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2012

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Full-Text Articles in Education

African American Women In Informal Leadership In The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tava Renee' Herring Dec 2012

African American Women In Informal Leadership In The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Tava Renee' Herring

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the phenomenon of Church Mothers as they perceived themselves as informal leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. While it is generally acknowledged that there are gender and minority differences in leadership, there has been little exploration in how these differences affect the overall landscape of leadership and leadership theory in the African American community. Criteria for participant selection for the study were informed by Pielstick’s characteristics of informal leadership: shared vision, communication, relationships, community, guidance, and character. The study was conducted from the Womanist perspective as a way of understanding …


Conflict Management Styles In An Hbcu Hsi Community College Setting, Natasha P. Schmittou Dec 2012

Conflict Management Styles In An Hbcu Hsi Community College Setting, Natasha P. Schmittou

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate the conflict management styles in an HBCU and HSI community college and how gender, power position, age, educational level, and ethnicity influence conflict management. A convenience sample of 80 administrators and 220 subordinates completed an electronic demographic survey and the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II measuring conflict management styles— integrating, obliging, dominating, avoiding, and compromising. Nahavandi’s (2003) transformational approach to leadership which is sister to the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory approach emphasizes the importance of developing and maintaining relationships between leaders and followers. Main findings showed differences in conflict management styles between …


An Examination Of A Parochial Choice School Serving Latina/O Students: Perceptions, Realities And Promises, Tatiana Joseph Dec 2012

An Examination Of A Parochial Choice School Serving Latina/O Students: Perceptions, Realities And Promises, Tatiana Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

In Milwaukee, The Milwaukee Parental School Choice Program (MPCP) is a program that "allows low-income Milwaukee Students to attend participating private or religious schools located in Milwaukee with no charge for tuition if certain eligibility criteria are met" (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction). The program allows for qualifying families to use a portion of the public educational funding selected (voucher) for their student to attend a public school or the private school of their choice. For low income families, school choice is an opportunity to flee from schools that struggle with dropouts, absenteeism and low achievement in hopes of a …


How Crucial Are Multi-Cultural Texts To Social Awareness And Acceptance In The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Setting?: A Study On Views On Family Structure, Elisabeth Addyman Dec 2012

How Crucial Are Multi-Cultural Texts To Social Awareness And Acceptance In The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Setting?: A Study On Views On Family Structure, Elisabeth Addyman

Education Masters

This study examined the impact that multi-cultural picture books have on students’ views on different family structures in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten setting. Research was conducted in a Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom in a whole and small group setting. Data was collected through informal observations, student work, and pre and post interviews. The findings showed that the students could benefit greatly from multi-cultural picture books when coupled with meaningful discussions and/or extending activities. In order to determine the full potential of using multi-cultural picture books within the classroom to impact students’ views on different family structures, more research needs to be conducted.


The Home Literacy Environment Impact On A Struggling Reader And Emergent Reader's Readiness For A Pre-Kindergarten Program, Ashley Colarocco Dec 2012

The Home Literacy Environment Impact On A Struggling Reader And Emergent Reader's Readiness For A Pre-Kindergarten Program, Ashley Colarocco

Education Masters

The goal of this study was to examine the impact the home literacy environment has on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. It was determined that the home literacy environment has a greater impact on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. Data was collected through teacher field notes, questionnaires, and student test scores. The data showed the home literacy environment does have an impact on both a struggling reader and an emergent reader. The more involved a parent is in their child’s academics, the more successful the child will be. Children will be more prepared for school and …


How Do Wordless Picture Books Help Develop Writing For All Students?, Shannon Marble Dec 2012

How Do Wordless Picture Books Help Develop Writing For All Students?, Shannon Marble

Education Masters

This action research paper asked the question, “How do wordless picture books help develop writing for all students?” Through the results, there were mixed findings on how wordless picture books can help students with writing. Data was collected through student writing samples, field notes based off of the student writing, and two interviews. The findings section presents writing samples and tables based off of the writing samples, as well as data from the interviews. The data showed three recurring themes during the study: wordless picture books encourage students to write, provide a writing tool for older students, and develop written …


Blogging As A Strategy To Support Reading Comprehension Skills, Casey Vanepps Dec 2012

Blogging As A Strategy To Support Reading Comprehension Skills, Casey Vanepps

Education Masters

For the purpose of this study, four students were given access to a blog during guided reading instruction in hopes to answer the question: can blogging be used to support reading comprehension? Through questionnaires, observation, and student work samples, I saw a clear increase in the participants‟ ability to respond to literature, as well as an increase in their motivation to work through a fiction novel. These findings call for teachers to evolve their instructional practices and make sure they are utilizing the rapidly changing technologies that are available to their students on a daily basis. By incorporating these technologies, …


Teacher Perceptions In Non-Diverse School Populations Surrounding Multicultural Literature, Gretchen Soule Dec 2012

Teacher Perceptions In Non-Diverse School Populations Surrounding Multicultural Literature, Gretchen Soule

Education Masters

The research question that guided this study examined teacher perceptions surrounding the use of multicultural literature in non-diverse schools and the result of using multicultural literature within a non-diverse classroom setting. The claim made in this study sought out teacher’s awareness pertaining to multicultural literature, the authentic use of multicultural use in the classroom, and student response to multicultural education. Data was collected through a teacher questionnaire, a text study, and a student discussion group. The findings in this study supported the use of multicultural literature to promote learning, but discovered that the teacher dedication within the non-diverse setting towards …


Prewriting Strategies And Their Effect On Student Writing, Katrina Servati Dec 2012

Prewriting Strategies And Their Effect On Student Writing, Katrina Servati

Education Masters

This research project began by asking the question: Does the use of prewriting strategies improve the overall quality of student writing? Research was conducted within a tutoring program for struggling writers and a local school. Data was collected by teacher questionnaires, student work samples, student interviews, and field notes. It was found that students who use prewriting strategies such as graphic organizers are capable of better quality writing. The data collected implied that if taught the appropriate strategies and resources by their teachers, and given enough time, students writing quality can improve.


The Impact Of Student Interest And Instructor Effectiveness On Student Performance, Kate Sauer Dec 2012

The Impact Of Student Interest And Instructor Effectiveness On Student Performance, Kate Sauer

Education Masters

This research project began by asking if and how student interest and instructor effectiveness impacted student performance. Research was conducted with two middle school students. The data was gathered by administering questionnaires, collecting student work, and recording observations. Findings revealed that students’ interest and their relationship with the instructor were contributing factors in successful academic performance. Therefore, the data implied that teachers need consider student interest and develop a relationship with them in order to foster student growth and success.


Using Technology As A Teacher Differentiation Tool To Increase Students' High Frequency Word Recognition, Shannon Mclaughlin Dec 2012

Using Technology As A Teacher Differentiation Tool To Increase Students' High Frequency Word Recognition, Shannon Mclaughlin

Education Masters

This research asked, “how does technology, as a teacher assistive differentiation tool, increase students high frequency word recognition?” Research was conducted in Greenville, New York with a group of nine first grade students all classified with a disability. Students were placed in either an iPad or flash card group. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires/interviews, student observations, and assessment. Findings revealed that both the groups increased their word recognition; however, the iPad group revealed a greater percentage increase when compared to the flash card group. The data implies there is a correlation among students with disabilities and using …


Institutional Quilombos? Black Studies In Brazil And The United States, Dalila Negreiros Dec 2012

Institutional Quilombos? Black Studies In Brazil And The United States, Dalila Negreiros

Theses and Dissertations

The literature on Black Studies, Afro-Brazilian Studies and Comparative Race Relations between Brazil and the United State has been dedicated to the study of Black activism and education. However, there is a gap in comparative studies focused on Black Studies units in the United States and Afro-Brazilian studies in Brazil. The dissertation “Institutional Quilombos? Black Studies in Brazil and the United States” investigates how Black Studies centers and departments in Brazil and the United States exist, survive and act politically as educational and anti-racist spaces in six different institutions: the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee; Harvard University; Temple University; the …


The Effect Of Design Teams On Preservice Teachers' Technology Integration, Laurene Johnson Dec 2012

The Effect Of Design Teams On Preservice Teachers' Technology Integration, Laurene Johnson

Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation - Dissertations

This study examined the effect of a specific instructional approach called design teams on preservice teachers' attitudes toward technology, their technology skills, and their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). In a design teams approach, participants work in collaborative teams to design solutions to solve real-world problems. This quasi-experimental study explored the efficacy of an educational technology course implemented with a design teams approach compared to the same course that utilized a standard instructional approach. The sample included 53 preservice teachers from one university majoring in either Early Childhood Inclusive or Elementary Inclusive Education. Preservice teachers in the treatment condition worked …


Investigating Elementary Principals' Science Beliefs And Knowledge And Its Relationship To Students' Science Outcomes, Uzma Zafar Khan Dec 2012

Investigating Elementary Principals' Science Beliefs And Knowledge And Its Relationship To Students' Science Outcomes, Uzma Zafar Khan

Teaching and Leadership - Dissertations

The aim of this quantitative study was to investigate elementary principals' beliefs about reformed science teaching and learning, science subject matter knowledge, and how these factors relate to fourth grade students' superior science outcomes. Online survey methodology was used for data collection and included a demographic questionnaire and two survey instruments: the K-4 Physical Science Misconceptions Oriented Science Assessment Resources for Teachers (MOSART) and the Beliefs About Reformed Science Teaching and Learning (BARSTL). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to assess the separate and collective contributions of background variables such as principals' personal and school characteristics, principals' science teaching and …


An Examination Of Acculturative Stress, Perceived Social Support And Depression Among Chinese International Students, Yue Zhang Dec 2012

An Examination Of Acculturative Stress, Perceived Social Support And Depression Among Chinese International Students, Yue Zhang

Child and Family Studies - Theses

Cross-cultural living can be exciting but also challenging, as it may be accompanied by stress due to constant adaption to a series of continual changes. In addition to adjusting to a new physical environment, individuals must also make psychological adjustments. This study explored Chinese international students' acculturation processes through an examination of the association between acculturative stress, students' perceived social support and symptoms of depression. The study applied the modified conceptual framework from the acculturation model and the stress and coping theory to assess how students' acculturation experience affected their psychological well-being. Also, other contextual factors associated with this acculturation …


From Practice To Theory: An Exploratory Research Study Of The Relevance Of Museum Studies Curriculum To Museum Professionals, Redell Renetta Hearn Dec 2012

From Practice To Theory: An Exploratory Research Study Of The Relevance Of Museum Studies Curriculum To Museum Professionals, Redell Renetta Hearn

Dissertations - Open Access

This exploratory study provides a comprehensive description of the museum profession and focuses particularly on museum studies curriculum. The purpose of this research is to investigate museum studies curriculum and its relevance to the museum profession in order to determine whether or not museum studies curriculum is capable of providing the foundation of a standard academic discipline for museum professionals. A survey of museum professionals assessed their attitudes about museum studies curriculum and the extent to which museum studies curriculum "matters" to continuing education for current museum professionals and as an academic discipline for prospective museum professionals.


An Examination Of Technology And Its Influence On Reading In Struggling Students And An Autoethnography Of A Preservice Teacher, Megan Campanile Dec 2012

An Examination Of Technology And Its Influence On Reading In Struggling Students And An Autoethnography Of A Preservice Teacher, Megan Campanile

HIM 1990-2015

Educators have never had the possibility of incorporating technology into the classroom like they do today. Although technology can have its difficulties, it can truly help the development of reading for struggling students. Reading research is providing more and more clarity about how to use technology effectively within our school communities to support and enhance the academic performance of today's students (i.e. Gallagher, 2009; Isazadeh, 2004; Rice, 2011). A review of studies conducted by the CEO Forum (2001)emphasizes: "technology can have the greatest impact when integrated into the curriculum to achieve clear, measurable educational objectives." This meaning that with the …


The Importance Of Self-Esteem In Learning And Behavior In Children With Exceptionalities And The Role Magic Tricks May Play In Improving Self-Esteem And In Motivating Learning, Shannon Bauman Dec 2012

The Importance Of Self-Esteem In Learning And Behavior In Children With Exceptionalities And The Role Magic Tricks May Play In Improving Self-Esteem And In Motivating Learning, Shannon Bauman

HIM 1990-2015

This paper was written using various research based sources to determine the effects of self-esteem on learning and behaviors and whether or not the use of magic tricks can play a role in raising self-esteem and in motivating learning for children with exceptionalities. There have been multiple studies that show self-esteem has a significant effect on a child's ability to learn as well as studies that show self-esteem plays a role in a child's behavior. There are opposing studies showing that self-esteem has no effect on learning and behavior in children with and without exceptionalities. There was no information found …


Perceptions Of Preservice Teacher Candidates Towards Gifted Education Training And Obtaining The Gifted Education Endorsement Certificate In Florida, Zachary Laschober Dec 2012

Perceptions Of Preservice Teacher Candidates Towards Gifted Education Training And Obtaining The Gifted Education Endorsement Certificate In Florida, Zachary Laschober

HIM 1990-2015

According to the Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration, training in gifted education is inaccessible by teacher candidates in colleges of education in the United States. This study involved the use of questionnaires with 100 teacher candidates enrolled on an introductory course on diversity in education in a Florida university. Teacher candidates responded to a series of items to identify beliefs about giftedness within and outside the context of education as well as the value of training in gifted education for educators. Of the 100 respondents, 79% agreed or strongly agreed with the need for specialized training for educators …


Not Really Bollywood A History Of Popular Hindi Films, Songs, And Dance With Pedagogical Applications For Understanding Indian History And Culture, Sanjana Nayee Dec 2012

Not Really Bollywood A History Of Popular Hindi Films, Songs, And Dance With Pedagogical Applications For Understanding Indian History And Culture, Sanjana Nayee

HIM 1990-2015

Contemporary fascination with 'Bollywood' proliferates much of reality TV dance shows, media blurbs and other communicative outlets. These avenues homogenize India as 'Bollywood', while social and political outlets place Indians and people of South Asian descent into fitted stereotypes that are ridiculed and largely distorted. The intent of this thesis was to explore how the growing international intrigues of popular Hindi films exist beyond 'Bollywood'. This study is especially important because current U.S. demographics are undergoing a 'browning' effect yet a comprehensive method for understanding South Asian peoples and their cultures have been isolated to terrorist 'breeders', the model minority …


Examining The Power Of Using Primary Sources In Middle School Social Studies, Emily Richardson Dec 2012

Examining The Power Of Using Primary Sources In Middle School Social Studies, Emily Richardson

HIM 1990-2015

Educational experts believe that utilizing primary sources opens new doors for students by allowing them to think like historians, which ultimately hones in on the purpose of developing critical thinking skills (Rodeheaver, 2009). Historians constantly question documents, events, and credentials in order to form their own opinions while using primary source documents (Drake, 2002). When students have the opportunity and freedom to question documents and events and form their own opinions, learning may be enhanced. This study examines the possible power of allowing students to explore primary documents and learn by doing during social studies instruction (Dewey, 1916). This thesis …


Understanding And Achieving Brain-Based Instruction In The Elementary Classroom A Qualitative Study Of Strategies Used By Teachers, Amy Siercks Dec 2012

Understanding And Achieving Brain-Based Instruction In The Elementary Classroom A Qualitative Study Of Strategies Used By Teachers, Amy Siercks

HIM 1990-2015

There are many approaches taken by teachers in order to effectively teach students the information they will need to be successful. One of these approaches is that of brain-based instruction. No one single definition is the same as another when it comes to brain-based teaching and learning. Definitions may include incorporating music and movement into lessons, using techniques to reach both hemispheres of the brain, and differentiating instruction to teach to the needs of the individual students. This study takes a closer look at the perspective of teachers when it comes to what brain-based instruction strategies are. Teachers were given …


Effects Of Training Peer Tutors To Deliver Praise Statements, Prompts, And Correction Procedures On Academic Skills Of Students Who Have Severe To Moderate Disabilities, Lyndi Brooks Dec 2012

Effects Of Training Peer Tutors To Deliver Praise Statements, Prompts, And Correction Procedures On Academic Skills Of Students Who Have Severe To Moderate Disabilities, Lyndi Brooks

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Peer tutors have been utilized in many settings to work with various individuals, including those with disabilities. There has not been considerable research into the training of peer tutors for students who have severe disabilities in the junior high setting and the effect the training has on the performance of students with disabilities. The purpose of this project was to determine whether training junior high school-­‐aged peer tutors on the use of praise statements, a prompt hierarchy, correction procedures, and data collected to track tutee performance increased academic skills of students with disabilities. Seven peer tutors participated. Five students (i.e., …


Learning: A Teaching Philosophy, Stephen Allen Warren Dec 2012

Learning: A Teaching Philosophy, Stephen Allen Warren

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio presents the author’s current understanding of second language teaching. The main section of the portfolio consists of a teaching philosophy that expresses the author’s believe that definitions of learning direct second language teaching. Three artifacts explore language, culture, and literature and express the development of the author’s teaching philosophy. An annotated bibliography covers the essential readings done in the course of study and provides the foundations for the author’s ontological arguments.


The Effects Of The High-Probability Procedure On Compliance When Paired With Precision Commands, Whitney Teter Dec 2012

The Effects Of The High-Probability Procedure On Compliance When Paired With Precision Commands, Whitney Teter

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Noncompliance to teacher directions is an issue in nearly every early childhood classroom. It is necessary for young children to comply with directions so that teachers may assess their knowledge and their progress in the curriculum. Three preschool aged children (N = 3) with developmental delays participated in this study. The high probability command procedure was used with two children and was shown to be successful at increasing compliance. The third child did not show an increase in compliance when the high probability command procedure was used, nor did compliance increase when precision commands (escape extinction) were paired with the …


Effects Of Choice Of Reinforcement On The On-­Task Behavior Of Kindergarten Students With Developmental Delays, Karen Binette Dec 2012

Effects Of Choice Of Reinforcement On The On-­Task Behavior Of Kindergarten Students With Developmental Delays, Karen Binette

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

A high degree of external control is maintained in classrooms serving students with behavioral and developmental disabilities. However, decision making is an important developmental objective related to personal control and dignity. Choice making and discriminating preferred over less preferred outcomes is an important skill that is seldom taught to students with developmental disabilities. Previous research includes studies conducted in clinical settings or with populations with severe disabilities.


Teaching Culturally Diverse Students From International Schools: What Online Educators Have To Say, Anneliese Sheffield Dec 2012

Teaching Culturally Diverse Students From International Schools: What Online Educators Have To Say, Anneliese Sheffield

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study is designed to discover how online teachers use technology to reach their multicultural international school students. Interviews of twelve international school online teachers were conducted. The topics for the interviews focused on the technology-based strategies that teachers use to meet the needs of multicultural students. The results showed that the tools used by online teachers for international secondary schools closely matched the uses of tools recommended in the literature. Sometimes, however, course design limited the choices teachers were allowed to make regarding tools for supporting students' multiple ways of learning and for encouraging discussion and collaboration. The results …


Towards A Classroom Community: Interaction, Culture And Mindfulness In Second Language Learning, Janae Suzanne Hollenback Dec 2012

Towards A Classroom Community: Interaction, Culture And Mindfulness In Second Language Learning, Janae Suzanne Hollenback

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a compilation of the author’s works while a student in the Master of Second Language Teaching Program at Utah State University. The core of this work is the Teaching Philosophy, which is prefaced with the author’s observations of “what works” and “what doesn’t work” in education based on her experience as a student. This is followed by a brief description of the author’s intended professional environment. The Teaching Philosophy itself explores various research and other influences which have inspired the author’s direction and preferences for effective language teaching. The three artifacts in this portfolio constitute the author’s …


Intersecting Identities Of Female College Student Intramural Sports Officials: A Grounded Theory, April Flint Dec 2012

Intersecting Identities Of Female College Student Intramural Sports Officials: A Grounded Theory, April Flint

All Dissertations

Intramural activities are conducted on virtually every college campus throughout the United States, but there is a debate as to the role of intramurals in the overall development of the student (Rothwell & Theodore, 2006). Specifically for females, not every sport is offered for participation at youth or higher levels, but intramural sports is one arena where they have the chance to learn the sport rules and referee the game. This study aims to create a base of knowledge on the experiences of female college students who work on campus as intramural sports officials. The purpose of the study is …


Principals' Experiences Regarding Culturally Responsive Leadership Preparation And Practices That Promote Academic Achievement Of African American Students, Monica Brown Dec 2012

Principals' Experiences Regarding Culturally Responsive Leadership Preparation And Practices That Promote Academic Achievement Of African American Students, Monica Brown

All Dissertations

Culturally responsive education improves the educational success of ethnically diverse students (Gay, 2002). The research presented states the case of the need of culturally responsive leadership preparation programs that influence the practice of culturally responsive principals. Emerging evidence has found that preparation programs impact the efficacy of future school leaders (Darling-Hammond, LaPointe, Meyerson, Orr, & Cohen, 2007; Jackson & Kelly, 2002). A large body of literature points to persistent achievement gaps for children of color and especially for African American males and demands that school leadership preparation attend to issues of cultural competence (Dantley, 2005; Evans, 2007; Lopez, Magdeleno, & …