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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Differences In Motivation And Game Scores Between Middle School Students Completing Digital Game-Based Learning Tasks With And Without Supports Of Autonomy And Structure, Joseph Harmon Nov 2016

Differences In Motivation And Game Scores Between Middle School Students Completing Digital Game-Based Learning Tasks With And Without Supports Of Autonomy And Structure, Joseph Harmon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of autonomy and structure support on intrinsic motivation (IM), the facilitators of IM, and game scores during digital game-based learning (DGBL) tasks. The sample included 222 students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classrooms. Three instruments from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) were utilized during the study: (a) Perceived Choice; (b) Perceived Competence; and (c) Interest/Enjoyment. A quasi-experimental static-group comparison model research design was used to test the differences in perceived autonomy, perceived competence, interest/enjoyment, and game scores between four groups of middle school students completing online learning games in …


Differences In Sense Of Community Between Students In A Middle School Virtual Class Versus A Traditional Class, Brandon Ratliff Nov 2016

Differences In Sense Of Community Between Students In A Middle School Virtual Class Versus A Traditional Class, Brandon Ratliff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the difference between students’ sense of community in the traditional classroom setting versus the virtual classroom setting with middle school–age students. McMillan and Chavis’s sense of community theory served as the theoretical foundation of the study. A quantitative, causal-comparative design was utilized to determine the effects of the variables. Students at a public middle school in Virginia and a virtual middle school in Tennessee participated in this study. Seventy-eight students participated from the public middle school that constituted the traditional setting, and 60 students participated from the virtual middle school that constituted the virtual setting. The students …


Five Strategies To Assist Spiritual Leaders In Implementing Self-Care Programs For Compassion Fatigue, Dallas Scales Nov 2016

Five Strategies To Assist Spiritual Leaders In Implementing Self-Care Programs For Compassion Fatigue, Dallas Scales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to provide five strategies for spiritual leaders to combat the negative affect of compassion fatigue due to trauma events. Although pastoral care and counseling is an effective instrument by which churches stay germane to changing human needs in a shifting society and churches, pastors and caregivers have grown susceptible to compassion fatigue. The researcher will gather data from a survey of 100 spiritual leaders constructed around four hypotheses related to self-care after a trauma event: psychological, emotional, physiological and theological created uniquely for this thesis process. This research will provide five strategies for …


A Phenomenological Study To Examine The Motives Of Tenth Grade Students Perpetrating Cyberbullying, David Farkas Nov 2016

A Phenomenological Study To Examine The Motives Of Tenth Grade Students Perpetrating Cyberbullying, David Farkas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the underlying cyberbullying motives for 10th grade students at a suburban high school in Southern California. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory (1978) as it relates to the roles members of a community play in decision making. The study consisted of interviewing 14 sophomore students from a suburban high school in Southern California. At the conclusion of the interviews, six of these students were selected to participate in a focus group based on their identified actions as cyberbullies. Data was analyzed through Moustakas’ seven steps approach. The …


Discipleship Counseling: Developing Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Followers Of Jesus, James Albritton Nov 2016

Discipleship Counseling: Developing Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Followers Of Jesus, James Albritton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will look at how professional or lay counseling can increase the effectiveness of making and maturing followers of Jesus. An effective strategy for disciple-making that targets the whole person will be established to help followers of Jesus overcome the emotional pain due to past sin and hurts which have left them ineffective and stagnant in their growth as disciples. Research will be conducted through articles, websites, and books dealing with the subject as well as a survey of at least 50 pastors to determine whether a clear process of disciple-making exists in their church and if any form …


Motivational Factors That Sustain Experienced Teachers In High-Need, Low-Performing Public Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Casey Nov 2016

Motivational Factors That Sustain Experienced Teachers In High-Need, Low-Performing Public Schools: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Casey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe factors that sustained public school teachers in high-need areas. Teacher sustainability was generally defined as teachers who remained in a high-need public school located in southeastern North Carolina beyond the initial three years of teaching. This study explored the following: (1) How do public school teachers describe their experience working in a high-need educational community in North Carolina? (2) How do public school teachers perceive their former life history as having an impact retaining their profession beyond the initial three years of teaching in a high-need, low-performing public school? (3) …


An Effectiveness Survey Study Of Theophostic Prayer Ministry, Brigitte Ritchey Nov 2016

An Effectiveness Survey Study Of Theophostic Prayer Ministry, Brigitte Ritchey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study assessed the perceived level of effectiveness of Thoephostic Prayer Minister (TPM) as measured by recipients’ overall and specific ratings of TPM’s impact on their lives, and assessed the validity of concerns that TPM leads to unusually high rates of negative outcomes. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, recipients completed a self-administered survey following their weekly session during one week of data collection at three different geographic locations across the United States. Data was analyzed for frequencies using one-way ANOVA’s. Results: Findings revealed 94% of respondents indicated that their overall problems improved, with 35% indicating the highest rating of improvement. …


Self-Efficacy Score Differences Between First-Year, Male And Female First-Generation And Non-First-Generation College Students As Measured By The College Self-Efficacy Inventory (Csei), Janet Shepherd Nov 2016

Self-Efficacy Score Differences Between First-Year, Male And Female First-Generation And Non-First-Generation College Students As Measured By The College Self-Efficacy Inventory (Csei), Janet Shepherd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students of all backgrounds have a transition period when entering college. However, first-time, first-generation college students encounter more problems and have more difficulties becoming acclimated to college resulting in decreased first-year retention rates for first-generation students. These problems and difficulties are related to course work, socialization, and roommate issues. Research has shown that self-efficacy and collective efficacy are important in student achievement. This research study explored if there was a difference in student perception of self-efficacy among male and female first-year, first-generation college students and male and female first-year, non-first-generation college students. A quantitative, causal-comparative study was conducted utilizing the …


The Influence Of Spousal Support On Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officers' Pursuit Of A Bachelor's Degree: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Randy Croft Nov 2016

The Influence Of Spousal Support On Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officers' Pursuit Of A Bachelor's Degree: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Randy Croft

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore perceptions of spousal support among active-duty Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officers (Senior NCOs) in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Senior NCOs are comprised of enlisted Airmen in the ranks of E-7 through E-9. Fourteen active-duty Air Force Senior NCOs, who have completed, or are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program completed an online survey and a personal interview regarding their perceptions of spousal support in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, participants completed a written timeline, which helped provide context to college degree enrollment decisions and spousal …


An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson Oct 2016

An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Depression is becoming more common in pastors because of the stress and strains of ministry, as well as other personal issues. Therefore, this analysis looks into how different mechanisms such as social support and traditional religious values tend to function across different groups of the religious community. The purpose of this study is to understand the issues that would cause a pastor to become depressed and also to devise a plan of action that will provide alternatives to dealing with depression in a positive and healthy manner. This analysis will expand on existing literature and reports that argue on both …


The Beliefs, Perceptions, And Strategies Of Vocabulary Instruction In Middle Grades Social Studies: A Phenomenological Study, Lisa-Renee Gilford Oct 2016

The Beliefs, Perceptions, And Strategies Of Vocabulary Instruction In Middle Grades Social Studies: A Phenomenological Study, Lisa-Renee Gilford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Content specific vocabulary instruction at the secondary level is an area that had a minimal research focus. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the beliefs, perceptions, and experiences of 8 middle school social studies teachers in lesson delivery and instruction at Cornerstone Middle School (pseudonym), a middle school located in a major city in the southeastern United States. Data was collected from interviews, classroom observations, and artifacts from participants. The theoretical framework providing a foundation for this study centered on Vygotsky’s (1978) work on social interaction playing an integral role in cognitive development. The research questions that …


Are Christian College Students Equipped To Share Their Faith With Their Muslim Friends?: A Plan Of Action, Tim Orr Oct 2016

Are Christian College Students Equipped To Share Their Faith With Their Muslim Friends?: A Plan Of Action, Tim Orr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to Pew Research Center, the U.S. Muslim population will double by 2030. Training the church to reach this group of people is vital. This project proposes that the Christian college is the best resource to train students to reach their Muslim friends and neighbors for Christ because these institutions have at their disposal a rich reservoir of resources that are vital to providing the biblical, theological, missiological, sociological, and cross-cultural knowledge that is necessary to be effective witnesses for Christ. The project also identifies four important components to successful ministry to Muslims. The four components include spiritual vitality, cultural …


The Relationship Between Test Scores On Multiple Choice High-Stakes Tests And High-Stakes Tests That Include Constructed Responses, Natalie Hise Oct 2016

The Relationship Between Test Scores On Multiple Choice High-Stakes Tests And High-Stakes Tests That Include Constructed Responses, Natalie Hise

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the relationship between the test scores of Georgia high school students on the multiple choice End-of-Course Test (EOCT) and the Georgia Milestones End of Course (GAMEOC) test, which include constructed response. The study is a non-experimental correlational study that uses ex post facto data. Scores were examined from an urban high school in Georgia, using the Coordinate Algebra and Analytic Geometry scores from the 2013-14 EOCT tests and 2014-15 GAMEOC tests. Scores were collected from the district office of the sample school with a sample size of 2702 test scores and then analyzed using a point biserial …


Investigating The Supplemental Instruction Leader Experience: A Phenomenological Study Of Undergraduate Peer Educators, James Eller Oct 2016

Investigating The Supplemental Instruction Leader Experience: A Phenomenological Study Of Undergraduate Peer Educators, James Eller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of undergraduate students who serve as Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders at a mid-sized, private research university in the Midwestern United States. Using Schlossberg’s transition theory as a theoretical framework, this study attempted to answer the central research question: What is the experience of students who serve as SI leaders at a mid-sized, private research university located in the Midwestern United States? Sub-questions sought to address student expectations moving into the experience, how expectations were met or not met as they moved through the SI leader experience, the expected …


A Phenomenology Of Sixth Grade Students’ Perspectives On Their Experience Using A Rubric For Criterion-Referenced Assessment, Julie Quast Oct 2016

A Phenomenology Of Sixth Grade Students’ Perspectives On Their Experience Using A Rubric For Criterion-Referenced Assessment, Julie Quast

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine sixth grade literacy students’ perspectives of rubric-referenced assessment at an inner-city school in central Arkansas. The theories guiding this study were Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development, as rubrics scaffold students learning (Reeves & Stanford, 2009) and social cognitive theory, as rubrics help students regulate their learning (Covill, 2012) and control their actions (Bandura, 1997). The sample size included 29 students completing a questionnaire, 12 students participating in a focus group session, and two students journaling their experience. The research questions focused on the experiences, perspectives, approach to assignments, and response to …


Pre-Millennial, Veteran Teacher Perceptions Of Implementing A Digital 1:1 Initiative Into Elementary Classrooms In Three Private, Independent Schools In The Southern United States: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Pamela Mckee Sep 2016

Pre-Millennial, Veteran Teacher Perceptions Of Implementing A Digital 1:1 Initiative Into Elementary Classrooms In Three Private, Independent Schools In The Southern United States: A Transcendental Phenomenology, Pamela Mckee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In an effort to improve educational experiences and provide differentiated instruction, both public and private schools alike are requiring the inclusion of 21st century digital technology in K-12 classrooms, and more specifically, 1:1 initiatives that provide a device for each student. Transitioning to a 1:1 classroom initiative presents unique challenges to pre-millennial, veteran teachers. There is limited research examining the experiences and perceptions of this unique group of teachers, especially those involved in private education. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of pre-millennial, veteran teachers in three private, independent schools as they integrated digital, …


Eighth Grade Perspectives: The Relationship Between Students’ Attitudes Towards Math And Students’ Attitudes Toward Music, Glen Lowe Sep 2016

Eighth Grade Perspectives: The Relationship Between Students’ Attitudes Towards Math And Students’ Attitudes Toward Music, Glen Lowe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Being successful in math is considered to be important for future employability, and music may be an important venue for students to improve their math skills. Rather than being unrelated, strong musical education programs have been linked to higher performance in math and academics in general. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine whether a statistically significant relationship exists between students’ attitudes toward math and their attitudes toward music with regard to gender. A convenience sample of 107 eighth grade students from a metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia school district participated in two surveys: Tapia’s Attitude Toward Mathematics Inventory (ATMI) …


The Relationship Between Administrative Leadership Behaviors And Teacher Retention In The American Association Of Christian Schools, Deana Michelle Jones Sep 2016

The Relationship Between Administrative Leadership Behaviors And Teacher Retention In The American Association Of Christian Schools, Deana Michelle Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teacher retention has been at the forefront of educational concerns for many years and continues to be a legitimate issue for public and private education alike. Most available research, however, addresses public education with very limited research in this regard addressing Christian education. Evidence from public education research has highlighted the principal’s important role in teacher retention. Therefore, the principal’s role is a legitimate focus for research in the field of teacher retention in Christian education. The purpose of this correlational study is to determine if there is a relationship between the principal’s consideration or initiating structure leadership behaviors and …


Adult Adhd: Effects On Student Performance Within The Online Classroom, Freda Jeanetta Barnett-Braddock Sep 2016

Adult Adhd: Effects On Student Performance Within The Online Classroom, Freda Jeanetta Barnett-Braddock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to determine the impact, if any, that adult ADHD has on student performance within the online classroom. The researcher sought to identify any underlying correlations which exist that will impact benchmark assessment grades (final exam essay), grade point average (GPA), and course completion rates for students who are highly likely to have ADHD when compared with their neurotypical counterparts. The 41 participants were adult learners who were enrolled in an online, general education course at a university located in the southeastern portion of the United States. Independent samples t-tests and Chi Square tests …


A Case Study Of An Ethnically-Tailored Community-Based Mental Health Program: Washington Christian Counseling Institute, Gemma Imsook Sohn Sep 2016

A Case Study Of An Ethnically-Tailored Community-Based Mental Health Program: Washington Christian Counseling Institute, Gemma Imsook Sohn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Disparities in health and mental health service utilization among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are well documented, with many studies having identified accessibility to linguistically and culturally informed services as a key barrier to service utilization. Korean Americans in particular, being the most recent immigrant group of Asian Americans, reportedly suffer from higher rates of depression and anxiety than other Asian American groups. There is, however, some indication that Asian Americans do utilize ethnicity-specific programs at a higher rate than mainstream services when such services are made available to them. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate and explain …


Gender-Related Attitudinal Differences Towards Science Fairs Of Students In Christian Private Schools In South Carolina, Glenda Westbury Sep 2016

Gender-Related Attitudinal Differences Towards Science Fairs Of Students In Christian Private Schools In South Carolina, Glenda Westbury

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Science fairs afford students at all grade levels the opportunity to practice thinking as a scientist does, a valuable 21st century skill (Jacobs, 2010) and may influence students to pursue STEM-related careers. Even though science fairs have been occurring since the 1920s, literature related to science competitions, especially science fairs, is limited (Dionne et al., 2012; Terzian, 2009). The purpose of this quantitative study was to use a causal comparative research design to determine if there is a difference in overall attitudes towards science fairs, enjoyment of science fairs, and usefulness of science fairs of female and male students at …


Act Scores, Sat Scores, And High School Gpa As Predictors Of Success In Online College Freshman English, Cheryl Gregory Sep 2016

Act Scores, Sat Scores, And High School Gpa As Predictors Of Success In Online College Freshman English, Cheryl Gregory

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

SAT and ACT scores are often used by colleges and universities as indicators of ability to perform college work in a residential setting, although few studies have focused on the use of these scores to predict success in an online setting. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of the SAT score, ACT score, and high school grade point average (HSGPA) to predict success as indicated by a numerical grade in freshman college English for online students. Freshman English is considered crucial to successful completion of a college degree. The sample included 1,008 college freshmen taking English …


A Phenomenological Study: The Role Of Spiritual Support In The Persistence Of Online Doctoral Students, Clara Tickal Sep 2016

A Phenomenological Study: The Role Of Spiritual Support In The Persistence Of Online Doctoral Students, Clara Tickal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to investigate the role of spiritual support in the persistence of online students who have completed their doctorate in education. The definition of internal spiritual support used in this study was “support perceived in the context of an individual’s relationship with God” (Maton, 1989, p. 319). Internal support included the prayers, personal Bible study, and other forms of spiritual interaction between the doctoral student and God. For the purpose of this study, external spiritual support was defined as the spiritual aspect of social support. External support included the spiritual support provided by …


A Phenomenological Investigation Of Elementary Educators' On-The-Job Experiences After Self-Selected Professional Development, Cindy Manzanares Sep 2016

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Elementary Educators' On-The-Job Experiences After Self-Selected Professional Development, Cindy Manzanares

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to describe elementary educators’ on-the-job experiences after completing a self-selected professional development (PD). This study was guided by the overall question: How do elementary educators describe on-the-job experiences after completing self-selected professional development? To provide further direction of the vast experiences three sub questions were utilized. (a) To what extent, if at all, have practices from the professional development been implemented? (b) What factors are perceived to positively impact implementation of the professional development? (c) What factors are perceived to negatively impact implementation of the professional development? Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory, …


How Math Avoidance Influences Degree Completion For Bible College Students: A Case Study Of A Small, Private Institution In Upstate New York, Bonnie Novak Sep 2016

How Math Avoidance Influences Degree Completion For Bible College Students: A Case Study Of A Small, Private Institution In Upstate New York, Bonnie Novak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to describe math perception and avoidance for ministerial undergraduate students at a small, private Bible college in upstate New York. In the research, math avoidance was generally defined as the participants’ perception of math, their delay in completing a credit-bearing math course until their senior year or not at all, and their own learning or degree completion as a result. The theories guiding this study were Tinto’s Retention Theory/Model of Institutional Departure, Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, and Estep’s Theory of Christian Formation. The central question was: How does math avoidance influence persistence …


Peer Tutoring Of Junior Nursing Students: Student Experiences And Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy And Benefit, Mary Clarke Sep 2016

Peer Tutoring Of Junior Nursing Students: Student Experiences And Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy And Benefit, Mary Clarke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experiences of peer tutoring in junior-level nursing students, as well as the perceptions of increased self-efficacy and overall benefit to student learning. The proposed study included 10 nursing students enrolled in the residential Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at a large private university in the Southeast United States. The theoretical framework guiding this study included both developmental constructivism (Piaget, 1953) and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1994), as they work in a reciprocal relationship within a conceptual framework. Knowledge is constructed, and as students learn concepts from experiences, they …


Experiences Of Elementary Teachers Using Inclusion Models To Serve Gifted Students, Mandy Sears Sep 2016

Experiences Of Elementary Teachers Using Inclusion Models To Serve Gifted Students, Mandy Sears

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Gifted education has undergone recent changes because of the decrease in funding set aside for gifted students in the public school system. The use of inclusion to provide gifted education within the general education classroom is one option that is more cost-effective than the traditional resource, or pullout, programs that have been used in the state of Georgia. This phenomenological study investigated the perceived experiences of general elementary educators who were new to teaching gifted students and were required to use an inclusion model in the general education classroom. Participants included 13 teachers from 4 school districts in Northern Georgia. …


A Manual For An Evangelical State Prison Chaplaincy, Aaron Mobley Aug 2016

A Manual For An Evangelical State Prison Chaplaincy, Aaron Mobley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis will include the practical guidelines for prison chaplaincy in local state Department of Corrections. The goal would be to develop an instruction manual for new evangelical ministers entering into the State Prison Chaplaincy. Prison chaplains are frequently unprepared for ministry to incarcerated individuals. Chaplaincy is a difficult position and the prison environment adds to the difficulty. Too often Chaplains are under trained which magnifies the complexity of the position. In the prison environment they are trained in security issues but the religious issues are left untouched. This manual will assist newly hired Chaplains to become better acquainted with …


A Collective Case Study On Elementary School Administrators’ And Teachers’ Perceptions Of A School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention And Supports Framework, H. David Cawthon Aug 2016

A Collective Case Study On Elementary School Administrators’ And Teachers’ Perceptions Of A School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention And Supports Framework, H. David Cawthon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to explore and understand administrators’ and teachers’ perceptions on how a school-wide positive behavior intervention and supports (SWPBIS) framework influences school climate at the elementary school level. The theory guiding this study was grounded in B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant behavior and applied behavior analysis, which supports the use of positive reinforcement to increase desired behavior in a real world setting. A rich description of the perceived influence a SWPBIS framework has on school climate was constructed by answering the central research question: “How do administrators and teachers perceive the influence of …


Special Education Teachers' Beliefs And Perceptions Of Evidence-Based Reading Instruction, Loretta Jackson Tatum Aug 2016

Special Education Teachers' Beliefs And Perceptions Of Evidence-Based Reading Instruction, Loretta Jackson Tatum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to identify and uncover themes that emerged from special education teachers’ experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of evidence-based reading instruction. The theoretical framework that guided this study consisted of the epistemological theory of knowledge and Bandura’s social cognitive theory. Data collection methods included semistructured in-depth interviews, documentation analysis, and classroom observations. Data analyses involved reflecting on 13 special education teachers’ collective comments, dialogues, written documentation, and interview transcripts. Three themes emerged regarding the phenomenon of teaching reading to children with disabilities (a) Knowledge sources, (b) Environmental diversity, and (c) Organizational constraints. These essential …