Education Commons^™

The Social Interaction Of Mainstreamed High School Students: An Ethnographic Inquiry, Marge Terhaar-Yonkers

Doctoral Dissertations

This ethnographic study examined the social interaction of mainstreamed and nondisabled learners at McArthur High School. The researcher studied the relationship between social interaction and context and the meanings held by McArthur students and teachers. Participant observation, structured and unstructured interviews, and artifact collection were the methods used to obtain these descriptions. The study was divided into three phases, each focused on a specific component of social interaction: peer interaction, reported standards which shape interaction, and standards negotiated in action, "standards in action." For each of the phases, descriptions were provided and comparisons were made between mainstreamed and nondisabled learners. …

Hypercholesterolemia And Platelet Sensitivity To Thromb In-Induced Aggregation In Whole Blood, Charles E. Hammond Ii

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Sciences in Biology by Charles E. Hammond, II on August 1, 1989.

The Task /Time Management Component Of The Learning To Learn System, James B. Cook

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a task/time management training (consisting of breaking large tasks down,planning and practice) on academic task completion for 29 students in an undergraduate psychology study skills course. A training package and individual training and practice were provided by self management coaches. A multiple baseline across groups design was used. Individual meetings were conducted between self management coaches and students to assess the percentage of task completion based upon a 10-point scale. The mean group task completion scores did not show asignificant rate of change as a result of the intervention.

Performance Motivation: Tests Of An Integrated Model, Jerry Kopf

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Different individuals, with the same ability and faced with the same environmental constraints, exert varying amounts of effort, and, to the extent that performance is a function of effort, achieve different levels of performance. This study proposes and tests a theory of motivation which is an integration of what have previously been considered separate, and often conflicting, theories of motivation. The study hypothesizes that motivational differences in effort or performance may be due to either differences in goal level or differences in goal commitment and tests the integrated model against a model which uses assigned goals to predict effort (goal …

Education For Employment: An Update Of Kalamazoo County's Career Education Model, Wendy French

Masters Theses

The major accomplishment of this project was the creation of career education goals that have been accepted by the nine Kalamazoo County school districts involved in Education for Employment. These broad goals are infusable into all the local districts as they review each curricula.

The essential skills of problem solving, group responsibilities, and basic skills are not subject specific and can therefore be addressed in all curriculum areas. Abilities and indicators are listed with the goals to help local districts specifically address student needs.

The Education for Managing the Future (Career Education K-6) committee, as a sub-group of Education for …

Can Drama Improve Student Performance In School?, William R. Peach

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem of the existence of a number of students exhibiting low self-esteem and unacceptable behavior in fourth and fifth grade was addressed by involving a representative sample of the students population in the production of a major musical show. The Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Test (Ellen V. Piers and Dale B. Harris, 1969), an analysis of students’ effort and behavior grades before and after the production, and an analysis of numbers of instances of administrative/ guidance referrals was used to evaluate whether or not involvement in drama would produce improvement in student self-esteem. All students who signed up to audition …

A Computer Program To Increase Comprehension Of The Cartesian Rectangular Coordinate System In High School Pre-Algebra Students, I Sheck Exley

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The high percentage of high school Pre-Algebra students having difficulty learning the abstract concept of graphing ordered pairs on the Cartesian rectangular coordinate system was addressed by the creation and implementation of a computer-managed instruction program. Modules included a pretest, instruction, two practice sessions, and a posttest. To increase motivation and thereby enhance learning, the practice modules were designed in the form of a game. Students were exposed to the program on computers over a period of two weeks. The results indicated a greater increase in achievement for the target group than for four similar Pre-Algebra classes of this researcher. …

The Relationship Of Supplemental Instruction And Final Grades Of Students Enrolled In High-Risk Courses, Sally A. Pryor

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant relationship between attendance at Supplemental Instruction (SI) and final course grades. This study focused on a program where only undergraduate students led SI sessions. The subjects were 268 students enrolled in three high-risk science courses at a public university in the Midwest during fall semester 1988.

Three research hypotheses were investigated: (1) There is a significant relationship between level of attendance at SI and final course grades. (2) Students who attend SI earn significantly higher final course grades than students who do not attend SI. (3) There …

A Study Of The Relationship Of Class Size And Student Achievement On The Michigan Educational Assessment Program Fourth Grade Test, Ralph Burde

Dissertations

In this study the relationship and differences in student achievement and class size were investigated. The population of the study was the 111,199 students who completed the fall 1988 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP, Michigan State Board of Education, 1988) fourth grade test. The MEAP is a criterion referenced test and is the state of Michigan's only achievement test.

The independent variable of the study was class size. The dependent variables of the study were student achievement as measured by the students' fall 1988 MEAP reading, mathematics, and combined reading and mathematics test scores. The hypothesis of the study, supported …

An Assessment Of The Characteristics And Attrition Rates Of Physical Therapist Assistant Educational Programs, Pamela Ann Bayliss

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the student attrition rate in physical therapist assistant programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at the time of the study and to identify factors which may affect student attrition. The survey instrument was designed to gather data on student attrition rates for the classes which graduated in 1984, 1985, and 1986 and on program characteristics such as admission policies and curricular requirements. The mean student attrition rates were 32%, 28.6%, and 26.4% in 1984, 1985 and 1986, respectively. There were no significant differences identified via Chi Square (p

An Analysis Of Selected Family Life Education Curricula, Phoebe Terry Butler

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of family life education curricula in Virginia's public schools and determine its appropriateness for the mentally handicapped students. It was the intent of this study to determine if existing curricula were designed to address the needs of mentally handicapped students according to a standard curricula designed by the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States. The 15 participants of this study were selected from a random sample of 69. The response rate was 20.2%.

A letter soliciting family …

Articulation Of Practical Nursing Programs To Institutes Of Higher Learning, Gwendolyn T. Sweat

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the size of the Practical Nursing schools, the student/faculty ratio, the admission process, the number of program hours as well as individual course hours of each program, specific aspects of articulation agreements in place, and the need for a bridge course and its contents. Also collected was demographic information regarding the students. The study involved the aggregate population of 43 Practical Nursing Programs in Virginia. Study findings, based on responses from 28 schools, included the following: the practical nursing schools are or the most part 18 months long, have three faculty members, admit students in late summer …

The Effects Of Varying Light Exposure Times On The Colonization And Sporulation Of Gigaspora Margarita In The California Pepper, Mary E. Kirker

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Mary E. Kirker on July 24, 1989.

The Effects Of Selected Aerobic And Conditioning Exercises On The Body Fat Level, Lean Body Weight, And Flexibility Of The Collegiate Golfer, Dayna S. Brown

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Health, Physical Education and Recreation by Dayna S. Brown on July 11, 1989

Effects Of Direct Instruction In Listening Skills As Related To Effective Learning Among Grade One Students, Carmen B. Johnson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to investigate the effects of direct instruction in listening skills as it relates to effective learning among first grade students in an elementary school located in a rural area. The goals were to provide training in listening to follow oral directions and listening for sequences in stories for five first grade students. Progress in listening skills was measured with pre and posttests of a Likert type rating scale. Activities implemented included: (1) daily group activities devoted to listening activities and games; (2) listening center; and (3) story time. Evaluation data indicated that all five students who …

Recruitment Of Minority Teachers Through Future Educators Of America, Sharon F. Frieze

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was concerned with the need for recruitment of minorities into the teaching profession. The problem exists that there is a shortage of minority educators while, at the same time a growing minority school population. This discrepancy was documented by a national survey of the states' Department of Education, the narrative responses and research. Although the duration of the implementation period lasted for six months, response to the implementation is still ongoing. Respondents were asked to indicate if the state had a critical teacher shortage. Sixty-eight percent of the states responded to the survey. Eighteen States (53 percent) replied …

Improving Language Skills Of Kindergarteners With Deficient Receptive And Expressive Vocabularies, Etta L. Haygood

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addressed the need for methods to improve the receptive and expressive vocabularies of kindergarten children. The Peabody Vocabulary Test and the Expressive One Word Vocabulary Test were employed as screening devices to assess students. Language based activities, recordings, and musical activities were used to enhance development of language skills. Students were engaged in stimulating language activities over a period of ten weeks. Appropriate classroom experiences were provided to help instill positive self-concepts while stimulating vocabulary development. It was hoped that an increase in vocabulary would better prepare the students for success in first grade. The results showed the …

Improving Social Studies Achievement: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Lindalee Kaminski

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A high percentage of students in a second grade class with low socio-economic characteristics demonstrated exceptionally low achievement in social studies. The problem was addressed by the implementation of an interdisciplinary program to increase basic skills in all areas of the curriculum. Activities designed to increase the target group's understanding of social studies concepts while practicing skills in reading, language arts, math, and science were incorporated into all subject areas utilizing a whole language approach. An emphasis on critical thinking and daily news events allowed for student growth in inferential comprehension and the formation of attitudes about the world. The …

A Videotape Presentation To Motivate High School Students To Enter The Teaching Profession, Linda S. Lentin

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum addressed the need to diminish the critical teacher shortage that was facing the state of Florida. The author, the 1989 Florida Teacher of the Year and the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, developed an appropriate presentation strategy for motivating senior high school students, specifically members of the Florida Future Educators of America, to enter the teaching profession. The author produced a videotape that combined with a lecture and discussion formed a presentation that was offered at five senior high schools. The results of the postsurvey as compared to the presurvey indicated that the presentation was effective. Additionally, one …

Walk Around The Clock: Third Grade Students Learn To Tell Time, Janice Irington

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Although time-telling has been an essential part of the curriculum since kindergarten, there were third grade students at the practicum site who were unable to tell time by five and one minute intervals. Results from a student survey, teacher survey and a county standardized test confirmed this statement. Since telling time is an abstract concept, a more concrete approach was used in presenting the skill. Piaget's theory that logical ideas can be applied and understood if presented in concrete form was the basis for teaching this concept. The goal for this practicum was to improve the targeted students' ability to …

Using Whole Language Materials In The Adult Esol Classroom, Edward W. Schiffer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Many English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students live in areas in which the English language is not the principal means of communication in everyday life. However, because English is the principal language of the broader society, non-English speakers are motivated to attend ESOL classes in order to participate in the mainstream and to receive society's benefits. The classroom is the principal source of meaningful English input for these students. Opportunities for second language acquisition are limited once the students are outside the classroom. This reality makes the quantity and quality of language presented in the classroom a crucial …

Improving Academic Achievement Through Building Self-Esteem In At Risk Limited English Proficient Ninth Grade Haitian Students, Gloria H. Myrick

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A self-esteem building program was developed and implemented to reduce the failure and potential dropout rate of limited English proficient ninth grade Haitian students who were failing two or more academic classes. Self-esteem building exercises and counseling sessions were employed over a 10-week development period. Instruments for measuring self-esteem, The Piers-Harris Self-Concept Inventory (Piers, and Harris, 1977) and The Demos Dropout Scale (Demos, 1970) were used. The results indicated increased levels of achievement for the target group when comparing their pretest and posttest. It was concluded that building positive self-esteem improves academic achievement. (Appendices include the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Inventory, student …

A Descriptive Study Of The Effects Of Retention On Identified "At Risk" Ninth-Grade Students At Bowie Junior High School, Claudette V. Jones

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of An Instructional Program Preparing Disabled Students To Use A Canine Companion., Bonita M. Bergin

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Canine Companions for Independence (CCT) pioneered and has been in the forefront of placing dogs with disabled individuals to facilitate their independence through increased physical and social capabilities. With the number of applications increasing daily, CCI launched an expansion effort to include the development of six regional training centers located strategically across the United States to increase the program placement capabilities to more than 300 Canine Companions each year. The increasing complexity of program management, training and monitoring resulting from this development had defined the need for a written curriculum to be used by staff involved in teaching the disabled …

A Comparison Of Word Processing Instructional Methods In Kansas Community Colleges And Secondary Schools, Richard Stewart Orszulak

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of instructional methods utilized in community colleges in the State of Kansas as compared to a random sampling of secondary schools in Southeastern Kansas. Also included in the study was an analysis of word processing courses currently offered with respect to software packages being taught. In addition, change in enrollment and if general education courses included a course in word processing were also studied.

Academic And Therapeutic Potential Of The Sierra Ii Process: An Evaluation Of An Adapted Outward Bound Diversion Program For Adjudicated Juvenile Delinquents, Ronald Clifford Callahan

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Studies

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Sierra II program on adjudicated juvenile delinquents. Specifically, this research measured the program's effect on the self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus-of-control, problem-solving skills, school behavior, and follow-on academic achievement. All study variables, except school behavior and follow-on academic achievement, received pre and post treatment assessments. Both school behavior and academic achievement received pre, post, six-month and twelve-month follow-up assessments. Individuals were assigned (by the court services staff) to an experimental group and a control group.

The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, modified Internal-External Scale, and the Generalized Expectancy of Success Scale …

A Comparison Of The Academic Achievement Of Urban Second-Grade Pupils With Different Forms Of Public Preschool Experience, Elva Williams Hunt

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Assessment of the potential value of the preschool experience has prompted urban educators to consider the advantages of preschool service delivery by the public schools. Urban policy makers ponder whether or not advocacy for preschool education should include advocacy of the provider. This study addressed the provision of preschool service for students from urban low-income families.

The grade placement of students born in three consecutive years was observed to determine their progress during the first three years of public schooling. Students were categorized with regard to their participation in preschool: some had attended a public school system preschool, First Step; …

A Comparison Of Career Ladder Iii And Career Ladder I Elementary Principals' Leader Behavior And Organizational Climate, Eugene H. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The perceptions of elementary teachers with regard to the leadership behavior exhibited by their principals and to the organizational climate of their schools were examined in this study. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Tennessee elementary principals who achieved Career Ladder III standing exhibited more effective leadership behaviors and maintained a more suitable organizational climates than Career Ladder I principals. This study followed the ex-post facto research approach and utilized data obtained through use of the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire Form 12 (LBDQ-12) and the Revised Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire (OCDQ-RE). Responses were obtained from 590 teachers …

Promoting Children's Writing For Publication, Minnie Mary Mckay Merrill

All Master's Theses

The main emphasis of this project was a description of a writing program "Promoting Children's Writing for Publication" as it evolved at Grass Lake Elementary School, Kent School District, Kent, Washington.

Essays For Undergraduate Liberal Arts Education, Hugo G. Walter

Institute for the Humanities Theses

The purpose of this creative project is to develop an anthology of significant essays for undergraduate liberal arts education. Each essay is preceded by an introduction about the author and the importance of his work. Each essay will encourage the student to think actively and consistently about ideas and issues and to develop a greater sensitivity for and understanding of the world around him.

I have chosen the following twenty-five authors from the nineteenth and twentieth century for this anthology: Henry Thoreau, Henry Adams, Mark Twain, John Stuart Mill, Leo Tolstoy, Friedrich Nietzsche, Susan Anthony, William James, Bertrand Russell, Jane …