Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Peer Collaboration On Children's Problem Solving Ability, Lillian M. Fawcett

Theses : Honours

Peer collaboration is a commonly used learning strategy, perceived by educators as a valuable educational activity. Studies do indicate a performance output benefit for children working collaboratively compared to children working individually. However, the longer term cognitive benefits of collaboration appear to be limited by a number of factors. It is suggested that cognitive change following peer collaboration is limited to children working with a more cognitively competent peer (or one with a different perspective), active participation and reasoned communication. This paper considers elements of Piaget's and Vygotsky's cognitive development theories in an attempt to explain some of the processes …

Prisoners' Coping And Use Of Family Support, And Impact Of The Visiting Experience For Families, Lois F. Lange

Theses : Honours

This review was focussed on three areas (1) theoretical concepts of stress, coping and social support; (2) explanations for the patterns of prisoners' perceptions of their support-seeking behavior; and (3) the impact on families providing support. Prisoners' patterns of support seeking in the prison environment appear more consistent with hierarchical organisations than the domestication model of unit management. For stressful, uncontrollable situations, emotional support is sought from families, who are difficult to access. The family obligation to provide the free service of support to prisoners has implications for prison management and policy. Priorities for future research are (1) the impact …

A Study Of The Influences Of Computer Interfaces And Training Approaches On End User Training Outcomes, Raj Gururajan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Effective and efficient training is a key factor in determining the success of end user computing (EUC) in organisations. This study examines the influences of two application interfaces, namely icons and menus, on training outcomes. The training outcomes are measured in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and perceived ease of use. Effectiveness includes the keystrokes used to accomplish tasks, the accuracy of correct keystrokes, backtracks and errors committed. Efficiency includes the time taken to accomplish the given tasks. Perceived ease of use rates the ease of the training environment including training materials, operating system, application software and associated resources provided to …

Academic Gains Of Students With Special Needs In An Independent Religious School, Ivanka Saric

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The number of children who are performing poorly in school-wide tests seems to be increasing in an independent religious school in the metropolitan area. Several children have been identified "at risk" or having special needs but they seem to show little if any improvement as they get promoted to higher grades. The study investigated the instructional and assessment strategies that upper primary school teachers were using in their classrooms to improve the academic and social skills of children defined as having special needs. Teachers' perceptions were examined to determine whether there had been any observable increases in the academic performance …

A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Workers' Compensation Indicators From An Occupational Safety And Health Perspective, Alan D. Verdonk

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Since 1984 the role of the government in Western Australia, has changed in relation to occupational safety and health. This study considers the effect of the occupational safety and health legislation using workers' compensation accident data. Academic and general staff accident data from a Western Australian University were researched. The time period is 20 years- 1979 through 1998 inclusive. 2,773 worker's compensation claims were analysed using Mann Whitney -U tests and cross-tabulations of safety prevention expenditure against the claims. The work environment provides the full spectrum of workplace activities ranging from domicile duties (student housing services) to heavy machinery work …

Democracy And Disorder: Electoral Violence And Political Modernisation In England And Wales, 1857-1880, Justin Wasserman

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The thesis analyses mid-nineteenth century electoral violence in England and Wales in order to contribute to our understanding of the character of Victorian electoral politics, and to assess the pace of political modernization as it has recently been defined. Historians have long acknowledged the presence of physical violence, rioting and intimidation during British elections from at least the Middle Ages to the turn of the twentieth-century, and yet the precise nature, frequency and scale of this phenomenon has remained somewhat obscured by a lack of statistical data on the subject. Therefore, by compiling a numerical sample of violence, based on …

Analysis Of Job Satisfaction Between Full And Part Time Faculty Teaching At South Puget Sound Community College, Lee Paavola

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was to determine if the perceived loss of job satisfaction by the part-time faculty was an accurate assessment of the situation. The purpose of this study was to use inferential statistics to compare the level of job satisfaction of part-time faculty to fulltime faculty currently teaching at the college. The research question to be answered was, "Are the perceived levels of job satisfaction of the part- time faculty equal to the perceived levels of job satisfaction of full-time faculty?" Validation followed these procedures. First, a review of the literature was conducted to discover research relevant to …

Development Of An Alternate Curriculum For Bachelor Degree Completion Students In The Lead Program At Ohio Dominican College, William A. Vensel

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

In the Learning Enhanced Adult Degree (LEAD) program at Ohio Dominican College (ODC), a cohort based accelerated delivery format, students who complete the Associate of Science (AS.) degree had only one bachelor's degree program to choose from, the B.S. in Business Administration. Because Ohio Dominican is a bachelor degree granting institution, classified as Baccalaureate General by the Carnegie Commission, it is desirable to see all enrolled students through to the bachelor degree. The problem addressed by this practicum was that with only one degree program to choose from at the bachelor level, retention of AS. students who desired the accelerated …

The Effect Of An Internship On Undergraduate Perceptions Of Career Related Skills And Interests At The University Of Connecticut, Cynthia F. Jones

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Career Resource Assistants (CRA's) deliver several of the comprehensive career services provided for students at the University of Connecticut through their participation in a structured internship program at Career Services. The literature in the field of career development shows that students usually gain crystallization of career interests and skills through participation in an experiential learning experience such as an internship.

The purpose of this practicum project was to determine whether the internship experience for CRA' s at Career Services provides the benefits traditionally associated with internship experiences for students. The research questions for the study were: "Will there be a …

Comparison Of Scores Between Employees Who Ha Ve Taken The Safety Rescue Training Program Vs. Those Who Have Not Participated, Holly A. Word

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A public utility was redefining employee safety training to achieve OSHA compliance standards. The problem was it was unknown if there was a difference in scores between employees who have taken the safety rescue training program and employees who did not participate.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in mean scores obtained on the employee questionnaire between those who participated in safety training and those who did not participate. The research question was: " Is there a statistically significant difference in the scores obtained on the Employee Safety Assessment Questionnaire between employees who …

Karst Subsidence In South-Central Apulia, Southern Italy, Marco Delle Rose, Mario Parise

International Journal of Speleology

Subsidence in the karst of Apulia (Southern Italy), one of the classical karst areas of Italy, is described in this paper. The carbonate rocks that make up the geological structure of the Apulia region are affected by subsidence, which is of different type and intensity depending upon geological, topographical, and hydrogeological conditions. In particular, we discriminate between inland subsidence and coastal subsidence. Inland subsidence is generally restricted to the presence of individual cavities, either empty or partly or totally filled with deposits produced by dissolution of soluble rocks underground. Locally, such subsidence can cause severe effects on anthropogenic structures above. …

Evaluation Of The Online Curriculum For The State Exam Review Course At The Southeastern Public Safety Institute Of St. Petersburg Junior College, Carlene M. Peterson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem was the curriculum for the online delivery of the State Exam Review Course has not been evaluated in its current format to see that the student is provided the same learning outcomes in the distance delivery as in the on-campus delivery. The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation of the online curriculum for the State Exam Review Course at the Southeastern Public Safety Institute of St. Petersburg Junior College to determine whether the present curriculum meets the goals and objectives of the Commission law enforcement curriculum. There was only one research question related to this …

Development Of An Antiviolence Policy For Faculty Of Medcentral Hospital School Of Nursing, Nancy Martin

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The faculty at MedCentral Hospital School of Nursing did not know how to handle incidences of hostility and violent behavior involving students. While some of the faculty ignored or minimized threats, some took them as a danger to their safety. A protocol did not 2 exist that would give direction to the faculty and the director of the school of nursing. The purpose of the study was to develop an antiviolence policy for faculty of MedCentral Hospital School of Nursing. The research question was: "What is the appropriate form and content for an antiviolence policy for faculty of MedCentral Hospital …

Evaluation Of Peerless Insurance Company’S Commercial Underwriting Knowledge Management Initiative And Development Of A Training Program To Address Performance Gaps, Kenneth John Swymer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

As a result of a recent knowledge management initiative, Peerless Insurance Company's (PIC) commercial underwriters {n=45) were provided access to the Internet and a company-wide intranet. The problem addressed was that incorrect underwriting decisions were being made due to the fact that information available was not being utilized, and there was no training program in place to address the shortcomings of this knowledge management initiative. Based upon an evaluation of this initiative, a training program was developed to address identified knowledge management performance gaps, with a plan for implementation and evaluation. The following five research questions were developed to address …

Development Of A Performance Checklist For Paramedic Education At Crafton Hills College With Plans For Implementation And Evaluation, James Holbrook

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Changes in the regulations for paramedic education have recently been adopted (DOT HS 808 862 National Standard Paramedic Curriculum, 1998). The Crafton Hills College Paramedic program is required to meet these regulations, and as a requirement of the regulations, document the attainment of the required competencies to achieve paramedic course completion. No performance checklist existed within the Crafton Hills College paramedic program that tracks and documents the clinical and field exposures of the graduates that includes national, state, and local requirements. The purpose of this study was to develop, with plans to implement and evaluate, a performance checklist specific to …

Development And Implementation Of An Occupational Safety And Health Administration Education Program For Healthcare Organizations Including A Plan For Evaluation, Anita L. Huse

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Today's healthcare organizations must comply with a myriad of laws, regulations, and other requirements governing the organization, delivery, and reimbursement of health care services (Ziel, 1998, p. 1032). The problem is that loss of educational support in the institutions as a result of cut backs often results in non-compliance with federal regulations. Many healthcare institutions are no longer meeting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) educational requirements (Peck, 1997, p. 20). These healthcare institutions must now outsource to educational consultants to provide programs to address this compliance issue.

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement an …

A Comparison Of Student Learning Outcomes In A Web-Based And Face-To-Face Applied Research Methods Course, Trula Morehead Nicholas

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem of focus in this study related to student learning outcomes in the Human Services Department, Bellingham campus at Western Washington University. The purpose of this study was to compare learning outcomes of students in a web-based applied research methods course to those of students in a face to- face applied research methods course.

The research question was "Do students who take the face-to face applied research methods class have higher quiz scores than students who take the web-based applied research methods class?" Using the research methodology literature focusing on distance education and web-based learning was reviewed.

A total …

The Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Current Student Orientation At Herzing College, Atlanta, Sondra L. Savage

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem investigated was that an analysis of exit interviews of students dropping out of Herzing College suggested that the current student orientation program was not providing them with sufficient information about the college in which they needed to become well-informed about the school's policies, procedures, and services offered. Not being adequately informed was 2 a factor in students' decisions to withdraw from the program. Exit interviews are required when the students decide to withdraw from the program. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current student orientation through the administration of a needs assessment instrument to analyze …

Evaluation Of The Revised Personal Training Certificate Program At Camden County College, Nicholas J. Dicicco

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The success of programs at Camden County College is determined using an outcome-based evaluation process. Revisions were made to the Personal Training Certificate program over 18 months ago and no evaluation had been performed since that time.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the revised certificate program to determine if the revisions have resulted in achieving program objectives. There was one research question: Have the revisions made to the certificate program resulted in the attainment of the program objectives as described in the Camden County College Academic Program Review document?

The evaluation was performed based on a review …

Development Of A Curriculum For Mercyhurst North East Students Enrolled In Technology Crime Classes, Art Amann

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was that adult students engaged in law enforcement work were not receiving adequate education and training regarding technology crime. Information received by way of input from regional police chiefs and other criminal justice administrators supported this premise. The purpose of this study was to develop a curriculum for technology crime that would be available to criminal justice students at Mercyhurst College North East. The two research questions were: "What are the appropriate and valid criteria for the development of a curriculum for criminal justice technology training?", and "What are the valid and appropriate components and delivery …

A Comparison Of The Scores Of Students Taking A Business Course Via Internet And Students Taking A Traditional Classroom Delivered Course, David Lusk

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Limestone College is a small four-year liberal arts college that has a long-standing tradition of providing education to those people that desire a college degree, but because of their family and work responsibilities are not afforded the opportunity to attend traditionally delivered classroom courses. Limestone College has begun delivering non-traditional formatted courses via the internet. The Curriculum Committee felt that the web-based courses offered via the internet might not provide students with sufficient in-depth instruction or classroom interaction that would allow students to become proficient in the applications of the course material.

The Director of the Block Program at Limestone …

Development Of A Handbook For Implementing Distance Learning Programs At Mcintosh College, James K. Dowding

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

As the world of higher education is abuzz with the concept of distance education and online courses, many colleges see the Internet as the goose that lays the golden egg. McIntosh College and the Career Education Corporation would also like to develop on-line and distance education programs. The key to developing a successful program requires a comprehensive process model to follow. The problem is that McIntosh College does not have a procedure to develop online courses or online supplements.

The need for distance education comes from several factors. First is the changing profile of students. As McIntosh College has grown, …

A Comparison Of Knowledge Levels Of Diabetic Patients In A Hospital Environment To Those At An Alternate Site, Maudia L. Gentry

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Dallas County Hospital District currently provides diabetic health education 2 classes to anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. The Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) clinics also provide health education classes to anyone diagnosed with diabetes. Health education is offered to all diabetic patients. Furthermore, many patients who are admitted to the hospital for the treatment of diabetes are provided more in-depth health education on the prevention of the disease. The COPC division has seven clinics that operate in the Dallas sector, and all clinics offer diabetic health education classes to Dallas County citizens who have been diagnosed with …

An Evaluation Of The Availability Of Courses At Bevill State Community College, Teresa L. Johnson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to determine whether courses are offered at Bevill State Community College (BSCC) to allow a student to complete an associate degree within two years. The problem was that a significant number of students transfer to four-year institutions without completing an associate degree at BSCC.

There was one research question for this study: "Does the schedule of courses at BSCC allow students to complete an associate degree within two years?''

The procedures consisted of a literature review, establishment of criteria, selection and validation of evaluation model, selection and administration of a needs assessment instrument to …

Development Of Adapted Yoga Program For Symptom Relief Of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome With Plans For Implementation And Evaluation, Wendy Lou Gross

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to develop an adapted yoga program for chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and to plan for the implementation and evaluation at the Community Wellness Center of the Palm Beaches. The problem is that a significant number of men a re suffering from CPPS.

Five research questions were addressed. What are the appropriate contents of an adapted yoga program for relief of symptoms associated with CPPS? What is the appropriate design? What are effective methods to raise awareness? How should the proposed program be implemented? What are the appropriate criteria for an evaluation of the …

An Historical Study Of The Governance Of Vermont’S 16 Regional Technical Centers, Mary Beth Moore

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This dissertation is written as a historical study to examine the effects of equalized funding of education in Vermont and a governance proposal for legislative revisions for Vermont's 16 regional technical centers. Governance became a controversial topic in the Vermont General Assembly in August 1996 after the reconstruction of the Career Development Center in Bennington, Vermont.

An outcome of the Construction Act was the moratorium placed on all construction projects in May 1996. Requested by Senator Illuzzi of Newport, Vermont, a study was conducted to decide the impact of the recent legislation and reconstruction of Vermont's technical centers. A series …

Improving The School Climate: Ventura Elementary School, Mike Smith

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum studied the dissatisfaction of the school staff with the front office and the subsequent loss of a significant number of instructional personnel. This study took place at Ventura Elementary School.

A change in the principalship and corresponding leadership style, a constant turnover of assistant principals, and a new office staff brought in by the new administration were some causes of the dissatisfaction.

This practicum identified sources of dissatisfaction through the use of a school climate survey. Research-based strategies that have been credited with improving school climate were implemented. The principal played a significant role in the implementation. The …

Design And Implementation Of A Foreign Language In The Elementary Schools Program, Stephanie M. Pappagianopoulos

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program that was initiated to promote the sequential study of foreign language beginning in the elementary schools. The program involved 78 third grade students from an urban elementary school. Approximately 10% of the students had some knowledge of the language before the program. The planned strategies included (a) distribution of a survey to parents and teachers within the pilot school; (b) tallying the responses; (c) adopting Spanish as the second language based on parent and teacher responses; (d) hiring an elementary school teacher with Spanish certification; (e) obtaining grant money for professional development . of the …

Narratives Of Workers On The Crisis Line: Dialogic Conversations About Domestic Violence, Elizabeth A. Curry

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

This paper is my exploratory study of the interpersonal communication between domestic violence workers who answer crisis calls and the callers who seek help. I am focusing on the perception of those who answer the crisis lines. This is part of my on-going research into the meaning and experiences of the women who work against domestic violence. There are approximately 1,900 local domestic violence programs and state coalitions in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This paper is based on the experiences of women working in one local program, CASA. I will briefly compare the CASA advocates …

Strategies And Techniques To Impact Teachers’ Ability To Improve Students’ Reading Skills, Helen E. Martinez

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study examines strategies and techniques intended to update 5th-grade target students’ reading skills at Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Catholic School. A comparative analysis of the reading comprehension subtest results from the Stanford Achievement Test of successive cohorts of OLV 4th-grade students showed a decline during the students’ 4th-grade year. An effort to identity this decline in performance led the researcher to possible factors: teacher quality and degree of parental involvement. To address this problem, Brandt, Farmer, and Buckmaster’s (1993) cognitive Apprenticeship Model program, in which instruction is modeled and adult learners gradually take responsibility for instructing young learners, …