Digital Commons Network^™

A Program Evaluation Of The Special Programming For Achievement Networking Of Alabama- Lauderdale County Alternative Education Program, Tara Bruce

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates the perceived effectiveness of an alternative education program, specifically the structure and mission. The program focused on three groups for the evaluation: staff, students, and stakeholders. The conformity of each of the three groups thoughts and beliefs outlined the perception of the program’s effectiveness. The evaluation sought to determine the positive or negative impact of the program’s mission and core values of academics, counseling, employment, and transition services. Understanding how stakeholders perceived SPAN’s mission and students’ impacts of strategies and services allowed coherence in the program's effectiveness and allowed the opportunity to outline the program's positive impacts …

A Comparison Of Student Achievement On Agriculture Mechanics End Of Pathway Assessments Among Agriculture Programs In Georgia, William Burt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agriculture education programs in Georgia are held to the same standards and evaluations regardless of their location, resource availability, and student clientele. For schools with agriculture mechanics programs specifically, students are expected to obtain proficient skills in welding, electrical wiring, woodworking, small engines, concrete, and machinery. Students' are expected to obtain skill sets in these various content areas, yet the equipment and resources available to the educator differs among schools. The experience that a student encounters also differs among schools. For instance, some schools have multiple agriculture pathways for a student to enroll in, while other schools have minimal. The …

Can Edna Be Used To Locate Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys Papilliferus?, Megan Brandt, Timothy Spier Phd, Gary Zeruth Phd

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Traditional stream fish sampling methods, such as seining and electrofishing, are time consuming, expensive, and limited to short stretches of stream. However, the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples promises to be a quick, inexpensive method for detecting fish. The streams of the Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area (LBL) are unique, undisturbed streams which contain many interesting fish species for which little information exists. One such rare species is the Shawnee Hills Cavefish Forbesichthys papilliferus, which is known to exist in a few LBL streams. However, the complete distribution of the Shawnee Hills Cavefish in LBL …

The Impact Of Intra-District, Open Enrollment School Choice On Students In A Selected Georgia School District, Elizabeth Miegel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to determine the impact of a Georgia school district’s intra-district, open enrollment Choice Program on students who participate compared to those who do not at a selected high school. Three research questions were developed: (1) does GPA differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not (2) do SAT scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not and (3) do AP test scores differ between students who participate in school choice and students who do not. The research questions were assessed through independent measures t-tests, with …

Examining The Role That Agricultural Education Programs Play In Student Choice Of Production Agriculture Careers, Wesley Estes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the influence that Agriculture Education programs, at all levels, have on student choice of careers in production agriculture. The average age of a farmer in the United States is increasing, and the shortage of young people returning to family farming operations (or beginning operations of their own) becomes more apparent each year. This study utilizes focus groups of professionals to gather information about the factors that influence student choice in agriculture careers, and the ability of agriculture education programs to either enhance or mitigate those factors. For the purposes of this study, Agriculture Education programs of all …

Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives On Integrating Gaming Into Agriculture Education Through Nasef Farmcraft, Carrie Settles Livers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

With a growing population and a decrease in arable land, it is vital to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists. However, enrollment in agricultural education programs has been on the decline. Incorporating digital games into the classroom could serve to engage future students and encourage careers in agriculture. This study explored how Georgia agriculture teachers' technological and pedagogical knowledge influences their willingness to adopt digital games, specifically Georgia Farmcraft and Minecraft for Education, in their teaching. Additionally, it sought to identify demographic factors that might impact adoption and to determine effective professional development strategies to support teachers in using these …

Intrinsic Motivators For Participation And Persistence In Intercollegiate Athletics, Kevin Saal

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Since its inception, intercollegiate athletics’ conflicting existence vacillates between a history of rich, co-curricular and developmental experiences for young people, and a multi-billion-dollar industry transformed by limitless commercialization, expense and exploitation. The “professionalization” of intercollegiate athletics and blurring of motivational factors influencing participation and persistence threatens its holistic academic and developmental purpose (Duderstadt, 2000, p. 78). This dissertation provides a review of motivational theories, in addition to summarizing numerous contextually relevant intrinsic and extrinsic regulators impacting human behavior. Through a quantitative research methodology this study proposes research broadly investigating intrinsic motivation, seeking to develop a better understanding and establish …

The Effect Of Asynchronous Pre-Service Training On Aac Strategy Use, Cheri Dodge Chin

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of a one-time online, asynchronous training program on graduate students' use of communication partner strategies for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. The study examines the training effect on the overall correct usage of naturalistic communication partner strategies, the implementation immediacy, the influence of feedback, and the training's benefits and drawbacks. Using an A-B single case research design with qualitative feedback, the study included pre-service university students studying speech pathology or education. Participants engaged in storybook reading activities with communication devices at a university clinic to establish baseline measures. Following this, they completed a one-hour …

One Step Forward For Inclusion: Integrating Assistive Technology Across Teacher Preparation Program, Jiyeon Park, Marie L. Manning Dr.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Assistive Technology (AT) is recognized as a valuable tool for supporting their access to the curriculum. However, many educators lack experience and competence in AT implementation. This study examines the effects of a modified technology course on preservice teachers' preparedness for and perceptions of AT in inclusive classrooms. We modified Instructional Technology Course, which is mandatory for pre-service teachers across programs. After receiving the modified technology course, pre-service teachers show a significant improvement in their AT competence and a positive shift regarding inclusion.

Triumph Through Tragedy, One Student At At Time, Chanel M. Schwenck

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The EF-4 tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky on the evening of December 10, 2021 caused tremendous destruction to the entire community of Mayfield. Two education professors at a neighboring university sought to help students in the Mayfield Independent School District and were able to do so via funding from a KEEP mini-grant. 81 of their college students were trained in Response to Intervention (RtI) practices and provided individual and small group instruction to students in Mayfield for 2 hours a week for 17 weeks during the 2022-2023 school year. Altogether, struggling students in Mayfield received 1,377 hours of RtI instruction …

Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences With Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support: Universal Screening & Intervention Planning, Alexandra J. Taylor, Tommy Wells, Amy Lein

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Assessment plays a key role in the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) model. Universal screening is an assessment component embedded into MTSS, specifically within the response to intervention framework. The process of administering, scoring, and analyzing data from a universal screener is an essential skill that pre-service teachers need to gain in their educator preparation programs. In this qualitative, case study approach, we examined the ways an experimental learning project in implementing universal screeners impact pre-service teachers’ beliefs and practices for Tier 1 of MTSS. The project was provided to pre-service teachers to give them familiarization with the implementation of …

6 Strategies To Increase Your Classroom And School’S Culture And Climate, Stacey Keown-Murray, Rob Carroll, Kristi Livingston

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Creating a positive culture and climate in the classroom and school environment is crucial for fostering student engagement, well-being, and academic success. This article presents six effective strategies that educators can implement to enhance the culture and climate within their classrooms and schools. The strategies focus on promoting a sense of belonging, establishing clear expectations, fostering positive relationships, celebrating diversity, empowering student voice, and encouraging collaboration and teamwork. By implementing these strategies, educators can cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures the holistic development of students and promotes a positive learning experience. The abstract provides a concise overview of …

A Critical Policy Analysis Of Kentucky School Districts’ Trauma-Informed Education Plans, Tommy Wells, Alexandra J. Taylor, Amy Lein

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has taken its first steps in creating trauma-informed K-12 schools through passing the School Safety and Resiliency Act of 2019. School districts were tasked with developing trauma-informed education plans by July 2021. However, the Commonwealth’s mandate gave broad autonomy to school districts in shaping their trauma-informed education plans’ processes and content. Through a critical policy analysis design, this study examined the availability and quality of trauma-informed education plans from each school district in Kentucky and compared them to the trauma-informed framework developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Findings indicate that only 19 out of …

Portrayals Of Gender And Race In Instagram Advertising: An Exploratory Content Analysis, Taylor Moore

Honors College Theses

Race and gender stereotyping is a longstanding problem in the world of advertising. This research utilized content and statistical analysis to answer three questions regarding race and gender stereotyping in Instagram advertising: (1) what portrayals are being shown? (2) how are these portrayals being shown? And (3) are diverse advertisements reinforcing or challenging stereotypes? Tweny advertisements were chosen off Instagram to analyze. Through an analysis of literature on the topic, a code book defining race, person of color, sex, gender, and gender expression was created. Using these variables and classifying the ads as a stereotype/counterstereotype/neutral, allowed for the creation of …

Dark Times In Dark Academia, Hayden Eubanks

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Quickly rising in popularity through the help of social media platforms, Dark Academia has become an established literary subculture with a vast fanbase. With similar qualities to the Campus Novel, the Dark Academic genre differs because the characters themselves are college students instead of a professor or other faculty member. This aesthetic is comprised of Anglo-Saxon style of architecture, course study, and fashion combining to create an overall gothic tone that by surrounding the characters with a foreboding foreshadow of the tragedy that the students will embark. The architecture associated with the genre is comprised of red brick clock towers …

2023-12-08, Board Of Regents, Murray State University

Board of Regents Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Exigency, Laurie Snellen

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

Birds are very sensitive to environmental changes and indicators to issues surrounding the biodiversity crisis. Exigency, by highlighting common beloved songbirds, allows for a link to the crisis that is so much closer than what many are used to seeing in the news. It also encourages users to explore solutions they can apply in their everyday lives like window stickers for bird strikes or bird boxes for bluebirds.

The relationship between the complexity of nature and the part people play in it has always been of interest. These current works act as a bridge between the environment and the people. …

Orca Annual Report 2022-23, Msu Orca

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Quick Facts about ORCA, AY 22-23

• 12 of 12 slots filled for Posters-at-the-Capitol with projects from the College of Business, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the School of Agriculture, and the College of Science, Engineering & Technology
• 350 students presented in both Scholars Weeks with support from 88 individual faculty members
• 20 grants awarded totaling over $15,000
• 17 items published in Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

5th Annual Occupational Therapy Program Research Conference, Kelly L. Taylor Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational Therapy Program RESEARCH CONFERENCE

5TH OT COHORT | CLASS OF 2024

OT Program Student Presentations Graduate Students from the Class of 2024

Amber Ryan Final Portfolio, Amber E. Ryan

Professional Practices (ART 399)

My personal journey and the lived experience of women in society inspire my work. I speak to my own experiences and thoughts as a woman. I force people into a place of discomfort, causing them to think deeply about how society speaks to women and what is taught to us from birth, leaving them with thoughts that linger long after they have walked away. This gives them a window into my intrusive thoughts, traumas, and emotions. The Tulip Field speaks to the manner in which society deals with the sex industry and sex workers today as opposed to how they …

Art399 Portfolio, Thomas Townsend Jr

Professional Practices (ART 399)

When I was young I wasn't much into art. I liked doing my owns thing and looking at cool images and colors that grabbed my attention, now really understanding that I actually liked art. The way I really knew how to communicate my feelings was to draw them out since I struggled verbally expressing them. I really didn't know exactly what I was doing but I was drawing or doing other creative ways to express the way I was feeling at the moment to others. Sometimes to this day I still do that but I'm at lot better at expressing …

Art399 Portfolio, Wesley Hammer

Professional Practices (ART 399)

Since a young age, my art has been a proper channel in which it allows me to express my own lived experiences by visually processing the thoughts and emotions that are made through everyday living. The process in which art is made deepens the understanding of oneself. Why I bring into existence art is why I exist. One of the most important influences to the creation of my works is the fact that I am transgender. The way in which I exist in the world as well as the relationships created are also influenced by this aspect. As I continue …

Jamie Myres Art399 Portfolio, Jamie Myres

Professional Practices (ART 399)

Jamie Myres Artist Statement

When I set out to create something, I have one main goal in mind: to make the creative process as fun as possible for everyone involved, at every step of the way. I use saturated colors, nostalgic imagery, clever concepts, and most importantly, humor to invoke a positive feeling in my audience. I want them to walk away with a memorable experience, so memorable they tell their friends and laugh together as a result of something I made. My practice is mainly based in graphic design and fiber objects, but is expanding to include other media …

Michael Ridenour 399 Art Portfolio, Michael Ridenour

Professional Practices (ART 399)

A plethora of my artwork is based on imaginary animals and their role in reality or fantasy. I utilize pencil and charcoal to add depth and feeling to the piece whether it is colored or monochromatic. To make the drawings, I first gather some ideas from creatures from mythology or the virtual landscape and add some features of my own design. This passion for capturing creatures, real or fictional, can utilize their unusual adaptations from a scientific point of view as a way to merge two of my interests. I have always been fascinated by animals, especially mythical ones or …

Teresa Hill Art 399 Portfolio, Teresa Hill

Professional Practices (ART 399)

Aside from the aesthetics of cartoons and video games that I was attracted to in childhood; other influences that often guide where works would go are personal experiences, our connection with nature and others, the development of the imagination, and the human eye. The pieces made from that influence contain something tied back to others, whether it is the use of various warm/cool hues, the use of nature and flowers, colorful clothing on figures, or hands and legs being slightly longer than the rest of a figure’s proportions. Artists like Yayoi Kusama, Bonnie Seeman, and Hayao Miyazaki have also impacted …

When Cooking Sous Vide, Do Different Bags Change The Color Reading Of The Spectrophotometer?, Kathryn Beard, Thomas Powell

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Meat color changes over the course of cooking and storage. Companies for many years now have been measuring the color changes of meats when both cooking and storing over a period of time. When it comes to packaging there are two ways to measure color, through the packaging or by taking the meat out and measuring. Measuring the meat in the bag allows you to keep the process of whatever you are studying going, without ruining it by taking the meat out of the bag. The purpose of this project was to see if using different kinds of film cooking …

Hope, Catrena Kovaloski

Professional Practices (ART 399)

The majority of my work is still very fresh and new. The pieces that get made are typically for college assignments presented in class, more specifically ceramic pieces. For most of my artwork I grab inspiration from my family and pets. I find the most joy in creating pieces through clay on the throwing wheel. The pieces that have been created are a variety of ceramic pieces such as mugs, jars, pitchers, as well as a two-foot cat shaped vase. It is very difficult for me to be able to sit down with a pencil and paper and be able …

College Women’S Traditional Attitudes Towards Femininity And Homonegativity, Kaid Marek, Amanda Watson Joyce

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Approximately 41% of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) youth report considering suicide in 2022 (The Trevor Project, 2023), and they are 11 times as likely become the victims of violent crimes compared to non-SGM individuals (Flores et al., 2022). Thus, it is important to explore the roots of negative views toward SGM via internalized and projected gendered expectations from men and women. In men, precarious masculinity and self-image could predict homonegativity (Vandello et al., 2008). However, little is known about how women’s attitudes towards femininity and self-image could also predict sexual prejudice (Basow & Johnson, 2000).

One hundred thirty-seven predominantly …

The Relationship Of Insufficient Resources To Leadership Burnout In Rural Nonprofit Organizations, Keilee Webb

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze the relationship between the lack of resources in nonprofit organizations and burnout. In this literature review, the aim is to explore various resources affecting nonprofit entities as they relate to organizational capacity. These specific resources will be reviewed and discussed to understand how closely related those resources are to burnout. Additionally, the implications of nonprofit employee and volunteer burnout will be analyzed. Within the literature review, the research indicates nonprofits in rural United States are more likely to encounter a deficit in connections to resources than their urban counterparts. This …

Predictive Machine Learning And Its Future In Professional Basketball, Zachary Harmon

Honors College Theses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an ever-evolving field, transforming various aspects of contemporary life. From language models to immersive gaming experiences, AI technologies have become integral to our daily existence. Among the most promising arenas for AI integration is the world of sports. This research delves into the application of machine learning models to predict NBA game outcomes, shedding light on the profound impact of machine learning in the realm of professional basketball. Beyond the scope of game prediction, this study explores the broader implications, such as optimizing the selection of televised games, assisting players in showcasing their skills, and much …