Digital Commons Network^™

Satisfaction And Contributing Factors In Satisfying Long-Term Marriage: A Phenomenological Study, Mark A. Nimtz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated the subjective marital experiences of five couples married for more than forty years. Select participants responded to interview questions pertaining to the phenomena of marriage satisfaction and marriage longevity. Participants completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to assure the phenomenon of satisfaction was experienced in the marriage.

The data was collected using semi-structured, conversational, recorded, transcribed interviews in which the participants were interviewed separately by same-sex interviewers within the participant couples’ homes. The marriage experiences and answers were compared and contrasted.

Two major themes emerged from the participants’ descriptions of satisfaction: “Togetherness” and “Children/Grandchildren.” Additionally, two …

The Relationship Factor: Understanding The Role And Development Of Teacher-Student Relationships In Middle School, Tracy Davis Sands

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explain the process by which relationships evolve between teachers and students in a suburban East Tennessee middle school. Based on the assumption that "knowledge is created through action and interaction" (Corbin & Strauss, 2008, p. 2), this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between middle school teachers and their students. A grounded theory approach (see Corbin & Strauss, 2008) was used to collect and analyze data, with the purpose of generating a theory that explains the phenomena. Because the study was driven by teachers' and students' voices, …

Five Key Recommendations For A Korean Protestant Pastor Concerning Understanding And Applying Biblical Ethics In Finances: John Chrysostom As A Model For Ministry, Jung Suk John Yang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is investigating the biblical view of the principle of economics and also study of the South Korean pastors' role concerning the poverty and the wealthy. This project utilizes the New Testament first and foremost, and I will read avidly John Chrysostom's sermons on the indigent and the wealthy, as well as many books about clergy ethics and statistical information from the church ministry in Korea. The author writer hopes that through this dissertation a pastor who is longing for a frugal life will gain new insight about biblical economic perspectives and desire to constantly transmit …

A Correlational Study Examining The Institutional And Faculty Characteristics Of Acsi Schools That Produced National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists In 2010, Christopher Adam Clagg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This is a correlational study examining the characteristics of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) schools that produced National Merit Scholarship semifinalists in 2010. The variables examined came from an archival data set: the 2009-2010 ACSI Annual School Survey results. The research questions examine the relationship of institutional and faculty characteristics of these schools. The theoretical basis for the study is the connection between school climate and student academic achievement. National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are chosen based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). In 2010, 126 ACSI schools produced National Merit Scholarship semifinalists because …

Effects Of Departmentalized Versus Traditional Settings On Fifth Graders' Math And Reading Achievement, Connie B. Yearwood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether fifth grade students who received instruction in a departmentalized setting achieved higher mean scale scores on the reading and math sections of the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) than students who were taught in a traditional setting. Two one-way between-groups analyses of covariance were conducted to control for previous achievement while seeking to determine if a statistically significant difference existed in the mean reading and math scale scores of fifth grade students who were taught in different organizational structures. The findings suggest that students who received instruction in departmentalized …

Predictors Of Secondary Students' Achievement And Satisfaction In Online Courses, Kimberly Faith Metz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Online learning has been prevalent at the post-secondary level and is increasingly being used at the secondary level. There are many advantages for students to learn online such as students being able to work at their own pace, work anytime and anywhere and take a course that would not otherwise be offered. Career and Technical Education (CTE) can use online learning for classroom instruction, and allow additional time for hands-on instruction or for other courses of study. This study investigated the extent that CTE students' online course grades can be predicted by the Distance Education Learning Environment Survey (DELES) (Insight …

The Relationship Between Career Technology Education And High School Graduation, Patricia Lynn Schimpf

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between programs in Career Technology and Agriculture Education (CTAE) utilized by a school district in northern Georgia and the relative effect the programs had on high school graduation. Career technology and agriculture education (CTAE) programs engage students and prepare them for college or career readiness upon graduation from high school. Extended learning activities are found in CTAE co-curricular clubs, academic tutoring, job site experiences, and dual enrollment opportunities. This quantitative, causal comparative research study used inferential and descriptive analyses to determine possible relationships between graduation status and CTAE program variables. The study involved 730 participants …

The Effects Of A Remedial Math Intervention On Standardized Test Scores In Georgia Middle Schools, Chastity London Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Schools are looking for interventions to improve academic achievement and increase test scores due to the requirements of No Child Left Behind. One such intervention in middle schools is remedial math. This causal comparative study examined the differences in the standardized test scores for at-risk students who receive remedial math instruction and at-risk students who do not receive this intervention. In addition, this study examined gender differences for the remedial math students. The Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test of 293 at-risk seventh-grade students was used in this study. Using the previous year's standardized math test scores as a control variable, there …

The Perceptions Of Teachers In Rural Title 1 Middle Schools Concerning The Experiences That Negatively Influence Job Satisfaction, Michael Stephen Slaven

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A qualitative phenomenological research design was chosen to examine the perceptions of teachers concerning experiences that negatively influence teachers' job satisfaction in rural Title I schools in Georgia. Twelve middle school teachers from three Georgia school districts were interviewed. Pilot interviews and follow-up interviews were also held. Interview data was coded, codes were examined for redundancy and codes were collapsed into broad themes. Major themes related to teacher dissatisfaction included negative relationships with administrators and problems with student behavior. Major themes related to teacher satisfaction included positive relationships with colleagues, working with students, and a sense of efficacy. Problems with …

A Leadership Training Manual For The 21st Century Church Leader Based On The Pattern And Principles Jesus Created To Train The Twelve Apostles, Gregory Bruce Baxter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian leadership training for pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders is mostly patterned after academic, business, military, and government models. This leads to a pragmatic, secular, and American approach to building Churches and advancing the Kingdom of God. Secular models of leadership training can inform and supplement but never usurp scriptural principles and values. The best Christian leadership training pattern is the one Jesus created to train the twelve Apostles. This model is found predominately in the gospels. The template this writer will follow is based on A. B. Bruce's 19th century seminal work, The Training of the Twelve. This training …

What Factors Of Cultural Intelligence Predict Transformational Leadership: A Study Of International School Leaders, Emerson K. Keung

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

International schools are a microcosm of the globalization that is occurring throughout the world. Effective leadership is critical to ensure that schools are successful in accomplishing their missions. This study examines if there is a relationship between cultural intelligence and effective leadership, defined as transformational leadership, in international school leaders, and if so, what factor(s) of cultural intelligence best predicts transformational leadership in international school leaders. International school leaders received an online survey that included the Cultural Intelligence Scale and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5X. Standard multiple regression analysis was used. The results indicate that there is a significant positive …

Perceptions Of Effectiveness Of Alternatively And Traditionally Licensed Teachers, Kristi L. Kilby Goodwin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the perceptions of both traditionally and alternatively licensed teachers regarding the effectiveness of their teacher preparation program on creating effective classroom teachers. Sixteen teachers at three Northeast Georgia schools participated in a series of semi-structured interviews over a period of five months. The teachers described perceptions of their teacher preparation route and corresponding effectiveness in the classroom. In addition to the interviews the teachers were asked to complete the Teachers Sense of Efficacy Scale in order to establish a quantitative view of self-efficacy among study participants. The interviews revealed that the most important qualities possessed …

A Comparison Research Study On The Use Of School Uniforms And Graduation, Attendance, And Suspension Rates In East Tennessee, William Elihue Gouge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Graduation rates in Tennessee are 8 points below the state goal of 90%. Implementation of a school uniform policy may be a way to improve these rates by giving students increased school structure. The purpose of this quantitative, causal comparative study was to examine whether a significant difference exists in graduation, attendance, and suspension rates between a school that has a school uniform policy and a school that does not. Two public high schools in East Tennessee, one with and one without a school uniform policy, with similar demographics were compared. A second comparison was made after the implementation of …

The Identification And Construction Of A Comprehensive Strategy To Increase Sensitivity To Children's Evangelism And Spiritual Development In The South Korean Church, Ho Jin Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify and construct a comprehensive strategy for children's evangelism and spiritual development in the South Korean church. This project results from the author's anxiety and vision regarding children's spiritual matters while serving as a children's minister for approximately 10 years. Based on diagnosis through a survey, case studies regarding five successful churches through interview questionnaires, and literature research, this project suggest an effective and practical strategy for children's evangelism and spiritual development in the Korean church. This will be helpful for Korean churches that want to focus on children's spiritual matters.

Empowering Teachers: The Influence Of Transformational Leadership In Christian Schools, John Irungu Kirika

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The object of this study was to investigate transformational leadership in Christian schools. The study investigated the perception of empowerment of K-12 Christian school teachers and its influence on organizational and professional commitment and job satisfaction. It explored correlations between teacher empowerment and selected demographic variables. The study also investigated how K-12 Christian school leaders and teachers perceive teacher empowerment. A combination of causal comparative and a correlational research method using a series of t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression statistics was used for parametric statistical analyses. The research findings were mixed. While the study pointed to the prevalence of teacher …

An Effective Internet Ministry Strategy For Church Evangelism Through A Case Study Of The Sarang Community Church, Dae Suk Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purposes of this dissertation are to shed light on the essence of the church internet ministry from the biblical and ministerial angles and to suggest effective strategies for churches launching an internet ministry. In the thesis, I conducted a literary review of online ministry and a case study of the Sarang community church. Basic Web analysis, an interview, and a survey were performed to analyze Sarang's case and to draw lessons from it. I sincerely hope my suggestions on internet strategies can become a compass that points churches to the right direction as they navigate through the wave of …

Compassionate Procedures For The Dismissal Of Church Staff Members, Mark David Nalepa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to offer church leadership compassionate procedures for dismissing a church staff member for reasons other than immorality and impropriety. This will increase the likelihood he will continue to fulfill his calling to serve Christ elsewhere in ministry. For this to be accomplished the process must recognize and address the needs of all spheres impacted by the dismissal. The project will integrate the Biblical account of John Mark, collect sampling of church data on termination procedures, stories and perspectives of previously terminated staff members and family, and resource related literature on this subject.

Online Church: A Biblical Community, Jefferson Todd Mullins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Faith and spirituality widely exist in the virtual world of the Internet, spanning the continuum of expression from the traditional to the abstract. This religious presence online includes every religion, and included Christianity. Whether one believes the Christian church is capable of existing online has much to do with one's perspective of the Internet and one's definition of church. The author will address the use of the Internet to build Christian community and establish the church in a virtual environment. Arguments for and against the church online will answer the question, "Is church online truly the church?"

A Cohesive Theology Of Christian Living: Principles From The Book Of Daniel, Jeremy Shaffer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The propensity to force preconceived ideologies and theological systems upon the interpretation of the book of Daniel is evident. The purpose of this project is to provide a proper interpretation of Daniel 1-6 so that proper applications can be made for preaching and teaching, trying to eliminate any preconceptions along the way that are forced upon the text. A six-part theology of Christian living is developed from the preaching outlines of each chapter, all connected to the book's theme of sovereignty and thereby forming a cohesive unit. Ultimately, a greater appreciation for the value of the Old Testament in Christian …

Determining Factors Contributing To Graduation For Students With Learning Disabilities In Community Colleges, Crystal Perry Ange

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined Students with Learning Disabilities (SLD) graduation rates from two-year community colleges. Specifically, the purpose of this paper was to determine if identifiable demographics or accommodations were related to SLD who graduated from community colleges. Data were collected from the records of SLD at four community colleges in North Carolina. The information collected included demographic data, the accommodations of SLD, and graduation status from community college. The results were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. The overall study demonstrated no factors were identified that predict graduation for SLD from a two-year community college. Implications for future research include the …

The Impact Of Teacher Attitudes On Technology Use During Instruction, Michael David Dartt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This collective, instrumental case study measured the impact of attitudes on the amount of time technology was used by three Algebra 2 teachers. The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) served as the theoretical framework. Data was collected through pre-observational surveys, classroom observations, and stimulated recall interviews. When common attitudes were discovered in participants, the amount of time that they used technology differed. Regarding the impact of attitudes on the amount of time spent using technology, results were mixed. In some instances attitudes had a profound influence, but in other circumstances they had none. There were cases where obstacles prevented …

Practical Strategies For 21st Century Healthy Church Growth As A Model Of A Sung Jin Presbyterian Church, Duksoo Jang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to help Korean pastors to build their churches healthily. This dissertation will attempt to clarify the biblical definition and purpose of the church, and describe the characteristics of healthy church growth suggested by specialists. This dissertation will also provide a brief history, vision, ministry of Sung Jin Presbyterian Church as a model for healthy growing church, and analyze and evaluate the current situation of the SJPC based on Natural Church Development written by Dr. Christian A. Schwarz, who suggests eight quality characteristics of growing healthy Churches. Finally, this dissertation will suggest the twelve strategies …

Discipleship Within The Home, Mark Edwin Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

God considers parents the primary disciplers of their children. He created the family to be the incubator of a teenager's spiritual growth. God has given parents the responsibility of creating an environment suitable for their teen to become a follower of Christ. He also expects parents to maintain the maturation process while their children still live at home. More specifically, the father has been given the privilege of being the catalyst of each family member's unique journey in becoming like Christ. This thesis will help parents understand why God has given them the enormous task of discipling their teenagers, what …

Investigating The Impact Of Interactive Whiteboard Professional Development On Lesson Planning And Student Math Achievement, Rodney Lee Winkler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

K-12 teachers lack training in best practices of interactive lesson development. It is essential that teachers utilize interactive whiteboards effectively. Using a collaborative mentor training, this factorial between-within groups study investigated how student achievement was impacted when teachers applied a set of effective interactive technology methods to math lessons. The research population consisted of 18 teachers randomly assigned training, with 311 elementary students. The study found a significant difference between feature-trained and non-feature-trained teacher instructional practices and student test scores for the two teacher groups. Statistical significance was also found for the interaction effect of teacher groups and observation rubric …

Muslim Pakistani And Indian Students In Their New York School System Experience, Alfonse Javed

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological research study, using two rounds of semi- structured open ended interviews and focus group data, described the lived experience of Muslim Pakistani and Indian students in their New York school system experience. The purpose of this study was to collect and examine the stories and explore the lived experience of Muslim young adults from Pakistan and India in the American school system and document the positive and negative experiences they had while in the American school system. The study looked for the common denominators, which helped and encouraged the Muslim students to continue their education, regardless of …

Helplessness To Hope: Cultural Transformations For The Maasai Girl-Child, Kelly Suzanne Bingham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how the life dreams of the girls at the MTH Center of Hope in Kenya are being altered as a result in a change of cultural experience. The center was built as a place of rescue to protect Maasai girls from early marriage, FGM and extreme poverty while allowing them to stay in school. The phenomenological study included observations, interviews, focus groups and a questionnaire that was used to elicit responses and begin dialogue. Results indicate that there is a definite need not only for secondary and tertiary education for the girls but also to train the …

The Role Of Appreciation In Higher Education: The Experience Of Online Faculty Members With Instituional Administration, Aubrey Leeanne Coy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the role of expressed appreciation in an online education working environment. The research method used was a transcendental phenomenological approach in order to provide a foundational base for giving a voice to the participants' experiences in higher education, based on the participants' preferences for experiencing appreciation. Through assessments and interviews, this research intended to evaluate the role of appreciation in the workplace, namely higher education, and the relationships between online faculty members and their administration. Utilizing a newly created assessment tool, the Motivating by Appreciation Inventory, the act of appreciation was evaluated in terms of the Languages …

Economically Disadvantaged Students: A Case Study Of Resilient Qualities That Encourage Academic Success, Stephanie Kim Hawkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study examined academically successful economically disadvantaged (ED) students from one intact Caucasian family through parents', students', and teachers' perceptions of the reasons for resilience. The problem is that little research exists exploring qualities of academically successful ED Caucasian students. Because being a high school dropout significantly affects students, families, schools, and society, risk factors were explored; protective factors that help students overcome risk factors were also investigated. This study describes why academically successful ED students from one intact Caucasian family in Tennessee thrive despite risk factors working against them. Findings include the importance of Christian faith to the …

The Role Of Stanford Achievement Test 10tm Subtests In Sixth Grade As A Predictor Of Success On Act's Eighth Grade Explore Examtm, Jeffrey D. Potts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a predictive correlation between a specific sixth grade achievement test known as the Stanford Achievement Test 10 and the eighth grade college readiness assessment instrument known as the Explore Exam for a group of North Texas students. Following an assessment during sixth grade, via the sixth grade Stanford Achievement Test 10, the sample of 123 students was later administered the Explore Exam during their eighth grade year. A subsequent analysis of the data using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant predictive relationship between the respective instruments. …

Releasing The Voice Of Early Education Directors: Degree Requirements, Kristi Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The discovery of "windows of opportunity" regarding learning as the brain develops during the preschool years reinforces the important role early education teachers play in the lives of children. As a result, the credentials of those who work with young children have come under investigation as it relates to the provision of quality early education. The purpose of this qualitative study is to look at the imposed challenges facing early educators regarding degree requirements via phenomenological methodology in an effort to hear the voice of early educators on the subject. This study is needed to investigate the gap between research …