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Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, January 2014, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- A Note from the Director
--- 2014/2015 Calendars
--- Iowa News
--- National News

Paying The Players: Payment Proposals For The Ncaa Football Bowl Subdivision, Donald Juan Hord Ii

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to identify the benefits of paying college football players in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision (NCAA FBS) in order to reduce exploitation of these student-athletes, and ultimately deem a payment proposal for further consideration by the NCAA. The paying of student-athletes is necessary because millions of dollars are made per year from these sporting events. Paying these student-athletes would reduce NCAA exploitation of student-athletes. An additional benefit of paying these student-athletes will be the reduction of extra-benefit violations. This reduction in violations will occur because the need for these student-athletes to …

The Effectiveness Of Flipped Classroom Learning In Higher Education : A Literature Review From 2009 To 2014, Samir Taha Amin

Graduate Research Papers

Some higher education institutes and some individual teachers have flipped their classrooms using the methodology of "lecture out, homework in" thus, enabling students to review lectures before classroom time. Teachers in tum- use classroom time for discussion and homework help instead of lectures. This review discusses the relationship between flipping classrooms and students' engagement and achievement. Studies used in this review were published between 2009 and 2014. The scope of this review is to investigate the effects of flipped classroom models on students' engagement and achievement in higher education. Many studies reported successful implementation of the flipped classroom. Results indicate …

Influencing Incoming Fourth Graders' Reading Habits Through A Summer Literature Circle: A Case Study, Brandy E. Bingman

Graduate Research Papers

Digital communications are profoundly influencing young adult communications; yet little is known about how novels that use digital communications such as text messages, e-mails, or blogs as the voice and point of view. The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to analyze how select young adult novels portray digital communications themes using the following research questions: What digital communication themes are portrayed in young adult literature that use digital communication as the voice and point of view? In what ways are the digital communication themes developed in these young adult novels? In what ways might these themes inspire young …

The Collaborative Relationship Between Teacher Librarians And Public Librarians, Jennifer J. Keltner

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research study is to develop an understanding of the collaborative relationships between teacher librarians and public librarians in Cedar County, Iowa, a region that includes five public school districts, seven public town libraries, and one branch of a county library system. Additionally, this research explores the potential role of public librarians in working with students on school curriculum and/or homework assignments. In conducting research, a survey was given to a variety of participants who serve teens or young adults through either public schools or public libraries in the research study area. Participants included school librarians, public …

Integrating Ipads Into The Elementary Physical Education Curriculum, Tyler M. Hellmann

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of integrating 1: 1 iPads into a Physical Education unit. The participants of this project were twenty-five six-graders, randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group, a physical education teacher and a technology teacher (teacher researcher). The preliminary finding from this one-month pilot study revealed a significant difference of the qualities of work between the two groups as a result of the implementation of iPads as a motivation factor for the experimental group. It also showed the classroom dynamics were better off with the experimental group when students and …

The Perceptions Of Teacher Librarians And Principals Regarding The Role Of The Teacher Librarian In The Implementation Of The Iowa Multi-Tiered System Of Supports, Katy A. Kauffman

Graduate Research Papers

The problem identified in this study is the lack of information regarding the role of the teacher librarian in the implementation of Iowa's Multi-Tiered System of Supports. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of teacher librarians and principals regarding the role of the teacher librarian in the implementation of the Iowa Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

In this descriptive study, a survey comprised of both closed- ended and open-ended questions was sent to each teacher librarian and head building principal in an Iowan suburban school district. Follow-up interviews were conducted with those respondents who indicated a willingness to …

Effectiveness Of Blended Learning On Student Engagement, Tyler Youngers

Graduate Research Papers

Despite the increase in 1:1 computing initiatives in K-12 schools and increased technology use in higher education for blended learning, there is little empirical evidence of significant gains in learning outcomes. The use of the 1:1 initiatives to support student blended learning is the intent and purpose, but improved learning outcomes will not occur solely from investment in devices. This review investigates the promises and emerging research evidence of effectiveness of blended learning as a way to augment learning initiatives both in K-12 and in the higher education settings. This review draws from 30 peer-reviewed studies published in academic journals, …

Why Don't They Read?, Cynde Duncan

Graduate Research Papers

Engaging all students in books and helping them develop the habit of reading is an important goal of every school librarian. In 2007 the National Endowments for the Arts compiled data in the report To Read or Not To Read that showed there was a decline in the frequency of leisure reading in students between the ages of nine and thirteen (NEA, 2007). The investigations in this study are in response to the findings of the National Endowments of the Arts (2007) report. In this study three research questions were investigated: (a) the differences in participating reluctant readers' total scores …

The Usefulness Of Graphic Novels As Information Sources For Nonfiction Reading, Sarah Holub

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to further understand students' ability to comprehend science content information after reading graphic novels. Students were also monitored for interest and enjoyment of the graphic novel format when reading about astronomy, Earth, and space. This descriptive study sought to describe what students learn about science content when reading from graphic novels, what changes occur in students' comprehension statements after reading graphic novels, and the interest and enjoyment students have when reading graphic novels. Participants met four times, for 45 minutes, to read and discuss graphic novels, as well as rate their interest and enjoyment …

Using The Apprenticeship Model In A Library Setting, Jennifer Sloan

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Apprenticeship Model for the teaching of information literacy skills. The research questions for this study were: (a) Will at least 70% of the participating students increase their scores on specific TRAILS Assessment items related to using information responsibly and ethically? (b) What improvements will students make towards the understanding of the responsible and ethical use of information? and (c) What best practices can be gained from the application of the Apprenticeship model to information literacy instruction?

Eighty-eight percent of the 25 students studied made gains by at least …

Mastery Climate In Physical Education And The Connection To Technology, Brett Delaney

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to investigate the efficacy of heart rate monitors and pedometers in a mastery climate setting in physical education class. Studies show that a mastery climate focuses on individual improvement which can lead to intrinsically regulated motivation in a physical education classroom. By creating a mastery climate you focus on individual learning, self-improvement, set optimally challenging task and effort, emphasize effort and progress using individual feedback, praise those who show improvement, and emphasize that making mistakes is part of the learning process. By incorporating personal technology devices such as pedometers and heart rate monitors, students …

In Defense Of Defense: A Statistical Look At Roster Construction, Coaching Strategy, And Team Defense In The National Basketball Association, Luke Ronald Peterson

Honors Program Theses

The three major organized sports featured in the United States – baseball, basketball, and football – cover the spectrum of analytic probability. Baseball, with its basic two parts, pitcher and batter, lies at the easy or low end of the analytic spectrum and so it was the first sport to be studied. From early baseball cards first appearing in the 1890s to The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstracts of the 1980s to the SABRmetrics of today, baseball coaches and fans everywhere are adding a page on analytic probability to their playbooks. Football lies at the high or difficult end of …

Activism And Offense : A Philosophical Analysis, Stef Mcgraw

Honors Program Theses

In the realm of interpersonal interactions, there are many pieces of conventional wisdom that dictate how most Americans ought to behave. One such example of this is that Americans ought to “do good” in the world. This could mean simply acting kindly to others, but more often it is meant as taking explicit action to promote positive change in the world. Another social norm is that Americans, particularly Iowans and other Midwesterners1 , ought to “avoid causing offense.” It is not difficult to see how these two norms sometimes collide, since positive change often entails the transformation of social norms …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Muddied Waters: Exploring Iowa's Water Policy And Practices, Jorgen D. Rose

Honors Program Theses

Clean, usable fresh water is a precious and valuable resource, but it is one that we often mistreat and misuse. Surface water in particular is extremely vulnerable to human actions and influences; nowhere is this more apparent than in agricultural states like Iowa, where nonpoint-source pollution (runoff) has a dramatic effect on our rivers, lakes, and streams. However, despite this continuing decline in the quality of Iowa’s water, there exists very little public policy aimed at dealing with the problems of nutrient contamination and other forms of nonpoint-source pollution. Furthermore, what policy does exist is either ineffective or insufficient. The …

Positional Plagiocephaly Among Tribal Societies And Contemporary Western Societies: A Comparison Of Treatments, Results, And Effects, Jacinda Rose Ruggles

Honors Program Theses

This study explores the two causes of positional plagiocephaly, or abnormal head shape in infants as well as effects and treatments. To do so, two groups were chosen for comparison: contemporary western societies and tribal Native American societies. In the first group, the medical condition known as positional plagiocephaly is considered before, during and after the Safe to Sleep campaign of the 1990’s. In the second group infant head flattening is discussed as a result of cradling practices and carrying techniques. The importance of this study is to contribute new insight into positional plagiocephaly and its treatments. The study combines …

Trauma-Informed Services And Trauma Awareness Among Staff On The College Campus, Tricia Wisniewski

Honors Program Theses

For college students to work through the effects of trauma and be able to live a more normalized life, the availability of effective trauma-informed services on campus environments is crucial. Therefore, I chose to investigate the availability of trauma-informed services to all students on the college campus. The purpose of this study is to examine the relatively unexplored area of trauma informed services in the context of college campus through survey methods at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In particular, this study focuses on trauma-informed services and employees’ trauma awareness in four service units on the UNI campus: the …

Gender Differences In Pay Expectations At Three Career Stages, Elijah Rogeay Seay

Honors Program Theses

Major and Konar (1984) found a difference between genders in pay expectations, but no difference in the perceived fairness of expected pay. In my study, I evaluated pay expectation differences in gender at three career stages. In previous studies, researchers have only looked at what individuals earn at the beginning and peak of their careers. I specifically examined both men and women and asked them to indicate their expected pay at the beginning, middle and end of their careers. In this study the main effect for gender was significant such that males had higher pay expectations than females. In addition, …

Medication Noncompliance In Patients Over The Age Of 65: Risk Factors, Problems, And Potential Solutions, Rachel N. Cook

Honors Program Theses

Medication noncompliance is linked with a complex medication regimen, poor drug knowledge, physical limitations, psychosocial characteristics, and poor communication. As important as this problem is to patients’ health especially those over the age of 65, there really is no solution to this problem or even steps to a solution. After interviewing eight care providers, I have come up with a few steps to begin solving this problem. These steps include a medication dispenser, communication between care providers, and education provided to patients by all care providers. In the end, there is no solution that will solve every case of medication …

Sustainability Of Sustainability: Exploring Alternatives In Alternative Energy, Corey C. Cooling

Honors Program Theses

In light of a gap in the literature of what makes or breaks student biodiesel conversion programs, this thesis will give a review and analysis of select existing biodiesel conversion programs and suggest a model reflecting the characteristics of successful student programs.

The study’s research questions are:

1. What are the common themes or factors successful programs exhibit?

2. What institutional factors create a productive environment for biodiesel programs?

3. Can the tactics of successful programs be generalized?

Firstly, I define successful programs as programs that are financially feasible, develop student skills, lower the environmental impact of universities and foster …

Association Between Parenting Processes And Child Behavior Outcomes: The Moderating And Mediating Role Of Child Characteristics, Taylor Elizabeth Ann Goetzinger

Honors Program Theses

Past research demonstrates the importance parents have in determining the outcomes in their children’s lives. Of these outcomes, child academic achievement is extremely important. In investigating past research on parenting practices and styles, factors such as parental monitoring and involvement as well as styles of authoritative, authoritarian and permissive parenting were examined to determine an association with academic achievement in middle school children. Learning disabilities, mental disorders, child personality characteristics and child academic characteristics were other measures explored as buffers in the parenting to academic achievement relationship. Mediating effects were also examined. The current study sampled 179 middle school students …

Patient Preference For Physician Prayer In Medical Situations, Blaine Mahlon Schlawin

Honors Program Theses

As medical issues present themselves in an individual’s life, some may resort to religion and spirituality. Because health care providers care for the individual, these practitioners need to be aware of the connections that occur within the realm of spirituality and medicine. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of physician use of prayer during medical visits in a sample of adults. Specifically, four research questions were examined: Overall, do patients want their physicians praying for them? Overall, do patients prefer a certain type of physician prayer (i.e., active, silent or physician distant intercessory prayer)? Does …

Latitude And Environmental Pressure: Their Impact On Carapace Morphology In Three Species Of Fiddler Crabs (Genus Uca) Across The Atlantic Ocean, Katherine Susannah Mary Thomas

Honors Program Theses

Among semi-terrestrial fiddler crabs, three species from the subgenus Uca (sensu stricto) appear to be basal in the phylogeny of the genus: Uca major (Herbst 1782-1804), Uca maracoani (Latreille 1802-1803) and Uca tangeri (Eydoux 1835). These species evolved vicariantly as tectonic plates separated to form the Atlantic Ocean. Currently, the three species, found in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, exhibit a high affinity for their respective tectonic plates. Inter- and intra-specific variation in carapace shape was assessed using geometric morphometrics to analyze 12 surface landmarks in the three species. In 314 female specimens, surficial coordinates were superimposed, standardized, and …

Excavation And Stratigraphic Analysis Of A Late Nineteenth Century Boiler House, Ariel Marie Williams

Honors Program Theses

An archaeological excavation was carried out in November of 2013 on the block of 13th and Tremont Streets in the city of Cedar Falls, Blackhawk County, Iowa. The site examined was home to a late nineteenth century boiler house that powered several greenhouses on the property. Greenhouses occupy a distinctive industrial niche and have rarely been studied using an archaeological approach. The goals in excavating at the boiler house site were to determine what formation processes led to the creation of the stratigraphy as initially observed by the property owner, and what the layers and artifacts recovered from them tell …

Landscape, Demographic And Climatic Associations With Human West Nile Virus Occurrence Regionally In 2012 In The United States Of America, John P. Degroote, Ramanathan Sugumaran, Mark Ecker

Faculty Work

After several years of low West Nile virus (WNV) occurrence in the United States of America (USA), 2012 witnessed large outbreaks in several parts of the country. In order to understand the outbreak dynamics, spatial clustering and landscape, demographic and climatic associations with WNV occurrence were investigated at a regional level in the USA. Previous research has demonstrated that there are a handful of prominent WNV mosquito vectors with varying ecological requirements responsible for WNV transmission in the USA. Published range maps of these important vectors were georeferenced and used to define eight functional ecological regions in the coterminous USA. …

Front Matter - Table Of Contents - Preface

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Long-Distance Versus Geographically Close Romantic Relationships: Relational Maintenance, Satisfaction, And Affectionate Communication On Facebook, Christina J. Gentile, Autumn Edwards

Iowa Journal of Communication

In this study, individuals in long-distance and geographically close romantic relationships were surveyed to determine whether there were differences in regards to relationship maintenance, relationship satisfaction, and affectionate communication via Facebook. Further, this study explored whether individuals differed on the aforementioned dependent variables by attachment style. The results of this study suggest that there are few differences in relationship-oriented Facebook use for individuals with varying attachment styles and relationship types, and that Facebook likely is not a primary medium individuals use to communicate with a romantic partner. However, utilizing Facebook was found to be beneficial for relationship satisfaction.

Crisis Narratives And The Role Of Government: Comparing Ronald Reagan's And Barack Obama's National Convention Addresses, James T. Petre

Iowa Journal of Communication

The U.S. American elections of 1980 and 2008 both occurred during times of crisis and often drew comparisons to one another during the 2008 campaign. As candidates delivering their respective National Convention Nomination Acceptance Addresses, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama constructed crisis narratives that blamed the ongoing crisis on the opposing party, and presented a vision of how, as president, each would lead the nation out of the crisis. Explored here is how both candidates' construction of crisis narratives worked to situate campaign issues in favorable terms and invited a reconsideration of the relationship between citizens and their government.

Feminist Students' Perceived Barriers To Feminist Activism In The Heartland, Amy Aldridge Sanford

Iowa Journal of Communication

Scholars of communication studies, out of departmental necessity or personal consciousness, are often called to teach courses with social justice at the center. Courses like intercultural communication and gender communication are popular cross-listed courses for interdisciplinary programs, including the most popular interdisciplinary program in the country--women's and gender studies. The Feminist Identification Model recognizes activism as the 5th and final stage of feminist development. Seventeen students at a regional Midwestern university share their thoughts about feminist activism and the barriers to activism they perceive after completing courses in women's and gender studies. Barriers included: (a) financial and family responsibilities, (b) …