Digital Commons Network^™

Confirmation Basics, Terri L. Elton, Lisa Kimball, Gordon Mikoski

Faculty Publications

This article moves the findings of The Confirmation Project research from theory into practice. Three members of the research team highlight three themes (purpose, design, and leadership) and walk congregational leaders through a process of discovering how these ideas can help them find a way forward that is meaningful to their congregation.

Towards A Truly Interdisciplinary Approach To Product Design Education, Colm O'Kane, Robert Tully

Papers, presentations and other resources

The education of new designers and innovators who can develop new product and service interventions to meet society’s challenges in the 21st century is a complex task. Design itself lies at the intersection of technology, art and science [1]. Technological University Dublin (DIT)’s BSc (Hons) Product Design programme was developed to reflect this reality and was uniquely designed to operate across three distinct Colleges (Engineering, Creative Arts and Business) within DIT. Its key objective is to give students a firm grounding in these three areas and to produce graduates capable of understanding and executing all stages of the design process …

Current Recruitment Strategies For Pre-Service Technology And Engineering Educators In Indiana, Megan Mcmanus

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Career and Technical Education is a significant part of many high school curricula. Technology courses offer hands-on learning and problem-solving skills to prepare students to be both college and career ready. The teachers who obtain a degree in this field are often referred to as Technology and Engineering Educators (TEE). TEE majors in the state of Indiana can choose from four-year programs at three different universities within the state. Indiana has seen a large jump in the number of TEE job openings over the past five years but is struggling to find candidates interested in majoring in the area. There …

Professional Turnaround For School Principals: Perceptions From Principals Who Have Experienced The Phenomenon, David Michael Robertson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain an essence and understanding of the phenomenon of leadership turnaround through the qualitative lenses of principals who have experienced the change. Research questions included the intrapersonal, environmental, and contextual factors related to leadership turnaround. Principals matching the criteria boundaries of working in the state of Indiana and having struggled and grown as evidenced by the first-hand testimony of their primary supervisors were chosen for this research study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of the essence of leadership turnaround from principals who had experienced the phenomenon. Observations included building tours, …

Mentoring Student Engagement: The Effect Of A College, Peer Mentoring Program On Student Engagement, Drane Andrew Parker

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether a peer mentoring program at a Midwestern faith-based institution had an impact on student engagement. The dependent variables for this study included four sub-level engagement indicators from the National Survey for Student Engagement (NSSE): collaborative learning, discussions with diverse others, quality of interactions, and supportive environment. The independent variable was participation in the peer mentoring program and the control variables were socioeconomic status (based on receipt of Pell Grant), gender, SAT score, distance from home, and in-state/out-of-state residency. The sample consisted of 296 freshmen students from the 2012–2013 academic year …

Multi-Case Study Of Antecedents Leading To Successful Nontraditional Assessment In Elementary Schools, Brett J. Boezeman

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain insight into antecedents of school culture which should be in place before implementing a major school change, such as moving to standards-based grading. Identifying these antecedents could give valuable insight to school district leaders and administrators that are considering a major change in pedagogy. Common themes emerged from the qualitative case study clearly identifying opportunities for school leaders to enact prior to implementing change. Schools were chosen for the study based on score from a school culture survey. One school scoring at a high level and one school scoring at …

Comparison Of Osteoporosis Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, And Behavior Among College Students Of Various Racial/Ethnic Groups, Lauri Deruiter-Willems

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Osteoporosis is known as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. The need for bone health, awareness of controllable risk factors and prevention of osteoporosis begins during ones youth (Campbell, 2012; Cannada, 2016; Evenson & Sanders, 2016; Edmonds, Turner, & Usdan, 2012; Ford et al., 2011; Gammage et al., 2009; Gammage et al., 2012). Currently, most health information and health campaigns focus on older adults. To promote measurable improvements in reducing the number of cases of osteoporosis, the focus for change needs to start as early as teenage and young adult age. In addition to the general population trends, rates specifically …

Applying The Addie Model In A Learning Management System: A Quantitative Study Of The Impact On Student Achievement In Online Classes Delivered Through Blackboard, Yingzhuo Quan

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The learning management system (LMS) is becoming the most popular technology chosen for higher Education. Current studies mostly focused on LMS selection, implementation, and student/faculty perceptions. With regard to this situation, this in-depth research investigated methods to improve teaching and learning in online classes that are delivered through Blackboard. One of the instructional design models, the ADDIE model, was used to redesign part of the chosen online course for the treatment group. Quantitative methods were used for this study. The results showed the ADDIE model had a positive influence on learning outcomes. This study also tested student perceptions of usefulness …

The Impact Of Teacher Leadership On Teacher Retention, Christopher C. Kuhn

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative investigation was to examine specific factors of teacher leadership qualities to determine if a difference exists between ones teacher leadership and longevity in the teaching profession. The research study focused on the differences of six teacher leadership qualities and teacher perspectives and understanding on the overall impact on teacher retention, along with any potential confirmation of any factors pertaining to retention that might be beneficial to administrations, preparation programs, teacher recruitment, and factors that lead to teacher tenure longevity. Through this quantitative study, all practicing teachers (K-12) in Indiana public schools with five years or …

The Digital Self: A Qualitative Approach To Studying Female College Students' Use Of Social-Networking Platforms, Megan Christine Gore

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to understand how female college students make use of social networks, specifically how they use the medium to connect with others. Researching socialnetworking use pertaining to the phenomenon of connection will give a richer understanding of female students’ lived experience of social networking. Many quantitative studies have been conducted about social networking, but more qualitative measures are needed to explore social networking. With the continuously changing social-networking platforms, there is little research that sheds light on social-networking use among female college students. My goal was to conduct a qualitative research study that examined female …

Vcu Health Nursing Inquiry Process Diagram (Version 2), Roy E. Brown

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

This diagram outlines the nursing inquiry process to help answer questions that arise in the clinical setting. The diagram further helps a nurse understand how to distinguish whether a situation calls for evidence-based practice, performance improvement or research. It also guides a nurse through clarifying the initial question, gathering the evidence, and through each step in the subsequent process.

Preparedness Of School Psychologists To Provide Services For Students Diagnosed With Cancer, Lauren Mckenzie Blevins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Children who survive cancer face many challenges when reintegrating into the school system. School psychologists are among the school support professionals who may aid in providing support and identifying appropriate interventions and accommodations for the academic and mental health needs of these students. This study identifies whether school psychologists in West Virginia perceive themselves to be adequately prepared to assist students who have survived cancer upon returning to school. A survey containing fourteen questions regarding the individual’s experience, training, and knowledge was distributed to school psychologists in attendance at the Fall 2016 West Virginia School Psychologists’ Association conference. Of the …

Symmetry Identified In 2-Dimensional Artwork Compositions Using Visuospatial Ability, Theresa Ferg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

At the John Langdon Down Foundation A.C. in the La Escuela Mexicana de Arte Down school in Mexico City D.F., Mexico, art students with Trisomy 21 display the use of a mathematical construct in the painting compositions of their artworks. The mathematical construct is a type of symmetry and it carries a positive affect. This is important because there have been no studies that have investigated the use of the symmetry in the artwork compositions of persons with Down syndrome. The geometric construction of the artwork compositions follows the artistic principle of the Rule of Three and the division of …

Five Combined Strategies To Achieve Comprehensive, Effective And Innovative Training In Accessibility And Universal Design. Success Stories In Spain, Yolanda De La Fuente, Delfin Jiménez, Jesús Hernández-Galán

Papers

Today, achieving quality higher education in Universal Accessibility and Design is a difficult task. There is a lack of development in this regard within higher education study programmes, so training components must be added to traditional education in order to respond to the 21st century effectively. Therefore, we name hereunder five innovative strategies that can vastly ease the success of this task when combined: 1. Flexibility: Online training in a digital world. 2. Internationalization: Allowing teaching staff and students to experience a global classroom scenario without spatial and temporal boundaries. 3. Transversality: Including individuals with multiple skills in a complex …

Math Self-Efficacy Effects On Prisoners' Academic Achievement, Randall Peder Bergman

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined three hypothesized math-self efficacy (MSE) sources that inhibit adult basic education male prisoner mathematics achievement. Previous correctional studies indicated that United States prisoners tend to have low self-efficacy and therefore lower academic achievement (Greve & Enzmann, 2003). Adult education studies also indicated lower self-efficacy in adults older than age 20 who take coursework to complete their high school diploma (Jameson & Fusco, 2014). Survey studies of MSE factors from analysis showed that students who self-reported lower self-confidence, negative self-beliefs, increased math anxieties, and greater devaluation of math’s usefulness to their future employment have significant barriers to math …

Leadership For Everry Student, Amanda Whybrew

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to examine the schools in Indiana with students identified with disabilities who are performing successfully on the state achievement assessment, ISTEP+. The intent was not to focus on how to help this population of students pass the state assessment, rather it was to see what was happening to make this type of impact on students so that they may achieve at the same level as typical peers. The research questions centered around leadership qualities and practices demonstrated by the building principal, as well as the service delivery models employed as a means of …

The Impact In Which School Principals Working In High Poverty Urban Schools Within The City Of Indianapolis Have On School Culture, Dexter Sr. Suggs

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact school principals working in high-poverty urban schools within the city of Indianapolis have on school culture. Specifically, the study sought to determine if the six school culture factors explained a significant amount of variance in the leadership composite scores for high-poverty, urban school principals. The key person in any school is the principal. The principal is the primary leader in a school and is responsible for ensuring that every student receives a quality Education in an environment that is safe, clean and conducive to learning. A positive school culture is …

The Right To Education: An Analysis Through The Lens Of The Deontological Method Of Immanuel Kant, Kavana Ramaswamy

Northwestern Journal of Human Rights

The framework of categorical imperatives is one of the most famous deontological theories of rights that have been formulated. The framework has often been used to justify human rights policies all over the world. While they have been subject to several criticisms over the last two centuries, some of these include improvements to the original framework. This paper analyses the framework of the categorical imperatives and suggest certain modifications to improve internal coherence.

The paper then seeks to apply this framework to the right to education, a right that is under fire in the conservatively-charged political arena today. This is …

The Impact Of National History Day Curriculum On Mathematics And Reading Achievement Of Middle School Students, Cory Reed Hanson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The National History Day program has been utilized in a Southeastern Minnesota school on and off since Minnesota began participating in the program in the 1980s. This secondary data analysis sought to determine the impact that embedding National History Day programming would have on the achievement of students on two standardized tests, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment III and the Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress. Existing research identified that National History Day curriculum was a disciplinary literacy strategy that would transfer skills to other subjects including reading and math when compared to scores from students that did not participate. …

The Revolving Door: A Study Of Internal And External Predictors Of Teacher Attrition, Stephen Michael Troyer

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore what factors influence teachers decisions to leave the profession early in their teaching careers. Research questions were developed to examine five internal and external factors of early-career teacher attrition. The study was conducted by administering a survey to 493 early-career teachers in Indiana from various grade levels and locations. The four-part Survey of Teacher Attrition was designed to quantitatively measure early-career teachers salary, level of grit, level of administrative support, involvement in leading or coaching extracurricular activities, overall satisfaction with the teaching profession, and intention to remain in or leave the …

Model Ai Assignments 2018, Todd W. Neller, Zack Butler, Nate Derbinsky, Heidi Furey, Fred Martin, Michael Guerzhoy, Ariel Anders, Joshua Eckroth

Computer Science Faculty Publications

The Model AI Assignments session seeks to gather and disseminate the best assignment designs of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education community. Recognizing that assignments form the core of student learning experience, we here present abstracts of seven AI assignments from the 2018 session that are easily adoptable, playfully engaging, and flexible for a variety of instructor needs. Assignment specifications and supporting resources may be found at http://modelai.gettysburg.edu.

Ai Education Matters: Teaching Hidden Markov Models, Todd W. Neller

Computer Science Faculty Publications

In this column, we share resources for learning about and teaching Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). HMMs find many important applications in temporal pattern recognition tasks such as speech/handwriting/gesture recognition and robot localization. In such domains, we may have a finite state machine model with known state transition probabilities, state output probabilities, and state outputs, but lack knowledge of the states generating such outputs. HMMs are useful in framing problems where external sequential evidence is used to derive underlying state information (e.g. intended words and gestures). [excerpt]

Developing Students' Grammar Skills, Andrew P. Johnson

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

Learning about grammar doesn't have to be boring and meaningless. This paper starts by dispelling some myths, other wise known as silly grammar ideas. It ends by describing seven activities that can be used to develop students' ability to use conventional grammar.

Ai Education Matters: Lessons From A Kaggle Click-Through Rate Prediction Competition, Todd W. Neller

Computer Science Faculty Publications

In this column, we will look at a particular Kaggle.com click-through rate (CTR) prediction competition, observe what the winning entries teach about this part of the machine learning landscape, and then discuss the valuable opportunities and resources this commends to AI educators and their students. [excerpt]

Examining Practitioner Standards Regarding Periodontal Clearance For The Orthodontic Patient, William P. Brown

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Orthodontic tooth movement relies largely on the physiology of the periodontium, which is comprised of various types of bone and soft tissues that surround and support the teeth. New orthodontic treatment modalities have emerged offering various combinations of improved esthetics and/or speed. However, the impact on standard and quality of care of these alternative treatment modalities is unclear. Institutional concern for the effects of orthodontics on a periodontally-compromised patient remains high, as evidenced by governing dental bodies mandating, and contemporary orthodontic leaders insisting, orthodontic treatment should not be carried out until active dental disease has been addressed. Therefore, this …

Influence Of A Post-­Graduate Physical Therapy Residency Program On Clinical Reasoning, Professional Development, And Career Advancement In Nairobi, Kenya, Shala Cunningham

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement

Residency programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and manual therapy can provide a means to optimize the outcomes of physical therapy without the need for or access to expensive equipment. The residency format of continuing education could allow physical therapists in developing countries access to specialty training and ongoing mentorship. However, there are limited studies that investigate the influence of residency training on the progression of clinical reasoning, professional development, and career advancement.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was threefold. The first objective was to describe the outcome of a post-graduate orthopaedic manual therapy residency program on development …

Physical Therapists’ Beliefs About Preparation To Work In Special Care Nurseries And Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Joyce Lammers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Physical therapists (PTs) may care for full-term or premature newborns in all levels of hospital nurseries. There is some endorsement in the published physical therapy literature for restricting practice in the nursery setting to only those PTs with specialized training.1-4 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of becoming and being a physical therapist in a special care nursery (SCN) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the therapists’ perspective. METHODS: The participants were physical therapists who have practiced in a SCN or NICU in the United States. A phenomenological approach was used and data …

Pain In Children With Developmental Disabilities: Development And Preliminary Effectiveness Of A Pain Training Workshop For Respite Workers, Lara M. Genik, C. Meghan Mcmurtry, Lynn M. Breau, Stephen P. Lewis, Tamlyn Freedman-Kalchman

Paediatrics Publications

Introduction: Pain in children with intellectual disabilities (ID) is common and complex, yet there is no standard pain training for their secondary caregivers (ie, respite staff). Objectives: Determine perceived pain training needs/preferences of children's respite staff (phase 1) and, use this information combined with extant research and guidelines to develop and pilot a training (phase 2). Methods: In phase 1, 22 participants responded to questionnaires and engaged in individual interviews/focus groups about their experiences with pain in children with ID, and perceived training needs/preferences. In phase 2, 50 participants completed knowledge measures and rated the feasibility of, and their own …

Mathematical Abilities In Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Alexandra M. Cross, Lisa M.D. Archibald, Marc F. Joanisse

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Publications

Purpose. The present paper provides a scoping review of the literature on mathematical abilities in developmental language disorder (DLD). Children with DLD typically struggle with learning in school, however the mechanism by which DLD impacts academic success is unclear. Mathematics involves demands in the multiple domains, and therefore holds potential for examining the relationship between language and academic performance on tasks mediated by verbal and non-verbal demands.

Methods. A scoping review was performed via computerized database searching to examine literature on mathematics and DLD. The 21 papers meeting inclusion criteria compared children with typical development or DLD on various tasks …

Academic Hustle: Teaching African American Students In Online Educational Environments, Tora Hope Townsend

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of K-12 virtual school models on the Educational outcomes of African American students. This study sought to (a) contribute to the growing body of research and literature on virtual schooling models, (b) enlighten stakeholders regarding K-12 African American students in a technology-driven paradigm, and (c) elucidate means to improve schooling experiences of African American students that lead to better outcomes. This study examined the impact of the relationship between virtual schools and the academic success of African American students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Through this qualitative case study, current …