Digital Commons Network^™

Unraveling An Ancient Peruvian Tapestry Sampler: A Study Of Weaver Education In The Ica Valley, Peru, Elizabeth Sara Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

A tapestry from the Ica Valley of Peru (A.D. 900-1476), in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, is the subject of this study. This thesis is an attempt to demonstrate that the tapestry is an example of a textile form known as a "sampler." Woven as a learning tool and template by an apprentice and an expert weaver within the style and reflecting the iconography of Ica art.

A three-part approach is taken to examine the Ica tapestry. First, it is necessary to prove that the piece is a sampler, woven in an apprenticeship situation, …

Play As A Learning Tool In An Inclusive Kindergarten Classroom, Catherine J. Draper

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Deaf Theatre And Sign Language: Tools For Theatre Education And Production, Carol Jm Frisch

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Writing To Learn College Algebra, Patricia A. Mower

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study of writing to lcam college algebra was to explore how writing in a college algebra course affected the learning experiences of a group of undergraduate students. The study included an analysis of the existing literature on the writing to learn process. Several writing to team techniques suggested by the literature were used in the teaching of the course. The students' perceptions of these processes were recorded and analyzed for the study. This research was important because it allowed students' voices to be heard regarding writing to learn mathematics as a form of pedagogical and curricular …

The Automated Wingman: An Airborne Companion For Users Of Dis Compatible Flight Simulators, Mark M. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

A major problem encountered by users of distributed virtual environments is the lack of simulators available to populate these environments. This problem is usually remedied by using computer generated entities. Unfortunately, these entities often lack adequate human behavior and are readily identified as non-human. This violates the realism premise of distributed virtual reality and is a major problem, especially in training situations. This thesis addresses the problem by presenting a computer generated entity called the Automated Wingman. The Automated Wingman is a semi-automated computer generated aircraft simulator that operates under the control of a designated lead simulator and integrates distributed …

Perceptions Of Coherence And Usability In Environmental Impact Documents As Functions Of Visual And Linguistic Cues, Ronald B. Shankland

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental impact statements (EISs) are prepared so decision makers can consider the potential environmental impacts of a proposed action. The National Environmental Policy Act mandates that EISs be clear, concise, and to the point so decision makers and the lay public can understand them, however, several authors assert these documents do not meet this requirement. To examine the usability of EISs, a 1994 AFIT GEEM student, Jill A. Easterly, altered visual and linguistic discourse elements in portions of sample ElSs and then a pool of readers answered objective questions about passages from these EISs. Easterly measured the effect of presence …

Towards Non-Tendentious Humor And Non-Violent Rebellion, Gayatri Devi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an investigation into the relation between humor and authority based on the distinction first articulated theoretically by Freud between tendentious and non-tendentious cases of humor. The first chapter is a fairly detailed introduction to the historical and theoretical issues that have preoccupied studies of humor. Though my study makes occasional use of linguistic insights on humor, my critical thrust is not on a linguistic analysis of humor, but to demonstrate how humor may be used successfully or unsuccessfully as an alternate idiom to aggression. The second chapter discusses the relationship of aggression to authority fundamental to the …

Motivational Factors In Combat: A Comparison Of German And American Soldiers In World War Ii Using Content Analysis, Douglas J. Traversa

Theses and Dissertations

To determine whether content analysis could be used to successfully identify major combat motivational factors for individuals, this research focused on soldiers who fought in World War II. Combat narratives written by men who fought in World War II were examined. Ten German and ten American works were examined. Of these, five of each were the works of flyers and the other five were the works of ground troops. The following factors were examined: "primary group" influence, ideology, attitudes toward the enemy, group leadership, national leadership, personal gratification, propaganda, religion, vindictiveness, desire to end the war and go home, coercion, …

Full Envelope Control Of Nonlinear Plants With Parameter Uncertainty By Fuzzy Controller Scheduling, Thomas J. Kobylarz

Theses and Dissertations

A full envelope controller synthesis technique is developed for multiple-input single-output (MISO) nonlinear systems with structured parameter uncertainty. The technique maximizes the controller's valid region of operation, while guaranteeing pre-specified transient performance. The resulting controller does not require on-line adaptation, estimation, prediction or model identification. Fuzzy Logic (FL) is used to smoothly schedule independently designed point controllers over the operational envelope and parameter space of the system's model. These point controllers are synthesized using techniques chosen by the designer, thus allowing an unprecedented amount of design freedom. By using established control theory for the point controllers, the resulting nonlinear dynamic …

Implementation Of Effective Schools Correlates By Bureau Of Indian Affairs Elementary Pilot Schools: Staff Perceptions And Achievement Scores, Viola Theresa Champagne Lafontaine

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether or not the effective schools efforts initiated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs affected student academic achievement in the pilot schools used for the BIA's effective schools improvement efforts. Data were obtained about ten effective schools correlates from ten BIA elementary schools in the BIA's first-year efforts to implement the effective schools improvement process.

An effective schools questionnaire was developed and used to obtain the perceptions of the professional staff regarding the implementation of the effective schools correlates in the ten schools located throughout the United States. Standardized test scores from 1988 and 1992 were collected …

The Relationship Between Non-Native English Speakers' English Proficiency And Their Callings In The Lds Church In The United States, Dena Marie Wright Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

As part of BYU's Distance Learning Project to teach English for gospel purposes, a committee created a survey to assess the English needs of LDS non-native English speakers in native-language units in the United States. This thesis uses several sections of the survey to correlate proficiency, callings in the Church, and demographic information. In addition to survey data, this thesis uses qualitative information from focus groups, and interviews to illustrate the statistical findings. The theory underlying this research is that learning precedes involvement in a community. Although learning in the LDS Church community is multi-faceted, this study examines the learning …

A Qualitative Study Of Reading Aloud To Early Primary Children, Jocelyn R. Sherwood

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Screening In Classrooms For Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: Validation Of An Instrument, Robert Stewart Scott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of a nonverbal learning disability evaluation (NLDE) scale using an instrument intended to screen for nonverbal learning disabilities in classroom settings. Scholars believe that there are at least four distinct subtypes of learning disabilities, each with its own characteristics and interventions. Validity was examined via an ANOVA, discriminant functions analysis, and factor analysis. Reliability was examined via use of Cronbach's alpha ( a = .93).

The sampled populations were special education and regular education teachers in North Dakota and 61 of the students they served. The 43 LD …

Noun Classification Or Spatial Categorization: Damana Orientation Verbs, Larry P. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis argues against a nominal classification analysis of orientation verbs in Damana, A Chibchan language of northern Colombia. As shown through a careful analysis of eleven verbs, the verbal system of Damana primarily encodes spatial relations and does not classify objects by shape.

The evidence for this conclusion proceeds from several areas. First, I show that Damana does not meet the requirement for a noun class system. Secondly, I show that the same object can be freely associated with various verb stems depending on the object's orientation. Thirdly, in metaphorical extensions involving these 'noun class' verbs, it is a …

An Introduction To The Verbal System Of Central Dangaleat, Lawrence R. Burke

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an analysis of the verbal system of Central Dangaleat, an Eastern Chadic language spoken in central Chad. Following the general introduction in chapter 1, the second chapter provides a basic introduction to the phonological system of the Central Dangaleat verbal system, focusing especially on syllable structure and epenthesis, vowel harmony and the tone system. Special attention is given to the relationship between consonant quality and tone in the language. Chapters 3 through 7 attempt to relate the Central Dangaleat tense, aspect and mood system to the proposals concerning the development of aspectual categories in Chadic as a …

Spelling: A Comparison Between A Formal Text-Based Program And An Integrated Approach, Kathleen Gamble

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine if there was any discernible difference in students' spelling performance within classrooms employing the formal text-based methodology and classrooms employing an integrated approach.

The sample in this study was 49 third grade, heterogeneously grouped students from a suburban area school in New Jersey. There were two classrooms involved with all students in each classroom participating in the study.

Third grade students in the study were administered a pretest and posttest in word recognition and vocabulary. A comparison of the mean test scores in the areas of word recognition and vocabulary for each group within …

A Study Of The Effects Of Using The Word Processor And Telecommunications In The Writing Process For Elementary Students, Andrea J. Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

It is the responsibility of an elementary teacher to provide students every opportunity to succeed in the classroom. Writing compositions, using correct style, form and mechanics can be a complex task for elementary students. If a method can be used to assist the relief of these complexities involved in the writing process, then this development should be encouraged.

The purpose of this study was to determine if fourth grade students will become better writers producing clearer style, form, and mechanics when using the word processor in the writing process. It will also determine if the use of telecommunications will cause …

Personality Traits Of Effective Communicators: A Study Of Chairpersons And Faculty At Rowan College Of New Jersey, Karen L. Heiser

Theses and Dissertations

This study determines chairpersons' personality traits and their effect on communications with faculty. The Mvers-Brigs Type Indicator was given to seven chairpersons (three female; four male) within Rowan College of New Jersey. The responses were tabulated by hand. The results were mailed to participants. The author requested faculty to choose chairpersons' personality characteristics and rate the effectiveness of the two-way communication between them and their chairpersons. The data were analyzed using a statistical software package (SPSS). The study revealed that 13 faculty rated their chairpersons as "very good" two-way communicators; eight faculty rated their chairpersons as "good" two-way communicators; three …

Specific Strategy Instruction To Enhance Revising And Editing Skills For The Learning Disabled, Barbara J. Stubbs

Theses and Dissertations

For years, research and replications of research have supported the findings that grammar taught in isolation is at best ineffective. As a result, some teachers have abandoned grammar instruction altogether. Other teachers are unaware of the findings or simply choose to ignore them. With so many mildly handicapped students being placed in regular education classes, these curricular decisions are having an impact on their success in producing correct written communication.

This study compares eleven learning disabled seventh grade students taught in the mainstream with traditional grammar instruction to nine learning disabled peers taught in a resource center with specific strategy …

Kindergarten Curriculum, Kelly-Ann Grossman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to develop a kindergarten curriculum suitable for a rural disadvantaged full-day kindergarten program. This was accomplished by a review of literature including five major theories of curriculum: the enrichment curriculum, the directed teaching curriculum, the cognitive emphasis curriculum, the custodial care curriculum and the combination curriculum. A combination curriculum was decided on and specific curriculums were reviewed for further content and design. Curriculums from nearby schools were reviewed and blended with the textbooks and areas of content felt necessary by the school's kindergarten teachers.

Does Learning Style Instruction Have A Positive Effect On Academic Achievement In The First Grade?, Nancy D. Rosenberg, Pamela M. Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of learning style instruction when implemented in a typical first grade classroom setting. The study was designed to determine if the use of several learning style methodologies would produce an increase in academic achievement.

Two regular first grade classes were used as the Study and Control Groups. Each student in the Study Group was surveyed to discover possible learning styles present within the group. For approximately six months, the Study Group received instruction which was modified, wherever possible, to allow for each student's individual needs. During this period, the Control …

Correlational Study On Reading Readiness And Reading Achievement Test Scores, Josephine A. Morales

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between Reading Readiness and Reading Achievement Test scores. Reading Readiness was associated with higher Reading Achievement.

Three schools in a low socio-economic section of an inner city school district provided the sample used in this study. The sample consisted of thirty-five Limited English Proficient Students (17 boys and 18 girls). All children were of Hispanic heritage.

The Reading Readiness and Reading Achievement Test scores were compared and analyzed. A Spearman's rho correlational coefficient was used to measure and describe the relationship between both reading test scores.

The analysis …

Comparison Of Two Approaches In Teaching Reading To Limited English Proficient Students And Their Academic Achievement, Gloria Cruz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine which of two instructional approaches. Whole-Language or Distar (Direct Instruction), was more effective in producing higher levels of academic achievement in bilingual first grade students. It was predicted that the bilingual students receiving instruction through the Whole-Language approach would demonstrate higher academic achievement than those receiving instruction through the Distar approach.

A Pre and Post District Skills Inventory Test for reading (Communication Arts) was administered to the students in each instructional approach group. There were nine students in each group. The resulting scores were analyzed statistically using a t test design for …

Journal Writing For College Students In A Developmental Mathematics Class, Mary Anne Dorofee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to measure academic achievement in a developmental mathematics class through the use of journal writing. Twenty-seven college level students were part of the experiment. Two classes of "Introduction to College Math" were used. Their age levels ranged from students who had just graduated from high school to returning adults in their fifties. A variety of ethnic groups were represented in both classes. The experimental group consisted of eighteen students who kept a journal on various mathematics topics. The control group consisted of nine students and they did not keep a journal. The academic achievement …

An Examination Into The Construct Validity Of The Language Instrument For Preschool Sceening, Rebecca I. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Enhancement Of Communication Competence: A Model For A Program For International Teaching Faculty At The University Of North Dakota, Linda S. Goldstone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for a faculty development program to enhance the English communication competence of international teaching faculty (ITF) at the University of North Dakota (UND). Three case studies were conducted with the most comprehensive university ITF development programs in the United States. Coordinators of those programs were interviewed by telephone.

The content of the interviews was analyzed into a series of descriptive items. An item-to-item comparison was made across the three programs. The comparison revealed that all three ITF programs focused on the areas of language proficiency, cultural awareness, and pedagogical skills. …

Images Of Native American In Film: The Cases Of Broken Arrow, Dances With Wolves, And Black Robe, Pamela A. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

This study demonstrates how the medium of film continues to depict Native Americans in stereotypical images. A critical analysis of three films: Broken Arrow (1950), Dances wilh-Wolves (1990), and Black Rohe (1992) supports the assumption and argument.

Critical review of these films were made for images of how Native Americans are portrayed. The images include negative portrayals of culture, customs, language, and wardrobe. A compare and contrast tool demonstrates perpetuated stereotypical images of Hollywood negative portrayals of Native Americans. A brief history of motion pictures discusses and presents the development of stereotypical images mvolving Native Americans.

The critical analysis of …

The Female Gaze Shined On Three Selected Female Characters Found In Musical Theatre, Michelle L. Harsche

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Ability Achievement Discrepancies: Diagnosis And Future Implications, Natalie Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was threefold: first to determine if the predicted achievement method is a more accurate statistical method to determine ability achievement discrepancies than the simple difference method; second to determine if the VIQ score on the WISC 111 could predict achievement level as accurately as the FSIQ score; and third to assess the current achievement level of four individuals previously diagnosed with a reading disability. The sample used in this study consisted of eight children who were assessed at the Rowan College Learning and Assessment Center. The statistical procedures employed were based on the WIAT …

Effect Of Computer Assisted Instruction On Written Expressive Language Of Mildly Mentally Retarded Students, Vicki R. Newman

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of computer assisted instruction on the written expressive language of mildly mentally retarded students was investigated. The quality of written work samples produced using paper and pencil was determined and compared to the quality of the expressive language samples produced on the computer after computer assisted instruction was implemented. Attitude toward writing with both modes of expression was measured. The results indicated that computer assisted instruction improved the quality of written expressive language in the areas of product length, legibility and mechanical construction. It did not significantly improve the content, complexity or thematic maturity of ideas produced on …