Digital Commons Network^™

Graceful Colorings And Connection In Graphs, Alexis D. Byers

Dissertations

For a graph G of size m, a graceful labeling of G is an injective function f : V (G) → {0, 1, . . . , m} that gives rise to a bijective function f ¹ : E(G) → {1, 2, . . . , m} defined by f ¹(uv) = |f (u) − f (v)|. A graph is graceful if it has a graceful labeling. Over the years, a number of variations of graceful …

Effects Of Multi-Day Music Enrichment On Salivary Cortisol And Cage Behavior In Shelter Dogs, Stacy D. Engerbretson

Dissertations

Rehoming shelters provide their animals with environmental enrichment with the expectation that modifying the physical space will improve kennel-related stress and subsequently abate undesirable behaviors. Although enrichment has shown moderate success at improving in-kennel behavior, increased use of physiological measurements of stress, such as cortisol, has garnered doubt as to which canine behaviors are truly elicited by a biological state of distress. Consequently, it is unknown if past examples of successful kennel enrichment decreased biological stress in addition to affecting behavior. This study explored music’s effect on salivary cortisol and music’s potential as a long-term, kennel enrichment strategy. Shelter dogs …

Teaching Matching-To-Sample To Low-Performing Children With Autism, Blaire E. Michelin

Dissertations

Matching-to-sample is a basic procedure used in most programs for pre-school children with autism. However, a few children fail to acquire this skill with standard matching-to-sample procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate an alternative method for teaching matching-to-sample to those children when the traditional methods are likely to fail. First, simple discriminations with the matching materials were taught, then the discriminations were made more complex across successive sessions. Initially, all discriminations were taught using bins to separate the comparison stimuli. All three children acquired matching-to-sample, which generalized to matching novel two-dimensional stimuli, not placed in bins.

The Lived Experience Of New Community College Student Affairs Professionals, Eric L. Mullen

Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the experiences of new student affairs professionals who have begun their careers at community colleges. Research in the field of higher education has examined the preparation and socialization of new professionals within the field of higher education student affairs. However, this body of research has primarily focused on the experiences of those who go on to work in four-year colleges and universities. Little has been examined regarding those who graduate from these programs and whose first professional role is in a community college setting.

Through this phenomenological inquiry, the participants share rich details about their socialization …

Ten Elementary School Teachers’ Voices: How They Build Effective Literacy Learning In The Lives Of Their 2nd Grade Children, Merfat Ayesh Alsubaie

Dissertations

It is important to support teachers to adapt and apply effective literacy instruction strategies. Teachers may receive support from many sources, such as pre-service developers, principals, supervisors, literacy coaches, parents, colleagues and peer teachers. Perhaps most importantly, the teaching of literacy requires the support of the principal, literacy coach, and others who can collaborate with the classroom teacher to implement effective literacy instruction and strategies (Vallejo & Wren, 2009; Cole, 2008). All of these supports play a role in effectively achieving high literacy levels among students (Cole, 2008). Thus, teachers should work to maximize the benefit they receive from these …

Instructor Sense Of Community And Instructional Practices As Predictors Of Student Sense Of Community: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Analysis, Laurie K. Burgess

Dissertations

A positive sense of community (SoC) in the college classroom supports student learning and increases student engagement and motivation. While previous research has examined SoC, studies have typically investigated students’ perceptions. This quantitative cross-sectional study investigates both instructor and students’ perceptions of SoC in traditional undergraduate classrooms. Study participants include full-time instructors, and students from 36 undergraduate classes in three institutions located in a Midwestern state. Students completed Rovai’s (2002a) Classroom Community Scale; instructors completed a remodified Classroom Community Scale and the Postsecondary Instructional Practices Survey (Walter, Henderson, Beach, & Williams, 2016).

This study uses hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to …

Exploring The Role Of Semi-Supervised Deep Reinforcement Learning And Ensemble Methods In Support Of The Internet Of Things, Mehdi Mohammadi

Dissertations

Smart services are an important element of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem where insights are drawn from raw data through the use of machine learning techniques. However, the pathway to develop IoT smart services is complicated as IoT data presents several challenges for machine learning, including handling big data, shortage of labeled data, and the need to benefit from the spatio-temporal relations hidden in the training data.

In this dissertation, after reviewing the state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques and their use in support of IoT applications, this study proposes to extend DRL to semi-supervised …

Effects Of Generalized Imitation Training On Functional Speech Acquisition During Picture Exchange Communication System (Pecs) Training, Mindy K. Newhouse-Oisten

Dissertations

The current literature regarding the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) demonstrates that some individuals diagnosed with autism acquire speech or gain increases in speech during PECS training; however, the current research base has several limitations. There is a lack of research regarding possible explanations for those speech gains, including possible pre-requisite skills for speech acquisition or procedures that can account for speech acquisition. Some research suggests a link between imitation (both motor and vocal) and language acquisition. The current study examined whether individuals with a generalized motor imitative repertoire are more likely to develop speech during PECS training than individuals …

The Bellringer Sequence: Investigating What And How Preservice Mathematics Teachers Learn Through Pedagogies Of Enactment, Mary A. Ochieng

Dissertations

This study examines preservice teacher learning through pedagogies of enactment—approaches to teacher education that allow preservice teachers to learn by doing what teachers do. Preservice teacher (PST) learning is examined through the implementation of the Bellringer Sequence (BRS), a pedagogy of enactment conceptualized in the study. The BRS is centered around bellringers—brief mathematical tasks implemented as students arrive for class. The BRS is a sequence of four activities centered on a bellringer: preparation (for teaching a bellringer) implementation (of the bellringer with peers), debriefing (discussing the implementation as colleagues), and written reflection (about the effectiveness of the bellringer).

Practice-based approaches …

The Effects Of Peer Observation On Teacher Intervention Integrity, Garrett D. Warrilow

Dissertations

The observer effect is a term used to describe a process during which an observer's behavior changes as they measure the behavior of another individual. The observer effect has been widely studied in organizational behavior management but has limited research with teachers in schools. The current study sought to use the observer effect as part of a teacher training package by evaluating the effects of peer observations on an observing teacher's implementation integrity of components of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. Participants were four middle school teachers of students in general education classrooms. The primary dependent variables …

An Integrated Mixed Methods Study To Construct A Usable Model For Impact Evaluation Capacity Development, Corey D. Smith

Dissertations

To mitigate problems that development practitioners, evaluation managers, funders, and evaluators might face when considering how to plan and implement impact evaluations, there is a need for increased clarity around these issues. The primary purpose of this research was to build upon the results of a group concept mapping (GCM) study conducted at the International Labour Organization to examine two related, but separate issues: (1) what are the perceptions of evaluators and international development practitioners with regards to elements of organizational impact evaluation capacity? and (2) how do the responses of a larger group of evaluators and development practitioners either …

An Integrated Decision Support Framework For Life-Cycle Building Asset Management, Maha Reda Alkasisbeh

Dissertations

Building assets are essential to the economic, cultural, and historical growth of any nation. Examples of buildings include shelters, entertainment facilities, living spaces, teaching facilities, civil offices, parking structures, police buildings, libraries, and service areas used to accommodate human activity. Deterioration of building assets, inadequate renewal budgets, climbing deficits, and increasing demand levels are difficulties that face owners when managing building assets. The role of asset management has recently become significant in municipal governments for strategic, operational, and financial reasons. The main functions of an asset management system include assessment of the current condition, prediction of future deterioration, asset prioritization, …

Effective Teaching And Learning: Flipped Learning In The Classroom, Mohammed Fahad Alsobaie

Dissertations

It is important that adequate knowledge concerning how flipped learning can be implemented in a classroom to support students learning in elementary schools (Backlund, Hirsh & Segolsson, 2017). This is a qualitative study, which used a general qualitative approach to explore teachers’ perspectives and their experiences about flipped learning effectiveness in classrooms at the elementary school level. The population and sample in this study were five elementary school teachers in urban locations in the Midwest region of the United States who utilize flipped learning in their classrooms. The data on the use and impact of flipped learning on teaching and …

Plant U-Box Proteins 25 And 26 Are Involved In Regulation Of Crosstalk Between Salicylate And Jasmonate Signaling Pathways, Dustin C. Rowland

Masters Theses

The jasmonic (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling systems regulate diverse plant developmental processes and immune responses. Due to the opposite end-goals of various pathogen-response pathways, a certain level of antagonism between the JA and SA pathways is required. However, over-suppression of any single pathway would leave a plant susceptible to invasion by a specific class of pathogen. We investigate the regulation of crosstalk between the JA- and SA-mediated immune pathways and how the dilemma of specific susceptibility may be avoided. Manipulation of Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes was utilized to determine the effects of protein knockout on pathogen-specific susceptibility and resistance. …

16-07 Blame-The-Victim Policy Narratives And State-Level Transportation Policy Decisions, Stephen Mattingly, Karabi Bezboruah, Jennifer Sloan, Saeed Reza Ramezanpour Nargesi, Ayushi Mahiyar

Transportation Research Center Reports

Policy literature discusses the intersection of media, public opinion, and politics, and their impact on public policy. This study examines if media reports regarding bicyclist and pedestrian crashes appear important in shaping the policy narrative that defines the event. The research seeks to understand the effects of policy narratives on transportation policy decisions to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. The report investigates the relationship between policy narratives that cast pedestrians and bicyclists as “guilty villains” versus “innocent victims” and the policy tools used to improve safety in local communities exist.

Content analysis of different media sources generates the …

New Vice President For Marketing And Strategic Communication, Edward Montgomery

WMU President Edward Montgomery

President Edward Montgomery's message about the new vice president for marketing and strategic communication.

Faculty Retirement Recognition Dinner 2018, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

Faculty Retirement Recognition Dinner Program

May 21, 2018

Honored Guests:

• Jane T. Baas
• Michael J. Barcelona
• Bruce E. Bejcek
• Debra S. Berkey
• Denise J. Bowen
• Walter L. Burt
• Janet L. Coryell
• Douglas V. Davidson
• Richard dePeaux
• Alice J. DeYoung
• Linda A. Dove
• John M. Dunn
• Robert W. Felkel
• James A. Gilchrist
• James M. Hillenbrand
• David G. Houghton
• Miranda Howard
• Barbara S. Liggett
• Steven N. Lipkin
• David E. Little
• Robin E. McKinney
• Rameshwar P. Sharma
• Edmund Tsang
• Linda H. Zoeller

Western News, May 10, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Wisconsin educator to lead HHS college; WMU preparing for switch to consolidated dispatch; Two geological research efforts garner rare national recognition; On Campus with Debbi Hands Kreps.

Western News, May 24, 2018, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Ball State business dean named provost; Seita foster youth effort garners national acclaim; Leadership openings result in appointment, ongoing searches; On Campus with Justine Foster.

Connections, 05/2018, College Of Health And Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter

• Wisconsin educator will lead CHHS
• Dean Washington recognized by nursing association
• Empower Success program complete successful first year
• Faculty member named AGHE Fellow
• PA student attends leadership summit

53rd International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 53rd International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 10-13, 2018), including the Corrigenda.

Positive Discipline As A Part Of Effective Classroom Management, Allison Stevens

Honors Theses

This study was driven by the researcher’s interest in learning more about classroom management, and in particular, how experienced teachers thought about positive discipline as part of a management system. The researcher was a teaching intern in an elementary suburban school, where she interviewed 5 teachers and the building principal about classroom management and positive discipline. Interviews were transcribed, and patterns across responses were sought. Findings revealed common pieces of effective classroom management: 1) setting clear expectations and rules, 2) consistency in applying rules and expectations, and 3) having good parent communication. All teachers used tangible extrinsic rewards to motivate …

Intercultural Communication In The U.S. And Japan, Annelise Wilp

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare two groups: Japanese students studying or who have studied at American universities, and Americans who are studying or have studied at Japanese universities. The inclusionary criteria were American students who had studied at a Japanese university and Japanese students who had studied at an American university. Exclusionary criteria were those who did not meet the criteria above. Prospective participants were invited to participate through Facebook and email. Interviews were conducted either faceto- face at the Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University, or by telephone. Prospective participants were informed of the purpose of …

Impact Of 2001 - 2016 Supreme Court Establishment Clause Cases, Nicole Cumming

Honors Theses

This study will look at United States Supreme Court Establishment Clause cases from 2001-2016. During those 16 years, the Court decided 1,276 cases. Only 10 of those cases dealt with the establishment clause.

At an absolute minimum, the Establishment Clause was intended to prohibit the federal government from declaring and financially supporting a national religion, which existed in many other countries at the time of America's founding. This idea has become vital to the values Americans hold dear. Throughout history, religious freedom and tolerance have been celebrated, and most of that is due to the Establishment Clause. However, there is …

Ministry With Community: Analysis Of Public Relations Issues And Proposed Solutions, Sarah Piper

Honors Theses

Although Millennials are not yet in their primacy as nonprofit donors, forward-thinking nonprofits are changing how they conduct business to better engage millennials in anticipation of their future rise to primacy. Accommodating the desires and expectations unique to the members of this generation is challenging for many organizations because effectively engaging with millennials requires a shift in organizational communication and engagement practices. This project seeks to build a body of relevant knowledge that can be used by Ministry with Community, a local nonprofit organization, to evolve its current engagement and communication practices to better appeal to local millennials. To build …

The Role Of Social Media In Small Museums In Michigan, Kaitlin Mcgrath

Honors Theses

Social media is now firmly ingrained in the daily life of many people. In order for museums to remain relevant in society, institutions like museums need to learn how to integrate this new technology into their practices. Small museums especially may have the most to gain from utilizing this technology in their institutions. These museums usually do not have access to as many resources as their larger counterparts. The challenge for museums is knowing how to use social media effectively. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of social media in museums with a focus on small …

The Changing Geopolitical Dynamics Of The Middle East And Their Impact On Israeli-Palestinian Peace Efforts, Daniel Bucksbaum

Honors Theses

In this thesis the status and feasibility of the two-state solution, the primary and most widely-accepted potential resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be analyzed. It considers aspects such as physical challenges (geography and topography of the land), regressive and damaging actions to the peace process by Israelis and Palestinians, and the newly developing changes in regional alliances and interests in the Middle East. The status of the traditional two-state solution, due to its history, obstacles, and current regional developments, has implications for future negotiations and have changed the direction of peace talks. Dramatic shifts in regional interests and the …

American Muslim Women: Feminism, Equality, And Difference, Amber Coniglio

Honors Theses

American Muslim women face constant surveillance, stress, and pressure to change and adapt to mainstream society. In the United States, Muslim women find ways to negotiate their identities, express their concerns, and learn through their faith by means of Islamic scholarship, Islamic feminism, and reinterpretations of the Quran. They are reconciling their multifaceted identities with better understanding of sacred text as well as solidifying their desired gender roles within their communities. They are challenging norms and creating new spaces for themselves within the ummah as well as the United States. American Muslim women find courage, strength, and autonomy through Islamic …

Increasing Waiting And Turn-Taking Among Preschool Aged Children With A Verbal-Delay Diagnosis, Alexa Hill

Honors Theses

The goal of this thesis was to create and implement an intervention that used errorless teaching and focused on increasing a sharing and waiting response for a student who had a verbal delay diagnosis. The two students involved in the project were both two-year-olds who attended an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom with other preschool-aged children who had similar diagnoses. A single-subject simple baseline design was used and involved several phases designed with multiple responses to show the effectiveness of icons to facilitate sharing among two non-verbal students. Each response was prompted (when necessary) and they were all reinforced …

The Context For An Undergraduate Research Program At Western Michigan University, Nathan Browning

Honors Theses

This thesis is an investigation into undergraduate research, experiential learning, and creative scholarship as it relates to Western Michigan University (WMU). Data mining was used to analyze the state of undergraduate research activity (URA) nationally. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups were used to examine both faculty and undergraduate opinion of the state of URA specifically at WMU. The goal of this thesis is to help establish a framework for what a successful undergraduate research program would look like at WMU.

Previous literature shows benefits for both institutions and students, including higher retention rates, stronger graduate outcomes, and increased satisfaction levels …