Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Casinos On Unemployment: A County Level Analysis, Sally Anne St. Clair Kron

Honors Program Theses

The gambling industry in the United States has experienced significant growth over the past thirty years. As the industry continues to expand, legislators must consider the pros and cons that accompany the industry expansion. This paper examines if the social and economic benefits from the casino industry outweigh the social and economic costs of gambling with a specific focus on the effects on unemployment. The gaming industry creates tax revenue, employment, and entertainment for the community. But it also has a regressive tax structure and creates problems like pathological gambling. This paper analyzes this tradeoff and uses Ordinary Least Squares …

Work-Related Outcomes And Organizational Commitment, Mushaun Miller

Honors Program Theses

The modern workplace encompasses a multi-generational and diverse workforce. Now more than ever, workplaces include those of various ages, backgrounds, races, and more. It is important for an organization to manage the differences among its employees in order to influence personal and organizational outcomes. After all, work-related personal outcomes allow the employee to evaluate the organization and find his/her place within it- which influences commitment to an organization. Organizational commitment is a crucial goal due to its ability to reduce various dysfunctional behaviors such as absenteeism or turnover. High organizational commitment also leads to various positive outcomes including stronger customer …

Breathe In, Breathe Out: An Exploration Of The Impacts Of Yoga On Self-Regulation And Classroom Community, Shaylyn Trenkamp

Honors Program Theses

Research on the effects of yoga and mindfulness has demonstrated increased selfregulation and impacts on community in many settings, but specific data regarding the effects of mindfulness practices in the early childhood classroom is limited. The purpose of this thesis study was to take a closer look at yoga and mindfulness in the classroom and the impact it could have on self-regulation and classroom community for young students. Yoga and mindfulness lessons were taught in two kindergarten classrooms and student responses were collected throughout the project. Classroom teachers involved were also interviewed about how mindfulness affected their students and classrooms. …

Code Readability: A Proposal On The Effects Of Psychology And Comprehension In Software Development And Maintenance, Ethan Brian Sankey

Honors Program Theses

Because of the diversity and complexity of the hundreds of coding languages out there, code readability has become more and more of an issue as the years have passed and as the popularity of technology that required built-in computers has increased. With so many different formats, styles, and restrictions on each language, even a developer with experience in only a few common languages may have trouble remembering which language allows for certain indentation, which language requires variable instantiation, which language requires return statements at the end of functions. While I can appreciate the diversity and efficiency that having many different …

Is There A Correlation Between Oral Reading Rate And Social Conversational Speaking Rate?, Sarah C. Mason

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine if there was a correlation between oral reading rates and social conversational speaking rates. This research was conducted using a sample size of 25 students, ages 8-12, in one elementary building in Southern Iowa. Student data were collected from a previous district’s fall assessment in the area of oral reading rate. Students were given specific prompts when providing their social conversational speaking. When comparing oral reading rate with their social conversational speaking rate, it was found that there was a correlation when measured in words per minute suggesting that students’ reading rates …

Communicating About Being Parents In The Workplace, Ruqayah Almuzayn

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this research project is to shed light on ways employed parents communicate about parenting in the workplace. This study explores how and with whom employed parents talk about their families in the workplace and how this talk is perceived. Qualitative methods, semi-structured interviews, with ten parents were conducted. The interviews revealed several functions of parent talk, the contexts in which talk about parenting occurs, the conditions in which parent talk is perceived positively, and how parent talk influences people's relationships with colleagues.

The Effect Of Digital Game-Based Learning On Student Learning: A Literature Review, Katrina Serrano

Graduate Research Papers

Digital game-based learning can be used by educators to support students in developing skills. This review examined the effect of digital game-based learning on student learning at the K-12 level. Sixteen peer-reviewed research studies, two meta-analysis studies, and two literature reviews published between 2011-2019 were selected for analysis. The reviewed research indicated that when digital game-based learning is used that includes key game design elements (collaboration, choice, feedback) as well as instructional design, there typically is a positive impact on student engagement. Research also indicated that digital game-based learning along with collaboration can have a significant effect on student motivation, …

[Social Work] Newsletter, 2019, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Social Work.

Social Work Newsletter

Inside This Issue
-- Year in Review: Fall 2018-Spring 2019
-- Faculty Highlights
-- BSW Student Spotlight
-- MSW Student Spotlights
-- Alumni Spotlight
-- Student Services
-- Masters in Social Work Student Association
-- Highlights From the Field

Programs And Courses Catalog 2019-2020, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Programs and Courses Catalogs

This catalog is published for students and other persons who want to know more about the University of Northern Iowa. Its purpose is to communicate as objectively and completely as possible what the university is and what it does. The catalog is presented in sections to give a general view of the university as well as the detailed information required for informed decision making.

The Rhetoric Of Rhetorical Reactance: Pork Producers' Responses To The Animal Activist Movement, Kathleen German, Adam Rottinghaus

Iowa Journal of Communication

Animal activists made inroads against the fur industry, laboratory research, veal production, and horse slaughter during the 1980s and 1990s. While pork producers were not directly targeted, they nevertheless reacted, perceiving a dire threat to their own industry and a bleak future for pork production. This fear was magnified by their sense that activists were supported by a broad population of non/armers who were naively susceptible to irrational and emotional appeals. This case study points out the complexity of public discourse rippling outward from the animal rights movement. As animal activists raised their voices against fur ranchers, animal researchers, and …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Social Rejection During The First Year Of College: Exploring The Factors Of Communication Competence And Coping, Joshua R. Pederson, Kelly E. Tenzek, Dana Kloeber, Katie Striley, Jennifer Bender

Iowa Journal of Communication

Seeking belonging, some first-year college students struggle to connect socially and often experience social rejection. The goal of this study was to understand the nature and outcomes of social rejection experiences during the first year of college. A qualitative thematic analysis revealed that there are causes of rejection, sources from which the rejection is experienced, and outcomes of the experience. Statistical analyses tested associations between communication competence and coping behaviors and outcomes of rejection experiences such as loneliness and depression. Escape and avoidance coping behaviors were associated with reports of higher depression and loneliness. Implications of the study and future …

Making The Case: A College Physical And Mental Health Integration, Tamara L. Laursen

Iowa Journal of Communication

Much research has been done linking physical disorders and depressive disorders. Although this topic is highly relevant to college populations, administrative structures and clinical practices vary as to how college health, health promotion, and counseling services are delivered. Understanding current operational relationships and possible strengths and weaknesses of an integrated physical and mental health service can provide notable benefits for college students. Recognized standards exist for college health services, health promotion, and counseling services. Exploration of current integrated models offers an understanding of benefits and challenges encountered when establishing an integrated model. Health and well-being are life-long endeavors, and by …

An Investigation Of Pre-Service Teacher And Faculty Knowledge On Rti, Nichole M. Beckman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Response to Intervention (RTI) is being used in schools more often and continues to be a more accepted way to help students prior to the need for special education services. RTI is a three-tiered system of support that provides an opportunity for teachers to look at their instruction and curriculum and adjust based upon student progress and needs. The RTI framework, when implemented with fidelity, has been shown to effectively assist students get academic help early and limit the number of special education referrals (VanDerHeyden, Witt, & Gilbertson, 2007).

Although RTI has been shown to promote positive change in student …

Fall Commencement [Program], December 15, 2018, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

The program of the commencement ceremonies, including a list of institutional leadership, a list of the departments by college, awards given at the ceremonies, and a list of undergraduate and graduate degree candidates.

Second Grade Students Learn About Civil Engineers And Erosion, Andrea Earline Anderson, Jessica A. Meier

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

The integration of art into curricula focused on teaching science is a new perspective in education designed to reach a broader range of students. The current study examined the process of second-grade students participating in science and art activities through qualitative content analysis. The subjects of science and art were not taught to the students separately, rather, students engaged in both subjects simultaneously, in an integrated manner. Participants were 23 second-grade students (11 female and 12 male; age range 7 to 8 years) who were learning about erosion through sketching and creative construction and the work of civil engineers through …

Ecosystem Shake Up: An Environmental Change Adaptation Project, Hannah E. Morgan, Dana Atwood-Blaine, Audrey C. Rule

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This practical article reports an intriguing diorama project for third grade elementary students (ages 8-9 years). Students worked as partners to create dioramas of given ecosystems made in pizza boxes. Then, students rolled a die to determine a change in some environmental factor that affected the ecosystem. The students discussed how this change affected the ecosystem and made a second part of their diorama showing the ecosystem after the change. Finally, students made class presentations concerning their dioramas and ideas. A rubric for assessing the projects is included. Results of this science project indicate that students became deeply engrossed in …

Science Through Art: Motivating Gifted And Talented Students, Ksenia Zhbanova

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

Gifted and talented students have unique characteristics and needs. Arts Integration is an effective differentiation strategy that helps meeting these students’ needs. STEM subjects are easily and organically integrated with the Arts because scientific and artistic inquiry are very similar. This practical article describes an arts-integrated project that provided the gifted and talented participants with an increased level of challenge, an opportunity for self-expression and for building social skills, amplified motivation, and a chance to deepen and demonstrate their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social studies and English Language Arts. In this project, identified gifted students completed figural transformations …

Editorial: Arts Integration Allows Students The Opportunity To Be Original, Ksenia S. Zhbanova, Audrey C. Rule

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This editorial explores the other six articles in this issue 2 of volume 3 of the Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions to examine how originality is displayed and supported by art projects. Originality, is a quality or a characteristic of an idea, approach or product. Originality can be defined as newness or novelty. To be classified as original, an idea must be new. It does not have to have a utilitarian value, which is a requirement for an idea to be categorized as creative. Helping students develop originality is important because it allows the freedom to make any …

Uni Grad Student News, V17n2, December 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College.

UNI Grad Student News

Inside this Issue:

--Graduate College Events
--Alumni Profile
--Student Profile
--Faculty Profile
--Conferences
--Spring Challenge
--Thesis and Dissertation Reviewer and Digital Publications Coordinator Announced
--Graduate Council Student Representatives
--Alumni Association Benefits
--Student Accolades

Center For Educational Transformation, Research And Development Center Annual Report, November 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Center For Educational Transformation.

CET Communications and Reports

The annual report of the Center for Educational Transformation at the University of Northern Iowa

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, October 15, 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate College.

Engage, Empower, Act: A Cedar Valley Conference On Diversity & Inclusion [Program], 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Center For Multicultural Education.

Economic Inclusion Conference Documents

The program for the Engage, Empower, Act Conference on Diversity and Inclusion held October 12, 2018.

Uni Schedule Of Classes, Fall 2018, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

Csbs Kudos, Fall 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--Faculty Accolades
--Student Spotlight
--Departmental News
--New Faculty and Staff
--Alumni Highlights

Tobacco Cessation Outcomes: The Case For Milestone-Based Services, Disa L. Cornish, Ki Park, Mitchell Sj Avery

Health, Recreation, and Community Services Faculty Publications

NTRODUCTION This study focuses on a Midwest State's tobacco quitline. The purpose was to understand possible relationships between services provided and cessation rates.

METHODS The data examined in this study came from aggregated intake/treatment data and follow-up interview data. The overall response rate was 22.9%. Measures included quit rate, quit duration, length of services, number of services, stage of change, confidence to quit, and source of referral.

RESULTS The dataset included 1452 cases; 77% enrolled in services only once, 17% enrolled twice and 6% enrolled three or more times. Use of medication was higher among those who quit [chi(2)(1)=7.1, p=0.009, …

Women's And Gender Studies Newsletter, V1n1, Fall 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Women's And Gender Studies.

Women's and Gender Studies Newsletter

In This Issue:
--Our Students are Making a Difference
--A Letter From Our Director
--Meet Our Students
--WGS Spotlights
--WGS Affiliate Faculty
--Programming News
--Alumni Update
--Scholarships and Awards

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, September 24, 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate College.

Skooz Be Hat’In: My Story Navigating And Negotiating Standard American English, Lisa M. Westbrooks

Spect-actor: A Journal of Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed

In most education systems, African American Vernacular English is not considered a language or variety of English and students who speak it are coerced into using Standard American English only. Using autoethnographic methodology I examine my personal language navigation and negotiation of Standard American English and the oppression of language and identity that accompanied it. I use storytelling to draw the reader into my childhood memories and the drifting away of my first language. As a young student and English as a Second Language teacher I have learned from these experiences and share strategies so that others may successfully reduce …

Language Of Liberation? A Dialogue On Image Theatre Practice, Pavla Uppal, Wolfgang Vachon

Spect-actor: A Journal of Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed

Image work is a central and integral modality of Theatre of the Oppressed. This article examines liberatory, oppressive, and (at times) neglected aspects of Image work. Starting with the desire to know what the Image is really about, the authors invite the reader into a conversation by asking: why do we use Images, who are the Images for, how are Images experienced, and are they doing what is intended? Recognizing the inherent contradictions of using words alone to engage with Images, the authors employ a combination of text and photographs to facilitate this conversation.