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Anchored To A Community: Middle School Students’ Experience Of Belonging In The Classroom: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Angela Thera Butler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A student’s sense of belonging in the classroom makes a difference. Students who experience a feeling of belonging within the learning environment are more engaged and prepared to learn and contribute. Students who do not feel this sense of belonging in the classroom often pull away from school norms, and may separate themselves from formal education entirely. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of belonging for a small group of 6th grade students from a suburban, midwestern school. Experiences and intentions of three educators who shared these students were also collected and compared to the experiences and perceptions …

Application Of Lortie's Apprenticeship Of Observation Model: Evidence Of Iowa Teaching Standards With Amish School Teachers, Jacquelyn R. Burr Moorman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Classroom educators are held to standards of teaching and learning throughout their professional careers. The standards are the expectations laid out by the national and state levels to determine how and why teachers should teach the way they do to increase student achievement (NBPTS, 2016; State of Iowa Department of Education, 2019; CCSSO, 2013). The teaching standards in Iowa align with pedagogy, instruction, and professionalism (State of Iowa Department of Education, 2019).

Some educators learn how to become teachers through their post-secondary education courses. Those teachers who are part of the Amish community do not follow a traditional path to …

The Flow Experience Of Adults Age 50 And Older In Recreational Doubles Pickleball, Glynis Worthington

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is America’s fastest-growing sport. An estimated 4.8 million players enjoyed the game in 2021, 40% greater than in 2019 (Sports & Fitness Industry [SFIA], 2022). The game is especially popular with older players when played recreationally (for fun rather than prepare for or participate in competitions) in a doubles format (four players per court) (USA Pickleball Association [USAPA], 2022). This study identifies the degree adults age 50 and older experience flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) while playing recreational doubles pickleball.

The Long Dispositional Flow Scale – Physical (DFS-2) was used to …

Mapping For Impact: Actionable Spatial Literacy Through Counter-Mapping, Rachel Hansen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Counter-mapping is a technique that young people can use to take informed action on community issues through the mapping process. This mixed-methods study examined how ninth-graders in a large urban district in Iowa developed spatial thinking skills while engaging in counter-mapping in their community and the extent to which they used those maps to take informed action. A nine-week learning progression for counter-mapping scaffolded progress variables across three different spatial thinking standards and one inquiry standard. Findings indicated that students improved throughout the learning progression, but some needed teacher support to conduct spatial inquiries. Chances of reaching the upper anchor …

Intimate Partner Violence Stigma: The Intersection Of Race And Socioeconomic Status, Antoinette Fleming

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Approximately 36% of all women in the United States will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lifetime (Smith et al., 2018). Intimate partner violence can cause physical injury, poor mental health, chronic health problems, hospitalization, disability, or death (Breiding et al., 2015). Stigma is another consequence associated with IPV. Many victims of IPV report feeling guilt, denial, shame, and embarrassment as a result of the intimate partner violence victimization (Lichtenstein, 2006). Additionally, African American (Black) victims may be more heavily stigmatized than European American (White) victims. Socioeconomic status (SES) may also affect a person’s perception of …

No Need To Set The Alarm, I’Ve Been Up Since 2:30am! Why My Teaching Job Keeps Me Up At Night: A Phenomenological Research Study On Empathic Strain Of Iowa Educators, Lindsey Cornwell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Empathic strain describes a stressor on individuals in professions in which one cares for others who have endured their own trauma or stress (Mathieu, 2021). While previous studies have looked mainly at medical, social work and law enforcement fields as being some of the most impacted by empathic strain, more recently educators have been identified as those challenged with this phenomenon.

Through a phenomenological qualitative study, which included a Facebook marketed Qualtrics survey on empathic strain, four individual interviews and a metaphorical data analysis focus group experience, the lived experiences of educators with empathic strain were collected. Each of the …

Strengths-Based Leadership Traits In Intercollegiate Student-Athletes, Caitlin Thilges

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine the top five HIGH5 leadership strengths of collegiate level student-athletes in relation to formal and informal leaders. Collegiate student-athletes (N = 97) completed the HIGH5 Test, designed to assess leadership strengths. A frequency analysis was conducted on the whole population resulting in the strengths of: Coach, Empathizer, Deliverer, Time Keeper, and Philomath emerging as prominent. Formal and informal leaders’ strengths were also analyzed. Emergent strengths shared between formal and informal leaders were: Deliverer, Time Keeper, Coach, and Empathizer. Whereas the strength of Believer emerged in formal leaders and Optimist and Thinker emerged …

“I Can’T Do This Anymore, But I Have 1000 More Kids To Serve”: A Qualitative Study Of Full-Time Residential Summer Camp Staff Burnout, Sarah Cohen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Early pioneers of burnout defined it as “to fail, wear out, or become exhausted by making excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources'' (Freudenberger, 1974, p. 159; Freudenberger, 1977; Schaufeli & Enzmann, 1998). The traditional structures and activities of summer camps play a large role in creating experiences for staff and campers alike, but can lead to full-time staff working long hours with little time off and a culture of being overworked as a symbol of dedication to the program. While burnout research has become more popular over the past few decades, little is known about how burnout is experienced …

Development And Implementation Of A Ngss Curriculum Unit For Astronomy In Ninth-Grade Earth And Space Science, Jessica Hughes

Graduate Research Papers

Since the release of the NGSS in 2013, there has been a gap in available curricula that is aligned with the new standards. To fill this gap, I created and implemented a unit of study aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on the topic of astronomy for a ninth grade earth and space science course. Much of the available curriculum is above the level of ninth grade students. This curriculum approaches the astronomy standards at the level of ninth grade students.

The research questions were “how well does the curriculum prepare students for the disciplinary core ideas (DCIs) …

The Horror Of Darwinism: The Evolution Of The Monster In Film And Popular Culture, Ava Deitrich

Honors Program Theses

In the following pages, dear reader, you will be astounded, mystified, entertained, and intrigued. Using Stephen King’s three monstrous archetypes outlined in Danse Macabre as a guide, and the 1930’s Universal Monster Films as a starting point, I trace the roots of the Vampire, Two Faced, and Thing Without a Name through time and space. Along the evolutionary track of these archetypes, I touch on changes regarding perception and performance, in relation to social and historical shifts. I will be your guide exploring the scenery, costuming, sound design, and cinematography (to name a few) as I examine each film within …

Her Story, Her Right: Narrative As A Basic Human Right, Karlee M. Colby

Honors Program Theses

When I began this project, I wanted to ask the question of whether or not our narratives are a basic human right. Looking back, I realize how naive it was of me to ponder on such a thought, for I have now realized that we have many rights just simply by being humans, and it is undeniable that having an accurate version of our narratives without fear of manipulation or silencing is a right. How can one argue not? The question is not and cannot be about whether or not something is a right, but instead whether or not we …

Common Creativity: Conversations With Artists And Nonartists, Will Nachazel

Honors Program Theses

I have always viewed myself as a creative person. Drawing, writing, and storytelling were the realms I thrived in growing up. I’m highly in tune with the part of myself that’s constantly coming up with new ideas, and I appreciate when I see creativity in others as well. But what I've noticed recently is that people often treat creativity as if it’s a trait that some have and others don’t. When you believe this, it becomes an easy way to brush off your own lack of artistic ability, but what else are you closing yourself off to? There must be …

Diffusion Of Carbon Nanoparticles Intercalated Into Layered Materials, Madelyn Johnson

Honors Program Theses

Using electron beam radiation, as found in a scanning electron microscope, it is possible to induce the local intercalation of carbon nanoparticles into two dimensional layered materials. This technique can be used to form insulating and optically active nanostructures in samples ranging from graphite to BSSCO. In this study, the evolution of these features with time is explored to determine the stability of such nanoparticles in layered materials.

Over the course of days and weeks, the nanostructures created this way broaden and change height. In general, it appears that material buried deep within the layers diffuses upwards to increase the …

A Next Generation Science Standards (Ngss) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit, Jennifer Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

This unit is the culmination of work on taking the NGSS for weather and climate and creating an inclusive unit for third grade students. At the time this unit was started, many teachers were taking the NGSS and creating units for the classrooms. This unit integrates math, literacy, and social studies standards to help explore the NGSS for weather and climate.

After completion of this unit it was given to two reviewers in the field of teaching. They read the unit and provided feedback for improvement. After review of the feedback it was noted that adaptations for students need to …

The Impact Of Summer Camps On The Perceptions Of Individuals With Disabilities And Their Support Systems, Sally Krull

Graduate Research Papers

There is currently a gap in services for individuals with disabilities. There is a staff shortage in the disability services field that has further exasperated many psychosocial concerns for individuals with disabilities. It has also placed an added strain on the families of these individuals. Camps can help to fill these gaps and provide a service that will have a positive impact on the individuals and their families. The staff who work at camp play a crucial part in providing this service. They need to be supported and well-trained to provide the best care available.

The following paper will examine …

Promoting Social-Emotional Development In Elementary Children Through The Use Of Quality Picture Books: A Content Analysis, Shauna Mostek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to analyze picture books recommended for teaching and developing emotional intelligence in children, to determine which should be considered as quality additions in order to provide teacher librarians, classroom teachers, counselors, and parents with a compiled list of quality picture books to use for the social-emotional development of children in grades K-5. The books were evaluated using Wilson’s Children’s Core Collection as well as the following four top school library reviewing sources: ALSC Notable Children’s Books, Booklist, School Library Journal, and the We Need Diverse Books website. It was then determined how the …

Diversity In Collections Utilizing Accelerated Reader Programs, Leah Cahill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to compare current Accelerated Reader YA book lists to YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults lists from 2019 to 2022 to examine the number of current YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults titles included on the AR list and determine whether there is a discrepancy between the percent of YALSA books overall and the percent of YALSA AR books that meet the diversity definition (We Need Diverse Books, 2022). Data was collected by looking at 314 titles from the 2019-2022 YALSA Best of the Best List and then comparing two review sources to determine …

Communicating Emotions Through Art And Conversation, Paige E. Kayvan, Samantha R. Doyle, Payton Cannon, Traci Jolley

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Communiqué: College Of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine, Volume 11, Winter 2023-2024, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts, And Sciences.

Communiqué: College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine

Contents:

EVERY ISSUE
Message from the Dean --- 4
Donor Feature --- 5
CHAS Briefs --- 38
Class Notes --- 44

FEATURES
Cave Research --- 6
From Student to CEO --- 10
Alum Opens Math Museum --- 14
New Class ExploresVideo Game Music --- 18
Wise Broadway Tour --- 24
Public Art Incubator --- 28
Alum Finds Success as Celebrity Videographer --- 34

STORIES
Science Trip to Iceland --- 22
Clinical Ethicist Alumnus --- 32
Computer Education Grant --- 33
ESL Program Grant --- 40
Floral Macrophotography --- 42

Biology News 2023, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Biology.

Biology News

Contents:

Letter from the Department Head --- 2
Passion for Teaching --- 3
Meet a Few of Our Recent Graduates: Joseph Correa; Hunter Mennenga; Abby Riley; Liz Wilgenbusch --- 4
Botanical Center Update --- 5
Welcome to Our Newest Staff Member: Jordan Wolff --- 5
Floral Macrophotography --- 6
Announcing the New Floyd Research Fellowship --- 7
UNI Nursing --- 7

Semillas [Seeds]: Elementary Spanish I, Giovanni Zimotti, Rachel Klevar, Eden Jones, Gabriela Olivares-Chat

Faculty Book Gallery

Semillas: Elementary Spanish I is a comprehensive introductory Spanish open-access textbook with reading, listening, speaking, and writing practice. To ensure that our textbook is diverse and inclusive we have built a team of writers who cross gender, age, and nationality. We have consulted with people whose voices represent diverse demographic segments of the Spanish-speaking world to include a plurality of pronunciations and appearances. This textbook underwent a rigorous review process that included professionals from more than ten higher education organizations in the United States.

Breaking The Marble Ceiling: The Construction Of Athena In Greek Thought, Elizabeth Tulley

Honors Program Theses

This paper will begin with an examination of Greek culture and religion, in order to provide the context that is important for understanding the peculiarities of Athena. That examination will start with a look into the pre-Greek and early Greek civilizations in Greece, the Minoans and the Mycenaeans, before looking at ancient Greek civilization as a whole. It will then dive deeper into the roles of ancient Greek women, taking into account the Athenian bias that colors most of our sources for Greek civilization. The paper will then turn to briefly look at ancient Greek religion, giving important context for …

The Prevalence And Knowledge Of Proper Treatment Of People Living With Dementia In Physical Therapy, Eric Robert Melrose

Honors Program Theses

As the number of dementia cases is expected to rise, healthcare providers will need to know how to best serve individuals with these diseases. Dementia symptoms can vary from person to person, and include memory loss, the inability to communicate, and the loss of gross motor function. Physical therapy can be a useful tool in combating the symptoms of dementia (LeDoux et al., 2020) (Coronado et al., 2020) (Brett et al., 2016) (Braz de Oliveira et al., 2023). This thesis aims to explore the level of knowledge physical therapy students and physical therapists possess, how to increase that knowledge, and …

How Hypermasculinity And Rape Myth Acceptance (Rma) Relate To Rape Proclivity In College Males, Cora Lynn Patterson

Honors Program Theses

The present study examined the relationship between hypermasculinity, rape myth acceptance (RMA), and rape proclivity in male college students attending a mid-sized Midwestern university. This was done to uncover how aspects of traditional hegemonic gender socialization may create pathways for rape proclivity later in life. It looked at college males in particular because sexual assault is a major problem in college campuses and the main perpetrators are male. The study asked a sample of (n=48) males from the ages of 18-24 to answer a survey that included questions from the following measures: Hypermasculinity Scale, Illinois Rape Myth Accpetance Scale – …

Research Portfolio, Juandaniel Lopez

Graduate Research Papers

Rolling Stones Software has entered into a contract with a regional bank to develop a customized online platform, the "Loan Platform," designed for handling mortgage loan applications. This platform streamlines the mortgage application process, enabling customers to submit applications online and providing real-time access to relevant information and documents for both the bank and applicants. To fulfill this contract, Rolling Stones Software is committed to performing various software development tasks, including interviews, testing, integration, modifications, and design customization to align with the bank's specific requirements.

Dual Identity, Self-Esteem, And Well-Being In Tibetan Refugees, Tenzin Urgyen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There are approximately 127,935 Tibetans in exile. As immigrants and stateless refugees, Tibetans carry their identity of Tibetan-origin and are tied to Indian, American, or other identities as well; however, there is little research on whether having more than one identity is an advantage for some or all people, especially within the Tibetan context. Using social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) as a framework, this pre-registered correlational study investigated the relationship between dual identity, self-esteem, and well-being. While several studies (e.g., Berry, 2005; Curran et al., 2002; Mok et al., 2007) have shown that holding dual identities is related …

The Effect Of A 5-Week Concurrent Training Program On Acft Scores, Ruck March Times, And Aerobic Capacity In Army Rotc Cadets, Cody Durbin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Most Army ROTC programs conduct physical training (PT) only 3 days per week and no study has directly compared the effects of conducting PT 5 days per week on ACFT scores, ruck march performance, and aerobic capacity. Past research has indicated greater performance adaptations with a concurrent training program and some research has shown that current ROTC PT programs may not be optimal in physically preparing ROTC cadets. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of a 5-day per week periodized tactical strength and conditioning program on ACFT scores, and aerobic capacity in Army ROTC cadets. Methods: Eight ROTC cadets from UNI …

Stakeholder Impact On Individual Development Within A Transition Worksite Program: A Case Study, Kong Chen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Emerging adults (Arnett, 2000) struggled with their transition from school to employment (Arnett, 2015). Within that group, individuals with disabilities were in a particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged situation. The 2009 to 2019 employment rates for emerging adults with disabilities (33-39%) were far lower than for those without disabilities (73-79%; U.S. Census, 2019). There are employment programs designed to assist and support individuals with disabilities to transition to and retain employment. One such program, Project SEARCH, has served over 34,000 young adults with intellectual disabilities while achieving an average 72% employment rate when program participants had completed the training. Several studies …

Can White Nationalist Rhetoric Increase Prejudice Toward Mexican Immigrants?, Nathan Lewey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The Western populism wave of ethno-nationalism (i.e., exclusionary resistance to egalitarianism: exclusionist belief in the superiority of ingroup goals over superordinate goals that are inclusive of all cultures) may increase prejudice toward minorities (Schmuck & Matthes, 2017). Integrated threat theory (ITT; Stephan & Stephan, 1996) states that prejudiced attitudes are mediated by four types of threat, which are affected by quantity and quality of intergroup contact (Stephan et al., 2000). These threats include realistic threat (e.g., fear of losing one’s job to an immigrant), symbolic threat (e.g., fear of losing one’s societal values/norms to a foreign culture), intergroup anxiety, and …

Building Educational Leaders’ Capacity In A Community Of Practice, Théophile Muhayimana, Denise Schares, Megan Ruxton

Faculty Publications

This qualitative study examined rural educational leaders’ perceptions of the outcomes of the 2019 Leadership Camps (LCs). This capacity-building opportunity helped educational leaders meet as a community of practice (CoP) where participants’ interactions contributed to learning with and from one another, reducing perceived isolation and increasing self-efficacy. We analyzed data collected from 242 participants’ responses using an open, axial, and selective coding process. With this sample, 52.5% of participants were rural educational leaders. Overall, educational leaders most often appreciated interacting, networking, and collaborating with peers. Additionally, educational leaders highlighted the importance of the in-depth understanding and application of the Leadership …