras verified to satisfy Connes's embedding property belong to just a few special classes (e.g. amenable algebras and free group factors). In this dissertation we establish Connes's embedding property for von Neumann algebras satisfying Popa's co-amenability condition. Some decomposition properties of finite von Neumann algebras are also investigated.

Chapter 1 reviews von Neumann algebras, completely bounded mappings, conditional expectations, tensor products, crossed products, direct integrals, and Jones basic construction.

Chapter 2 introduces new decompositions of finite …

Proof And Reasoning In An Inquiry-Oriented Class: The Impact Of Classroom Discourse, Susan D. Generazzo

Doctoral Dissertations

Over the past decade, mathematics educators and researchers have become increasingly aware of the impact of social interactions on students' learning (NCTM, 2000; Bowers & Nickerson, 2001; Forman, 2003). Current research indicates that the classroom environment, including the activities and discussions that take place, can have a significant effect on the ways students make sense of mathematical concepts (Yackel, 2001). Understanding mathematics involves knowing how to make sense of key concepts through the processes of reasoning and justification. Educators and researchers agree on the importance of providing students with opportunities in class to explore, conjecture, and prove in order to …

Homotopy Mapping Spaces, Jeremy Brazas

Doctoral Dissertations

In algebraic topology, one studies the group structure of sets of homotopy classes of maps (such as the homotopy groups pin( X)) to obtain information about the spaces in question. It is also possible to place natural topologies on these groups that remember local properties ignored by the algebraic structure. Upon choosing a topology, one is left to wonder how well the added topological structure interacts with the group structure and which results in homotopy theory admit topological analogues. A natural place to begin is to view the n-th homotopy group pi n(X) as the quotient space of the iterated …

Models And Methods For Computationally Efficient Analysis Of Large Spatial And Spatio-Temporal Data, Chengwei Yuan

Doctoral Dissertations

With the development of technology, massive amounts of data are often observed at a large number of spatial locations (n). However, statistical analysis is usually not feasible or not computationally efficient for such large dataset. This is the so-called "big n problem".

The goal of this dissertation is to contribute solutions to the "big n problem". The dissertation is devoted to computationally efficient methods and models for large spatial and spatio-temporal data. Several approximation methods to "the big n problem" are reviewed, and an extended autoregressive model, called the EAR model, is proposed as a parsimonious model that accounts for …

Transition From High School To College : The Experiences Of Girls In Rural West Virginia, Leanne Arbor Olson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A degree in higher education is increasingly important in our competitive economic environment, but a 30% gap exists between high-income and low-income students attending college (Bloom, 2005; Corrigan & Hartle, 2007). Rural and urban schools contend with issues of poverty and educational resources, while suburban schools work with "ample resources and stable populations" (Truscott & Truscott, 2005, p. 245). The purpose of this study was to better understand the enabling and constraining factors of five girls from rural, West Virginia as they transitioned from high school to college. Collaborative enthographic case study allowed the five students to be involved in …

The Impact Of Bilingual Treatment On The Math Skills Of Hispanic High School Algebra Students, Robert Kirk

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to measure the impact of instructional techniques in the Foundations of Algebra classroom to bridge linguistic barriers between Hispanic students and the language of teaching. Two consecutive years of failing to meet anticipated yearly growth among Hispanic students in Algebra I, as determined by the North Carolina End of Course exams, indicated a cognitive gap among these students when it comes to learning mathematics.

The writer developed an experiment to be delivered among 9 sections of Algebra in a North Carolina high school. The control group used Microsoft PowerPoint slides created for every lesson plan determined …

Approximate Transversals Of Latin Squares, Jon Kyle Pula

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A latin square of order n is an n by n array whose entries are drawn from an n-set of symbols such that each symbol appears precisely once in each row and column. A transversal of a latin square is a subset of cells that meets each row, column, and symbol precisely once.

There are many open and difficult questions about the existence and prevalence of transversals. We undertake a systematic study of collections of cells that exhibit regularity properties similar to those of transversals and prove numerous theorems about their existence and structure. We hope that our results …

Effects Of Instructional Technology On The Mathematics Achievement Of Eighth Grade Students, Paul Burkhart

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine how Norfolk Middle School Mathematics teachers’ use of instructional technology in their classroom affected student’s success on the 8th grade Standards of Learning (SOL) test.

A Comparison Of Online And Face-To-Face Discussions In An Elementary Mathematics Methods Course, Julie Stephens James

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if there is a difference between online and face-to-face discussions in terms of quality of responses. The researcher analyzed discussions among teacher candidates enrolled in a web-enhanced undergraduate elementary mathematics methods course. Data was collected through surveys, audio-recordings of face-to-face discussions and asynchronous discussion board transcripts. Transcripts from online and face-to-face discussions were analyzed for evidence of critical thinking using the practical inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson & Archer, 2001). The researcher found that discussions that utilized the asynchronous discussion board elicited more critical thinking from participants than face-to-face discussions. Also, the …

African American Community College Student Perceptions Of Mathematics Instructor Immediacy Behaviors And Perceived Cognitive Learning, Georgia Lynne Toland

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine what instructor immediacy behaviors are perceived to most positively affect the perceived cognitive learning of African American community college mathematics students. Data were provided via voluntary student surveys collected in various mathematics classrooms at two community colleges. The survey instrument was modeled from the works of Gorham (1988) and Sanders and Wiseman (1990) and included an experimental survey method of direct questioning. The perceptions of African American community college students regarding the behaviors of their mathematics instructors, along with their stated preferred instructor behaviors, produced a subset of effective strategies similar to …

An Examination Of Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Tpack Development Through Participation In A Technology-Based Lesson Study, Julie Whitten Riales

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study used a layered case study (Patton, 2002) to examine the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) of a group of inservice secondary mathematics teachers as they participated in a technology-based lesson study. Using the TPACK Development Model (Niess, 2009) as a lens, this dissertation examines interactions of the group members during lesson study meetings as well as individual case studies of four of the six participants. Data were gathered from initial surveys, initial and post-interviews, initial and post-classroom observations, writing prompts, and transcriptions of lesson study group meetings. Data were analyzed to determine the TPACK development …

Enrollment In Technology Education Based Upon Scores In Mathematics And Science, Robert D'Souza

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between 7th and 8th grade students choosing to enroll in technology education as an elective based on their success in mathematics and science subjects.

Reduced Order Model Of A Spouted Fluidized Bed Utilizing Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, Stephanie R. Beck-Roth

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A reduced order model utilizing proper orthogonal decomposition for approximation of gas and solids velocities as well as pressure, solids granular temperature and gas void fraction for use in multiphase incompressible fluidized beds is developed and presented. The methodology is then tested on data representing a flat-bottom spouted fluidized bed and comparative results against the software Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX) are provided. The governing equations for the model development are based upon those implemented in the (MFIX) software. The three reduced order models explored are projective, extrapolative and interpolative. The first is an extension of the system solution …

Construction And Simplicity Of The Large Mathieu Groups, Robert Peter Hansen

Master's Theses

In this thesis, we describe the construction of the Mathieu group M₂₄ given by Ernst Witt in 1938, a construction whose geometry was examined by Jacques Tits in 1964. This construction is achieved by extending the projective semilinear group PΓL₃(F₄) and its action on the projective plane P²(F₄). P²(F₄) is the projective plane over the field of 4 elements, with 21 points and 21 lines, and PΓL₃(F₄) is the largest group sending lines to lines in P²(F₄).This plane has 168 6-point subsets, hexads, with the …

Finding Relationships Between Multiple-Choice Math Tests And Their Stem-Equivalent Constructed Responses, Nayla Aad Chaoui

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The study takes a close look at relationships between scores on a Mathematics standardized test in two different testing formats - Multiple-Choice (MC) and Constructed Response (CR). Many studies have been dedicated to finding correlations between item format characteristics with regards to race and gender. Few studies, however, have attempted to explore differences in the performance of English Learners in a low performing, predominantly Latino high school. The study also determined relationships between math scores and gender and math scores and language proficiency, as well as relationships between CAHSEE and CST scores.

Statistical analyses were performed using correlations, descriptive statistics, …

Making It Add Up : An Examination Of The Preparation Of Undergraduates To Teach Mathematics At Csumb, Erin Barnes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Elementary teachers’ lack of conceptual knowledge negatively affects their confidence, beliefs and teaching ability. The implementation of earlier exposure to teaching mathematics in the undergraduate career can benefit the pre-service teacher’s future career by giving them the opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards math and gain confidence in their teaching. Interviews were conducted with teachers at California State University Monterey Bay who instruct Math 308 and Math 309 as well as a professor at the credential program. These interviews gave insight into the goals of the classes, the effectiveness of the classes and the teachers’ thoughts and opinions …

Ganas And The Swan: American Materialism In Mathematics Education, Taylor Berliant

CMC Senior Theses

Math is a unique subject. It is a different type of thinking for many people. Even though topics in math are separate, math is seen as a whole unlike many other subjects. Science, literature, history, art, languages, and physical education, the subjects, in addition to math, that make up the typical high school curriculum, are hardly ever referred to without additional labeling. Many of the subjects even contain topics with nearly incomparable material. The idea of math as a whole, at least in high school, is not completely untrue. A lot of the topics rely on the knowledge of previous …

Women In Mathematics: An Historical Account Of Women's Experiences And Achievement, Kendra D. Huff

CMC Senior Theses

For a long time, women have struggled to gain complete acceptance in the mathematics field. The purpose of this paper is to explore the history of women in the field of mathematics, the impact and experiences of current female mathematicians, and the common trends for women in the mathematics field, through literature review and personal interviews. This paper looks at the lives of four famous female mathematicians, as well as female mathematicians in the Claremont Colleges who were interviewed for this paper. Specifically this paper examines the discrimination they faced and how they overcame this discrimination, as well as the …

Markov Chains Derived From Lagrangian Mechanical Systems, Scott Cook

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The theory of Markov chains with countable state spaces is a greatly developed and successful area of probability theory and statistics. There is much interest in continuing to develop the theory of Markov chains beyond countable state spaces. One needs good and well motivated model systems in this effort. In this thesis, we propose to produce such systems by introducing randomness into familiar deterministic systems so that we can draw upon the existing: deterministic) results to aid the analysis of our Markov chains. We will focus most heavily on models drawn from Lagrangian mechanical systems with collisions: billiards).

Computable Performance Analysis Of Recovering Signals With Low-Dimensional Structures, Gongguo Tang

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

The last decade witnessed the burgeoning development in the reconstruction of signals by exploiting their low-dimensional structures, particularly, the sparsity, the block-sparsity, the low-rankness, and the low-dimensional manifold structures of general nonlinear data sets. The reconstruction performance of these signals relies heavily on the structure of the sensing matrix/operator. In many applications, there is a flexibility to select the optimal sensing matrix among a class of them. A prerequisite for optimal sensing matrix design is the computability of the performance for different recovery algorithms. I present a computational framework for analyzing the recovery performance of signals with low-dimensional structures. I …