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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Transformational Christian College And University Presidents: An Examination Of Fundraising Success, Keith Barrows May 2016

Transformational Christian College And University Presidents: An Examination Of Fundraising Success, Keith Barrows

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The nature of presidential leadership styles at Christian higher education institutions was examined through the lens of fundraising. There has been a growing understanding that college and university presidents are being called on to play a more significant role in the leadership of their institutions, particularly in light of the fiscal challenges facing higher education. More recently, research has begun to focus on the specific character traits and practices of transformational leaders in an attempt to discern if there are significant differences in organizational and personal outcomes in a variety of settings. By understanding what leadership practices are transformational in …


Exploring The Experiences Of Female Student Veterans With Disabilities Entering Higher Education During Reintegration: A Phenomenological Study, Beverly Williams May 2016

Exploring The Experiences Of Female Student Veterans With Disabilities Entering Higher Education During Reintegration: A Phenomenological Study, Beverly Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of female student veterans with disabilities entering higher education during reintegration in order to improve programs, services, and support available to female student veterans with disabilities. A screening questionnaire, interviews, a focus group, and journals were used to collect data. Participants consisted of 11 female student veterans with disabilities who were purposively selected using criterion, snowball, and maximum variation sampling. The central research question was: What are the transition experiences of female student veterans with disabilities entering college during reintegration into society? Four sub-questions …


The Effect Of Daily Progress Reports On Parental Academic Support: Paper Versus Electronic Communication, Jonathan Schneider May 2016

The Effect Of Daily Progress Reports On Parental Academic Support: Paper Versus Electronic Communication, Jonathan Schneider

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this age of data based decision making and accountability, parent involvement and data collection are paramount. This study represents a significant contribution to educational research by extending the understanding of home-school communication media with specific regard to daily progress reports. The purpose of this study was to compare communication scores of parents of student using paper daily progress reports with communication scores of parents of student using electronic daily progress reports. This quasi-experimental posttest only control group design research study compared survey results of parents (N = 45) of middle school students currently using a DPR as part of …


Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Mathematics Education Experiences: A Phenomenological Study, Christine Mcelhaney Apr 2016

Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Mathematics Education Experiences: A Phenomenological Study, Christine Mcelhaney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions about mathematics of pre-service elementary school teachers at a small private university in the Midwestern United States. The theoretical framework used for this research study came from Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, including the component of teacher efficacy. Because mathematics is a fundamental subject for students to develop skills necessary for various 21st century careers, this qualitative phenomenological study sought to examine how pre-service teachers perceived their ability and confidence to teach mathematics. I limited the choice of participants to elementary pre-service teachers who had not yet completed any mathematics …


The Relationship Between Using Study Island Supplemental Math Software And Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Michael Rich Apr 2016

The Relationship Between Using Study Island Supplemental Math Software And Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Michael Rich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The ex post facto study investigated the relationship between the use of Study Island supplemental math software and students’ math achievement in a Title I public elementary school in Georgia during the 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and the 2013-2014 school years. Data from the school was collected regarding the use of a supplemental math software program called Study Island during the 2012-2013 and the 2013-2014 school years. Data on students’ math achievement test scores was collected from school level reports for the 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and the 2013-2014 school years. Data was analyzed using a two-tailed t test to investigate the possible relationship …


The Creation And Assessment Of A Social Integration Predictive Model For A Large Suburban Community College, Bob Bade Apr 2016

The Creation And Assessment Of A Social Integration Predictive Model For A Large Suburban Community College, Bob Bade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this predictive correlation study was to create and assess a model of programs and activities to predict student social integration at a large suburban community college. This study’s model was based upon Tinto’s student integration theory (1975, 1987, 1993) and employed hierarchical multiple regression to analyze the data. The data for this study was archival Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) self-report data from students at a large suburban community college in Florida. Predictor variables included participation in extended orientation programs and student success courses, participation with classmates inside and out of class on academic related …


The Image Of Leadership: Man’S View Of God As Reflected In His Leadership Style, Leslie Pope Apr 2016

The Image Of Leadership: Man’S View Of God As Reflected In His Leadership Style, Leslie Pope

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project will demonstrate the connection between a pastor’s practical perceived theology of the inner workings of the Trinity and his desired leadership style. Because “God’s people are stamped with the tag of ‘gods’,”1 they will seek to rule in a similar manner. These perceived relationships will drive the pastor toward a desired style of leadership. In turn, examining horizontal styles of leadership will reveal true vertical beliefs. These levels of leadership interaction will be researched through literature and interviews with eight church leaders. As the leader defines the leadership structures and recognizes hidden similarities and disparities between practical …


The Predictive Relationship Between Specific Teacher Characteristics And The Perceived Sense Of Teacher Self-Efficacy Of Non-Native English Speaking Teachers Of English As A Foreign Language In Rural Thailand, Cheri Crook Apr 2016

The Predictive Relationship Between Specific Teacher Characteristics And The Perceived Sense Of Teacher Self-Efficacy Of Non-Native English Speaking Teachers Of English As A Foreign Language In Rural Thailand, Cheri Crook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to investigate an often overlooked area of research, teacher self-efficacy among nonnative English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) who teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This study examines the relationship between specific teacher characteristics and perceived teacher self-efficacy among NNESTs of EFL in rural Thailand. The convenience sample in this study includes first through twelfth grade public sector NNESTs of EFL in Nan, Thailand, and represents the larger population of Northern Thai NNESTs of EFL. Data were collected from the sample via a combined Thai-language version of the paper-based Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy …


A Causal-Comparative Inquiry Into The Significance Of Implementing A Flipped Classroom Strategy In Nursing Education, Rhonda Faretta Apr 2016

A Causal-Comparative Inquiry Into The Significance Of Implementing A Flipped Classroom Strategy In Nursing Education, Rhonda Faretta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this causal-comparative design study was to examine the application of the theory of Vygotsky’s social constructivism (1978) and McMillan and Chavis’s (1986) definition of sense of classroom community in the context of a flipped classroom. The researcher aimed to determine if a pathophysiology course taught with the flipped classroom method would result in a statistically-significant difference in nursing students’ academic performance and sense of classroom community when compared to a pathophysiology course taught with the lecture classroom method. Two questions were addressed during this study: (a) Is there a statistically-significant difference in nursing students’ academic performance (as …


A Study Of Developing Healthy Disciples In The Korean-American Church, Kyung Seo Apr 2016

A Study Of Developing Healthy Disciples In The Korean-American Church, Kyung Seo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Korean-American congregations within the Presbyterian denomination need to implement a Bible-centered discipleship model in order to become a more spiritual and viable Christian church. As the Senior Pastor for the Columbia Korean Presbyterian Church (2009-2014), the author utilized qualitative and quantitative analysis when interviewing church pastors within the Korean-American Presbyterian Churches of America. The surveys identified the need for a practical model of spiritual growth to develop healthy disciples within the Korean-American Church. Based upon the biblical principle of Christian discipleship, the author developed an overall a three-level strategy of making healthy disciples.


Decision Making Of Maritime Junior Watch Officers: A Phenomenological Study, John Sitka Apr 2016

Decision Making Of Maritime Junior Watch Officers: A Phenomenological Study, John Sitka

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The tanker Exxon Valdez and cruise ship Empress of the North were each involved in a major incident involving poor decision making by the junior officer on watch, resulting in the grounding of their vessels. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was to describe the decision-making process of 15 maritime junior watch officers in a high-resolution simulation in adverse-condition scenarios. Data collection utilized observations, interviews and a self-efficacy assessment. For data analysis I used the constant comparative method applied to the data, developing codes, which were analyzed and reduced to 3 key themes: (a) the Decision-Making Process, (b) …


Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor's Guide To Helping Korean Youth In Crisis, Jeong Kook Apr 2016

Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor's Guide To Helping Korean Youth In Crisis, Jeong Kook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many Korean teenagers are suffering from physical and psychological abuse, anxiety, and depression due to dysfunctional family life. Korean Christian pastors and counselors need to be educated and trained in order to guide these families through such crisis. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, the author surveyed over fifty troubled families. The findings were alarming and led the author to build a pastoral counseling model based on the biblical definition of the role of pastoral counseling using adept research of key scriptural principles. This pastoral counseling model provides a well-balanced biblical strategy to guide the troubled teenager through such crisis.


A Comparative Analysis Of Cultural Diversity Satisfaction Scores Of Undergraduate Students In Online Learning Environment, Orlando Lobaina Apr 2016

A Comparative Analysis Of Cultural Diversity Satisfaction Scores Of Undergraduate Students In Online Learning Environment, Orlando Lobaina

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to analyze the differences of perceived overall satisfaction scores (organizational structure, technology usage, and curriculum design) between Caucasian, Latino-American, and African-American undergraduate students enrolled in an online program, as measured by the Cultural Diversity Satisfaction Survey (CDSS) instrument. This study compared the differences between three distinct diverse groups for overall satisfaction in an undergraduate online general elective course. The study participants were undergraduate students enrolled in an online general elective course in Virginia, n = 433. The study utilized a one-way ANOVA to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in …


Ministry Partners: Ten Key Characteristics Of A Healthy Marriage In Ministry, Arlen Pfenninger Apr 2016

Ministry Partners: Ten Key Characteristics Of A Healthy Marriage In Ministry, Arlen Pfenninger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the beginning, God created a partner for man to have as they live their lives together. This partnership was created so they could work together for the kingdom God created. There has been literature written about the unhealthiness of some marriages in ministry because the pastor has neglected his or her family for the cause of Christ. There are others who have advocated a partnership in marriage ministry where the husband and wife work together as a ministry team. This thesis project presents an understanding of the healthy characteristics couples portray as they partner together in the ministry in …


The Challenges And Biblical 'Self-Care' Strategies For 'Direct-Care' Staff In Residential Treatment Facilities, Michael Jones Apr 2016

The Challenges And Biblical 'Self-Care' Strategies For 'Direct-Care' Staff In Residential Treatment Facilities, Michael Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Ministry means more than just pastoral duties within the context of the church. Those in ministry, and particularly those in ‘direct-care’ positions working in residential treatment facilities in childcare face a plethora of issues that can be mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually taxing. This project will provide biblically based engaging, edifying, encouraging, and equipping ministries the necessary skills to enable those who are in ‘Direct-Care’ positions to develop ‘self-care’ practices to address these issues. This thesis will investigate the causes and effects that impact those in ‘direct-care’ ministry to experience disillusionment, discouragement, depression, despair, defeat, and/or departure from ministry. …


Linguistics As The Basis For Phonological Instruction, Christen Johnson Apr 2016

Linguistics As The Basis For Phonological Instruction, Christen Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study is to determine if teachers of emergent literate students have been trained in linguistics—the anatomy, air flow, and voice of phonology—as part of their literacy instruction and to what extent those strategies are employed while teaching. The basis for this inquiry lies in the understanding that phonology is a science conceived from linguistics which illustrates and explains how sounds are created and produced within the oral structure. This body of information lends itself to an extremely developmental and authentic scope and sequence for teaching phonetics to students. These teachers must be aware of and …


Experiences Of Students With Specific Learning Disorder (Including Adhd) In Online College Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study, Seleta Bunch Apr 2016

Experiences Of Students With Specific Learning Disorder (Including Adhd) In Online College Degree Programs: A Phenomenological Study, Seleta Bunch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Enrollment in online degree programs is rapidly expanding due to the convenience and affordability offered to students and improvements in technology. The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the shared experiences of students with documented specific learning disorders (including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) enrolled in online degree programs at a large, faith-based university in the Southeast United States. Colleges and universities must follow federal mandates as recommended by the Office of Civil Rights for students with documented disabilities in both traditional and online settings. Research is lacking in the area of understanding the experiences of students with specific learning …


Why Do They Stay? A Phenomenological Study On The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Who Persist In Urban K-12 Christian Education, Marie Teodori Apr 2016

Why Do They Stay? A Phenomenological Study On The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Who Persist In Urban K-12 Christian Education, Marie Teodori

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of teachers who persist in urban K-12 Christian education at five Association of Christian Schools International schools located in the United States. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of teachers who persist in urban K-12 Christian education? Sub-questions explored the source of motivation, role of intrinsic goals, and contextual/environmental supports for teachers who persist in this setting. Methodology utilized a transcendental phenomenological design, purposeful participant sampling, data collection primarily through in-depth interviews and focus groups, and data analysis using Moustakas’ (1994) recommended procedures. …


Litigious Experiences Among Teachers Of Special Education Students: A Phenomenological Study, Shannon Madara Apr 2016

Litigious Experiences Among Teachers Of Special Education Students: A Phenomenological Study, Shannon Madara

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore litigious experiences for special education teachers in South Central Pennsylvania. It was known that teachers are not typically required to have courses on school law, but they are required to abide by educational law. This study was guided by the following research question: How do special education teachers in South Central Pennsylvania describe their litigious experiences? It sought to fill a gap in the literature in the area of actual teacher experience with the problem of litigation. Background information was given to show why this issue was a current problem …


A Phenomenological Examination Of Students’ Lived Experiences In A Type Ii Alternative School, Joseph Garner Apr 2016

A Phenomenological Examination Of Students’ Lived Experiences In A Type Ii Alternative School, Joseph Garner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe lived experiences in a type II alternative school, from the perspective of former students who are now in a correctional facility. Three research questions guided the study: How do former students who are now incarcerated describe their experiences in a type II alternative school? How do former students of a type II alternative school describe their experiences in a correctional facility? How do participants’ lived experiences in the alternative school compare and contrast with their lived experiences in a correctional facility? Data was collected through individual interviews, journaling, and focus group …


The Self-Reported Relationship Between A Teacher's Perception Of Learner Characteristics For Students With Disabilities And A Teacher’S Use Of Differentiated Instruction In Georgia Public Schools, Shannon Knight Mar 2016

The Self-Reported Relationship Between A Teacher's Perception Of Learner Characteristics For Students With Disabilities And A Teacher’S Use Of Differentiated Instruction In Georgia Public Schools, Shannon Knight

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative multivariate correlational study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between a general education teacher’s perception of learner characteristics for Students with Disabilities (SWD) and a teacher’s use of Differentiated Instruction (DI) in the general education classroom, grades 6-12. Since previous studies did not clearly support any significant benefits in utilizing segregated instruction for the teaching of students with exceptionalities, it was vital to identify research-based methods to facilitate the education of all students in the general education classroom. Sustained by research on student achievement, the proper and comprehensive implementation of DI has …


The Relationship Between Satisfaction, Motivation, And Caseload And Teacher Retention, Corbett Hawks Mar 2016

The Relationship Between Satisfaction, Motivation, And Caseload And Teacher Retention, Corbett Hawks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teacher retention has long been a major issue in the educational sector. In today’s schools, effective teachers are a necessity for meeting the fluctuating needs of society. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational, predictive study was to examine the relationship between satisfaction, motivation, and caseload in relation to teacher retention for elementary special education teachers in southwest Virginia. This study incorporates the Three C’s of Education theory (Sher, 1983) and the influence of characteristics, conditions, and compensation. Non-experimental research with a correlational design was implemented along with the criterion variable (retention) and the predictor variables (satisfaction, motivation, and caseload). Participants …


Reframing The Imperative Of The Great Commission In The Haitian Context: Discipleship Strategies To Impact Haiti For Christ, Dieufort Dieujuste Mar 2016

Reframing The Imperative Of The Great Commission In The Haitian Context: Discipleship Strategies To Impact Haiti For Christ, Dieufort Dieujuste

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Haitians generally identify themselves as Christians. According to World Factbook, Haiti is 80% Catholic and 16% Protestant; however, nearly all the population practices or believes in Voodoo, which is now a national religion. Idolatry permeates every segment of life while the Haitian Protestant Church remains powerless and disengaged. The purpose of this thesis project is to develop key strategies of discipleship for Haiti in view of Matthew 28:18-20. The author proposes to survey 300 Haitian pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders in order to gauge the status of discipleship and to identify hindrances to the gospel in Haiti. The survey will …


Predictive Factors Associated With Newly Graduated High School Students’ Enrollment In A Remedial Course At A Community College, John Whiton Feb 2016

Predictive Factors Associated With Newly Graduated High School Students’ Enrollment In A Remedial Course At A Community College, John Whiton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The large number of students who graduate from high school inadequately prepared for college is a national problem. For this reason, this study examined the relationship between individual student-level factors during high school and students’ enrollment in a remedial course in community college. A correlational design, binary logistic regression analysis, was used. Analysis involved a correlation matrix of predictors, and tests for multicollinearity. A convenience sample of participants readily available to the researcher was employed. The sample consisted of 327 diverse students enrolled on a selected campus. All participants were first time enrollees at the community college and within one …


Preservice Teachers’ Sense Of Efficacy: Video Vs. Face-To-Face Observations, Debra Chisenhall Feb 2016

Preservice Teachers’ Sense Of Efficacy: Video Vs. Face-To-Face Observations, Debra Chisenhall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined preservice elementary education students’ sense of efficacy regarding student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management based on the type of observations they completed. A total sample size of 64 elementary education students enrolled in four sections of an introductory elementary education course and completed five hours of observation. Students in two sections of the course completed traditional face-to-face observations. Students in the other two sections of the course watched five hours of pre-recorded video observations of elementary education classroom and participated in class discussions regarding the observations. All students completed the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale to …


Effects Of Traditional And Online Instructional Models On Student Achievement Outcomes, Vanessa Wrenn Feb 2016

Effects Of Traditional And Online Instructional Models On Student Achievement Outcomes, Vanessa Wrenn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although virtual education options have rapidly expanded in recent years, little academic research has examined the effectiveness of these courses. Furthermore, little research has been conducted at the secondary school level for public school students. Policymakers and school leaders need reliable research in order to make informed decisions about online learning and to implement programs, which add value to the quality of instruction and provide students with the support they need to be successful. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of instructional model on student achievement for public high school English II students. The high school …


A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Meaning Of Language Learning Strategies As Experienced By Successful English Language Learners At A South Korean University, Eric Hall Jan 2016

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Meaning Of Language Learning Strategies As Experienced By Successful English Language Learners At A South Korean University, Eric Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the shared experiences and beliefs concerning the use of language learning strategies (LLS) among successful English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a South Korean university. The research questions focused on how successful EFL learners describe their experiences learning English through the lens of learning strategies. Further examination described the role LLS play in the student’s successful English language learning. The participants were 12 successful EFL students from a South Korean university. Data collection consisted of interviews, focus groups, and observations. Data analysis was achieved through use of the hermeneutic …


Spiritual Nurture In Developing The Faith Of Christian High School Students: A Phenomenological Study, Martha Boyd-Mitchell Jan 2016

Spiritual Nurture In Developing The Faith Of Christian High School Students: A Phenomenological Study, Martha Boyd-Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many Christian schools provide solid academic environments for adolescents. The programming promises to deliver an education to nurture the human soul. This qualitative, transcendental, phenomenological study was for the purpose of discovering how spiritual nurture in Christian high schools aided and encouraged faith development. Christian high school is the lived experience of adolescents going to school with spiritual nurture at the heart of their programming. The participants were 15 adolescents who attended a Christian high school that implemented spiritual nurture by use of prayer, worship, biblically-integrated curriculum, Bible study, teacher-student relationships, holistic correction, and peer relationships. The epoche was the …


Facilitating A Change Of Mind About Father God Through Mentoring Of The Fatherless, Stephen Madosky Jan 2016

Facilitating A Change Of Mind About Father God Through Mentoring Of The Fatherless, Stephen Madosky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The consensus of published research has proven beyond question that fatherlessness is a crisis in America. Textbooks and autobiographies have covered and reported the statistical effects of fatherlessness; nonetheless, there is far less literature dealing with the solution of fatherlessness and even less literature from Church scholars on how the Church may participate in its correction. This thesis presents an understanding of fatherlessness and proposes a resolution to act on behalf of fatherless children. The resolution will be comprised in preparing Church leaders to equip Church laity to understand and to minister to the fatherless in their affliction effectively.


Exploring The Role Of Elementary Parent Involvement Coordinators In A North Georgia Title I Charter School District, Phillip Elrod Jan 2016

Exploring The Role Of Elementary Parent Involvement Coordinators In A North Georgia Title I Charter School District, Phillip Elrod

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the role of elementary parent involvement coordinators (EPIC) in a Northeast Georgia Title I Charter School District. EPICs were charged with facilitating programs designed to build social capital and network closure for families. This nested case study explored the experiences of five EPICs, each located in one of the five charter elementary schools, within the district of study. Data was collected through focus groups, interviews and related documents to identify emerging themes and shared experiences among the participants. Data sources were analyzed to develop an understanding of each EPIC program as well as an overall perspective on …