Education Commons^™

An Exploratory Study Of Teacher Empowerment And Technical Education In Kentucky, Lee Ann Wall

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of empowerment and principal use of power within career and technical education in Kentucky. The researcher posits that, with the continual process of educational reform, principals need to understand what empowers teachers to perform as additional expectations and responsibilities are being mandated.

The researcher used a mixed methods design to examine power bases that career and technical education teachers perceived were used by their principals to identify teachers’ perceived empowerment, as well as influencers and barriers. Data were collected with a survey and two open-ended questions from …

An Inquiry Approach To Reading Instruction: A Case Study Of The Relationship Between Instruction And Motivation, Tammy Turri-Scodeller

Dissertations

This research is a qualitative case study analysis of the experiences of five fifth grade students who were involved in a classroom, action research project. The purpose of this action research was to measure the impact of this method of instruction on reading motivation of the fifth grade class as a whole. From the action research project, five, individual, student cases were purposefully sampled for further in-depth analysis. The objective of the individual student case study analysis was to explain how the behaviors of five students with a low level of reading achievement, activity, and motivation changed, or did not …

Learning Within A Computer-Assisted Instructional Environment: Effects On Multiplication Math Fact Mastery And Self-Efficacy In Elementary-Age Students, Loraine Jones Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of basic multiplication mastery (0-12) and self-efficacy outcomes for elementary age students attempting to master multiplication facts in a Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) environment. Timez Attack (TA), a modern Internet based 3-D multiplication video game, was the computer program used in this study. Four third- and four fourth-grade classes of students at a public charter school received either 12 20-minute Teacher-Led Instructional (TLI), or TA multiplication practice sessions. Pre- and post Math Attitude Survey (MAS), timed multiplication tests, observations, and informal interviews were used to assess and compare TA and …

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Male At-Risk Sixth, Seventh And Eighth Grade Students' Perceptions Toward Reading, Jason Douma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the perceptions that male at-risk sixth, seventh and eighth grade students' possess toward reading at a small rural public school district in Michigan. Male at-risk students was generally defined as students below grade level in reading based on their STAR reading assessment. Male students may have developed certain perceptions toward reading based their continual struggle with reading and teacher practices, such as grouping strategies, throughout their academic lifetime. To discover the essence of male at-risk sixth, seventh and eighth grade students' perceptions data collection was gathered through surveys, interviews and explanations …

Just Tri: Examining The Transformative Experiences Of Women Amputees Who Participate In Paratriathlons, Amy Baczurik

All Theses

The United States has approximately 1.7 million people living with limb loss. The majority of studies focus on general disability related to limb loss rather than specifically focusing on women with amputations. Women amputees can experience difficulty in accepting the disability, which in turn may lead to decreases in life satisfaction. Often women amputees may experience varying levels of depression, negative perception of body image, as well as decreased self-confidence and decreased sense of self-efficacy. The researcher used a phenomenological lens to examine transformative experiences of women amputees who participate in paratriathlons, specifically focusing on participants lived experiences related to …

Effects Of Controlling Versus Autonomy-Supportive Language On Learning A Novel Motor Skill And Cortisol Release, Andrew Mcmahon Hooyman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare how different types of instruction effect the learning of a novel motor skill and how salivary cortisol correlates to learning differences. Participants (N = 44), average age 22.3 years (standard deviation 2.37), were randomly assigned to an autonomy-supportive, controlling-language or neutral language group which was manipulated via instructional video. Saliva was collected before and after each session, and questionnaires were given after pitching was completed during each day. Results showed that there was a significant difference among groups in throwing accuracy on performance and retention. Questionnaire results also showed significant group differences …

Sheltered English Immersion Vs. Two-Way Bilingual Education: A Case Study Comparison Of Parental Attitudes And Hispanic Students' Perceived Self-Efficacy, Edith A. Mcgee

Theses and Dissertations

Two common forms of teaching English to English-language learners are bilingual education and sheltered English immersion. While both programs claim successful second language acquisition, other effects of the programs need to be considered. This research examines one of those effects: self-efficacy, or students' perception that they will be successful or unsuccessful in doing a specific task or acquiring a specific skill. Using archival records and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, this qualitative study draws on the work of Bandura (1977, 1986, 1997) to explore differences in self-efficacy between students who have participated for 5 years in a two-way Spanish-English bilingual …

Science Self-Efficacy And School Transitions: Elementary School To Middle School And Middle School To High School, Brandi Lue Lofgran

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the science self-efficacy beliefs of students before and after transitions from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. The purpose was to explore whether those beliefs changed with grade level, gender, and ethnicity. Data were collected through a modified Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (Muris, 2001), which was adapted to focus on science self-efficacy. Multiple ordinary least squares regression was used to analyze the data. All grade levels showed a clear decline in science self-efficacy after sixth grade with females, Hispanic students, and ninth graders showing the greatest decline in science self-efficacy.

Can Practice Calibrating By Test Topic Improve Public School Students' Calibration Accuracy And Performance On Tests?, Rose M. Riggs

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The effect of a calibration strategy requiring students to predict their scores for each topic on a high stakes test was investigated. The utility of self-efficacy towards predicting achievement and calibration accuracy was also explored. One hundred and ten sixth grade math students enrolled in an urban middle school participated. Students were assigned to either a calibration practice group or a no practice condition. Students in the practice condition completed a self-efficacy scale specific to math at the beginning of the study. They also practiced making predictions for each topic on each of three tests over a three month period …

Digital Native Preservice Teachers: An Examination Of Their Self-Efficacy Beliefs Regarding Technology Integration In Classroom Settings, Sarah Parker Southall

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate digital native preservice teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs regarding their technology experiences and skills at the beginning and at the end of their field placement semester. Digital natives, as defined by Prensky (2001), are students born after 1980 who have been raised with digital media and spend a great deal of time engaging with digital devices. Factors that could impact changes in these participants’ technology integration self-efficacy beliefs were also analyzed. This study used pre- and post-surveys, face-to-face interviews with a portion of the respondents, and a document review of course materials and …

Does Study Of An Inclusive Education Subject Influence Pre-Service Teachers' Concerns And Self-Efficacy About Inclusion?, Stuart Woodcock, Brian Hemmings, Russell Kay

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Survey data were collected from pre-service teachers studying at a large regional Australian university. These data were examined with the purpose of determining whether pre-service teachers’ views (and concerns) about inclusion and their confidence to teach in inclusive classrooms had changed as a result of studying an inclusive education subject and undertaking a practicum linked to that subject. The results of an analysis based on mean values indicated that the various concerns, namely, resources, acceptance, workplace, and academic standards, did not change markedly as a consequence of the subject and practicum experiences. This analysis also showed a hierarchy of concerns …

Early Career Teachers’ Self-Efficacy For Balanced Reading Instruction, Petra Hastings

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

According to Bandura (1986; 1997), perceptions of efficacy are based on four sources: enactive attainment; vicarious experience; physiological and emotional states; and verbal persuasion. The factors affecting Early Career Teachers' self-efficacy for reading instruction are closely related to these four sources. It is not difficult to imagine an Early Career Teacher practicing within a ‘source vacuum’ as he or she attempts to grapple with the methodologies and strategies necessary for a balanced reading program. How, then, do they rate their teaching efficacy for this area of the curriculum? And which types of professional learning opportunities do they believe have heightened …

The Empire Model As A Thinking Tool To Prepare Teachers For Technology Integration, Yan Sun

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The importance of integrating technology into the teaching and learning of K-12 education and preparing teachers for technology integration has long been recognized. This paper presents a review of the research literature on the barriers and challenges of preparing teachers for technology integration. This paper also covers a critical analysis of the theoretically and empirically based measures proposed in previous literature to deal with these barriers and challenges. Based on the literature review and the critical analysis, the EMPIRe model is proposed in this paper as a thinking tool facilitating teachers’ learning of technology integration. Potential applications of the EMPIRe …

Examining The Relationship Between Louisiana Principals' Self-Efficacy Beliefs And Student Achievement, Jonathan C. Williams

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Louisiana Principals’ self-efficacy beliefs and student achievement. This study was grounded in the research of Bandura’s model of triadic reciprocal causation and more recent research on principals’ self-efficacy beliefs. Using the Principals’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (PSES) (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2004) measures of principals’ self-efficacy were collected and analyzed for (1) instructional leadership, (2) management, and (3) moral leadership.

Principals across the state of Louisiana were emailed a link to the PSES and were asked to provide the names of their schools and asked for the number of …

School Reform Initiatives: Their Impact On Teacher Burnout And Perceptions Of Efficacy, W. Wesley Cottongim

Dissertations

This study involving 2,478 teachers from south central Kentucky sought to determine the impact school improvement initiatives have on a teacher. More specifically, it explored how experiencing school improvement initiatives affect the measured levels of burnout and self-efficacy of a teacher.

Participants (n = 2,478) of this study came from school districts within the south central region of Kentucky. The participating districts were selected due to varying sizes of enrollments and the number of employed teachers. Participants were invited to participate in this study via an email invitation. Two previously published instruments were used. Participants were first asked to provide …

The Self-Efficacy Beliefs Of Black Women Leaders In Fortune 500 Companies, Latonya R. Jackson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Black women are underrepresented in leadership positions within organizations. The extent to which self-efficacy influences the advancement potential of Black females is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the self-efficacy beliefs of black women in leadership positions and to determine how Black women leaders' careers are influenced by their self-efficacy beliefs. Participants for the study were determined using convenient random sampling. The objectives of this study were to determine the profile and level of self-efficacy, and leadership practices of participants based on tenure (length of time in a leadership position), age comparison and work experience (total number …

Teachers' Perspectives And Suggestions For Improving Teacher Education To Facilitate Student Learning, Dina Linkenhoker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to give teachers a voice to express their self-efficacy beliefs, their opinions about the content and the effectiveness of their teacher preparation programs to facilitate student learning, and to hear their suggestions for improving teacher education to enable future educators to achieve that goal. The advent of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 2002, referred to as No Child Left Behind, has reframed the debate on teacher quality. Across the board, from scholars to government officials to private foundations, there is a call for reform of schools of …

Development Of The Self-Efficacy For Medication Adherence For Buprenorphine (Sema-B) Assessment, Matthew Krug

Dissertations (1934 -)

Each year in the United States, over 4 million people aged 12 or older are treated for substance use disorders, and a growing percentage of those being treated are suffering from opiate addiction. Research suggests that many variables should be considered in a biopsychosocial approach to treating substance use disorders, and especially when treating opiate addiction. Two of the variables that show a strong correlation with positive treatment outcomes are self-efficacy and medication adherence. Buprenorphine is a relatively new medication that has shown significant efficacy is treatment of opiate addiction. Successful treatment also requires appropriate adherence to taking buprenorphine as …

Development And Use Of A Restorative Justice Ideology Instrument: Assessing Beliefs, Roland Karen, Glenn Rideout, Geri Salinitri, Marc P. Frey

Education Publications

Researchers have noted that restorative justice (RJ) practices in schools seem to improve targeted outcomes (e.g. decreased office visits, increased grades, etc.). It has been acknowledged that a ‘grassroots’ (beliefs level) buy-in from teachers is necessary for the creation of a school environment that is in line with the ideals of RJ. In the current study, an operational definition for restorative justice ideology (RJI) was developed and used as the basis for the creation of a RJI measurement instrument. This is intended to facilitate understandings of the influence that RJ training has on individuals at the beliefs level, and whether …

Teacher Self-Efficacy And Its Influence On Student Motivation, India R. Ford

ETD Archive

This quantitative study examined the factors that impact urban teachers' efficacy and their ability to motivate urban students within their classroom. Teacher efficacy was the primary factor observed in this study. Five dimensions were created to guide the study: motivation, administrative support, teacher power, teacher morale, and a teacher's teaching method. There were significant differences found in all dimensions that supported the fact that efficacy measurements influence student motivation. Such factors as the number of days that a teacher missed in a given school year and the teacher's grade level were found to be significant factors that determine a teacher's …

Beating The Threat: The Setting Of Learning Goals As A Moderator Of The Effects Of Stereotype Threat On Performance, Sophia Sabiha Spiteri

Theses Digitization Project

Stereotype threat is the fear that a person's behavior or performance will confirm an existing stereotype of a group with which that person identifies. A model was presented in this study that included mechanisms of stereotype threat and a proposed moderator of the stereotype threat-performance relationship.

A Theoretical And Empirical Investigation Of Professional Development's Impact On Self- And Collective Efficacy By School Accountability Status, Gail Stupp Moon

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This quantitative study used the Schools and Staffing Survey of 2007-2008, a school-based stratified probability-proportionate-to-size sample of all American schools, to explore the relationships of professional development to teachers' self- and collective efficacy by school accountability status as measured by adequate yearly progress (AYP). In addition to comparing professional development hours by teacher and school demographic characteristics, linear regression models were used to determine differences among three AYP groups: those who failed to achieved AYP the previous two years and were in Improvement status, those who failed to achieve AYP the previous year, and those who achieved AYP. Key findings …

Self-Modeling As An Intervention For Stuttering In Elementary Students, Jason Northrup

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Stuttering is a disorder involving disruptions and disfluencies in speech that impacts overall communication and affects approximately 1% of the population. In addition to speech disfluency, stuttering is often related to physical tension, embarrassment, fear, anxiety, and other negative social-emotional problems, especially for children and adolescents. Fortunately, research indicates that stuttering can be alleviated before becoming more advanced and complex as individuals enter adolescence and adulthood. Self-modeling, an intervention that involves individuals watching themselves engage in exemplary behavior, appears to be particularly effective for individuals who stutter and can be implemented in a school setting. The purpose of this study …

Five Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Majors : A Portraiture Of Their Lived Experiences, Patrice Prusko Torcivia

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Numerous studies have addressed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and their relation to education and gender ranging from elementary school pedagogy to career choices for traditional-aged college students. Little research has addressed nontraditional female students returning to the university to in the STEM fields. This study used the portraiture methodology and the idea of being an educational connoisseur (Eisner, 1998; Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997) to explore the lived experiences of five nontraditional female students returning to the university to study a STEM major. The study is situated in an interpretivist paradigm, using interviews, journal writing, art work, and observations …

The Comparison Of Iranian Urban, Suburban And Rural Areas’ Performance In Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy, Selfesteem And Anxiety, Siti Aishah Hassan Ph.D.

Siti Aishah Hassan Ph.D.

The purpose of this study is to find the comparison of urban, suburban and rural students’ performance in students’ psychological factors; general self-concept, science self-concept, self-efficacy, science self-efficacy, selfesteem, anxiety, and science anxiety among guidance school students. The participants in the study were 680 guidance school students, (317 male and 363 female, in the age 14 years old) at Tehran and Shahriar City, the province of Tehran, Iran. The research design was an ex-post facto and tested the alternative hypotheses. Five valid and reliable instruments were used to assess Self-concept Attribute Attitude Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, General …