Digital Commons Network^™

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.

Stress And Anxiety Among Korean International Students At Liberty University Analyzed With The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y), Jae Duk Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

International students face unique issues, including anxiety while adjusting to cultural unfamiliar and academic challenges. This research study examined characteristics and anxiety levels as Korean international seminary students (n = 61) living in the U.S. and compared them with Korean domestic seminary students (n = 120) living in Korea using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y) (Spielberger, 1983). The results: the Pearson correlation indicated that the state anxiety scores and trait anxiety scores were significantly related. Korean international seminary students had statistically significantly higher mean scores on state and trait anxiety than Korean domestic seminary students. The 2×2×2 ANOVA revealed …

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 …

A Study On The Sermonic Application For The Lord’S Reign Based On The Text Of The Psalm, Woon Han Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Psalter particularly includes "Yahweh Malak Psalms." The psalmist proclaims that "the Lord reigns" through the Psalms in terms of the polemical perspective to the world. The Lord reigns over all the earth in virtue of His righteousness, equity, and faithfulness which other gods cannot imitate. The heaven, earth, and all nations will rejoice and worship the Lord because of the blessedness of the Lord's reign. When people proclaim the Lord's reign, His reign will be actualized at that place. If people theologically, liturgically, and devotionally apply the point to their life, they will experience the glorious Lord's reign.

The Effectiveness Of A Proactive School-Wide Discipline Plan On Office Discipline Referrals At The Elementary School Level, Elizabeth Anne Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a proactive school-wide discipline plan on office discipline referrals, and as a predictor of incidents of chronic disciplinary referrals. The study examined two consecutive school years, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, with 2007-2008 being the control group without a school-wide discipline plan, and 2008-2009 the treatment group with a school-wide discipline plan in place for a full academic year. The purpose was to determine if there would be a statistically significant decrease in the number of office discipline referrals and the number of office discipline referrals which resulted in In-School or …

A Study Of Physical Fitness And Academic Performance Levels Of Sixth And Seventh Grade Students, James Woodward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in academic performance levels between physically fit and physically unfit sixth and seventh grade students. Fitness levels were determined by assessing participants on the Fitnessgram® battery of physical fitness tests, which measures body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Academic levels were assessed using the school district's academic benchmark tests as well as Grade Point Average (GPA). The researcher used a series of nine independent t-tests to determine if there was a significant difference between the academic performance levels of physically fit and physically unfit students according …

Addressing The Lack Of Male Elementary School Teachers: Factors That Influence Grade-Level Preference, Michael David Patrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, specific factors are deterring male teachers from pursuing elementary education. The number of male elementary teachers in America's public school systems had continued to decline, and this survey sought to discover what specific factors had contributed to this. This study surveyed 231 male public school teachers from six different school districts in Tennessee, Georgia, and Missouri. Male participants recorded their viewpoints regarding male elementary teachers while at the same time they provided personal information concerning factors which contributed to their own personal grade level selection. Participants were surveyed 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 …

Analyzing The Effects Of Two Response To Intervention Tools, Oral Reading Fluency And Maze Assessments, In The Language Arts Classrooms Of Middle School Students, Donna Lyerly Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study analyzed data to find a valid and reliable assessment for progress monitoring also having predictive power of a student's future reading performance on a state-mandated standardized reading achievement evaluation. The Response to Intervention (RTI) model was implemented in the language arts classrooms of a rural middle school in northeast Georgia to study the effectiveness of instruction for all students, the at-risk, general, and advanced population. This study used Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) and Maze fluency assessments to monitor student progress and to analyze data to drive instruction. The data were gathered weekly over a 23 week period, …

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.

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 …

The Effectiveness Of Computer-Assisted Instruction In Developmental Mathematics, Kathy Dye Spradlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Colleges and universities are trying alternative instructional approaches to improve the teaching of developmental mathematics with the goal of increasing the number of students who have the skills and knowledge required for college-level math courses and for the twenty-first century workforce. Computers and the internet make possible new methods of delivering instruction so students will have choices of when, where, and how they learn math. The purpose of this study was to compare academic performance of students enrolled in a developmental mathematics course using traditional instruction, traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction, and online distance learning. In addition, gender differences …

When Calling A Pastor To Succeed A "Legend" Pastor, Ronald Kovack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dr. D. James Kennedy founded the world famous Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His ministry spanned fifty years and he launched a number of separate related ministries: schools, seminaries, television ministry and a personal evangelism program known as Evangelism Explosion.

The church discovered that calling a pastor to succeed a very influential pastor was not going to an easy task. This paper looks at the process and problems that resulted into the search and selection of a new pastor. The research examines the experience of seven other churches that had influential pastors leave and documents their results.

The Christian School As A Means Of Effective Evangelism In India: History And Evaluation Of The Saint Paul Mission School In Bangalore, India, Stanley Jeonsik Choi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian lives are a transforming agent for the world. Therefore, every Christian must influence society. A Christian school ministry has a great potential to influence the local community both in the homeland and on a mission field. This study is of a Christian school on a mission field. St. Paul High School in India inherits the strong foundation of a biblical attitude which is Christ-centered and Bible-centered, expressed in the five spiritual guidelines. The ultimate vision of St. Paul High School is the total evangelization of India and its neighboring countries by planting same kind of educational ministries in different …

Predictors Of Student Achievement In Grade 7: The Correlations Between The Stanford Achievement Test, Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, And Performance On The Texas Assessment Of Knowledge And Skills (Taks) Math And Reading Tests, Kristen Karrh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

State-mandated testing programs are more prevalent and have greater implications for public school systems since the passing of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 and the implementation of standards-based reform practices. The 331 grade 7 students involved in this correlation research endeavor all attended a public middle school in Texas. One evaluated and analyzed fall 2007 Stanford 10 Achievement Test and Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (8th edition) results, and spring 2008 Math and Reading Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) scale scores to determine the statistical significance and strength of the relationship and whether or not …

A Church Growth Model In Korean-American Presbyterian Churches: With Special Reference To The Messiah Presbyterian Church Of Washington, Sung Gyu Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study attempted to develop a model of healthy church growth and apply them to the Korean-American Presbyterian Churches (KAPC) in Washington. D. C. The model of churches used was Messiah Presbyterian church (MPC). This paper utilized surveys and interviews; this project also analyzed the current conditions of 100 KAPCs, exploring growth factors such as: Preaching, professional development, prayer, evangelism, Sunday school, and ministry focus. Secondly, church growth was investigated and delineated based on literature reviews, on the personal studies and questionnaire surveys submitted to members of MPC. Finally, this project suggested seven principles to develop KAPC for the next …

No Child Left Behind Act: The Impact On The Performance Levels Of Gifted Students Relative To Those Of Non-Gifted Students, Rochelle Lenea Hopson-Lamar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this causal comparative study was to determine the impact of the implementation of NCLB on the performance levels of gifted students relative to those of non-gifted students. The study involved the 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2009 Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) results of 1,978 middle grades students from a school in rural Northwest Georgia. The analysis included comparing the Mann-Whitney statistics, two-sample independent z-test statistics, and the percentage of improvement in performance levels of the gifted and non-gifted students, as measured by the CRCT in reading, language arts, and mathematics. The findings revealed that, since the implementation …

Closing The Gap: The Relationship Between Instructional Behavior Management Tools And The Academic Performance Of African American Students, Major Nathan Templeton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This causal-comparative study examined whether or not a relationship exists between the Safe Transition and Reduced Tardies (START on Time) program and the academic performance of African American students. Specifically, this study compared the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) cumulative scores in each of the four core subject areas (English/language arts, math, science, and social studies) of the START on Time program target group with the control group. Using a comparison of these cumulative scores, the results indicate a significant increase in the TAKS scores of African American students in each of the four core subject areas. The …

Relationships Between Students’ Fitness Levels And Academic Achievement, Theresa Linam Roberts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study compared fifth grade students' physical fitness levels to academic achievement based on the premise that health and physical fitness has an effect on one's ability to learn and achieve academically. Due to No Child Left Behind and the mounting pressures to reach Adequate Yearly Progress, many school officials view non-assessed activities like physical education and recess as unnecessary, consequently creating a case for the elimination of any subject that is not directly measured through standardized testing. Finding a link between fitness and academic achievement may cause educational leaders to reevaluate time spent during the school day. Data was …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of How Leadership Styles And Practices Of Principals Influence Their Job Satisfaction And Retention, Eric Matthew Denton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addresses the challenge principals face in retaining highly qualified and effective teachers in their schools. Although efforts to recruit new teachers have proven successful, teachers are leaving education at alarming rates, especially in the first four years of their careers. The purpose of this study was to identify what school principals can do to increase teachers' job satisfaction and retention. To do so, 12 veteran teachers from four schools were interviewed from February to April 2009. The participants answered questions concerning their levels of job satisfaction, their perceptions of their principals' leadership styles, and their reasons for continuing …

Virtual Learning: Is It Conducive To Student Achievement?, Janie Mae Sheeley Johnson Torain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of technology to compel student learning has become an increasingly central component of teaching, learning, and school improvement efforts. What exactly does virtual learning entail? How does it integrate with curriculum and instruction? Does it present organizational challenges to educational institutions? This study examined unit test scores, end-of-course grades, instructors' opinions of teaching online, students' satisfaction with online course, and instructor interaction, as measures of the effectiveness of online and face-to-face curriculum delivery on student achievement. A series of t tests conducted to compare the mean scores of the face-to-face and the online formats provided data to determine …

A Case Study Of Nontraditional Females In Teacher Education Programs, Natasha Brown Spellman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the experiences of nontraditional female students age 30 and older as they persisted in teacher education programs. The impact of life roles, internal and external risks to persistence, and support systems were considered. Case studies of five nontraditional female students from three university settings were conducted to understand the overall experiences, barriers encountered, and supports utilized in teacher education programs. Interviews, two-column memoing, and document analysis were used to triangulate data. The findings revealed that situational barriers, followed by institutional barriers, posed significant threats to persistence in teacher education programs. All of the nontraditional females struggled to …

An Analysis Of Dissertations On Church Growth Published During The Past Five Years (2004-2008), Kyoung Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to analyze dissertations published during five years (2004-2008) and identify recent research trends and principles related to church growth. This was research on researches analyzing 141 dissertations posted on ProQuest Dissertation and Theses. Coding sheets by content analysis and statistical data converted into percentage were utilized. Most dissertations were descriptive and pre-experimental researches. Case study and survey were common. Theological majors and schools, Korean researchers, 10 target subjects, and three denominations covered the majority. Teaching and leadership were prevalent principles. Homogeneous unity was never seen. New principles were associated with social, personal, or cultural …