Education Commons^™

Perceptions Of Teachers Regarding The Efficacy Of Inclusion In Primary Classroom Settings, Tara Catherine Chapman

Theses and Dissertations

Students in the Brick Township School District in Brick, New Jersey are taught in inclusive classrooms, meaning that students with special needs learn alongside their typically developing peers. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of teachers and their attitudes toward inclusion practices and to examine the factors that influence those attitudes. Brick School District teachers were invited to respond to an online questionnaire to share their views on inclusive education. Teachers' attitudes were discovered to be related to their beliefs regarding school factors, including support from administration and access to adequate professional development opportunities. Furthermore, teachers' …

Student Distractibility With School-Issued Computers, Emily Mae Conaway

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) determine if students are able to identify when and how often they become off task while using computers, (b) if middle school aged students are mature enough to self-regulate their technology use, and (c) which strategies teachers could incorporate to limit students' technology distractions.

The researcher broke this study into three phases to study reward strategies designed to keep students on task while using their devices. The first step was to gather baseline data from students and teachers using two surveys. After the educator surveys were evaluated, teachers in the social …

Common Factors That Benefit And Hinder The Co-Teaching Partnership In The High School Setting, Kaitlyn Nicole Muller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative study was to explore the lived experiences of both general and special education teachers in co-teaching relationships at Red Bank Regional High School in order to discover common patterns that benefit and hinder co-teaching partnerships across general and special education teaching roles, departments, and grade levels. Four pairs of co-teachers, eight total teachers, agreed to participate in this study. The co-teaching pairs were selected from four different departments, English Language Arts, History, Science, and Mathematics. Descriptive research, such as having the participants complete a survey, produce graphic elicitation tasks, and participate in an interview were …

Self-Questioning In Writing, Erin Lynn Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the self-questioning strategy, using student-generated questions when writing narrative and expository text. Six eighth grade students, diagnosed with a disability, were measured on their achievement in their quality of writing, through a 6-point holistic rubric and a feature checklist, their quantity of writing through the number of words written, and their creation of literal, direct, and evaluative questions. Students participated in a narrative and expository cycle over the duration of four months. In Phase A, of each cycle, students wrote an essay of the specified genre, establishing the baseline. In Phase …

The Effects Of Peer Mediated Instruction On Students' Knowledge Of Basic Math Facts, Jazmine Fields

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to: (a) to examine the effectiveness of peer mediated instruction (PMI) on student knowledge of basic math facts, (b) explore how PMI effects the on task behavior of students, and (c) evaluate how students' satisfaction with using PMI as a learning strategy in a mathematics classroom. Three second grade students, two males and one female, with IEPs participated in the study. A single subject ABAB design was used. The study examined if PMI can be utilized to assist students in increasing their knowledge of basic math facts as opposed to utilizing traditional ways of …

Are Technology Coordinators Teaching Teachers To Teach With Tech? A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study, Paula Mcgraw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to define instructional leadership methods used among New Jersey School Technology Coordinators across the state. The study seeks to examine two parameters of leadership among these technology professionals. First, it seeks to define the instructional role of the educational technology leader in New Jersey public school districts and second, to provide common leadership parameters among these technology professionals serving in the New Jersey public schools. This study will examine the meaning of the leadership role to NJ public school technology administrators and ascertains their experiences of school technology leadership as they implement educational technology …

Enhancing Generalization Of Social Skills With Students With Significant Disabilities, Joseph John Prenenski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of methods for enhancing generalization of social skills for students with significant disabilities will improve their social skills. Research indicates that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty using social skills and generalization of social skills interventions in the classroom. This study included five sixth grade students. Three of the students have multiple disabilities (MD) and two have autism (AUT). A-B-C design was used to assess the generalization effects of my intervention. The study has three phases. Phase A was the baseline where no program consequences nor prompts …

Persistence Of Veteran Students At Cumberland County College, Latoya Latisha Gibbons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived persistence of Veteran students at Cumberland County College. This study implemented a quantitative approach by issuing a survey to the current cohort of Veteran students at Cumberland County College. A large number of barriers present themselves to students who study at two-year institutions of higher education, but the Veteran population is one that has not been extensively studied at this level. The experience of Veteran students presents some unique factors that may affect their education differently from other populations of students at two-year intuitions. Through content analysis of the data, …

An Investigation Of First-Generation Student Experiences And Their Career Development, Desiree Saraceno

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to analyze the student experiences and career development of students who identify as first-generation and who are members of the Flying First Program (FFP) at Rowan University. The qualitative study included one focus group consisting of first-generation students who are involved with the FFP and a second focus group consisting of first-generation students who are not involved with FFP. The purpose of this thesis is to assess first-generation students' experiences, challenges, and resources related to their career development. Currently there has been limited utilization of qualitative data collected regarding students' perspectives and their experiences …

Effects Of Using Google Classroom On Teaching Math Students With Learning Disabilities, Margaret Cacace

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Google Classroom on the outcomes of students with learning disabilities in the mathematics classroom. Specifically, the study evaluated students' organizational skills, student achievement, and student satisfaction. The study included 7 high school students, 4 males and 3 females, in an Algebra 2 resource class. A single-subject ABAB design was used. During the baseline phases, students received Algebra 2 instruction as usual. During the intervention, Google Classroom was implemented to assign, complete, and manage all assignments. Homework and classwork assignments were used to measure student organization while quiz and test …

Implementation Of Literacy Strategies And The Impact On Word Problems, Lindsey R. Glick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the implementation of literacy strategies in a fifth grade mathematics classroom would affect comprehension. The specific aim is to see what happens when students utilize literacy strategies when solving mathematical word problems. Three literacy topics were the focal point in this study: vocabulary, writing, and comprehension. Literacy strategies from each topic were introduced and applied during a mathematics class. Surveys, math journals, graphic organizers, classroom discussions, and interviews were analyzed. The limitations and implications for incorporating literacy instruction in a mathematics class are discussed.

An Exploratory Investigation Of The Effect Of Reading Strategies On Science Assessment Scores, Suzanne K. Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of literacy strategies in a content area improves a summative assessment score. All of the students in this research had Individual Education Plans. Most of the students have specific learning disabilities that include reading comprehension, reading fluency, basic reading skills, and inferencing skills. Both pre-reading and during reading strategies were used for the study. Students were exposed to the use of graphic organizers and close reading strategies on given topics. Data gathered from the experiment showed that the use of a graphic organizer in addition to notes and labs …

The Effectiveness Of Google Classroom In The Self-Contained Chemistry Classroom, Steven J. Gross

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to ascertain the effectiveness of Google Classroom in the self-contained Chemistry classroom in terms of student turning in of assignments, student performance on summative assessment, student satisfaction with the use of Google Classroom, student contribution to class discussion in terms of frequency and quality, and the student acceptance of Google Classroom as a system of technology. Results suggest increased growth on summative assessments, turning in of assignments, and less regression in turning in of assignments with the implementation and use of Google Classroom. Results also suggest that the student population performs better through …

An Assessment Of Irb Member Values Using The Irb Researcher Assessment Tool, Andrew Gerber

Theses and Dissertations

This study employed the IRB Researcher Assessment Tool (IRB-RAT) to better understand values held by IRB members at Rowan University, and piloted the use of the IRB-RAT in this institutional context. A sample of Rowan University IRB affiliates, including administrators and members (N = 11), provided ratings related to their "ideal" and "actual" IRB on this 45-item questionnaire, addressing eight areas of IRB performance. Analyses included mean calculations, calculations of mean difference, and comparisons to those provided in a national validation sample for the measure. Results indicated that, by comparison to a national validation sample, Rowan University IRB members tended …

Intramural Sports Leadership: Exploring The Impact Of Being An Intramural Sports Official On Leadership Skills, Shan Yu Paracka

Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on the leadership development of intramural sports student officials at a med-sized public institution in the northeastern United States. Twenty-six total intramural student officials participated in the study that were evenly mixed between veteran officials and first time officials. The data shows that while there is a change in the scores from the pre-test and the post-test, there is a high probability of this being a random occurrence.

Cooperative Grouping In The Inclusive Stem Classroom, Catherine M. Elsey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if using cooperative group role assignments impacted on-task behavior in an inclusive STEM classroom. This study investigated if students were positively engaged, remained on-task, and completed STEM challenges with their group. There were two 5th grade classes, each with sixteen participants, involved in the study. In the experimental class, students had role assignments in their cooperative group of four members. The other class, was a control group, and students did not have role assignments in their group of four members. Data was collected through observation procedures of on-task and off-task behaviors for …

The Impact Of Physical Space In The College Union And Students' Sense Of Community On Campus, Erik A. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that physical spaces in The Chamberlain Student Center had on participants' sense of community on campus. A survey was distributed to 600 undergraduate students to determine the extent to which participants believed various locations within the facility either enhanced or diminished their sense of community on campus. Of the 600 surveys distributed, 73 responses were collected, yielding a response rate of 12%. Results show that there is no statistically significant relationship between any specific space in The Chamberlain Student Center. However, data showed that there is a relationship between students …

The Effectiveness Of The Question Formulation Technique On Open-Ended, Written Response Questions In Mathematics, Jessica M. Mannion

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) on students' open-ended, written response questions in mathematics in a 4th grade inclusion classroom. Four students, three male and one female, participated in the study. All students were classified with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or other health impaired (OHI). Experimental research design was used. A baseline was collected using students previous written response scores.

The QFT was implemented over the course of three math chapters. Students were assessed after each chapter with three open-ended, written response problems. The results show that each students average …

The Effectiveness Of Growth Mindset Strategies On Off-Task Time In A Special Education Mathematics Classroom, Alisa Marie Ialacci

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of growth mindset strategies on off-task time and attitude in a special education classroom. This research was done using a two-group pretest-posttest design where students with IEPs will be compared to those who do not have IEPs. Student on-task time was monitored prior to the intervention to give a pre-assessment of each student's off-task time. During the intervention, the students' behaviors were observed for signs of improvement. Growth mindset strategies were implemented during each class as needed for improving the overall mood. Overall the results showed a decrease in off-task …

The Effectiveness Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Anxiety And School Attendance Of Students With Disabilities, Lisa M. Klink

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities in a middle school language and learning disabled classroom. A single subject design with ABAB phases was utilized. Students participated in animal-assisted therapy during the beginning of their science class period. The anxiety levels of student participants were assessed through the use of Ottawa-Georgia scales for stress across all baseline and intervention phases. Student attendance was tracked using a student roster attendance sheet during each day of the phases. In addition, students complete a Likert scale survey …

The Effect Of Classwide Peer Tutoring On The Skill Performance And Fitness Levels Of Students With Disabilities In An Elementary Physical Education Inclusion Class, Christopher Farrell

Theses and Dissertations

This single subject study used an ABAB research design to investigate the effect of classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) on the skill performance and fitness levels of students with disabilities. Data was collected from nine students with disabilities who are members of a fourth grade physical education inclusion class. During the baseline phases of this study, students received instruction through whole-class direct instruction provided by the physical education teacher. During the intervention phases of this study, students participated in CWPT sessions. Skill performance in this study was determined through students demonstrating skill cues while shooting towards a target. Fitness levels were …

Reading Recovery With Guided Reading Supplementation, Katelyn Barok

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Reading Recovery, an intervention program for first graders, and whether the skills were being transferred into their general education classroom. Specifically, the reading abilities of students in the program were analyzed. Three students participated in the study, one female and two male first grade students. All three students were not classified and came from an inclusion classroom co-taught with a general education and special education teacher. The design of this research was pre-post, post-test group design and teacher surveys were individualized for all participants. Twenty weeks of intervention was …

Do Lgbtqia Rowan Students Matter? Marginality And Mattering In Rowan University's Lgbtqia Undergraduate Population, Liz Ditzel

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores feelings of marginality and mattering as defined by Schlossberg (1989) in LGBTQIA undergraduate students at Rowan University. The study used a modified version of the College Mattering Inventory (Tovar, Simon, and Lee, distributed via email to students utilizing the university's LGBTQIA Center. The study provided an opportunity for LGBTQIA undergraduate students to give feedback regarding their experiences at Rowan. A total of 39 students responded to the survey.

The study found that LGBTQIA undergraduate students at Rowan University are experiencing feelings of mattering and marginality simultaneously. These students feel that they matter as students, and that they …

Understanding Annual Giving & What Motivates Young Alumni To Give To Their Alma Mater: A Mixed Methods Study, Danielle Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Donations are the largest source of private funding for colleges and universities in the United States (Etzkowitz, Webster, Gebhardt, & Terra, 2000). College and universities need to turn to funding through fundraising, which includes alumni donations. One difficulty that higher education advancement professionals face is the ability to engage young alumni. This study investigated the motivations of young alumni to give to their alma mater, Rowan University. In this study, young alumni were defined as individuals that were 35 years of age or younger that gave during the 2018 fiscal year. A mixed methods approach is utilized in this study …

A Needs Assessment For Programming For Adult Undergraduate Students At Rowan University, Jennifer V. Savage

Theses and Dissertations

This needs assessment is evaluating if Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, has a need for student services oriented toward adult (aged 25 or older) undergraduate students. Adult undergraduate students are a population that has been consistently growing in the United States, and research shows that this population has specific needs and characteristics. This assessment is comparing demographic data of its student population for the past 20 years, plus the national trends. A search of the Rowan University website returned limited results for student services for adult student service. An electronic survey was administered to its current adult student population, evaluating …

The Influence Of Career Motivation On College Major Choice, Candace R. Lehmann

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to investigate whether current Rowan University students feel they are motivated to reach their career goals. The study further explored the attitudes and understanding of the advising process of students and their use of career planning related services. Subjects included Rowan University students who had visited the University Advising Center or the Office of Career Advancement. Student responses were gathered using an Advising and Career survey measuring responses on a Likert scale. Data were analyzed to determine the mean score of student career motivation and understanding of their role in achieving their career goals. …

Using Multisensory Instruction To Support Reading Growth In A Fifth Grade General Education Classroom, Alexis C. Cassese-Pawlowski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to engage fifth grade students in multisensory instruction in order to improve reading, specifically at the complex word level. Embedding multisensory techniques can be effective in promoting engagement in reading for students in fifth grade. The goal of this research project was to determine the effects that multisensory instruction has on readers in fifth grade. The main research question that guided this study was: How does multisensory instruction support growth in reading for 5th grade students? Five students in fifth grade participated in a five-week study where data was gathered to determine their …

The Effect Of Leadership Programs On Engagement, Megan Ann Henry

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that collegiate leadership programs offered through Leadership Rowan had on student levels of engagement at Rowan University. This study sought to find a connection between participation in leadership programs and higher levels of engagement as well as evidence of applied leadership skills as a result of their engagement. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was used to develop a measurement instrument to quantify student engagement. The survey was distributed to undergraduate students who engaged in the leadership Rowan Leadership Certificates at the Silver and Gold Levels.

The conclusions revealed …

A Replication Study On The Impact Of Rowan After Hours Student Employment On Student Engagement, Eleni Dendrinos

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of student employment at Rowan After Hours (RAH) on student engagement. This is a replication study of Lauren Thompson's thesis from 2013, which investigated the impact of RAH student employment on student engagement at Rowan University. A survey was distributed to the spring 2019 Rowan After Hours undergraduate student staff, collected, and compared to the findings from the National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE). This survey consisted of questions regarding the student's engagement on Rowan University's campus, such as their engagement with peers and faculty, taking lessons learned in class …

First Graders Identify Sight Words In Self-Selected Texts During Independent Reading, Michelle L. Mangaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how first-grade students recognize sight words in self-selected texts during independent reading. The context of the study was a suburban school district in South Jersey involving four first-grade students below grade level in at least one reading area. The four first-grade students, two boys and two girls, selected texts during independent reading. The participants engaged in pre-assessment and post-assessment surveys and initial participant interviews and exit participant interviews. The purpose was to analyze how first graders approach sight words in texts using metacognitive strategies. The students were audio recorded reading …