Digital Commons Network^™

Teacher Management Of Homophobia And Homosexuality In High Schools, Sarah Elizabeth Kiyak

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to examine ways in which high school teachers manage issues of homophobia and homosexuality in high schools. Surveys were distributed to teachers in one southern New Jersey high school in order to measure the frequency of tolerance and adherence to policy regarding homosexual issues of students. The survey, constructed of eleven forced response questions using a Likert scale and one open-ended question, was the instrument utilized in this research project. After the completed surveys were returned, the results were tallied and frequency tables were used to analyze the results. The open-ended questions were …

The Perceptions Of School Safety And Discipline And How These Perceptions Affect Teaching Methods And Strategies, James J. Lapsley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions teachers have concerning safety and discipline within their school and how these perceptions affect teaching methods and strategies. The study took place in a large rural area high school with a diverse multi-cultural background of students. This particular school has increasingly been scrutinized for the disruptive behavior of the students and the ability of the administration to handle these problems among the majority of teachers in the school. This study focused on the perceptions the teachers have about their school policies and procedures and the ability the school has in …

A Study Of The Female Formation Of Identity During The High School Years: A Qualitative Analysis, Elisabeth C. Rigney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project was to examine the factors that influence and affect identity formation by female adolescents during the high school years. Group discussion sessions were held for a sample size of 6 participants that introduced certain topics that were deemed relevant to adolescent females' identity formation. Through the group discussions, participants demonstrated that these topics, including body image, family pressure, and relationships, were inherent to the ways they form identity during the high school years. Upon completion of the data collection, the discussion sessions were coded for each topic and then divided by those responses deemed …

Marilyn Briggs, Marilyn Briggs, Institute Of Child Nutrition. Child Nutrition Archives.

Oral History Project (all interviews)

Marilyn Briggs began her career in child nutrition as School Food Service Director for San Juan Unified school district in Sacramento, California, during the 1970s. Later she served as Coordinator of the Nutrition Education and Training Program and worked on what became the prototype for the National Nutrient Standard Menu Planning System. She recently stepped down as state Director of Nutrition Services for California to work on her doctorate in nutrition science. She has held offices in the Society for Nutrition Education, the American School Food Service Association and American Dietetic Association.

Family/Partnership-Centered Conjoint Behavioral Consultation: The Reconceptualization Of A Model, Susan M. Sheridan, Brandy L. Clarke, Jennifer Burt, Diane Marti, Ariadne V. Schemm, Ashley Rohlk, Michelle Swanger

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

• The importance of working meaningfully and constructively with families in promoting a child’s learning and adjustment is unequivocal. Home-school partnerships have been shown to relate to many positive outcomes for children, families, teachers, and schools. • Conjoint Behavioral Consultation (CBC; Sheridan, Kratochwill, & Bergan, 1996) is a structured, indirect model of service delivery whereby parents and teachers are joined to collaboratively address needs and concerns of a child with the assistance of a consultant. Goals of CBC encompass those focused on addressing child needs, and developing home-school partnerships. • CBC is procedurally operationalized via conjoint interviews (Problem Identification, Problem …

Gesture: Nonverbal Communication Between Teachers And Students, Christina Roviello

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers convey nonverbal messages to their class using gestures, body language, tone and physical body placement. Research shows that nonverbal messages can be very powerful tools with students. Research has also shown that nonverbal gestures paired with verbal communication enhance comprehension. This study's purpose is to find evidence that using nonverbal gestures in the classroom improves teacher direction and class attention and understanding. Data analysis shows that particular students benefit from emblems gesture in the classroom setting. Conclusions and implications of this study suggest that nonverbal communication has an influence on the classroom environment; however, further investigation is required.

Family Interventions: Will What We Know Now Change What We Do In The Future?, Susan M. Sheridan

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

-There are intervention programs that are efficacious or promising.

-There is documented support for models that address various needs.

-Programs that bring families and schools together tend to fare better than those that work in isolation.

Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge Base: Preliminary Results, Guershon Harel, Kien Lim

Departmental Papers (Math)

Student learning depends on the teacher’s actions, which are, in turn, dependent on the teacher’s knowledge base—defined here by three components: knowledge of mathematics content, knowledge of student epistemology, and knowledge of pedagogy. The purpose of this study is to construct models for teachers’ knowledge base and for their development in an on-site professional development project.

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?

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.

The Effectiveness Of Instruction In A Third Grade Classroom Utilizing The Theory Of Multiple Intelligence, Matthew W. Whitaker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of utilizing Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence in a third grade classroom. An experimental group (n = 21) received the treatment teaching method over a two week period. A control group of students (n = 20) was instructed the same unit over the same two week period utilizing a traditional teaching method. Both groups were intact classes prior to the research beginning. A pretest and posttest were administered and a t-test for independent samples was employed to determine if there was a significant difference in achievement between …

What Kinds Of Adolescent Leaders Are Hiding In Newbery Books?, Carol Jasperse Lautenbach

Dissertations

Though adolescent leadership is worth developing, often it is not addressed effectively in the general middle school curriculum. This study addresses adolescent leadership by describing and discussing eight major leadership categories and 38 subcategories found in seventeen representative Newbery Award-winning books. The sample was chosen using a multiple-step process and contained fictional stories with adolescent protagonists in realistic situations. Content analysis was used to quantify and analyze the leadership themes; a code book was used to organize data. Occurrence of each sub-category was ranked for prevalence within each book. These rankings form the basis for the analysis of findings which …

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. …

Preservice Teachers' Epistemological Beliefs And Conceptions About Teaching And Learning : Cultural Implications For Research In Teacher Education., Kwok-Wai Chan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Four epistemological belief and two teaching/learning conception dimensions were identified from a questionnaire study of a sample of Hong Kong preservice teacher education students. The epistemological belief dimensions were labelled Innate/Fixed Ability, Learning Effort/Process, Authority/Expert Knowledge and Certainty Knowledge. The somewhat different results on epistemological beliefs from Schommer’s findings with North American college students suggested the possible influence of cultural contexts. The teaching/learning conceptions were labeled Traditional and Constructivist Conceptions. MANOVA indicated no significant statistical differences across age, gender and elective groups in their epistemological beliefs and conceptions. Canonical Correlation Analysis showed significant relations between epistemological beliefs and conceptions about …

Is 'Education' Becoming Irrelevant In Our Research?, R, S. Webster

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

It is argued in this paper that in a culture of ‘performativity’ research into ‘education’ is often avoided. It is observed in many research publications that attention is given to techniques of learning, teaching, management, social equity, identity formation, leadership and delivery of the curriculum, without a justification being offered as to why such instrumental approaches should be regarded as being ‘educational’. Often research quite unproblematically adopts rational-economic justifications couched in terms of ‘efficiency’ and ‘effectiveness’. Such approaches are however identified as nihilistic and not educational (Blake et al., 2000)

Are Beginning Teachers With A Second Degree At A Higher Risk Of Early Career Burnout., Richard Goddard, Patrick O'Brien

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study investigated the impact that holding a second university degree has on levels of burnout that is reported by beginning teachers during their first year of employment. This research formed part of an ongoing investigation that aims to identify important elements relating to teacher well-being during the transition from university to a teaching career. One hundred and twenty three teachers responded to a mail survey six weeks after they commenced full-time teaching (T1) and again six months later (T2). On both occasions the survey included the Educators Survey version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI: Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, …

A Study Examining The Effects Of Athletics On Females' Mathematical Achievement, Genevieve M. Bieg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of a correlation between females who actively participated in athletics and a high achievement in mathematics. A comparison of females who actively participated in athletics and females who did not actively participate in athletics was made using an independent samples t-test.

The design for this study was the use of a survey, data collection and an independent samples t-test. This study used the sample of forty-one sixth grade females. Each female attended the same middle school and had the same math teacher. Each participant filled out a survey that determined …

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

A Study Of The Effects Of The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences On The Beliefs And Attitudes Of Pre-Service Teachers About Mathematics And The Teaching Of Mathematics, Marylin T. Leinenbach

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effects of the Multiple Intelligence Theory on the beliefs and attitudes of pre-service teachers about mathematics and mathematics pedagogy. It identifies the influence of MI Theory on the beliefs and attitudes of pre-service teachers about teaching mathematics and how past performance in the study of mathematics influences beliefs and attitudes about teaching mathematics. The National Council of Teachers (NCTM) has called for changes in the preservice preparation of mathematics teachers. One of the main components of its Standards on Teaching ( 1991) is providing the pre-service teacher with opportunities to examine and revise their beliefs about …

The Effect Of Computer Versus Cadaver-Based Instruction On Anxiety Levels In Athletic Training Students, Elise Buckner

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare student anxiety level in computerand cadaver-based anatomy instruction. Design and Setting: The study used a preinstruction and post-instruction survey design. This study took place in a generic classroom setting, where instruction focused on computer-generated laboratory models of human anatomy and cadaveric instruction of human anatomy. Subjects: The subjects were 29 students from the Entry-Level Athletic Training Education Program at Indiana State University. Measurements: Science anxiety was measured before and after laboratory instruction. Results: The cadaver-based instruction group showed no statistical difference in their anxiety level (pre12.3±6.7, post13.0±5.1), however, the computer-based instruction …

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 …

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

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 …

Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Instructional Strategies Associated With Engagement And Achievement, Edwin D. Yoder

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold: first, to investigate instructional teaching strategies and determine which strategies were associated with student engagement and student achievement, and secondly, to investigate whether a relationship existed between student engagement and student achievement. Two survey instruments were created to collect data necessary for this purpose, the Student Survey of Teaching Strategies and a Teacher Survey of Teaching Strategies. Of 202 student surveys, 60% were returned in usable fashion. Of 102 teacher surveys, 68% were returned in usable fashion. Significant differences were found between teacher and student perceptions of individual strategies based on whether the …

Nefdc Exchange, Volume 15, Number 1, Spring 2004, New England Faculty Development Consortium

New England Faculty Development Consortium Exchange

Contents

Message from the President: Things We Value - Tom Edwards, Thomas College

Metaphors for Teaching - Polly Parker and Bill Searle

Significant Learning Experiences: Integrated Course Design Designing the Learning We Want into the Learning Experiences - L. Dee Fink

NEFDC Fall Conference Keynote Speaker: L. Dee Fink

NEFDC Spring Roundup, June 4, 2004; theme: Building Community and Collaboration Through Technology

UNH To Offer Online Certificate in College Teaching - Michael Lee, University of New Hampshire

Assessment in New England: Announcing Discipline-Based Workshops

Conference: Faculty-Student Partnerships in Teaching and Learning

Board of Directors

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 …