Education Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of A "Patient Discharge Information" Booklet In Patient Education Programs In Saudi Arabia, Amani Mohammed Al Rebeh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the Patient Discharge Information (PDI) booklet on the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of participants who were cesarean patients in local hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the following two research questions: (1) does the participant have information, resources, and understand basic personal health information regarding her health conditions including diagnosis, treatment, self-care management, medication instructions, normal expected symptoms, dangerous signs and what to do, as well as lifestyle changes?; and (2) how does patient discharge information provided by the hospital make a difference in participants’ knowledge, attitude, and …

Perceived Effects Of Family Status Changes On Male Collegiate Outdoor Recreation Coordinators, Andrew K. Martin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A career as a collegiate outdoor recreation professional is both a challenging and rewarding occupation. It is a position that consists of inconsistent hours as well as extended periods away from home. This qualitative study identified how changes in family status affect an individual’s perception of the position as a collegiate outdoor recreation coordinator. More specifically, the perceived benefits or challenges that occur throughout the family status changes, and what effect, if any, these perceptions had on the individual’s work performance, job satisfaction and career longevity.

Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals who were employed …

The Difference Connection Makes : Roles The Middle School Teacher Plays In Changing Adolescent Girls’ Lives, Denise M. Pralle

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Within the classroom setting, 'fitting in' can be a very difficult matter for both students as well as teachers. A sense of community and respect for others, which prevails in the elementary grades, seems more subdued among middle-schoolers as competition and the struggle for independence becomes part of the hidden curriculum. Adolescent girls especially struggle to imitate what developmental psychologists suggest is necessary at this age: independence and disconnection from others. However, disconnection at this stage of development may partially account for the competition, disrespect of others, and loss of morality in and out of the classroom. Connected classroom teachers …

Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Of Undergraduate Learning In A Multidimensional Wellness Course, Kristi Leonard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Introductory wellness courses are common among American institutions of higher education. These courses are typically of a unidimensional approach, focusing on just the physical component of wellness. Some wellness educators would argue that a multidimensional approach is a richer and more valuable learning experience. Furthermore, technology has played a larger role in wellness education, as it is being created, developed, and implemented into the field. Therefore, college wellness educators and curriculum designers need to determine the implications for both online and face-to-face instructional methods in their execution of teaching the holistic concept of wellness to their students.

The purpose of …

A Study Of Cultural Orientation And Attitudes And Meaning Toward Play: A Cross Cultural Investigation Among Emerging Adulthood In The People Republic Of China, Hong Kong, And United States, Winnie Wing-Sze Wong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine play among emerging adults in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the United States. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the respondents' perceptions of play and their personal cultural orientation. The study also explored the relationship between respondents' perceptions of play's importance and their cultural orientation. Respondents' frequency of play was also studied to determine whether there were relationships between frequency of play, countries of origin, and personal cultural orientation. Finally, the study considered the interactive effects among perceptions of play, play's importance, personal …

The Efficacy Of An Intuitive Eating Education Program In A School Nutrition Education Curriculum, Nicole Healy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Childhood and adolescent obesity and eating disorders are increasing at an alarming rate in the United States and they occur at younger ages than previously observed. To combat childhood and adolescent obesity, many school nutrition education programs offer obesity prevention programs. Some of these programs consist of restrictive eating plans for obesity prevention, yet their efficacy has been questioned because an unintended consequence is that they may actually increase eating disorder behaviors. An alternative to programs that focus on restrictive eating is the Intuitive eating approach, which is based on the premise that an adherence to physiological cues in determining …

A Comparison Of Face-To-Face And Online Instructional Delivery Methods In Large-Group Settings In A University Undergraduate Wellness Course, Lea Ann Shaddox

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Utilization of online delivery of the lecture component in an undergraduate wellness course is unique and undocumented in research. Wellness courses are traditionally taught with face-to-face lectures plus an activity component. This discipline is distinctive in terms of its activity components that are not conducted online.

The purpose of this study was to investigate two large group face-to-face and online courses to determine if the students enrolled were demographically equivalent and if there were differences in academic achievement in terms of final course grades and between subgroups of students. For the fall 2006 and spring 2007 semesters, 1,814 students were …

The Value Of Leisure In Coping With Natural Disaster: A Case Study In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Katrina, Germaine Jackson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries have witnessed more than their share of cataclysmic events, both natural and human-made. Most notable is Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 storm that ravaged the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi. The infamous history of Hurricane Katrina's devastation stems from a couple of factors. First, the death toll reached what, for Americans, was a shockingly high figure of 1,577 people. Second, and more socially and politically relevant, was the federal government's mismanagement of the crisis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of leisure services available to adolescents following the traumatic …

Psychosocial Correlates Of Physical Activity Among School Aged Children, Elizabeth Nicklay

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine psychosocial correlates that best predict physical activity behaviors of Iowa public school children, grades 4-12. Subproblems of the study included determining psychosocial predictors of physical activity specific to gender and grade level differences. The Physical Activity Questionnaire-Children (PAQ-C) and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Adolescents (PAQ-A) were used to measure the physical activity behaviors and The Children's Physical Activity Scale (CPAC) was used to measure the psychological factors of physical activity of the 5,408 participants. Results show that males, at all ages, reported greater levels of physical activity than their female classmates. There was also …

Parental Influences On Children’S Physical Activity, Molly Eshelman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The general purpose of this study was to investigate the role of parental influence on children's physical activity (PA) behaviors. The specific purposes were to (1) determine the relationship between parental attitudes and their children's PA, (2) determine if parental exercise habits are related to their children's PA participation, (3) determine if parental knowledge of physical activity recommendations is related to their children's PA participation, ( 4) examine the nature of parenting practices on their children's PA participation, and (5) investigate the mediating effect of socio-economic status on the influence parents have on their children's PA participation. Questionnaires were obtained …

The Relationship Between Academic Achievement And Physical Fitness In Adolescents, George William Centeio

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In today's schools, there is a major emphasis placed on academic proficiency particularly in the areas of reading, math, and science. Society is also seeing increases in the number of people who are obese and inactive. Some believe that increasing physical activity and/or improving physical fitness will result in better academic achievement of students in school. This study examined the relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness in adolescents. The participants included 200 ( 118 male, 82 female), high school students, at a rural high school located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Student's third trimester, end of …

Does Motor Skill Level Affect Physical Activity-Related Self-Efficacy And Enjoyment In Third Grade Students?, Rachel Kautzky-Braley

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Childhood obesity has nearly tripled in the past three decades. Because of these alarming numbers, government health officials are highly concerned with causes of this trend. It has been shown that poor diet, certain behaviors such as television viewing, and a lack of physical activity are some of the causes of this increase. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and enjoyment and a child's motor skill level. The study participants included 80 third grade students (43 girls and 37 boys). The sample was split into an intervention group (n=43) and a control group (n=37). …

The Heart Rate Response Of 5th Grade Students To Various Physical Education Activities, Mark Jungmann

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In an effort to make future curricular choices, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of participation in various activities on 5th grade students' heart rates. It was hypothesized that different activities would influence students' mean heart rates and time in target heart rate zone (THRZ) differently. Heart rate measurements were obtained through the use of Polar E600 heart rate monitors (HRM) during the 2006-2007 school year at Grundy Center, Iowa Elementary School. The data from the heart rate monitors were downloaded into Polar PE Manager Software to gather necessary information for this study. Subjects of …

Relationships Among Physical Activity Knowledge, Perceived Importance Of Physical Activity, And Physical Activity Behaviors Of College Students, Trent W. Tangen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge of physical activity guidelines, the perceived importance of physical activity, and the actual physical activity behaviors among college students. Comparisons according to gender, class standing, academic major, and completion of a required personal wellness course were also made. In addition, a secondary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of physical activity guidelines, perceived importance of physical activity, and actual physical activity behavior. A questionnaire developed by Morrow, Jackson, Bazzarre, Milne, and Blair (1999) was used to determine if participants knew the appropriate frequency, intensity, …

A Study Of Elementary Instructors' Teaching Of Forearm Passing As A Part Of Volleyball Instruction, Tsui-Feng Tiffany Yeh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the teaching of forearm passing as a key component of volleyball game performance. More specifically, this study investigated teachers' content knowledge and teaching knowledge (pedagogical content knowledge) related to forearm passing as described by the teachers and manifested in teaching practices in the teaching environment.

Six elementary physical education instructors participated in this study. Several methods were used for gathering different information about forearm passing research including systematic observation, videotaping, field notes, and formal and informal interviews.

The findings revealed that (a) teachers' teaching philosophy significantly influenced their teaching and designing volleyball …

The Effects Of An Educational Intervention Lesson On Fourth And Fifth Grade Students’ Ability To Sustain Effort (Pace) During A Modified 1-Mile Run Test, Rick Schupbach

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an educational intervention lesson on fourth and fifth grade students' ability to sustain effort (pace) in an identified target heart rate zone during a modified I -mile run test. It was hypothesized that after participating in the intervention, students would be able to sustain effort in their target heart rate zone more consistently than before receiving the educational program. Computerized heart rate measures were obtained for fourth and fifth grade students by the use of Polar E600 watches during pretest and posttest modified 1 -mile runs. The data …

The Influence Of Significant Others On High School Students’ Expectancies, Task Value, And Motivation In Physical Education, Skip M. Williams

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In physical education, students perform physical activities among their peers and teachers. Some students are highly skilled, while others are developing their skill, and some just do not participate at all. It has been questioned why one child would approach a new opportunity with excitement and enthusiasm and another child (with the same opportunity) would have anxiety and self-doubt. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of significant others on high school students' expectancies for success, task value, and motivation in physical education class. Specifically, this study examined perceived influence of significant others' beliefs on students': expectancies …

Iowa Physical Educators’ Access To Usage Of, And Perceived Importance Of Technology In The Field Of Physical Education, Jennifer Hadler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Iowa physical education teachers regarding the importance of various technologies available for use in a physical education classroom. A second purpose was to determine the access to and usage of selected pieces of technology. Data were compared based on years of teaching experience and gender. A questionnaire was sent to Iowa physical educators to determine access and use of 20 different pieces of technology. Teachers also ranked the importance of each technology as "Important," "Somewhat Important," or "Not Important." Results of the study indicated the most accessible technologies …

Relationship Between Pre-Service Physical Education Teachers’ Value Orientation In Curriculum Decisions And Attitudes Towards Teaching Students With Disabilities, Wing Yin Tai

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-service teachers' value orientation in making curriculum decisions and their attitudes toward teaching students with disabilities. Results of this study will provide suggestions for current teacher education curricula and help pre-service teachers meet the demands in inclusive settings. Participants in this study included 49 volunteer junior and senior students at the University of Northern Iowa majoring in Physical Education (Teaching). Data collection in this study was achieved through a questionnaire that included the Value Orientation Inventory (VOi-SF) and the Physical Educators' Attitudes toward Individuals with Disabilities III (PEATID-III). The …

Relationship Of Perceived Physical Competence, Exercise Intensity, And Body Mass Index To Enjoyment Of Elementary Students In Physical Education, Wei Mei Sin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The sedentary lifestyles of some children have led to negative consequences for present and long-term health. Schools have the potential to improve the health of youth by providing positive enjoyable learning environments that promote physical activity outside school. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of perceived physical competence, exercise intensity, and body mass index to enjoyment in physical education among elementary students. The sample consisted of 56 fourth and fifth grade students enrolled at Grundy Center Elementary School in Iowa. A self-report questionnaire was used to ascertain information regarding children's enjoyment during participation in physical education …

The Relationship Between Time Spent In Physical Activity During Daily Physical Education And Selected Physical Fitness Components Among Elementary And Secondary Students, Shelley Mccumber

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between the time spent in physical activity in the physical education classroom and the scores on the Fitness gram battery tests of the mile walk/run, sit-ups, flexed arm hang, trunk lift, and the sit and reach in elementary and secondary students. Two sub-problems were also investigated: (1) were there differences in the total amount of time spent in physical activity between elementary students and secondary students; and (2) were there differences in the percent of total class time spent in physical activity between elementary students and secondary …

Examination Of Amount Of Time Spent In Heart Rate Zone During A Cup Stacking Unit In 4th-Grade Students, Kimberly Jo Boelke

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

One of the most influential places a young person learns exercise patterns is through the physical education program at school. Schools have the potential to improve the health of youth by providing instruction, programs, and services that promote enjoyable lifetime physical activity (Centers for Disease Control, 1997). During physical activity time in physical education class, a student should remain within the target heart rate zone, as to gain cardiovascular benefits. Students also develop motor skills during physical education class, and to help students become proficient and comfortable with these motor skills, hand-eye coordination needs to be developed. Development of hand-eye …

A Descriptive Study Of The Frequency And Intensity Of Physical Activity Among Incoming First-Year Students At Luther College, Kristi Leonard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Young adults are not as active as they should be in comparison to national standards. They are more overweight than is healthy. The purpose of this study was to describe the physical activity volume (frequency + intensity) of incoming first-year students at an Iowa liberal arts college. Did certain demographic characteristics, such as gender; projected major area of study; age; native language; religious preference; ethnic background; and past high school and projected college athletic, theater/drama, and music participation of these students make a difference in their volume of physical activity? This study focused on the examination of exercise behaviors of …

Perceived Exercise Constraints And Motivation For Exercise Among University Undergraduate Students, Ryan Paul Harkema

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between perceived exercise constraints and motivation for exercise among university undergraduate students, and to identify if there is a difference in perceived exercise constraints and motivation for exercise among university undergraduate students in the three exercise behavior categories of regular exercise participants, intermediary exercise participants, and nonparticipants. As issues related to overweight and obesity continue to grow in the United States, research efforts must concentrate upon exercise behavior and the factors that influence exercise participation levels. This study focused upon the exercise behaviors of university undergraduate students, as Americans aged …

An Analysis Of Physical Activity And Two Forms Of Self Defense Training And Their Impact On Women’S Sense Of Self-Efficacy, Elizabeth Susan Guernsey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Since the mid-l 970s, incidences of rape in the United States have steadily increased. American females aged 16-24 are at the greatest risk to experience rape. This indicates that college-aged women have a high probability of experiencing a sexual assault during their college years. Women are at particularly high risk of being raped by an acquaintance or a date. This may be due to traditional social gender roles in American society. Rape Aggression Defense Systems is the largest self defense program for women that has become particularly popular on college campuses. Ozer and Bandura (1990) sought to study possible increases …

Predicting Ghanaian Pre-Service Teachers' Intention To Teach High-Risk Sexual Behavior Prevention From Teaching Efficacy And Prevention Approach, Joseph Kwesi Ogah

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Youth and adolescents in African Countries have been experiencing high prevalence levels of the outcomes of high-risk sexual behavior (HRSB), such as HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, illegal abortions, and dropping out of school. Education is one means by which HRSB can be reduced among adolescents, but the sensitive nature of sex education and the controversy over which prevention approach to use have made the teaching of HRSB prevention in schools a cautious undertaking. The purpose of this study was to describe (a) pre-service teachers’ efficacy beliefs for teaching HRSB prevention and (b) pre-service teachers’ preferred approach to HRSB prevention, as determinants …

Effect Of Childcare Facilities On Vigorous Physical Activity In Preschool Aged Children, Nicole Kelly-Goreham

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of childcare centers with differences in outdoor space and play equipment upon the amount of time spent at vigorous physical activity by children. The research questions guiding this research were:

1. Is there a difference among childcare centers in the amount of time spent in vigorous physical activity by preschool age children?

2. Is there any relationship between the amount of time spent in vigorous physical activity at the childcare center and the child's BMI, the time spent outdoors time spent in vigorous physical activity outside the center, parental BMI, …

Authentic Assessment In Physical Education: Prevalence Of Use And Perceived Impact On Students' Self-Concept, Motivation, And Skill Achievement, Joseph Kwame Mintah

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The volume of traditional assessments in the public schools of the United States has increased. At the same time, complaints about the use of standardized tests have become louder. The complaints and dissatisfaction have led to a paradigm shift in assessment. Available literature supports the use of alternative assessment. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the type and the extent of authentic assessment used in public school physical education. A second purpose was to investigate physical education teachers' perceptions about the impact of authentic assessment use on students' self-concept, motivation, and skill achievement.

The teachers rated …

School Playground Supervision Practices In The State Of Iowa, Heather Marie Bauer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate what types of playground supervision practices were being performed in Iowa public elementary schools. More specifically this study included the following research questions:

1. What is the typical public elementary school in Iowa? 2. Do schools in Iowa have playground supervision plans?
3. Who supervises the children?
4. Do schools require the supervisors to have playground safety training?
5. Do schools perform a regular maintenance check on their playground?

A questionnaire was designed to answer the research questions posed in this study. The questionnaire was reviewed by a panel of experts for …

Comparison Of Health Practices Of International Students At The University Of Northern Iowa Before And After Coming To The United States, Joseph Kwesi Ogah

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the health practices of international students at the University of Northern Iowa before and after coming to the United States (US). Also included in the study was a description of differences in the selected health behaviors by gender, age, marital status, residence type, place of origin, and length of stay in the US. A random sample of 81 international students from about 60 different countries (35% male, 65% female) responded to a 50-item health behavior survey in the Fall semester of 1999.

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was …