Education Commons^™

Student Facilitated Anti-Bully Program, Ashley Kiefer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Minnesota law currently states that each school district should have a policy that addresses all forms of bullying but allows each district to create their own. This past year, the state of Minnesota has begun to scrutinize this legislation with the purpose of studying the extent of bullying in Minnesota schools and developing policies to stop it. Many schools in the state have unfortunately experienced the negative effects of bullying; some such as the Anoka-Hennepin Schools have experienced investigation and lawsuits due to suicides related to bullying (Post, 2012). At Byron Middle School, there has been limited student involvement in …

Integration Of Literature Into An Online Creative Writing Classroom, Steve Russel Linstrom

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The study of Literature was once the cornerstone of a creative writer's training, but lost significance when creative writing workshops became the pedagogical vehicle of choice. Online instruction provides technological and logistical advantages that bring the study of literature back to the forefront of creative writing instructional theory. A presentation of an upper level, literature focused, online creative writing course illustrates how creative writing and the study of great writers can be effectively integrated in an online environment.

The Backpack Food Program's Effects On Self-Reported Hunger And On-Task Behavior, Meghan E. Ecker

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Variations of the BackPack Food Program are implemented in cities and states throughout the nation, however little is known regarding the effects that providing this food has on student performance in school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the BackPack Food Program's effectiveness in combating student's hunger over the weekends and school breaks, thus decreasing student's self-reported hunger levels. Additionally, this study attempted to analyze the program's effects on student's on-task behavior in the classroom. Over the course of three semesters, hunger surveys were evaluated for 82 students and observations of on-task behavior were recorded for 52 students. …

The Impact Of Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques Implemented Within Minnesota School Settings: A Program Proposal For Waseca Junior And Senior High School, Laura Bartsch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research project is to gain insight into the extent of the use of relaxation oriented curriculums within Minnesota schools through the distribution of an email survey. Additionally, a review of empirical literature was conducted to identify and evaluate evidence based relaxation-oriented curriculums and to create a proposal for implementation at Waseca Junior and Senior High School.

Sea Program Process Evaluation: Improving Existing Evaluation Methods, Rachel Faust

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to provide a process evaluation to more closely define how the program is currently being monitored, areas of quality assurance, and to create tools to aid in long term data analysis and collection of program outcomes. Staff and stakeholders of the program identified needs related to the program’s evolution which has since created transition and instability in how outcomes are tracked.

Due to increasing demands of current and potential funders to provide concrete objectives and outcome measurements, as well as to provide consistency in tracking between multiple schools that participate in the program, the …

Parent Involvement Plan For Lincoln Elementary, Michelle Kaune

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a parent involvement plan for Lincoln Elementary using research based information. The information gathered during the literature review will be used to gain a better understanding of parent involvement along with evidence based strategies to improve parent involvement. This plan will then be used by the school to work to increase the amount of involvement parents during the 2012-13 school year. Creating a strategy to increase parent involvement has been identified as a need by the school. It is also part of the school’s Adequate Yearly Progress plan which was submitted …

School Social Workers And Multiple Supervisees, Michelle Krueger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

There are a limited number of school social workers in District #77, Mankato Area Public Schools. There are two school social workers who provide services in eleven elementary schools and middle/high schools as needed. It was proposed that if there were five or six school social work interns who could primarily provide direct services, the school social workers could perform more of a supervisory role. “Group Supervision lessens dependence on the supervisor and offers a supportive peer environment which lessens anxiety and enhances self-efficacy” (Bogo, Cloberman, & Sussman, 2004).

Research Questions: How effective is group supervision? What are the pros …

Effect Of Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning On Non-Majors Biology Students' Understanding Of Biological Classification, Breann Marie Wozniak

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of process-oriented guided-inquiry learning (POGIL) on non-majors college biology students' understanding of biological classification. This study addressed an area of science instruction, POGIL in the non-majors college biology laboratory, which has yet to be qualitatively and quantitatively researched. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach was used. Students' understanding of biological classification was measured in two areas: scores on pre and posttests (consisting of 11 multiple choice questions), and conceptions of classification as elicited in pre and post interviews and instructor reflections. Participants were Minnesota State University, Mankato students enrolled in …

To Share Or Not To Share: The Impact Of Disclosing Sexuality On Instructor Communication Apprehension, Instructional Effectiveness, And Student Relationships, Justin Rudnick

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Previous research has explored the role LGBTQ instructor sexuality plays in the classroom. However, little research explores the effects of disclosing LGBTQ sexuality on the individual instructor. This study examines how LGBTQ instructors report disclosures of their sexuality to influence their Communication Apprehension, Instructional Effectiveness, and their Relationships with Students. Qualitative interviewing methods were used to survey nine self-identified LGBTQ college instructors from mid-size Midwest universities, and a grounded theory approach was used to identify emergent themes pertaining to LGBTQ instructors' experiences with their sexuality in the classroom. Interviewees reported varying degrees of communication apprehension, instructional effectiveness, and heightened personal …

A National Study Of The Ethical Dilemmas Faced By Student Conduct Administrators, Mary C. Dowd

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Although previous studies examined the ethical dilemmas faced by student affairs administrators (Janosik, Creamer, & Humphrey, 2004; Janosik, 2007), no such study explored the ethical dimensions of administering student conduct. The purpose of this mixed method study was to identify the ethical dilemmas experienced by student conduct administrators and to test the applicability of Kitchener's model as a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas. Also examined were the theories, professional codes, and core values informing ethical decision making. Further, the study explored possible correlations between knowledge of ethical principles and codes, and actual use of the ethical principles and codes. Finally, …

Principal Perceptions Of The Relevancy Of The K-12 Minnesota Principal Competencies, Paul Peterson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This dissertation examines the relevancy of the K-12 Minnesota Principal Competencies as perceived by practicing Minnesota principals. Two research strategies were used in this mixed-methods study. First, a quantitative survey was administered to Minnesota principals. The survey asked respondents to consider the relevance of each of the 16 Minnesota principal competencies. Based on the results of the survey, principal focus groups were held to gather additional input, including recommended changes to principal preparation programs within the state. While affirming the competencies currently in place, this dissertation provides policymakers with practitioner perspective and recommendations for improving principal preparation within the state …

Connecting Future Teachers To Study Abroad, Kyle John Crimi

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study investigated the perceived benefits and barriers that impact study abroad for pre-service teachers and how participation might be increased. The literature review found that students have positive perceptions towards study abroad and that there are benefits for teachers who participate in study abroad. It also revealed that many barriers exist towards study abroad and that addressing financial concerns and having faculty support and encourage study abroad would help increase participation. A survey was designed for first year pre-service teachers at MNSU-Mankato to understand the pre-service teachers' perceptions towards study abroad, the barriers that they have towards study abroad, …

The National Survey Of Student Engagement As A Predictor Of Academic Success, Paul Michael Fursman

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Student engagement measures have been shown to be excellent predictors of desirable educational outcomes, and in some cases, these measures are being used as a means of institutional accountability. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is one of the most widely used measures of student engagement. In this study, I examine the relationship between NSSE subscale scores and measures of student academic success. I also examine the extent to which pre-college ability and ethnicity moderate the relationship between engagement scores and academic outcomes. Results indicate that the benchmark academic challenge was a significant predictor of freshmen GPA and the …

Exploring The Two-Year College Faculty Work Experience: The Active Job, The Evolving Institution And The Changing Effort-Reward Bargain, Jacobs Wayne Hammond

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

While significant research describes the occupational experiences of four-year college and university faculty, two-year college faculty have received little attention from scholars. This study enters the existing void. Fourteen two-year college faculty members from a variety of institutions in Minnesota were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured depth interview technique. Questions were derived from sociological and interdisciplinary literature pertaining to the higher education faculty experience. Two-year college faculty were found to hold active jobs, work in evolving institutions and face a decreasing effort-reward bargain. Faculty were also found to be susceptible to experiencing role strain, stress derived from group-decision making processes and …

Headway Emotional Health Services: A Parent Satisfaction Survey And Needs Assessment, Eowyn T. Gatlin

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Headway Emotional Health Services seeks to transform lives and restore families by providing a variety of quality mental health services to children and families in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The Vision Program is a partnership between Headway and the Bloomington Public School system. The Vision Program serves K-12 students who qualify for level 3 Emotional and/or Behavioral Disability (EBD) services. All students are in a classroom at their mainstream school and receive daily support from the Vision Mental Health Specialist, a special education classroom teacher, and a paraprofessional. Many students are able to participate in some mainstream programing through …

Team Academy Student Attendance Policy, Jenna Lageson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

To create a new student attendance policy for TEAM Academy. To create documentation forms for staff to use to supplement the policy. The goal is to have an attendance policy that will have clearly defined expectations of the parents, students, teachers and other school personnel of TEAM.

Student Perceptions Of Minnesota State University, Mankato's Alcohol And Drug Policy, Renee Lips-Bush

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of students’ perceptions of the current alcohol and other drug use policy at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) now and in the future. The study explores undergraduate students’ perceptions through surveys disseminated in the fall of 2010 and fall of 2011. The study is part of a four year longitudinal study, which began in 2010 after the implementation of a revised alcohol and other drug use policy.

Study Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Awareness And Understanding Self Skills: A Development Of Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students, Aliina Vivant Peterson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The skills curriculum: Study Skills, Organizational Skills, Self-Awareness and Understanding Self Skills: A Development of Skills Curriculum for Middle School Students was created for the guidance staff at Twin Oaks Middle School. Each lesson is designed around an issue or topic that has been identified as a common subject matter during scheduled group sessions during this age of adolescence. The purpose of the skills curriculum allows for the guidance staff to have an additional resource to pull material from regarding specific subject matters.

Specifically, each lesson is based upon research and literature that supports the introduction, education, and implementation of …

Becoming "Black" In America: Exploring Racial Identity Development Of African Immigrants, Godfried Agyeman Asante

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This qualitative study critically examined how African immigrants experience racialization and the process of developing Black racial consciousness. Focus group interviews were conducted to sample the collective racial experience among African immigrants. Thematic analysis was used as the basic methodology for analyzing the data. It was discovered that the participants "become African" and also "become Black" during the process of racial identification. "Becoming African" and "Becoming Black" constituted two sets of processes that simultaneously shaped the identity of African immigrants as they assimilated into the United States. From the study it became evident that there was tension between ethnic identification …

Zen Communication - A Cross Cultural Approach To Mindfulness, Appropriate Response, And Flow In Dyadic Interactions, Gregory Husak

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examined the question of how the qualities that arise from the practice of traditionally East Asian disciplines such as Zen and related martial arts might be effectively applied to dyadic interactions. Long-form interviews of about 40 minutes each were conducted with academics who have studied these topics and with expert practitioners who have extensive direct experience. Most subjects had significant cross-cultural experience, having studied and/or practiced in both the U.S. and in Japan. Detailed analysis of transcripts of these recorded interviews indicated that, in particular, the seated Zen meditation practice known as zazen generates personally transformational qualities that …

Teacher Training For Lre Mainstreaming And Diverse Classrooms, Rhonda J. Callanan

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Since the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, classrooms in the United States have changed over the years. These laws have added numerous responsibilities for teachers, especially the Least Restrictive Environment mandate that places more students with disabilities in the general education classrooms. A review of the literature shows that even though more skills are required to teach in more diverse classrooms, teacher training programs have not changed in response to this need. A second problem related to insufficient teacher training is the increase in students …

Student Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Mentoring On Student Teaching, Lori Kay Bird

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mentoring is an essential component of the student teaching experience. The support provided by highly prepared and effective mentors contributes to the success of student teachers during this high stakes period of professional development. Findings from this mixed-methods study support five mentoring factors as valid and a useful framework for measuring the impact of the mentoring received by student teachers in the student teaching experience. The five factors are: personal attributes, system requirements, pedagogical knowledge, modeling, and feedback (Hudson, 2007). The Mentee Perceptions of Student Teaching survey was given to student teachers upon the conclusion of their student teaching experience …

Factors Influencing The Institutionalization Of Diversity In Higher Education, Kelly S. Meier

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

To understand the impact of diversity in higher education, it is important to consider the critical role that diversity plays in the educational process. This requires a broader understanding of the influence diversity can have on the curricular, co-curricular, and interpersonal experience of a developing college student (Denson & Chang, 2009). Strategies for anchoring diversity as a core value or relating it to the inner workings of an institution are in demand (Chun & Evans, 2008). The purpose of this study was to identify highly actualized diversity initiatives and practices that can be replicated at other institutions meeting the sample …

A Case Study Of Four High School Esl Students' Oral Reading Fluency And Affect, Katie Devaney

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examines the affective elements present when students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) are reading aloud. Special attention is paid to anxiety, motivation, and attitudes. Participants of this study included four ESL students who received English language support one to two hours per day, were literate in their L1, and were intermediate to advanced language learners in a midwestern suburban town. To identify affective elements related to oral reading fluency, participants were interviewed and observed in their ESL classroom. Each also participated in a think-aloud session in which he or she was asked questions when stumbling or …

Middle School Student Perceptions Of Teacher And Adult Caring Behaviors, Jonathon William Graff

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research explores student perceptions of teacher and adult caring behaviors. It seeks to determine the extent that middle school students feel cared for by teachers and other adults in school and to identify specific student perceived adult caring and non-caring behaviors. Research methods include the creation and administration of a three-question survey administered to school students (grades 7and 8) who attend an upper Midwestern middle school. Survey results are interpreted referencing attachment and self-systems theory. Research findings suggest that teachers must focus on and address both academic and personal needs to create meaningful teacher-student relationships that are perceived by …

Forensics And The Basic Communication Course: A New Path To Satisfying Learning Outcomes, Benjamin Walker

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Forensic scholars have long written about the educational benefits of forensics, but very few have attempted to tie the activity to learning objectives from the curriculum. This thesis seeks to determine if collegiate forensics can offer the same learning opportunities as one of the most common and fundamental communication classes in the discipline: the basic communication course. This research uses experiential learning as a pedagogical framework for forensics in attempting to answer if forensics can offer the same learning opportunities of the basic communication course, and if so, how the activity does this and what the students actually learn. Likert …