Education Commons^™

Analysis Of Academically At-Risk Second Year Students' Perceptions Of How Campus Support Services Engage Them Via Social Media, Brad Sandefer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Path Into Student Affairs: How Undergraduate Experiences Influence Students To Pursue A Career In Student Affairs, Bryce Jacob Reuer Gergely

Masters Theses

The career field of Student Affairs is one that most individuals know nothing about until coming to college when they have the chance to interact with professionals in the field. How exactly do individuals come to be professionals in student affairs? This study looks to answer that question through the examination of nine individuals in various stages of the process into Student Affairs, analyzing their experiences throughout their undergraduate career. Special focus is given to experiences during participants' undergraduate education, influences on their decision to pursue Student Affairs as a career, and how interactions with Student Affairs professionals played a …

Revitalizing Grammar Instruction For High School Juniors: Toward A Contextual, Student-Driven, And Minimalistic Method, Heather L. Lindenmeyer

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I explore best practices in grammar instruction for high school juniors. Practicing English teachers have been engaging in the great grammar debate for years, essentially arguing if and how grammar is best taught. Thoughts on teaching grammar greatly differ in the professional community, but most scholars call for a middle ground to be sought in the great grammar debate. In other words, very few scholars think traditional methods that isolate grammar instruction from the writing process are best, but even fewer scholars call for teachers to entirely rid their curriculum of all grammar instruction. I conclude that …

Significance Of Gateway Requirements To Student Success: A Mixed Methods Approach, Ashley Rashaun Bell

Masters Theses

This study was constructed to examine Gateway's students' perceptions of the program's "extra requirements" to their success. Participants were 48 students who were successfully released from the Gateway program in the spring of 2011 and 2012 semesters. The researcher completed a mixed methods approach to receive a more in depth understanding of students' perceptions. Results suggested that students' overall perception of the Gateway program was positive, with students perceiving the program itself as the most significant to their success. Participants also viewed the program's weekly advisor meetings and study table requirements as significant to their success. Many participants cited the …

The Prevalence, Reasons, And Effects Of Hazing On Female Student Athletes, Danielle Steffa

Masters Theses

The present study was designed to understand the prevalence, reasons, and effects of hazing on female student athletes at a midsized, Midwest institution. Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotions and/or physical harm, regardless of that person's willingness to participate (Gersehel, Katz-Sidlow, Small, & Zandieh (2003). By using a modified survey done by Hoover (1999) and Allan and Madden (2008), the frequency, reasons why female athletes believe hazing happens, and any effects felt by these athletes was measured. Results showed there are many types of hazing behaviors that are …

Common Core Standards' Preparation For Vocational Careers In Rural Illinois Public High Schools, Emily Fultz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research study was to contribute to a better understanding of Common Core Math and Reading/Language Arts Standards for high school students in preparation for post-graduation vocational careers. This research study collected data regarding rural Illinois high school administrator, school board, and teacher perceptions of the Common Core Standards' applicability to students pursuing vocational careers. Data was collected through an online survey and analyzed using Qualtrics and SPSS, version 22. The results of the research revealed that the large majority of the Common Core Standards prepare students for college and not for vocational careers. Recommendations for practice …

Impact Of Masculinity On Undergraduate Men's Perceptions Of Bullying And Help-Seeking, Michael King

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Student Writing And Its Effects On Motivation, Scott May

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

First-Year First-Generation College Students And Their Transition To A University, Jennifer Lynn Stevenson

Masters Theses

Prior research has examined the ways in which first-generation students were underprepared for college life. This study looked at the expectations, self-reported preparedness, experiences, and perceived levels of family support of first year college students. This study utilized a previously administered instrument from Khanh Bui. Results from the quantitative survey were compared between those students whose parents had not gone to college, first-generation college students, and non-first-generation students. The research was conducted at a mid-sized, public, four-year institution in the Midwest. Results from this study suggest, at this particular institution, the differences between first- and non-first-generation students are not as …

An Examination Of The Experiences Of African American Gay Men At A Predominantly White Institution: A Phenomenological Approach, Matthew David Hayes

Masters Theses

Using qualitative methodology, the researcher analyzed the lived experiences of five gay Black men at a Predominantly White Institution in a rural midsized public institution in the Midwest. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews. Common themes included: high levels of involvement, racial segregation, and the dichotomy of being Black and gay.

Relationship Between Residence Hall Floor Plan And Social Interaction, Community, Retention, And Overall Satisfaction, Cassandra James

Masters Theses

This quantitative study focused on the relationship between residence hall floor plan types and quality of social interaction, social interaction among students, sense of community, retention, and overall level of perceived satisfaction of students at a midsized, Midwest institution. The 31 item survey was administered to on-campus students living in the residence halls to better understand the relationship between floor plan types and social interaction. The results provided a significant difference with two floor plan types for interaction among students. The findings of the present study suggest that university administrators focus on designing and renovating residence hall floor plan types …

Black Males' Perceptions Of Parental Involvement, Influence, And Their Educational Outcomes, Victor Jones Jr.

Masters Theses

Using qualitative inquiry and methods, this study explored the effect of parental involvement and influence on Black males' educational outcomes. The participants in this study were six Black males from a mid-sized, predominately White, four-year university in the Midwest. The findings from this study suggest that parents' involvement and influence shapes the way that Black males view education, which, in tum, affects their motivation and educational outcomes. In addition, this study provides suggestions for future research, as well as recommendations for educational professionals and administrators.

Curriculum Development For Computer Numerical Control Course, Brad Curry

Masters Theses

This study analyzed the past Machine Tool Advanced Skills Technology (MAST), and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) standards of workforce competency to be used to develop a curriculum, learning objectives and skill sets need by industry for a course on CNC machining. Instructional methods and strategies for delivery were determined for best practices. The coursework was designed and delivered, with an analysis of student learning based on learning objectives performed. Students were surveyed in regard to their understanding of the material covered in the course.

Categories of knowledge needed include machining knowledge about tooling and tool selection, …

A Study Of Student Leaders' Facebook Use, Valerie Penn

Masters Theses

Facebook and other social media have changed the way that our society communicates. As student affairs professionals, it is important to understand how this shift in communication affects our students and their development. This study aimed to learn more about how students leaders use Facebook, how they perceive Facebook, and how their leadership position has impacted their use and perception. The researcher used an electronic questionnaire, a Facebook tracking log, and a personal interview to examine the Facebook use and perceptions of eight participants. These participants represented the following groups: Greek leadership councils, orientation leaders, resident assistants, and student government. …

Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals' Interpretations Of Obama's 2020 Educational Goals, Shane Thomas

Masters Theses

Utilizing qualitative methodology, participants' perceptions were examined to understand midlevel professionals' and their interpretations and understandings of Obama's 2020 Educational Goals utilized by the six participants. Through conducting one-on-one interviews with mid-level professionals at a Community College and Four-Year College, it was found that participants had some knowledge of Obama's Goals. Participant's found that Obama's Goals play a huge factor in Financial Aid, Accountability, Retention, and Access for students who chose to pursue a degree in higher education. Participants recommended further professional development to become better assets to their department and the students they serve, educate students about Financial Aid …

Community College To A Four-Year Institution: Transition For Underrepresented Students, Sarah Adams

Masters Theses

Many four-year public institutions are experiencing increasing enrollment of students transferring from community colleges. For this qualitative assessment, six underrepresented students who transferred from a two-year community college to a four-year public institution were interviewed to examine both support and risk factors that underrepresented students experienced during and after the transition process. Findings showed that underrepresented students' common influential factors were finances, location, family/parental support, motivation and preparedness. The data revealed that underrepresented students experienced support from family, friends, TRIO, faculty and counselors while transitioning from community college. Risk factors that were revealed for underrepresented students at community college and …

The Perceived Benefits Of Participation In Living And Learning Communities: The Student Perspective, Sally Adams

Masters Theses

Students' experiences outside the classroom are important to their overall growth and development. Living learning communities (LLC) play a big role in helping to support these areas of growth. Students residing in an LLC are aware of the benefits of the LLC experience and can articulate how their residential environment can help them develop. Non-LLC members find it difficult to define the LLC experience and are not receiving the same benefits. Institutions and residence life often struggle in evaluating and assessing these communities because of the lack of direction and outcomes not clearly being stated. If institutions work to clearly …

An Examination Of Areas Of Involvement That Foster Student Retention, Abigail L. Ford

Masters Theses

Campus involvement has been proven to improve the persistence of students through college. This qualitative study was designed to learn if there are certain areas of involvement that are more influential to creating a perceived sense of belonging for students and in turn influencing their persistence. Using a qualitative approach the researcher gathered narratives from four undergraduate students who were involved in varying out-of-class activities and analyzed the resulting data for important themes. Three major themes emerged which were importance of involvement, connectedness to the university, and employment. The results indicated that being involved in extracurricular activities is influential in …

The Experiences Of Community College Student Athletes, Holly Nichols

Masters Theses

Due to the scarce amount of research and prior literature regarding community college student athletes, the experiences regarding this group's athletics, academics, and social realms was investigated. This unique group is constantly forced to balance the time demands of academics and athletics, among other areas, at a level much more different than Division I student athletes. The results of the present study indicated that although community college student athletes may not compete at the same level as student athletes at the Division I level, the time demands, levels of support received, and academic behaviors are all similar in many ways. …

Satisfaction And Importance Analysis Of Features And Services To Nontraditional Students: A Mixed Methods Approach, Denise E. Corray

Masters Theses

The study examined the importance and satisfaction to nontraditional students (NTS) with features and services offered at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Participants included students over age 25 who were currently or recently enrolled at the university at the time of data collection. A triangulation mixed-methods approach was utilized; a 40-item instrument was created to measure NTSs' EIU experience. Findings indicated that Instructors' knowledge of course content, Overall quality of instruction, Relevancy of subject matter taught in classes I attend, Cost of tuition to attend EIU, and Clarity of degree requirements were the most important to NTS at EIU. Participants were …

Exploring The Relationship Between Self-Reported Religiosity And Alcohol Usage Among Undergraduate Students, Angelica Maria Bradley

Masters Theses

Alcohol usage is one of the greatest high-risk behaviors that institutions face today. In this study, 166 undergraduates were surveyed to explore the relationship between their religiosity and alcohol usage. The data revealed that religious students drink less than unsure or spiritual students, supporting the Social Identity Theory, which suggests that a group a student most identifies with influences them the greatest. The study also suggests that we should seek to understand this relationship, which can lead to a better understanding of why students use alcohol, and therefore, a step closer to helping them succeed where it matters most.

Attitudes Toward Volunteerism By Fraternity Men, Jennifer Serrano

Masters Theses

Many student organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, require members to engage in some type of civic engagement activity as a component of membership. This study focused on the motivations of fraternity men to engage in volunteerism, community service, and philanthropic work. Using a qualitative approach, the researcher conducted semi-constructed one-on-one interviews with four undergraduate fraternity men. The significance of brotherhood, the implications of mandated service, and the impact of completed service explain the various attitudes fraternity men have toward civic engagement. Recommendations for fraternity and sorority life personnel were provided to improve the quality and deepen the breadth of …

Placement Of Ell Students In Writing Classrooms: Perceptions, Implications, And Suggestions, Soha Youssef

Masters Theses

This study is a mixed methods approach to exploring English Language Learners' (ELL) perceptions about their placement in either ESL sections of first-year composition courses at a two-year college or mainstreamed sections at a four-year college. After conducting case studies of five students in both types of programs and interviewing the directors of each program, it is evident that students' affects influence their perceptions about placement. This study suggests the need for ELL students' inclusion in their placement decisions.

The Effectiveness Of Student Success Courses On Students Enrolled In A Remedial Reading Course, Emily Walters

Masters Theses

This study examined the impact of strategies for success courses on success of students in remedial education at a rural community college. Participants included 594 students ages 17 to 51 (M = 20.03, SD = 4.25) that were enrolled in one of two remedial reading courses while concurrently enrolled in strategies for success course. A quantitative study was used to determine if students completed more terms and achieved a higher cumulative GPA, if they were enrolled in strategies for success compared to their peers that were not enrolled in a strategies for success course. Results showed that students enrolled …

The Risks And Rewards Of Personal Writing In The High School Classroom, Dannette L. Williamson

Masters Theses

In light of the Common Core State Standards, more research is needed on the importance and transfer value of personal writing high school classrooms. These standards have brought a more rigorous focus to student learning. With a stronger emphasis on argument and source-based writing, high school educators need to reexamine if or how personal writing should fit into curricula. For this study, approximately thirty students from each grade at Effingham High School were surveyed. The entire English department, as well as staff members from other disciplines at Effingham High School, were also surveyed. Prominent findings of the data show that …