Education Commons^™

The Strength Of Multidimensional Item Response Theory In Exploring Construct Space That Is Multidimensional And Correlated, Steven Gerry Spencer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation compares the parameter estimates obtained from two item response theory (IRT) models: the 1-PL IRT model and the MC1-PL IRT model. Several scenarios were explored in which both unidimensional and multidimensional item-level and personal-level data were used to generate the item responses. The Monte Carlo simulations mirrored the real-life application of the two correlated dimensions of Necessary Operations and Calculations in the basic mathematics domain. In all scenarios, the MC1-PL IRT model showed greater precision in the recovery of the true underlying item difficulty values and person theta values along each primary dimension as well as along a …

Managing Better: Measuring Institutional Health And Effectiveness In Vocational Education And Training, Graham Maxwell, Peter Noonan, Mark Bahr, Ian Hardy

Mark Bahr

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality in each VET institution's capacity to deliver effective programs. This report addresses institutional-level monitoring and evaluation of performance and provides a comprehensive model which institutes can use for this purpose. The model draws on background theory and practice and identifies a range of relevant indices across three dimensions: inputs, processes, and outputs/outcomes. The results are an important first step to an improved and empirically based understanding of the factors that contribute to successful outcomes from VET providers.

© Copyright Australian National Training Authority, 2004

From Inference To Reasoning: The Construction Of Rationality, David Moshman

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Inference is elementary and ubiquitous: Cognition always goes beyond the data. Thinking—including problem solving, decision making, judgment, planning, and argumentation—is here defined as the deliberate application and coordination of one’s inferences to serve one’s purposes. Reasoning, in turn, is epistemologically self-constrained thinking in which the application and coordination of inferences is guided by a metacognitive commitment to what are deemed to be justifiable inferential norms. The construction of rationality, in this view, involves increasing consciousness and control of logical and other inferences. This metacognitive conception of rationality begins with logic rather than ending with it, and allows for developmental progress …

Consultation With School Personnel, Susan M. Sheridan, Richard J. Cowan

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Consultation services in school settings is gaining increased recognition in research, training and practice, and is expanding to include a variety of related professionals as consultants (e.g., special educators, counseling psychologists, community psychologists, speech pathologists; Gutkin & Curtis, 1999). There also appears to be a trend in increased consultation between medical professionals (e.g., general physicians, pediatricians, psychiatrists) and school personnel. Whereas the term consultation may have broad meanings across educational, medical, and psychological practice, one common feature is that consultation generally consists of two or more people working together to address concerns regarding a third-party client (Sheridan & Kratochwill, 1991). …

Psychology In The Schools, School Psychology Review, School Psychology Quarterly And Journal Of Educational And Psychological Consultation Editors Collaborate To Chart School Psychology’S Past, Present, And “Futures”, Rik Carl D'Amato, Susan M. Sheridan, Leadelle Phelps, Emilia C. Lopez

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

For the first time in the history of school psychology, four editors of journals with a school psychology readership are collaborating to offer our field extensive coverage of the recently held School Psychology Futures conference and to continue discussion on a variety of topics relevant to the professional practice of school psychology. This introduction briefly describes the special journal issues that will be or have been offered in Psychology in the Schools (PITS), School Psychology Review (SPR), School Psychology Quarterly (SPQ), and Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation (JEPC)on topics related to the conference. This information is provided in an …

Use Of Distance Education By Religions Of The World To Train, Edify, And Educate Adherents, P. Clint Rogers, Scott L. Howell

Faculty Publications

Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish, and Christian organizations are all experimenting with distance education for various reasons and to different extents, due to religious, economic, and political factors. Religious institutions worldwide are not only turning to the World Wide Web (WWW) to place information concerning religious beliefs and provide virtual services for their constituents but are also getting more involved in formally educating their members at a distance. This paper will document some of these educational efforts and the reasons behind the expanding use of distance education by several of the major religious institutions for training, edifying, and educating their …

Pedagogical Agents’ Personas: Which Affects More, Image Or Voice?, Yanghee Kim, A. L. Baylor, G. Reed

Yanghee Kim

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of image and voice of pedagogical agents on student perception and learning. Pedagogical agents were developed with differing image (expert-like vs. mentor-like) and voice (strong vs. calm vs. computer-generated), but with identical gesture, affect, comments, and gender. 109 undergraduates in a computer literacy course were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions. The results revealed a significant main effect for agent image on role perception: the mentor-like image was perceived as more motivating, as hypothesized. Also, there was a significant main effect for voice: the strong voice was overall …

Post Literacy And Continuing Education For Vocational Training: Administering Adult Education Programs, Teaching Adults And Helping Them Learn, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

No abstract provided.

Conscientiousness Is Key: Incentives For Attendance Make Little Difference., Maureen A. Conard

SHU Faculty Publications

"This study examined differences in class attendance at different levels of conscientiousness and incentives (3.5% vs. 6% of course points). Results of a 2 × 2 (Level of Incentives × Level of Conscientiousness) ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for conscientiousness. Conscientiousness accounted for 14% of the variance in attendance, compared to 1% for incentives. Attendance appears to be influenced more by conscientiousness than by incentives."

Overcoming The Limitations Of Learning Objects, David Wiley, Matthew Barclay, Deonne Dawson, Brent Lambert, Laurie Nelson, David Wade, Sandie Waters

Faculty Publications

Note: this is not the final version of the article. There are a number of issues facing those who wish to employ learning objects in the facilitation of learning. There are a number of issues facing those who wish to employ learning objects to facilitate learning. These issues are not, however, inherent in the component-based paradigm. The first section of this paper describes some of the most difficult issues to be resolved. In the second section, we present a model of the use of learning objects that is grounded in a object-based paradigm. In the third section, we describe the …

Home-School Collaboration, Richard J. Cowan, Susan M. Swearer Napolitano, Susan M. Sheridan

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Home-school collaboration is a reciprocal dynamic process that occurs between at least one parent (or guardian) and at least one individual within the school system (e.g., educators, administrators, psychologists) who share in decision making regarding mutually determined goals and solutions related to a student for whom all parties share interest and responsibility. Home-school collaboration may occur at three levels: system (i.e., between the home and school settings), school/classroom, and individual. With all participants (e.g., parents, educators) offering their unique roles and contributions, the collaboration process is guided by the primary emphasis on mutually determined academic and behavioral goals serving as …

Teaching Mathematics In Multilingual Classrooms, Anjum Halai

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Adult Learning Theory And High School Students, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

No abstract provided.

Home-School Collaboration And Bullying: An Ecological Approach To Increase Social Competence In Children And Youth, Susan M. Sheridan, Emily D. Warnes, Shannon Dowd

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Bullying and other forms of violence among children and youth is a prevalent concern among educators, psychologists, and families alike. Families and schools represent the primary systems in children's lives, and schools and homes are their primary learning contexts. These ecological contexts provide important frameworks within which development occurs. Healthy development occurs most seamlessly when there are congruent and consistent messages delivered across contexts, and healthy and constructive relationships among them. The development of meaningful partnerships among these systems on behalf of children and youth is particularly important to produce positive, lasting outcomes. Thus, an optimal focus for interventions aimed …

Family-Centered Positive Psychology: Focusing On Strengths To Build Student Success, Susan M. Sheridan, Emily D. Warnes, Richard J. Cowan, Ariadne V. Schemm, Brandy L. Clarke

Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications

Family-centered positive psychology (FCPP) is defined as a framework for working with children and families that promotes strengths and capacity building within individuals and systems, rather than one focusing solely on the resolution of problems or remediation of deficiencies. This approach to family-based services is predicated on the belief that child and family outcomes will be enhanced if members participate in identifying needs, establishing social supports and partnerships, and acquiring new skills and competencies, rather than simply receiving services from professionals. In this article, we present a rationale for FCPP, outline its primary principles, highlight one model for working with …

A Study Investigating Parental Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Of Children With Autism, Kristy Kratz

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to look at the relationship of obsessive compulsiveness between parents of autistic children and parents of non-autistic children. A screening instrument in the form of a questionnaire was used to screen for traits and characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder. A sample of 60 adults was used: 34 parents with children with autism and 26 parents of non-autistic children. The sample was further broken down into mothers and fathers of autistic and non-autistic children. Three hypotheses were tested using statistics such as Chi-Square measures. Results indicated that there was no relationship between parents of autistic children and non-autistic …

An Evaluation Of A Character Education Program On Students With Developmental Disabilities, Andrew Disque

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a character education program on students with developmental disabilities. Both the experimental (n=20) and the control (n=14) groups were administered a pre-test during the same week. Following this, a six-week character education program was implemented with the experimental group. A post-test was then administered to both groups. Two hypotheses were generated; primarily, character education would improve post-test scores in the experimental group compared to pre-test scores from within that group and post-test scores from the control group. Secondarily, behavioral data would display a decrease in maladaptive behaviors for the …

An Investigation Of Rowan University Students' Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Annmarie Panarello

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to investigate undergraduate student attitudes toward homosexuality. Between group differences were explored in terms of (a) gender, (b) religious affiliation, and (c) year of study. One hundred and twenty nine Rowan University undergraduate students participated by answering a homophobia scale questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. A three-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in mean scores between men and women, affirming that women scored lower on the homophobia scale than men. No other between group differences were found to be statistically significant. Implications for future research are discussed.

Children Of Divorce Versus Children Of Intact Families And Their Adjustment To College, Kimberly Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Children of divorce and children of intact families grow up in very different worlds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that being a child of divorce has on later adjustment in college. A sample of 95 undergraduate students were administered the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire. Of the 95 students, 18 reported being from divorced families, two reported parental death, and 75 reported their parents still being married. Results indicated that the age a child experiences their parents divorce can have a significant impact on their later attachment to college and social adjustment to college. More …

Second Language Acquisition: A Study Of A Constructivist Approach To Teaching Versus A Varied Approach, And Its Effectiveness In A First-Year Spanish Class At The Secondary Level, Christina Di Mento Ferus

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a Constructivist approach to teaching, or a varied approach is most effective in teaching a first-year Spanish class at the secondary level. The sample for this study consisted of 40 high school students enrolled in a Spanish I course. All students were given a pretest at the beginning of the second marking period. The test was developed by the researcher, and covered all the concepts that were to be taught throughout that marking period. One class was instructed using a Constructivist approach to teaching, while the other class received a varied …

The Relationship Between Living Situation And Diagnosed Disability In Maltreated Children, Jaime Fleigel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between type of placement and diagnosed disability in maltreated children. Forty maltreated children from New Jersey's child protective service agency were used in this study to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in diagnosed disability in maltreated children with regard to living situation. A review of records was conducted to determine whether the subject had a diagnosed disability and an independent samples t-test was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that there was a relationship between placement type and whether there was a diagnosed disability.

Reinforcements As An Intervention In Children With Bipolar Disorder, Rachel Agin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test social and token reinforcements as an intervention to help eliminate behavior problems that are common in children with Bipolar Disorder. The subject was a six-year-old Caucasian boy diagnosed as bipolar. The experiment was performed during eight non-consecutive group therapy sessions. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in behavior from the baseline measures as compared to post-reinforcement measures. The hypothesis was proven wrong however, because results show the baseline and post-reinforcement measures were almost identical. It was concluded that although the results were not significant, the data shows there …

The Effects Of An Integrated Whole Language And Phonics-Based Instructional Spelling Program On Student Spelling Ability And Self-Concept, Kimberly B. Biberman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to create an integrated phonics and whole language approach to teaching spelling to regular education and resource students. The sample included thirty-nine fourth grade students, which were split into an experimental and a control group. Students in the experimental group completed a spelling pretest and ten weeks of instruction implemented by the researchers. The students in the control group also completed a pretest and completed spelling instruction as followed by the required fourth grade curriculum.

After the study was completed, both groups completed a spelling posttest as well as a self-concept scale in relation …

Using The Personality Type System To Assess Personality Types Of Social Workers, Stephanie Anne Canal

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a tendency for a certain personality type among social workers. Sixty-four social workers were given the Personality Type System and a demographics information sheet. The Personality Type System is a self-report inventory that categorizes personality on four scales: extraversion/introversion, sensation/intuition, thinking/feeling, and perceiving/judging. The demographics information sheet categorized the participants in five areas: gender, age, marital status, childhood family dynamics, and years of social work experience. The scores and categories were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations. The personality test scores indicated that the social workers had …

Personality And The Effective Teaching Disposition: An Exploratory Study, Laura G. Norton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible role personality dispositions plays in the effectiveness of an educator. Fifteen special education teachers deemed as particularly "effective" by administrators and fifteen special education students enrolled in introductory level special education classes participated in this study. Indicated in previous studies as important to self-reflective processes, the personality traits of Emotional Stability, Original Thinking and Vigor were analyzed by the Gordon Personal-Profile Inventory, completed by both groups. Special education teachers only completed a General Information Questionnaire to provide background and job satisfaction information. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences between …

The Relationship Between The Time Spent Reading At Home With Parents And Reading Achievement, Robbin F. Reed

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to offer support for reading to your child at home during the early elementary years to increase your child's reading readiness at school. It is hypothesized that the more time parents spend reading to their child at home the higher their scores should be on reading assessments. The sample population consists of 15 students, in grades kindergarten and first, from a parochial school located in southern New Jersey. The parents completed a questionnaire and the Marie Clay's Concepts About Print test was administered to the children. The Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used …

The Effects Of Confidence And Intention To Learn On Performance In Reading Comprehension Tests, Anthony John Rosamilia

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to better our understanding of human memory acquisition and recall by investigating what role, if any, confidence plays in tasks of academic performance and attempting to provide construct validity to the concept of intent to learn and its related principles of deep processing, attention to meaning, and elaborative rehearsal. 147 participants, whose confidence was manipulated prior to testing, were placed in one of four groups: High Confidence, Low Confidence, Control, and Spelling (no intent to learn). All participants were asked to read a short story adapted from the WIAT (the Spelling group asked only to …

The Effect Of Rock Music As A Source Of Auditory Distraction On The Reading Comprehension Of Undergraduate College Students And The Relationship Between Distractibility And Achievement, Meghan Eileen Rush

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this experimental research study were to (a) examine the effect of rock music as a source of auditory distraction on the reading comprehension of sixteen undergraduate college students; and (b) assess the relationship between distractibility and achievement. Participants in the study were given two reading comprehension examinations in two conditions: music and silent control. Achievement was measured by self-report of grade point average. Statistical analysis of the main effect of rock music on reading comprehension, using a repeated measures t-test, found no significant effect. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between distractibility and achievement. Problems with the …

The Effect Of A Mentoring Program On The Self-Esteem Of First Year, Learning Disabled College Students, Nathanael I. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a mentoring program on the self-esteem of first year, learning disabled, college students. A self-esteem assessment was administered prior to the start of the mentoring process. After the students participated in the program for a semester and a half the same self-esteem assessment was given again to determine the change, if any. Also during this time the self-esteem assessment was given to a group of non-learning disabled students in the same manner. The participants attended Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The participants varied in socioeconomic, race and major …

Factors Influencing The Educational And Occupational Choices Of Women, Jennifer Bertino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine self-efficacy in mathematics and various motivating factors among female college students who choose college majors in traditionally female-dominated fields as compared to those who chose college majors in traditionally male-dominated fields. The Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale and an adapted version of the College Survey were administered to forty-six female college students. Differences between groups in the outcomes of the surveys were measured using a one-way ANOVA for the MSES and a chi-square and gamma test for individual items from the College Survey. The findings were that the MSES indicated differences between the groups …