Digital Commons Network^™

The Women Superintendents Of Iowa: A 1990'S Analysis, Joen M. Rottler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Historically, Iowa has had few women superintendents of K-12 public schools. Societal changes, political changes, and legislation, such as affirmative action, have had no impact on gender balance in the superintendency in Iowa. The number of women superintendents in Iowa remains low. Of 397 superintendents in Iowa, during 1993-94, only 14 were women. This qualitative study examines the characteristics of current women superintendents of Iowa. Specifically, the following aspects of career development were examined: childhood and adolescent characteristics, personal and professional characteristics, and career path. The experience of being a woman superintendent and gender related aspects of leadership were also …

Use Of Learning Theories In Media Design, Janet Adams

Graduate Research Papers

This review discusses learning theories such as dimensions of learning, multiple intelligences, reading-learning styles, constructivism, and brain research. It looks at software design, multimedia programs and some experimental programs that are making attempts to integrate these theories into the design of technology.

Female Aggression In Semi-Contact Sports, Karla Ann Sipple

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate female aggression in semi-contact sport. More specifically, two areas were examined: the types of aggression, hostile or instrumental, that occurred in girls basketball and soccer and the types of aggression that were committed within both sports. The subjects (N = 57) for this study were female athletes ( ages 15-18) who were sampled from various Midwestern high schools: basketball athletes (n = 32) and soccer athletes (n = 25). Subjects responded to a modified form of the Bredemeier Athletic Aggression Inventory (BAAGI-S). One way ANOVA's indicated non-significant differences for the …

Cooperative Learning: Benefits, Drawbacks, And Viability, Drew Delong

Graduate Research Papers

In this review, existing evidence as to the potential benefits of cooperative learning for instruction were explored. A definition of cooperative learning was generated as well as an effective method of implementation. Experts, teachers, parents, and students were utilized as sources for analyzing the benefits and drawbacks to using cooperative learning in schools. The results of the review indicate that cooperative learning is an effective and viable method of instruction today, which should continue to be used in the future.

Women Characters In The Plays By Tennessee Williams, Marina V. Zakharova

Graduate Research Papers

Tennessee Williams is one of the most important figures in American dramaturgy of the twentieth century. His drama expresses the main points of American contemporary culture. The complex dramatic world created by Williams consists of many levels and components. One of the fundamental themes on which Williams' theater is based is a theme of the dying "noble" tradition of the Southern life style and its conflict with the rigid and pragmatic modern world.

This conflict is presented from the point of view of action and characters as a conflict between reality and illusion, the collision of sensitive and brutal and …

A Case Study: Factors Contributing To Choice Of Group Categorization In One Biracial Youth, Diane Joyce Simpson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors contributing to choice of group categorization as described in Poston's (1990) Biracial Identity Development Model in one biracial youth. This problem was approached through a critique of the current literature and grounded on a case study of one subject. A content analysis of the interview data was conducted by utilizing the criteria variables in stage two of Poston's (1990) Biracial Identity Development Model. The case study was used to investigate those factors postulated in stage two of the model, Choice of Group Categorization. It was hypothesized that the biracial child …

Is The Internet High Performance Technology?, John Semprini

Graduate Research Papers

The intent of this review is to show that the Internet is high performance technology. The review will define indicators of high performance technology that were developed by experts in the field. These indicators can be used to assess the effectiveness of various technologies that are available in schools. The review will then show that the Internet achieves high performance in each area. A technology that meets high performance in all twenty indicators should be considered high performance technology.

An Interdisciplinary Activity: Murder Mystery, Deanne L. Ulrich

Graduate Research Papers

Do interdisciplinary activities provide students with an understanding of how skills learned in different subject areas are interrelated in the real world? Do teachers feel that interdisciplinary activities are a necessary part of the regular curriculum? To gather information on these questions, a study was planned to focus on the murder mystery activity that was conducted over a four-week period at Bunger School of Technology in March and April of 1996

The Presence Of Developmental Role Models In Iowa Teen Award Fiction, Ann Jenette Dea

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if the choice of winning fiction titles by Iowa teens in the Iowa Teen Award Competition reflect developmental role models. This study was a content analysis using the Havighurst Tasks of Adolescence as categories to record the frequency of the occurrence of developmental tasks by main characters of the Iowa Teen Award Winners and Runnersup, 1984-1994. The research findings of this study showed that today's Iowa Teen Award winners and contenders reflected all of Havighurst' s Developmental Tasks. It fmther showed that the developmental tasks attempted or accomplished by the main characters …

Portrayal Of Homelessness In Children’S And Young Adult Fiction, Susan J. Myers

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to compare the portrayal of homelessness in children's and young adult fiction books to the findings in known research. This study was a content analysis using a checklist to record the presence of individual characteristics, family background traits, and diversity among the homeless leading characters in each selected book. The portrayal of the homeless leading characters was found to be consistent with known research in the areas of individual characteristics and family backgrounds. Although the data concerning the diversity of gender was found to be consistent with known research, the data representing the diversity …

Examining Play Through A Vygotskian Perspective, Pamela Novy

Graduate Research Papers

This graduate research article titled "Examining Play Through a Vygotskian Perspective" is to inform practicing educators of the work of Lev Vygotsky. The role of play in the early childhood classroom is discussed. The techniques of scaffolding and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) are defined. Strategies were provided in this article for implementing a Vygotskian theory based program. Examples integrating the methods of scaffolding and the ZPD are provided as a technique to enhance play.

The Provision Of Educational Programs For Adolescent Parents: A Survey Of The Literature, Susan L. Cook

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

A Literature-Based Thematic Unit For A Multi-Age Classroom, Diane C. Beard

Graduate Research Papers

The development of a literature-based integrated science unit for a multi-age classroom of 6- to 8-year-olds is based on a review of professional literature and a search of library materials for children. The integrated science unit on Iowa Owls and Bats allows children the opportunity to study animal life in their neighborhood, thus developing a better understanding of the real world around them. The print rich environment with a whole array of literature genres and developmentally appropriate expressive activities gives the children a secure and predictable environment in which to learn and grow socially, mentally, emotionally and physically. This integrated …

The Vital Element, Jennifer Mcnab

Graduate Research Papers

Integrating technology into curriculum requires educators to have a working knowledge of using technology in the educational setting. However, technology integration is often an oversight in staff development. Educators are more likely to use technology to their full potential if a support system is in place and proper training of how to use technology in their classroom is available.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators use computers to enhance the learning experience for students. Educators from around the United States answered the request for sharing motivational ideas for incorporating computers into the classroom. These innovative activities …

The Effects Of Herbicides On Microbial And Mycorrhizal Populations In Native Prairie, Corn, And Non-Native Prairie Vegetation, Using The Biolog Technique, Susann E. Ahrabi-Fard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Soil bioremediation has primarily focused on the use of free living, actively growing microorganisms to degrade toxic organic substances. Recently, however, plants and rhizosphere activity, including mycorrhizal fungi have been increasingly studied to determine the role that consortial assemblages may play in bioremediation. While the enhanced absorbtion of nutrients, water, and minerals by mycorrhizal fungi has been well documented, less is known about their role in the degradation of soil contaminants. Using the Biolog plate technique, microbial communities were characterized in Native Prairie, Corn, and Non-Native Prairie vegetative strips prior to, and after two applications of Acetachlor, Alachlor, and Atrazine. …

The Role Of Narrative In Public Speaking, Takis Poulakos, Marie Nasta, Dave Hoffman, Tom Lacey, Valerie Peterson, Marilyn Bordwell, Tom Lindsey, John Nicholson

Iowa Journal of Communication

One of the most pleasant tasks we have had as instructors in the Speaking Lab over the last two semesters was helping students with their first speech. For unlike other speeches, the objectives of the introductory speech seemed to be the clearest and the most uniform. In a department that houses more than one-hundred TAs, that welcomes diverse approaches to teaching public speaking, and that has no standardized syllabus, speaking assignments with uniform goals are obviously rare. We were pleasantly surprised, therefore, to learn from Rhetoric instructors and students who visited the Speaking Lab how closely related assignments for Speech …

Influence Of Physical Fitness On Susceptibility To Noise-Induced Temporary Threshold Shift In Females, Stacy Claire Bukatz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated the influence of physical fitness on susceptibility to noise-induced temporary hearing loss in 33 females of various fitness levels, and the relationship between temporary threshold shift (TTS) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements. Behavioral audiometric thresholds and DPOAE measurements were obtained at 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz prior to and immediately after 10 minutes of exposure to 108-dB SPL narrow-band noise centered at 2000 Hz. The greatest TTS and largest reduction in DPOAE amplitude occurred at·3000 Hz. However, no significant correlation was observed between TTS and DPOAE at any frequency or between any of the …

Motivating Factors Of Volunteers Serving Medicare Certified Hospice Programs, Andrew Wixcel

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study was designed to identify factors which motivate volunteers to work with terminally ill patients in Medicare certified hospice programs in Iowa. The study was delimited to volunteers of the 40 Medicare certified hospice programs existing in Iowa at the time the study was executed. Results of the study were based on responses received from 205 (52%) of the 400 questionnaires distributed. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data. Subjects used a Likert scale to rate the importance of 12 specific reasons to volunteer to work with a hospice program. The need to help others was rated as …

Is There Time For Elementary School Science?, Sharon K. Coltvet

Graduate Research Papers

I was made acutely aware of the lack of science education in the elementary grades during a spring, 1995, class at the University of Northern Iowa, entitled Analysis and Improvement of Science in the Elementary Classroom. Currently in American schools, elementary science classes receive a mere 10% of the instructional time (Abell & Roth, 1992). As an elementary teacher of 25 years in second, third and fourth grades, I know this was true in my classroom as well as being a generally accepted practice among other elementary teachers. During my preservice preparation the emphasis of college training and student teaching …

Rn And Lpn Perceptions Of Front-Line Delegation, Martha E. Colwell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Healthcare organizations face increasing demands to provide the most efficient and economical care possible. Emerging patient care delivery systems require that front-line RNs take on a broader scope of responsibility for patient care, particularly in the area of delegation. Research identifies that staff RNs experience much difficulty in delegating patient care (Conger, 1993; Hansten & Washburn, 1994). The purpose of this study was to explore RN and LPN perceptions of front-line delegation in their working relationships. In particular, the study sought to: (a) determine how changing roles of RNs and LPNs influenced front-line delegation; (b) answer how RNs viewed front-line …

All Our Days Are Numbered --: Journey Through Breast Cancer With Traditional And Alternative Medicine, Tomma Lou Maas

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

All Our Days Are Numbered--Joumey Through Breast Cancer with Traditional and Alternative Medicine brings hope to women who must face breast cancer. In four books, Lorna Jordan shares the events leading up to her disease; her traditional breast cancer experience; her search for alternative medicine which will improve her health; and her journey into good health. Book One, "In the Beginning," presents evidence of Lorna's developing ill health. Beginning in adolescence, Lorna's exposure to mercury, antibiotics, and DDT contribute to her poor health. Later, in early adulthood, she begins to have mood shifts and menstrual disorders. When she takes birth-control …

Youth-Serving Agency's Prevention And Intervention Programs For Gangs, Julianne Gassman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to describe the perception of directors of youth-serving agencies on what prevention and intervention programs have been implemented by youth-serving agencies in eastern Iowa. Directors of youth-serving agencies in the following cities in Iowa answered the questionnaire (Gang Program Assessment Questionnaire): Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Coralville, Adel, Ankeny, Bondurant, Indianola, Johnston, Knoxville, Nevada, Newton, Pella, Pleasant Hill, Ames, Des Moines, Makquoketa, and Urbandale.

The Gang Assessment Program Questionnaire was used to analyze the extent to which gangs were perceived as active in each city as well as expectations for …

Dimensions Of Social Support: Cardiac Patients And Their Spouses, Nichole Louise Egbert

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Social support has been shown to benefit the recovery of cardiac patients on many levels. However, this general conclusion has not yet been conclusively defined regarding variables such as the role of gender in the provision and receipt of support and the specific effects of the marriage relationship on the healing process. Furthermore, researchers are still working on the best construct to describe and operationalize the various types and modes of social support for the cardiac patient. This study investigated how men as compared to women, and patients as compared to spouses reported the frequency and value of 4 different …

Japan And Southeast Asia: Conflict And Cooperation In Environmental Policymaking, Mika Itoh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

For a long period, it was strongly believed that industrialization was necessary for economic development, and little attention was paid to the possible effects of rapid industrialization on society and environment. Japan was not an exception for this regard. After the Second World War, Japan's economy developed very rapidly, however, this rapid economic growth didn't bring only good side of the story but also the bad side of story. While the quality of living standard was improved greatly due to its economic development, its environment suffered and many Japanese people have suffered from unexpected consequences. By the mid 1960s, Japan …

An Examination Of The Environmental Issues Instruction Program: Student Attitude, Knowledge, And Subsequent Student Behaviors, Randi Montag Peterson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Environmental Issues Instruction program as an environmental education delivery method, linking environmental education with student attitudes towards environmental issues, student knowledge of individual environmental issues, and subsequent student behaviors. The study utilized a one group pre-post test design. No control group was used. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant gains in student's pre-to-post test scores for the variables. "Student Attitudes About Environmental Issues," "Knowledge of Specific Environmental Issues," and "Solving Environmental Issues." Environmental education is a process that leads to responsible individual and group actions. Research has shown (Childress, …

Fall Commencement [Program], December 16, 1995, 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.

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, December 11, 1995, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Uni Schedule Of Classes, Fall 1995, 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.

A Profile Of Students Enrolled At The University Of Northern Iowa, Fall Semester 1995, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Preface
--- Profile Summary
--- Section I: Total Student Enrollment for Fall Semester 1995
--- Section II: New Students Entering UNI Fall Semester 1995
--- Section III: Miscellaneous

Earth News, Fall 1995, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Staff News
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter
--- Revised Earth Science Seminar, Spring 1995
--- Earth Science Seminar, Fall 1995
--- Graduating Senors - Department of Earth Science
--- Fifth Annual Iowa Space Conference, October 27-28, 1995
--- Spring Trip, 1995
--- News from Alumni