Digital Commons Network^™

Observation Of Instruction Via Distance Learning: The Need For A New Evaluation Paradigm, Bobby G. Malone, Loren D. Malm, Fred W. Nay, Brad E. Oliver, Nancy G. Saunders, Jay C. Thompson Jr.

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Technology as a tool used to enhance instruction must be viewed in its proper perspective. Instruction via distance learning is an excellent example. Instruction must be appropriate for the intended audience, and must be observed and evaluated within the expectations of criteria used for evaluating effective teaching. Traditional criteria may be appropriate for evaluating regular classroom instruction, but not appropriate for distance learning instruction. Criteria such as “wait time and questioning techniques,” are well documented, but were derived through tedious observation and recordings of repetitive behaviors within a regular classroom. As an administrator or evaluator observes in a classroom where …

The Relationship Between Employers' Perceived Organizational Context And Their Impressions Of The Employability Of Job Applicants With Either A Severe Psychiatric Or Physical Disability, John Constantine Bricout

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between favorable employability ratings of hypothetical job applicants with a severe disability and two aspects of employers' perceived organizational context: organizational climate and negotiation latitude, using a cross-sectional, correlational design. A survey including a hypothetical job applicant vignette in one of three conditions: non-disabled, severe physical disability (acquired brain injury), severe psychiatric disability (schizophrenia) was mailed out to a random sample of 1,000 employers selected from a national human resource membership list. Responses were received from 248 employers. The chief purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between employers' perceived organizational context and …

Psychosocial And Sociocultural Factors Associated With Cross-Cultural Adaptability, Pamela Plunk Kerouac

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This survey study examined a set of psychosocial and sociocultural variables to determine if there were any significant group differences in responses to an instrument that measured crosscultural adaptability among urban high school teachers. A goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of sociocultural experience and the perceived coping efficacy measures of cross-cultural adaptability. This study sought insight into the relationship between teachers' previous experiences and their perceived instructional and cross-cultural efficacy. Using a survey research design that included a Personal Data Questionnaire and an instrument developed by Kelley and Meyers ( 1992), the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI), …

Emroch Lecture: Uncertainties In The Law Of Sexual Harassment, Susan Webber Wright

University of Richmond Law Review

The Emroch Lecture Series was established through the generosity of the late Mr. Emmanuel Emroch, his wife Bertha, and their many friends and associates. The endowment is currently supported by Mr. Emroch's son and daughter-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Emroch. Mr. Emroch received a B.A. degree from the University of Richmond in 1928 and a J.D. degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1931. The Honorable Susan Webber Wright presented this address as the Thirteenth Annual Emroch Lecture on November 12, 1998, at the University of Richmond School of Law.

The Desegregation Of A Historically Black High School In Jacksonville, Florida, Judith Bockel Poppell

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This historical study examines the desegregation of a historically African- American high school during the period between 1965-1975. The Mims v. The Duval County School Board (1971) decision brought about radical changes in the operation of the Duval County Public Schools. The mass transfer of teachers and reassignment of students as a result of the federal judge's order in this case resulted in a school system that was dramatically different from the one that previously existed. The author seeks to determine why the desegregation of William Raines High School was short-lived and questions the continued effort of the school system …

A Bayesian Meta-Analysis Using The Gibbs Sampler, Shannon Marie Fair

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A meta-analysis is the combination of results from several similar studies, conducted by different scientists, in order to arrive at a single, overall conclusion. Unlike common experimental procedures, the data used in a meta-analysis happen to be the descriptive statistics from the distinct individual studies.

In this thesis, we will consider two regression studies performed by two scientists. These studies have one common dependent variable, Y, and one or more independent common variables, X. A regression of Y on X with other independent variables is carried out on both studies. We will estimate the regression coefficients of X …

Establishing A Total Safety Culture Within A Flight Department, Willem J. Homan, William G. Rantz, Blair R. Balden

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This article will present behavior-based principles and procedures that can be successfully applied to change safety attitudes in a Flight Department. First, limitations and flaws of the human condition are discussed, and three basic ways employees can learn safe behavior are addressed. Next, Crew Resource Management is proposed as a tool to increase overall safety in Business Aviation. Safety is then reviewed in the context of the overall goals of the corporation and the cost of doing business. Senior Corporate management is identified as holding the key to the successful and safe operation of the corporate Flight Department. Finally, critical …

The Lived Experience Of A Group Of Mothers, Geographically Isolated From Their Extended Families, In Establishing Their Social Support Networks, Stephanie Jackiewicz

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study explores the Jived experience of a group of women, geographically isolated from their extended family, as they establish their new support networks. It is based on the assumption that the shape and structure of families are constantly changing and evolving and this change in family structure impacts on both the parents and the children. One of the significant changes families are experiencing is the increasing isolation of the nuclear family from traditional family networks. It is the purpose of this study to explore the experience of this group of women to identify how the members establish their support …

Teachers' Knowledge And Practice Of Empowering Young Children In Four Early Childhood Settings In Australia And The United Kingdom, Lisa Moore

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study explores teacher's knowledge and practice of empowering young children as learners. Empowerment is a complex and multifaceted construct, and a recurring theme in early childhood literature. This study took place in four early childhood settings in Australia and the United Kingdom. The research was conducted using qualitative methodology, primarily with the use of video-taped observations and stimulated-recall teacher interviews. Findings indicate that the teachers enacted their knowledge and practice of empowerment. However, empowerment was interpreted differently by each teacher. The current study found links existed between teachers' knowledge and practice and their pedogogic orientation.

Does The Conceptual Nature Of Worry Contribute To Its Uncontrollability? : Unravelling The Complex Interactions Of Some Of The Properties Of Worry, Jacinta M. Willans

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This project aims to examine a particular property of worry that some therapists claim interferes with the treatment of clients who worry. Research has shown that worry is predominantly composed of concepts or thoughts rather than images (Borkovee & Hu, 1990). In particular this project aims to investigate whether the verbal linguistic nature of worry contributes to the sense that participants have that it is uncontrollable. Attempting to control an image results in a paradoxical effect of an increase in the frequency of the image (Wegner, Schneider, Carter & White, 1987). Does the same paradoxical effect occur when thoughts and …

Perceptions Of Elder Abuse Among Australian Elderly Individuals And General Practitioners, Marianela Cuevas

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research available on elder abuse is limited. There continues to be a lack of uniformity in how to define and identify the problem, as well as how to intervene. One group which continues to be excluded from the process of gaining knowledge on the issue of elder abuse is the elderly themselves. As general practitioners are the primary source of health care for older people, their perspectives on elder mistreatment should be explored as well. The first objective of this study was to examine whether differences existed in the perceived severity of potentially abusive situations between three groups of older …

Burnout In Academics : The Role Of Humour And Optimism As Stress Buffers, Natalie R. Fairclough

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The relationship between university lecturers' perceived stress, use of humour to cope with stress, optimism, pessimism, and burnout was investigated. Participants included 180 lecturers from a range of Perth universities and disciplines. Questionnaire packages were delivered to the participants at their universities and were later returned to the researcher by mail. A principle components analysis was first performed on the Life Orientation Test-Revised, a self-report instrument designed to measure optimism, and demonstrated support for a two-dimensional model of optimism and pessimism. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was subsequently conducted to determine the ability of perceived stress, humour, optimism, and pessimism, …

Causal Attributions For Crime Involving Aboriginal And Non-Aboriginal Juvenile Offenders, Elke K. Graf

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of crime-specific racial stereotypes upon the Jay person's judgement about the cause of and appropriate punishment for juvenile crime. A pilot investigation (n= 30) revealed that the crimes of motor vehicle theft and possession of an illegal drug were perceived to be more strongly associated with the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offender respectively. This information formed the basis for the type of crime and offender's race experimental manipulations of the main study. Attribution theory variables and the revised version of a previously validated questionnaire (Furnham & Henderson, 1983) were the two …

Predictability Of Everyday Task Performance By Perceived Health, Self-Efficacy And Cognitive Ability, Joan Klinger

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This exploratory research investigated the relationship between a brief neuropsychological measure and everyday functional ability in older community dwelling adults. The association between these two areas is complex, as a specific functional domain often involves several of the cognitive skills typically assessed by a neuropsychological instrument. Whilst there is an extensive literature linking neuropyschological tests to everyday functioning in cognitively impaired older adults, little research has been directed at investigating the relationship between cognitive test performance and everyday competence in non-dementing older people who reside independently in the community. A brief cognitive instrument able to predict coping deficits in instrumental …

Early Discharge Planning : Primiparous Women's Perceptions Of Their Readiness For Going Home, Graeme N. Boardley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Early discharge for women after childbirth was introduced in Australia approximately ten years ago. Early discharge involves going home from hospital within three days of giving birth. Since its introduction, early discharge has been the subject of much debate. Previous research has argued the cost effectiveness and safety of early discharge, but little has been done to examine this phenomenon from the human aspect. An exploratory study of first time mothers, in an early discharge programme was undertaken to address how these women felt in relation to their readiness for going home. A purposive sample of twenty Caucasian, English speaking …

Confronting First Nations Cultural Genocide: Showcasing Perspective Of Cree Elders For Identity And Leadership Renewal, Phyllis S.A. Cardinal Edd

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain insight on the effects of cultural genocide through the lens of selected Cree elders in Alberta, Canada. The study enlisted the elders' perspective on the legacy of cultural genocide, and its residue. This process enabled the elders to offer views about Cree identity, and suggest a leadership perspective for continued cultural renewal. The study applied a Lockean theory to the attack on Natural Law to explain the genocide. The study also explained the way Locke's ideas may have contributed to the earlier federal policies that have subordinated the Cree, and to the …

A Theoretical Perspective Of Factors That Relate To The Functional Independence Of Mature Adults, Richard N. Ashden Edd,Dc

Dissertations

Limitations of policy makers and health care providers understanding about living conditions in later adulthood continually constrains mature adults from doing more for themselves, and society. These circumstances move society to devalue mature adults. Less valued mature adults tend to become even more dependent, that is, increasingly less willing to care for themselves, and less able to contribute to the social good. As a result, a vicious cycle was created, and it caused mature adults to live lower quality lives, and become increasingly dependent on others. To empower mature adults in later life, this study does the preliminary work to …

Teachers' Perspectives From Within A School Leadership Team: A Phenomenological Study, Sheridan L. Barker Edd

Dissertations

This qualitative study explored a different type of leadership by investigating leadership among peers in a California School Leadership Team (SLT). Using a phenomenological approach, the researcher asked ten teachers to describe their experience as members and as leaders in a schoolwide change team. The teachers characterized the SLT as: a positive force in the school, a vehicle for communication, and a support group. They described the experience as: eye opening, unique, challenging, and transforming. Five themes emerged as the essence of the experience: (a) the interdependent relationship among the team members; (b) the teachers' growing capacity to discern fine …

An Analysis Of Dialogue For Understanding Educators' Stress: Implications For Voice, Listening And Leadership, Joanna R. Doonan Edd

Dissertations

Research indicates that educator stress is a widespread phenomenon that not only impacts the educational community, but society at large. This being the case, there is an urgent need to consider this phenomenon within responsible school leadership. In particular, understanding what creates stress for educators, and learning more about leadership responses that would support educators under stress, are critical to more holistic school leadership, and for enabling teachers to envision a viable future for themselves. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine how school principals and colleagues might respond to educators coping with professional stress, so that they …

Identification Of Core Multidisciplinary Competencies In An Integrated Public Health And Human Service System, Brian Winslow Thomas Moffitt Edd

Dissertations

In response to economic, legislative and social forces, public health and human service systems are becoming more integrative, requiring direct service practitioners to acquire new competencies to successfully perform in these new settings. In a review of the literature, competencies pertaining to team effectiveness, interprofessional collaboration and cross-functional knowledge and skills all appear to be relevant considerations. Moreover, an examination of competencies must consider individual, team and organizational dimensions in a context of health and welfare reform. However, the current literature is fragmented, limited in scope and empirically inconclusive. A descriptive, qualitative study was therefore warranted. The following research question …

Storytelling In Project Heart To Heart: A Means To Bridge Generational Gap In Post-1965 Filipino Immigrant Families, Juanita Toledo Santos Nacu Edd

Dissertations

As we share our experiences with others, we also explore its meaning to ourselves and to whomever it is being shared with. This is how stories are told. Most families usually develop a body of stories that is passed on from one generation to the next generation. These stories are used to preserve the family member's identity, history, and values. The stories touch not only our past experiences, but also influences our present and links it to the future. This study explored the Filipino American families' experiences of storytelling as a means of bridging together past, present, and future experiences …

The Development Of An Instrument To Identify Differing Views Of Leadership Within Organizations, Robert W. Siciliani Edd

Dissertations

Popular literature and much of the research reported in recognized journals imply that all members of an organization subscribe to the same ideas about leadership. However, a few authorities believe the research findings may result from test instruments based on a single view of leadership. Accurately identifying members' views of leadership is important because these views help shape behavior and expectations within the group. Differing views of leadership may also be a root cause of conflict among organizational members. This research used published definitions, descriptions, and measures of leadership to establish ten elements that seem to comprise the leadership construct. …

Leadership Responses To Change In 21st Century California State University Physical Education/Kinesiology Departments, Paulette Wong Hopkins Edd

Dissertations

A number of driving and restraining forces seem to foretell of a paradigm shift in today's post-secondary physical education departments. While the majority might agree that some change is inevitable, of utmost importance and concern is the manner in which change occurs. Left to the vagaries of chance, change can be chaotic and destructive; conversely, when effectively managed by leadership, controlled change can result in immense benefits. This study details leadership perspectives and views on driving and restraining forces that may impact California State University (CSU) physical education departments into the 21st century. It is believed that an analysis of …

Variabilidad En La Prueba De Boston Para El Diagnóstico De Las Afasias En Adultos Laboralmente Activos [Variability Of The Boston Test For The Diagnosis Of Aphasia In Active Working Adults], David Pineda, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Monica Rosselli, Alfredo Ardila, M. G. Romero, C. Perez

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), academic achievement (education), and type of occupation, on the performance of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) Spanish version.

Material and methods: The BDAE was administered to a group of 156, 19 to 60 years old, occupationally active normal subjects.

Results: A descriptive analysis showed that some subjects (1 to 3%) scored in the pathological range of the centiles and profiles of the BDAE. A MANOVA (p < 0.05) demonstrated a significant effect of education over most of the BDAE subtests. Females outperformed males on some reading and writing subtests. SES had an effect over body part identification and naming. Significant differences were observed between younger and middle age groups in confrontation naming, oral and word picture reading. The older group scored significantly lower than the younger group in serial writing and sentences to dictation. No differences were observed between the older and the middle groups. Only oral spelling was affected by the type of occupation but a significant interaction of occupation and level of education was found.

Conclusions: Language tests are influenced by demographic variables, particularly education. Normal variability on the BDAE should …

Hrossa, Pigs, And Teddy Bears: The Animal Kingdom According To C.S. Lewis, Doris T. Myers

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Guest of Honor Address at Mythcon in 1996. “Lewis in relation to animals and the ethical questions they present.”

Courting Serendipity: Constructivist Theory And Classroom Practice, Marilyn Duckworth Jensen

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a cross-case study and analysis of four teachers in a school involved in two reform initiatives which promote constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. The study describes the teachers' understandings of the learning theory and their interpretations of it in their classroom practice. The study found that three of the four teachers were practicing in ways consistent with constructivism while one was not because her need for control took precedence. The study found that although teachers are very aware of their students as individuals with different ways of learning and constructing an understanding, they are not much …

A Comparative Study Of The Motivations And Academic Self-Concept Of Midlife Male Graduate Students With Those Of Midlife Female, Early Adulthood Male, And Early Adulthood Female Graduate Students, Scott Brewer Clift

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to compare midlife male graduate students with midlife female, early adulthood male, and early adulthood female graduate students in terms of their motivations for returning to higher education and their academic self-concept as returning students. Data were gathered, using Boshiers's Education Participation Scale (1995) and Drummond's Academic Self-Concept Scale (1984), from graduate students at a comprehensive, urban, southeastern, public university of approximately 10,000 students. The 426 graduate student participants were enrolled in three colleges (Business, Education, and Health) at the university.

Multivariate analysis of variance (MAN"OVA), univariate analysis of variance, and multiple comparison tests results indicate …

Nurse Practitioner Professional Autonomy: Relationship Between Structural Autonomy And Attitudinal Autonomy, Dolores C. Jones

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the possible components of structural autonomy that influence Nurse Practitioners' (NPs) perceptions of independence in practice. The components identified were NP state regulatory practices, educational background, and managed care environment. The study explored the relationship between NP structural autonomy as it relates to the above components and attitudinal autonomy as it relates to perceptions of independence in practice. A conceptual framework derived from a review of the literature demonstrated the possible relationships.

The investigator employed a mail survey to collect data from certified NPs in six eastern and mid-eastern states. …

Reactions Of College Students To Male And Female Peers With Speech Disorders, Margo D. Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Balance Between Activation And Inhibition In Stereotype Use, Na Wyer, Dl Hamilton

School of Psychology

No abstract provided.