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Master of Education Research Theses

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Career College Students' Perceptions Of Portfolios And Their Influence In The Hiring Process, Andrea J. Webb Aug 2011

Career College Students' Perceptions Of Portfolios And Their Influence In The Hiring Process, Andrea J. Webb

Master of Education Research Theses

Two-year college enrollment continues to increase to meet the challenges of our changing economy. Due to this increased enrollment, it has become quite evident that more research in the area of two-year colleges is needed. Many two-year colleges have their students complete a portfolio upon graduation, to assist them in the competitive job market. Does the portfolio really help students get jobs? The contents of this paper follow a mixed-method study that involves surveying graduates of two-year colleges as well as interviewing employers who frequently hire two-year college graduates. Graduates from a number of two-year colleges were asked to complete …


Christian Education In The 21st Century: Renewing A Transformational Vision, Gabriel J. Pethtel Aug 2011

Christian Education In The 21st Century: Renewing A Transformational Vision, Gabriel J. Pethtel

Master of Education Research Theses

The findings of this research include educational concepts synthesized from interviews with several contemporary Christian school leaders including, D. Bruce Lockerbie, Jeff Woodcock, Janet Lowrie Nason, Barret Mossbacker, Bob Gresh, Rick Bernhardt, Randy Ross, Chirs Cleveland, Dr. Jane Duffey, Dr. John Foreman, and Dr. Marck Eckel. The voices of these educators are combined with literary points made by foundational Christian school leaders in years past, such as Frank E. Gaebelein, Roy W. Lowrie, Roussas J. Rushdoony, Cornelius Van Til, and Gene Garrick, to renew a transformational vision for Christian education in the 21st century. Research findings promote a call to …


A Parental Response To Online Progress Reports, Jane E. Miner Aug 2011

A Parental Response To Online Progress Reports, Jane E. Miner

Master of Education Research Theses

For years the academic and social progress of the elementary student has been communicated by paper reports. This project examined the parental response to the introduction of online progress reports in an elementary school. The student information system observed was the free Engrade class management system. The investigation was conducted in a small Christian school with parents of students in grades two through six. Parents were asked if the online communication bettered their understanding of their child‟s development. The literature review shows the value of the communication between school and home. Literature also uncovers the effect of technology on that …


How Have Descriptions Of The Arab-Israeli Conflict Changed In High School U.S. History Textbooks Since The 1950s?, Andrea Smith Aug 2011

How Have Descriptions Of The Arab-Israeli Conflict Changed In High School U.S. History Textbooks Since The 1950s?, Andrea Smith

Master of Education Research Theses

This study is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of textbook content regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, among three of the top textbook publishers in the United States from the 1950s to the present. The goal of this study was to highlight whether there has been more or less emphasis on particular events over time, and identify major patterns and changes in textbook content on the Arab-Israeli conflict. This thesis also addresses some of the historic, political, social, and educational implications of those changes. The conclusions and recommendations portion of the research contains suggestions for overcoming the limitations of textbook portrayals of …


Why Do Japanese People Not Speak English? Japanese Elementary Students In A Bilingual School, Steven B. Rohrer Aug 2011

Why Do Japanese People Not Speak English? Japanese Elementary Students In A Bilingual School, Steven B. Rohrer

Master of Education Research Theses

Japanese schools have invested much money and effort in teaching English, yet why do most Japanese people not speak English? Their reticence has been attributed to various factors including communication apprehension or language anxiety. In this study, qualitative, phenomenological interviews were conducted with 24 Japanese upper elementary students at a bilingual international school in Japan to investigate influences on their willingness to communicate in English. Through open coding of the students’ responses, four themes emerged. Intrinsic factors which made students reticent to speak in English were internal stress and the perceived difficulty of English speaking. Social groups and identity issues …


An Action Research Study On Using Cooperative Learning During Graphic Design Classroom Crits, Anise V. Simpson Jul 2011

An Action Research Study On Using Cooperative Learning During Graphic Design Classroom Crits, Anise V. Simpson

Master of Education Research Theses

The author of this action research study surveyed both graphic design students and graphic design instructors about their critique experiences to discover instructors and students both identified a lack of student participation as well as the issue of students getting hurt feelings and becoming discouraged as common critique concerns. The author designed and implemented a treatment called Design Structures to increase student participation during crits. To improve the quality of experience of design students during crits, the author incorporated cooperative learning strategies developed by Spencer and Miguel Kagan (2009) into the Design Structures treatment. The author used the experience sampling …


Parents’ Perspective Of The Young Marines As A Youth Leadership Program, Rebecca Van Deusen Jul 2011

Parents’ Perspective Of The Young Marines As A Youth Leadership Program, Rebecca Van Deusen

Master of Education Research Theses

Despite the number of youth development programs, little is clear about the essence and structure of the Young Marines through the eyes of the parents. Drawing on both the literature and the data gathered through in-depth interviews from parents, this study aims to examine parents’ views, their understanding and perspective. Data collected for this study comes from one primary source: Young Marines, Quantico, VA. Through a phenomenological study, the researcher’s participants give insight, knowledge, and descriptive life experiences about the Young Marines. Materials provided by the National Young Marines website was beneficial and necessary as no data represents the Young …


A Historical Analysis Of Attitudes Toward The Use Of Calculators In Junior High And High School Math Classrooms In The United States Since 1975, Sarah Banks Jun 2011

A Historical Analysis Of Attitudes Toward The Use Of Calculators In Junior High And High School Math Classrooms In The United States Since 1975, Sarah Banks

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis explored the history of calculator usage in mathematics classrooms in the United States since 1975 with a focus on the attitudes of parents, educators, and national organizations. The influence of historical events, people, organizations, research, and trends was explored in depth. Studying the changes that calculators have brought to mathematics curriculum and how educators have reacted in the past will help to explain why math curriculum and school systems have adopted the attitudes and policies about calculators that they currently hold. This study found similar attitudes and reactions by parents and educators toward calculator usage in contrast to …


Using Mnemonic Strategies To Teach Letter-Name And Letter-Sound Correspondences, Janet S. Shaeffer Apr 2011

Using Mnemonic Strategies To Teach Letter-Name And Letter-Sound Correspondences, Janet S. Shaeffer

Master of Education Research Theses

The critical role of acquiring alphabet letter names and sounds as a foundation to literacy is pursued successfully with a class of kindergarteners, using two mnemonic treatments, one using pictures and jingles, and the other using music with a kinesthetic element.


Technology Integration: A Research-Based Professional Development Program, Tori R. Faulder Jan 2011

Technology Integration: A Research-Based Professional Development Program, Tori R. Faulder

Master of Education Research Theses

This research-based thesis project explains the governmental acts and policies, investors, and other stakeholders who have worked to promote, question, and explore the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom. Research suggests that best-practice ICT integration requires using ICT alongside constructivist pedagogy. However, ICT integration is a complex phenomenon involving a significant number of factors. Teachers have often taken the blame for a failure to effectively integrate ICT in their classrooms due to their integral role in effective integration. This research project attempts to ensure that teachers will be equipped, empowered, and encouraged to include ICT in …


A Historical Analysis Of Special Education Services In Conservative Christian Schools Since 1950, Kristi-Lynn Craig Aug 2010

A Historical Analysis Of Special Education Services In Conservative Christian Schools Since 1950, Kristi-Lynn Craig

Master of Education Research Theses

This study examines the historical progression of the availability of special education in Conservative Christian Schools in the United States since 1950. Due to the limited nature of research in this field, a historical analysis was used to better understand how the development of special education in Conservative Christian Schools compares to the development of special education in Public Schools. After analyzing the literature, four key turning points were identified. In addition, the significant roles of funding and Biblical support were examined. This thesis made recommendations for future, continued research and poses suggestions for Conservative Christian Schools to consider regarding …


Knowledge And Perceptions Of Students With Disabilities In Regard To A Resource Room In A Private School, Susan C. Blackford Aug 2010

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Students With Disabilities In Regard To A Resource Room In A Private School, Susan C. Blackford

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study focused on student knowledge and perceptions of the resource room in a private school. Students on an IEP or eligible for an IEP and that had attended the resource room were interviewed on the five constructs: knowledge, perceptions, benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. Teachers and administrators were surveyed regarding these same five constructs. This study represents a small private K-12 school of approximately 170 students where the main service model is the resource room. Analysis of the results revealed that students perceived the resource room teacher, the ability to receive help and the quiet atmosphere as …


Interactive Whiteboards And Elementary Students' Writing, Lynn C. Cleland Jul 2010

Interactive Whiteboards And Elementary Students' Writing, Lynn C. Cleland

Master of Education Research Theses

This research focused on the use of an interactive white board in two third grade classrooms to assist students in learning to write main ideas and supporting details as introduced through The Six Traits writing model. The study focused on a control group and an experimental group completing similar writing lessons. The experimental groups' lessons centered around the use of an interactive white board and various activities and interactive games to enforce the learning. The results from the study can aid educators in the incorporation of an interactive white board to assist instruction.


Teachers’ Perceptions Of The In-School Suspension Program At Centerville High School, Joshua Vaccar Jan 2010

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The In-School Suspension Program At Centerville High School, Joshua Vaccar

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study provides teacher perceptions of the in-school suspension (ISS) program at Centerville High School. The study was based on semi-structured interviews of fifteen individuals, representing a sample of teachers in the math and science departments. Interview questions focused on three constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. Overall, the results show that the teachers have found the ISS program to be an effective and necessary tool to help with classroom management. However, teachers have also reported areas of concern, such as, efficiency and functionality of the program. Other benefits, limitations and areas for improvement were also noted. These …


Inquiry Based Mathematics Instruction Versus Traditional Mathematics Instruction: The Effect On Student Understanding And Comprehension In An Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra Classroom, Kyle Ferguson Jan 2010

Inquiry Based Mathematics Instruction Versus Traditional Mathematics Instruction: The Effect On Student Understanding And Comprehension In An Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra Classroom, Kyle Ferguson

Master of Education Research Theses

This quantitative study provides information obtained through the use of inquiry-based mathematics instruction verses traditional mathematics instruction. The use of each curriculum was implemented into two classrooms of eighth grade pre-algebra students. The study was based on data collected before and after each of the two units of study. Fifty-two suburban eighth grade students represented the sample population. Results of the SPSS analysis showed that both classes made improvement from their pre-test to their post-test for both units but students receiving instruction through inquiry-based instruction showed significantly more improvement on the second unit. These results can be useful for educators …


Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards And Effects On Academic Achievement In A Fourth Grade Language Arts Classroom, Everett B. Burke Jan 2010

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards And Effects On Academic Achievement In A Fourth Grade Language Arts Classroom, Everett B. Burke

Master of Education Research Theses

This is a mixed study on technology in the educational setting about student perceptions of interactive whiteboards (IWB) and if there are measurable effects of the IWB's on student performance. This was a within subject design with a counterbalancing of order study set in a fourth grade classroom and lasted for a period of four weeks. In keeping with a true counterbalance study one group was exposed to instruction with heavy emphasis on the use of an interactive white board. Concurrently another group was exposed to instruction of the same material through more traditional technology including an overhead projector, dry-erase …


Student Perceptions Of Elmo Technology In A Physical Science Classroom, Philip J. Kirby May 2009

Student Perceptions Of Elmo Technology In A Physical Science Classroom, Philip J. Kirby

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study provides student perceptions of digital visual display camera (ELMO being the specific one) use in a secondary physical science classroom. The use of ELMO was alternated with the overhead projector, using ABAB and BABA designs in two classrooms. The study was based on semi-structured interviews of fifty-six individuals, representing a sample of suburban, high school students. Interview questions focused on three constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. Analyzing the results ascertained that students found the ELMO to be interesting because it was engaging and new technology. Students also reported the ELMO to improve instruction through enhanced …


Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Third Grade Classroom, Deanna J. Genesi Jan 2009

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Third Grade Classroom, Deanna J. Genesi

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative project presents students’ perceptions of interactive whiteboard (IWB) usage in a third grade elementary classroom. The use of the IWB was alternated with the overhead/chalkboard on an ABAB design. The study was based on semistructured interviews of 19 rural, elementary school students. The interview questions focused on the following constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. The results established that students found the IWB to be interesting, fun, and engaging because it involved multi-media aspects and improved visuals. The study also noted the students’ perceived limitations of the IWB and areas for improvement. The results of this study …


A Historical Analysis Of Public School Sex Education In America Since 1900, Valerie Huber Jan 2009

A Historical Analysis Of Public School Sex Education In America Since 1900, Valerie Huber

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis explored the history of American public school sex education since 1900. It identified key points in sex education development. Six historical events were highlighted: (1) The social hygiene and the birth control movements, (2) research by Alfred Kinsey, (3) the sexual revolution, (4) creation of SIECUS, (5) the discovery of AIDS and, 6) the reform of the welfare system. An interpretation of these factors suggested: (1) countercultural voices of previous eras have become the dominant voices in current sex education, (2) the philosophical development of “comprehensive” sex education was linked to a personal justification of unconventional sexual behaviors, …


Using Classroom Resources Wisely With Accelerated Reader, Carolyn Hohman Jan 2009

Using Classroom Resources Wisely With Accelerated Reader, Carolyn Hohman

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis project consists of locating and creating teacher-made Accelerated Reader quizzes from a collection of trade books in an elementary classroom library. This collection was not being well utilized by students because the school did not provide a computerized Accelerated Reader Reading Practice Quiz for these titles. The goal is for the students to enjoy this collection of various leveled trade books while at the same time reaping the classroom and school-wide benefits of reading and comprehending Accelerated Reader books.


Student Perceptions Of Learning Disability Labels At The Junior High And High School Level, Ashley L. Matheson Jan 2009

Student Perceptions Of Learning Disability Labels At The Junior High And High School Level, Ashley L. Matheson

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative research study provides student perceptions of their own Learning Disability labels at the Junior High and High School level. All thirty-five students who were involved answered questions during in-depth interviews. The students represented a sample population of small, rural, and public junior high and high school students. Interview questions focused on the benefits and limitations of being labeled with a learning disability. Data analysis results showed that students preferred being in special education or being labeled as learning disabled because they are able to gain help in order to be successful in school. Limitations and negative aspects were …


Vouchers: A Legitimate Tool For Immediate Improvement In Student Academic Achievement In Urban Schools?, Matthew A. Fansler May 2008

Vouchers: A Legitimate Tool For Immediate Improvement In Student Academic Achievement In Urban Schools?, Matthew A. Fansler

Master of Education Research Theses

Based on the growing debate surrounding vouchers, and the varying positions on the effect they may or may not have on student performance, this paper hopes to establish what immediate effects the use of a voucher system has on the academic performance of high school students in an urban setting. Does the use of a voucher offer a legitimate solution to raising student performance or does the voucher simply serve as a means of moving students from one school to another? In order to determine the legitimacy of a current voucher program, data will be collected that is directly linked …


Teacher Training: Creative Writing Instruction, Elizabeth A. Rice Jan 2008

Teacher Training: Creative Writing Instruction, Elizabeth A. Rice

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis project consists of my design of a four-session teacher training in creative writing instruction within the elementary classroom setting. Oftentimes, teachers struggle with the implementation of creative writing instruction, as it is usually a task required of them in addition to their already overwhelming curriculum. My goal is to present practical strategies, methods, and ideas which teachers will be able to implement as they seek to challenge their students in the realm of creative writing.


Does Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation Improve Schools? An Investigation Of Teacher Perceptions Of Appraisal Systems, Joseph A. Batchelor Jan 2008

Does Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation Improve Schools? An Investigation Of Teacher Perceptions Of Appraisal Systems, Joseph A. Batchelor

Master of Education Research Theses

Three years after implementing a standards-based teacher evaluation system in a private K-12 school, research was conducted to determine what attitudes and perceptions teachers had on the effectiveness of the system. The survey includes questions about the teacher evaluation process and the goals of the test school in implementing the process. The goals for adopting the standards-based teacher evaluation system were (1) increased student learning, (2) improving instruction, (3) developing a mentoring program, (4) focusing professional development, and (5) facilitating collegiality. The sample for the survey included 87 teachers (group AB) from schools in the Southeast, of which 21 (group …


Increasing Teacher Retention In Today's American Schools, Trevor M. Creeden Jan 2008

Increasing Teacher Retention In Today's American Schools, Trevor M. Creeden

Master of Education Research Theses

For schools in today's society to hold on to good teachers that the students learn well from and parents respect is becoming more and more difficult year after year. The students of today are very different than they were 15 to 20 years ago and there is too much pressure to perform from administrators today than in the past. This study is intended to inform and make both public and private schools aware of the factors that affect teacher retention and several ways schools can increase teacher retention at their own school. This qualitative study focuses more on finding out …


Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Biology Classroom, Christina Schut Jan 2007

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Biology Classroom, Christina Schut

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study provides student perceptions of interactive whiteboard (IWB) use in a secondary biology classroom. The use of the IWB was alternated with the overhead on an ABAB and BABA design in two classrooms. The study was based on semi-structured interviews of thirty-six individuals, representing a sample of rural, high school students. Interview questions focused on three constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. Analyzing the results ascertained that students found the IWB to be interesting because it was engaging and offered multimedia aspects. Students also reported the IWB to improve instruction through enhanced visuals and notes. Limitations and …


Journaling As A Test Preparatory Measure In Secondary Mathematics: Successful Student Strategies, Lloyd E. Nickerson Ii Jan 2007

Journaling As A Test Preparatory Measure In Secondary Mathematics: Successful Student Strategies, Lloyd E. Nickerson Ii

Master of Education Research Theses

This study examines a math journal writing assignment comparing how high school (grades 10 through 12) algebra students who performed well and students who performed poorly on traditional mathematics tests constructed their corresponding journal entries. Statistically significant differences found indicated that students who performed well on the tests were more likely to have originally composed the text and examples in their journal entries, and students who performed poorly were more likely to have copied much of the mathematical language and examples in their journal entries from their textbooks. Students who performed well on the test were also more likely to …


Perspectives Of School Nurse Vocational Satisfaction: A Qualitative Analysis, Shirley G. Smith Jan 2007

Perspectives Of School Nurse Vocational Satisfaction: A Qualitative Analysis, Shirley G. Smith

Master of Education Research Theses

This is a phenomenological, qualitative study of 25 school nurses employed in a large, urban school district in the Midwestern section of the United States. The study’s participants possess histories of professional work experiences in nursing specialties other than school nursing. Given the wide range of potential nursing opportunities currently available to registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees, participants’ responses regarding their selection of school nursing as a career, their past and present job satisfaction levels in school nursing, challenges, success definitions, and the integration of work with home life all bring clarity to the participants’ perspectives on this specialty of …


A Best-Evidence Synthesis Of The Relationship Of Multiple Intelligence Instructional Approaches And Student Achievement Indicators In Secondary School Classrooms, Ethan E. Hodge Aug 2005

A Best-Evidence Synthesis Of The Relationship Of Multiple Intelligence Instructional Approaches And Student Achievement Indicators In Secondary School Classrooms, Ethan E. Hodge

Master of Education Research Theses

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the literature in order to assess and quantify (if possible) the relationship between MI instructional approaches and student achievement indicators in secondary school classrooms (grades 6-12). This study employed the best-evidence synthesis methodology devised by Robert Slavin. Criteria for study inclusio n included germaneness, minimization of bias, and validity. This study allows for several conclusions: (1) a very limited amount of research focusing on the relationship of MI instructional approaches and student achievement indicators in secondary school classrooms exists, (2) instances of MI instructional approaches vary widely in methodology and implementation but …


A Qualitative Examination Of Middle Grade Practices In Christian Schools: Could They Become Models For Middle Level Reform?, Teresea Baumann May 2005

A Qualitative Examination Of Middle Grade Practices In Christian Schools: Could They Become Models For Middle Level Reform?, Teresea Baumann

Master of Education Research Theses

There has been much debate concerning the educational structures best suited for the teaching of students during the pivotal years from ages ten to fifteen. Many researchers and educators believe that the educational experiences for this age group need to be tailored to the unique qualities of this time in the life of a student. One purpose of this thesis is to examine the best practices for educating children during this time period. Another purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the practices in private Christian day schools to similar studies done of public school settings. The study …