Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Single-Gender Math Classroom Activities On The Achievement And Behavior Outcomes Of Fifth-Grade Girls And Boys At A Public Elementary School, Erik P. Chaussee

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to examine single-gender schools and/or classes as a method of improving student achievement and gaining greater satisfaction in school. The paper will further examine the effects of single-gender classes on student achievement, the academic gender gap, and the attitudes of students and teachers. It will also look at the legal implications of such a practice. In addition, it will examine a variety of school district's past methods and structures in order to implement a single-gender school or single-gender classes within a coed school including other programs within schools.

Three Mathematical Lyrics, Lawrence M. Lesser

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The author shares three mathematical lyrics, debuted at opening banquets of MathFest, the summer national meetings of the Mathematical Association of America.

Are Mls Graduates Being Prepared For The Changing And Emerging Roles That Librarians Must Now Assume Within Research Libraries?, James L. Mullins

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

The focus of research libraries is changing to include digital resources, improving the information literacy level of patrons, and creating new partnerships on and off campus, among other things. This creates a need to recruit librarians trained in these areas and open to these changes. Library science training is a necessary foundation for preparing graduates to qualify for and excel in changing and emerging new roles. This article explores current recruitment efforts to articulate new roles and to successfully hire graduates with the skills and aptitude to fill them.

The Nucleus 2011-2012, Rosalie A. Richards

Science Education Center

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Study Of 21st Century Instructional Practices In The Association Of Christian Schools International In Kentucky, Ohio And West Virginia, Melanie E. White

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Association of Christian Schools International serves the evangelical Christian community and includes preschools, elementary and secondary schools as well as postsecondary institutions. Offering a viable and authoritative voice in education and contributing to the public good, ACSI enables Christian school students worldwide to acquire wisdom, knowledge, and a biblical worldview as evidenced by a lifestyle of character, leadership, service, stewardship and worship. Core beliefs include spiritual and academic excellence while their statement of faith shows their commitment to providing assistance to the needs of Christian educators and schools (Association of Christian Schools International, 2009). The rationale of this research project …

A Study Of A Computer-Aided Performance Rating Process And The Associated Process Improvement Opportunities, Timothy Chow

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Academic quality measurement through assessing student learning outcomes targets the crux of teaching and learning activities undertaken by higherEducation institutions. With the proliferation of information and instructional technology, authentic assessments of student academic performance by utilizing a computer-aided performance rating process offer promises of more precise and actionable information to educators for making informed quality improvement decisions on curricular changes and a viable alternative to standardized tests. This pilot research study examined the validity and reliability of a computer-aided performance rating process. Furthermore, this research offered information to theEducational community on the feasibility of adapting a scalable performance measurement solution …

Joining The Professoriate, Jeremy C. Baguyos

Music Faculty Publications

As someone who made the mid-career cutover from orchestral musician to music academic, I am often asked how one goes about becoming a college professor in the music discipline. Like many questions about pursuing a career in music, there is never a simple answer. I wish it were as simple as going to graduate school, earning an advanced degree, applying for listed jobs (in the Chronicle of Higher Education http://chronicle.com/section/Jobs/6 l/, www.higheredjobs.com, or the College Music Society's Music Vacancy List http://music.org/cgibin/ showpage.pl), sending some applications, demos and letters of recommendation, and successfully completing an audition/interview. If this were the case, …

Reconstructing Comprehensive Sex Education Curriculum From Fifth To Tenth Grade In California : A Focus On Body Image, Kenzie Brand

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone examines the rationale why comprehensive sex education curriculum from fifth to tenth grade in California needs to be reconstructed. This study discusses and compares the teen pregnancy rate and the sexually transmitted infection rate in teenagers. In addition, this capstone further examines how positive image can be encouraged at a young age through sex education through the perspectives of six health education teachers in California. This capstone is most valuable to educators, curricula writers, parents with children from fifth to tenth grade, and school districts.

European "Transparency Instruments": Driving The Modernisation Of European Higher Education, Ellen Hazelkorn

Books/Book chapters

This paper reviews the background to and assesses the usefulness of the various transparency instruments (e.g. college guides, accreditation, classification systems, benchmarking models, global rankings). While there are differences between these various “instruments”, they can all be considered as part of the growing trend for greater transparency, accountability and comparability which began with college guides or handbooks around 1970. It will then place the most recent European developments (e.g. U-Map and U-Multirank) and other EU-funded initiatives (Expert Group on the Assessment of University-based Research and the 3-M Project on Third Mission) within this context. In doing so, the paper will …

An Analysis Of Indiana Schools Implementing Alternative Teacher Evaluation Systems, Corey Wade Austin

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this content analysis research project was to determine if there were predictive qualities of the demographic groupings; student population, free and reduced percentage, and geographic setting on the teacher evaluation tools that are an alternative to the Indiana RISE model. This study surveyed Indiana superintendents regarding their anticipated 2012-13 evaluation tool. The schools that designated they would be using an alternative teacher evaluation tool were then asked to make available their research of their document for comparison to a research-based template. The research-based template is a derivative of the work of Danielson (2007), Marshall (2005), and Marzano …

Technology Implementation In K-12 Schools: A Research Study Of Perceptions And Practice, Kaitlin Martinez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, even though 97% of classrooms have at least one instructional computer available, only 40% of teachers in public schools (including elementary and secondary) report using computers in the classroom often. My project aims to illustrate the barriers that are keeping K-12 teachers from integrating technology in their classrooms, such as the lack of availability for training, teacher’s lack of knowledge or schooling, or a lack of IT support. It also discusses possible solutions to the problem, such as teacher training and better resources. By assessing the Level of Technology Integration, or LoTi, …

Derrick Bell’S Community-Based Classroom, Joy Radice

Scholarly Works

In Derrick Bell’s Community-based Classroom, I argue that Derrick Bell enhanced his participatory pedagogical approach to teaching constitutional law by intentionally creating community within the law school classroom — a community that humanized the students’ educational experience. This essay explores three ways in which he created community: through his participatory, student-centered course structure; his social classroom environment; and his interactive self-assessments. Over the past few years, legal education has come under indictment in the media for not adequately training lawyers for practice. Bell’s community-based classroom responds to this indictment, fusing both theory and practice in teaching doctrinal constitutional law courses …

Teaching Mathematics In The Classroom With Powerpoint Software, Robert Ward Kopp

Theses Digitization Project

This study will look at at how to better student achievement in an Algebra II course. Specifically this study examines two different modifications made during the second semester of an Algebra II course taught at a high school in Riverside County. The modifications that were made were based on a detailed literature review that suggested looking at how students learn while using PowerPoint software as an instructional tool and at the same time investigate the consequence of rearranging a fairly common and predetermined curriculum pattern.

A Special Dvd Homework Project To Assist At-Risk Students With Reading Practice, Mary Kathleen Kronemeyer

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was designed to give students and their family's additional support in language arts through a technologically facilitated means to review the skills and strategies that are covered in one theme of the first grade Houghton Mifflin Reading Program. This project provides this additional instruction via a DVD which models ways for the students to practice spelling, practice sight words, reinforce the grammar shills of nouns and verbs and review definitions of vocabulary words.

News Capsule, Academy Of Student Pharmacists - University Of The Pacific

News Capsule

No abstract provided.

Saudi College Students' Preferences For Synchronous And Asynchronous Web-Based Courses: An Exploratory Study, Abdullah Al-Jabri

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Technology has become an essential component of the teaching-learning process, and online learning, in particular, has captivated the interest of manyEducational institutions throughout the world. Web-based learning has provided both students and teachers with new and unique ways of communicating with each other. As a result, many studies have been conducted to investigate factors affecting the establishment of productive communications in web-based settings. Likewise, the focus of this study is how the number of courses completed and the participants' perception of their English language competence impacted their preferences for synchronous and asynchronous web-based learning in English instruction and in Arabic …

State Policies For Health Education In Public Schools, Lynda K. Vu

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Federal and state governmental activities have significantly influenced schools’ health education practices over the past 50 years. Evaluation of these initiatives in the scientific literature has enhanced development of health education and influenced the creation of the National Health Education Standards (NHES). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts periodic surveys to evaluate the impact of state and local policies on school health education programs and practices.

Objectives: This research project reviews and analyzes state health education policies for the 50 states plus the District of Columbia with regard to the recommendations of the NHES. It also …

Fostering Critical Thinking About Climate Change: Applying Community Psychology To An Environmental Education Project With Youth, Livia D. Dittmer, Manuel Riemer

Centre for Community Research Learning and Action

This article argues for the participation of community psychology in issues of global climate change. The knowledge accumulated and experience gained in the discipline of community psychology have great relevance to many topics related to the environment. Practitioners of community psychology could therefore make significant contributions to climate change mitigation. To illustrate this assertion, we describe an education project conducted with youth engaged in a community-based environmental organization. This initiative was motivated by the idea that engaged and critically aware youth often become change agents for social movements. Towards this purpose, rather than using mass marketing strategies to motivate small …

A Comparison Of Traditional Versus Electronic Word Wall Instruction On Word Identification In Kindergarteners With Developmental Disabilities, Jenny Wells Ph.D., Drue E. Narkon Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to examine the effectiveness of using a word wall strategy on the word identification skills of kindergarteners with developmental disabilities (DD). An alternating treatment design was used to examine the use of the word wall strategy and whether there were differences in children’s word identification and on the teacher’s sense of efficacy when using small-group traditional word wall instruction (Cunningham, 2000) versus an individualized electronic word wall (Narkon, Wells, & Segal, 2011) instructional format. Results indicated that both strategies were effective. However, children with motivational and attentional issues may differentially benefit from the …

A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Language Policy In California, Steven Gomez

Theses Digitization Project

This thesis aims to investigate the issues surrounding California's Proposition 227, an important language policy passed in June of 1998 which drastically limited bilingual education. This proposition requires that all public school systems be in English only. Using a method known as Critical Discourse Analysis, this study exposes the underlying bias embedded in the discourse of newspaper articles from: the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, and the Sacramento Bee. After analyzing articles from these newspapers various themes emerged which indicated that each newspaper adhered to either assimilationists' position which is conservative, or a pluralist position which is backed …

Art As Method: Complicating Tales Of Visual Stenography And Implications For Urban Education And Research, Vanessa M. Jones

ETD Archive

How Black artists-othered and positioned at the margins of "civilization" in the United States-construct knowledge, context, and historical memory is informative to urban education research and policy. The exploration of this reflects the wisdom of an African proverb that others will tell the story of the struggle should it not first be told by those who live it. To create reciprocity between participants and the researcher, this study employed participatory methods and critical analysis of data from interview sessions, observation, works of art, journal reflections, and information from existing studies and artist documentaries. The study uncovers an approach to the …

Stigma And Knowledge: A Questionnaire And Literature Review, Melissa L. Pierce

ETD Archive

The main purpose of this study is to show a link between lack of knowledge about mental illness and stigmatizing attitudes towards those with mental illnesses. The first hypothesis, that stigma would be correlated with a lack of knowledge about mental illnesses was confirmed. The majority of results indicate that more knowledge about mental illness in general or about anxiety and/or schizophrenia is associated with less stigmatizing or negative attitudes. Some results didn't support the first hypothesis and these results show that some negative or stigmatizing responses were associated with more estimated knowledge about schizophrenia and/or anxiety.The second hypothesis was …

Indiana Advanced/Nca District Accreditation Study, Sterling M. Boles

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived strengths and limitations of the AdvancED/NCA district model of accreditation. Indiana public school superintendent, principal, and teacher results were examined in order to determine effective systems model improvement efforts. The survey results of district-accredited staff members from three dissimilar classifications were statistically analyzed in order to draw conclusions about their differing attitudes and beliefs of the AdvancED/NCA district school improvement model. Four null hypotheses were tested utilizing Microsoft Excel and ANOVA through SPSS. The study examined perceptual differences among superintendents, principals, and teachers regarding AdvancED/NCA district accreditation school reform variables …

The Impact Of Facebook Access In Creating A Sense Of Community In Tourism And Recreation Classes, Lorie A. Tuma

Presidential Alumni Research Dissemination Award

Previous research has indicated that college students use social networking sites such as Facebook to establish friendships, maintain communication, and foster a sense of community; research also has indicated that many college instructors do not. Many college faculty acknowledge the importance of a sense of community in the classroom but are reluctant to try social media as a way to enhance student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate. The purpose of this ex post facto, causal comparative study was to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in tourism and recreation students' self-reported sense of community when an instructor's …

Field Trips And Informal Education An Analysis Of Hands-On Science Curriculum, Christine Mccormick

Theses & ETDs

Students attending public schools in the United States have consistently declined on national and international achievement tests over the past decade (Honda, 2010) . Only by understanding the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and looking at the shortcomings of science education in the state of Florida, can improvements be made in the future. After reviewing the concept of informal education and how it compares to formal education in terms of concept, content, and effectiveness, a number of Field Trip Units appropriate for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade are presented. These trips address the concerns for …

Learning To Live And To Lead How Post-Secondary Religious Education Helps Women To Shape Modern Orthodox Judaism In Israel, Rachel Atwood

Theses & ETDs

This thesis explores effects of midrashot, post-secondary Jewish education programs for women, on women's roles and identities in Israel's religious-Zionist community. In order to approach this topic, I explore the difficulties of studying Orthodoxy from a liberal Jewish feminist perspective, mitigating personal biases and evaluating scholarly sources through a process of self-reflection. The thesis goes on to find that women have integrated study into their private identities as Jewish women in ways that are different from current male notions of study and from those of their mothers. Then, I look at the religious leadership positions that have opened to women …

Archaeology Rolls Into The Public Sphere An Introduction To Florida Public Archaeology Network's Archaeocart, Rozalyn E. Crews

Theses & ETDs

Nearly every professional archaeologist in North America is funded directly or indirectly by public monies, and thus, all archaeologists should share their information and exciting discoveries in a public friendly format. Unfortunately, this responsibility is not always acknowledged by professionals, and the ways by which an archaeologist should uphold their public duties is not exactly clear. In partial fulfillment of this role, I argue that archaeologists should be working towards a proficient understanding of how to teach archaeology to children and the general public. This thesis focuses on ArchaeoCart, a mobile education tool designed to bring archaeology to classrooms across …

“Silencing” The Powerful And “Giving” Voice To The Disempowered: Ethical Considerations Of A Dialogic Pedagogy, Adetty Pérez Miles

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

As an educator who is committed to social justice, I bring certain values and political commitments to the classroom. The counter-hegemonic voices that I bring into the classroom in the form of constructs, readings, assignments, discussions, and visual culture challenge more often than confirm students’ world-views and assumptions. The question that arises for me is whether I am silencing students’ voices through my teaching practices. Does my support of dialogic articulations and interests constitute privileging one “truth” or discourse over another? If so, am I using dialogue as a rhetorical device to persuade or to indoctrinate my students according to …

Defying Borders: Transforming Learning Through Collaborative Feminist Organizing And Interdisciplinary, Transnational Pedagogy, Terri Carney, Margaretha Geertsema Sligh, Ann M. Savage, Ageeth Sluis

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

The authors provide a case study of how a group of faculty members was able to initiate a transformation in student learning and institutional structures at a small university in the Midwestern U.S. through the introduction of collaborative feminist organizing and pedagogy. It details faculty-led initiatives that set the stage for innovative teaching and learning, and it describes the authors' experience in the face of resistance when introducing a global women's human rights course into the university's new core curriculum. Because of its divers, interdisciplinary and transnational content, this course challenged deeply ingrained disciplinary and pedagogical borders of both traditional …

Postcard, Contribute: A Public Forum On Community Action At Studio@620 In St. Petersburg, Florida, Studio At 620

Postcard Collection

A promotional postcard for Contribute, a public forum on community action hosted by the New Roots News team at Studio@620. The event, held on February 18, 2012, aimed to inform and educate Tampa Bay Area residents about local people, businesses, projects, and organizations, celebrating collaboration and community engagement.