Education Commons^™

Examining The Use Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy In Undergraduate Mathematics Learning Modules With Students Of Color, Thomas A. Mgonja

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In mathematics, Students of Color have persistently performed lower than their White counterparts, thus creating a need to explore instructional methods that could reduce performance disparities. This study investigated culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) to understand how it might support students’ mathematics learning in undergraduate mathematics learning modules. The overarching research question focused on how CRP in undergraduate mathematics Learning Modules supported students’ mathematics learning. There were also two main questions that focused on participants’ evaluations of the CRP modules and how those evaluations were reported based on subgroups (Students of Color and White). The researcher employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods …

Do Booster Emails Improve Learning Transfer Among Parenting Professionals?, Benjamin C. Stout

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Parenting professionals play a key role in helping parents have a positive influence on their children, which is why it is important to ensure that professionals have and use research-based information and materials. Using data from 96 parenting professionals from Utah and Missouri, who completed a 4-hour Strong Parents, Stable Children training, we examined the effects (at 2-months post training) of reflective reminder emails on parenting professionals’ utilization and learning transfer of training materials. Results from independent samples t tests show that participants who received “booster” emails at 1-week and 1-month post training shared some information and some materials with …

Historical Analysis Of Leadership Theory In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints And Its Educational System, Kevin D. Whitehead

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An organization’s leadership theory acts as a collection of primary guiding characteristics which influence its identity and direction. Developing leaders has always been important for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Historically, the Church has promoted leadership ideals for all its members through various aspects of its doctrine and organization. This study provides an analysis of multiple leadership texts produced by the ecclesiastical and educational wings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The study helps to reveal how Latter-day Saint leadership theory has developed over time. This study considers the unfolding of Latter-day Saint leadership …

Enhancing Students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills Through Computer-Based Scaffolding In Problem-Based Learning, Nam Ju Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this multiple-paper dissertation is to identify students' several difficulties in Problem-based learning and to address these issues by suggesting the design of computer-based scaffolding. In addition, the effectiveness of suggested design was confirmed through meta-analysis and the empirical research. Learner-centered Scaffolding Systems (LSS) is presented to improve students' perception of optimal challenge by addressing students' learning issues in PBL. LSS enhances students' experience in autonomy and competence by providing multiple types, modalities, and customization of scaffolding in accordance with student' different needs and difficulties in PBL. Bayesian meta-analysis for identifying the effects of suggested LSS indicated that …

An Examination Of The Relationship Of Oral Reading Fluency, Silent Reading Fluency, Reading Comprehension, And The Colorado State Reading Assessment, Christy L. Bloomquist

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how measures of oral reading fluency and silent reading fluency compare as predictors of reading comprehension and how these vary as a function of proficiency level for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Additionally, the study sought to examine the relationship between measures of ORF, SRF, reading comprehension, and the TCAP with these students. As silent reading fluency is utilized more in the classroom as grade level increases, a silent reading fluency measure might be a better predictor for maturing readers to determine reading proficiency, monitor student progress, and guide instructional practices.

A correlational …

A Descriptive Case Study Of Writing Standards-Based Individualized Education Plan Goals Via Problem-Based Learning In A Virtual World, Peter J. Blair

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The goal of this study was to examine the professional development experiences of two participants while they were creating standards-based individualized education plan (IEP) goals using a virtual world called TeacherSim. The focuses of the study were how did special educators engage with the task of creating standards-based IEP goals using TeacherSim and how did TeacherSim support or hinder this? This research used a descriptive case study selecting two participants from the larger data set of seven participants. The data was analyzed using qualitative coding which compared the observed experiences with the case propositions. This case study demonstrated that special …

Training Early Childhood Educators To Identify Behavior Function And Select Function-Matched Interventions, Laura V. Cox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Problem behavior in the classroom can have a negative impact not only on the student’s learning but on his or her social interactions and the child may risk rejection by teachers and peers. This study evaluated the effects of a training package delivered to preschool teachers on their ability to identify what may be causing the problem behavior and identify strategies that may reduce problem behavior.

Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this training package in older age groups or grade levels as well as to other professionals who work with children with problem behavior. Results from this study …

Exploring Trends In Middle School Students' Computational Thinking In The Online Scratch Community: A Pilot Study, Kevin N. Lawanto

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

We live in a century in which technology has become part of our lives, and it is crucial that we become active creators and not merely passive users of technology. One characteristic that might distinguish someone who uses the ideas of others from one who innovates his own ideas is the ability to computer program. Computer programming is more than just learning how to code; it also exposes students to computational thinking (CT), which involves problem-solving using computer science (CS) concepts, such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design.

The rationale for introducing computing in K-12 in order to …

A Qualitative Study Of Women High School Principals' Career Life Histories, Jan Bradshaw Hansen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Gender inequalities in the workplace continue to plague aspiring career-directed women. In public education, it is established that there are fewer women high school principals than there are men. In a profession predominantly employing women, the question remains, “Where are the women high school administrators”? This study examines the sociopolitical genders systems and psychological dynamics that perpetuate gender inequality. It then discusses the encumbered or constrained choices women make that are burdened or made more complicated by gendered sociopolitical or psychological dynamics. This study explored the unintentional career journeys of seven women high school principals and analyzed their career life …

Integrating Technology, Curriculum, And Online Resources: A Multilevel Model Study Of Impacts On Science Teachers And Students, Lei Ye

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This scale-up study investigated the impact of a teacher technology tool (Curriculum Customization Service, CCS), curriculum, and online resources on earth science teachers’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices and on students’ achievement and engagement with science learning. Participants included 73 teachers and over 2,000 ninth grade students within five public school districts in the western U.S.

To assess the impact on teachers, changes between pre- and postsurveys were examined. Results suggest that the CCS tool appeared to significantly increase both
teachers’ awareness of other earth science teachers’ practices and teachers’ frequency of using interactive resources in their lesson planning and classroom …

A Study Of Preservice Teachers' Attitudes Toward Human Rights And Unfair Labor Conditions: A Comparison Of The Influence Of Two Teaching Methods, Benicia D'Sa

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of preservice teachers towards human rights, particularly about human rights related to labor. To assess their attitudes of human rights and unfair labor conditions, two types of presentations, (a) docudrama and discussion, and (b) lecture and discussion, were conducted. The researcher evaluated these teaching methods on their efficacy in creating an awareness of human-rights violations and labor conditions. Additionally, the participants were exposed to two types of invitations to engage in human-rights advocacy.

The study involved elementary preservice teachers and secondary preservice teachers typically at the junior undergraduate level. There …

Developed Guidelines For A Career Next Step High School Placement Center Compared To Existing High School Placement Practices In Selected Urban High Schools In Utah, Jimmie B. Wallace

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze community power actors' responses to a questionnaire, in order to gain information to be used in developing Career Next Step High School Placement Center guidelines.

The study was a descriptive research which employed the reputational technique to identify community power actors and the survey technique to gain information from selected urban schools for comparative purposes.

The reputational technique surveyed 31 Ogden Community power actors and the survey technique was administered to 26 selected urban high schools in Utah.

Guidelines were developed for the following major areas:

1. Functions of a Career …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of An Individualized Progress Method Of Teaching Intermediate Typewriting At Utah State University, Vernon W. Klemin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the achievement and attitudes of students who experienced two different methods of intermediate typewriting teaching at Utah State University.

This experimental research was conducted in the Department of Business Education and Office Administration at Utah State University, Logan. Utah, during the winter quarter of 1973. The statistical population included forty-two control group students and eighteen experimental group students.

An instructional model was developed to allow the control group to move through the instructional model as a traditional structured group while the experimental group proceeded through the instructional model on an individualized progress …

The Usefulness Of 4-H Project Manual As Seen By Members Parents And Adult Leaders In Cache County, Vichit Viasayanunt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The primary objective of this study was to survey the usefulness of the 4-H members' project manual according to the opinions of members, parents, and adult leaders in Cache County, State of Utah.

Two USU Extension Agents, 140 4-H members, 119 parents, and 30 leaders cooperated in this survey. A separate questionnaire accompanied by a cover letter by the Extension Agents and a letter of explanation by the author was sent to each person in the three categories mentioned. Questionnaires were mailed to 200 4-H male members, 190 parents and 46 adult leaders. Evaluation of the usefulness of the manuals …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Tune-Ups In Controlling Vehicle Emissions In Salt Lake County, Howard B. Mcintosh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Federal Government has placed stringent standards on the manufacturers of automobiles to control vehicle emissions. Few states standards have been set for used vehicles to insure the vehicle continues to meet this standard.

Studies have shown that vehicles that are properly tuned are emitting less harmful pollutants from the exhaust. Additional studies are needed to determine if cars are being adequately turned to meet exhaust emissions.

The study showed 93 per cent of the new 1971 model cars were not meeting the standard established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighty-seven per cent of the 1970 model cars and 83 …

Instructional Costs In The School Of Graduate Studies At Utah State University, Evan N. Stevenson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Institutions of higher learning are presently experiencing budget constraints unparalleled in recent times. The desire to reduce unnecessary expenditures has extended from administrators to the faculty and even to students. However, one of the greatest difficulties seems to be in identifying those specific areas where economies might be effected.

Business and industry have experienced the critical need for effective methods of analyzing their costs in order to survive in a competitive economy. Cost accounting techniques have been developed and have assisted in pinpointing both strengths and weaknesses. However, the administrator in higher education has been reluctant to accept similar approaches …