Digital Commons Network^™

Music Integration And Self-Efficacy Among Middle School Teachers, Cassandra L. Weiss

Dissertations

Middle school teachers have a difficult task of finding new and creative ways to help their students achieve academic success. Research has shown that integrating music into regular academic classes has tremendous results. Music has the ability to help students relax, memorize, and engage, using their whole brains. Self-efficacy is an individuals’ belief in their ability. One’s level of self-efficacy can play a major role in one’s motivation to carry out certain tasks.

Despite that music has many benefits in the classroom, it if is not being used, the students will not benefit from it. Low musical self-efficacy could be …

Scalable Time-Stepping For Navier-Stokes Through High-Frequency Analysis Of Block Arnoldi Iteration, Brianna Bingham

Dissertations

Existing time-stepping methods for PDEs such as Navier-Stokes equations are not as efficient or scalable as they need to be for high-resolution simulation due to stiffness. The failure of existing time-stepping methods to adapt to changes in technology presents a dilemma that is becoming even more problematic over time. By rethinking approaches to time-stepping, dramatic gains in efficiency of simulation methods can be achieved. Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods have proven to be effective for solving time-dependent, variable-coefficient PDEs. The objective of this research is to continue the development of KSS methods to provide numerical solution methods that are far …

Enhancement Of Krylov Subspace Spectral Methods Through The Use Of The Residual, Haley Dozier

Dissertations

Depending on the type of equation, finding the solution of a time-dependent partial differential equation can be quite challenging. Although modern time-stepping methods for solving these equations have become more accurate for a small number of grid points, in a lot of cases the scalability of those methods leaves much to be desired. That is, unless the timestep is chosen to be sufficiently small, the computed solutions might exhibit unreasonable behavior with large input sizes. Therefore, to improve accuracy as the number of grid points increases, the time-steps must be chosen to be even smaller to reach a reasonable solution. …

Bioinspired Glycopolymers: Models To Investigate The Effect Of Saccharide Structure And Concentration On Amyloid Beta Aggregation, Pradipta Kumar Das

Dissertations

Aggregation and subsequent deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide on neuronal cell membranes have been implicated as a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Gangliosides in their clustered form seed and promote the Aβ aggregation process. However, the effects of the structure and the concentration of ganglioside saccharides on Aβ aggregation are not well understood. We investigated how the specific structure of saccharides (β-D-galactose and β-D-glucose) affect the aggregation pathways, kinetics, and the aggregated structures of Aβ via in vitro experiments. The effects of the local concentration of saccharides on the Aβ aggregation were also investigated.

To mimic the multivalent effect of the …

Simulation As Replacement For Traditional Clinical In Pre-Licensure Nursing Education: Outcomes Of Different Ratios Of Replacement Time For Traditional Clinical With Simulation, Tiffany Zyniewicz

Dissertations

The use of simulation in nursing education has grown over the last 30 years. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing National Simulation Study indicated that up to 50% of traditional clinical hours can be replaced with simulation at a 1:1 replacement ratio and produce the same outcomes. A review of the literature indicated that there is no standard replacement ratio for simulation time to traditional clinical time being used in pre-licensure nursing education in the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of utilizing a 1:1 simulation-to-traditional clinical time replacement ratio and a …

Evaluating Corrosion Altering Properties Of Thiophene Based Copolymers, Robert Peterson

Dissertations

There is an important and ongoing debate on how or whether conductive polymers (CP) alter corrosion performance with some researchers reporting that CPs ultimately accelerate corrosion and others saying CPs, if understood could possibly replace the world’s best standard for corrosion prevention, i.e., chromium based inhibitors. The primary project goal was to improve our understanding of how CPs alter corrosion chemistry by 1) controlling the polymer structure and 2) in-turn the properties and then 3) targeting the best protocol for fast corrosion kinetic evaluation.

We detail the copolymer synthesis results and shift in corrosion protection properties for …

Exploring A University System Through Organizational Communication Routines Involving Risk, Sean Fourney

Dissertations

Given the nature of differing risks that can damage higher education institutions, perception from leaders’ perspectives is crucial in viewing organizational behavior regarding potential damage to the system. This case study investigated how a university staff perceives, communicates, and organizes about risk. Thirty interviews (27 one-on-one, 2 via email, and 1 over the phone) with campus leaders sought to identify how those in a higher education institution collectively communicates elements of risk within and beyond its environment while potentially forming relationships in attempts to mitigate it. An applied thematic analysis revealed that informants perceived risk as a system issue to …

Nevertheless They Persisted: Youth Formerly In Foster Care Who Have Experienced Trauma And Their Journey To Postsecondary Education, Kristin Janine Myers

Dissertations

It is estimated that approximately 60% of children have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime (Wiest-Stevenson & Lee, 2016). Research in the last 20 years has shown the impact of childhood trauma on human development, social development, and learning, and yet, there is very little literature in school counseling about this topic (Perry, 2001, 2006). School counselors play in essential role in identifying barriers that impede students from receiving a high-quality education (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2012), and are charged with reducing the educational attainment gap for the students they serve (Milsom & McCormick, 2015). There are …

Development And Validation Of New Models And Metrics For The Assessments Of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Wisam Subhi Talib Al-Dayyeni

Dissertations

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common illnesses that is frequently reported in the occupational and military sectors. Hearing loss due to high noise exposure is a major health problem with economic consequences. Industrial and military noise exposures often contain high-level impulsive noise components. The presence of these impulsive noise components complicates the assessment of noise levels for hearing conservation purposes. The current noise guidelines use equal energy hypothesis (EEH) based metrics to evaluate the risk of hearing loss. A number of studies show that the current noise metrics often underestimates the risk of hearing loss in …

Simulation Of A Novel Mediated Oxycombustion System, Hussein M. Al Mrayatee

Dissertations

Global warming and climate changing are serious problems challenging humanity, therefore important steps needed to be taking to neutralize such challenge. From the last century huge amount of carbon dioxide released to atmosphere cause huge damages to our globe. Technologies such as oxycombustion and chemical looping combustion had been discussed to capture and sequestration carbon dioxide at lower cost. Separation air from fuel using chemical looping or separation nitrogen from air using oxygen transport membrane (OTM) then combust pure oxygen with fuel are the main step to capture carbone dioxide in less expensive method. Each technology had its own drawback, …

Together We Move: Exploring Belonging, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction And Motivational Factors In A Socially Structured University Physical Activity Program, Jessica B. Kirby

Dissertations

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental life stage for individuals to establish healthy behaviors that enhance wellbeing, including quality relationships and physical activity (PA) engagement. Institutions of higher education are positioned to influence and support the development of these developmental tasks in emerging adults enrolled on their respective campuses. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore experiences of belonging, basic psychological need satisfaction (BNS) in PAbased social relationships, and motives to participate in a socially structured PA program among emerging adults on a university campus. Participants: University students who participated in the Fitness Buddies (FB) program (n=10), …

The Effects Of Rurality And Education Deserts On The Four-Year Degree Selection Of Aspiring Teacher Education Candidates In A Rural Community College Setting, Alice Faye Sanders

Dissertations

Teacher shortages exist across the nation, with greater shortages in middle school and secondary education (Center for Public Education, 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors and barriers presented to teacher education candidates affecting the selection of their teacher education degrees in a rural community college setting. The research questions were designed to use quantitative survey questions administered to the teacher education candidate population of ABC College. Qualitative interview questions were used to gather data from the Director and Assistant Director of Enrollment Services/Student Development at ABC College. As a result of data analysis, misconceptions were …

Older Adults’ Implementation Of Discharge Instructions Following An Acute Care Hospital Stay, Brenda Miller

Dissertations

Discharge instructions are a self-care guide for patients after discharge from an acute care hospitalization. The discharge process starts on admission to the hospital and continues until discharged. Many patients rely on informal caregivers to provide support after a discharge. However, it is often unclear whether the patients or caregivers completely understand instructions provided during the discharge process. Key concepts related to how discharge instructions were implemented following discharge to home have been understudied from the patient’s and informal caregivers’ perspectives. Developing effective discharge instructions based on study findings may assist in reducing 30-day hospital readmission rates.
This study was …

Moderating Effect Of Homeschooling On Retention And Academic Achievement Of Stem Majors At A Private, Faith-Based, Liberal Arts College, Aresia Watson

Dissertations

Previous research has indicated that homeschooling is a growing trend within the U.S. Previous research has also indicated that less than one half of students who begin a STEM major at postsecondary institutions will complete their degree. This study sought to look at the possible moderating effect homeschooling has on the academic achievement and retention of STEM majors at a private, faith-based liberal arts college using a modified version of Tinto’s Model of Student Departure.

Independent sample t-tests were used to compare means and intercorrelations of homeschooled students and traditionally schooled students in unmatched and matched samples for several academic …

Superintendent Beliefs About The Assessment And Use Of School Climate Data For Continuous Improvement, Anji Buckner-Capone

Dissertations

Academic outcomes and health outcomes are interconnected and reciprocal and school climate has emerged as a way to capture some of this relationship. An increasing trend in education policy is using multiple measures of school success, including school climate, such as California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). As school climate evolves as a critical component in state accountability there is a need to better understand the role of leaders in facilitating the implementation processes for school climate assessment accountabilities, including their beliefs and their practices. This mixed methods study explored the practices and beliefs of California Superintendents in their efforts …

Suspended Sediment And Particulate Matter Transport In Mississippi Sound And Bight Assessed With Physical Modeling, Remote Sensing And In Situ Measurements, Stephan O'Brien

Dissertations

Tidal passes between Mississippi Sound (MS Sound) and Mississippi Bight (MS Bight) act as a transport pathway for the exchange of estuarine discharge and suspended particulate matter. A better understanding of sediment and particulate matter exchange can provide insights into turbidity, nutrient supply and aquatic ecosystem health for the region. This work examined the effects of different forcing factors (e.g. wind and tides) on the advection of suspended sediments and particulate matter in the study area. Fieldwork included particle size distribution, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and conductivity-temperature-depth measurements in the MS Sound and MS Bight from summer 2015 through …

Classroom Response Systems: Does Instantaneous Feedback Affect Students' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy In A Secondary Science Course, Shani Bourn

Dissertations

Technological advancements have enabled educators to bring excitement in student success with instantaneous feedback utilizing classroom response systems (CRS). A quantitative, quasi-experimental research design was used in this dissertation research to build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of instantaneous feedback with student knowledge and student self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the benefits of instantaneous feedback and student self-efficacy with incorporation of CRS in a secondary science course. Statistical analyses were conducted with quantitative formative scores, summative test scores, and self-efficacy questionnaire results prior to the incorporation of CRS, and perceived self-efficacy questionnaire results after experience …

A Mixed Methods Approach To Study The Effects Of A Naturalist Summer Program On The Perceptions Of African American Children About Nature, Kendrick Buford

Dissertations

African Americans have been reported to have a more negative outlook on nature than people of other races. Much work has been done to explain this phenomenon through the lenses of social and environmental justice. However, most of this information pertains to adults, and little to no exploration has been done to understand how children could be affected. This lack of information creates a novel research topic. This study addressed the problem using a mixed method analysis to better understand both the narrative of the children and any generalizable conclusions to better understand their attitudes in a summer program titled …

Environmental-Based Experiential Learning Activities And Its Influence On Students’ Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Attitude Towards The Environment, And Career Aspirations, Veshell Lewis

Dissertations

Modern advancements in industrialization and globalization are thought to be responsible for the present ecological issues facing the world (Sumen, 2016). Many countries, including the United States, emphasize the importance of increasing environmental literacy within the community and schools (Roth, 1992; Scholz, 2011; Sumen, 2016). It has been suggested that environmental education be taught at all educational levels to increase environmental literacy (Sumen, 2016). The implementation of environmental-based experiential education within the traditional curriculum has proven successful for various educational institutions. Therefore, the implementation of environmental-based experiential learning activities in Mississippi educational institutions may contribute to the increase of scientifically …

Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation To Teach Mathematics And Science In An Integrated Stem Framework, Kelly Overby Byrd

Dissertations

This study investigated the extent to which successful completion of integrated mathematics and science methods of instruction courses related to elementary preservice teachers’ attitudes toward and confidence in teaching integrated STEM lessons, and the extent to which their attitudes and confidence correlated with their proficiency in planning integrated STEM lessons. A mixed-methods, longitudinal research design, with a sequential, explanatory approach was used. Participants included twenty-four elementary preservice teachers enrolled in their final two semesters of a teacher preparation program at a four-year public university in the southeastern U.S. To address the research questions in this study, both quantitative and qualitative …

Andragogy And Lean Six Sigma In Today’S Business Environment, Teresa A. Anderson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify andragogical leadership educational traits/competencies that are associated with effectively educating/training employees/participants. The andragogical competencies were compared with the six identified soft skills of the Lean Six Sigma Trainer. The researcher also assessed the perceived level of employee satisfaction with the lean six sigma training program at the Monsanto Corporation. When compared with the andragogical competencies, five of the six articulated soft skills of the Lean Six Sigma Trainer had a very minimum explanation [which provided a very extensive gap] in the actual training: Vision, Leadership, Empowerment, Communication, Influence, and Testing. …

An Investigation Of Patterns Between Demographic Characteristics Of Teachers And Grading Practices, Jenelle Lee

Dissertations

This mixed-methods phenomenological study examined a sample of grade 7 through 12 core content area teachers at four Missouri school districts. This study investigated the patterns linking demographic characteristics of teachers and grading practices. These practices were cross-referenced to the level of implementation of bestgrading practices as it pertained to the amount of time and support systems a district provided for its teachers. The teachers in this study responded to a survey and provided insight regarding their grading practices. The purpose of the survey was to collect demographic information on the teachers, information on the academic and non-academic factors included …

High Resolution Near-Infrared/Visible Intracavity Laser Spectroscopy Of Small Molecules, Jack Harms

Dissertations

Intracavity laser spectroscopy has been used to study the electronic structure of several small molecules. The molecules studied as part of this dissertation include germanium hydride (GeH), copper oxide (CuO), nickel chloride (NiCl), platinum fluoride (PtF), platinum chloride (PtCl), and copper hydroxide (CuOH). This work encompasses five peer-reviewed publications and two submitted manuscripts.

A Mixed-Methods Investigation Of Problem-Based Learning And Technical Students In General Studies Course At A Midwest Technical College, Barbara R. Primm

Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between problem-based learning, motivation and engagement (as measured by the Motivational and Attitudinal scale) selfdirectedness, and academic achievement of technical students enrolled in general studies courses at a Midwestern technical college. The intended purpose for the study was to identify if tactile learners, who currently spend 75% of their program in hands on instructional courses, would benefit from the implementation of a PBL model in general studies courses. Career Technical Education prepares students for the workforce. Creating an academic learning platform that mimics technical instruction where students solve real life problems can encourage students to …

Loss Of A Sibling: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experiences Of School-Aged Children, Barbara Dixon

Dissertations

More than 50,000 child mortalities are recorded in the U.S. each year. As a result, almost 8% of the population experience the loss of a brother or sister before age 25 (Jacobs & Bovasso, 2000). This study was an open conversational exchange with ten Grief Counselors who worked with school-aged children, who had experienced the loss of a sibling, to identify the behaviors and expressions of this group of Disenfranchised Grievers. Three patterns were identified: 1) Grief in children takes different forms, 2) Sibling loss in childhood is a life-changing event and 3) Childhood grief has its own time. Each …

The Effect Of Emotional Intelligence And Adversity Intelligence On Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Career And Interpersonal Success Among Chinese Adults, Yuyang Zhao

Dissertations

Few studies examine the comprehensive effect of EQ and AQ on mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, anger, positive automatic thoughts), life satisfaction, career success (i.e., job position and organizational commitment), and interpersonal success (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity and empty). By conducing two studies, totally 512 Chinese adults were recruited. Results from the multiple regression analysis revealed that part of EQ (i.e., regulation of emotion) and AQ (i.e., consistency of interest and acceptance of self and life) negatively predicted depression; whereas part of EQ (i.e., utilization of emotion) and AQ (i.e., personal competence) positively predicted depression. All aspects of EQ were not …

Conversational Leadership Behaviors Of Exemplary Unified School District Superintendents, Jacqueline A. Cardenas

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to describe the behaviors that exemplary unified school district superintendents practice to lead their organizations through conversation using Groysberg and Slind’s (2012b) 4 elements of conversational leadership: intimacy, interactivity, inclusion, and intentionality.

Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological inquiry methodology to study the behaviors of 10 unified school district superintendents in Southern California. Semistructured interviews followed a peer researcher-developed guide and were used in conjunction with observations and artifacts to learn about the lived experiences and perspectives of conversational leadership. Data collection and analysis was facilitated by NVivo software to …

The Effects Of Service-Learning On Middle School Students’ Personal Growth, Social Growth, And Citizenship, Kae C. Saelee-Hiraoka

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe and explain middle school administrators’, teachers’, and coordinators’ observations and knowledge of the effect of service-learning on students’ personal growth, social growth, and civic engagement.

Methodology: This phenomenological qualitative study based its findings on in-depth interviews, transcripts, and participant artifacts. Six middle school administrators and eight teachers, and coordinators located in Tulare County, California utilizing service-learning in the 2017-2018 school year, or prior, were interviewed. An interview script, which was developed using the research questions, was used to elicit administrators’, teachers’, and coordinators’ observations and knowledge pertaining to the …

Application Of The Picoloyl Group In Carbohydrate Chemistry, Michael Mannino

Dissertations

Stereocontrol of glycosylation reactions is a constant struggle in the field of synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. The application of the picoloyl (Pico) substituent can offer numerous stereocontrolling avenues. The most popular application is the Hydrogen-bond-mediated Aglycone Delivery (HAD) method that provides excellent selectivity in the glycosylation of a variety of sugar substrates. The HAD method relies on the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen bond between the nitrogen atom of the Pico substituent on the glycosyl donor with the hydroxyl group of the glycosyl acceptor. This interaction provides a facial preference for the nucleophilic attack and hence provides powerful stereocontrol for the …

Using African Cultural And Liberating Concepts, Sean Nichols

Dissertations

Abstract The purpose of this autoethnography is to explore the impact on learning for a delineated cultural and ethnographic student population when the instructional process is interwoven with a plethora of student-reflective cultural and ethnic information and knowledge gained through the process of in plethora of knowledge and valuable information of retelling rich stories of students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders conveyed from an emancipatory perspective. I believe that these stories can assist in improving the educational conditions of children of African descent in the United States and the diaspora. Throughout my life, I have wondered about the absence of my …