Digital Commons Network^™

Faculty Perceptions Of Constructivist Change In Teaching Of Introductory College Chemistry Courses, Mark A. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

There has been much questioning in the chemistry education literature of the effectiveness of introductory chemistry courses, particularly pointing to the high dropout and failure rate. Studies question the effectiveness of lecturing, the most common methodology for teaching introductory chemistry. Currently there is much discussion as to use of alternative, constructivist teaching and learning models which are more consistent with scientific inquiry.

This study is a qualitative, naturalistic investigation of the perceptions of seven college chemistry professors who hold doctorates in chemistry, teach introductory chemistry, and express interest in improving teaching and learning. In-depth open-ended interviews were used to gain …

The Faculty Writing Seminars As A Means Of Faculty Development: Enhancing Faculty Writing, Improving Instructions, And Fostering Collegiality, Joyce A. White

Theses and Dissertations

University faculty are charged with three major responsibilities: research, teaching, and service. While universities have developed various strategies to assist faculty in balancing these professional demands, minimal institutional effort has been devoted to nurturing faculty writing, despite the fact that scholarly research productivity is in reality the primary criterion for decisions regarding promotion and tenure. In the last ten years, however, several faculty writing support groups have been instituted to address this aspect of faculty development.

This study examined the University of North Dakota Faculty Writing Seminar to determine the effectiveness of the Seminar as a means of increasing scholarly …

Written Guidance Document For Municipalities For Storm Water Permitting In Gloucester County, Krista Lee Fritz

Theses and Dissertations

To date, no such general permit has been issued to an individual municipality for stormwater dischargers. This thesis focused on the design of a stormwater characterization plan that was acceptable to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and provided the basis for municipal stormwater permitting by municipalities within Gloucester County.

The author produced a written guidance document that enabled individual municipalities located in Gloucester County to research data on and design on their own, using this step-by-step approach to stormwater permitting, a plan that is acceptable to NJDEP for a "General Municipal Stormwater" permit to control stormwater discharges within …

Development Of A Grant Proposal For Funding Of A Nonprofit Land Conservation Organization, Janet Eisenhauer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to solve the dilemma of how to acquire funding for operational expenses of a private nonprofit land conservation organization through foundation grants. A model grant proposal is also developed as part of the study.

The methods employed to determine strategies and to develop a grant proposal for funding of operational expenses for a private nonprofit land conservation organization include: review of literature on grantswriting, and interviews with foundation representatives, conservation organization grantswriters and others in the field of conservation organization fund raising.

Based on the literature review and interviews carried out, it was determined …

An Enrichment Unit On Local Water Resources And Water Conservation To Supplement Eighth Grade Earth Science Curriculum, Michele Junod Memis

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, there is no written curriculum for educating students about local water resources and water conservation practices in the Glassboro Eighth Grade Earth Science Curriculum. Utilizing all available references and agencies, (federal, state and local) the author created an enrichment unit dealing with local water resources and water conservation practices to supplement the existing Eighth Grade Science Curriculum, specifically the Geology unit of the Merrill Earth Science textbook. The lessons are hands-on activities which promote critical thinking, problem solving, and cooperative learning. Though designed for a specific audience and for a specific reason, lessons in the unit can be easily …

A Study To Increase Educational Interaction Between The Adult/Child Within The Treehouse At The Philadelphia Zoo, Jennifer L. Studley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to conduct a study assessing adult/child interaction in the TREEHOUSE that will yield a series of recommendations to assist in meeting the educational objectives of the TREEHOUSE.

The author conducted a naturalistic study employing adult/child observations and interviews. The groups studied consisted of between two and five individuals, including one adult and one child. Twenty-two groups were observed and eleven groups were interviewed, four of which were both observed and interviewed. Data was recorded and analyzed. Major findings were presented in the form of text, graphs and charts.

Interaction between adults and children did …

Perceptionsof School Personnel Regarding A Site-Based Decision-Making Model In Four Elementary Schools In Northwestern Minnesota, Judith Lynn Lindquist

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Self-Esteem In Relation To Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Ethnic/Cultural Origin, Family Characteristics, And Academic Achievement In Middle School Students, Constance Black Kalanek

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a time of rapid developmental change and transition. It is crucial stage in the process of building self-esteem and preparing for adulthood. It is during this period that adolescents will develop a positive or negative perception of themselves.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self esteem and the variables of gender, socioeconomic status, ethnic/culture background, family characteristics, and academic achievement. The survey population consisted of 13,373 participants from 15 states. Nine middle school students were selected to participate in in-depth interviews. The majority of students were White (54.%), followed by Black (18.2%), Hispanic …

Characterization Of Spatial And Temporal Anisotropy In Turbulent Mixing Layers Using Optical Techniques, Patrick J. Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

The optical aberrations induced by mixing layers of dissimilar gases are recorded and analyzed in order to characterize the spatial and temporal properties of the flow. Laser light was propagated through a mixing layer of Helium and Nitrogen gas, having velocities of 8.5 m/sec and 1.5 m/sec, respectively. The light was propagated in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mixing layer. The mixing layer was evaluated in two experimental regimes: free turbulent mixing, where the mixing layer spreads into the surrounding air; and channel flow, where the mixing layer is confined to a rectangular channel. The optical perturbations …

Nonlinear Analysis Of Airfoil Flutter At Transonic Speeds, Scott A. Morton

Theses and Dissertations

Hopf-bifurcation analysis is used to determine flutter boundaries of a pitch and plunge airfoil (PAPA) at transonic Mach number conditions. The PAPA model is a coupling of the Euler equations and a two-degree-of-freedom structural model composed of linear and torsional springs. The Euler equations are discretized using an upwind total variation diminishing scheme (TVD) of Harten and Yee. Equilibrium solutions of the PAPA model are computed using Newton's method and dynamic solutions are explicitly integrated in time with first-order accuracy. The Hopf-bifurcation point, which models the flutter condition, is computed directly by solving an extended system of equilibrium equations following …

The Relationship Of Hardiness And Social Support In The Dialysis Patient, Julie K. Mcgauvran

Theses and Dissertations

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is present in over 200,000 people in the United States (United States Renal Data System, 1995). Most receive some type of renal dialysis. Nicholas and Webster (1993) studied hardiness and social support in HIV patients; however, these concepts have not been studied together in patients with ESRD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social support and hardiness on the type of dialysis renal patients experience and the length of time on dialysis.

Pollock's Adaptation to Chronic Illness Framework guided this research. A convenient sample of 56 persons undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal …

Adolescent Tobacco Use : A Generation Up In Smoke, Kay L. Provo

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent tobacco use is on the rise in the United States. It is a significant health problem. In spite of the fact that adult smoking has decreased dramatically since 1964, the number of adolescent smokers remains high and has not decreased for the last 7 years (Winkelstein, 1992). The purpose of this study was to investigate adolescent tobacco use among ninth-grade students in five rural communities. Specifically, the following questions were addressed:

1. What is the incidence of tobacco use among ninth graders in rural communities?

2. Which variables influence rural adolescents' tobacco use?

3. Where and from whom do …

Parents Perceptions: When An Adolescent Has Been Given A Dual Diagnosis Of Chemical Dependency Coupled With Mental Illness, Lisa R. Warner

Theses and Dissertations

An overview of existing research shows that dually diagnosed individuals present a unique and complex challenge for family members and the professionals who work with them.

This exploratory study examined the impact on and family perceptions of the dual disorders as well as their treatment experience. Face to face interviews were conducted with ten parents who were selected from a treatment facility on the basis of specific criteria mainly, parents of a dually diagnosed adolescent recently having been or currently in treatment. Selections were also based on availability and willingness to participate.

Grounded theory techniques were used to analyze the …

Statistical Comparison And Evaluation Of Analytical Techniques For Measurement Of Trace Elements In Coal, Catherine A. O'Keefe

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid technological advances in industry, transportation, energy production, and agriculture have resulted in increased environmental pollution of toxic materials. Following the passage of federal pollution regulations beginning with the first Clean Air Act Amendments in 1977, industry has become more aware of the environmental consequences of these technological advances. In recent years, there has been an increased effort to improve the quality of life by minimizing pollution on a global scale.

The utilization of fossil fuels is one source of toxic materials in the environment. A necessary step to understanding the emissions of toxic metals from combustion and gasification of …

Influence Of Supplemental Food For Striped Skunks On Duck Nest Success In The Prairie Pothole Region Of North Dakota, Donovan G. Pietruszewski

Theses and Dissertations

Predation on clutches of upland nesting ducks has been implicated as a major cause of low duck production in the Prairie Pothole Region. Management techniques that reduce predation rates and are socially acceptable are of interest to wildlife managers. This thesis examines differences in nest success of upland nesting ducks in areas where supplemental food was provided (treatment areas) for striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) compared to areas where supplemental food was not provided (control areas). Differences in nest success between areas occupied by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) were also examined. The study was conducted from 1993-94 …

Ecology Of The Northern Badlands Elk Herd, Alan Strassler

Theses and Dissertations

The current population of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) in the northern badlands of North Dakota originated from a accidental release in 1977. Efforts to manage the elk population in the northern badlands have been hindered for a number of reasons 1) the census data from fixed-wing aircraft does not adequately determine population sizes in forested areas with low numbers of individuals and herds, 2) habitat use and seasonal home range of elk in this region have not been identified.

The objectives of this study were to determine for the northern badlands elk herd: 1) the movement patterns and …

Percieved Leadership Styles Of American Indian And Non-Indian Administrators In Reservation Schools, Wayne Joseph Trottier

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceived leadership styles of American Indian and non-Indian school administrators in reservation-based schools. The Leader Effectiveness & Adaptability Description-Self {LEAD-Self) was used to obtain the self-perceived leadership styles, ranges, and adaptabilities of 40 American Indian and 92 non-Indian school administrators in the Northern Plains states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. Additionally, each administrator was requested to respond to four demographic questions. These data were used to help develop a typical leadership profile of these administrators.

The results of the study suggest that a majority of both the American Indian administrators (53%) and the …

Effects Of Misinformation As Revealed Through The Concealed Knowledge Test, Susan L. Amato-Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

Misinformation effects occur reliably in laboratory settings despite disagreement over the mechanism(s) responsible for such effects. Both memory impairment hypotheses (e.g.f Lindsay & Johnson, 1987; Loftus 1975, 1977, 1979; Loftus & Hoffman, 1989; Tversky & Tuchin, 1989) and non-impairment hypotheses (e.g., McCloskey & Zaragoza, 1985; Zaragoza, McCloskey, & Jamis, 1987) have been used to explain the phenomenon of misinformation. The present study examined the effects of misinformation on the Concealed Knowledge Test (CKT), a psychophysiological detection of deception technique. Furthermore, the psychophysiological measurements were used to elucidate the controversy surrounding the misinformation effect. Ninety-six subjects watched a videotaped crime used …

An Analysis Of Environmental And Anthropogenic Controls On Indoor Radon Distribution In Grand Forks, North Dakota, Karen E. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

Indoor radon may be a potential health threat in a significant number of homes in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Ninety-three percent of the homes tested in 1988 to 1993 contained indoor radon levels greater than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 4 picoCuries per liter. In addition, the average reading of indoor radon concentrations was 18.9 picoCuries per liter, well above the action level guidelines.

Several variables were examined through the use of regression analysis and a Geographic Information System in an attempt to characterize the controls on indoor radon levels in Grand Forks. The results of the …

The Effects Of Positive Action And The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program On Sexually Abused Students' Behavior, Social Skills, And Self-Esteem, Paul W. Houser

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the effects of the Positive Action Program and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program on sexually abused students' behavior, social skills, and self-esteem. Four classrooms of multiple handicapped elementary aged students in Burlington County Special Services District were selected, giving a sample of forty-four. Each week pupils received four lessons, for twenty minutes each, of instruction in the two programs. Prior to program implementation in the Fall and again in the Spring students rated their social skills development, behavior problems, and self-esteem.

Results indicated that the programs in the course of only a six month …

Can The Use Of Self-Management Techniques Be Effective In Reducing The Off-Task Behaviors Of Multiply Handicapped Students?, Lori M. Rosenthal

Theses and Dissertations

Can the use of self-management techniques be effective in reducing the off-task behaviors of multiply handicapped students? For the purposes of this study, multiply handicapped students were defined as mentally retarded and the method of self-management used was self-recording. Three students out of a class of ten were chosen based on a teacher rating scale. The lowest averaged scores determined which students were off-task the most. In addition, a multiple baseline design measured the occurrence and non-occurrence of nine target behaviors, three per student.

The results showed self-recording to be an effective intervention in eight out of the nine targeted …

A Longitudinal Assessment Of The Educational Status Of Children Enrolled In A Title I Preschool Program, Mary L. Corriveau

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempts to determine if children who have been through the Title I Preschool program require less special services than the rest of the district in subsequent years. The sample consisted of children who had been through the Title I Preschool program during the 1991-1992 school year through the 1997-1998 school year and are still currently enrolled in the Gloucester Township School District. Computer records were used to check the number of children who had received the benefit of the Title I Preschool program and were receiving services as of Oct. 15, 1998. The percentage of Title I students …

A Comparative Study Of The Effectiveness Of Two Approaches To Reading Instruction, Whole Language And Direct Instruction With Perceptually Impaired Students, Malika A. Byrd

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to investigate the reading achievement of two groups of special education students classified as perceptually impaired. The two groups of children were provided with two different types of reading instruction in two different settings. One group received whole language reading instruction in the regular classroom as mainstreamed students. The other group received direct reading instruction in a self contained classroom.

At the conclusion of the study, it was found that both groups of students made some progress. All students improved their scores of reading achievement as measured by the CAT V inventory test. Pre-test results showed …

The Construction Of Effective Cooperative Learning Groups For Successful High School Biology Instruction, Diana I. Probasco

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of balancing learning styles in the construction of cooperative learning groups. The investigation attempted to determine if science instruction and subsequent achievement can be enhanced by establishing effective cooperative learning groups. The Learning Style Inventory was used to determine learning styles. Then groups were formed based on either construction of balanced or unbalanced cooperative learning groups. Students then completed group activities as contained in the Celebrate Immunity Team Pack. Pretests and posttests were administered in order to measure cognitive gains. A statistical analysis of the results of the groups showed …

A Comparison Of The Learning Styles Of Community College Versus Four-Year College And Male Versus Female College Students, Michele M. Booth

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the learning styles of community college versus four year college General Psychology students and male versus female college students from the combined groups, to ascertain if differences in learning style existed between the groups. The study identified David Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory elements that were important to the males/females and community college/four-year college students.

The sample included 16 General Psychology students from Salem Community College, and 29 General Psychology students from Rowan College. There were 27 female and 18 male students who participated from Salem Community College and Rowan College combined.

All …

An Investigation Of Learning Curves And Their Use In Simulation, Jennie H. Lommel

Theses and Dissertations

In 1995, the C-17 Factory Simulation Model (FSM) was developed to enable analysts to address 'what-if' questions about the resources required to build future aircraft, and is based on learning curve models that are used to both portray and simulate future aircraft production. In this thesis, we examine and develop alternate learning curve models that also utilize a small amount of initial production data to portray the relationship between the number of aircraft built and the resources required to build them. The goal is to identify a model which not only provides a good fit and forecast based on a …

Estimating Risks In Emerging Soil Remediation Technologies, Thomas J. Timmerman

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Energy is focusing a long-term development effort on producing cheaper, safer, and faster state-of-the-art soil remediation technologies. To assist with the management of these innovative technology development projects, ways of quantifiably measuring technical risk were investigated through a detailed literature review. 'Technical risk' was defined in this study as the combination of the consequences of undesired events and their likelihood. Careful design of the inputs into a technology selection decision support system accounted for the uncertainty in forecasting final characteristics of remediation technologies still in the early phases of R&D. Experts made subjective probability estimates of these …

Performance Study Of Shared Versus Nonshared Bandwidth On A Packet-Switched Network, John P. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

In wide area computer data communications, many networks have evolved by satisfying increased user demands in the most expedient manner. In some cases, new users’ demands are satisfied by installing a new link, rather than sharing the links that are already in place. This research investigates the differences in performance between using a dedicated link for each source destination pair (nonshared bandwidth) and using a single link to be used by all source destination pairs (shared bandwidth). Simulation models are developed for a wide area network using shared bandwidth, and a wide area network using nonshared bandwidth. The quality of …

A Response Surface Methodology Approach To Groundwater Model Calibration, Jeffrey B. Rowland

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the effect of parameter bounding, a reduced data set, and data enrichment techniques on a response surface methodology (RSM) approach to groundwater model calibration. The four phases of the study included a calibration using a very dense data matrix, a calibration using a sparse calibration matrix, an evaluation of several data enrichment techniques, and a calibration using a data matrix enlarged with the use of the best enrichment technique. All calibrations were conducted using only a first order approximation to the response surface and with bounds placed on the input parameters. The first two calibrations using the …

Generalized Hidden Filter Markov Models Applied To Speaker Recognition, John M. Colombi

Theses and Dissertations

Classification of time series has wide Air Force, DoD and commercial interest, from automatic target recognition systems on munitions to recognition of speakers in diverse environments. The ability to effectively model the temporal information contained in a sequence is of paramount importance. Toward this goal, this research develops theoretical extensions to a class of stochastic models and demonstrates their effectiveness on the problem of text-independent (language constrained) speaker recognition. Specifically within the hidden Markov model architecture, additional constraints are implemented which better incorporate observation correlations and context, where standard approaches fail. Two methods of modeling correlations are developed, and their …