Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Criteria For Choosing Bibliographic Databases In High School Libraries, Darlene Michel

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed criteria for choosing bibliographic databases for high school libraries. A survey was conducted to find out students' opinions about the databases that they use in school to access books, periodicals, and newspaper articles. The survey covered frequency of database use, favorite and least favorite databases, reasons for using the databases, desirable and undesirable characteristics of databases, and types of searching that were used. The survey was administered to 85 students in four 11th grade college-preparatory English classes after a class period devoted to database searching for an assignment. All students completed and handed in the survey. Conclusions …

A Study Of The Effects Of The Use Of Computerized Sources On Elementary Student Research Projects, Betty Jane Oliva

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine elementary students' abilities in the information gathering process and the impact of the use of computerized resources on these abilities. Did the use of computerized research technology improve students' results? How well did students make use of this technology to find information? Would students effectively combine the use of computerized and print sources for information? What effect did the inclusion of computers have on the students' attitude towards the research assignment? Four classes of fourth grade students were combined into two groups. Students were assigned to research answers to 50 questions. Each …

Student Evaluation Of Internet Resources, Kathleen Donoghue

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated a means by which high school students were taught to critically analyze information found on the Internet. Many students view the Internet as an information resource and regard what they find there as authoritative. It is necessary for students to develop strategies that will assist them in identifying information that is relevant, reliable, and accurate. In this study, 18 students were provided with sample checklists to use as a guide in evaluating Internet resources. After guided practice in the classroom, each student examined four web sites that were pre-selected by the instructor and varied in characteristic properties. …

The Status Of Internet And World Wide Web Use In The Elementary Schools Of Gloucester County, New Jersey, Christine A. Rohrman

Theses and Dissertations

Are schools preparing students for the new age of communication, where the Internet and World Wide Web will be an efficient way to access information? The purpose of this study was to determine the status of Internet use in the elementary schools of Gloucester County, New Jersey. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire sent to the library media specialists of the 48 elementary schools. They were asked if there was Internet access in their school building and if not, were there plans to have Internet access by the year 2001. Other questions about the Internet involved computer equipment available, …

A Study Of Jazz Band Participation By Gender In Secondary High School Instrumental Music Programs, Douglas Penn Barber

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if a gender inequity exists in student participation in high school jazz band.

The sample for this study consisted of students involved in the instrumental programs of high schools in South Jersey. A survey was generated by the researcher to collect data on participation. Sixty-eight surveys were mailed and forty-three were returned.

Data were converted to percentages and compared by instrument for participation in the overall program and the jazz program.

On the basis of these data there is a gender inequity in the participation of jazz band. The difference is a …

Learning Styles Arrived At On Computer: Concrete Sequential And Random Abstract, David W. Hird

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Women, Sex And Dating: A Qualitative Study Of College Men's Perceptions, Rosemary E. Barke

Theses and Dissertations

A two-hour focus group of ten, 19, 20, and 21-year-old male college studnets who expressed an interest in dataing women was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of men's perceptions of women, sex, and dating. Data analysis of verbatim transripts was conducted by three female qualitative researchers. Findings suggest that young men experience confusion, frustration, and lack of trust of young women, at the same time that they experience pressure to be sexually active, perceive women as potential status enhancers and objects, and fear contracting sexually transmitted diseases and impregnating young women. Reported readiness for intimate relationships varied within the …

Definition And Decisionin Social Skill Instruction: What Are The Benefits?, Gerri E. Eck

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Political Priming: A Study Of The North Dakota Nonpartisan League, William Langer, And Newspapers Effect On The Vote Return, Sarah Ann Link

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Gloucester Township School District, Stephen V. Mecke

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the major cause of the Gloucester Township School District's attendance and classification errors when reporting the annual Application for State School Aid. After identifying the problem, the intern developed and implemented a plan of action to resolve the problem.

The methodology of data collection included a questionnaire survey, interviews, an internal attendance audit in narrative form, and a review of the archival attendance reports. The research revealed that the Gloucester Township School District was experiencing difficulty exchanging computer data between its 11 schools, curriculum building, and the central administrative office. The district …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At The Camden County Technical Schools, Pennsauken Campus, Rosann Hofstrom Kasuba

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the program implemented at our school to prepare students to take the reading section of the HSPT11, the state graduation test of New Jersey. Evaluation of the program promoted enhanced instructional practices to improve student achievement.

The methodology for my research relied on the theoretical framework of educational policy analysis, the interpretive paradigm of teacher cognition, and the interview as a tool for inquiry. Extended interviews of four teachers who taught at each level were conducted to access teacher cognition. The classes of these four teachers were designed to prepare students for …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Sterling High School District, Cleve W. Bryan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of teacher attitudes on the integration of educational technologies into the curriculum at Sterling High School as a means to assess the effectiveness of the district's technology plan.

A descriptive research method was used in the study that included a school-wide technology survey of teachers and follow-up interviews with 20% of the teaching staff. The technology survey instrument and interview questions were developed by the researcher and reviewed by the technology committee of Sterling High School. Percentages of responses were used as the primary method of data analysis along with …

An Internship Experience In Educational Administration At Haddon Heights Junior-Senior High School, 1997-1998, Ruthmarie Schopfer Weinberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this internship was to provide the candidate with an opportunity to acquire competencies and skills which are essential to an effective administrator of a secondary school.

The internship focused on the project: Alternate Methods for At-Risk Students Who Disrupt the Educational Environment. The areas addressed in this study were: (1) The purpose and setting of the study, (2) Review of the literature, (3) The design of the study, (4) Presentation of the research findings, (5) Conclusions, implications, and further study, and (6) The need for alternative methods re: Scared Straight – Haddon Heights Style, In-School Suspension, Out-of-School …

America's Freedom Of Information Act And Electronic Records, Jennifer J. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Video New Releases And Written News Releases, Art Keegan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if Video News Releases (VNRs) are more effective than written news releases in offering reportable news to television newsroom decision-makers. To answer this question, 45 television newsroom decision-makers from 13 states and the District of Columbia were surveyed. The survey was conducted over the telephone and presented nine questions to decision-makers regarding their usage and storage of VNRs and written news releases. Decision-makers were identified as television news personnel knowledgeable in the usage rate and storage length of VNRs and written news releases.

The study analyzed the responses of all the newsroom …

The Public Relation Firm's Perception Of The Internet's Effect On Its Growth And Profits, Tina Blasberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to learn if the public relations firm believed that using the Internet had a recognizable effect on its growth and profits. The study attempted to show that if the public relations firm saw that its net profits increased, client base grew, and, as a result, employees' paychecks increased, then it perceived that using the Internet had a positive effect on its growth and profits.

The sample originally selected consisted of 317 United States public relations firms, a sample which consisted of small and large firms ranging from 10 employees up to 100 employees. A …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Oakcrest High School, Mays Landing, New Jersey, 1997-1998, Linda R. Brennan

Theses and Dissertations

Early identification of academically at-risk students combined with effective intervention has a significant impact on the academic performance of academically at-risk students. Students were identified as academically at-risk if they failed two classes in one report period or if they failed one class twice during their eighth grade year.

Faculty members volunteered to serve as mentors for these students. Through advising, referring to student resource personnel, reviewing work, or providing a quiet place to study, teachers were committed to providing additional time and assistance to their mentees' educational process.

The identified students were also given contact time and opportunities to …

The Organizational Climate Of Eastern Regional High School, Kirk Martin Rickansrud

Theses and Dissertations

This study was done on the premise that a school's organizational climate affects employee morale, behavior, and motivation. This study was conducted in order to communicate to all administrators and faculty the status of Eastern Regional High School's organizational climate. The essence of this type of study was to create new avenues of open communication, coupled with the push for a more reflective practice, between the faculty and administration. The results have allowed individuals to make suggestions to improve the educational quality and effectiveness of the entire school.

The design of the study was to conduct a survey of employee …

A Report On The Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Eastern Camden County Regional School District, Audry Cser

Theses and Dissertations

The current system of record-keeping for the various student activity accounts was assessed and revised in order to establish a more accurate and efficient accounting policy of all monies. Internal audits will be implemented in order to demonstrate a more critical accounting for all student activity accounts. In addition to monthly and year ending reconciliation statements it will be necessary at the end of each fiscal year to provide district auditors with accurate financial documents exhibiting the receipt of student monies for various activity accounts.

Prior to developing a revised accounting system for student activity accounts, current practices, procedures and …

A Report On The Internship Experience In Educational Leadership And Parent Conferences At Delsea Middle School, Jill M. Bryfogle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to make parent conferences more meaningful for those involved. To do this, the intern intended to increase parental attendance at conferences in her school. She tried to achieve the goal of increasing attendance by giving out a survey to parents and teachers who were present at conferences. The questionnaire asked people how to improve conferences. Responses were tallied and then discussed with a committee of parents, teachers and administrators who decided which ideas to put into action. Changes were made to conferences. Attendance data was taken before and after the changes. Then the two …

A Feasibility Study On Block Scheduling At Egg Harbor Township High School, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, 1997-1998, Joetta M. Surace

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this internship in Educational Administration at the Egg Harbor Township High School in Egg Harbor Township was to provide the intern with experiences which enhance the skills that are vital to achieving success as a school leader. The purpose of this study in the area of change was to conduct a feasibility study on block scheduling by involving all constituent stakeholders in the process during the 1997-98 school year. The intern researched various block scheduling plans, attended workshops on block scheduling, organized a Block Scheduling Study Committee, visited various block-scheduled schools, and made information available to constituent …

An Investigation Of Food Related Versus Socialization Deficits In A Group Of Prader-Willi Syndrome Adults, Janet T. Fioresi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of behavior incidents of adults in a group home setting who have been diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), to determine if the behaviors are more frequently related to food issues or socialization problems with peers and/or staff. It was hypothesized that documented behavior incidents were more frequently due to socialization problems.

The sample for this study consisted of eight adults medically diagnosed with PWS in a group home setting. All participants' Behavior Incident Forms (BIR's) were looked at throughout a two year period from January 1, 1996 to December 31, …

A Suggested Preschool Program For The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, Dawn Schollenberger

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to suggest a type of preschool curriculum that would be effective for the Woodstown-Pilesgrove School District. This was accomplished in various stages. First, library research was conducted at EIRC and the Rowan University Library to find recent literature on the various types of preschool curriculums. Then, because the needs of the community should be considered when designing a public preschool curriculum, an informal survey was designed to solicit the opinions of present and past kindergarten teachers in the Woodstown-Pilesgrove School District. The results of this narrative survey were used to design the major components …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Berlin Community School In Berlin, New Jersey, Kathleen L. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a district-wide grading policy to create consistency and fairness among grading procedures.

The intern developed a grading policy committee which included both male and female, veteran and first year teachers. It had a teacher from each grade level.

This committee developed guidelines and criteria for issuing grades for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade and 3rd through 8th grade.

Data collection was obtained by using three instruments. The first instrument was the policy development committee which, through communication with their colleagues, established a grading policy. The second instrument was a staff survey …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Cherokee High School In Marlton, New Jersey, Jeffrey S. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement an in-school suspension program to change students' attitudes and provide alternatives to negative behavior. This was achieved by obtaining information from other schools about their ISS programs. It was then determined what would constitute an effective program at Cherokee. Meetings were held with every department to explain how the program would operate and the teachers' role for the success of the program. The various elements of ISS were explained. They included students being in the safe environment of the school, students not missing school work, not providing for a mini-vacation, and follow-up …

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership In The Pitman School District, Eileen P. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to study the observation instrument and job description of an instructional aide, evaluating each for its relevancy and updating where necessary. Instructional aides and administrators were inserviced to ensure everyone's understanding of job expectations and indicators for evaluation. Classroom instruction would be enhanced by achieving uniformity in evaluation and knowing the value of the job.

All twelve instructional aides completed a survey and were interviewed, answering questions about the responsibilities of his/her job. Through this process, the intern determined the need for a revised job description and evaluation instrument. Samples of job descriptions and …

An Internship Experience To Improve The School Climate At Upper Pittsgrove School Through The Teaching Of Courteous Behaviors And Service, Susan Perna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence to support the statement that all students will be able to follow a basic code of courteous behaviors and participate in service learning during school to improve the climate of the school and to produce a caring community. Surveys were administered to the staff and students at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the year to assess the current school climate conditions. A daily tabulation of behavior incidents was used as a statistical comparison to last year's to determine whether the program had any effect on reducing the number of behavior …

The Effects Of Tactile/Kinesthetic Instructional Strategies In The Biology Classroom, Janice Batten Sees

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of tactile/kinesthetic instruction to the biology classroom could significantly increase learning. Various kinds of tactile/kinesthetic lessons were taught to three experimental groups who also received visual and auditory instruction. These tactile/kinesthetic lessons included task cards, task puzzles, manipulatives, total body movement, and large floor games. The control group only received visual and auditory instruction. The subjects were 84 College Biology students from Buena Regional High School, a school in rural South Jersey. The classes varied in gender and race. The same instructor taught all classes and the length of …

Sun, Moon, And Star, Christopher Kimball Bigelow

Theses and Dissertations

This fictional novella takes place during the narrator Smoot's two-year mission to Melbourne, Australia. It chronicles the intertwining of the lives and destinies of three main characters: Smoot, a Utah native who struggles with carnality and lack of conversion and spirituality; Babakian, an Australian convert who used to be a punk rocker and has become frustrated with Mormonism's blandness and conformity; and Samantha, a nonmember part-Tongan Utahn with whom Smoot was involved before his mission. Speaking generally, the novella is about how Babakian misuses his creative powers of art and sexuality, how Samantha explores the gospel and changes her life, …

A Current Study Of Sexual Harassment In The Military: Women's Career Opportunities At Risk, Jill M. Kukuk

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.