Education Commons^™

Seeing Reading In First-Year Composition, Matthew Felumlee

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on a study of reading-into-writing strategies employed by students in two sections of first-year-composition (FYC) that were paired with a support course as part of an accelerated learning program (ALP) at a community college. Each FYC course was comprised of 11 students whom the college had deemed college-ready without the ALP course, and 11 students who were deemed at remedial levels in reading and / or writing and who were subsequently required to enroll in the ALP course. The study employs grounded theory methodology to identify and consider the many factors that influenced how reading was portrayed, …

An Evaluative Study Of A Health Information Management Program Following A Significant Curricular Change, Jennifer Lynn Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The advent of electronic health records (EHRs) has led to significant changes in the role of those who managing patient health information, Health Information Management (HIM) professionals. These changes have further led to significant changes in the educational training required for HIM professionals, leading to new curriculum requirements. Based on the need for well-prepared professionals in the changing HIM environment, it is essential to insure that educational programs are effectively preparing students for the new roles they will be expected to fill. This study is an in-depth case study of the HIM academic program at Illinois State University. The purpose …

A Mixed Methods Study Of The Implementation Of Collaborative Technology Tools For Enhancing Collaboration And Student Engagement In Online Learning: Faculty Experiences And Student Perspectives, Ayshah Abdullah Alahmari

Theses and Dissertations

The appropriate implementation of collaborative technology tools in online courses leads to a culture of social learning where technology empowers students to take central roles in their learning. Yet, critical questions still exist about how faculty design, develop, implement collaborative eLearning activities using technology tools that support collaboration and student engagement in online courses, and what perspectives students have toward their experiences while participating in these activities. The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of faculty members implementing collaborative technology tools in online courses to support collaboration and student engagement, in addition, to obtain the perspectives of …

Using Design Thinking: Do We Really Want A Makerspace?, Julie A. Murphy, Anne Shelley, Paul Unsbee, Chad Kahl

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

No abstract provided.

Locating The Critical Component In Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge ( Tpack ): An Examination Of How Graduate Students Recruit Tpack And Critical Digital Literacy Into Classroom Practices., Vicki Ann Hosek

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were to gain an understanding of how practicing teachers believe they are prepared to meaningfully and critically integrate technology into their classroom practices; and to understand how practicing teachers recruited those beliefs into their teaching practices. This included gaining an understanding of what they believed led to their engagement in the critical dimensions of technology use in their teaching practices. This mixed-methods study contained two phases. In Phase 1, 58 graduate students in a College of Education completed a newly developed Critical Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (C-TPACK) survey containing likert-scale and open-ended questions. A subset …

Investigating Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Reasoning When Learning Trigonometry Using The Line Segment Approach, Lawrence Ssebaggala

Theses and Dissertations

Review of the history of trigonometry content and pedagogy indicates the necessity and importance of trigonometry in the school curriculum (e.g., van Brummelen, 2009; van Sickel, 2011). For example, understanding trigonometric functions is a requirement for understanding some other areas of science, such as Newtonian physics, architecture, surveying, and several branches of engineering. Research indicates that teachers have a narrow and inadequate understanding of trigonometry, researchers (e.g., Hertel, 2013; van Sickel, 2011; Weber, 2005) posited that learning trigonometry in a way that fosters and advances quantitative reasoning can help alleviate difficulties faced in the teaching of trigonometry. Examining participants’ reasoning …

Student Research In Algebraic And Combinatorial Mathematical Biology, Raina Robeva

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Tech And Anxiety: How Can Technology Be Used As A Tool In Teaching Quantitative Biology And Impact Teaching Anxieties?, Miranda Chen

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Modeling Skills, Robert L. Mayes Dr.

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Biomaap: Tackling Biology Students' Math Attitudes And Anxiety With Easily-Adoptable Materials, Arietta E. Fleming-Davies, Jeremy M. Wojdak

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Life After My Beer Intervention, Carrie Diaz Eaton

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Resilience And Academic Achievement In Minority Students, James A. Britton

Theses and Dissertations

Students can thrive within school programs and sustain their capacity for success despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles. A model of school-based resilience can insulate students from risk and help students acknowledge challenges, embrace them, and learn as students encounter challenge and surmount it.

This study of a high school program analyzed the relationship between educational resilience and academic achievement through a direct measure of resilience. The research investigated whether a program increased resilience for minority and low-income high school students and whether stronger resilience was associated with improved academic outcomes. Students in the program produced significantly better academic outcomes, as measured …

The Role Of Support Systems For Success Of Underrepresented Students In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Akiko Fuse, Michael Bergen

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

There is limited representation in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) professions of individuals from diverse populations. This study examined the relationship among CSD students' degree of financial, emotional/moral, and academic support. The relationship between role models and admissions outcomes was also assessed. It explored how support received by CSD students differs by racial/ethnic backgrounds. A survey was completed by 57 alumni of an undergraduate CSD program, revealing information about participants’ backgrounds, support characteristics, and other factors. The study 1) highlighted the importance of emotional/moral and financial support, 2) revealed reduced access to financial and academic role models among alumni from …

Unprepared: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Preparation Practices Of Slps Practicing In Urban Schools, Audrey M. Farrugia-Bernard

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The field of speech-language pathology severely lacks diversity, yet speech language pathologists serve an increasingly diverse population in schools. This qualitative study explored the academic preparation practices of speech-language pathologists working in urban schools. The findings revealed that the participants felt they were not adequately prepared to work in urban schools with children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds independent of the model of multicultural education that they received in their graduate education. Results suggest that we need to connect multicultural coursework to local, urban communities in order to better prepare speech-language pathologists to work in urban schools.

An Exploratory Study Of Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions Of Multicultural Counseling In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Crystal C. Randolph, Janet L. Bradshaw

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) perceptions of multicultural counseling vary according to their academic (teaching and learning), educational, supervisory, supervisee, and clinical experiences. With the increase of culturally and linguistically diverse populations, the implementation of multicultural counseling in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) is essential to providing efficacious assessments and interventions. The current research reports data from a recent survey that queried SLPs’ perceptions of multicultural counseling in CSD. Results from the survey reveal that SLPs' perceptions of MC vary according to their experiences (e.g., educational, supervisory, clinical).

Multiculturalism To Diversity: Implications From An Slp’S Journey, Nola T. Radford

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The current essay will review significant events in the history of the multicultural movement in the United States over the past 37 years. It is intended to encourage young scholars to study this movement, both the strengths and weaknesses of it, and examine their perceptions of current circumstances and proposed solutions for the discipline of speech-language pathology.

Communication Between Home And School For Parents Of Children With Chronic Illness, Keri Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

A child with chronic illness has a physical or behavioral condition that affects the child’s daily functioning, lasts longer than three months, and requires medical intervention such as medication, hospitalizations, and/or home care (Newacheck, McManus, & Fox, 2001). Chronic illness interferes with all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development, and a growing number of children with chronic illnesses are attending school. Effective communication between parents and educators is essential so that accurate information about the nature and extent of the impact of chronic illness on children’s learning experiences and schooling can be shared and appropriate supports …

The Effects Of Noncontingent Praise ( Ncp ) On Classroom Behavior, Kelly Poirot

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation reports on the effects of noncontingent praise (NCP) as a classroom behavioral intervention. Six teacher participants were trained to provide NCP to the classroom at their free operant level of praises and reprimands directed towards the classroom, either at fixed (NCPf) or variable (NCPv) rates. Class-wide rates of academic engaged time and inappropriate behaviors were collected to examine the student effects of the intervention. In addition, teacher perceptions of their relationships with their students, stress, and job satisfaction were measured both pre- and post- intervention. Treatment fidelity and intervention acceptability data were also examined.

Upon implementation of the …

Redbird Scholar, Volume 4 Number 1, Illinois State University

Redbird Scholar

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Grade Variances In Multisection Calculus Classes, S. Paul Shaffer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore grade variances associated with multisection calculus grades. The method for the project was quantitative examining grade distribution patterns that existed between calculus sections at a public university void of an over-arching grading policy during the case study. Results showed that different grade distribution patterns by different instructors were primarily due to student-centric characteristics. The significant findings suggest that student grades are firmly in control of students. Only when course grade averages were at the extreme did evidence suggest that instructor-centric characteristics played meaningful role in student grade determination.

Teaching To Assess: An Evaluation Of Assessment Education For Secondary Teacher Candidates, Daniel M. Frederking

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the assessment instruction of a four-year undergraduate secondary education program and its alignment to the teaching standards and the summative teacher licensure assessment. Document analyses were conducted on the program’s syllabi as well as the assessment portions of the InTASC standards and the handbook of the edTPA. Results highlighted several areas of misalignment in the areas of categorical concurrence, depth of knowledge, and range of knowledge. Also of note, preservice teachers in different secondary subject areas are receiving different amounts of assessment instruction. Additionally, local edTPA data was examined to highlight areas of strength and weakness. Students …

How Does Training From A Stem Elementary Education Program Influence An Elementary Teacher’S Instruction And Experiences?, Courtney G. Mayakis, Jessica R. Robinson, John Williams Iii

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

In the United States, innovation and our economy seem to be lacking in comparison to other countries. Many cite the shortage of individuals interested in STEM careers as part of the problem. The following research article addresses how STEM programs may influence the efficacy and practice of curriculum integration as well as the mathematics and science instruction of teachers in elementary education. Data were collected using interviews and taped instruction from an elementary educator who graduated from a STEM-focused elementary program. This exploratory case study will aid in understanding how preservice programs focusing on STEM-integrated curriculum in elementary education can …

Sotl Lab: Undergraduate Student-Faculty Collaborative Research In Teaching And Learning In Csd, Lian J. Arzbecker, Ellen A. Blacklock, Ashley M. Crumb, Jordan D. Doyle, Mariana Esveld, Sophie L. Grelson, Beatrice Gretzinger, Alyse Korpela, Kayley A. Kressin, Lauren M. Pakanich, Torri L. Pulley, Nicole L. Nolte Rierdon, Kathleen A. Spreitzer, Emma L. Steines, Brittany J. Strom, Emily C. Symons, Megan Vogelsang, Olivia N. Vruwink, Kelsey L. Weberg, Ashley B. Wolosek, Erin D. Zigler, Jerry K. Hoepner, Abby L. Hemmerich, Tom W. Sather, Deborah H. Elledge

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Communication Sciences and Disorders SoTL Lab was designed to provide hands-on research experiences to undergraduate students on a large scale. Student reflections on experiences within the SoTL Lab identify the value of collaboration, development of confidence, and exposure to the entire research process as key outcomes. These experiences foster development of research skills and may lead students to consider academic careers.

Speech-Language Pathology Student Participation In Verbal Reflective Practice Groups: Perceptions Of Development, Value And Group Condition Differences., Gina D. Tillard, Kate Cook, Daniel Gerhard, Lydia Keast, Megan Mcauliffe

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The aim of this study was to determine whether significant differences in perceptions of reflective practice were present across two groups of students engaged in standard practice and experimental group conditions. Twenty-seven undergraduate speech-language pathology students participated in the study. A two-condition, non-randomised, pre-test post-test design was employed with two groups (a standard practice condition and an experimental practice condition, utilizing structured activities and prompts). Participants took part in weekly reflective practice groups over a six week period, in which discussion centered on students’ clinical experiences. Pre and post intervention, the students completed a questionnaire designed to examine perceptions of …

Language, Literacy, And Multiliteracies: Preparing Graduate Students To Provide Language Intervention In The 21st Century, Wanda M. V. Kent

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The concept of multiliteracies and its application in educational settings are described with a specific focus on the potential benefits and challenges in use of this approach with children with a language-based learning disability (LLD). The role of traditional literacy skills within a multiliteracies perspective is examined and the literacy skills required by children when using new modes of communication such as texting are discussed. Finally, the implications for educating prospective speech-language pathologists to provide service in a broader literacy landscape are examined.

Impact Of Virtual Simulation And Coaching On The Interpersonal Collaborative Communication Skills Of Speech-Language Pathology Students: A Pilot Study, Jacqueline A. Towson Ph.D., Ccc-Slp, Matthew S. Taylor Ph.D., Jennifer Tucker Pt, Dpt, Pcs, Claire Paul Ph.D., Bcba, Patrick Pabian Pt, Dpt, Scs, Ocs, Richard I. Zraick Ph.D., Ccc-Slp

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Communication between clinicians, teachers, and family members is a critical skill when addressing and providing for the individual needs of patients. However, graduate students in speech-language pathology (SLP) programs often have limited opportunities to practice these skills prior to or during externship placements. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of virtual-reality based rehearsal with coaching on the interpersonal collaborative communication skills of SLP graduate students when delivering information regarding a singular patient to different stakeholders. Three graduate students completing their third semester in a SLP program participated in the study. Each participant was provided a clinical …

Co-Creating Our Lives, Performing Our Multi-Cultural Worlds, Aidah Nalubowa

Theses and Dissertations

In his Foreword for Theatre and Migration (Cox 2014), director Peter Sellars writes, “None of us are the picture in our passports” (viii). Neither are we the person that we look or sound like at first glance or the first meeting. Rather, who we are is shaped by among other factors our environment and cultural upbringing. Because traditionally people from different places perform and participate in social and cultural events that are naturally “scripted” differently, we are so much more than the pictures and names we carry on our identification documents. Migration, Sellars continues, is “one of the most basic …

Applying Conditional Distributions To Individuals: Using Latent Variable Models, Feng Ji

Theses and Dissertations

This study proposes a new method to interpret individual results of psychological test batteries. The Mahalanobis distance is a commonly-used measure of how unusual an individual’s profile of scores is compared to a population of score profiles. In models in which there is a set of predictors and a set of dependent variables (e.g., cognitive abilities predicting academic abilities), it is useful to distinguish between a profile of dependent scores that is unusual because its profile of predictor scores is unusual and a profile of dependent scores that is unusual even after controlling for the predictors. The conditional Mahalanobis distance …

Deaf / Hard Of Hearing Preschool Students’ Acquisition Of Language Through Dyadic And Triadic Communication Contexts, Molly S. Herman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of using dyadic communication with a teacher of the deaf (ToD) and a Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) student compared to a triadic communication with a general education teacher, sign language interpreter, and D/HH student. Four participants in a self-contained D/HH early childhood classroom participated in both comparison groups using dyadic and triadic communication to acquire vocabulary language skills for communication while playing a preschool game. An adapted alternating treatment design (AATD) for single case research was used to rapidly alternate comparison groups using equivalent games and counterbalanced across …

The Effect Of Concept Mapping On Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Knowledge Acquisition, Pamela S. Laskowski

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a series of three papers on the effect of concept mapping on baccalaureate nursing students’ knowledge acquisition. The first paper is an integrative review of the literature on the use of concept mapping in nursing education. The review evidences that concept mapping has been effective in nursing education for increasing students’ critical thinking. However, it shows that no studies addressing the level of nursing knowledge gained using concept mapping were identified, indicating a need for research in the area of the use of concept mapping for nursing knowledge acquisition. The second paper is a feasibility study of …