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The Effects Of Cooperative Learning On Social Interactions And Attitudes Toward English Class In At-Risk Students, Catherine A. Mikionis

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the effects of cooperative learning methods on social interactions and attitudes toward English class in 18 at-risk high school students enrolled in a small alternative education program located on a college campus. The findings suggested cooperative learning methods increased students' positive social interactions, increased students' reported number of friends, and decreased students' cut classes. Although no significant difference in overall mean was found on the attitude toward English class survey, students' dislike for participating in class discussions decreased measurably. The implications for this study are such that cooperative learning methods can be effectively used with at-risk …

The Effects Of Parental Values On The Prosocial Behaviors Of Preschoolers In A Private Vs. District-Funded Preschool, Janet Baratta

Theses and Dissertations

Earlier studies have shown that parental modeling and communication of values are significant factors in promoting prosocial behavior in young children. The current study was conducted to determine whether a relationship existed between preschoolers' prosocial behaviors and the importance their parents attributed to such behaviors. The prosocial behaviors of twenty preschoolers from a private preschool were compared to the behaviors of twenty preschoolers from a public, district-funded preschool. The preschool teachers from both schools rated the prosocial behaviors of the children based on how often they observed each child engaging in various behaviors. The parents rated how valuable they believed …

Keep The Flyin' Eight Balls Rollin': Military Leadership In The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, Grant T. Weller

Theses and Dissertations

The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, originally Company D of the 2639th Quartermaster Truck Battalion, was created in 1942 by drawing troops and officers from anti-aircraft units stationed in North Africa, to meet an emergency need for highway transportation to support the Allied advance East across North Africa. The reassigned troops and officers received no training in their new duties, but were instead immediately dispatched to the front with vital supplies. The company continued operations through North Africa, and on into Sicily and Italy. While in Italy, Elmer H. Puchta, previously assigned to the company as a platoon commander, took command. …

Heatlh Education In The Postpartum Population Of The Native Americans On The Ft. Peck Reservation Following Early Postpartum Discharge, Debra Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Early postpartum discharge 24-48 hours after delivery has become a current trend in the United States. There are numerous and substantive issues relating to this concept which affect not only hospital personnel, but more specifically new mothers and babies.

On the Ft. Peck Reservation in northeast Montana the standard of early discharge postpartum has been initiated. The purpose of this study was to identify postpartum/newbom education deficits among the population of postpartum women on the Ft. Peck Reservation and to compare and contrast these results between the Poplar and Wolf Point. MT. communities. Additionally, the identification of the resources used …

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 …

Factors That Influence Academic Achievement, Leah Georgene Shaffer

Theses and Dissertations

Does environment affect academic achievement? The dispute over environmental influences has been the topic of numerous debates. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between academic achievement and the following environmental factors: family structure, ethnic background, socioeconomic circumstances and family size. The 1,500 participants of this study were collected from a large, extremely diverse elementary school population. From this general population, 134 students were selected for the control group based on participation in the Basic Skills Program. Data was collected using teacher surveys and parent contact information. State and federal guidelines were used when identifying children for Basic Skills …

The Will And Skill Of Preservice Teachers To Collaborate And Accommodate In Inclusive Settings, Valerie M. Colonna

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions of 36 elementary, 25 secondary, and 20 special education preservice teachers regarding their willingness and ability to collaborate with other educators and accommodate special needs students in inclusive classrooms. Survey results indicated that special education subjects led their elementary and secondary counterparts on both willingness and ability subscales to collaborate and accommodate special students in the regular classroom. All three groups rated their willingness higher than their ability, but for the elementary and secondary groups, this difference was notably greater. However, results revealed significant differences between the preservice groups on a number of collaboration and …

The Predictability Of The Sat, Melissa Mickiewicz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to look at the correlation of overall freshman grade point average and SAT scores to overall junior grade point average and SAT scores. Research has shown that SAT scores have a high correlation with freshman grade point average, but there are conflicting results to the correlations of grade point average beyond the freshman year. Data was collected from two graduating classes from a private religious university. SAT scores, overall freshman grade point average and overall junior grade point average were obtained from the university for 148 students. The data was analyzed using the Pearson's …

The Development Of Psychometric Analysis Of An Error-Choice Test To Measure Teacher Attitudes Toward Students With Adhd, Thomas Michael Hepperlen

Theses and Dissertations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly pervasive psychiatric disorder among elementary school aged children. It is estimated that between three and five percent of all grade-school children suffer from this disorder. Because teachers are central figures in the academic environment of young children, any negative attitudes that teachers hold about ADHD could have a tremendous impact on the academic self-efficacy and success of students diagnosed with ADHD. An extensive literature review found no instruments designed to measure attitudes toward persons with ADHD.

The present study developed a psychometric instrument to measure teacher attitudes toward children with ADHD. This …

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 …

Paraprofessionals In Inclusive Classrooms: Working Without A Net, Carole Anne Milner

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was designed to answer the question: "What happens when a paraprofessional is assigned to provide individual, direct service to a student with disabilities in an inclusive classroom?" Selection of the primary participants, paraprofessionals, was completed by securing the cooperation of three paraprofessionals identified as successful by the school principals and the special education teachers supervising the paraprofessionals. Three paraprofessionals were observed in inclusive classrooms one morning and one afternoon per week throughout the fall semester of 1997. Interviews were conducted with the 3 paraprofessionals, 3 special education teachers, 11 general education teachers of inclusive classes, 3 middle …

Elazar's Political Culture: Is It Applicable Today?, Mark M. Springer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the utility of Daniel J. Elazar’s political culture, developed in 1%6. Dr. Ira Sharkansky conceptualized Elazar’s political culture in 1969 by applying measures pertaining to participation; size and perquisites of bureaucracy; and scope, magnitude, costs, and innovative character of government programs. He used simple correlation, Pearson’s r, to determine whether political culture had any influence on the 23 dependent variables that he arranged under the three different measures. Then, he tested for partial correlation, using per capita personal income and the percentage of the population living in areas considered “urban” as controlling variables. Finally, he tested the …

Perceptions Of Member Principals And Superintendents Relative To The Operation Of The North Dakota Nca State Committee And Its Director, Darryl G. Tunseth

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Impact Of The 1997 Red River Valley Flood On Marital Relationships, Karen M. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the gains in disaster research on families, there is little research on the impact of disasters on marital relationships. This study addresses this under- researched area through the examination of the effects of the 1997 Red River Valley Flood on marital relationships.

Data was collected through in-depth interviews with ten heterosexual married couples. The results indicate that the 1997 Red River Valley Flood did have an impact on marital relationships. However, the impact of the flood appeared to be mediated by the state of the couples' relationships prior to the flood. Couples who reported strong relationships prior to the …

The Effect Of Higher Education On Attitudes And Values: Gender And The Academic Environment, Gayle Robbins

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of exposure to a post-secondary educational environment on attitudes and values was assessed utilizing a cross-sectional research design. Four hundred sixty-two participants completed the Schwartz Value Survey and a social distance scale. Of these, 56 were first and second year undergraduates, 57 were third and fourth year undergraduates, 85 were masters level graduate students, 77 were doctoral level graduate students, 96 were non-tenured faculty and 91 were tenured faculty. It was hypothesized that students and entry level faculty would undergo a socialization processes which would include changes in attitudes and values consistent with established tenured faculty. Oneway ANOVAs …

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.

The Four "R": The Role Of Reflection In An Introductory Secondary Education Course, Shirley V. Greves

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Pet Attachment And Health Status In Urban And Rural Families, Julia K. Senchuck

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Gender Differences In Social Support At Work And At Home, Kristi L. Walz

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated gender differences in social support received at work and at home, along with the role of different sources of social support in job satisfaction (JSAT) and dyadic satisfaction (DSAT). A total of 144 participants (72 men, 72 women) employed at 2 different health care facilities served as participants. Participants completed the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSS), the Personal Accomplishment Subscale, the Dyadic Satisfaction Subscale, and the Contract Rating Scale.

Analyses revealed that men and women did not differ in the amount of support received at work, family support, or in DSAT, or JSAT. However, results indicated that …

Aspects Of American Bittern Ecology In Northwest Minnesota, David Anthony Azure

Theses and Dissertations

American bittern breeding populations have been declining for at least 3 decades. Lack of information on life history traits precludes the conclusive determination of causal factors. The objectives of this study, conducted in northwest Minnesota, were to 1) estimate summer home-range size of American bitterns, 2) document local movements and habitat use by American bitterns, and 3) refine capture and marking techniques. Results of this study should facilitate further research and may be useful to wildlife managers for implementing management practices to benefit bitterns.

Radio-marked American bitterns were systematically relocated from May through August, 1996-97. Seasonal core-areas and low-use areas …

Exploring Teacher Thinking About Practices In Inclusive Early Childhood Settings Through Case Study Method: Early Childhood And Early Childhood Special Educators' Perspectives, Karen R. Danbom

Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of the thinking and reasoning underlying the teaching practices of early childhood and early childhood special educators. It provides an opportunity to better understand the nature of teaching in integrated classrooms by understanding the knowledge, beliefs, and thoughts that inform practices of individual teachers. The thinking of teachers was studied as they were interviewed about situations in integrated classrooms and as they reflected on their own teaching of children with and without disabilities. The questions guiding this study were (a) How do early childhood educators and early childhood special educators reason and think through issues of …

Establishing An Implementation Manual For Melrose Area Public Schools, Robert J. Huot

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Pyne Poynt Family School, Patricia A. Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This study is intended to focus attention on the need for technological training for educators. Teachers do not have the necessary technological skills to effectively impact on student learning. Participants of the study were surveyed and interviewed. All those surveyed were teachers at the school where the intern was assigned. Teaching experience ranged from first year teacher to 30 year teacher. Of the 48 questionnaires distributed, 22 were returned. Results provided information for the intern to determine staff training needs relative to curriculum, past computer knowledge and Internet experience, attitude toward technology, and barriers hindering technology use.

Data collected supported …

A Mentor Program Study At The Pennsauken Campus Of Camden County Technical Schools, Fredrica Macdonough

Theses and Dissertations

Mentoring many at-risk students who benefit from contact with teachers and other faculty members, the ten-year-old program at the Pennsauken Campus of Camden County Technical school needed change and improvement.

The study identified students who had ability but did not succeed in school because of discipline, attendance, or academic reasons.

Previously only freshmen were initially included in the program, but this study included upper class students in need of mentoring and encouraged additional mentors to participate.

Mentors and students were paired and met either daily or twice monthly. Each month the intern collected brief reports of the meetings and met …

Study In The Use Of Modifications With Students Diagnosed With Attention Deficit Disorder, Judith M. Thourot

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to survey the modifications made for students who had been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder in two school districts and to compare the results with those recommendations made by experts. This was accomplished by comparing two school district programs: Waterford Township Public School and Edgewater Park School District.

A survey recorded the information on these recommendations. The results provided the documentation of individual student needs.

The conclusions indicated that there was a correlation between the modifications being used by the professionals in both school districts and the recommendations as proposed by experts.

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 Pyne Poynt Family School, Camden, New Jersey, Carol W. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to improve parent involvement in the school as a result of an increase in school to home communication through the Parent Network.

In order to identify barriers to parent involvement in the school, both parents and teachers were surveyed. The parent survey, written in English and Spanish, was designed to ascertain their attitudes toward the school. The responses of sixty-six parents were analyzed. It was found that although a majority of the parents had a positive attitude toward the school, most felt that they did not have skills that could be helpful. Fifty-five teachers …