Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 30 of 83

Full-Text Articles in Education

Job Satisfaction And Values Of Counselors In Private Practice And Agency Settings, Laura Cunningham Jan 2010

Job Satisfaction And Values Of Counselors In Private Practice And Agency Settings, Laura Cunningham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Counselors can work at a variety of locations (Vacc & Loesch, 2000). Yet very little is known about each setting (King, 2007) and what type of counselors would have an optimum fit. Burnout is a pervasive issue in counseling (Lawson, 2007) and providing good-fit information could lessen turnover and burnout from the counseling field. The primary purpose of this study included investigating the differences between job satisfaction and value priorities of counselors in private practice and agency settings. The overarching theoretical framework included Frank Parsons‘ counselors, with seventy-two agency counselors and sixty-three private practitioners. Counselors completed two assessments and a …


Supporting A Standards-Based Teaching And Learning Environment A Case Study Of An Expert Middle School Mathematics Teacher, Didem Akyuz Jan 2010

Supporting A Standards-Based Teaching And Learning Environment A Case Study Of An Expert Middle School Mathematics Teacher, Didem Akyuz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although it has been more than 20 years since the publication of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 1989) and 10 years since the second version of standards, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000), the research underlines the lack of essential practices for standards-based teaching (Franke, Kazemi, & Battey, 2007). The literature also emphasizes the importance of planning in standards-based teaching, although few studies focus on the direct planning of the teacher (Kilpatrick, Swafford, & Findell, 2001). The aim of the current study was to conduct a case study to extract the planning and classroom practices …


The Academic Word List Reorganized For Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners, Robert W. Bushong Ii Jan 2010

The Academic Word List Reorganized For Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners, Robert W. Bushong Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Published in TESOL Quarterly a decade ago, the Academic Word List (AWL) (Coxhead, 2000) has become increasingly influential in the field of TESOL. With more than 82% of the AWL comprised of words of Latin and Greek, much of this important list logically consists of English-Spanish cognates because Spanish originated from Latin. In order to serve Spanishspeaking English language learners (SSELLs) better, their teachers need to know which AWL words are cognates. Using published sources and linguistic analysis of the 570 items in the AWL, the research in this thesis has resulted in a newly reorganized AWL divided into four …


A Blueprint For Planning And Designing Staged-Authentic Heritage Attractions In Small Island Nations, Earney F. Lasten Jan 2010

A Blueprint For Planning And Designing Staged-Authentic Heritage Attractions In Small Island Nations, Earney F. Lasten

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this largely qualitative study was to develop a blueprint for planning and designing a staged-authentic heritage tourist attraction for small island nations. Data were gathered and analyzed in three phases. In Phase I, existing and potential supply, demand, and external variables associated with staged-authentic heritage attractions were identified, and a preliminary planning model and conceptual framework was developed. In Phase II, the model was refined. A blueprint containing seven major questions and 26 sequential steps was developed. In Phase III, the blueprint was tested using focus groups and an online tourist survey in the Caribbean region (Aruba) …


An Investigation Of Students' Problem Solving Skills In An Introductory Physics Class, Frank Mcdonald Jr Jan 2010

An Investigation Of Students' Problem Solving Skills In An Introductory Physics Class, Frank Mcdonald Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to document the specific errors that introductory physics students make in each phase of the solution of Force and Motion problems. A mixed methods design was used to identify those errors, and it was determined that the errors which students made the most frequently were the omission of mgcosθ , mgsinθ, and the lack of a clearly defined coordinate system as part of the free-body diagram. Additionally, there was a negative statistically significant relationship between the quality of the free-body diagram and the quality of equations that were produced to describe the object’s motion. …


Changes To Operational, Financial, And Organizational Structures Of School Districts During Mayoral Takeovers, Mark E. Shanoff Jan 2010

Changes To Operational, Financial, And Organizational Structures Of School Districts During Mayoral Takeovers, Mark E. Shanoff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to examine the effects of mayoral control on operational and financial structures within school systems. Furthermore, this study focused on the public perception and political implications of the mayor’s position on local education. The four systems chosen for this study were: Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, and New York City. All four systems were total control districts, which allowed for each mayor to appoint a majority to the school board and appoint a superintendent or chancellor to oversee the day to day operations of the school district. This study focused on operational and financial …


Exploring A Five Factor Mentoring Model Within Elementary Science, Joyce M. Smolik Jan 2010

Exploring A Five Factor Mentoring Model Within Elementary Science, Joyce M. Smolik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of several elementary science mentors and their mentees within one school district based on a fivefactor mentoring model. Utilizing a qualitative methodology in the form of a case study, five mentors and three mentees were interviewed using a structured protocol. From verbatim interview data and field notes, three themes pertaining to the role of the mentor within elementary science emerged as emotional support, technical support, and educative support. Within the five-factor mentoring model, personal attributes suggested notions of support and expert status as critical elements for effective mentoring. …


Single Parent, First-Generation College Students Who Transfer To A Bachelor's Degree Institution A Phenomenological Investigation, Kevin C. Snyder Jan 2010

Single Parent, First-Generation College Students Who Transfer To A Bachelor's Degree Institution A Phenomenological Investigation, Kevin C. Snyder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological research study was conducted to investigate the influences of self-efficacy on the college experiences and beliefs about capabilities of single parent, first-generation, transfer students. Consistent and strong levels of self-efficacy were revealed within each of the eight participants. Major participant themes identified through the Pattern Recognition Flowchart include that (a) children are a primary source of motivation and influence, (b) education is the pathway for a better future and career, (c) participants possess strong academic and personal efficacy, (d) participants possess a support network and (e) first-generation status serves as a motivating factor. Minor themes include that …


Developing Fourth Graders' Proficiency In Basic Multiplication Facts Through Strategy Instruction, Stacey Braddock Jan 2010

Developing Fourth Graders' Proficiency In Basic Multiplication Facts Through Strategy Instruction, Stacey Braddock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to evaluate my own practice of teaching basic multiplication facts to fourth graders. I wanted to see how focusing my instruction on strategies would help my students develop proficiency in basic multiplication facts. I chose this topic because Florida was in the process of shifting to new standards that encourage teaching for deeper meaning. I hoped this research would give my students the opportunity to make sense of multiplication on a deeper level, while giving me insight into how students learn multiplication. Through this study, I learned that students initially find multiplication …


Examining The Beliefs And Practices Of Effective School Leaders As They Relate To Serving Students With Disabilities, Kimberly Steinke Jan 2010

Examining The Beliefs And Practices Of Effective School Leaders As They Relate To Serving Students With Disabilities, Kimberly Steinke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As academic reform movements push schools to provide more rigorous learning environments for students, it is essential that the "person in charge" at the school level be prepared and capable of meeting the demands of high stakes measures that affect critical dimensions of school life. Educational leaders today face a significant amount of pressure to improve the quality of education at all levels and across all disciplines. While school leaders face the pressures of No Child Left Behind in terms of increased student performance, they must also be concerned about serving students with disabilities appropriately. The purpose of this study …


Inclusionary Practices: Impact Of Administrators' Beliefs On Placement Decisions, Maria Vazquez Jan 2010

Inclusionary Practices: Impact Of Administrators' Beliefs On Placement Decisions, Maria Vazquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

School leaders are charged with responding to the challenges presented by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. The idea of least restrictive environment moves schools from educating students with disabilities in special education to regular education classrooms, from special education schools to neighborhood schools. Providing inclusive settings poses many obstacles and challenges to school based administrators and in their capacity school leaders can either alleviate or generate barriers for the process; they can inhibit or inspire school personnel to accept the inclusion of students with disabilities in the …


The Effect Of Brief Training In Motivational Interviewing On Client Outcomes And Trainee Skill Development, Tabitha Young Jan 2010

The Effect Of Brief Training In Motivational Interviewing On Client Outcomes And Trainee Skill Development, Tabitha Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice that focuses on working through client ambivalence and increasing clients' motivation to change. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effect that a unique student-based training in MI had on counselor trainees' ability to perform MI, and on client outcomes. This training program consisted of one initial four-hour training session, two hours of follow-up supervision, and formal feedback via MITI 3.0 scores. Counselor-trainee skill was assessed via the MI Knowledge Questionnaire, the Helping Responses questionnaire, and the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity code 3.0. In addition, the following instruments were used to …


An Evaluation Of Integrated Curriculum As It Exists In Mathematics And Science Sss As Well As The Subsequent Supportive Presenta, Clara Gill Jan 2010

An Evaluation Of Integrated Curriculum As It Exists In Mathematics And Science Sss As Well As The Subsequent Supportive Presenta, Clara Gill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to verify points of intersection (POIs) between mathematics and science in the eighth grade Sunshine State Standards (SSS), and to develop a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate these POIs as they were presented in the respective mathematics and science textbooks approved for use in Florida public schools. Shannon and Weaver (1998) delineated a process for content analysis that informed the design of this analysis. The process began with an analysis of the SSS to uncover POIs between mathematics and science; considered effective strategies for presenting these points of intersection in the classroom; and examined the textbooks …


An Investigation Of Prosocial Rule Breaking Within The Casual Restaurant Industry, Catherine Curtis Jan 2010

An Investigation Of Prosocial Rule Breaking Within The Casual Restaurant Industry, Catherine Curtis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the hospitality industry, the role of the frontline employee is integral. These employees are the face of the organization and have a strong role in shaping and forming the opinions of consumers by way of their product and service delivery. Therefore, the decisions an employee makes during the product or service delivery is critical in maintaining the relationship with the customer. Employees may be faced with opportunities to better service a customer at the cost of breaking an organizational rule or procedure. When an employee is faced with this dilemma and decides to break the rule on the behalf …


Emerging And Disruptive Technologies For Education: An Analysis Of Planning, Implementation, And Diffusion In Florida's Eleven State University System Institutions, Deborah Bradford Jan 2010

Emerging And Disruptive Technologies For Education: An Analysis Of Planning, Implementation, And Diffusion In Florida's Eleven State University System Institutions, Deborah Bradford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to understand and appreciate the methodologies and procedures used in determining the extent to which an information technology (IT) organization within the eleven member State University Systems (SUS) of Florida planned, implemented, and diffused emerging educational technologies. Key findings found how critical it was that flexibility be given during the planning stages and not rely on standardized models which may or may not be of use any longer. Research also found that the SUS institutions have to be prepared to organize and preserve the deluge of digital data if they intended to remain relevant …


Principal And Teacher Perceptions Of Change Implementation Practices In 2007 And 2008 Small Learning Communities Grant Recipient, Benjamin Bristo Jan 2010

Principal And Teacher Perceptions Of Change Implementation Practices In 2007 And 2008 Small Learning Communities Grant Recipient, Benjamin Bristo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leading through change is a difficult process. School leaders who hope to create meaningful, long-term change must be cognizant of numerous factors. This study was undertaken with the hope of increasing educational leaders' awareness of how their decisions are viewed by those who follow them. Case studies revealed pertinent data within two schools that have undertaken a significant change initiative. All 2007 and 2008 Small Learning Communities (SLC) grant-recipient schools in Florida were invited to participate in a series of case studies. Participating principals were questioned about their perceptions of how they fulfill their change leadership role related to the …


The Impacts Of Co-Teaching On The General Education Student, Alicia Parker Jan 2010

The Impacts Of Co-Teaching On The General Education Student, Alicia Parker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) were gathered on these students. The state of Florida calculates and reports developmental scale scores (DSS) for students taking the FCAT. These scores are calculated to track student progress over …


The Effect Of Video Modeling And Social Skill Instructionon On The Social Skills Of Adolescents With High Functioning Autism And, Bruce Blake Jan 2010

The Effect Of Video Modeling And Social Skill Instructionon On The Social Skills Of Adolescents With High Functioning Autism And, Bruce Blake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research conducted on video modeling has shown that these strategies are most effective when they include specific strategies to address conversation skills. Social skills research has also shown that teaching social skills to adolescents in group settings may be more effective than presenting them on an individual basis. Adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) and High functioning Autism (HFA) participated in a12-week Social Skills Training (SST) program. In addition to pre-and post-study measures, conversation skills data were collected before and after the application of the independent variable (video modeling). Follow-up interviews were also conducted with participants, secondary participants, and parents of …


Integrating Universal Design For Learning Concepts Into Secondary General Education Instructional Methods Courses, Kimberly Pawling Jan 2010

Integrating Universal Design For Learning Concepts Into Secondary General Education Instructional Methods Courses, Kimberly Pawling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because many general education teachers feel unprepared to provide students with disabilities with appropriate instruction, changes to teacher education programs are needed (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). Teacher education programs need to integrate content regarding instructional methods for teaching and accommodating students with disabilities in secondary, general education classrooms (Burdette, 2007; Smith et al., 2010). The results of the research should provide insight (1) to determine if integrating instruction on UDL into preservice SGE students' instructional methods courses will increase students' knowledge of UDL and (2) to determine if integrating instruction on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will affect …


Increasing Novice Teacher Support In 21st Century Classrooms: Induction And Mentoring For Beginning Teachers Through Bug-In-Ear, Wanda Wade Jan 2010

Increasing Novice Teacher Support In 21st Century Classrooms: Induction And Mentoring For Beginning Teachers Through Bug-In-Ear, Wanda Wade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Novice teachers in today's classroom are in need of support during the initial years of teaching. Providing beginning teachers in special education classroom settings with coaching and immediate feedback through Bug-In-Ear, Bluetooth technology has been identified as a effective strategy for supporting beginning teachers while simultaneously improving generalization and maintenance of instructional strategies in diverse classrooms (Anagnostopoulous, Smith & Basmadjian, 2007; Darling-Hammond and Baratz-Snowden, 2007; Brownell, Ross, Colon & McCallum, 2005). The present study was designed to examine the effects of using BIE, Bluetooth technology with novice teachers in inclusionary settings at a PK-5 charter school. As it has been …


Teaching And Assessing Critical Thinking In Radiologic Technology Students, Susan Gosnell Jan 2010

Teaching And Assessing Critical Thinking In Radiologic Technology Students, Susan Gosnell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was primarily to explore the conceptualization of critical thinking development in radiologic science students by radiography program directors. Seven research questions framed three overriding themes including 1) perceived definition of and skills associated with critical thinking; 2) effectiveness and utilization of teaching strategies for the development of critical thinking; and 3) appropriateness and utilization of specific assessment measures for documenting critical thinking development. The population for this study included program directors for all JRCERT accredited radiography programs in the United States. Questionnaires were distributed via Survey Monkey©, a commercial on-line survey tool to 620 programs. …


The Effects Of Teacher Ideology On Student Performance As Related To Poverty And Ethnicity, Jessica Webb Jan 2010

The Effects Of Teacher Ideology On Student Performance As Related To Poverty And Ethnicity, Jessica Webb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to explore the impact of teacher ideology on student performance. A definition of teacher ideology was drawn from the pupil control ideology, PCI, created by Willower, Eidell and Hoy (1967). Research concerned with teacher ideology has suggested that there is a definite difference between the custodial ideology and the humanistic ideology (Gaffney, 1997). In particular, the custodial teacher views rules and regulations as a priority, while the humanistic teacher views the student as the priority. Factors which influenced student achievement, such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and behavior in relation to how teacher ideology affects student performance …


Students' Perceptions Of Collaboration Tools In A Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment, Kirk Henry Jan 2010

Students' Perceptions Of Collaboration Tools In A Higher Education Online Collaborative Learning Environment, Kirk Henry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Higher education funding and student behavior has been changing rapidly (Dervarics,2008). Because of this, there has been an increased focus on the use of alternative tools for course delivery. One of the emerging areas of focus has been an increased interest in the use of communication and information technologies (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Currently, there are a wide variety of flexible delivery methods that have been used as well as their associated tools. Naturally, questions have been raised about the efficacy of these tools on the quality of student-student, student-teacher, and student-content interaction (Curtis & Lawson, 2001). Interaction and Collaboration …


A Case Study Of The Relationship Between Professional Learning Community Implementation And Adequate Yearly Progress Of Central, Amanda Ellis Jan 2010

A Case Study Of The Relationship Between Professional Learning Community Implementation And Adequate Yearly Progress Of Central, Amanda Ellis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to examine the professional learning of school instructional and administrative staff as they focused on the elements of becoming a professional learning community. Existing research examined the components and behaviors collectively or independently. This research describes the relational data between the critical elements of focus, the leader, teams, and individual teacher as related to student achievement. It was determined through the literature review and results of this study that there were constructs of professional learning communities that were related to student achievement. In particular, a statistically significant relationship between proficiency in reading and teacher …


Florida Teacher Perceptions Concerning Internet Dangers For Students, Kathleen Baker Jan 2010

Florida Teacher Perceptions Concerning Internet Dangers For Students, Kathleen Baker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study was conducted to determine if there were significant differences or relationships between teachers' perceptions of knowledge of Internet dangers to students and factors such as demographics, self-reported comfort levels with Internet use, and with knowledge of policies and laws regarding Internet safety. Three hundred seventy-two teachers from three central Florida school districts were surveyed using an adapted survey developed by authors Patchin and Hinduja (2006) and Willard (2006, 2009). The world of the Internet is constantly changing, and students will encounter harassment and dangers while pursuing their interests on line. Recent research on the types of Internet …


The Impact Of Motivation On Pre-College Level Students Enrolled In A Learning Community At An Historically Black College/Univers, Jontoinette White Jan 2010

The Impact Of Motivation On Pre-College Level Students Enrolled In A Learning Community At An Historically Black College/Univers, Jontoinette White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is believed that purposefully constructed learning communities can have academic, social, and motivational advantages for its participants. In an effort to improve graduation and retention of students, some HBCUs have sought new ways to construct learning environments that are conducive to the learning styles of students of color. This study sought to investigate the impact of a learning community on pre-college level students standardized test scores and final grades. The Repeated Measures One-Way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in COMPASS score change between groups with the comparison group demonstrating a greater change than did the learning community group. …


Achievement For Advancement Via Individual Determination (Avid) Students And Non-Avid Students In Select Central Florida High Schools In 2007-2009: A Comparative Study, Linda Connors Jan 2010

Achievement For Advancement Via Individual Determination (Avid) Students And Non-Avid Students In Select Central Florida High Schools In 2007-2009: A Comparative Study, Linda Connors

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to examine the relationship of student participation in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and student academic performance. More specifically, this study was conducted to determine if there was a mean difference in student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in mathematics, reading, and writing between students who participated in the AVID program during their first two years of high school and students who had similar demographics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, and economic status) but did not participate in the AVID program for 2007-2009. The population for this study consisted of students …


Designing An Experiential Web-Based Learning Model To Deliver The Acquisition And Application Of Knowledge To Hospitality Event, James Hogg Jan 2010

Designing An Experiential Web-Based Learning Model To Deliver The Acquisition And Application Of Knowledge To Hospitality Event, James Hogg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Most hospitality institutions have increasingly moved classes online but are concerned about migrating classes and instructional content online. The concern is most Web-based models are designed to deliver the acquisition of knowledge but lack the ability to transform that knowledge into applied career skills for practical use in the industry. The purpose of this study was to test a new Web-based instructional model. The model supported delivering both the acquisition and application of knowledge. Educators, researchers, and practitioners can utilize the new model to enhance the application of career skills and enhance organizational objectives by providing just-in-time training. The new …


L2 Anxiety In Spanish-Speaking Adult Esl Populations: Possible Causes And Cultural Influences, Scott Freiberger Jan 2010

L2 Anxiety In Spanish-Speaking Adult Esl Populations: Possible Causes And Cultural Influences, Scott Freiberger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety has been identified as a plausible factor affecting second language (L2) acquisition. However, more research is needed on how anxiety may influence Spanish-speaking adult English as a Second Language (ESL) populations. Determining precisely what causes anxiety in Spanish-speaking adult ESL populations should be of interest not only to L2 researchers but also to ESL instructors who may have adult Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) in their classes. This study researched L2 anxiety in Spanish-speaking adult ESL learners. Specifically, it considered possible causes and cultural influences of L2 anxiety in 10 Spanish-speaking adult ESL students at a university English language …


Understanding Parent's Perspectives Of Their Kindergarten Children's Transition To School, Pamela Anderson Jan 2010

Understanding Parent's Perspectives Of Their Kindergarten Children's Transition To School, Pamela Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates possible reasons why parent's perceive that their kindergarten child complains about school. Using data in the parent questionnaires from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study ' Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999, this research looks at a nationally representative sample of boys and girls and specifically targets those children whose parents indicated that they complained more than one time per week during the first two months of school. Looking at factors both from home, including socioeconomic status, maternal education levels and family structure, and from school, including length of the kindergarten day, transition practices received by the child and prior …