Digital Commons Network^™

Achievement And Social Status In The Cooperative Classroom, Natalie Ann Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to research whether student academic achievement and social acceptance of peers could be affected by cooperative learning instruction as opposed to a class where the students were not instructed using cooperative learning. The sample size of the experimental and control group was forty-six. The age of the group ranged from nine to eleven years of age. The sample was not randomly selected. Both classes were administered a pretest and posttest at the beginning of the study. The tests measured academic achievement and social acceptance. Both classes used the same textbook and supplementary materials. The …

Improving Reading Fluency In Elementary School Students With Assisted Reading Techniques, Leonard E. Barker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that third grade students who participated in an assisted reading group would exhibit greater reading fluency than students who practiced repeated reading without a fluent oral model. It was also hypothesized that students who participated in an assisted reading group would exhibit fewer reading miscues than students who practiced repeated reading without a fluent oral model.

Twenty-two third grade students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. There were eleven students in the experimental group and eleven students in the control group. The class read a one hundred word …

Effects Of Group-Assisted Listening-While-Reading And Repeated Reading On The Fluency Of Fifth Grade Students, Deanne M. Alspach

Theses and Dissertations

In an attempt to verify the feasibility of using a "group-assisted listening-while-reading approach" or a "repeated reading approach" in a suburban New Jersey intermediate grade setting, the researcher set out to test both strategies in a fifth grade classroom. Using a pretest-posttest control group design and t tests for independent and non independent samples, the researcher found that a group-assisted listening-while-reading approach had a significant impact on increasing the reading fluency in one class (n=20). Students in this group demonstrated greater improvement in reading rate (p<.10) and miscue analysis (p<.01) than counterparts receiving a repeated reading treatment. Both groups also saw significant improvement between the pretest and posttest results with one exception. There was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest of the control group regarding miscue rate improvement. While research on fluency improvement focuses mainly on primary students, similarities in older poor readers necessitated further study. As they lack the necessary fluency development they do not read as often as other students. Yet, the only way to increase fluency is by reading. Researchers have recognized that there must be alternatives to develop fluency in the classroom.

A Study Of The Practices Of Successful Alumni Associations, Maggie Wilt

Theses and Dissertations

This study identified through secondary research the criteria necessary to operate a successful alumni association. Successful in this context refers to the ability to get alumni involved in the association and to maintain their interest and support.

This secondary research uncovered six areas of alumni association management. These criteria are: career development, techniques of communication, alumni gatherings, alumni benefits and bonuses, management and resources and special interest groups. These were applied to the primary research by forming the structure of the alumni association survey.

The alumni association survey involved contacting 16 alumni directors whose organizations have high involvement rates and …

A Study Of Computer On-Line Regulation: Advertising, Copyright, Free Speech, Libel And Privacy, Frances Josephsen

Theses and Dissertations

This research project concerned identifying and detailing current and needed laws governing on-line communication.

Through a representative literature review, the author compiled a list of industry leaders for interview via electronic mail.

The author surveyed 35 individuals to gather public opinion on the following areas: advertising, copyright, free speech, libel and privacy. The author looked for general opinions and attitudes.

The author analyzed the content of each response using simple frequencies and searched for commonalities within the survey sample responses.

The study identifies public opinion regarding current on-line communication policy. However, answers and recommendations concerning on-line law were not found. …

Relationship Of Perceived Autonomy And Grade Point Average, Nancy J. Benninger

Theses and Dissertations

This correlational study examined the relationship between perceived autonomy and grade point average. The sample was twenty-six ten and eleven year old fifth grade students in one class of an elementary school. Perceived autonomy was measured by the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale, a forty item self-report questionnaire. Grade point average was calculated for the first three marking periods of the school year. The Pearson r calculation was not significant at the .01 level, Results did indicate a positive relationship between perceived autonomy and grade point average.

A Communication Plan To Make Historical Societies More Visible And More Accessible To The General Public, Margaret L. Peters

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a communication plan to make historical societies more visible and more accessible to the public. A two-way communication system creates a bond between historical societies, community members, and school districts. This plan gives methods and materials to connect historical societies with the public. It also addresses attracting new members or volunteers and increasing financial resources.

The communication plan consists of four objectives that reach the goal of raising the profiles of historical societies. These objectives and their strategies provide methods and materials to make them more visible in the communities, to connect them to the local school …

Optimal Mixed-Norm Control Synthesis For Discrete-Time Linear Systems, David R. Jacques

Theses and Dissertations

A mixed-norm approach to control synthesis for discrete time linear systems is developed. Specifically, the problem of minimizing the H₂ norm of a transfer function, subject to a combination of ℓ₁ and-or H_∞ norm constraints on dissimilar but related transfer functions is considered. The uniqueness of the optimal solution is shown, and numerical methods for approximating the optimal solution to within arbitrary accuracy are developed. These methods generally result in high order compensators which can not be implemented in most practical applications. In response to this, a numerical method is developed which solves for suboptimal solutions of …

Design, Fabrication, Modeling, And Testing Of Surface-Micromachined Micromirror Devices, M. Adrian Michalicek

Theses and Dissertations

The Flexure-Beam Micromirror Device (FBMD) is a phase-only piston style spatial light modulator demonstrating properties which can be used for phase adaptive- corrective optics. This thesis presents a complete study of new designs of FBMDs and other micromirror devices, from original design considerations through final device testing and verification of ideal and advanced models. The models relate the electrical and mechanical properties of the device by equating the electrostatic force of a parallel- plate capacitor with the counteracting spring force of the device's support flexures. For the advanced model of the Flexure-Beam micromirror device, the capacitor solution is derived via …

Determination Of The Temperature Coefficients Of Selected Material Constants Of Dilithium Tetraborate, Gregory S. Weaver

Theses and Dissertations

The first and second order temperature coefficients of the material constants c^E₁₁, c^E₁₂, c^E₄₄, c^E₆₆, and e¹⁵ of dilithium tetraborate (Li₂B₄O₇) have been measured over a temperature range of 20°C to 150°C. An improved resonator method was used to measure the fundamental zero mass loading antiresonant frequencies of selected pure-mode orientations of Li₂B₄O₇. Material constants extraction was performed using a linear least squares matrix method. The resulting material constant curves were fit with a third …

Effects Of Blowing Ratios On Heat Transfer To The Throat Region Of A Porous-Walled Nozzle, Fu-Jung Chen

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of transpiration cooling on heat transfer in the throat region of a porous-walled nozzle were investigated. The experiments were performed in the AFIT low speed shock tube fitted with a Mach 2 nozzle. A blowing region was limited to the area from 1.3 cm prior to the throat to 1.2 cm downstream of the throat. The blowing ratios from -0.0002 (suction) to 0.0117 (blowing) of the main stream flow were studied. Heat flux data were taken from both sides of the nozzle. One side was transpiration cooled by secondary air injection through a porous wall, while the other …

Optimal Wavefront Reconstruction For A Coherent Diffracted Field, William W. Arrasmith

Theses and Dissertations

In sheared coherent beam interferometric imaging, an estimate of the average reflectivity profile of the object can be computed from measurements of point to point phase differences in the far field interference pattern and a suitable phase reconstruction technique. The phase difference information is encoded in the irradiance of three identical, shifted and superimposed speckled laser beam patterns. A minimum variance phase reconstruction technique is presented to estimate the phase of the field in the measurement plane from the phase differences and evaluate its performance. Prior knowledge of the phase covariance is used in the minimum variance reconstructor. Analytic calculations …

Scattering From Finite By Infinite Periodic Arrays With Arbitrary Piecewise-Linear Slot Elements, Paul R. Barre

Theses and Dissertations

A numerical model for analyzing electromagnetic scattering from a planar Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) is developed. The model can represent an FSS with multiple arrays of arbitrary piecewise linear scatterers in a stratified dielectric medium. The FSS's arrays are finite by infinite, accounting for edge effects, where a periodic array element is formed from the piecewise linear connection of thin slots in a groundplane. The stratified dielectric medium is defined as an arbitrary stack of lossless dielectric slabs that sandwich the user defined arrays, simulating an FSS. The Surface Equivalence theorem is used to construct an equivalent problem based on …

The Mathematics Of Measuring Capabilities Of Artificial Neural Networks, Martha A. Carter

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers rely on the mathematics of Vapnik and Chervonenkis to capture quantitatively the capabilities of specific artificial neural network (ANN) architectures. The quantifier is known as the V-C dimension, and is defined on functions or sets. Its value is the largest cardinality 1 of a set of vectors in Rd such that there is at least one set of vectors of cardinality 1 such that all dichotomies of that set into two sets can be implemented by the function or set. Stated another way, the V-C dimension of a set of functions is the largest cardinality of a set, such …

Design And Development Of Microswitches For Micro-Electro-Mechanical Relay Matrices, Mark W. Phipps

Theses and Dissertations

Many different micro-electro-mechanical switches were designed in the Multi-User MEMS processes (MUMPs) and deep x-ray lithography and electroforming (LIGA) processes. The switches were composed of actuators that operated based upon either electrostatic forces or thermal forces. A thermally activated beam flexure actuator that operated based upon differential heating was used extensively. This actuator, which was fabricated in the MUMPs process, was able to deflect up to 12 microns with a total input power of less than 25 mW. The thermal resistance, which was needed to model this actuator, was determined from a material constant, 1.9 ± 0.08 m^1.5-°C-W …

Biomedical Data Interpolation For 3-D Visualization, Ming-Chung Chen

Theses and Dissertations

Medical imaging devices that produce three-dimensional data usually produce the data in the form of image slices. In such images, the resolution in z direction is lower than in x and y directions. Before extracting and displaying objects in such images, an interpolated 3-D gray-scale volume image can be generated via image interpolation techniques to fill in the missing information. The subject of this thesis is the applying three different interpolation techniques to generate intermediate slices and comparing their qualities. The three interpolation techniques are linear interpolation, cubic spline interpolation, and Fourier interpolation. We also apply the CT image matching …

Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Of Skin Absorption Using Dermal Subcompartments, Richard L. Bookout Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Dermal penetration of chemicals and drugs is important to both toxicologists and pharmacologists. Drug developers try to enhance and environmental professionals try to limit penetration of chemicals through the skin. Both can use predictive biologically-based mathematical models to assist in understanding the processes involved. When these models are based on physiological and biochemical parameters which can be measured in the laboratory, they can be extremely useful. Appropriately validated models based on first principles can be predictive of human exposures when the processes involved are adequately understood. In this thesis we develop four new physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict blood …

A Study Of The Effects Of Teachers' Mathematics Anxiety And Mathematics Teaching Confidence Level On Their Attitudes Toward Manipulative Use, Jacqueline L. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the effect of teachers' mathematics anxiety and their mathematics teaching confidence level on their attitudes towards manipulative use. To investigate this, a survey was developed and distributed to all of the mathematics teachers in the eight elementary schools in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The survey was composed of fifty-five statements. These statements were rated on a five point Likert type scale. Thirteen of the statements researched mathematics anxiety in the sample teachers. Twelve of the statements investigated the confidence level of teachers as they instructed their students in the subject of mathematics. …

A Study Examining The Effectiveness Of Teaching Reading Using A Literature-Based Approach Vs. A Basal Approach, Tammy L. Vance

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if first grade students who were instructed following a literature based program would demonstrate a better understanding of reading. A comparison was made between the test scores and attitudes of those first grade students using a literature based reading program and those first grade students using a basal program.

The design for this study was a pretest posttest design with one treatment group and one control group, both having 24 students. Both groups were pretested and posttested using the Scott, Foresman Celebrate Reading (1993), Anthology Assessment. This test was selected to measure …

Comparison Of Developmentally Oriented Kindergartens And Academically Oriented Kindergartens, Lori Ann Weyer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate if students enrolled in a kindergarten with a curriculum stressing academic skills perform better or worse on standardized tests than students in a developmentally oriented program by the end of first grade.

A survey was developed to establish if a kindergarten curriculum was developmentally oriented or academically oriented. This survey was sent to schools in Gloucester and Morris Counties in New Jersey. Mean Iowa basic skills tests were then used to determine if academically oriented kindergarten curriculums score significantly higher than developmentally oriented curriculums by the end of kindergarten. Also, the mean …

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 …

The Examination Of Academic Achievement And Self-Concept Between Early And Late Entrants Of First Grade Pupils, Terri J. Wells

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not students who entered first grade at an earlier chronological age could successfully compete with late-entrance students regarding academics and self-concepts. Research suggests that there may be a link between school success and chronological age for elementary students.

A study was constructed that included 18 first grade students of the same class. The 18 students were classified as being either "Early" or "Late" entrants. Late entrants were those students who were born between October, 1987 and March, 1988. Early entrants were those students who were born between April, 1988 and …

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 …

The Effectiveness Of Using Portfolio Assessment To Improve Instructional Planning And To Determine Attitudes Toward Mathematics Of Sixth Grade Students, Heather A. Moran

Theses and Dissertations

It was the purpose of this study to determine the effectiveness of using information gained from portfolio assessment to improve the quality of instructional planning in order to meet the needs of a specific group of students. This study also evaluated the change in attitude toward mathematics of the control and the experimental groups. A unit on the addition and subtraction of fractions was taught by this researcher to two different sixth grade classes. The control group was instructed using lessons designed from textbook recommendations and the experimental group was taught using lessons designed from a combination of textbook recommendations …

A Study Of The Effect Of Desktop Publishing In Writing Instruction Versus Traditional Pencil And Paper On The Length And Detail Of Students' Compositions, Christine Sonsini

Theses and Dissertations

This study was based on the following question: Could it be that first grade students who receive primary writing instruction using The Children's Writing and Publishing Center computer software program compose longer and more detailed texts than those first grade students who receive traditional primary writing instruction using pencil and paper?

One group of students received primary writing instruction using a desktop publishing software program, while the other group received primary writing instruction using pencil and paper. After receiving an equal amount of instructional and individual writing time, both groups were given the same writing assignment. The students' compositions were …

A Study Of The Effect Of A Computer Writing Program On The Writing Ability Of Elementary School Students, Barbara A. Autuore

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences in the creative writing of students would arise between a group of second grade students using a computer writing program and a group of second grade students using the traditional pencil and paper method of writing. The students were also given an attitude survey to determine whether or not the computer had an effect on their attitudes toward writing.

Students In both the control and experimental groups were holistically rated on a pre-test writing sample. Both groups were also given an attitude pre-test. One group of students wrote stories …

Gender Differences In Computing: Attitudes, Use, And Stereotypes, Mary S. O'Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine the grade level at which students' attitudes towards computers begin to change. Application and gender bias towards computers were also examined. To achieve this, a survey was developed and administered to selected students in the third through eighth grades in the Egg Harbor City School District. in addition to the survey, students were asked to draw a "computer expert." Comparisons were made between males and females and the elementary and junior high grade levels.

Independent "t" tests were performed to identify significant differences at the .05 level. Significant differences in attitudes towards computers were …

A Comparative Study Of Black And Euro-Americans' Learning Styles And Aesthetic Preferences For Painting Styles, Jane E. Graziano

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the interactions between the aesthetic criteria for evaluating art and learning styles between cultures. The problems were to investigate differences among learning styles and aesthetic preferences for painting styles between Black and Euro-American students.

Fifty-five undergraduates of Black-American and Euro-American descent from a state college in rural southern New Jersey participated in the study. The Group Embedded Figures Test was administered to determine the learning styles of field-sensitive or field-independence for each student. Students were instructed to find and trace the given simple figure within the given complex figure. Section one consisted …

De-Institutionalized Skills: Utilized Or Useless, Linda Golden

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis was on the topic of de-institutionalized skills. My goal was to discover if my subjects had gained, lost, or maintained skill areas since they have left the institutional setting. These subjects, a total of 11 male adults with mental retardation, now reside in two group living facilities. Their ages range from 31 - 62 years and their Intelligence Quotients range from 63 - 68.

Two test booklets were used to gather raw score means for functioning levels. Four main skill areas were assessed: Communication, Daily Living, Socialization, and Motor. Results exhibited growth for most domain and subdomain skill …