Digital Commons Network^™

Encountering God Through His Creation, Philip Joseph Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates the need for a comprehensive understanding of the revelation of God through His creation. The purpose of this project is to examine this subject from a biblical, historical, and theological perspective. Personal testimonies, pertinent research, and the writings of numerous authors have also been employed in this study. Additional insights have been gleaned from a survey given to the members of seven Southern Baptist churches. The project concludes with a number of recommendations for those who wish to pursue more meaningful encounters with God through His creation.

Towards An Effective Christian Cross-Cultural Youth Training Model: A Youth Ministry International Case Study, Jeddy Katule Kaleli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is an attempt to explore the indispensable components of an effective Christian cross-cultural youth training model within the context of contemporary youth culture. Taking Youth Ministry International training philosophy as a case study, it analyzes it from an African Christian perspective within the framework of Biblical, anthropological and missiological perspectives. The study has revealed that an effective Christian cross-cultural youth training model must take seriously the cultures in which others live without compromising the authority of Biblical absolutes.

Developing Oral Reading Fluency: Effects Of Daily Use Of Word Walls And Daily Independent Silent Reading On Oral Reading Fluency Development Of Second Grade Students, Douglas F. Osborn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher measured the effectiveness of two popular supplemental reading instruction strategies, word walls and independent silent reading, in 6 second-grade classes over 12 weeks. The study involved the comparison of eight oral reading fluency growth measures (Rate, Accuracy, Fluency, Comprehension, Oral Reading Quotient--overall oral reading ability, Sight Word Efficiency, Phonemic Decoding Efficiency, and Total Word Reading Efficiency). The researcher used the individually administered Gray Oral Reading Tests (fourth edition) and the Test of Word Reading Efficiency in a pretest-intervention-posttest experimental design to obtain these measures. Although pretest and posttest comparisons of the standard scores and percentile ranks revealed no …

Perceptions Of Alabama School Personnel Of Research-Based Instructional Strategies To Improve Student Achievement, Christopher Glenn Pritchett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study was designed to explore the perceptions of school personnel concerning the use of research-based instructional strategies as outlined in School Improvement Plans of selected Alabama school districts to improve student achievement. The principal and School Improvement Chairperson at 281 Alabama public secondary schools, identified for School Improvement as mandated by NCLB, composed the population. All subjects received a mailed survey developed by the researcher. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 11.0 using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression, and Pearson product moment coefficient of correlation. A significant positive correlation was found between the implementation and perceived importance for …

The Relationship Between Participation In Service-Learning Projects And Youth Leadership Life Skills Development Among Middle Grade Students In Selected Private Schools, William A. Kamm

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Middle grades are a time of transition and development. It is during this time, as students move through grades 6, 7, and 8, that the development of life skills, especially for those who have leadership potential become increasingly important. Within these few years engaged learning and the pedagogical tool of service-learning enhances the meaning and impact of traditional course content and offers potential in helping to develop leadership skills in middle grade students. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the effectiveness of a community service-learning project as related to the specific development of leadership skills. The …

The Effects Of Life Skills Instruction On The Personal-Social Skills Scores Of Rural High School Students With Mental Retardation, Mary K. Quigley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Effects of Life Skills Instruction on the Personal-Social Skills Scores of Rural High School Students with Mental Retardation. (Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Ackerman) School of Education, March, 2007. The current legislation No Child Left Behind mandates that students with mental retardation have access to core curriculum courses. A comprehensive life skills program, Life Centered Career Education (LCCE), was integrated into the curriculum of high school students with mental retardation. The LCCE program was utilized to educate students on Personal-Social, Daily Life skills, and Occupational lessons with an academic emphasis. The study measured improvements made in the personal-social …

The Feasibility Of Effective Online Mentoring Of School Principals, Donald C. James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Comparing the qualities of traditional mentoring with the qualities of online mentoring, this study examined the feasibility of uniting the two mentoring approaches in the preparation of school principals. The communication and implementation of national principal preparation standards via online and face-to-face methods were ranked by four categories of key individuals (university professors who prepare principals, active principals who have mentored a novice principal, novice principals being mentored, and mentored principals) involved in the principal mentoring process. Using a pilot-tested original survey instrument, 73 individuals completed the survey indicating perceptions toward the feasibility of online principal mentoring. A one-way ANOVA …

Factors Of Teacher Turnover In Church-Related Schools In A State Association Of Christian Schools, Joanna Ruth Oster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teacher turnover is high in schools, identifying the factors may possibly lead to solutions to reduce this problem. Factors of teacher turnover in private and public schools were researched through the literature review and factors were identified. The goal of this descriptive study is to provide information on teacher turnover for administrators in a state association of Christian schools. A research table was developed through the literature review, which led to the pilot survey where a team of experts, the coordinator of the state association of Christian schools, one high school principal, two elementary principals, and three headmasters, made recommendations. …

A Descriptive Study Of The Effect Of Traditional And Year-Round Calendars, Socio-Economic Status, And Teacher Tenure Status On Student Achievement In Two Rural School Systems In Tennessee, Scott Trent

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between student achievement on different academic calendars in mathematics and reading as measured by the Tennessee Comprehensive Examination over a three year period. The sample group consisted of 244 students enrolled in two different school systems utilizing two different academic calendars. All schools involved in the study were classified as high poverty as well as rural and had small enrollments. The variables examined were academic calendar configuration, status of qualification for the National School Lunch Program, and the tenure status of the teachers. Six hypotheses were tested using independent sample t-tests. Analyses showed that significant …

Workforce Development Via Targeted Industry Training Grants And Ohio Two-Year Community Colleges, Danette E. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined educational workforce development in Ohio between the years 1986 and 2005. Since the mid-1970s, Ohio industry has experienced plant closings, employee lay offs and economic workforce challenges as a result of the United States shifting from an industrial economy to a global economy. This quantitative study examined the nature and extent of utilization of Targeted Industry Training grants (TITGs) by businesses eligible for or receiving TITGs administered via community colleges. The sample for this study consisted of 100 Ohio businesses that were divided into the nine Enterprise Ohio regions. The researcher conducted a telephone survey with these …

Instructional Management Profiles: The Relationship Between Teaching Styles, Grade Level Preferences, And Related Factors, Amy K. Mcnaughton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the relationships between age level characteristics and complementary instructional management styles. The data gathered from published materials provided the information for the research survey questions on teaching styles and age level characteristics. The data gathered from teachers who are currently in the field provided the basis for determining there is a relationship between PreK-8 teachers’ instructional management profiles and their preferences for teaching either lower (PreK-3) or upper (4-8) elementary grade students. Together, published information and survey results indicated that: (1) different instructional methods are more developmentally appropriate for different ages of learners; (2) teachers have natural …

High School Athletic Eligibility Policies: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Perspectives Of Public School Athletic Directors, Harlie G. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

High school students in North Carolina public schools must meet academic eligibility requirements in order to compete on school sponsored teams. While all districts must follow the state association guidelines, local education agencies may elect to create policies that are more rigorous. This mixed-methods study investigated the impact of the academic eligibility policies on high school campuses. The research relied heavily upon interviews with high school athletic directors, but also analyzed measures of student academic success. Interviewees were male and female, white and African-American. They had varied years of experience, and were from schools that were different geographically and demographically, …

Brain-Based Learning Theory: An Online Course Design Model, Abreena Walker Tompkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The development of a theoretical brain-based online course design model with potential transferability across course management systems in higher education is the problem for this study. Qualitative inquiry was the emergent design and consisted of an extensive current, relevant literature review of educational literature in brain-based learning theory, online course design, and course management systems for the purpose of developing a theoretical brain-based online course design model for higher education. The model developed includes synthesized indicators from the analytical charting. The proposed model is presented in acronym form, which in and of itself aligns with brain-based learning theory. The acronym …

Sixth Grade Fitness Levels And The Fitnessgram Assessment Program, Reginald S. Kimball

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine sixth grade students’ level of fitness on the FitnessGram physical fitness testing program at the beginning of the 2006 – 2007 school year. This study examined if students entering the sixth grade were in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or needs improvement zone of the FitnessGram. The primary participant population for the study was 155 sixth grade students from four different Metro-Atlanta middle schools. Although there were 155 students, gender was not reported for two of the students. Data was collected during the 2006 – 2007 school year during the first 3 …

Corinth Baptist Church's Development Of A Long-Range Plan For The Next Three Years, David Michael Jendrey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is a study in how a church would conduct long-range planning. The project is not the actual plan, but what the church did to work through the process developed by Dr. Frank Schmitt of Liberty Theological. The planning committee was made up of 12 members from the church who met regularly for one year to develop a plan for the next three years. They were trained by the writer in the methods proposed in the Schmitt plan. From that training developed the long-range plan that Corinth Baptist Church would later adopt.

Professional Soccer Ministries: The Deconstruction Of Secularization Through The Globalization Of Soccer In Conjunction With The Biblical Worldview, Aaron Matsuo Tredway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is an attempt to present the ministry of, conceptual/theological impetus for, and assessment of Professional Soccer Ministries as it pertains to the deconstruction of secularization. This will be accomplished by one presenting the inception of Professional Soccer Ministries. Secondly, a review of the cultural/societal shift from Christendom to Enlightenment thought and its implications for the church of the modern era will be discussed. Third, the methodology and pragmatic implementation of Professional Soccer Ministries will be reviewed and conclusions drawn based upon its effectiveness as an avenue of the church for the proactive deconstruction of secularization.

Personality Profiles Of Experienced U.S. Army Rotary-Wing Aviators Across Mission, Robert Grice

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Numerous studies have attempted to identify a relationship between personality traits and workplace performance. Workplace performance in this study was construed as including perceptions of congruence with the type of work and performance on the job. The Five-Factor Model (FFM) has been used to predict workplace performance across a number of vocations including aviation and the Revised NEO Personality Instrument (NEO-PI-R) is the most widely used FFM-based instrument. The NEO-PI-R has been used with commercial and military aviators to identify personality trait levels that are distinct from the general public and to predict performance in cockpit situations such as during …

The Integration Of Church And Home: A Strategic Partnership For Spiritual Formation, Michael B. Haynes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The American family is deteriorating according to current research. This deterioration stems from the church’s inability to develop Christians who practice life according to the principles of the Bible. In a culture characterized by an atomic worldview, the church and family must work together to develop Christians who live according to the relational worldview of Scripture. This project describes how one church developed and implemented a strategy partnering the church and family for the spiritual formation of the next generation. This project is designed as a model for churches seeking to impact the culture one home at a time.

Proportional Process Conflict In Undergraduate Cooperative Learning Groups, Glenna K. Dunn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The first purpose of this research was to determine if minimal training on the concepts and effects of relational, task, and process conflict would have an effect on proportional process conflict (Jehn, 2000) in undergraduate cooperative learning groups. Proportional process conflict is explained as the amount of process conflict in proportion to relational and task conflict and to the overall amount of conflict within the group. The second purpose was to increase knowledge about the cultural patterns and perspectives of undergraduate cooperative learning groups. The sample consisted of 68 undergraduate students from four classes of the same course at a …

A Strategy On The Application Of Cell Ministry As A Model Of A Healthy Immigrant Church, Jong Dae Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The objective of this thesis is to first understand the distinctive characteristic of the cell group church, and to research the strategy of transitioning the traditional immigrant church to a healthy cell group church. The foundational concept of this thesis was brought from the early church in the New Testament, and its origin could have been found in the historical small group movement. Seoul Baptist Church of Houston and Light Mission Global Church of Washington D.C. were the model churches that were used. Surveys and interview were examined focusing on the two church’s cell group leaders and members, and it …

Pastoral Leadership For Local Church Growth In The Korean Church, Gi In Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to help Korean pastors, and other pastors who want to become better leaders. It presents pastoral leadership from a biblical perspective which includes meaning, principles, disciplines, ministries, qualifications, and portraits of pastoral leadership. The project shows that the pastoral leader must lead, must guard, must feed, must equip, and must love. Pastors should lead with servant leadership, keep praying, keep the vision alive, and be a change agent.

A Comparison Of The Discipleship Training Of S.F.C. Campus Ministry And Outstanding Churches, Jae Hong Song

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a model of S. F. C. in discipleship training through a comparison of the discipleship training of S. F. C. campus ministry and outstanding churches. The model of churches used was Houston Seoul Baptist Church and Sarang Community Church. This study heads toward overcoming the limitations of current campus discipleship training program, and developing the discipleship training program that can cover campus ministry organization groups, especially the S. F. C. campus ministry. This study reviews historical research, the analysis concerning the discipleship training of S. F. C. and two outstanding churches, and …

A Descriptive Study Of The Marketing Mix Strategies Utilized By North American Christian Schools, David D. Horner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Educators often misunderstand marketing. Frequently it is viewed as simply advertising or selling. Marketing is far more encompassing. A closer look at the components of marketing reveals an involvement in virtually all aspects of private school operations. Other than miracles or providential guidance, a solid business plan, based on the “marketing mix,” might contribute most to the overall growth and customer satisfaction within a Christian school. This dissertation is a qualitative study designed to research the marketing mix strategies of private, Christian schools throughout America and Canada. This research effort was designed to collect both descriptive and historical data. A …

Developing A Program For Every Member To Be A Missionary In The Local Church, Joey Todd Anthony

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The program was created by researching the methods of training used by the International Mission Board and the North America Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention as well as Wycliffe Bible Translators. Books and articles relating to missions and missionaries were researched. The Scriptures were applied to the theoretical basis for the program. The program, "Every Member a Missionary;' was created to train the local church member to begin to think and act like a missionary. The program equips the church member to learn how to meet the lost people where they are and point them to Jesus.

Insights On Leadership: God’S Preparation And Selection Of The Southern Baptist Convention’S Conservative Resurgence Presidencies, Darrell P. Orman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature indicates that very little material analyzes the processes God used to prepare and then select the unique leadership group, within Evangelical Christianity, known as the Conservative Resurgence Presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention. Many writings have covered the history of the resurgence and some writings have analyzed the biographical history of these men. But none to date have integrated these two elements into a specific study of the leadership preparation of this group of leaders along with the office of the president. The primary source of gaining insights into their leadership preparation and abilities shall …

Select Counselors’ Perspectives On Alcohol And Substance Abuse Among Hispanic Adolescents., David E. Tetrault

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative instrumental case study investigated the issue of alcohol and substance abuse among Hispanic adolescents through the perspectives of select counselors. Hispanic-Americans are the largest and fastest growing minority population in the United States. Simultaneously, alcohol and substance abuse among Hispanic adolescents is increasing with the commensurate consequences and need for solutions.

Data was collected using semi-structured, recorded, transcribed interviews with middle school and substance abuse counselors—key informants—who practiced in a community located in the Southwestern United States. Participants’ interactions with Hispanic adolescents spanned Hispanic adolescents’ experience with alcohol and substance abuse prior to onset through treatment.

The first …

Attitudes Of Pre-Service Physical Educators At A Faith-Based University Toward Individuals With Disabilities., James E. Schoffstall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an undergraduate adapted physical education course on the attitudes of pre-service physical educators toward individuals with disabilities. The participants for this study were 108 students enrolled in undergraduate adapted physical education courses at a faith-based university. The Physical Educators Attitude toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities, third edition pre- and post-intervention was utilized to assess any changes in the participants’ attitudes toward individuals with disabilities.

Statistically significant differences were found between the participants’ pre- and post-intervention attitudinal scores on all measured areas (i.e. emotional disturbance, learning disabled, mild intellectual disability, …

Developing A Purpose Driven Model For Today’S Korea Evangelical Holiness Church Pastors-Teachers, Seung Min Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis is to develop a purpose driven model for the pastors-teachers of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church. This project explains that being a purpose driven education ministry means following the biblical principles behind the movement rather than copying specific characteristics that are unique to the Saddleback Church. In that view, this paper discusses how to implement Rick Warren's paradigm in the educational setting of the KEHC that has its own theological and cultural distinctives. Two kinds of surveys show that the denominational educational needs can be effectively covered through the results of the implementation.

Strategy For Equipping The Laity In The Cell Group Korean Church, Tae Young Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to prepare a strategy for equipping the laity of GaSan Baptist Church as a cell group church in Korea. This project examines four Korean churches as cell models. These churches are analyzed in eight parts on the basis of Mallory & Smith's equipping system. Gasan Baptist Church is also examined by the natural church development. The principles obtained from four model churches are applied for equipping the laity of Gasan Baptist Church through the results of NCD's research.

This project develops a strategy for equipping ministry in the Gasan Baptist Church in Korea.

Moral Self-Concept Of Public And Christian School Teachers In An Atlanta Metropolitan Area County, Timothy Reid Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, the importance of moral and ethical behavior has helped govern the educational process in the United States. The research shows that students notice and are affected by the moral character of a teacher as it is conveyed by a teacher’s behavior and lifestyle, both in and out of the classroom. This quantitative causal-comparative study, conducted in October and November of 2004, examined the moral self-concept of teachers as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: Second Education (TSCS:2). The population consisted of 210 teachers from a metropolitan Atlanta county employed by public and Christian elementary and secondary schools. The investigation …