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Examining The Effect Of A Year Of Service In Americorps On Members' Attitudes Toward Attending College, Jessica Lucky Roberts

Dissertations

This study had two purposes. First, this study sought to determine how a year of service in the America Reads-Mississippi (ARM) AmeriCorps program impacted members’ perceptions and attitudes toward the non-monetary value of earning a college degree, the importance of earning a college degree in obtaining employment, and the influence of service in the ARM AmeriCorps program on members’ motivation to attend college. Second, this study sought to determine if a year of service in the ARM AmeriCorps program impacted members’ decisions to use the Segal Education Award they earn upon the successful completion of their year of service. Through …

Earmstrong, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Armstrong News & Publications: e-Armstrong Newsletter (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Encircled By Sisterhood: Mentoring Experiences Of African American Women In Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Francene Amaris Breakfield

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Research suggests that African American women are minorities by race and gender and the intersectionality of these constructs poses obstacles for African American women seeking to attain positions of power. Mentoring can aid African American women in overcoming these barriers. The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to explore the mentoring experiences of five African American women, the researcher and her sorority sister circle, who are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and how their experiences have contributed to their identity and educational, career, and psychosocial success. This study focused on mentoring as a support system for African American women …

Damaged Goods, Danna Michelle Parker

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Art is a form of expression. When used as a channel for emotional catharsis from trauma, it facilitates healing. Research has found that victims of childhood trauma often cannot find words to express their feelings, and are paralyzed and unable to move on with their lives after trauma. My research explores how creativity and metalsmithing have provided the tools necessary for me to construct my own method of expressing emotions, through visual representation. Repeatedly, I have made the same mistakes in life; and time and time again have worked to figure out not only why, but also how to repair …

Practical Application Of Theory-Driven Intervention To Extension Programming, Carolyn Bird, Jacquelyn Mcclelland

Journal of Extension

For education to be effective, educators need to understand pertinent theories concerning behavior change and to apply them in programming. The study reported here sought to determine if the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) could be used to design, implement, and evaluate a brief educational session. Results show a significant increase in participants' intentions in six areas and should be encouraging to educators who need to show impact but do not always have the advantage of delivering and evaluating a series of programming. The study serves as a model for educators to show impact despite a low intervention dose.

Branding The Land Grant University: Stakeholders' Awareness And Perceptions Of The Tripartite Mission, Katie Abrams, Courtney Meyers, Tracy Irani, Lauri Baker

Journal of Extension

Several land-grant institutions have adopted a name to encompass the teaching, research, and Extension components of the university, creating a brand identity for those public services. But, in the mind of stakeholders, has the connection between the tripartite mission and the brand name been made? The study reported here sought to determine agricultural producers' and community leaders' awareness and perceptions of the mission of a land-grant institution. Both groups were informed and held positive views about the research, education, and Extension activities of the university, but, unaided, did not connect these activities with the brand name.

Army Continuing Education System: The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Army Education Leadership As It Pertains To Team Performance, Olivia Marie Penrod

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the level of emotional intelligence of Education Services Officers and Education Services Specialists plays a role in team performance of Counselors while taking into consideration organizational climate and job satisfaction. All 208 Education Services Officers, Education Services Specialists, and Counselors around the world were asked to participate in this study. The Education Services Officers and Education Services Specialists were asked to complete the Emotional Quotient-inventory: Short (EQ-i: S) online. Army Education Counselors were asked to complete a newly constructed survey, Team Performance, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Climate in ACES, which was …

An Assessment Of The Practices And Strategies That Contribute To The Success Of High School Service-Learning Programs, James E. Taylor

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Service-learning is widely recognized as a form of experiential learning that positively impacts students. Studies have supported academic and inter-personal growth as a result of student involvement in an organized service-learning program. While some educators report that student participation is all that is required, this research demonstrates that the teaching practices implemented and strategies employed are the foundational elements necessary for a successful service-learning program. A successful service-learning project should be intentionally selected and developed with built-in opportunities for preparation activities prior to the service-learning event, a thoroughly planned service-learning opportunity, and planned debrief to solidify student comprehension and application …

Examining Aspects Of Role And Practice Changes For School Psychologists In Georgia: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Bruce A. Rogers

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Throughout the 1980's and onward, professional commentary, editorials and models have been put forward to expand roles for school psychologists beyond assessment and special education. The harbinger has been to move away from traditional roles towards including all students in prevention, mental health and regular education initiatives. Recent legislation passed including NCLB, 2001 and IDEA, 2004 for schools across the country represented a major change for the directions of public school curriculum to include scientific based research instruction, more accountability and increased assessment at each grade level. This study was conducted in light of the historical context, these recent legislative …

Beauty, Breasts, And Brains: An Exploration Of Using The Adolescent Female Body As A Resistance Site, Hanna Andrews Beall

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Adolescent girls are continuously barraged with messages regarding what it means to be a girl and the appropriate way in which to do so. Particularly within the South, there are strict boundaries for acceptable forms of femininity both within school and in the broader social context. However, within the walls of the classroom, these lived experiences of girls are often ignored. By ignoring the lived experiences of girls in schools, many girls are being marginalized, trivialized, and dismissed from the school environment. This dissertation examines the hidden curriculum as it applies to adolescent girls in schools today and offers a …

Who's To Blame? Elaborating The Role Of Attributions In General Strain Theory, John P. Hoffmann, Karen R. Spence

Faculty Publications

Agnew’s general strain theory (GST) has motivated dozens of criminological studies over the past two decades. Borrowing in part from Cloward and Ohlin’s model of delinquency, Agnew claimed that anger, a key component of GST, occurs when adolescents externalize blame for their adversity. This implies that adolescents who blame strain on an external causal agent (e.g., a parent, a teacher, economic disadvantages) are more likely to get angry and thus lash out through delinquent acts. However, this essential characteristic has been largely neglected in studies of GST. The purpose of this article is to show that external attributions of blame …

Metode Pembelajaran Tutor Teman Sebaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Berdasar Regulasi-Diri, Ruseno Arjanggi, Titin Suprihatin

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effectiveness of peer tutoring method on self-regulated learning. In self-regulated processes such as planning, self monitoring, and control of disturbances, the model of interaction between personal environment and behavior is a reciprocal interaction. Peer tutoring is expected to raise the potential behavior through an independent learning materials organization. Those behaviours include assistance-seeking behavior and assistance-giving during a more intensive learning process resulted from nearer psychological distance between the tutor and tutee. The subject of this research was 63 students of the Faculty of Psychology Unissula Semarang, which was divided into …

3-D Virtual World Education: An Empirical Comparison With Face-To-Face Classroom, Xiaofeng Chen, Keng Siau, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

3-D virtual worlds are increasing in popularity as a means of pedagogical delivery in higher education. In this research, we assess the relative effectiveness of a 3-D virtual world learning environment, Second Life, and traditional face-to-face learning environment. We also assess the efficacy of instructional strategies in these two learning environments and their effects on interactivity, perceived learning, and satisfaction. Our findings suggest that there is an interaction effect of learning environment and instructional strategy. Pair-wise comparisons indicate that when interactive instructional strategy is used, there is no significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction between 3-D virtual world and …

Evaluating Multiple Prevention Programs: Methods, Results, And Lessons Learned, Francesca Adler-Baeder, Jennifer Kepleman, Melody M. Griffin, David G. Schramm

Journal of Extension

Extension faculty and agents/educators are increasingly collaborating with local and state agencies to provide and evaluate multiple, distinct programs, yet there is limited information about measuring outcomes and combining results across similar program types. This article explicates the methods and outcomes of a state-level evaluation of approximately 200 individual programs across eight program types. A three-tiered approach was devised and implemented with a collaborative, iterative approach to assess the extent to which common program objectives were met. Results provided evidence of efficacy and impact, and offered tools for diverse stakeholders. Lessons learned and implications for Extension professionals are offered.

Bullying Behavior: Perspectives On Implementation Of Policy From Building Level Administrators And School Counselors, Christopher Michael Barnes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between anti-bullying policies developed and implementation of those policies in the state of Arkansas. The researcher used quantiative research methods to determine the extent of relationship between anti-bullying policies developed and implemented. A self-administered survey was constructed for data collection purposes using methods described by Fowler (2008) and Maronick (2009) and was distributed through Survey Monkey to all school counselors and building administrators in the state of Arkansas. Data analysis was conducted on responses received from 547 building administrators and school counselors to determine if there are relationships between administrators' …

The Role Of Individual Difference Factors In Predicting Alcohol-Related Consequences In College Students, Ashley Ann Dennhardt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Although alcohol-related consequences are high in college students, thereis significant variability in the number experienced, evenamongstudents who drink heavily. Caucasian students drink more and experience more alcohol-related problems than African American students, but little research has investigated the potentially unique predictors of problems among these students.Depression, Distress Tolerance and Delay Discounting may be predictors of alcohol problem severity.We examined the relationship between these variables and alcohol-related problems among Caucasians and African American students using multivariate models.For Caucasian students, depression was associated with alcohol problems. For African American students, depression, distress tolerance, and delay discounting were associated with alcohol problems; and …

The Chestershaw: The Views And Ideas That Shaped The Friendly Rivalry Of G.K. Chesterton And George Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Vowell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

G.K. Chesterton and George Bernard Shaw both lived at the turn of the twentieth century, which was a time of incredible social and philosophic change and upheaval. In reaction to the social chaos and uncertainty, both men sought to change the world through their artistic and polemical works and thus were friends, yet both men wanted to change the world into different things for different reasons and thus were enemies. Their intellectual, friendly rivalry was a hallmark of early twentieth-century public discourse and English letters. Unfortunately, while their artistic contributions remain, most of their intellectual contributions have been either misunderstood …

The Psychosocial Effects Of Being Rejected/Being Aggressive/Being Respected, Clayton Egli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This research identified groups of children using levels of aggression, rejection, and respect. Peer psychosocial outcomes were evaluated in groups of third- through sixth-grade children (N = 422). Four sets of analyses were performed. Groups were defined first by traditional grouping methods and then by data-driven grouping methods. For each method, groups were constructed first in terms of the traditional approach using relative levels of peer rejection and aggression (overt and relational). A second set of analyses for each method constructed groups in terms of relative levels of peer rejection, aggression (overt and relational), and respect by peers. Psychosocial outcomes …

Effect Of A Weight Loss Intervention In A Faith-Based Environment With Overweight-Obese African American Women, Janelle Marie Meeks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The incidence of obesity is alarmingly high among African Americans, especially among women. Therefore, to help address the weight loss needs among a group (n=10) of obese African American women in a faith community, a seven-week nutrition intervention study was developed and implemented. Each session was lead by a member of the faith community and incorporated prayer and encouragement. BMI, waist, and hip circumference were measured, and three-day food diaries were collected at baseline and post-intervention. A paired sample t-test was used to analyze the data. A mean loss of 1.1 in. was observed in waist circumference (p=0.089). A mean …

An Examination Of Early Literacy In An Early Childhood Classroom, Fawna Ann Lovelace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how one early childhood education teacher promotes her first graders' early literacy skills. Reading is a major component for students' successful learning and development. The female participant taught at a private, Catholic school. Research questions were: What assumptions does an early childhood education make about early literacy? How does an early childhood teacher promote early literacy through phonemic awareness activities? What role does the classroom environment play in the children's acquisition of early literacy skills? Data for this qualitative study were collected from aquestionnaire, interviews, videotaped observations, lesson plans, photos, and …

Supporting The Expression Of Sadness: A Moderator In The Association Between Parents' Discouragement Of Sadness And Child Internalizing Symptoms, Katianne Marie Howard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Recent literature in the field of emotion contingent responses has found associations between parent responses that discourage the expression of emotion and children’s negative emotional outcomes, as well as significant interactions between responses that support the expression of emotion and other types of responses in predicting emotional and behavioral outcomes. The present study investigated parents’ discouragement and support of children’s expression of sadness in relation to several indicators of internalizing behaviors in middle childhood. Children responded about their mothers’ emotion contingent responses and children and parents completed measures of children’s emotional and behavioral functioning. Results supported the association between discouraging …

"Daily Planet" Vs. "Daily Bugle": The Changing Depiction Of Journalism In American Comic Books, Andrew Alan Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Journalists and journalism have always been popular vehicles for storytelling in comic books, as they are in other pop culture media. The more than 70 years of comic books in America have provided thousands of fictional journalists, especially in the superhero genre. Primary among these are the staffs of the Daily Planet at DCComics and the Daily Bugle at Marvel Comics. This content analysis -- utilizing hundreds of the original texts but also historical research and a questionnaire to significant creators -- shines a spotlight on a quantum shift in the depiction of journalists in comics. Until the introduction of …

Engaging Rural Community Members As Problem Solvers: Application Of Health Communication To Improve The Quality Of Health Care In Southwest Uganda, Tesfa N. Alexander

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Using communication theories and anthropological models, I analyze the narratives of community members who are caretakers of children ages 5 and under in Southwest Uganda to situate rural community members as problem solvers whose insights can be used to inform sustainable and effective public health strategies that can lead to improved health outcomes. Throughout my analysis, I uncover themes and concepts from community members' narratives that demonstrate that health-seeking behaviors of rural community members are largely shaped by perceptions of interpersonal and social trust in local health care practitioners. Additionally, an analysis of discourse from patient-provider interactions in biomedical and …

The Role Of Butch Identity In A Model Of Self-Esteem Among Sexual Minority Women, Katherine Ruth Hiestand

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This study explored the relationship of butch gender identity to perceived social support, level of outness, lesbian internalized homophobia, and self-esteem. Previous research has supported relationships between perceived social support, level of outness, lesbian internalized homophobia, and self-esteem in sexual minority women; this study explored these relationships specifically in masculine-identified lesbians. Using data obtained from an Internet survey on lesbian gender identity, a subset (N = 191) was composed of individuals who considered themselves masculine and who identified as butch (127; 66.5%) and those who did not identify as butch (64; 33.5%). A path analysis was conducted to determine what …

African American/Black Undergraduate Students: Perceptions Of Their Experiences Attending An Upper Midwest University, Deola Y. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the perceptions held by African American/"black" undergraduate students of their experiences attending a predominately white institution (PWI) of higher education in the Upper Midwest. Participants consisted of a sample of six African American/black juniors during the 2009–2010 academic school year. Social Identity Development Theory and Critical Race Theory were used as a guide in designing interview questions. Participants were interviewed and the audio recorded interviews were transcribed and then analyzed for codes, categories, and themes.

Four themes emerged from analysis of the data. Theme One: When students were …

Perceptions Of Male Versus Female Students Enrolled In Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Courses Regarding Peer Tutoring, A Component For Student Retention, Cheryl D. Kingsbury

Theses and Dissertations

Academic departments in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, strive to develop in students the ability to problem solve, analyze, and to critically think about solutions to problems. Academic departments are committed to success, yet retention rates are lower than would be expected for females in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields of study, where female students are underrepresented.

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of male and female traditional and nontraditional students who participated in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics STEM course during the spring 2010 semester regarding peer tutoring, and to …

Finding Myself: The Maturation Of Spirituality And Its Influence On Behavior During Late Adolescence, Deanna M. Mason

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theoretical model describing the influence of spirituality and/or religiosity on late adolescent behavior. Multiple quantitative research studies have linked spirituality and/or religiosity with both decreased health-risk behaviors and increased health-promotion behaviors during adolescence. However, as reductionist methods have not revealed underlying reasons for these relationships, the ability to apply this knowledge to practice is limited. Additionally, there is a lack of clear definitions for spirituality and/or religiosity firm enough to bridge disciplinary boundaries. A qualitative research perspective, which takes into account the embodied experience and development of individuals during …

Air Traffic Controllers: Flying In The Face Of Danger? A Look Into The Effects Of The Time Of Day, Jason Boergerhoff

Theses and Dissertations

Since the events of September 11, this country has continued to grow and its commercial air travel along with it. As the number of passengers and planes increase, so must the skill and etermination of the air traffic controllers. They must be at their peak performance levels to ensure the flying public is handled safely and expeditiously. This study looks at the possible effects of the time of day. After defining time of day effects and giving some of the consequences of these effects, a look into the task of a controller was necessary. This study broke the task down …

Christian Students' Worldviewsand Propensity For Missionteaching, Richard Patrick Dolan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research conducted sought to find evidence to answer the following questions: Do students in teacher preparation programs who feel called to enter the Christian mission field as general education teachers have a worldview that is more closely aligned with biblical principles than other teacher groups? Is there a correlation between the worldview of mission general education teachers and propensity to volunteer for the field? What do students consider as influence in their decisions to commit to the Christian mission service profession? The data gathered indicated that participants who intended to volunteer at mission schools had significantly higher scores in …

The Changing Role Of The Pastor's Wife In Today's Evangelical Church, Debra D. Benoit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the changes that have occurred in the lives of pastors' wives over the years in regards to her position in the church, her role within the family and her life outside of the church. Research will be conducted through interviews of pastors' wives in various stages of ministry and church experience, as well as a research/literature review of materials showing the historical role of the pastor's wife and how her role has continually developed and changed over the years. The underlying goal of this thesis is to provide a framework for teaching …