Education Commons^™

Factors Affecting The Educational Attainment Of African-American Males: An Observational Analysis, Chauncey Williams

Masters Theses

African-American males participation in higher education has declined due to low academic achievement. The research suggests that this low achievement is caused by racism, academic preparation, self-esteem, teacher expectation, and goals. Although I agree with most of the research, I have concluded that along with teacher's expectations, four other factors greatly impact academic achievement. These other four factors are (1) school demographics, (2) curriculum, (3) parental involvement, and (4) peer pressure. These factors were observed through casual conversations with African-American male high school students in a large midwestern area. The observational analysis suggests that improvement in these areas will help …

Implementing Resources For Reform: One Teacher’S Experience With A Standards-Based Mathematics Curriculum, Lynn Best Royer

Masters Theses

This study addresses the issue of implementation of a reform mathematics curriculum, focusing on one teacher's personal experience. Its purpose is to uncover what motivated this teacher to persist in learning new ways to teach mathematics. There is greater emphasis on discovering what discouraged this effort. Impediments to implementation are emphasized because of their potential to undermine the movement to restructure mathematics education.

This case study used common methods of qualitative data gathering and analysis. Interviews, observation, and video tapes were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The impediments to implementation which emerged were then compared to reports from similar reform projects. …

The Study Of The Impact Of Possible Selves On The Goal-Setting Skills Of Incarcerated Male Students With Learning Disabilities, Susie M. Martin

Masters Theses

Possible selves is a theory. It involves strategies in helping students view themselves in a more desirable future state. It is focused on the self in three basic domains; Hoped for Selves, Expected Selves, and Feared Selves. Possible Selves leads an individual into goal setting skills.

Student inmates with learning disabilities do not have well developed plans for their futures upon release from prison. As a result, such students often return to prison for illegal acts.

A solution to the problem is to implement a goal setting skills program that is based on the students' view of positive possible selves …

The Effect Of Rewards And Motivation On Student Achievement, Lori Kay Baranek

Masters Theses

A review of research is conducted to examine the effect of rewards on intrinsic motivation and learning for children in general education and special education. Intrinsically motivated students experience school success because they display behaviors such as choosing challenging activities and spending more time on task. The use of rewards undermines intrinsic motivation and results in the slower acquisition of skills and more errors in the learning process. The implications of the research are discussed and a collection of strategies designed to promote intrinsic motivation is presented. One part of the collection presents strategies for all students, and the other …

An Emg Comparison Of Muscle Recruitment Associated With The Wide Grip Pull-Up And The Lat Pull-Down Exercise, Marla S. Bauermeister

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the prime mover muscles used in the wide grip pull-up and lat pull-down exercises. Ten Western Michigan University students performed the 2 exercises, using a resistance equal to their body weight for 3 sets of 3 repetitions, with 2 min rest between sets. The 2nd repetition of each set was analyzed for each exercise. Research variables included phases (concentric, coupling, and eccentric), exercises, trials, and muscles. The dependent variables were relative time to peak recruitment, peak recruitment, and phase time. Findings revealed that the concentric and eccentric phases were slower …

Validation Of The Original And Modified Ymca Cycle Ergometer Tests, Joel V. Blakeman

Masters Theses

The problem of the study was to determine if a 3-point estimation procedure for the YMCA cycle ergometer submaximal test (YMOD) provided a more valid predictor of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) than the recommended 2-point estimation YMCA procedure for male and female college students ages 18 to 25 years. Apparently healthy subjects (n = 21 females; n = 25 males) completed the ACSM maximal cycle ergometer test, the YMCA test, and the YMOD test. The reliability estimates of modified YMCA max scores, R = .39, was higher than the reliability estimate from the YMCA, R = -.80. ANOVA results …

A Validation Of Target Heartrate Formulas Used In Swimming, Tasha Kay Litwinski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether procedures used to establish target heart rates (THRs) for running are applicable to front crawl swimming. Eight male and 22 female fitness swimmers from Western Michigan University participated in this study. Their exercise durations under three experimental conditions were compared. The conditions were: (a) Condition 1, a treadmill run at an intensity equal to a THR of 85% of heart rate reserve (HRR); (b) Condition 2, a front crawl swim at an intensity equal to 85% of HRR; and (c) Condition 3, a front crawl swim at an intensity equal to …

The Effects Of Chromium Picolinate Supplementation On Body Fat, Lean Body Mass, And Respiratory Exchange Ratio, Matthew K. Beaty

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects, on college-age males, of ingesting chromium picolinate over a 6-week period when administered as a supplement to their diet. Fifty males, ages 18 to 25 years, had their respiratory exchange ratio (R), body fat percentage, and lean body mass measured prior to and following a 6-week supplementation period. Subjects were randomly placed into a chromium, placebo, or control group. All subjects were instructed to maintain daily activities. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in R values, body fat percentage, or lean body mass among the chromium, placebo, or control …

The Effects Of Specific Teacher Training Program Components On The Self-Assessment Skills Of Western Michigan University Physical Education Interns, Jerry G. Bergsma

Masters Theses

The effects of an undergraduate self-assessment training program on the accuracy of self-assessment during physical education intern teaching was the focus of this study. Fourteen subjects enrolled in Intern Teaching at Western Michigan University and a university in central Michigan were studied.

The groups were compared on accuracy of self-assessment in selected teacher behaviors, teacher feedback rates, and student behaviors. Subjects were video-taped during intern teaching sessions and asked to complete the Self-Assessment Form (Hawkins & Wiegand, 1989). Estimates of percent time spent engaged in selected behaviors and feedback rates were compared to actual times and rates collected from the …

The Introduction Of E-Mail And Its Effect On The Expanded Use Of Computers Among Teachers In The La Porte Schools, David M. Randall

Masters Theses

Despite a major investment in technology by the LaPorte, Indiana school district, some teachers were not using the computers installed in their buildings and classrooms. Consequently, they were not using instructional applications. This project is intended to demonstrate that where building level e-mail had been introduced, there was an increase in the number of teachers using computers and instructional applications.

Data were collected with a survey of teachers to determine the extent to which computers, computer applications, and other technology were being used in the district. Extent of use was analyzed for two groups: (1) teachers who had e-mail, and …

A Comparison Of The Physical Activity, Body Composition And Self-Esteem Levels Of 5th And 6th Grade Students In Southwest Michigan, Rebevva C. Coady

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to compare the physical activity levels, body fat percentage and self-esteem levels for children 1 O to 12 years of age. Subjects were 5th and 6th grade students who attended Schoolcraft or Lawton Middleschools in Southwest Michigan. The instruments used for this study consisted of the Lohman 2-site skinfold test, the Harter "What I am Like" self-esteem questionnaire, and a physical activity checklist. Subjects were grouped according to body fat percentage and physical activity level. Significant differences were found for males body fat groups for 4 of the 6 subscales of self-esteem: (1) . …

The Effects Of Tutor Age On Academic Performance In Reading Accuracy And Fluency, David D. Manson

Masters Theses

Many studies have demonstrated that the use of peer tutoring or peer assistance in the classroom is effective 0 (Ezell, Kohler, & Jarzynska, 1992; Fantuzzo, Riggio, Connelly, & Dimeff, 1989; Greenwood et al., 1984; Knapczyk, Johnson, & McDermott, 1983; Stern, Fowler, & Kohler, 1988; Trapani & Gettinger, 1989). Although this research appears to be fundamentally sound, several questions have been left unanswered. First, what has peer tutoring been compared to when it has been shown to be effective? Second, which variable or variables of peer tutoring made it effective? This study provided a partial answer to these questions, through the …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Use Of Technology In Math And Higher Test Scores, Mary Ann Grooters

Masters Theses

This thesis explored the relationship of a technology enhanced curriculum to higher test scores and higher student motivation. This thesis involved two seventh grade math classes in Kentwood, Michigan. A control class received instruction including lectures, written assignments, and projects. The test group received similar assignments and projects and in addition were given technology supported exercises. A survey given to the test group examined motivation levels, and end of chapter tests compared achievement scores of both groups. The findings indicate that a technology enhanced curriculum does not lead to higher test scores but does impact student motivation to learn math.

Comparison Of The Effects Of Aerobic Dance To Water Aerobic Training On Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Terri L. Bedford, Tamara A. Dusterwinkle, Darcy J. Hoppman

Masters Theses

Water aerobics is one mode of exercise that is gaining popularity. Water aerobics allows adults who participate in an exercise program to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine if water aerobic training is as effective as land dance aerobic training in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary healthy adults. Eighteen subjects participated in this study; nine in dance aerobics and nine in water aerobics. Before and after eight weeks of training, subjects performed a graded maximal exercise test on a Schwinn Air-Dyne while maximal oxygen uptake was measured via a Beckman Metabolic Cart. ANCOVA was …

Relationships Among Role Strain, Hardiness, And Academic Achievement, Evelyn Clare Rutlin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of role strain versus that of hardiness in predicting academic achievement in first semester female ADN students. A convenience sample of 61 students from Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan, participated in the study.; The Lengacher Role Strain Inventory and the Cognitive Hardiness Scale were used to assess role strain and hardiness. Academic achievement was determined by the grade received in the nursing fundamentals course.; Correlation coefficients were used to determine correlation among the variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to explain the variance. Neither role strain nor …

Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Freshman Chemistry Laboratories, Elizabeth Ann Maschewske

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the implementation of inquiry-based chemistry curriculum devised by the College University Resource Institute (CURI) into the freshman chemistry labs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with the aim of retaining and enthusing chemistry students in general and women and minorities in particular. Pertinent educational research is reviewed and practical strategies are recommended for the process of curriculum implementation. A pilot laboratory section is taught incorporating as many of the recommendations as possible. Pilot labs study the process of implementation and look at student perceptions and academic achievement. An action plan is developed …

The Effectiveness Of Viewing The "Life After Brain Injury" Video Tape By Family Caregivers, Nan Meyers

Masters Theses

Family caregivers readily identify the physical signs of brain injury but the cognitive dysfunction and behavioral change symptoms are less easily recognized. Families need to be knowledgeable about brain injury and how to manage its symptoms. Nurses are in the unique position to provide brain injury education for family caregivers early in the acute hospitalization. This study replicated the works of Sanguinetti and Catanzaro (1987) and Pardee (1993).; Statistical comparison of pretest and posttest knowledge and the pretest and posttest application scores were used to evaluate the effectiveness of family caregivers' ability to apply learned information about brain injury and …

The Detection And Reporting Of Elder Abuse And Neglect: A Training Video For Prehospital Personnel, Jason P. Seamon

Masters Theses

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan developed an instructional video for prehospital personnel in hopes of broadening their awareness about elder abuse and neglect. A sample of 60 EMS personnel were asked to complete a pretest in order to assess current knowledge of the subject matter, view the educational video, and then complete the posttest. This session was used to evaluate the video as a potential training device. While the study population reported seeing 256 suspected cases of abuse or neglect in their careers, only 11 (4%) were reported. Furthermore, 60% of the respondents …

The Impact Of Prekindergarten Participation Upon Academic Placement, Mary Suddarth

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Prekindergarten Program for Children At Risk of Academic Failure had impact on a child's future academic placement. Current uncertainty regarding continued ISBE or federal funding of programs makes such a longitudinal study imperative. This study examined the 1995-1996 academic placement, including additional resources required, i.e., Title 1, speech, or learning disabled services, for 40 children who participated in the 1990-1991 Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Educational Service Region cooperative prekindergarten program in Jefferson County. Results indicated that all children reached expected placement, regardless of one …

The Effects Of Local Enforcement Of The Legal Minimum Drinking Age On The Students Of Eastern Illinois University, Timmy D. Tritsch

Masters Theses

This study investigated the perceived effect of increased community enforcement of the legal minimum alcohol drinking age on the attitudes and behavior of university students as reported by the community. The results indicated increased local alcohol enforcement efforts, changed student drinking behavior, which in turn created a positive change in community attitude toward enforcement efforts. Increased enforcement efforts between the years 1993 and 1995 targeted underage drinking and alcohol related crime as demonstrated by university students. Enforcement efforts were initiated by community officials in the form of a beer keg registration ordinance, minimum age bar compliance checks, raising the bar …

Cumberland Helpers In Partnerships: A Program Of Intervention At Cumberland Elementary And Junior High School, Gayle A. Shepherd

Masters Theses

Low- or non-achievement by students has historically been a problem for teachers and administrators, as well as for parents and students. Same grade retention has been proven by many researchers to be non-productive and in many cases, punitive. The Cumberland Helpers in Partnerships (CHIPs) program was begun at Cumberland Elementary and Junior High School as an interventive measure to combat this problem of low achievement. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who were considered academically at risk at the end of the first semester of the 1995-1996 school year (N=78) were asked to voluntarily attend tutoring sessions to help improve …

The Effectiveness Of The Automatic Reinstatement Policy At Eastern Illinois University, Kristi Cobble

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of Eastern Illinois University's reinstatement policy was investigated in an attempt to determine what criteria were used to establish the current reinstatement policy and to further decide whether or not the criteria used have been accurate in predicting academic success for reinstated students at this institution. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the relationship, if any, between 14 variables and academic success following reinstatement: (1) quality point deficiency (QPD), (2) grade level at the time of dismissal, (3) race, (4) gender, (5) number of semesters in attendance prior to dismissal, (6) community college attendance during the absence from …

A Student Survey Of The Effectiveness Of Alternative Schools In Hamilton-Jefferson Counties, Illinois, Bryan Cross

Masters Theses

The main purpose of this study was to survey students who were enrolled in the Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Alternative Schools in Mt. Vernon and McLeansboro, Illinois, to determine the effectiveness of the alternative schools from the students' perspectives. This information should serve as an aid to decision makers in determining if changes were needed in the alternative schools.

The 78 students in the survey were asked to respond to survey questions designed to provide information regarding what effect enrollment in an alternative school had on their attendance, behavior, academic success, citizenship, and self-esteem.

An analysis of the survey results indicated that …

Parental Opinions About Full Day Kindergarten, David R. Carey

Masters Theses

This study focused on the opinions that parents of kindergarten children in Community Unit School District #1 in Charleston, Illinois, have about full day kindergarten and its perceived impact on their children. The Charleston district does not offer full day kindergarten. The study was conducted during the month of February, 1996. It examined whether or not parents of current kindergarten students in Charleston, Illinois would have taken advantage of the opportunity to send their children to full day kindergarten had it been made available. Parents were asked to answer more detailed questions to determine why they answered the way they …

The Status Of Automated Accounting Instruction In Secondary Schools In Illinois, Bradley Donnald Kilcullen

Masters Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find characteristics of schools that teach automated accounting in Illinois. A survey instrument was developed which requested information about school size, computer facilities, demographics about the instructor, and other items that may be useful in finding information about the instruction of automated accounting.

Procedures

This study was conducted in high schools randomly selected in the state of Illinois. Accounting teachers from 250 selected schools were surveyed from the population of 760. Two mailings of the survey instrument were delivered. 151 responded to the first mailing while 28 more responded to the second …

Availability Of Technology In Rural And Small Town Central Illinois K-12 Public School Districts, Robert H. Ehlke

Masters Theses

In the current technological information based society there is a critical need to integrate technology with education. Although many technologies have been available for over 20 years, public educational institutions have been slow to acquire and use the technological advances in the classroom for instructional purposes. In order to help the state and the communities of Illinois develop technology plans to meet the technology needs of K-12 public school districts in rural and small town Illinois, there was a need to investigate the availability of existing technologies. This study was conducted to determine the present condition of K-12 public school …

An Investigation Into The Superintendents' Perceptions Of The Benefits Of Instructional Technology In Illinois Schools, C. Michael Shride

Masters Theses

A review of the literature indicated that instructional technology is not new in education. The rapid rate in which it has grown and continues to grow in education makes it a very important issue. Superintendents are in key leadership positions where instructional technology is concerned. Their roles are changing from that of a manager to that of a highly technical leader. The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of superintendents of public schools toward instructional technology. A survey was sent to 50 superintendents in public schools in Illinois in order to determine how instructional technology was used …

Minority College Students' Attitudes Toward Psychological Help Seeking, Kiesha Ford

Masters Theses

The present study examined two major variables: a comparison of Minority and White student's attitudes toward psychological help seeking and the influence of ethnicity on student's preference of counselor ethnic characteristics. It was expected that 1) Minority students would have a more negative attitude toward seeking psychological help than Whites students; 2) Minority college students would prefer to see a counselor who is older, belong to a minority group, the same race, the same gender, the same socioeconomic status and have an university degree; 3) female students would have a more positive attitude toward seeking psychological help than male students, …

A Study Of Inclusion, Kelly L. Cook

Masters Theses

Attitudes of 79 educators toward inclusion were investigated in relation to specific job titles, years experience, and knowledge level. Knowledge level was determined by performance on an inclusion quiz. Questionnaires were completed by subjects to determine attitude. The results indicated that performance on the quiz was related to responses on some questions. Those with more knowledge appeared to be in favor of inclusion. This is consistent with past studies. Attitudes were similar across educational disciplines. Years of experience may have some impact on attitude if coupled with other variables. Further investigation of this topic is warranted as it continues to …

A Study Of Secondary School Principals' Perceptions Regarding Current Teacher Evaluation Procedures In Three Midwestern States, Beth A. Saiki-Olsen

Masters Theses

In recent years, new methods of evaluating teachers have been introduced and recommended by educational experts.

This study was conducted to determine the methods and procedures currently used in three midwestern states to evaluate secondary education teachers and to investigate secondary school principals' perceptions regarding those methods and procedures.

The study, which took place during the spring of 1996, included a survey of a random sample of 300 secondary school principals in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana through the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

One hundred and fifty-six principals responded to the survey which found that although principals agreed that …