Digital Commons Network^™

Looking At The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Student Learning, Carly H. Oliver

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study focuses on parental involvement in schools, in particular, the over involvement of some parents. Major themes covered include parent-teacher communication, appropriate involvement in and out of the classroom, and parental interference. Research was conducted by surveying two hundred fifty parents and sixty teachers in one elementary school in conjunction with follow-up interviews and the researcher's field notes. The response rates were low and respondents may share many characteristics, skewing the results. Questions on the surveys were categorized into themes to look for trends. The results find that some parents do interfere with the educational process and children …

Parent-Teacher Communication Methods: Which Ones Do Teachers Utilize, And Why?, Jennifer Ann Clipper

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that parental involvement has positive effects on education. Further, parents are more likely to become involved if they are kept up-to-date with student progress; however, in order for parents to know this information, effective communication needs to be maintained. This study used a survey instrument with open-ended and closed-ended responses (Likert scale) as well as teacher interviews. The sample included fifty teachers in an upper elementary school in southern New Jersey. These respondents' answers helped to determine which methods of home-school communication are currently in use, which are perceived as most effective, and how much time is …

A Closer Look At Parent Affective Statements In Cbc, Diane C. Marti, Susan M. Sheridan

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Presentations

• Parent support for their child’s education has been shown to be important for academic, behavior, and social success in school (Christenson & Sheridan, 2001).

• Family process variables within the home have been shown to correlate with a child’s educational success (Epstein, 1995; Kellaghan, Sloane, Alvarez, & Bloom, 1993).

• One process variable, the nature and tone of parental statements, can have a significant impact on their child’s perceptions, attitudes, and subsequent success in school (Bempechat, 1998).

• An important goal of school professionals is to assist parents to improve their parenting skills (Goals 2000: Educate American Act, 1994). …

Efficacy Of Conjoint Behavioral Consultation In Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Services., Susan M. Sheridan, Emily D. Warnes, C. Ellis, C. Schnoes, J. Burt, B. L. Clarke

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Presentations

• Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the CBC model in addressing presenting concerns for children across home, school, and health care systems. • What are the general effects of CBC in addressing identified concerns in a medically-referred sample? • How do parents and teachers perceive CBC in terms of its perceived effectiveness and acceptability? • How satisfied are parents and teachers with CBC consultants and services when provided across homeschool- medical settings?

The Effect Of Different-Sex And Same-Sex Cooperative Learning Groups On Achievement, Jennifer L. Olshefski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of different-sex and same-sex cooperative learning groups on the achievement of fourth grade students. The subjects for this study are nineteen fourth grade students in a regular education classroom in a southern New Jersey elementary school. The students worked in cooperative learning groups during science period. The academic performance of the same-sex cooperative learning groups and the different-sex cooperative learning groups was assessed through student artifacts/work, anecdotal notes/observations, teacher research journal, and a student end-of-study questionnaire. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the data, which revealed that students in …

The Effect Of Graphic Organizers On The Academic Achievement Of Fourth Grade Students, Stephanie Kirschbaum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that graphic organizers have on the academic achievement of fourth grade students. The sample was a fourth grade classroom in an elementary school in southern New Jersey. The researcher taught the students two different social studies chapters. The researcher collected data by giving the students two tests for each of the two chapters taught. There were a total of four tests given. These tests were similar in that they were the exact same difficulty level. However, in each chapter there was one test that was constructed using graphic organizers, and …

A Comparison Study Of The Stress Levels Between English Language Learner Students And Native English Language Speaking Students, Christine J. Desrochers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to find whether students who are English Language Learners showed significantly higher stress levels than students who spoke English as their native language. A survey was administered to both groups to determine which group showed higher levels of stress. The total sample size was 24 students, with 12 students belonging in each respective group. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze the data. After analysis the study found that there was a significantly higher level of stress found in English Language Learners than there was in Native English Language Speaking students.

Sustaining Innovation In Career And Technical Education, Brenda S. Clark

Dissertations

There has been little research done in education to determine what makes programs sustainable once the person who started the program has left or funding has decreased or disappeared. Innovative and successful programs are frequently started only to close or to reach a dead end. This study will seek to determine what components are necessary to sustain and grow a Career and Technical Education program. The primary audiences for the research study will be community college and university teacher preparation departments and career and technical education departments.

A survey was sent to Occupational Education Studies (OES) students and to OES …

Career Commitment And Retention Strategies For New Teachers: A National Study, A. Celeste Shelton-Harris

Dissertations

In spite of the logical link between new teacher support and retention, the attrition rate for beginning teachers continues to be greater than their more experienced colleagues. To this end, this study examined the relationship between new teacher career commitment and retention strategies across gender, race/ethnicity, and instructional level. Comprehensive national data, Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) 1999-2000, were analyzed primarily utilizing chi-square and logistical regression tests. Key findings were found for new teachers with 3 years or less classroom experience. First, more beginners are "very committed" (62.3%) than "not so or not committed" (37.7%) to their chosen teaching career. …

Where Does Ap(E)L Fit In Higher Education?, Anne Murphy

Journal Articles

On an EU policy level the paper acknowledges the impact on thinking about AP(E)L as a result of the agreement of common European principles for validation of non-formal and in-formal learning in 2004 at the Dublin Conference during Ireland’s presidency of the EU (note 1).This conference also addressed the possible areas of agreement across vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) on contiguous issues such as a common European Qualification Framework, common arrangements for credit transfer and common arrangements for quality assurance. Additionally, the paper is written contemporaneously with the introduction of such mechanisms as the Europass, European …

Course Revitalization As A Change Driver Throughout Undergraduate Business Curriculum, Elke M. Leeds, Radwan Ali

Faculty Articles

This paper describes the revitalization of Business Information Systems and Communication, a high enrollment, prerequisite course for all undergraduate business students in the Coles College of Business. An overview of the course components is presented and original structure described. The rationale for change, technologies leveraged and measures of success are presented. The change drivers are identified and their impact on undergraduate curriculum delineated. Lessons learned and future implications are discussed.

A Study To Determine If Multimedia Technologies In A Regular Classroom Enhance Learning And Motivation, Carol Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of infusing multimedia technologies in a regular classroom. The purpose of this study was also to demonstrate that with the use of technology, the students would better understand the important concepts covered in the social studies unit, as well as be motivated to learn.

Thirty sixth grade students conducted research using wireless laptops to find information about a prominent African-American who has made a positive contribution to our society. The control group created an oral presentation and constructed a replica in the form of a doll to represent their person. …

Rethinking The Undergraduate Curriculum: It Takes A Village, Christina Maslach, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

The Berkeley Campus Culture:

- Research and graduate program pre-eminence
- Strong faculty governance
- Highly entrepreneurial culture
- Autonomous academic departments, schools, and colleges
- Decentralized “silos”

Berkeley Library Culture:

- Library pre-eminence
- Collections-centered
- Value of subject specialization
- Library silo

Shifting Library Culture:

- Traditional Model
- New Model

Annual Report Of The Nebraska Center For Research On Children, Youth, Families And Schools

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Presentations

CYFS MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
MILESTONES
WHO WE ARE
TABLE 1: FACULTY AFFILIATES
2004 RECIPIENTS OF CYFS AWARD
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT/WHAT WE DO
ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES BY OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE 1 & 2
TABLE 2a: GRANTS AWARDED
TABLE 2b: GRANTS IN SUBMISSION
TABLE 2c: GRANTS IN PROGRESS
OBJECTIVE 3
TABLE 3: FACULTY AFFILIATES BY RESEARCH SPECIALTIES
OBJECTIVE 4
OBJECTIVE 5
OBJECTIVE 6

Obesity, Educational Attainment, And State Economic Welfare, Martin W. Sivula Ph.D.

Higher Education

For the first time in history, estimates of the overweight people in the world rival estimates of those malnourished. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2002) ranked obesity among the top 10 risks to human health worldwide. In the early 1960s, nearly half of the Americans were overweight and 13% were obese. Today some 64% of U.S. adults are overweight and 30.5% are obese. Even more alarming, twice as many U.S. children are overweight than were twenty years ago, a 66% increase. Non-communicable diseases impose a heavy economic burden on already strained health systems. Health is a key determinant of development …

The Effect Of Funnix Math On Pre-Kindergarten Student's Achievement In Mathematics, Michelle E. Andreoli

Theses & Honors Papers

It is imperative that mathematics education in the United States be effective and comprehensive in nature. Mathematical skills are a necessary component to functional and independent living. Much debate has aroused over which instructional methodologies to adopt, but the research clearly supports the use of explicit instruction. Direct Instruction is an expository approach to learning, which encompasses critical design principles that enable it to be sequential and thorough. Funnix Math is the newest program, which utilizes this methodology. The present study investigates the efficacy of Funnix Math on the pre-kindergarten population. The results of this study contradict previous research on …

The Relationship Between Religious Programs And Peer Relationships Of Adults With Mental Retardation, Cecilia D. Beasley

Theses & Honors Papers

This research was intended to look at the relationship between attendance at religious programs on the peer relationships and spirituality of adults with mental retardation. The literature reviews the benefits of spirituality for all individuals, the characteristics of individuals with mental retardation, and the influences of peer relationships. Fifty-nine surveys about the individual's spiritual development, happiness, peer relationships and criminality as well as the importance of religious functions were completed by adults with and without mental retardation. The results indicate that attendance at religious activities does in fact impact spirituality and peer relationships of individuals with mental retardation. They also …

The Libraries Role In The Reinvention Of Undergraduate Education, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

Shifting Library Culture:

- Traditional Model
- New Model

Some In-house Strategies:

- focus on instruction as related to collections
- redefine role of liaison
- clarify expectations — link to performance review
- provide professional development
- build prestige (rewards) around instruction
- emphasize faculty voices

Koinonia, Tony Marchese, David M. Johnstone, Kerri Cissna, Michael Card, Jeff Doyle, Todd Ream, Skip Trudeau

Koinonia

Articles
Engaging the Meaning-Making Power of Reflection: An Evaluation of the Undergraduate Experience, Tony Marchese

"The Classroom is Not Enough..." The Reason for Residence Life on a Christian Liberal Arts Campus, David M. Johnstone

Frugal Flushing: A Look at Stewardship in Student Development, Kerri Cissna

Conference Spotlight
Wishes or Hope, Michael Card

Book Review
Strategies for Staff Development: Personal and Professional Education in the 21st Century, reviewed by Jeff Doyle

Features
The President's Corner

Editor's Disk

Thinking Theologically: To Seek the Grace that Redeems, Todd Ream

I'Ve Got Vision And The Rest Of The World Wears Blinders . . ., James P. Evans

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

An article discussing the need for vision in leadership.

Some Tips To Help You Become A Better Writer: And Your Point Is What?, William "Skip" Boyer

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

An article discussing the importance of developing good writing skills.

Web-Enhanced Instruction: A Mixed Bag Of Contradictions And Possibilities For Doctoral Education, Carol Mullen

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

This article explores some of the contradictions and possibilities of web-enhanced learning through the qualitative analysis of a pedagogical experiment. The parameters for this study are, broadly, doctoral education and, specifically, one doctoral course. However, extrapolations beyond these lenses are ventured.

The Fictive Characteristics Of Effective Educational Leaders, Jeff Ershler

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

An article discussing the characteristics of effective leaders within education.

The Academic Workplace (Spring 2004): Class In The Academy, New England Resource Center For Higher Education At The University Of Massachusetts Boston, Susan E. Borrego, Sharon Singleton, James A. Stakenas

The Academic Workplace

No abstract provided.

Raising The Bar: Encouraging High Level Thinking In Online Discussion Forums, Mary M. Christopher, Julie A. Thomas, Mary K. Tallent-Runnels

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

More universities are offering online instruction for students though we know little about effective online learning. Some have found online instruction increases student participation while others have reported that students prefer the traditional face-to-face format This study of gifted education graduate students follows the expectation that online students ought to have time to be more thoughtful with online course interactions as compared to the time-constrained interactions in a face-to-face course. Researchers evaluated students’ thinking levels (as per Bloom’s Taxonomy) in the online discussion forums required by a graduate course in gifted education. Results indicate there was no relationship between the …

Culturally Sensitive Services Using Cbc: A Case Illustration, Diane C. Marti, Jennifer D. Burt, Susan M. Sheridan, Brandy L. Clarke, Ashley M. Rolke

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Presentations

Multicultural Contexts: •The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse nation. In 2000, 38% of the US population under the age of 18 was non-Anglo whites and nonwhites. It has been estimated that by the year 2030, the number of Latino children, African American children, and children of other races will increase by 5.5, 2.6 and 1.5 million, respectively (Children’s Defense Fund, 1989). •Diversity factors have been identified as “social boundaries” that challenge attempts to build collaborative relationships across home and school systems (Giles, 2002). •Strong, positive relationships between the home and school systems have been shown to improve a …

A Multimethodological Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Technology Professional Development, James Brown

Dissertations

Technology has been pressed into the K-12 educational environment for decades, yet studies have revealed that successful implementation in the classroom has been limited. Numerous studies have focused on the issues of technology professional development from the perspectives of leadership, organizational culture, and student learning, but little has focused on the perspectives of teachers.

This multimethodological study was conducted using a concurrent triangulated method. This study combined a 35-question survey administered online, and individual teacher interviews in order to understand teachers' perceptions of issues critical to successful technology professional development. Surveys were administered to teachers in an intermediate school district …

The Effects Of An Autobiographical Dialogue Journaling Activity On Student Teachers' Levels Of Cultural Sensitivity And Reflective Skills, Wanda G. Lastrapes

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a researcher-designed autobiographical dialogue journaling activity on student teachers' levels of cultural sensitivity and levels of reflection. Written feedback from the university supervisors and cooperating teachers was analyzed to identify differences and similarities in the structure and focus of their responses.

Data was collected from 30 student teachers assigned to urban elementary field placements following a six-week structured journaling activity. Student teachers were randomly assigned to one of three journaling conditions: autobiographical dialogue journaling with their cooperating teacher, autobiographical dialogue journaling with their university supervisor, or the traditional student …

Instructional Technology Experiences Of Student Teachers: A Case Study Of Participants In The Stat Internship Program, Lee B. Vartanian

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Studies

The internship experience is an important link between preservice training and inservice teaching. The STAT Internship Program is an alternative internship program that emphasizes the use of instructional technology. A case study of seven participants in the STAT Internship Program was chosen to investigate five research questions. The research questions explored five broad areas: (1) the technology applications interns used, (2) issues that arose from their use of technology, (3) intern attitudes towards technology, (4) the influence of preservice training on intern use of technology, and (5) shared experiences with technology.

The study yielded a full description of the interns' …

Lights, Camera, Begin Final Exam: Testing What We Teach In Negotiation Courses, Michael Moffitt

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.