Digital Commons Network^™

The Development Of A Mini Course On Fractal Geometry For The Community College Mathematics Student, Kananathan Satchithananthan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to construct a mini introduction to a fractal geometry course appropriate for community college students. The researcher evaluated the related research and the literature related to fractal geometry appropriate for community college students. Fractal geometry lesson plans were constructed. The topics covered in this introduction course include the Koch Curve, Sierpinski's Triangle, iterations, complex numbers and the Mandelbrot set.

The course is intended for students who have completed Calculus I at Atlantic Community College which is located in the southern part of New Jersey. The course is intended to be taught for five weeks …

Reading Interests Of Fifth And Sixth Grade Boys, Judith E. Sheridan

Theses and Dissertations

Fifth and sixth grade boys were studied to determine their reading interests for the purpose of developing a bibliography of books that the boys had read and enjoyed to use for collection development for the school library. One class of fifth grade students and one class of sixth grade students were surveyed to determine their reading attitudes, habits, and interests. Reading logs were kept during a three month period recording books that the students read during that time and enjoyed. Both boys and girls participated in the data collection portion of the study.

Major findings reinforced the author's perceptions that …

Changing Role Of The Female In Mythically Based Fantastic Literature And Films For Young Adults, Deborah Dougherty Dietrich

Theses and Dissertations

Psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud and C.G. Jung first noted the archetypal symbolism to be found in the dreams, myths and legends of people around the world. Bruno Bertelheim, a disciple of Freud, and renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell applied these principles of universal symbolism to help explain the continuing appeal of fairy tale, legend and myth in contemporary society. The thesis addresses the universality of these archetypal messages as mirrored in contemporary fantastic fiction for young adults, showing how the adolescent rite of passage explored in the heroic quest myths of primitive peoples is still used in many works of fantastic literature …

Cd-Rom Technology: How It Is Utilized In K-12 School Library Media Centers, Amy Jo Hufana

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate how CD-ROM technology is utilized in school library media centers in Cape May County, New Jersey and in other locations throughout the United States. A survey has been conducted to supply information about many aspects of CD-ROM use, including the types of hardware and software used, the extent of use of different types of programs, the responsibilities of library media specialists in utilizing and managing CD-ROM resources, and the amount of use by teachers, students, and others. Library media specialists from Cape May County and other locations in New Jersey have responded …

The Effects Of Journal Writing On Academic Achievement In High School Integrated Mathematics I, Jane Lamarra

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference in the level of academic achievement in responding to open-ended questions between those students who wrote in journals and those who did not write in journals, in an Integrated Mathematics I class.

The sample consisted of thirty-three students from two Integrated Mathematics I classes; there were eighteen students who wrote in journals (the experimental group) and fifteen students who did not write in journals (the control group.) Integrated Mathematics I is a course designed for ninth grade non-college-bound students, where emphasis is placed on skills necessary …

Effects Of Journal Writing On Mathematics Anxiety, Kevin J. Pelton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of journal writing on mathematics anxiety in developmental algebra classes at the college level. Two classes of "Elementary Algebra," comprised of twenty-three college level students, were used for this experiment. During the six week study, the experimental group, consisting of ten students, wrote in math journals on various mathematics topics assigned by the researcher. The control group, consisting of thirteen students, did not keep a journal. Both groups were pretested and posttested using the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale for Adolescents. Independent t-tests were used to analyze the results. It was …

Is Access Synonymous With Use?: Evaluation Of Access And Use Of Technology In Salem County High Schools, Romine B. Rosenberger

Theses and Dissertations

The high schools of Salem County were studied for their use of technology in general and the Internet specifically. Literature regarding the effective use of technology in education nationwide was researched. It was found that even though Salem County has access to much technology, it is underutilized, due primarily to lack of thorough professional development. Particular attention was given to Internet technology because of grants received by the county for the express purpose of establishing a local node for use by the schools in the county. A preliminary review of the literature indicated that the scope of the study needed …

Modern Storytelling: The Power Of Myth Revisited, Laura J. Kaighn

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis paper examines the art of storytelling in its modern form. Its purpose is to evaluate the continued use and worth of fairy tale literature within a modern, industrialized society. Through the use of fairy tale literature and interviews with local storytellers it attempts to redefine storytelling as an essential art form and educational medium.

Storytelling not only perpetuates our cultural norms and values, but also our sense of humanity as well. Storytelling fulfills a deep need for us to define ourselves through our stories, the shells of our societal seeds. The art is experiencing a renaissance, and a …

Recommendations For A Policy Regarding Online Searching At The Cape May County Library, Linda L. Melroy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain and compare the methods used by other New Jersey public libraries in order to best serve their patrons' needs in a technological society. The libraries of today, including Cape May County Public Library, are facing the challenge of providing online services to an ever more sophisticated clientele. At the same time, the funds for these services may be difficult to obtain.

A questionnaire was sent to fifteen New Jersey public libraries, twelve of whom responded. Questions involving the type of online searching being done at their institution were raised. Also questioned were …

A Study Comparing Two Methods Of Teaching Inequalities And Polynomials To College Prep Algebra 1 Students, Kimberly Ann O'Rourke

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences existed in the learning of inequalities and polynomials by using the traditional Algebra I book as opposed to Applied Mathematics units.

The population used for this study was comprised of students from two college prep Algebra I classes at Collingswood High School, Collingswood, New Jersey. The experimental group was taught inequalities and polynomials using the Applied Mathematics units and the control group was taught these subjects using the traditional Algebra 1 book. At the beginning of the study, the mean of each group's first marking period grades was used …

The Interdisciplinary Approach To Learning: Theory, Design, And Implementation, Kathleen E. Ratz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine a synergistic form of learning known as the integrated curriculum. An interdisciplinary approach to teaching, the integrated curriculum seeks to explore the connections and interrelations that exist between academic subject areas in order to create educational experiences that reflects what We know about the learning process.

Discussed in the thesis are the theoretical and philosophical background of this form of experiential learning, historical attempts at implementation, current thinking on design and implementation, and finally practical applications. Conclusions are drawn from all of the above sources and a list of essential criteria for …

A Comprehensive Description And Critical Analysis Of Portfolio Assessment, Cindy J. Simione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of portfolio assessment and analyze critically the use of portfolios for student assessment at the high school level with specific application to the mathematics content area.

A portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that demonstrates their learning experiences, knowledge, applications and development over time. There are many variations of portfolio assessment depending upon the specific purpose of compiling the portfolio.

Portfolio assessment is a new trend in the area of student assessment that will address the need for an alternative to traditional pencil and paper testing procedures. …

The Effects Of Intensive Block Scheduling On High School Mathematics, Anna Elena Bogardus, Eileen Star Dubois

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare intensive block scheduling to the traditional scheduling used in the high school setting, especially focusing on the areas of mathematics achievement and the patterns of higher level mathematics course selection.

Surveys were sent to 67 high schools throughout the United States and Canada which are currently using intensive block scheduling. Mathematics supervisors were asked questions regarding: school population, percentage of college bound students, higher level mathematics courses offered, and the sequence of mathematics courses taught leading to Advanced Placement Calculus. The remaining part of the survey requested specific data comparing standardized test …

A History And Bibliography Of The Lenni Lenape, Theresa Doyle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this history and bibliography is to promote knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Lenni Lenape. This goal will be accomplished by increasing the public's awareness of the availability of materials concerning the Lenape. Through this awareness it will become possible for people to access previously unknown sources.

The historical data covers what is known of the Paleo-Indians up through the arrival of the first European colonists and the final migration of the Lenape people. This coverage includes the controversial Wallum Olum. The bibliography and appendices are divided into sections in order to allow the reader to locate …

A Study Of The Implications Of The Internet Upon Two-Way Symmetric Communication In Public Relations, Tarek M. El-Kharboutly

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the implications and ramifications of the advent of online communication technologies, such as the Internet, on the profession of public relations.

As brokers of information, public relations professionals must adapt to and incorporate online tools into their arsenals. As the consumer public takes to the Internet in search of information, the Internet provides a means by which organizations can gauge which issues are of concern. It is the only alternative to falling out of touch with a restless consumer public that demands ever-higher levels of customer service.

The author presented a case study of the Pentium microprocessor …

A Study Of Public Relations Practice In The Tobacco Industry: Misuse And Social Responsibility, Andrew M. Casper

Theses and Dissertations

The study's major purpose was to improve the quality and reputation of public relations practice in private industry. The study examined needed improvements m public relations by focusing on the ineffectual and negative practices of the tobacco industry, Also, the study reviewed public and media perceptions of tobacco companies.

The research involved telephone inquiries, information from not-for-profit organizations, and a review of 108 publications using the headings, "Public Relations" and "Tobacco Industry."

Other research included an opinion survey administered to 100 undergraduate students at Rowan College of New Jersey.

Survey results found that a majority of students, smokers, and nonsmokers …

The Effect Of Parental Remediation On The Musical Literacy Of Elementary School Students As Measured Through Their Music Aptitude, Margaret Davis Clement

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of parental intervention on the music literacy of children in grades Kindergarten through Third Grade. The problem of the study was to determine if parental remediation at home could have an effect on the music literacy of children as measured through their music aptitude.

The entire population of a Kindergarten through Third Grade school participated in the study. Six classes were excluded for practical reasons. A parent survey was sent home. Some families were randomly asked to participate as the experimental group. At the same time, the Primary Measures of …

Social Acceptance Of Classified Versus Non-Classified Students, Sandi Kresch Bregler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the social acceptance status of classified students versus non-classified students. Another purpose was to identify reasons why students perceive someone as having lower social status. A total of 95 students completed a rating scale and were surveyed for a nomination scale. Out of the 95 students, 27 were classified as learning disabled (21 boys, 11 girls). The scales and surveys allowed all the students to rate one another on peer ratings of liking and disliking and social acceptance. Students who were classified rated within the top 50%, of overall students, as being …

A Survey Of The State Of Teacher Effectiveness In Four South Jersey High Schools, Maryanne A. Knudsen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' subjective perception of their teaching effectiveness and the factors that facilitate and/or inhibit their sense of efficacy in four South Jersey high schools. In addition, two problems were examined as to the impact of class size on teaching efficacy and does experience in teaching affect a teacher's sense of effectiveness?

The sample was selected from high school teachers in a two county area in southern New Jersey. Teachers were given a questionnaire to complete which was designed to identify important attitudes toward teaching efficacy. A total of 275 questionnaires were distributed …

Measures Of Psychological Androgyny In Female Paramedics, Lynn M. Collins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether female paramedics were found to be more psychologically androgynous than female non-paramedics. The study group consisted of forty-two female paramedics. The control group consisted of forty-two females from occupations typically considered to be "feminine" professions. All subjects were administered the Bem Sex Role Inventory and asked to rate themselves on the sixty (60) personality characteristics contained within the instrument. Independent samples t-tests were performed on the androgyny scores and the masculine and feminine scores for the questionnaire. The results were contrary to prediction and found that the control group was …

A Study Of Meeting Planners' Tactics To Market Conferences, Seminars, And Workshops, Erika March

Theses and Dissertations

This study identified, through secondary research and a written survey, methods to effectively market meetings. The research found patterns in the areas of Communication, Direct Mail, Program Planning, Feedback/Evaluation, and Follow-up. These research areas were used in forming the structure of the survey questions.

The meeting planning survey was sent to 17 meeting planners who were chosen based on a June 1995 ranking in Meeting News as "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry." The 25 represent different types of planners in different industries. These planners were surveyed to obtain marketing ideas from the top meeting planners in …

Effects Of Active Or Passive Error Correction Procedures On The Learning, Generalization And Maintenance Of Math Facts By Students With Multiple Handicaps, Barbara J. Trzaska

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of active or passive error correction procedures on the learning, generalization and maintenance of math facts by students with multiple handicaps. The hypothesis stated that students actively involved will exhibit greater success in learning their facts. Using an alternative treatment design, six students from Midway School, Lumberton, New Jersey, were introduced, taught and tested on ten flashcards each week for four weeks. Students received the correct answer from an instructor when an error was made. They in turn, either repeated the problem and answer or listened attentively to the instructor's corrected answer. Active Student Responses …

A Two Year Study Of Children Enrolled In A Transitional First Grade Program, Sharleen Selfridge Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on a longitudinal followup of the educational status of children years two and three after completing a transitional first grade program. The samples selected for the study were fifteen children from the first and second grades in a southern New Jersey public school system.

Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires. Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers completed survey forms. Parents of previous transitional first grade students were also asked to respond to a questionnaire.

Information noted included: (1) factors influencing the decision to place a child in a transitional first grade (T1) program; (2) attitudes …

Secondary Teachers' Attitudes Toward Increased Mainstreaming: Use Of Effective Instruction For Students With Learning Disabilities, Nancy Tartaglione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of instructional strategies offered in mainstream classes. Twenty mainstream teachers of academic subjects in grades 9 through 12 were asked to complete a self-evaluation concerning instructional strategies used in their general education classes. Also, the teachers completed a questionnaire concerning their attitudes toward mainstreaming and their perception of the success of the mainstreaming program in their school. Results indicate that over one third of the teachers felt no strong commitment to mainstreaming and did not utilize many instructional modifications that are proven to benefit students with disabilities. Implications of these …

An Investigation Of The Association Between The Musical Aptitude Of Elementary Students And The Musical Aptitude Of Their Biological Parents, Susan Guerrini

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a hereditary link between the musical aptitude of elementary students and the musical aptitude of their biological parents.

The problem of the study was to determine if three age specific tests, created by the same author, could be equalized to measure the association of the musical aptitude of students and their biological parents.

Eighty-eight students from Grades 1 through 5 and eighty-one volunteer parents took part in the study, totaling 169 participants. The students from these families attended the same suburban, middle class elementary school, where they received fifty …

A Study To Determine The Effects Of Word Recognition Scores On Total Grade Level Scores For Adolescents With Reading Disabilities, Wesley L. Myers Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

A large majority of classified students have reading problems. Many of these classified students fall behind in reading because their decoding skills are deficient in first and second grades when most children begin to read. This study was an attempt to find out if students who are at least three grade levels behind their same age peers in reading could benefit from a direct instruction flash card procedure to see if an increase in word recognition scores would result in increased scores on total reading scores. The study used a pretest posttest data gathering technique with an experimental versus control …

Does Secondary Educational Programming As Reflected In The Iep Differ For Students Classified Emotionally Disturbed And Those Classified Perceptually Impaired?, Diane Saaybe

Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study of three K-12 school districts was designed and conducted in order to determine how educational programming, as reflected in the IEPs (Individual Education Plan) of secondary students, differed for students classified as Emotionally Disturbed and Perceptually Impaired (Learning Disabled). In each of these three districts, six files of students classified ED and six files of students classified PI were pulled at random and examined as to content in particular areas.

Specifically, the congruency of the IEP, or how the annual goals were related to assessment data and vice versa, was examined, as were related services recommended, and …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Students Referred To A Pre-Referral Intervention Committee, Kelly A. Cruice

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to descriptively analyze the students referred to the pre-referral process in one New Jersey suburban school. The pre-referral process used in this school is a pre-referral intervention committee.

The sample size consists of twenty-one students from elementary school grades kindergarten through grade six. The descriptive data was obtained by developing a coding instrument and coding data from student files. The major method of data analysis used is percentages.

This study yielded the following findings: a majority of the students referred were boys, the total sample scored below average on all areas of standardized tests, …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Compliance Rates And Service Delivery Rates In Early Intervention Programs, Barbara Mcclintock

Theses and Dissertations

A comparative analysis was constructed to look at the compliance rates and service delivery rates of children who were enrolled in a center-based early intervention program in relation to children in a home-based early intervention program. The subjects were 29 children between the ages of six months and three years old. Data was collected from each subject's IFSP and attendance record. The subjects were divided into home-based or center-based groups as designated by their IFSP. A compliance rate and service delivery rate was calculated for each group. The results of an independent t-test using a .05 significance level suggest the …

Increasing The Involvement Of Parents Of Special Needs Children By Establishing A Parent Resource Center, Anne S. O'Donald

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a parent resource center, with related activities, on the parental participation of special needs children. Surveys consisting of seven questions were used as the initial data collecting instrument. Thirty-five parents received these surveys. Twenty-one parent surveys were returned. Information gathered here yielded percentages of parental participation during the last school year (1994-95).

Personal interviews were accomplished at school, at homes or by telephone at the discretion of the parents. These percentages gave numbers for the present school year (1995-1996).

When results from the survey and the interviews were compiled …