Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Educational Placement On Self-Concept, Karin Dech Pescatore

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine self-concept of students from different placement settings. Academic, social, and general self-concepts were considered. Subjects were chosen from four placement settings: regular education classroom, basic skills instruction (BSI), resource room instruction, and self-contained special education classroom. A sample size of forty-eight students from grades five and six was used. Data was collected through the use of a self-concept scale as well as several student interviews. Data was recorded and analyzed on a computer using the StatView program. Mean scores and standard deviations were compared to determine differences in self-concept scores among the …

Participation Of Special Education Students In Extracurricular Activities: Motivation And Effects On Academic Performance And Social Skills, Carolynn J. Cassaday

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines special education students' participation in extracurricular activities. This study involves 40 special education students in seventh and eighth grades. Each student was interviewed individually during one class period to answer a survey to determine their participation rate in extracurricular activities inside and outside of school. Their responses were recorded and analyzed to determine the rate of participation in extracurricular activities. The students were interviewed again during a forty-two minute class period to determine if they demonstrate appropriate social skills. These questions were answered with always, sometimes, or never. The results of this research study showed no significant …

The Effects Of Peer-Tutoring Learning Disabled Students In A Resource Center Setting On Generalization Of Skills, Patricia L. Grieves

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of peer tutoring on the comprehension of science vocabulary and terms and determine if those study skills methods taught would generalize to the studying of social studies vocabulary and terms. A cross-age peer tutoring program pairing seven seventh grade learning disabled students with seven eighth grade regular education tutors was used. Tutors worked with tutees for an eight week program tutoring in science vocabulary and terms through two study skills methods, Self-testing Techniques and Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Two methods were used to determine results. The first was a …

Gender Differences In Mathematics Anxiety And Achievement: Grades 4-8, Juliet H. Mcginley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in mathematics anxiety as it is related to mathematics achievement. It was expected that there would not be a gender difference in mathematics achievement, but that there would be a gender difference in math anxiety. Specifically, it was expected that females would have a higher math anxiety than males, and that this difference would magnify in the higher grades. The participants were 250 students in grades 4-8 from a Catholic elementary school in a middle-class suburb in Southern New Jersey. Prior to their mathematics midterm examination, the participants completed the …

The Relationship Between The Congruence Of Vocational Interests And College Major And Self-Concept, Amina C. Husain

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not there is a relationship between the congruence (agreement) of an individual's vocational interests and academic major and the level of self-concept. This study reports on the level of self-concept and the degree of congruence between the selection of an academic major and their personality type or profile using the Self Directed Search (Holland, 1994). The level of self-concept was determined by using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (Fitts, 1965). The congruence score was obtained by utilizing was the Zener-Schnuelle Congruence Index (Robbins, Harvey, & Kandefer 1978). Sixty college freshmen and …

A Reliability Of The Adolescent And Adult Self-Concept Retrospective Scale, Andrea D. Marino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to establish test-retest reliability coefficients for the Adolescent and Adult Self-Concept Retrospective Scale (AASRS). This study utilized a one-week duration between test administrations for the test instrument. There were thirty-one college students used, ranging in age from eighteen to twenty. The AASRS is an individually administered, interview-type self-concept measure. The version of the test used in this study is designed for older populations. The Pearson product-moment correlation statistical procedure was used to calculate the correlation coefficients for this sample. The correlations for both the Global and Distortion Indexes were calculated. The correlations were found …

Gender Identity And Course Selection, Michele Nasife-Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Differences between males and females in cognitive skills during adolescence are trivial, but despite this absence of differences females are less likely to pursue advanced courses in math and science, and those who do are more likely to drop out before finishing. This has implications, because some females may have personality characteristics that lead them away from stereotypical careers. The consensus of the research is that females are not encouraged to pursue careers in math and science because they are seen as masculine careers. This study examined gender identity and how it correlates with academic major and career choice in …

A Correlational Study Of Social Skills, Problem Behaviors And Academic Competence Among First Grade Students, Colleen Van Zelst

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social skills functioning, problem behaviors and academic competence among elementary school children. Thirty-seven first grade students were subjects in the study. The Social Skills Rating System was used to measure each subject's social skills functioning, problem behaviors and academic competence. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to determine if there was a correlation between the variables. The results of the study indicated a significant positive correlation between social skills functioning and academic competence. A significant negative correlation was found between social skills functioning and problem behaviors and also …

Identified Students With Anger Management Difficulties And Their Locus Of Control, David Andrew Davenport Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to consider whether students who had been identified as having anger management difficulties have a significantly higher degree of External Locus of Control when compared to a random sample of their classmates. The participants included 45 students (18 males and 27 females) from a High School in the Northeast Region of the United States, between the ages of 14 to 19 years old.

The Nowicki-Strickland Internal External Locus of Control Scale for Children was used to assess the Locus of Control orientation in the subjects. The scores from the subject group were then compared …

The Effects Of Block Scheduling On Students With Special Needs, Kimberly C. Seifring

Theses and Dissertations

This study surveyed the professionals from two schools in the southern New Jersey area regarding their views of block scheduling as well as their views on the effectiveness of block scheduling among students with special needs. A total of 243 surveys were distributed and 61 were returned. The survey questioned the teachers in regards to the changes they had to incorporate into their daily instructional time upon switching to block scheduling, the advantages and disadvantages of block scheduling, and how to ensure that students with special needs experience success while participating in a block schedule. A majority of the participants …

The Relationship Of Authoritative Parenting, School Attendance, Suspension, And Academic Success Among Adolescents, Charles Bender

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived parenting style of adolescents and the educational implications. Grade Point Average, Absences, and Suspensions was explored. The level of perceived authoritativeness, as well as the "pure" parenting style was measured. Adolescents who viewed their parents as presenting a more firm and democratic parenting atmosphere demonstrated a lower rate of absenteeism and did better academically.

The Child Report of Parental Behavior Inventory was administered to seventh and eighth grades in an urban school district. The sample size for this study was 320 (m=148, f=172). The study was comprised of 194 African …

Motivation Among Students With Learning Disabilities, April H. Conti

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether intrinsic motivation is a major factor in explaining academic performance deficits in children with learning disabilities. Harter's Scale of Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom was given to 34 students with learning disabilities and 36 students without learning disabilities from Grades 4 to 6 from a suburban, middle-class school district located in Southeastern New Jersey. It was proposed that students with learning disabilities were less intrinsically motivated than students without identified learning disabilities. However, the general pattern of results derived from a T-Test for Independent Samples did not show a …

A Study Of Board Members' Knowledge Of Idea And New Jersey's Special Education Code, Susan Lynne Geverd

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain information regarding the level of understanding that local school board members have in reference to IDEA and the New Jersey Special Education Code. A questionnaire was devised that contained twelve items in regards to least restrictive environment, free and appropriate education, the IEP process, evaluation procedures and parental rights. Thirty-six questionnaires were distributed to a convenience group composed of a school superintendent and board members. The sample represented four different counties in New Jersey. A total of 16 questionnaires were returned. It was found that out of the 16 respondents, 5 answered …

The Effect Of A Student Assessment Instrument In The Performance Of Basic Skills Mathematics Students At The Community College Level, Matthew Flacche

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to see if implementation of a self-assessing instrument improved students' test scores when compared to no mid-unit assessment at all. The experiment involved basic skills mathematics students from Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey. Two Math Skills III (Elementary Algebra) classes, containing a total of 39 students, were included in the study. Both sections of students completed pretests. The students in both classes received similar instruction, however one class (the treatment group) received three weeks of instruction, completed and graded Student Assessment Instruments (SAI's) approximately every other class (during the instruction), and took a unit …

Impact Of The Implementation Of The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards On Time Allocation For Elementary Mathematics Instruction, Angela Napoliello-Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for mathematics instruction three years after their approval by the State Board of Education. A survey methodology was used. The survey was mailed to the New Jersey school districts that include an elementary school. In addition to demographic information, the districts were asked how much time is allocated to mathematics instruction daily. The districts were also asked how much time is spent in direct instruction, in seatwork, and in problem solving each day, and has there been a change over the last …

A Survey Comparing Attitudes Towards Mathematics Of Students In The Interactive Mathematics Program, Anne Marie Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences existed between the attitudes of students enrolled in the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) and students enrolled in traditional courses towards mathematics.

The population used for this study was comprised of approximately one hundred students from three IMP classes and students from three college preparatory geometry classes at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. A survey was designed to obtain information about students' attitudes toward mathematics. Survey questions were designed to measure their enjoyment of mathematics and their perceived value of mathematics. One-sample and two-sample t-tests were performed to …

The Impact Of The Interdisciplinary Mathematics And Science Program On Students' Attitudes At Oakcrest High School, Norma J. Boakes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on students' attitudes of an interdisciplinary program at a rural high school in southern New Jersey.

The interdisciplinary mathematics and science program of Oakcrest High School that began in 1998 involved teaming a non-college prep ninth grade mathematics course with the same level general science course. A group of 30 students who had participated in this program were selected; then a Likert-style 22 question attitude survey was developed and implemented to determine the impact the program had on students' attitudes. An analysis of the survey included a one-sample t-test on …

A Study Of The Effect Of Computer-Based Mastery Quizzes On Student Learning, Darren Provine

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to measure the effect of mastery quiz techniques on the test scores of undergraduate students enrolled in computer science classes.

The experimental group took on-line mastery quizzes, administered over the Internet via web browser; the control group followed a relatively standard pop quiz methodology. Test scores of these groups were compared at the end of the study.

A two-sample t-test showed no statistically significant difference in the scores of the two groups.

Incorporating The Wilson Reading System Into A First Grade Reading Curriculum, Barbara Colton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of the Wilson Reading System, when incorporated into a regular education inclusion classroom curriculum, to support the reading needs of all learners, particularly special needs students. Subjects for this study were first grade students from two regular education classrooms. The experimental classroom was an inclusion setting containing two students eligible for special education and related services, and two students supported with basic skills for reading. The control classroom had one student supported in basic skills for reading. Results reveal that students in the inclusion or experimental classroom provided with supplemental …

Classroom Management Styles And Their Link To Discipline Infractions, Joseph F. Mcginty

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study is to compare the classroom management styles of academic teachers to the number of in class discipline infractions, at the Burlington County Institute of Technology Vocational High School located in Medford, New Jersey. This particular sample involved eighteen academic teachers over a four-week period.

Interviews involved the building principal, the vice-principals, and assorted academic teachers. Data were compiled from surveys, personal interviews and the school's computer data bank. Data analysis consisted of using information collected from the database, interviews, questionnaires, and review of literature, to identify areas of improvement in teacher classroom management …

The Analysis Of Air Conditioning An Existing School, Dennis M. Vespe

Theses and Dissertations

The intern wants to learn the cost and electrical feasibility of air conditioning an existing school, as well as to determine if students' learning is enhanced by the presence of air conditioning in an educational atmosphere. The intern will use the interview procedure along with the review of material culture data, and action research techniques. The intern will research case studies on the improvement of student achievement in a climate controlled atmosphere, as well as interview faculty members that have taught in climate control environments and non - climate controlled environments to develop an air conditioning plan for the Black …

The Effectiveness Of The Peer Mediation Program In Improving The Atmosphere In The School And Reducing Violent Acts In The School Setting, Robert Milavsky

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact mediation has in reducing violence in the school setting. Through the use of survey instrumentation, the researcher will gather feedback from disputants regarding the effectiveness of the program in resolving their problems. Along with a survey instrument, the researcher will conduct monthly mediation meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to gather information from the mediators in regards to both effective and ineffective mediations and ways to improve the total program.

Survey instruments will go out to all individuals participating in a mediation. It will be distributed approximately two weeks …

A Study To Determine That If By Establishing An Equity Awareness Baseline That Programs And Activities Can Be Identified To Reduce Levels Of Gender Bias At The Westampton Township Middle School, Michael Adams

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a gender bias-free environment for students at the Westampton Township Middle School utilizing an action research survey model in order to establish a staff and student equity awareness baseline. Using this baseline, resources will be identified and committed to programs and activities to address and reduce levels of identified gender bias.

To establish the baseline, surveys were developed. One survey was developed for staff and another for students. Thirty-nine of forty-two teachers participated in the staff survey. Three hundred out of three hundred and six 6th, 7th and 8th grade students participated …

Should Triton High School Continue Its Study Hall Policies And Procedures?, Bill Westerby

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to determine if Triton High School should continue its current study hall policies and procedures. Conclusions are drawn based upon data collected using action research, which included observations, interviews, and surveys. All study hall periods were observed. Students, teachers, and varying administrative levels were interviewed.

The intern concluded that Triton High School should revise its current policies and procedures regarding study hall. A strong belief that study hall should be available to a student remains, but the perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators is negative. Recommendations to improve the perceptions are to empower the …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Portfolio Assessment For Pre-First And First Grade Teachers In Pemberton Township School District, Ursula M. Csercsevits

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to discover the effects of portfolio assessment as perceived by pre-first and first grade teachers using community based action research. The outcome of this study is data that assists in evaluating the continued use of portfolio assessment as it exists, or determining the need for adjustment to the practice. The sample group consisted of forty-two pre-first and first grade teachers currently using portfolio assessment. Data collection of this action research study began with a questionnaire distributed to all members of the sample. The cycle of research continued with interviews, classroom observations and a review …

Multicultural Unit For Fourth Grade, Shannon M. Whalen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a multicultural, interdisciplinary unit on fourth grade students using an action research design. The unit included eight cultures that aligned with the Social Studies curriculum. Students learned to appreciate different cultures and experience the ideas and practices of those cultures.

This study took place at Mary Ethel Costello School with students in grade four. The population sample was limited due to the fact that the study was only conducted with fourth grade students. All students and each teacher received survey questionnaires. Categories were designed to organize the data. Observations …

The Effect Of An Inclusive Program On Teachers, Anne Grady

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how critical collaborative teams of regular education and special education teachers operate, what strategies are presently in use and what can be done to foster success in the future in inclusive settings. The subjects of this study consisted of eight pairs of regular and special education teachers forming collaborative pairs. All participants volunteered to complete the survey instrument. The responses were analyzed by using content analysis. Many of the educators' responses were positive concerning inclusion and in-class support. However, there are some concerns reported for the implementation of this program in the …

Teaching And Assessing The Writing Process, Gail H. Biros

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide valuable information regarding the assessment and teaching of writing skills. Although students spend time writing stories, they do not write frequently enough to learn the basic skills of writing. Just as teachers learned that children needed direct instruction in reading skills to make "Whole Language" successful, similarly writing must be taught utilizing direct instruction of specific skills.

There are few reliable and valid assessment tools in the written language domain. A comprehensive assessment tool is needed at the beginning of the school year to help the teacher focus on the individual student …