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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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A Multi-Case Study Examining Co-Teaching Approaches And Practices In High School Mathematics And Literature/Composition Classes, Patti A. Cleaveland May 2015

A Multi-Case Study Examining Co-Teaching Approaches And Practices In High School Mathematics And Literature/Composition Classes, Patti A. Cleaveland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Special education provides a variety of instructional models to ensure the success of students with disabilities. The increasingly utilized model of co-teaching allows students with disabilities access to the general education environment with the support of special education teachers. The co-teaching model consists of one general and one special education teacher who work together to ensure the success of both the special education and general education students. This qualitative study investigated and explained the co-teaching approaches and practices used by co-teaching partners participating in the academic areas of literature/composition and mathematics classes at the high school level. A multiple case …


The Effect Of Thinking Maps® On The Reading Achievement Of Middle School Students: An Ex Post Facto Causal Comparative Study, Karen Ogden Woodford May 2015

The Effect Of Thinking Maps® On The Reading Achievement Of Middle School Students: An Ex Post Facto Causal Comparative Study, Karen Ogden Woodford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine what, if any, relationship existed between Thinking Maps® instruction used as a school-wide strategy and student achievement in middle school students in the area of reading as reported by the Virginia State Standards of Learning Test scores. The association was tested through full implementation and instruction of Thinking Maps® as a school-wide strategy. Using a quantitative design, this ex post facto, causal comparative included a comparison of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students' Virginia Reading SOL scores from 2011, 2012, and 2013 after schools implemented Thinking Maps® as a school-wide strategy compared …


The Effect Of Video Interviews With Stem Professionals On Stem-Subject Attitude And Stem-Career Interest Of Middle School Students In Conservative Protestant Christian Schools, Philip Alsup Apr 2015

The Effect Of Video Interviews With Stem Professionals On Stem-Subject Attitude And Stem-Career Interest Of Middle School Students In Conservative Protestant Christian Schools, Philip Alsup

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Inspiring learners toward career options available in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is important not only for economic development but also for maintaining creative thinking and innovation. Limited amounts of research in STEM education have focused on the population of students enrolled in religious and parochial schools, and given the historic conflict between religion and science, this sector of American education is worthy of examination. The purpose of this quantitative study is to extend Gottfredson's (1981) Theory of Circumscription and Compromise as it relates to occupational aspirations. Bem's (1981) Gender Schema Theory is examined as it relates to …


Understanding College Students With A Learning Disability - A Phenomenological Study, Will Licht Apr 2015

Understanding College Students With A Learning Disability - A Phenomenological Study, Will Licht

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to describe the essence of what it means to be a college student at Midwest Christian University who is identified with a learning disability (LD) after beginning a collegiate learning experience. The theory that guided this study was three-fold. Combining Bandura's study of self-efficacy, the concept of resiliency, and a biblical worldview of learners, the study investigated the effects of a delayed LD identification on the academic and emotional lives of the participants. Additionally, the study analyzes steps that can be followed to alleviate the effects of the phenomenon. Data was collected …


Using Two Ipad® Apps That Provide Graphic Organizers And Explicit Curricular Vocabulary Instruction For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Subject Multiple Probe Study, Mary Fay Briggs Apr 2015

Using Two Ipad® Apps That Provide Graphic Organizers And Explicit Curricular Vocabulary Instruction For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Subject Multiple Probe Study, Mary Fay Briggs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study represents a quantitative approach to research, which was focused on information retrieval in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who attended inquiry-based classes in British international primary schools in Hong Kong. A single-subject multiple probe across behaviors, with concurrent replication across five participants, was the research design, which was used to study the effects of both the Popplet app and Futaba Classroom Games for Kids app on the ability of 7-11 year old children with ASD to learn vocabulary words for an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) Unit of Inquiry. The study also examined the effects of …


The Influence Of Health Assessments On Motivating College Students To Become More Physically Active, Keith Lawrence Mckelphin Apr 2015

The Influence Of Health Assessments On Motivating College Students To Become More Physically Active, Keith Lawrence Mckelphin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Motivating individuals has become a major initiative in higher education, and many different strategies are being implemented on campuses. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of health assessments on motivating college students to become more physically active. The research aimed to interpret the knowledge gained from an individual's health assessments as an effective strategy. The knowledge gained can be used to assist the college-aged population in adopting active lifestyles that will lower their health risks. The researcher used the self-determination theory to examine community college students' motivation to be physically active; the transtheoretical model of change …


Academic And Affective Outcomes Of Computer-Based Instruction On Developmental Math Students, Eric M. Kohler Apr 2015

Academic And Affective Outcomes Of Computer-Based Instruction On Developmental Math Students, Eric M. Kohler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A study aligning the positive aspects of technological-based learning with the high-risk population of developmental math students was conducted to ascertain the academic and affective outcomes of an "emporium model" of instruction on students with a case history of mathematical failure. By running parallel course sections in both emporium (treatment) and lecture-based (control) formats at two comparable universities, the quasi-experimental research design examined the effects of instructional delivery on students' academic completion rates, pass rates, and retention rates. Affective responses, namely mathematics anxiety levels and locus of control, were also studied using pre-post survey data to identify students' within-group emotionality …


The Teachers' Perspective Of Critical Thinking Skills Development In Middle School Gifted Students In The Social Studies Classroom Through The Use Of Primary Sources, Lara Elizabeth Henry Apr 2015

The Teachers' Perspective Of Critical Thinking Skills Development In Middle School Gifted Students In The Social Studies Classroom Through The Use Of Primary Sources, Lara Elizabeth Henry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Gifted education, although having been a part of the United States educational fabric since the early 1900s, has various definitions and programs throughout the nation. Many gifted students are being placed in regular education programs without consideration of their needs. In 1991 Wineburg began researching and proposing using primary sources for analyzing and research skills in social studies classrooms as a possible way to meet the needs of gifted students while teaching problem solving and critical thinking skills. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover two connected concepts: The perception middle school social studies teachers' have toward critical …


Phenomenological Study: Perceptions Of Teachers At A Christian High School Toward Performance Pay, Dana Gayle Dionne Mar 2015

Phenomenological Study: Perceptions Of Teachers At A Christian High School Toward Performance Pay, Dana Gayle Dionne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this consensual phenomenological study was to delve into the thoughts, perceptions, and personal experiences of teachers at a Christian high school in the Midwest in order to understand the perceived reality of those directly affected by pay for performance. In order to reduce bias, consensual qualitative research method using a research team was utilized. The research team consisted of two additional core members. Teachers were asked questions to determine how performance pay influences their motivation, their teaching, and their relationship with co-workers. For the purpose of this research, performance pay is generally defined as paying teachers according …


The Effect Of Aleks Math Support On Standardized Math Test Scores In Middle School, Amy Dawn Fanusi Mar 2015

The Effect Of Aleks Math Support On Standardized Math Test Scores In Middle School, Amy Dawn Fanusi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A quantitative causal-comparative and correlation research studied Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) at a middle school in rural Georgia. The purpose was to determine if computerized math instruction, as measured by ALEKS, was more effective than traditional teacher instruction with students in math support in order to pass the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). The study also explored the relationship among other variables: if the percentage of concepts a student completed in ALEKS affected student success on the CRCT, and if gender played a factor in achievement on the CRCT when enrolled in the ALEKS computer math …


Shepherding The Flock: C.A.R.E. - A Model For Pastoral Ministry, Ronald Hughes Feb 2015

Shepherding The Flock: C.A.R.E. - A Model For Pastoral Ministry, Ronald Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A seminary graduate is often well equipped in a variety of areas including preaching, languages, church growth, and the like. One area that graduates often feel ill equipped is the practical area of pastoral care; however, every minister, whether in a church of ten or ten thousand, must have a way to effectively deal with this part of their ministry. From a review of the literature and a survey of pastors, this project will confirm the current need for further training in the area of pastoral care. In addition, this project will offer a plan to meet those needs within …


The Relationship Between Middle School Mathematics Teacher Background And Efficacy During The Transition To Common Core, Stacy Plemons Feb 2015

The Relationship Between Middle School Mathematics Teacher Background And Efficacy During The Transition To Common Core, Stacy Plemons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this correlation study was to investigate the relationship between teacher background training and teaching efficacy for instructing mathematics in the middle grades during the transition to Common Core State Standards. Participants included 37 mathematics teachers in grades six, seven, and eight in the CORE East TN region. Surveys containing the Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument (MTEBI) were electronically administered to determine the dependent variables: self-efficacy (personal teaching efficacy) and outcome expectancy for teaching mathematics. Additional questions measured the independent variable, teacher background training, defined by number of college mathematics course hours taken, number TNCore mathematics training days …


A Self-Determination Theory Model Investigating The Relationship Between High School Male Student-Athlete Motivation And Academic Achievement, Adam H. Ploeg Feb 2015

A Self-Determination Theory Model Investigating The Relationship Between High School Male Student-Athlete Motivation And Academic Achievement, Adam H. Ploeg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This non-experimental regression study examined the relationship between six motivational factors and academic performance for male high school student-athletes. Research has shown motivation in athletics can have an effect on academic achievement. The study was conducted at six public high schools in the northeast region of South Carolina. The revised Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II) was the survey instrument used to collect athletic motivational levels of the 10th-12th grade high school male student-athletes (n=140). Academic achievement was measured through overall student grade point average (GPA). Sport type and grade level were statistically controlled in this study making them covariates. The data …


A Four-Fold Strategy For Training Parents To Teach Spiritual Formation At Home, James Otis Ledbetter Feb 2015

A Four-Fold Strategy For Training Parents To Teach Spiritual Formation At Home, James Otis Ledbetter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to aid church leaders toward understanding the dynamics of family ministry: what it is and what it is not. Having written five books for Focus on the Family and David C. Cook addressing the role of the church and family, this author has successfully transitioned his church from the traditional family ministry (families in the support role of the church) to placing the church in the support role of the family: strengthening God's family by strengthening theirs. Based on surveys, evaluations of each individual family's health, historical and cultural documents, resources, and actual case …


An Investigation Of Adversity In Christian Living And Proposal For Discipleship Response, Christopher Payne Jan 2015

An Investigation Of Adversity In Christian Living And Proposal For Discipleship Response, Christopher Payne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With numerous ministries teaching a cultural gospel comprised of prosperity and pleasure, people have the impression that a saving faith limits personal hardships. Jesus taught his disciples the truth about hardship and how to struggle well and the Church is called to do likewise. This thesis will present five key biblical truths to equip Christians for growing their faith through personal struggle. Moreover, the project will give leaders a guide for discipling hurting church members. The author will research current and historical discipleship materials and models, examine current teachings on faith and struggle, explore relevant biblical teachings, and survey fifty …


Evangelism And Social Concern In The Theology Of Carl F. H. Henry, Jerry Ireland Jan 2015

Evangelism And Social Concern In The Theology Of Carl F. H. Henry, Jerry Ireland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines evangelism and social concern in the theology of Carl F. H. Henry. Henry stands not only as the most important figure in the re-awakening of evangelical social concern, but also a leading thinker among Evangelicals on the theological foundations that should guide this movement in its life and practice. Henry, building on the work of Abraham Kuyper (although with some significant differences), sought to recapture the Reformed emphasis on a worldview approach to the Christian faith. Thus, Henry emerges as a key and oddly understudied figure in the re-awakening of evangelical social action. Yet, his balanced approach …


The Moderating Effects Of Religious Commitment On The Link Between Pornography Use And Negative Outcomes., Timothy R. King Dr. Jan 2015

The Moderating Effects Of Religious Commitment On The Link Between Pornography Use And Negative Outcomes., Timothy R. King Dr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pornography use is widespread and may be associated with maladaptive outcomes, such as unhealthy attitudes toward women and unhealthy attitudes about sex. The links between pornography use and maladaptive outcomes may be particularly strong among individuals who adopt an identity that is opposed to the viewing of pornography, such as a faith-based identity. Couched in the context of cascade development theory, the present study examined associations between the age of onset of adolescent pornography use and maladaptive outcomes. Participants included males between the ages of 18 and 25 years recruited through Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk interface. Participants completed a battery …


The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership Behavior, Adult Attachment And God Attachment, Deboarah Foulkes Jan 2015

The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership Behavior, Adult Attachment And God Attachment, Deboarah Foulkes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Transformational leaders are charged with the undertaking of not only accomplishing tasks, but also engaging followers in a manner that will achieve these tasks. An interaction with the follower is needed to achieve this, and the quality of that interaction may be impacted by environmental stressors. Past studies suggest that adult attachment orientation will determine the quality of interpersonal interactions. Additionally, past studies also suggest that an attachment to God influences the quality of interpersonal interactions and how one copes with stress. A correspondence model of God attachment posits that a person’s attachment to God will be similar to their …


A Phenomenological Study Of Urban Middle School Counselors And Directors Of Guidance And Counseling: Collaborating To Understand Counselor Stress And Prevent Burnout, Janice Hurt Nov 2014

A Phenomenological Study Of Urban Middle School Counselors And Directors Of Guidance And Counseling: Collaborating To Understand Counselor Stress And Prevent Burnout, Janice Hurt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to understand stress and burnout among urban middle school counselors from selected urban schools in varying regions of Texas. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, nine MSCs who had experienced some degree of the phenomenon were selected based upon results obtained from a preliminary demographic survey and Counselor Burnout Inventory; five Directors of Guidance and Counseling were selected from neighboring urban cities, based upon their proximity to the selected middle school counselors. The researcher sought to answer four broad questions: (1) What are the perceptions of both school counselors and Directors of Guidance and …


University Peer Advisors Pursuing Careers In Educational Advising: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Influence Of Lived-Experiences On Vocational Purpose, Laurie Simpson Nov 2014

University Peer Advisors Pursuing Careers In Educational Advising: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Influence Of Lived-Experiences On Vocational Purpose, Laurie Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many studies have considered the impact college peer advising programs have on advisees, however, formal literature examining the lived-experience peer advising placements have on student advisors is limited. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, this study seeks to examine the lived-experiences of former peer advisors in an advising center at a four-year university in Massachusetts. The goal of the research is to determine whether there are common themes in the lived-experiences of participant peer advisors. Additionally, employing Chickering's psychosocial theory of student development, this researcher seeks to discover how those lived-experiences may have contributed to participants' development of vocational purpose. …


A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Developmental Math Students' Experiences And Perceptions, Megan Cordes Nov 2014

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Developmental Math Students' Experiences And Perceptions, Megan Cordes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Current literature suggests the rise of enrollment among United States (U.S.) postsecondary institutions but the decline in graduation rates. While there is extensive quantitative data examining course redesigns and increasing student achievement in developmental math courses, there is limited research examining students' experiences and perceptions within these courses. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of developmental math students. This study utilized the theoretical framework of Bandura's (1997) social cognitive theory and Tinto's (2012a) retention theory. Research questions focused on the lived experience of struggling within a developmental math course, past math experiences …


Tipping Point Of Resistance: A Multi-Case Study Of The Influence Of School Culture On Classroom Positive Behavior Interventions And Support Practices, Angela Shoemake Nov 2014

Tipping Point Of Resistance: A Multi-Case Study Of The Influence Of School Culture On Classroom Positive Behavior Interventions And Support Practices, Angela Shoemake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Public schools have seen an increase in the use of school-wide positive behavior intervention supports (SWPBIS) to address the emotional and behavioral needs of students. While SWPBIS is a validated, evidence-based practice, teachers often resist the use of this proactive intervention model claiming that they do not have the time or skills to develop interventions to address the students' challenging behaviors. The purpose of this instrumental multi-case study was to systematically explore and compare the personal experiences of staff who ended their resistance to SWPBIS and successfully implemented at the classroom level. A Georgia middle school implementing SWPBIS at the …


The Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Fitness, Self-Efficacy And Their Prediction On Criterion Referenced Competency Test Scores For Eighth Grade Students, Julie Hale Nov 2014

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Fitness, Self-Efficacy And Their Prediction On Criterion Referenced Competency Test Scores For Eighth Grade Students, Julie Hale

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study sought to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), physical fitness, self-efficacy, and their possible prediction on scores from the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) for eighth grade students in north Georgia. The participants were 183 eighth grade students in three north Georgia middle schools enrolled in physical education during the fall of 2013. Scores from the students' BMI, FitnessGram®, General Self-Efficacy Test (GSES), and results from the Georgia CRCT were compiled and analyzed to give a better understanding of their predictive relationship. Students complete CRCT tests every school year between third and eighth grade, and …


The Pastor's Faithless Child: Strengthening Methods For Hurting Parent-Pastors, Ryan Ayers Nov 2014

The Pastor's Faithless Child: Strengthening Methods For Hurting Parent-Pastors, Ryan Ayers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Parent-pastors face challenges when balancing vocational and familial responsibilities every day, and when faithless adolescent children are part of their family dynamic the hardship is magnified. These pastors often experience debilitating critique from their faith communities and colleagues while carrying the burden of raising a rebellious child. Utilizing a phenomenological study process, one hundred transparent interviews with parent-pastors are used to identify assumptions and realities surrounding the hurting parent-pastor's dilemma. Leading principles that have helped other parent-pastors cope with the overwhelming affects of their child's behavior will be introduced, empowering those who are hurting identify their stress points and overcome …


The Flipped Classroom: Its Effect On Student Academic Achievement And Critical Thinking Skills In High School Mathematics, Joranna Saunders Oct 2014

The Flipped Classroom: Its Effect On Student Academic Achievement And Critical Thinking Skills In High School Mathematics, Joranna Saunders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the effect of the flipped classroom on academic achievement in high school mathematics. The purpose of this study was twofold. The immediate purpose was to determine if there was a statistical difference in student academic achievement in two high school mathematics classrooms once the flipped classroom concept was implemented. This study also examined the effect of the flipped classroom on students' critical thinking skills. This static-group comparison utilized a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design and two null hypotheses were tested. The flipped curriculum was not a significant factor in increasing student academic achievement or in increasing student …


The Use Of Ipads To Facilitate Growth In Reading Comprehension Skills Of Second Grade Students, Joy Reichenberg Oct 2014

The Use Of Ipads To Facilitate Growth In Reading Comprehension Skills Of Second Grade Students, Joy Reichenberg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The increased accessibility of technological devices has made it easier for educators to make use of multimodal tools in the classroom. Although educational technology has been vastly researched, one area that is not reflected in the literature is the use of eBooks that are read on mobile digital reading devices and their impact on the performance of literacy skills of lower elementary age students. This quasi-experimental, nonrandom, pretest/posttest control group study examined the results of reading an eBook on an Apple iPad and its impact (if any) on reading comprehension skills of second grade students. This quasi-experiment included a treatment …


Correlation Study: The Effect Of Student-Teacher Rapport On High School Student Performance Rate, Robyn Clark Oct 2014

Correlation Study: The Effect Of Student-Teacher Rapport On High School Student Performance Rate, Robyn Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between student-teacher rapport and student performance rate. Convenience sampling was used to gather participants for the study. Graduating senior students at a Henrico County Public High School completed the Student Teacher Relationship Scale created by Dr. Robert C. Pianta. The mean scores of all students were calculated and then grouped and calculated according to gender and post-secondary goals/plans. The students' self-reported Grade Point Averages (GPA) were compared to their survey score to discover if there was a correlation between the students' rapport scale and their GPA. This study tested whether the student-teacher rapport developed was …


Former Mentors' Perceptions Of The Faith-Based Approach To Reducing Recidivism Implemented By The Marinette-Menominee Jail Outreach, Inc., James Langteau Oct 2014

Former Mentors' Perceptions Of The Faith-Based Approach To Reducing Recidivism Implemented By The Marinette-Menominee Jail Outreach, Inc., James Langteau

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to examine the impact of a faith-based approach to reduce recidivism. The theoretical frameworks guiding this study included the belief system and self-efficacy theories. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 21 former mentors of the Marinette-Menominee Jail Outreach. The setting was a Christian non-profit organization serving the Marinette and Menominee County Jails located in rural northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Semistructured interviews, surveys, and a focus group provided data to illuminate common themes. Data analysis included highlighting significant statements from volunteer mentors who engaged offenders to effect …


A Lonely Faith: Lessons In Spiritual Resiliency Learned From The Isolated, Captive, And Rescued, Jeff Schlenz Oct 2014

A Lonely Faith: Lessons In Spiritual Resiliency Learned From The Isolated, Captive, And Rescued, Jeff Schlenz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Americans have always traveled abroad whether as merchants, military service members, missionaries, reporters, or simply, "tourists." Most return safely, but some have been taken captive by foreign governments, terrorists and criminal organizations. Though many have studied their struggles, no wide-scale attempt has been made to understand the role religious faith played in enduring their captivities. If understood, such information could be used in training those who may be exposed to similar circumstances in the future, and may have devotional value for others enduring crises. In this study, one hundred seventy-eight international travelers are surveyed, assessing their expectations of and preparation …


The Effects Of A Seventh Grade Mathematics Remediation Course On Student Achievement, Jason Nix Oct 2014

The Effects Of A Seventh Grade Mathematics Remediation Course On Student Achievement, Jason Nix

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since the installment of the No Child Left Behind Act, schools have sought strategies to help students meet these academic requirements. Many middle schools have turned to math remediation classes as a way to improve students' achievement scores. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to explore the relationship of the mathematics remediation class as an intervention strategy to help low performing seventh grade students' achievement on the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test. The sample consisted of N= 775 (391 male, 384 female) seventh grade students enrolled in one rural middle school. The result of the statistical test, ANCOVA, revealed …