Education Commons^™

Corporatized Higher Education: A Quantitative Study Examining Faculty Motivation Using Self-Determination Theory, Aaron Dale Brown

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The intent of this research is to offer a quantitative analysis of self-determined faculty motivation within the current corporate model of higher education across public and private research universities. With such a heightened integration of accountability structures, external reward systems, and the ongoing drive for more money and institutional prestige, this study examines faculty attitudes towards their work and the institution using Deci and Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory (SDT).

Under the corporatized model of higher education, a gap is found in the literature that explores the role of SDT’s three innate needs (i.e., autonomy, competency, and relatedness) and their effect …

Efficient Strategies For Playing The Horn, Jon Allan Holloway

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In their pursuit of becoming accomplished performers, horn players spend a great deal of time studying proper brass playing techniques from the great pedagogues. The modern horn is a fairly young instrument (less than two hundred years old) and the most efficient pedagogical approach is still evolving. Because of this, horn players spend a great deal of time studying proper brass playing techniques from the great pedagogues. Books by Philip Farkas, Arnold Jacobs, Raphael Mendez, and more have many theories and exercises on how to breathe, the best way to perfect embouchure development, performance techniques, and more.

Modern pedagogues have …

School Connectedness: Comparing Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders To Their General Education Peers, Robert Jordon Marsh

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

School connectedness is the extent to which a student feels that adults and peers on their school campus care about their behavioral and academic success as well as their overall wellbeing. School connectedness is comprised of four factors: (a) bonding, (b) attachment, (c) engagement, and (d) climate. Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may experience difficulty with developing high levels of school connectedness, which may lead to engagement in health-risk behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of school connectedness of students with EBD and compare them to the levels of their general education peers. …

Thinking About Those Who Value You Based On How Smart You Are: Effects On Effort And Test Anxiety, Lucie Vosicka

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The work examined whether activating a domain of a close other’s contingency of acceptance leads to more anxiety in anticipation of an evaluative performance in that domain (Study 1), and greater effort toward improving oneself in that domain (Study 2). In a between-group experimental design, contingencies of acceptance were manipulated by a guided visualization of a close other whose acceptance was perceived either as non-contingent (intrinsic), contingent on a task-irrelevant domain (physical appearance), or contingent on a task-relevant domain (competence). The effects of the acceptance contingency condition on anxiety and effort were not statistically significant. However, in Study 1, six …

Oral Microbial Burden Of Periodontal Pathogens Among Orthodontic Patients, David Jolley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objectives

Many research studies involving orthodontic patients have a natural inclination to focus on changes in levels of cariogenic pathogens after bracket placement, and very few studies examine the role of changes of periodontal pathogens – particularly among adult patients. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that increased levels of a specific periodontal pathogen, Fusobacterium nucleatum, may elevate risk for development of colon cancer in adults through direct pathways. Based upon this new evidence, the objective of the current study was to screen saliva samples taken from orthodontic patients to determine the prevalence of periodontal pathogens, including F. Nucleatum, T. denticola, and …

From Belief To Action: Omani Efl Teachers’ Self-Efficacy In Relation To Their Teaching Of English As A Foreign Language, Abdullah Khamis Al-Shukri

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Research has documented that teacher self-efficacy has positive impacts on different aspects of teaching and learning. Yet, research on teacher self-efficacy in the field of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is relatively limited. Considering the powerful impacts of teacher self-efficacy on teaching and learning, it is crucial to pursue this line of research into the field of teacher education. Examining EFL teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in teaching English seems to be particularly useful in the Omani teaching context, where English is increasingly used in schools. The present study examined Omani EFL teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, its sources and factors, and …

Nursing Students’ Nonacademic Barriers To Success On High Stakes Exams, Jennifer Bussen Bussen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Every nursing program wants its graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination the first time they take it. For those who fail, entry into practice is delayed until they can pass the NCLEX-RN. The nursing programs that graduated students who fail may experience a loss of reputation, decreased numbers of potential applicants, and, ultimately, state board of nursing sanctions. In an effort to determine which students are likely to be successful in taking the NCLEX-RN, many programs have turned to end-of-program predictor exams such as the Health Education System Inc. (HESI) exit examination (E2) (Lauer & Yoho, 2013; Nibert & …

Andre Jolivet's Fusion: Magical Music, Conventional Lyricism, And Japanese Influences Network To Create Concerto Pour Flute Et Piano And Sonate Pour Flute Et Piano, Kelly A. Collier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

André Jolivet’s Fusion, represents his formative style period, post-World War II. Fusion is a combination of Jolivet’s two earlier style-writing periods for flute, “magical music” and conventional lyricism. This study presents detailed analyses of two compositions reflecting this style period, Concerto pour flûte et piano and Sonate pour flûte et piano, by André Jolivet. In order to acquaint the reader with Jolivet’s interest in ancient musical cultures, a brief biography offers information on Jolivet’s interests in ancient rituals and mysticism. As appointed Director of the Comédie-Française in 1945, Jolivet extensively travelled and experienced new musical phenomena. These musical phenomena, Japanese …

The Impact Of Nursing Crew Resource Management Training On The Patient Safety Self-Efficacy Of Nursing Students, Deanne Marie Donaway

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Quality health care and optimal health outcomes begin by assuring patient safety. This is a shared responsibility of all health care providers. However, nurses have a fundamental obligation to assure patient safety, given their constant presence with patients requiring care. Patients who are cared for by nurses with insufficient or outdated patient safety education and knowledge can and often experience costly and catastrophic outcomes (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2011). Medical errors now rank as the third leading cause of death in the United States and cost over 17.1 billion dollars/year (Makary & Daniel, 2016; Andel, Davidow, Hollander & Moreno, 2012). …

Four Sonnets By Pablo Neruda, Sets 1 And 2, By Judith Cloud, For High Voice And Piano: A Performer’S Perspective, Sheronda Levonne Mckee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Twentieth and twenty-first century compositions are growing in popularity amongst scholars of music. Along with this budding interest comes a plethora of composers, many of whom are women. While not a discussion on feminism in the modern age, this document will concentrate on one female composer. Drawing from the historical significance of the poet and the compositional history of Four Sonnets by Pablo Neruda set 1 and Four Sonnets by Pablo Neruda set 2 by Dr. Judith Cloud, my goal is to make these two song cycles more accessible to sopranos, as well as to those wanting to expand their …

Process Development For The Fabrication Of Semiconductor Devices And Circuits Using Spin-On Dopant, Richard R. Ryan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Traditional approaches to semiconductor device fabrication are expensive and time consuming, making them out of reach for most universities and colleges. The objective of this thesis is to develop a process by which semiconductor devices and circuits can be implemented completely in-house using spin-on dopants (SODs), and low-cost transparency masks, to significantly reduce the lead time, complexity, and cost associated with device fabrication. This will allow hands on fabrication experience for students at universities and colleges without the traditional expensive device fabrication facilities. In addition, it will also allow students and professors to design, fabricate and test semiconductor devices and …

An Analysis Of Reflective Thinking In Teacher Candidates' Eportfolios, Cristina Salinas-Grandy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Preparing the next generation of teachers to prepare students for the 21st Century is a challenging endeavor. Teacher candidates need to possess critical thinking and evidence-based pedagogical skills. It is believed that teacher reflection is the cornerstone to making informed decisions and timely modifications to daily instruction (Cochran-Smith, & Zeichner, K. 2005, Darling-Hammond, L. & Bransford, J., 2005 NBPTS, 2014; Schon, 1987;). What has been less examined is how an ePortfolio can be utilized as a tool to aid in the development of reflection among teacher candidates. This case study significantly contributes to our understanding of how to develop reflective …

The Effect Of Blackboard Tools On The Community Of Inquiry And Learner Satisfaction With Learning Management System-Enabled Courses, Alice Swift

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Online education has increased in popularity throughout higher education in recent decades, with learning management systems (LMSs) now being used by the majority of higher education institutions throughout the United States (Allen, Seaman, Poulin, & Straut, 2016). The Community of Inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework is composed of interrelated cognitive, teaching, and social presences, which make up a deeper learning experience (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2010). This study sought to further the theoretical and practical application of the CoI by evaluating learner satisfaction with LMS-enabled courses in vocational areas of study and additional course delivery formats (online, hybrid, and web-enhanced). Results …

The People's College? An Examination Of Who Governs Community Colleges At The Local Level, Katheryn Christine Brekken

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Community colleges are playing an increasingly important role in national and local postsecondary education and economic development policy arenas. These two-year institutions educate 46 percent of American undergraduates, including the majority of African American, Hispanic and Native American undergraduate students. However, community colleges are failing to graduate students, particularly students of color (AACC, 2012). Given the national demand for graduates, policymakers are struggling to help more under-represented groups succeed and complete their college degrees. Therefore, an examination of who is governing community colleges and making important policy decisions to address student success is critical. While there are a variety of …

Structural Behavior Of Nbsexte2-X Superconductors Under High Pressure, Vahe Mkrtchyan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Niobium chalcogenide compounds have recently gained a great deal of interest due to the fact that a superconducting phase coexists with the charge density wave state (CDW), as well as their potential for numerous applications. Two superconducting compositions, NbSexTe2-x (x=2, 1.5) were prepared by solid state route using high purity Nb, Se, and Te powders. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns collected at ambient conditions for NbSe2 and NbSe1.5Te0.5 showed a single phase with hexagonal crystal structure, with space group P63mmc. High-pressure X-ray diffraction measurements were performed at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory to investigate structural stability up to …

A Multiple Case Study Analysis Of Mentor-Mentee Perception Of The Effectiveness Of Self-Disclosure In The Field Experience, Khaled Ismail Alnajjar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

During the field experience, the mentors and preservice teachers share personal and professional experiences on a daily basis. This process of information sharing is seen critical to the mentoring relationship development and preservice teachers’ learning to teach. This qualitative study investigates the mentor-mentee perception of the effectiveness of self-disclosure in the field experience. Data was collected from two mentor teachers and three preservice teachers through three different phases and via triangulated sources: semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and focus group interview. Moreover, the findings were reported based on the three themes that are related to research questions: topics and purposes of …

The Manifestation Of Student Engagement In Classrooms: A Phenomenological Case Study Of How Teachers Experience Student Engagement And How It Influences Pedagogical Decision Making, Andrew Goodman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to understand the essence of student engagement and how it impacted teacher pedagogical decision making in elementary classrooms. Through phenomenological case study, seven participants described their lived understanding of student engagement in order to develop a contextually-based understanding of the phenomenon. This study took place in an urban area of the Southwestern United States where students of color make up a majority of the school’s population. This study found that the essence of student engagement is student interaction and that teachers make pedagogical decisions before and during their lessons in order to engage students …

Secondary Preservice Teacher Expectations Of The Principal's Role In New Teacher Induction, Matthew C. Nishimoto

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The three concurrent conceptualizations of induction include a phase in teacher development; a process of socialization; and the formal, programmatic structures. A major challenge faced by the beginning teacher during induction is reconciliation of expectations and realities. School leadership, through establishing and fostering an induction-conducive school culture, ultimately crafts effective induction. Using a paradigm and historical lens, current trends (the “fifth wave”), role theories, and a grounded theory methodology, this study examined the nature of expectations that preservice teachers hold regarding school principals through investigating from where, how, and why these expectations develop. The research design was a three-phase (conceptual …

Development And Testing Of An Assessment To Measure Spatial Thinking About Enhanced Greenhouse Effect, Heather Jean Skaza

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Americans, in general, do not behave in environmentally sustainable ways. We drive cars and fly in planes that emit planet-warming carbon. We purchase food in nearly indestructible packaging that is not recycled or repurposed. We do not consider the environmental impact of the “stuff” stuffed into our grocery and department stores, most of which is made of materials that had to be dug out of the ground, leaving rivers and skies full of pollution in its place. Citizens have a responsibility to understand complex global and local environmental problems. A person’s ability to think about the way that an environmental …

Investigating Teacher Learning And Change In A Professional Learning Community: Integrating Ela And Social Studies Curriculum, Derek Jordan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This case study examines teacher learning and change in classroom practices as a result of participating in a professional learning community (PLC) that designs integrated curriculum of English/language arts and social studies. The participants for the study were a team of four fifth grade teachers, of which team the author is a member. These teachers teach in a Title-1 urban elementary school in the American Southwest. Case study methodology was chosen to examine this phenomenon. Data were collected from PLC sessions, interviews, recorded lessons, and artifacts. Collection took place at the research site. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques of …

Student Motivation, Stressors, And Intent To Leave A Nursing Phd Or Dnp Program: A National Study Using Path Analysis, Delene Renee Volkert

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The growing need for nurse scientists and nurse faculty researchers has led to the call to double the number of doctorally prepared nurses by 2020 (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2010). Nursing has responded with more doctoral degree programs resulting in an increase from 122 DNP graduates in 2007 to 8,184 nurses who hold DNP degrees by 2013. PhD programs have also seen 5,306 graduates between the years 2004 through 2013 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2014a). One troubling aspect that affects nursing and other doctoral programs is high attrition rates. A recent ten year longitudinal study from the …

Understanding Contingent Faculty: A Quantitative Study Of Engagement, Satisfaction, Commitment, And Mentoring Needs, Heidi Batiste

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The representation of contingent faculty in higher education is prevalent, as a result of changes in the staffing practices in academia. The American higher education system currently employs roughly 4 contingent faculty members for every one, which is tenured or on the tenure-track. As a result of an extensive study on part-time academic faculty, Gappa and Leslie (1993) developed a typology as a way to categorize them. The typology consisted of four employment profiles based primarily on academic background, employment history, and career motivations: career-enders, specialists/experts/professionals, aspiring academics, and freelancers (Gappa & Leslie, 1993). This quantitative study used survey research …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Beginning And Intermediate Solo Bassoon Literature, Kim Kehau Chai

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A wind instrumentalist typically begins music study in a school band or orchestra. The instructors for these classes normally use method books, scales, and large ensemble pieces to teach and refine technique and musicianship. Unless the student has a private teacher, it is unlikely that they will study or perform solo music except on rare occasions. The serious study of solo literature typically begins on the college level, when all students have access to a professional teacher and private lessons.

Solo literature is critical for the evaluation of a student’s performance level and ability, and it helps the instructor specifically …

A Case Study: Students' Mathematics-Related Beliefs From Integrated Stem Model-Eliciting Activities, Cathrine Maiorca

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This case study examines the mathematics-related beliefs of fourth and fifth grade students who participated in an after-school integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program where participants completed four Model-Eliciting Activities. The research questions addressed by this study are, What is the nature of the change in mathematics-related beliefs of students who participate in an after-school MEA program? In particular, what is the difference, if any, of the nature of the change in beliefs across varying ability levels? The framework used to describe these beliefs was developed by Kloosterman and includes beliefs about the nature of mathematics and mathematics …

Delirium Education Program For Critical Care Nurses: A Mixed Methods Study, Meredith Padilla Padilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Approximately 10-30% of hospital admissions develop delirium where nearly 30-40% of the delirium cases are preventable. Non-detection rates by acute care healthcare workers were reported at 72-75%. Hence, it is crucial for hospitals to develop delirium education programs focused on early recognition and prevention. Thus, the purpose of this mixed method study was to develop and evaluate the effect of a delirium education program (DEP) on improving critical care nurses’ knowledge and self-confidence in identifying delirium and the associated risk factors. In the quantitative strand (Phase I) of the study, both the intervention and control groups completed the online pre-tests …

The Role Of School Boards In Addressing Opportunity And Equity For English Learners In The U.S. Mountain West, Carrie Sampson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Locally-elected school boards in the United States may be the public’s closest democratic link to public education. Yet, little is known about how school boards balance their representational obligations with their responsibilities to address educational inequities. The purpose of this study is to examine how school boards address policies and practices for one of education’s most vulnerable populations, English learners (EL). Applying the conceptual framework of social construction theory for policy design, which assumes that policy is heavily influenced by the social construction of target groups, this multiple-case study includes data from 30 interviews, four years of school board meeting …

Leadership Competencies At Concordia University System Institutions, Samuel Joseph Seefeld

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine leadership competencies within the Concordia University System based on McDaniel’s (2002) leadership schema using the quantitative instrument developed by Smith and Wolverton (2010). This study extended the Smith and Wolverton (2010) instrument by exploring whether or not variables such as gender or employment classification (i.e., an individual’s role within the institution) show significant differences in perception of leadership competencies. This study utilized principal component analysis to determine factors based on the individual competencies and multivariate analysis of variance to determine if differences arose between reported scores in gender and employment classification. Data …

A Case Study Analysis Of Career And Technical Instructors' Development Of Multicultural Self-Awareness Through A Transformative Learning Experience, Cynthia Bezard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, preparing 21st century educators to teach children of diverse racial, ethnic, social class, and language backgrounds is a critical issue in teacher education. This study focused on career and technical education instructors with a business and industry teaching license and minimal or no previous exposure to multicultural education. As career and technical education is at the front line of preparing youth and adults to succeed in today’s workforce it is imperative that career and technical education instructors meet the needs of the diverse student population. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Peer Networks And Peer Video Modeling On Positive Social Interactions Performed By Young Children With Developmental Disabilities, Conrad Oh-Young

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A concern that parents of children with disabilities have is whether or not their offspring are able to interact and be accepted by children who do not have disabilities. Unfortunately children with developmental disabilities (DD) may experience difficulties when interacting with typically developing peers. One method of addressing this issue has been to ensure that children with DD receive instruction in the same school setting as their peers. However, simply attending the same school as children who are typically developing may not be enough. Hence the need for interventions such as peer network (PN) and peer video modeling (PVM), that …

Changes In Teachers' Constructivist Beliefs And Practices From Preservice To Inservice Teaching: A Mixed Methods Approach, Christina Joan Santoyo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Teacher candidates’ development into novice teachers is a social process that depends on their teaching context as well as the mentors who help them through the process. Viewed through the lens of social identity development theory and mentoring theory, this study used an embedded, mixed methods design to understand how and to what extent six Alternative Route to Licensure teacher candidates’ beliefs and practices differed from preservice to inservice teaching. Mixed-methods data were collected using observation, semi-structured interviews, and partial interval recording. The six participants included secondary math, English, science, and social studies preservice-turned-novice teachers. In order to understand the …