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The Necessity And Use Of Application In The Expository Sermon, George E. Perdue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The topic chosen for this project is "The Necessity and Use of Application in the Expository Sermon." It is this writer's contention that application is the least understood, least used and most abused element of the expository sermon. Application is one of the most necessary elements in the expository sermon, yet remains one of the most overlooked and ignored features of the preaching event. This project will first establish the need for application in the expository sermon, examine methods of application and give comprehensive recommendations for using application in the expository sermon.

The writer's intent is clear; to point out …

The Impact Of A Caregiver Workshop Regarding Storybook Reading On Pre-Kindergarten Children's Readiness For Reading, Misty Mae Lacour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined if, by providing caregivers with a workshop regarding effective storybook reading coupled with the receipt of storybooks, Pre-Kindergarten students' emergent literacy development would significantly increase. Pre-Kindergarten children attending two Head Start centers in the Southeastern U.S. participated in the study. Twelve Pre-Kindergarten children comprised the experimental group while ten Pre-Kindergarten children were subjects of the control group. The BRIGANCE CIBS-R Readiness for Reading assessment was used to determine the emergent literacy development of the subjects. The ANCOVA statistical method indicated no significant gain between the experimental group and the control group. A paired samples t-test revealed a …

Teacher Perceptions Of Student Support Team And Response To Intervention, Lynn Russell Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher perceptions of Student Support Team (SST) and Response to Intervention (RTI) effectiveness. While an effective, researchbased framework is certainly paramount to the success of either endeavor, the teachers involved in the process and their perceptions directly impact the effectiveness. Teacher perceptions of their familiarity with SST and RTI, adequacy of training, qualifications to implement, the effectiveness of SST and RTI, eligibility requirements for special education, weaknesses of the frameworks, and reasons for non-referral are examined in the study. The sample population for the survey consisted of teachers (n=342) from around the …

An Examination Of The Significant Factors Motivating Early Liberty University Ministerial Graduates To Envision And Pursue Ambitious Ministry Opportunities, David Wesley Hirschman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From its inception, Liberty University has produced ministerial graduates that have envisioned and pursued ambitious ministry opportunities. Whether planting new churches, establishing new mission agencies in foreign nations, or launching a worldwide network of Christian schools, the manner in which early Liberty University ministerial graduates envisioned and pursued ministry opportunities is the direct result of the influences present during the early years of the school. This process of influence included factors that combined to create a climate of confidence and expectation among ministerial graduates, prompting many to envision and pursue ambitious ministry opportunities that endured to become thriving and lasting …

School Achievement For Students With Behavioral Disorders, Steven Wayne Burnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the descriptive qualitative study was to examine the successful strategies, accommodations, and interventions utilized for students with emotional behavior disorder (EBD) and the influences they have on the students' academic achievement (GPA, passage rates of courses, passage rates of state mandated assessments, student satisfaction, attendance rates, and disciplinary infractions) and glean greater understanding of instructional strategies and environmental differences alternative schools offer to students with EBD. In addition to a parent and a student with EBD, an alternative school staff was analyzed in rich detail to glean understanding of environmental influences. Data were collected using document analysis, …

Teacher Evaluation: Assessing Principals’ Perceptions In The State Of New Jersey, Robert J. Fisicaro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation describes a study assessing New Jersey school principals' attitudes towards various characteristics of teacher evaluation and compares perceptions among sub groups. Four-hundred sixty-two building principals completed a survey which measured perceptions of four constructs of teacher evaluation that were selected from current educational theory: teacher evaluation should be founded in a partnership, differentiated for individuals, ongoing, and considerate of student learning outcomes. Principals were examined as sub groups according to gender, level of school, and years of experience. Descriptive statistics indicated that principals agreed that evaluation systems should be part of an ongoing cycle. Principals were neutral to …

Non-Traditional Entrants To The Teaching Profession: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Motivations, Experiences, And Reflections Of Second-Career Teachers, William Darrell Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals entering the teaching profession from other fields have much to offer in terms of practical experience in fields such as business, private industry, law enforcement, and the military. This study examined the phenomenon of second-career teachers with specific emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences, and reflections of the participants in this study concerning the decision to leave already established professions in order to pursue a career in teaching. The study also inquired into the process involved in professional preparation as well as in assimilating to the culture of schools. Twelve diverse second-career teachers were purposefully chosen for this …

A Study Of Effective Strategies For Evangelism Applied To Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church, Kon Tae Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to map out a strategy of evangelism applied to Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church. The project examines field analysis, case study, and literature research. The case study was done on eight outstanding Korean churches both outside and inside the U.S.A. with productive ministries of evangelism. The author has been working for Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church as an assistant pastor for one and a half years. He develops a strategy with regards to evangelism out of his experience and lessons from his ministry.

Preschool Education In Virginia And The Resulting Academic Effects For Third- And Fifth-Grade At-Risk Students, Pamela Perry Randall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While there remains little doubt that the "founding" preschool programs in America--the High/Scope Perry Program, the Chicago Child-Parent Centers, and the Abecedarian Project--had a positive academic and social impact on the students they served, such claims are difficult to substantiate for students being served in the Virginia Preschool Initiative Program. This study was designed to investigate the educational impact of the state-funded preschool program on the academic achievement of at-risk students who attended school from 1999-2002. These students' third- and fifth-grade Standards of Learning tests, in the subject areas of mathematics and reading, were compared using T-tests and ANOVA calculations …

A Study On The Motives Of High School And Undergraduate College Students For Using The Social Network Site Facebook, Michael Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An online survey conducted at a mid-Atlantic university and two high schools located in close geographical proximity sought to determine the motives for using the social network site Facebook.com. A redesigned instrument based upon the Interpersonal Communication Motives (ICM) scale used in past uses and gratifications research measured motivations for Facebook use. Motives of undergraduate college students and high school students for using Facebook attempted to predict attitudinal and behavioral outcomes of Facebook use. The study compared the descriptors of the behavioral and attitudinal outcomes of high school students to the descriptors of the behavioral and attitudinal outcomes of undergraduate …

The Relationship Between Stress, Work Hours And Depressive Symptoms Among Migrant Factory Workers In China, Anthony Ping-Kam So

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study sought to identify the relationship between work hours, stress, and depressive symptoms among migrant factory workers in China (N = 911). Using correlational analyses, the researcher arrived at results that indicated there was a weak but significant positive correlation between working hours and stress levels; a significant moderate relationship between working hours and depression levels, and a significant association between stress levels and depressive symptoms among migrant factory workers in China. Additionally, multiple regression analysis found a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and dorm-living (environmental factor) in the participants. Data indicated social support and gender difference were found …

Brain-Based Learning Theory: The Incorporation Of Movement To Increase Learning, Eva Patrice Pennington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the use of kinesthetic movement as a vehicle by which to teach grammar to high school students. Brain-based theorists believe that, since the anatomical parts of the brain that coordinate basic physical movement are also the physical components used to coordinate the movement of thought, movement is necessary for optimal learning to occur. While purposeful incorporation of movement in the classroom is a popular and increasingly important aspect of brain-based theory, little empirical evidence exists to support the experiences, conjectures, and evidence across multiple disciplines and neurological findings when applied to the high school student. The study …

Effective Blended Family Ministry In The Twenty-First Century Church, Ronald Lee Beck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Blended or Step family is the number one family unit in the United States today. As a result, it is imperative that the New Testament Church learn to more effectively minister to the needs of this growing family group. Although the blended family has many issues, six of the more prevalent issues are discussed in this thesis with solutions given to help any family in the blending process to have a better chance of success.

Innovation Matters: The Use Of Innovation In Ministry Strategies For The Local Church, Travis Paul Drake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are a tremendous amount of people that are either unchurched or de-churched when compared to statistics from earlier years in America. The purpose of this thesis is to discover how the application of innovation in the local church makes an impact on ministry strategies today. One of the commandments given to the Church today is the Great Commission, and it is to be determined by each local church how that mandate will be fulfilled. In essence, when a church chooses to use innovation in reaching out to the community, innovation in itself becomes an outreach strategy.

Quantity Of Parental Involvement: The Influence Of The Level Of Education Attainment Of Elementary Private School Parents, Deborah Kay Secord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of the custodial parents' level of educational attainment on the quantity of parental involvement in the areas of assistance with homework, time spent in home activities with the child, communication with teachers, participation in school events, educational discussions with the child, and time volunteered in school. Questionnaires were sent out to the parents of elementary students at two private faith-based institutions. The combined number of participants was 151. The researcher determined that there was no significant influence among these private school parents of the level of educational attainment on the …

Influence Of Technology On Adolescent Development And Spiritual Formation, Kevin Daniel Monahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescence is the time when a person develops perceptions about religious thoughts and with proper guidance, can be a stronger follower of Christ. The purpose of this project is to analyze the effects of technology on young people and to show a direct correlation between the influence of technology and spiritual growth of adolescents. I will argue that both the positive and negative influences of technology have made our students more informative yet less personally intimate. This shift of personal interaction presents a challenge to the cognitive development and spiritual formation of all students.

The Effects Of Georgia's Choice Curricular Reform Model On Third Grade Science Scores On The Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test, Art W. Phemister

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Georgia's Choice reading curriculum on third grade science scores on the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test from 2002 to 2008. In assessing the effectiveness of the Georgia's Choice curriculum model this causal comparative study examined the 105 elementary schools that implemented Georgia's Choice and 105 randomly selected elementary schools that did not elect to use Georgia's Choice. The Georgia's Choice reading program used intensified instruction in an effort to increase reading levels for all students. The study used a non-equivalent control group with a pretest and posttest design …

Rural Schooling In Georgia: The Experiences Of A Minority Community Service Organization Involved In Local School Decision-Making Activities, Cynthia Louise Altman Lowe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation study was a descriptive case study of a minority community service organization whose members were actively involved in local school decisionmaking and activities in a rural Northeast Georgia community. Rural schools face unique challenges in light of current educational trends. To address the challenges, rural schools must learn to encourage, develop, and sustain effective collaborations with increasingly diverse social groups in order to capitalize on all available social, economic, and intellectual resources. The purpose of this study was to collect and examine the stories and experiences of members of a rural, minority community service organization who actively sought …

Music Instruction And The Reading Achievement Of Middle School Students, Juanita Huber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Comparative analysis examined responses on a descriptive questionnaire from 267 students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The study compared duration of and participation in music instruction, types of musical instruments learned, and experience in musical ensembles to scores from the state English language arts assessment. Analysis of results included descriptive statistics and the use of the Pearson r correlation coefficient. Overall findings yielded a significant positive relationship between the study of music and reading development in middle school students. A comparison of test scores to music instruction lasting longer than two years, performance on a brass or woodwind instrument, …

Transactional Algorithm For Subtracting Fractions: Go Shopping, James Seishin Pinckard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental research study was to examine the effects of an alternative or transactional algorithm for subtracting mixed numbers within the middle school setting. Initial data were gathered from the student achievement of four mathematics teachers at three different school sites. The results indicated students who utilized the transactional algorithm demonstrated greater comprehension, retention, and computational accuracy than those who utilized traditional algorithms. The difference between the scores of the two groups was statistically significant. The follow-up investigation employed a quasi-experimental nonrandomized Test 1-Test2 control research with two teachers. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to …

Computer/Video Games As A Play Therapy Tool In Reducing Emotional Disturbances In Children, Kevin Boyd Hull

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of computer/video games as a play therapy tool for children suffering from an emotional disturbance of sadness (pervasive feelings of irritability, loss of enjoyment in activities previously enjoyed, withdrawal from friends or family, decline in school performance, and hopelessness). Children who suffer from emotional disturbances have problems functioning in school, in social and family settings, as well as transitioning into adulthood. Play therapy is an effective and creative way to work with children with emotional disturbances. Play becomes a way for the child to communicate and heal. Computer/video games are …

Impact Of Self-Esteem And Identification With Academics On The Academic Achievement Of African American Students, Edward Earl Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of self-esteem and identification with academics on the academic achievement of African American students in a charter school setting. Ninety-three students participated in this study. Using a pretest/posttest control group design, both the experimental group and the control group were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory and the School Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) as pretest measures of self-esteem and identification with academics at the beginning of the experiment. The control and experimental groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory and the School Perceptions Questionnaire (SPQ) at the end of the experiment. The control group received no intervention …

God’S Shield: The Relationship Between God Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, And Adult Child Of An Alcoholic (Acoa) Status In A Sample Of Evangelical Graduate Counseling Students, Karin Mcpeak Dumont

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The conceptual framework for this study focused on adult attachments and adult relationship satisfaction being defined and supported by initial attachment style. The literature review consistently revealed that individuals with a secure attachment style report higher relationship satisfaction than individuals with an insecure style. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of attachment to God and a history of an alcoholic parent on adult relationship satisfaction while controlling for romantic attachment. A total of 267 participants from an evangelical graduate program in counseling were administered the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST), Attachment to God Inventory (AGI), …

The Effectiveness Of Mathematics And Science Partnership (Msp) Grants On Student Achievement, Michael R. Schlabra

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a Title II Mathematics and Partnership grant positively affected student achievement levels for 3rd grade students in a public school system. The primary participant populations for this study were third grade students enrolled in 4 elementary schools in north Georgia from 2005-2008. Over 4,500 student assessments were used to conduct the statistical research and variables such as gender, race, and socio-economic levels were not disaggregated in the data collection. The data sources included the first quarter, second quarter, and third quarter post formative assessments which were administered every nine-week grading period …

Study To Show Thyself Approved: The Case For Continuing Clergy Education, Dan R. Jividen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There has been little study focused upon the role of the pastor's personal growth and how it may relate to growth or the lack thereof in the local church. Although the problem of ministerial competence as a whole can not be fully addressed in the limited scope of this project, it is this writer's contention that much of the plateau in church growth experienced in Southern Baptist Churches today may be predicated by the lack of ministerial training in the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention as a whole. It is the intent of this project to determine if there …

Perceived Factors Influencing The Pursuit Of Higher Education Among First-Generation College Students, Lynne Coy-Ogan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students who are first in their families to pursue higher education are often less likely to receive the academic, social, and financial support needed to experience success when compared to students from college-educated families. This study examined the perceived differences among salient factors influencing the pursuit of higher education between first-year, first-generation college students and students from college-educated families. These factors include family influence, secondary school support, peer influence, preparation for college, awareness and access to financial aid, and relative functionalism. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze data derived from The Factors Influencing the Pursuit of Higher Education …

Spelling Achievement Of Third Culture Children Compared To United States Norms, Lauren Jayne Berry Cuidon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spelling is a critical component to literacy development. Teachers of American children living overseas as well as adult "Third Culture Kids" (TCKs) have reported that spelling is especially challenging for the TCK population. This study investigated whether a difference existed in TCK spelling achievement compared to U.S. norms, as well as the effects of gender and schooling choice on TCK spelling achievement. Participants included children who were enrolled in fourth through seventh grades in an English-speaking instructional program, who held an American passport, who have lived internationally more than two years in a non-English speaking country, and who scored in …

Evaluation Of Pastoral Peer Learning Groups And The Application Of Principles In A South Florida Context, Dale R. Faircloth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The choice of peer learning groups by the Florida Baptist Convention as the primary leadership development approach for pastors is documented and examined. Surveys, Delphi Panels, and questionnaires were utilized to examine the perspectives of peer learning group participants and leaders regarding the effectiveness of the peer learning group method. Additionally, highly effective pastors in South Florida were surveyed to formulate their perspective of what characteristics are needed for a pastor to be effective in South Florida. Results were compared and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the peer learning groups. Practical suggestions are then offered for improvement.

Discipleship: Stepping Stones To Developing Your Church’S Strategy, John G. Johnston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to guide a church to develop a biblically based discipleship strategy that is intentional and ongoing. This will be done by focusing on current and future plans of developing a discipleship strategy of a local church. This project is influenced by my experiences in a disciplemaking process , observations and visits I conducted with hundreds of church leaders over the past twenty years, and my work to develop a church's disciplemaking ministry. This project proposes five steps toward developing a discipleship strategy that will encourage a lifelong journey of obedience that spiritually transforms values …

The Impact Of Hurricane Katrina On Adolescent Psychological Adjustment And Adaptation In Southeast Louisiana, William Stephen Kelly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in late August 2005. This devastating storm left thousands of people homeless and forever changed the lives of those who lived in these areas. Adolescents in the storm-impacted areas continue to be affected by life events brought about by this natural catastrophe. Many adolescents moved to another parish or state and started a new school, and many students reported attending multiple schools. Adolescents lost possessions and friends, and many continue to experience grief and loss issues related to Hurricane Katrina. Family job loss and associated financial hardship added to the already …