Digital Commons Network^™

Ua1c7 Departmental Photos, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Images showing everyday activities of university departments.

Immigrant Parents: How To Help Your Child Succeed In School, Shamah Md-Yunus

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

One of the top reasons immigrants give for coming to the United States is a desire to provide better educa- · tional and economic opportunities for their families and children. Immigrants voice this sentiment regardless of their educational level, financial standing, or country of origin. Immigrant children express the sameintentions about education and being successful in life as do non-immigrant children. Fuligni (2001) studied the educational aspirations of 10th- and 12th-grade students of immigrant parents and found that 86.9 percent of them say that "going to college is necessary for what I want to do in the future," "I need …

Supporting Early Literacy Through Attachment-Based Parenting: An Intervention Project, Maureen Louise Stine

Theses Digitization Project

A Four-month intervention project consisting of regular parent training meetings and weekly take-home parent-child interactive literacy activities was implemented to examine the association between quality of mother-child interaction and preschoolers' early literacy development for five families enrolled in a state subsidized preschool program. The Palm Vista Family Home Literacy Program located in the high desert region of San Bernardino County was offered free of charge to all parents and their preschool aged children who were enrolled.

Pre-Service Teachers' Confidence In Teaching Reading Acquisition Skills To Struggling Readers And Readers In General, Drue E. Narkon Ph.D., Rhonda S. Black

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Thirty-one final semester undergraduate, dual preparation, pre-service students at a Pacific university completed a survey regarding their confidence in teaching reading acquisition skills to early elementary (Kindergarten through third grade) struggling readers and readers in general. The 36-item survey included open-ended and forced choice Likert-type rating scale items. We examined participants’ perceptions regarding their confidence in teaching reading and the degree to which numerous factors contributed to their levels of confidence. It appeared that this particular group of pre-service teachers was more confident in their ability to teach reading to all students, those who struggle and those who do not, …

No Brown Towns: Anti-Immigrant Ordinances And Equality Of Educational Opportunity For Latina/Os, Tom I. Romero

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

"The right to education in the environment of a multi-racial community seems equally fundamental." Spencer v. Kugler, 404 U.S. 1027, 1028 (1972)(mem.)(Douglas, J., dissenting) .

In 1972, the United States Supreme Court in Spencer v. Kugler affirmed New Jersey's statutory scheme compelling school district boundaries to coincide with those of the State's political subdivisions. In writing a dissent to the Court's affirmation of the lower court opinion that such segregation was "de-facto" and not subject to a constitutional violation, Justice William O. Douglas highlighted the pernicious influence of local government boundaries in creating unequal and inferior education for the nation's …

Promoting Higher Academic Achievement Among Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students, Edna Morris

All Graduate Projects

Designing a multicultural literature based library for use in the classroom setting to promote higher academic achievement among culturally and linguistically diverse students was the purpose of this project. Studies supporting the connection between culturally relevant literature and its use in the classroom with academic achievement among culturally and linguistically diverse students were summarized. The result of this research analysis supports the use of culturally relevant literature and activities with young children. The project provides brochures, resources and guides for use of culturally relevant literature with young children.

Integrating Transformative Multicultural Practice Into The Traditional Physical Education Curriculum, Kari Lea Breeden

All Graduate Projects

This study is intended to serve as a resource for upper elementary physical education teachers seeking supplemental materials to integrate diversity through multicultural education in their traditional physical education classroom. Two questions are the basis for this study: ( 1) Can multicultural education be integrated into the upper elementary physical education classroom? (2) How can teachers' use this study as an assessment tool in their upper elementary physical education program? This study is built upon the work of scholar James Banks. It will extend the work of James Banks by showing how his concept of changing the curriculum to integrate …

Humanities Education Then, Now And Why, Marshall W. Gregory

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

The problem of educational metaphors in the humanities is that the metaphors driving the humanities since the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance-metaphors that educators still rely on today-no longer work in the twenty-first century.

Qualitative Analysis Of The Implementation Of An Autism Program Within A Public School District, Lucila F. Hernandez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The study analyzed the development, implementation and success of an educational program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis within a public school structure. Records reviewed for a two year time period identified four phases to program development and implementation, as well as identifying themes and barriers for specific roles, administration, staff and parents. The success of the program is evidenced by growth in the children and by reported satisfaction of parents and staff. A program blue print offers an outline to program development and implementation. Necessary ASD program components, based on literature reviewed are summarized. This study highlights …

Where The Inchoate Seeks Form: Autobiographical Curriculum Inquiry In Women's Rowing, Jennie Anne Marshall

Doctoral Dissertations

In 1976, four years after the Title IX act was passed by the Federal Government, a group of female rowers at Yale University attempted to reveal the university's discriminatory practices toward their team. On March 3, 1976, team captain, Chris Ernst, secured an appointment with the assistant athletic director Joni Barnett. Members of the Yale Women's Crew filed silently into the athletic director's office wearing sweats that said "Yale Women's Crew," then stripped to the waist, revealing the words "Title IX" written on their bare chests and backs. Chris Ernst read a 300-word statement (New York Times, 3/4/76) while a …

How Spanish -Speaking Parents Understand Kindergarten And Support Their Children's Education Within The Context Of A School, Phyllis Barton Schlichter

Doctoral Dissertations

The intention of this study was to examine the experiences of nine Spanish-speaking families in a public kindergarten setting during the 2005-2006 school year to understand how individual agency of parents, access to a community's practices and events, and the resulting interrelationship, shape parent understanding of and participation in school practices and events and ultimately impact student achievement outcomes. In a nation that is becoming increasingly diverse, the Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the country. There are more than two million English-language learners in the U.S. K-3 classrooms with Spanish accounting for almost 80% of the non-English …

Teaching Toward Understanding: Feminist Rhetorical Theories And Pedagogies In The College Composition Classroom, Alison A. Knoblauch

Doctoral Dissertations

While recognizing the value of traditional argument, many teacher-scholars have begun to challenge the primacy of antagonistic debate in college classrooms. In "Teaching Toward Understanding: Feminist Rhetorical Theories and Pedagogies in the College Composition Classroom," I maintain that the inclusion of invitational rhetoric, embodied rhetoric, and rhetorical listening as classroom content, coupled with the translation of these theories into pedagogical practice, can both challenge and expand current approaches to the teaching of writing and rhetoric. Furthermore, by offering alternatives to antagonistic debate, these rhetorical theories encourage productive and ethical forms of discourse, promoting more successful cross-cultural communication both in the …

High School Hispanic Program Availability In Marion County, Indiana: A Multi -School Case Study, Arlene Coleman

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Marion County, Indiana the Hispanic population increased tremendously over the last decade. Predictions indicate that this vast influx of Hispanics will continue well into the twenty-first century. Predictions also indicate that growth in the Hispanic population poses seriousEducational concerns for schools across the country. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the Indianapolis Public Schools and the eight township school districts in Marion County, Indiana in terms of their acceptance of this influx of Hispanic high school students. This research investigated the English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator, Hispanic student and parent perceptions in terms of …

A Descriptive Study Of Learning Styles And Multiple Intelligences On Student Creativity Within The Art Classroom, Sharon Boyd-Struthers

Theses and Dissertations

In 2004, a law was enacted in Arkansas that provided art and music to all elementary children, grades first through sixth. Two years after the preliminary thesis began all district elementary schools added certified art teachers. At the end of the 2007/08 school year, these teachers will have been instructing for three years. In 2008/09, a full four years of instructional impact will be assessable through the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) testing scores of second grade students. This thesis considers whether a teacher's receptiveness to student learning differences or teacher methodology affects the level of creativity by either …

Physical And Verbal Strategies Peers Use To Facilitate The Social Inclusion Of Friends With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kathleen Winterman Ed.D., Victoria Zascavage Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the this study was to examine the impact that Responsive Classroom methodology had on the social inclusion of two elementary students with ASD in a public school setting. Varieties of educational programs to support students with ASD are in vogue; however, few investigate the influence the peers have on students’ motivation and desire to interact within an inclusive environment. This study, conducted over the course of a school year within two public elementary schools in the Midwest, explored how peer supports shaped by Responsive Classroom methodology provide the scaffolding students with ASD required to become part of …

Deaf People In A Hearing World: A Qualitative Study Of Cultural Identity Issues, Brianna J. Daisy

Master's Theses and Capstones

The primary goal of this study was to determine the potential factors that influence the process of cultural identity development for deaf people in a predominantly hearing world. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological research design in an effort to capture the essence of the experience of growing up deaf and the meaning each participant made of his experiences as they related to his life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five male participants ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-30s. The interviews were transcribed and thoroughly analyzed to pull out common themes and ideas, leading to the conclusion that the …

A Model For Integrating Collaborative Life-Story Writing Into Counselor Training Programs, Jennifer Schroeder Andrews

Master's Theses and Capstones

Given the fundamental role of narrative deconstruction and reconstruction of client stories within the counseling profession, this thesis proposes creation of an elective course for counselor trainees based upon activities constructing personal experience narratives collaboratively in student dyads and in groups. The course was developed to facilitate three elements of professional and personal development: increased application of knowledge---specifically, knowledge of core counseling theories and tenets, social constructivism and narrative construction; interpersonal and relational skills; and judgment and maturity.

A review of the literature related to existing standards and precedents in counselor training, and the relationship to and use of collaborative …

Communication/Educational Programs For Students With Angelman Syndrome In Inclusive Classrooms: A Look At Best Practices, Tibbany N. Black

Master's Theses and Capstones

This project examined the communication and overall education programs of 36 students with Angelman Syndrome (AS) whom are being educated in both inclusive and segregated classrooms. The purposes of the this study are to: (1) compile a list of best practices regarding the communication and educational instruction of children with Angelman Syndrome and more generally, children with significant disabilities, (2) to validate these practices with an expert panel, and (3) to socially validate these practices with the subjects' parents. An exhaustive review of the current literature in the areas of inclusive education, Angelman Syndrome Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and …

The Influence Of Teachers Caring Behavior On High School Students Behavior And Grades, Richard M. Miller

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

An Exploratory Study Of Proximal Mentoring In Graduate Education, Susan E Gunn

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explored the construct of Proximal Mentoring from the perspective of the professor, student-mentees, and Proximal Mentors. A master's course and a beginning doctorate course were selected for implementation. All participants were in agreement that the definition of the role of Proximal Mentoring is: "provider of content and feedback, model for collaboration, clarifier of course objectives, guide, and role model." None of the participants in this study perceived the role of the PM as a tutor. However, they did not see the role as an expert mentor either. This dissertation suggested that PMs were able to increase their depth …

A Study Of Digital Communication Tools Used In Online High School Courses, Nathan Putney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which selected communication tools used by teachers who teach online are positively perceived by their students in improving feelings of self-efficacy and motivation, and which tools may be perceived to be significantly more effective than the others. Students from the Florida Virtual School, a leader in online course delivery for grades 6-12, were surveyed to find their perceptions about how their teachers' use of email, Instant Messaging, chat, the telephone, discussion area, whiteboard, and assignment feedback affected their motivation and success in an online high school course. Correlations were …

Education In The Empty Quarter: How Have We Fared?, Nancy K. Glomb, D. Forbush, M. S. Fishbaugh, A. Lefevre, R. Woodward, M. Taylor

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

Garreau (1981) used the Arabic term Rub ‘al Khali, or Empty Quarter, to label the Intermountain West portion of the United States. In Saudi Arabia, the Empty Quarter is a large, dry, and relatively unpopulated area with a wealth of energy resources not unlike the Intermountain West. Garreau described changes in the area that were associated with changes in commerce and industry during the 20th century, particularly with respect to mining ventures and the discovery of oil and natural gas in the region. Although Garreau discussed many ways that these changes impacted the people and environment, he did not discuss …

Dancing Between Diversity And Consistency: Refining Assessment In Postgraduate Degrees In Dance, Maggie Phillips, Cheryl Stock, Kim Vincs

Research outputs pre 2011

Guidelines for best practice in Australian Doctoral and Masters by Research Examination, enc;ompassing the two primary modes of investigation, written and multi-modal theses, their distinctiveness and their potential interplay.

An Initial Exploration Of The Undergraduate English Major Curricula Issued By The 2000-2001 Member Schools Of The Council For Christian Colleges And Universities, Maralee Sue Crandon

Dissertations

Problem

This study made the initial exploration of English major curricula among 101 members of the 2000-2001 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), describing their nature and state and discerning evidence of Christian thought.

Method

Stewart’s (1989) Modified Categories of English Majors and Eisner’s (1991) education criticism provided frameworks to categorize all curricula and to describe a purposeful sampling of 20 selected by region, religious, and enrollment.

Results

Types 1.0 Straight Literature and 1.5 Primarily Literature majors represented 78% of the population and 75% of the sampling; Type 2.0 More Flexible majors represented 18% of the population and 25% …

School Principals As Leaders In A New Role, Damian Medina

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

The Relationship Between Learning Style Preference And Achievement In The Adult Student In A Multicultural College., Matilde E. Roig

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Minority college students have varied learning styles and process information from distinct background and cultural perspectives, which influences their learning. Accordingly, the way faculty approach teaching affects student achievement. Few minorities are in scientific fields, with a shortage of scientists predicted. A problem exists in understanding the relationship between learning style preferences and achievement of minority college students. The purpose of the study was to investigate this relationship in adult minority students in a South Florida college's biology courses. Research questions pertained to relationships between learning style preferences, race, ethnicity and grades. This quantitative study used the online Felder-Soloman Inventory …

Enhancing Special Educators' Knowledge And Understanding Of Hiv/Aids, Mary Anne Prater, Nancy M. Sileo, Thomas W. Sileo

Faculty Publications

HIV/AIDS continues to spread among children, youth, and young adults across all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, including those with disabilities. This article considers information on HIV/AIDS such as individuals' health-risk behaviors, environmental circumstances, and perceptions that may contribute to HIV-infection; how disability characteristics, and cultural traits and values impact school-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs; and, culturally competent instructional considerations that acknowledge these variables.

Towards Inclusive Standards, Michelle Pearce

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The context of this study is the inclusion of students with dillabilities in secondary schools. The introduction of legislation in the United States and Australia has resulted in large numbers of students with disabilities being included in regular classes by subject teachers. Inclusion in secondary schools has proved especially challenging to teachers. Reviews and research highlight the need for teacher training. but do not specify the knowledge and skills that teachers need to become inclusive. It has been proposed that professional teaching standards have the potential to guide preservice and inservice training. Before standards could be assessed for their inclusivity, …

Collaborative Teaching Strategies And Methods Used Between Specialeducation And Generaleducation Teachers In Collaborative Classrooms, Alexandra M. Kanellis

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the implementation of No Child Left Behind (2004) and the requirements set by Article 7 and IDEIA (2004), collaborative teaching has become a requirement for most specialEducation and generalEducation teachers. GeneralEducation and specialEducation teachers are asked to cooperate to successfully meet the needs of all students in their classroom and to ensure the execution of differentiated instruction in the inclusive classroom. This qualitative research involves the observation and interview of veteran generalEducation and specialEducation teachers. Specifically, the study was designed to verify these teachers' perceptions of collaboration and how collaboration between generalEducation and specialEducation teachers is applied into the …

Exploring A Transformative Pedagogy With Blended Learning For Emirati Higher Education Students, Laurence Hedley-Brown

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Titled: Exploring a Transformative Pedagogy with Blended Learning for Emirati Higher Education Students, this portfolio relates a process of reflective praxis with the development of a pedagogy which was co-constructed with Emirati students. These students were studying in the first cycle of a bachelor's degree in Communications and Media Management at the United Arab Emirate's Higher Colleges of Technology between 2001 and 2004. The portfolio describes this collaborative instructional design project using English as a Second Language (ESL) and constructivist theory, exploratory and web based learning within the formation of a community of !earners via asynchronous !earning networks. Dilemmas of …