Education Commons^™

An Experimental Study On The Effects Of A Gamified Software Intervention In Mathematics Achievement Among Sixth Grade Students, Janice Watson

Theses and Dissertations

An Experimental Study on the Effects of a Gamified Software Intervention on Mathematics Achievement Among Sixth Grade Students. Janice Watson-Huggins, 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: Gamification: intrinsic motivation: extrinsic motivation: academic performance: mathematics: test scores: Edufocal©.

Children have been playing computer games for many years. Today's children are very technologically savvy compared to 10 years ago. However, no concrete research was done in the Caribbean and in Jamaica to be specific, that investigates the impact of gamification on student academic scores and motivation. Gamification is used to describe the use of …

The Relationship Between Recidivism Rates And Post Release Employment, Richard Louis

Theses and Dissertations

The Relationship Between Recidivism Rates and Post Release Employment. Richard Louis 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: Ban the Box; Conviction, Incarceration, and Recidivism; Disparate Impact; Human Resources and Negligent Hiring; Parole, Probation, and Ex-Offenders

This applied dissertation was designed to study the relationship between recidivism rates and post release employment. This study utilized three survey instruments with human resource or hiring officers, probation or parole officers, and direct service providers as the respective participants. The survey instruments were distributed anonymously to each of the populations via Survey Monkey. The research study and …

Comparison Of Discrete Trial Teaching And The Verbal Behavior Approach In Early Learners With Autism In A School Setting, Irene Chan

Theses and Dissertations

There are many different interventions available to individuals with autism, and the benefits of each therapy may vary for each student. Two vastly different treatments are discrete trial teaching (DTT) and the verbal behavior approach (VBA). While both are based in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), VBA relies more on naturalistic teaching opportunities to teach language in context than DTT, which is conducted in structured instructional sessions. The literature supporting DTT is extensive, with many randomized control trial studies to corroborate its effectiveness. Meanwhile, VBA lacks empirical support as a package; though many studies demonstrate the success of …

Effect Of Relational Support On Educational Outcomes In An At-Risk Charter School In Florida, Eunice Casey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to explore how effectively a one-on-one mentoring relational support program would influence outcomes in attendance, academic achievement, and behavioral issues at an at-risk charter school in Florida. The majority of the students at the selected charter school are at-risk students, defined as such because their present level of academic achievement is significantly below that of their peers. At the selected charter school, students struggle with low attendance, low academic achievement, and a high number of behavioral infractions. More specifically, low attendance at this school is associated with low academic achievement. This includes failure …

A Study Of Factors Contributing To Acculturation Stress For International Graduate Students In A Small Non-Profit Graduate School, Nkenge Friday

Theses and Dissertations

The increase of international students studying in universities and colleges in the United States has led to the need for additional programming and resources on campuses that support the transitioning needs related to campus and community culture. Given the diverse cultural needs of international students and the metropolitan culture of Washington, DC, acculturation stress can be a common occurrence while attending the intensive graduate program.

In this study, international students attending a small graduate school in Washington, DC were interviewed while resources provided for transitioning and ongoing support for the students were examined. Factors related to areas of programming and …

A Qualitative Study Of Federal Policies On Workplace Bullying, Cynthia Mary Reese

Theses and Dissertations

The problem that was explored in this qualitative narrative study is the prevalence of bullying in federal government offices. Bullying in the workplace has been on the rise for many years in the U.S. and globally, but research has been limited and under-researched. Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) released survey results from 2007, 2010, 2014, and 2017 confirming the existence of bullying in the workplace. Research on this phenomenon was conducted in the fields of medicine and education, but not in business. Laws and legislation have been neither developed nor enacted to address this phenomenon. Technology in the 21st century introduces …

The Effects Of Students With Disabilities Implementing Postsecondary Transition Plans, Joseph Daniel Rodgers

Theses and Dissertations

The Effects of Students with Disabilities Implementing Postsecondary Transition Plans. Joseph D. Rodgers, 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: educational planning, learning disabilities, individualized transition plans, community-based instruction (disabilities).

This applied dissertation was designed to examine whether or not students with disabilities (SWD) were prepared for the transition from high school to employment or to postsecondary education. Numerous reports had shown that SWD were being challenged with making the transition from postsecondary school to the next stage of their life, whether that is a full time job or attending college. To this end, …

Perceptions Of The Nursing Faculty Shortage: A Case Study Of One College’S Adjunct Faculty’S Perception Of Doctoral Education, Donna Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this qualitative case study was the nurse faculty shortage and associated consequences of a shortage of nurses available to care for an aging population with multifaceted healthcare needs in a complex healthcare system. Because of the nurse faculty shortage, numerous qualified applicants are unable to enroll in nursing programs across the country. One of the key reasons for the nurse faculty shortage is a lack of nurse educators with doctorate degrees to fill the vacant positions. Adjunct nursing faculty were interviewed to ascertain their perceptions about the nurse faculty shortage and messages conveyed by full-time nurse …

The Effects Of Specific Behavioral Interventions On Vocal Stereotypy: A Systematic Review, Halee R. Royal

Theses and Dissertations

Vocal stereotypy is a pervasively interfering behavior for many children with autism spectrum disorders. This behavior interferes with acquisition of new skills, language development, and social development. Researchers in the field of applied behavior analysis have examined and identified a variety of antecedent-based interventions and consequence-based interventions to treat vocal stereotypy either in isolation or as a part of a larger treatment package. Systematic reviews are an effective tool practitioners can use to access a large body of research in a condensed version that present the most critical information in a concise way. By using this tool, practitioners can be …

Evaluation Of New Teacher Adjustment Factors In International Schools In Thailand To Improve Teacher Retention, Rekha Sachdej

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was aimed to provide updated information in regards to new teacher’s adjustment factors in a small international school setting in Thailand. With the rapid increase in international schools in Thailand, the demand for quality education and instructions has also increased due to competition between schools. Retaining good teachers is one important aspect in providing quality education, in particular new teachers. Studies have shown new teachers are at high risk of leaving the school or even leaving the teaching career within their first five years of teaching (Haynes, 2014; Phillips, 2015). However, little research exists in regards to …

Adult Nursing Students’ Perceptions Of Social Presence In Facilitator-Created Subject- Specific Videos In An Online Nursing Course, Jamie Anne Marcus

Theses and Dissertations

The literature established that online instruction consists of cognitive, teaching, and social presence. Studies on the element of social presence linked text-based delivery of instruction with learners’ feelings of isolation and disengagement. This research findings prompted this facilitator creation of five-to-seven-minute companion videos that aligned and complemented weekly text-based learning modules to ascertain students’ perceptions of these videos as a medium for channeling social presence.

Post-video viewing surveys yielded responses to pragmatic and emotional questions. Pragmatic questions were aimed at the visual impact of professor’s delivery of information. Emotional questions gauged the students’ feelings of connectivity with the facilitator. Triangulated …

Effectiveness And Impact Of The Sheltered Instruction Observational Protocol On Ell Student Academic Achievement, Gladymar Soto-Huertas

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to determine the effectiveness of using the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol with fidelity for English Language Learners (ELL) and its impact on student academic achievement through FCAT Reading and FSA scores. In a high school located in Central Florida that served approximately 2,244 students there were 1,129 (50.6%) students classified as English Language Learners (ELLs), by the 2016-17 school year the school expected to have 62% of their entire student body passing state mandated assessments in order to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) (PCSB, 2013).

In order for the aforementioned to take place it was …

A Study Of In-School And Out-Of-School Life Experiences Affecting Veteran Teacher Retention In A Southeastern School District, Rosa Ana Jonson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the research was to investigate the in-school and out-of-school life experiences affecting veteran teacher retention in a southeastern school district. The study sought to gain a better understanding of the factors that affected the decisions of teachers to remain with the district for more than 5 years. All of the teachers who had been working in the district for at least 5 years were potential research participant The survey was distributed to 75 teachers, and 24 teachers responded. The teachers were asked to respond to an online survey regarding their perceptions of their in-school and out-of-school experiences. …

Assessing Reading And Mathematics Achievement Of Students With Disabilities In A Suburban Middle School, Terri Melissa Toomer

Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching classrooms consist of general and special education teachers working together to benefit students with disabilities (SWDs). Many parents and teachers believe the content knowledge provided by general educators in the regular education setting, combined with the instructional service delivery model (SDM) expertise of special educators, will result in the greatest academic growth for SWDs. However, it is not known if SWDs served in one SDM progress at a faster rate than SWDs served in another SWD. Therefore, the focus of this study was to compare the reading and mathematics achievement of male and female middle school SDWs in two …

Social-Emotional Skills For Early Learning With Preschool Students: A Program Evaluation, Tory Denyse Hagains

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied dissertation study was to evaluate the implementation of a program entitled Second Step for Early Learning to determine if the program would significantly improve social-emotional competence in young children. The participants included six teachers from a preschool program located in an urban school district in Pennsylvania. Data-collection sources included surveys, interviews, and a review of lesson plans. Data analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative procedures.Findings from three data sources in combination with training indicated that implementation of the program increased social competence in young children. Research suggests that the overall result of the effectiveness of …

From The Front Line To The Living Room: The Transition Of Female Veterans Back Into Civilian Life, Bretia Arrington Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was female veterans faced unique challenges during military service and even more difficult experiences when transitioning into civilian life. Women long served in the military and reported similar as well as different experiences than men, especially in relation to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). For example, female veterans reported a higher percentage of sexual harassment and gender discrimination than did male veterans. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues were also reported differently for female veterans than males. Women were found to be more likely to be diagnosed …

Job Satisfaction, Organizational Stress And Use Of Force Attitudes Among Patrol Officers In North Carolina, Zachary James Lechette

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine whether relationships existed between self-reported job satisfaction, organizational police stress and attitudes toward the use of force among urban non-supervisory local law enforcement patrol officers in North Carolina. A quantitative study of patrol officers (N = 137) from across North Carolina was conducted over a one-month period in the summer of 2018.

The researcher administered a combined survey instrument measuring job satisfaction, organizational police stress and use of force attitudes to local law enforcement patrol officers in North Carolina. The researcher administered the survey to participants at six different local law enforcement agencies …

A Bibliometric Analysis Of The Proceedings Of The Association For Educational Communications And Technology (Aect) For The 1979-2009 Period, Vandy L. Pacetti-Donelson

Theses and Dissertations

Traditional journal analysis for the identification of disciplines is limited in developing areas of study due to the lack of journals specific to that area of study. Identifying knowledge domains worthy of study for the identification of developing disciplines has been difficult.

Conferences are at the forefront of building knowledge in scientific communities, particularly in technology related sectors, but less than 10% of conference proceedings are available in conventional knowledge databases. As a result, conference proceedings as a previously unconsidered knowledge domain, may provide the knowledge domain worthy of analysis to identify developmental and incremental change within developing areas of …

Hear My Voice And The Voices Of Those I Teach: A Phenomenological Perspective Of Experiences From Migrant Education Program Teachers, Ingrid Bynes

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, there is an increasing need for educators to acknowledge and utilize culturally-relevant pedagogy within their classrooms. Many MEP educators in public schools, particularly those working in secondary education, find it challenging to ensure this disadvantaged and, often invisible, population is served in a consistent and productive manner. In fact, one indication highlighted in the literature is the lack of research on the perspective of educators in the secondary MEP classroom setting. Consequently, a study was conducted with this group of teachers to gain insight regarding their view of teaching Hispanic migrant students in a large rural …

An Investigation Of Faculty Perceptions About Mobile Learning In Higher Education, Serena Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate instructor perceptions about mobile learning among instructors in higher education. The study included the areas of influences of mobile technologies over the approaches of teaching and learning, use of mobile learning technologies to develop class instruction, use of mobile learning for professional learning, influences of mobile learning over the restrictions of time and space when acquiring knowledge anytime, anywhere, and mobile learning to facilitate teacher-student communications. An additional objective of this study was to add a more current literature source to the existing literature addressing instructor perceptions about mobile learning in higher education. …

The Effect Of Organizational Culture On The Retention Of Millennial Employees, Charlene Bolton

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative research method study of the organizational culture preferred by physician assistant graduate students was designed to explore how organizational culture can affect the retention of Millennial employees. Millennials will make up approximately 50% of the global workforce by 2020, so it is important to understand how organizational culture can influence Millennials’ willingness to stay with an organization. The problem addressed involved the inability of organizations to retain Millennials beyond their 2 years of being hired, which occurs because the values of the organizations do not align with the work values of Millennials.

After extensive literature review on the …

Motivators Impacting Employment After Disability Due To Injury Or Chronic Illness, Damion B. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Unemployment caused by the need to treat and recover from a disability due to injury or chronic illness is a common phenomenon. Research illustrates that absence from work damages organizational growth, employers, and employees. Employees often experience problems with their mental and physical health that affect their social identity and function. In the context of the recognized value of employment for human health and well being, policy-makers have implemented various programs and approaches to encourage re-employment of those unemployed due to required treatment and rehabilitation. Many of the approaches are driven by financial incentives to encourage individuals to rejoin the …

An Examination Of Teacher Perceptions Within Professional Learning Communities, Nicole Tiffany Reese

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to determine the strength of the relationship between elementary teachers’ perceptions of the six school practices of the professional learning community (PLC) model and students’ science achievement and if differences exist among teachers at the target school district’s five elementary schools. The six practices of the PLC model are (a) shared and supportive leadership, (b) shared values and vision, (c) collective learning and application, (d) shared personal practice, (e) supportive conditions–relationships, and (f) supportive conditions–structures. The PLCs are presently defined as one of the most discussed school reforms within kindergarten to Grade 12. They assist …

Latina Sorority Membership Impact On The Experience And Persistence Of Latinas In Higher Education, Luz Danela Randolph

Theses and Dissertations

Latinas face many challenges upon their matriculation to a university, including culture shock, acclimation and sense of belonging. Such challenges threaten their retention and success. Having support or a sense of belonging within higher education are notions that influence Latina students to continue or persist in school. An emphasized venue, which supports the educational journey of undergraduate Latinas, is involvement in organizations that reflect their culture. The problem addressed was the need to investigate how sorority involvement impacted their experience and persistence. Conducting research on Latina sorority membership and whether it has an impact on the experience and persistence of …

A Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Perceptions: Non-Native Speakers Of English (L2s) In Bachelor Degree Programs, Leisha Cali

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to explore the experiences of faculty teaching L2s in bachelor degree courses at a private university in South Florida and to identify potential approaches and teaching methods that influence L2s’ learning and success. L2s comprise 10% of the nation’s college enrollment and are four times less likely to graduate with a bachelor degree than their socioeconomic peers who speak English as a first language.

The researcher examined the meaning of bachelor degree completion for L2s, perceived characteristics of successful L2s, and teaching methods influencing L2s’ success to understand how L2s succeed in bachelor degree courses. …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Use Of Graphic Novels To Teach Reluctant Readers, Bret Ginsberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of teachers in a suburban private school in Florida serving prekindergarten through Grade 8 regarding the use of graphic novels to increase student motivation to read. The problem was teachers were concerned with students’ inability to complete the required novels, demonstrate comprehension of deep meaning from the text, read silently, and read outside of school. Teachers raised serious concerns about the reading achievement of middle school students. Teachers also noted a frequent mismatch between the preference of the middle school reader and the instructional opportunities provided. The study was …

Aligning Secondary Benchmarks In High School Curriculums Across Content Areas, Michael George Forrest

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide insight into aligning secondary benchmarks in a high school curriculum across content areas to prevent students from failing reading in a South Florida high school. Few studies have investigated the effects of the alignment of secondary benchmarks across content areas. The study focuses on a case study design for data collection to reveal its analysis. The researcher utilizes content analyses and a panel of experts in the field of education to review the protocol and review the assessments, using open-ended interview protocol procedures on more than 13 teachers. The teachers’ positions can be …

The Intent Of Residence Life Professionals To Leave The Field At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Cletra Natasha Peters

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods research study was designed to explore and highlight the lived experiences of residence life professionals at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Data collection was completed using an online survey and one-on-one interviews. This study will contribute to the discussion of retaining live-in residence life professionals at HBCUs. This research study provided suggestions and opportunities for administrators to enhance the experience of residence life professionals while keeping the mission of educating HBCU students.

It is hoped that this study will continually prompt and influence dialogue to address the consistent attrition amongst residence life professionals, especially at HBCUs. The …

Oer Adoption In Higher Education: A Case Study Of Stakeholders’ Perceptions At A Florida State College, Rebekah Elisabeth Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to document stakeholders’ perceptions of adopting and integrating OER materials in higher education. Specifically, this study sought to understand the perceptions of institutional faculty, librarians, instructional designers, and students with the adoption and use of OER at a state college in east Florida. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with institutional faculty, librarians, and instructional designers. A survey was distributed to students enrolled in OER integrated courses during the Spring semester. Theoretical perspectives on the adoption and diffusion of OER as an innovation were grounded in Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation theory.

An analysis of the …

Teachers’ Experiences In A Charter School With English Language Learners’ Acquisition Of Academic Literacy, Estella Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers’ Experiences in a Charter School With English Language Learners’ Acquisition of Academic Literacy. Estella Stephens, 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: charter schools, English language learners, literacy, phenomenon, qualitative research, teachers.

This qualitative applied dissertation was designed to investigate and give voice to the lived experiences of mainstream teachers at charter schools where the English language learner (ELL) population increased significantly. It replicated McCoy’s (2013) study. A phenomenological design was used to interview kindergarten-Grade 8 mainstream teachers in 3 charter schools. Interviews were conducted by a noninterested party due to the positionality …