Digital Commons Network^™

Bridging The Transition To School: An Action Research Study, Susan Bates Hill

Theses and Dissertations

For over 50 years, school readiness has been a concern of educators and policymakers. In 1965, the Head Start program was “conceived as part of the ‘war on poverty’ to provide children from less affluent backgrounds with the kinds of experiences that other children were more likely to receive in the home” (Coley, 2002, p.8). Federal and state legislation continues to be enacted with the hope the inequities will be addressed. Ladson-Billings (2007) asserts the rigor of the standards is intended to appease the middle class. Exploring unique ways to transition a child from home to school should be of …

Emblems Of Incarnation: The Hypostatic Union Of Word And Image In Francis Quarles' Emblemes, Amber Bird

Theses and Dissertations

Although recent scholars have attempted to recuperate the cultural and literary value of Francis Quarles' Emblemes, traditional emblematic interpretations categorize the images as merely illustrations of the poetic utterance. The investment of this paper shifts critical attention away from the content of Quarles' text as the only source of meaning and argues that meaning is contingent on the interpretation of both word and image. In order for the images of the text to have full consideration, I have stepped away from the traditional emblem metaphor of body and soul in favor of an incarnational metaphor that joins image and word …

The Relation Of Linguistic Awareness Skills To Reading And Spelling In School-Age Children With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder, Victoria Suzanne Henbest

Theses and Dissertations

Linguistic awareness is the ability to consciously consider and manipulate language. Multiple linguistic awareness skills relate to and predict the word-level reading, spelling, and reading comprehension skills of children who are developing typically and those with language impairments. However, few researchers have investigated the literacy skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and even fewer have investigated their linguistic awareness skills. This is problematic given the large number of children with ASD who are educated in the public schools and the importance of literacy skills for life success. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to begin to close the gap in …

Taiwanese Postcolonial Identities And Environmentalism In Wu Ming-Yi’S The Stolen Bicycle, Chihchi Sunny Tsai

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis looks at Taiwanese author Wu Ming-Yi’s 吳明益 2015 novel The Stolen Bicycle (Danche shiqie ji 單車失竊記) and argues that it contests the dichotomous

framework assumed in Taiwanese postcolonial theories by revealing contextualized and intertwined complexities. Taiwanese postcolonial literary theorists have been relying on dichotomies, such as perpetrators versus victims and colonizers versus the colonized, to understand Taiwanese colonial and postwar history. These dichotomies produce ways of identarian standoff that are overly simplified by socio-cultural, political or linguistic differences. These dichotomies are useful from a structuralist perspective in literary theories; yet, they are unable to account for the subtle …

Propertius And Antigone: Innovation On The Theme Of Eroticized Death, Chandler Richard Kendall

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis looks closely at Propertius’ reception of the Antigone mythology in Propertius 2.8. First, I lay the groundwork to argue that Propertius is consciously receiving the Antigone mythology as found in Sophocles’ eponymous tragedy. I show through a close examination of language and themes that Propertius and Sophocles share semiotic markers of eroticized death that reveal Propertius’ intentional use of Sophocles’ tragedy, as opposed to other scholars who argue that Propertius is engaging with a later lost tradition of Haemon in Hellenistic poetry. After connecting Propertius with Sophocles, I explore the motif of eroticized death in mythological literature. I …

Faculty Orientations In Esl Professional Development, Jason T. Jay

Theses and Dissertations

The role of teacher educators is vital to education, but when the population of public-school students shifts, or progress and advances in knowledge of the field or knowledge for teaching emerge, teacher education faces challenges. One such challenge involves a continuing increase in the proportion of second language learners entering primary and secondary schools, English learners (ELs) in this case. In such situations, teacher educators often do not have deep knowledge of second language acquisition or how to integrate attention to ELs within their regular courses. One response to this challenge is to provide professional development (PD) for teacher education …

Applying Data Organizational Techniques To Enhance Air Force Learning, Jacob A. Orner

Theses and Dissertations

The USAF and the DoD use traditional schoolhouses to educate and train personnel. The physical aspects of these schoolhouses limit throughput. A method to increase throughput is to shift towards an asynchronous learning environment where students move through content at individually. This research introduces a methodology for transforming a set of unstructured documents into an organized TM students can use to orient themselves in a domain. The research identifies learning paths within the TM to create a directed KSAT. We apply this methodology in four case studies, each an education or training course. Using a graph comparison metric and the …

Parsing An American Sign Language Corpus With Combinatory Categorial Grammar, Michael Albert Nix

Theses and Dissertations

Research into parsing sign language corpora is ongoing. Corpora for German Sign Language and Italian Sign Language have been parsed (Bungeroth et al., 2006; Mazzei, 2011, 2012, respectively). However, research into parsing a corpus of American Sign Language is non-existent. Examples of parsed ASL sentences in literature are typically isolated examples used to show a particular type of construction. Apparently no attempt has been made to parse an entire corpus of American Sign Language utterances. This thesis presents a method for constructing a grammar so that a parser implementing Combinatory Categorial Grammar can parse a corpus of American Sign Language. …

No “Me ” Before The Nation: Portrayal Of Nationalism And Religious Identities In Bollywood Movies Created During Modi-Era, Misha Khan

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed three Bollywood films, Raazi, PM Narendra Modi, and Gully Boy, that were released during the administration of the current Prime Minister of India, PM Narendra Modi. The research questions focused on the portrayal of nationalism and religious identities in the analyzed films. The recurring theme in all three films remained to be nationalism However, drawing on the past research, this study found an existing intertwined relationship between the portrayed nationalism and religious identities. Other central themes in the films included patriarchy, the notion of Othering, and class hegemony. This study draws added implications through its results and …

The Impact Of Multicultural Books In A First Grade Classroom, Lindsay Fox

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of the study was to examine how first grade students build on their understanding of culture through the use of multicultural literature. Students were engaged in read alouds of quality multicultural texts that included texts that represented the Native American, transgender, African American, Mexican, Chinese and Indian cultures. Data collection consisted of questionnaires, reading responses during interactive read aloud, anecdotal records, and a teacher note-taking journal. An analysis of the data revealed that students were able to learn about cultures different from their own and see their own culture reflected in multicultural literature they were exposed to.

Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Optimization For Analyzing The Trade Space Of The Myoelectric Prosthetic Arm Architecture, Kenneth Garner

Theses and Dissertations

Fuzzy logic provides a means to address uncertainty in selecting optimal elements in the systems design process. Complex models have been used in the past that inadequately address a dynamic environment with evolving technological changes. Using novel discoveries in mathematical algorithms coupled with existing system engineering tools will prove to increase stakeholder satisfaction and a reduce life-cycle cost of the system to be created. This can be seen within a toy problem that resides in the advance prosthetic industry. Although the prosthetic industry is only an example of complex design constraints this research will prove to be a valuable asset …

Role Of Multiple Social Media Platforms In Online Campaigns, Muhammad Nihal Hussain

Theses and Dissertations

Social media that started as a tool that connected high school students has found various uses. We are now connected more than ever. It has altered the way information reaches us. People use social media to learn not only about their family and friends but also to stay updated about news and global events. Organizations use social media to learn about their customers, politicians use it to reach out and influence voters, and protesters use it to plan and coordinate their activities. Social media is playing a central role in various campaigns be it marketing campaigns by companies to political …

The Polite Abuser: Using Politeness Theory To Examine Emotional Abuse, Cimmiaron Alvarez

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last few decades more and more cultural attention has been paid to intimate partner violence, especially emotional abuse. Follingstad, Rutledge, Berg, Hause, and Polek (1990) established that emotional abuse fell into six distinct categories, however, little attention had been paid to how abusers can utilize polite communication to hurt their partner. Equally, Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987) had never been applied to problematic communication (Austin, 1990). This study aimed to understand how polite communication can be used as a form of emotional abuse. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants who self-identified as having been …

The Use Of Culturally Relevant Picture Books To Enhance Social And Emotional Learning In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Kelly Livingston

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using culturally relevant picture books to enhance social and emotional learning in a fourth grade classroom. The study utilized the expertise of three different educational professionals, the literacy coach, the school social worker and the fourth grade teacher. Two Social Emotional Learning competencies were paired with three multicultural picture books. Students followed the procedure of discussion based upon what they already knew, what they wanted to learn and finally, after the reading and dialogue, what they learned. Students were asked about their prior knowledge of particular cultures and what …

Perceptions Of Outreach, Theory, And Practice At Centers For Teaching And Learning, Samantha Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) and how they are perceived by the instructors and employees who work in higher education. CTLs focus on accessing and assessing faculty and staff while creating programs and research which offers insight into the faculty, instructional, and organizational needs of an institution. The needs that CTLs focus on include the professional, educational, instructional, and, sometimes, personal development of employees. Yet, the theories and practices which drive the research of educational development—specifically CTLs—are fragmented due to the interdisciplinary nature, vast scope, and practical-focus of directors and researchers.

This study builds upon previous …

Defending White America: The Apocalyptic Meta-Narrative Of White Nationalist Rhetoric, Michael Scott Walton

Theses and Dissertations

Prior to attacking a Wal-Mart in El Paso, Texas, Patrick Crusius posted a manifesto on the notorious 8chan website in which he justifies his attack as a self-defensive response to the “Hispanic invasion of Texas.” While this manifesto certainly contains the irrationality necessary to justify mass murder, it also repeats and reinforces language and worldviews present in public discourse, especially in discourse from white nationalists. Analyzing the Crusius manifesto in context of this white nationalist public discourse reveals how language used and worldviews perpetuated by white nationalists ultimately construct an apocalyptic meta-narrative that transforms immigrants and refugees into dangerous invaders. …

Determinants Of Small Business Innovation Research Performance, Ethan E. Blake

Theses and Dissertations

This analysis shows that the Air Force SBIR Program has seen a high rate of failure (over 91%) in Phase II efforts that have completed funding within the last three Fiscal Years. The Joint Capability Area assignment process and subsequent analysis identified several high and low performing groups. Force Integration, Battlespace Awareness, and Protection JCAs were top performers while Command/Control, Logistics, and Force Application were low performers. Additional analysis showed that small businesses have more than double the commercialization rate of large businesses. The commercialization rates for businesses with 150 employees or fewer is 9% while the rate for businesses …

A Reference Architecture For Cubesat Development, Luke J. Farrell

Theses and Dissertations

Developing a space vehicle is a complex and detailed process, and while CubeSats are smaller and more accessible than traditional satellites the design process is relatively unchanged. Creating a viable space vehicle design requires detailed analysis of a set of mission needs in order to define the mission, with this need set used to then create the specific mission requirements. These requirements are used to formulate a concept of operations, and then move into developing a physical system for executing the mission. The successful production of CubeSats within an organization is contingent upon the accurate execution of the general CubeSat …

“Descending Into Eeriness”: Navigating “The Uncanny Valley” Present In Hollywood Adaptations Of Japanese Narratives, Megan Jo Finley

Theses and Dissertations

Hollywood adaptations of Japanese stories derived from manga have failed to connect with a Western audience, and not for a lack of fan interest. Instead, the core issues one encounters are matters of mistranslation, which construct the fatal flaws of American adaptations of manga. In my research, I identify three major errors in adaptation typically present in these narratives. First, I discuss mistranslations of story via analysis of Netflix’s 2017 adaptation of Death Note, which includes plot reduction for the sake of time and budget restraints, as well as conflict rearrangement to fit the traditional Hollywood mold. Next, I discuss …

Using Families' Funds Of Knowledge Literacy To Enhance Family-School Relationships, Kaitlyn Greenwood

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents the initial findings from an ethnographic case study, in a small South Jersey town. Using a socio-cultural framework and drawing from Moll and Gonzalez's funds of knowledge study, the specific aim of the study was to investigate the literacy practices students bring to the classroom, families' views of home to school connection, educators' impression of the family school partnership, and the role of student's funds of knowledge in the classroom. Three second grade families participated in home visits which involved in-depth interviews detailing family literacies including culture, traditions, family background, early literacy practices, and value of education. …

Creating Inclusive Classrooms Through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Tracy R. Norman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to infuse culturally responsive teaching practices into the traditional curriculum to meet the needs of all students. Through this action research study, a professional learning community analyzed the current curriculum in the third and fourth grades at Lanier Elementary School, and they revised the curriculum to include culturally responsive practices. The use of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) allowed the principal and 3rd & 4th grade teachers to reflect on current practices in a nonthreatening environment. It also allowed the PLC to analyze current pedagogy, study new practices, and make immediate changes to participants' …

Using Multicultural Read Aloud Books To Support Student Understanding Of Character Education Themes, Elizabeth A. Somers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using multicultural read aloud books during character education lessons in a second grade classroom. Six character education themes were paired with six multicultural picture books. Prior to reading these texts, students were asked to explain what they already knew about the targeted character traits in a writing activity. After reading, students discussed with a partner and then shared their thoughts with the whole group. Students completed a post-reading activity, by writing to explain what they learned about that character trait from the story. It was found that utilizing multicultural …

Voice, Choice, And ( Material ) Agency: The Sexualized Feminine Body In Young Adult Literature, Tharini Viswanath

Theses and Dissertations

My study unites two disparate strands of feminist theory: the linguistic, which emphasizes the relationship between language and power, and the material, which argues that the human body has its own agency. I raise three main points. First, I contend that the sexualized feminine body is the site of neither the linguistic nor the material independent of one another, but both the linguistic and the material existing in a state of fluidity and interdependency, which combine to grant the young female character agency. Second, I contend that feminist novels should not only have strong female characters, but that they should …

An Awakening Awareness: Exploring Teachers Understandings Of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy In The Diverse Classroom, Lauren Zorzi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine what teachers know (and still need to know) about culturally sustaining pedagogy and what happens when practitioners try to implement culturally sustaining pedagogies within their classrooms. A pre-question, survey, teacher readiness scale, recorded discussions, notes in a teacher research journal, and a post question were all analyzed to determine how five teachers who are completing their MA in Reading: Reading Specialist, incorporated culture into the classroom as well as their and their students openness and views of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Findings were that these five teachers who are completing their MA in …

Engaging Students In Culturally Relevant Morning Meetings, Melissa A. Vandine

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand what happens to student participation when the student's Funds of Knowledge are used in Morning Meeting. Prior to this research, Morning Meeting was not inclusive of all of its participants and left the researcher wondering what components were missing to the current Morning Meeting framework. What motivates and engages students to participate in Morning Meeting guided the research study. Qualitative research was utilized in the study, which focused on student talk within Morning Meeting. A teacher's research journal, audio recordings, surveys, student interviews, and student journal responses were used to collect and …

Students' Perceptions Of Native And Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers And Their Influence On Students' Motivation, Sarah Ossama El-Sawah

Theses and Dissertations

The present study aims to investigate students' perceptions of native English-speaking teachers (NEST) and non-native English-speaking teachers (NNEST) and the techniques used by both types of teachers to influence students' motivation. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to answer the research questions. A sample of 82 Egyptian learners enrolled in the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and a sample of two native IEP teachers and two non-native IEP teachers participated in the study. A questionnaire was sent to students to identify students' perceptions of the instructional practices and motivational techniques utilized by …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Professional Identity And Communities Of Practice, Heidi Mohamed Badr El-Din Sadek

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the perceptions of English instructors on their professional identities, within private higher education institutions. The aim of the current study is to explore the perceptions of teachers' professional identities and the aspects that affect it, as well as, their perceptions of communities of practice and its effect on their professional identity. The study is conducted on 26 English instructors, who teach Academic English in private institutions. A qualitative approach is utilized and individual interviews, and focus group interviews were conducted with all the participants. Findings show that there are four main aspects that shape and affect a …

Euphemistic Expressions And Strategies Used By Egyptian Speakers Of Arabic In Light Of Face Theory, Noha Enab

Theses and Dissertations

Euphemism, as a linguistic, pragmatic and cultural phenomenon, plays a vital role in creating harmonious interaction and saving face in social communication. However, limited research was conducted on the use of euphemism in Egyptian Arabic. The present study is geared mainly towards probing into the euphemistic expressions and strategies that Egyptian speakers of Arabic resort to when certain tabooed or sensitive topics and concepts are brought up in daily communication - in both face-threatening and non-face-threatening situations- when addressing topics such as physical and mental impairment, cancer, socially-inferior professions, bodily functions, sensitive marital status for women, as well as, death. …

Sexual Harassment Gender, Power, Ideology And Time: A Case Study Of The Hill-Thomas And Ford-Kavanaugh Senate Hearings, Salah Mohamed

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual harassment is a social issue in the U.S. and around the world that is gaining more attention, especially with the popularity of social movements such as #MeToo and #Timesup. People usually attempt to frame their positions in sexual harassment narratives using a wide range of strategies, which show insidious ideologies and power imbalances ingrained in the culture of a specific community. The current study investigates sexual harassment through data from the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for two nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court: Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh. The two nominees were accused of sexual harassment by two professors: …

The Role Of Emotions And Beliefs In Developing Language Teacher's Professional Identity, Dalia Adel Mahmoud

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies have investigated different positive and negative emotions that teachers experience in their work place, in addition to their teaching beliefs. However, none of these studies addressed the role of these emotions in formulating teaching beliefs and how both emotions and beliefs shape teacher’s professional identity; particularly in an Egyptian context. The current study addresses this gap. The participants are seven female experienced teachers who work in different private institutions, under different instructional settings. The study uses semi -structured interviews, narratives and focus group discussion as data collection tools. Lazarus psychological theory of emotions (1991) was used to analyze …