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2017

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University of Central Florida

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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Effectiveness Of Project-Based Learning Using Digital Storytelling Technology On Improving Second-Grade Students' Performance Of Science Standards, Mariella Dorr Jan 2017

The Effectiveness Of Project-Based Learning Using Digital Storytelling Technology On Improving Second-Grade Students' Performance Of Science Standards, Mariella Dorr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to find the effectiveness of digital storytelling technology integration through a project-based learning approach using digital stories combined with hands-on guided inquiry science lessons. As a teacher researcher, the focus was on the effectiveness in the performance of second-grade students using higher-order thinking science standards. For a period of ten weeks, the researcher through comparative action research investigated how emergent technology integration improved the performance of two second-grade classrooms implementing three higher-order thinking life science standards. A total of 27 students from two second-grade classrooms volunteered for this research. For the study, a pretest …


The Contribution Of Educators' Levels Of Inspiration And Compassion For Others To Their Degree Of Burnout, Samuel Bierbrauer Jan 2017

The Contribution Of Educators' Levels Of Inspiration And Compassion For Others To Their Degree Of Burnout, Samuel Bierbrauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the directional relationship between educators' levels of inspiration and compassion for others to their degree of burnout. Specifically, the investigation tested the hypothesized directional relationship that educators' who report higher levels of inspiration (as measured by the Educator Inspire Scale, EIS; Lambie, Barden, & Bierbrauer, 2016) and compassion for others (as measured by the Compassion for Others Scale; COS; Pommier, 2010) would score at lower levels of burnout (as measured by the three components of burnout [emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment] on the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educator Survey; MBI-ES; Maslach, et al., 1996). In addition, the …


Analysis Of The Effects Of Formative Assessment In Promoting Transfer Of Learning In An Undergraduate General Microbiology Laboratory Course, Andrea Rediske Jan 2017

Analysis Of The Effects Of Formative Assessment In Promoting Transfer Of Learning In An Undergraduate General Microbiology Laboratory Course, Andrea Rediske

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The undergraduate microbiology lab serves an important role in establishing a foundation of best practices in aseptic technique and infection control for pre-medical, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, or pre-allied health students. The high incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the US and evidence in the literature of less effective implementation of proper aseptic technique among apprentice doctors and nursing students suggests that more effective transfer of learning could improve implementation of these procedures in the clinical setting. The research described in this study aimed to assess learning transfer as it applied to aseptic techniques and infection control skills learned in the undergraduate …


Exploring The Trends Between The Reading Attitudes And Habits Of Children And Their Parents At A Community Reading Camp, Darlshawn Patterson Jan 2017

Exploring The Trends Between The Reading Attitudes And Habits Of Children And Their Parents At A Community Reading Camp, Darlshawn Patterson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reading attitude plays a vital role in the academic achievement of students. This thesis reports findings from a study of how parents' reading attitudes and habits may influence their children's reading attitudes and habits. Students and parents attending a metropolitan university's Saturday Reading Camp (SRC) in the United States participated in this study. Participants completed a survey that examined participants' reading attitudes and habits. Results from this study showed minor similarities between the reading attitudes of parents and their children. However, there were more significant similarities between the reading habits of parents and their children.


The Effects Of The Vocabulary Scenario Technique- English Learner Peer Protocol On Ninth Grade English Learners Who Struggle With Literacy, Kimmerly Harrell Jan 2017

The Effects Of The Vocabulary Scenario Technique- English Learner Peer Protocol On Ninth Grade English Learners Who Struggle With Literacy, Kimmerly Harrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent data have shown that only 34% of eighth graders and 37% of 12th graders were reading at or above proficiency (NAEP, 2015). A total of 21% of Hispanic eighth graders were reading at or above proficiency, and only 25% of Hispanic 12th graders were reading at or above proficiency. Of African-American students, 16% of eighth graders and 17% of 12th graders were reading at or above proficiency. In order for adolescents to become successful and productive adults, they need to acquire advanced literacy skills. Many of these demands require an education beyond high school (Rothman, 2012). Concern for English …


An Examination Of Post Implementation Adoption Of Business Intelligence Technologies And The Role Of Training Programs During This Process, Juliana Gully Jan 2017

An Examination Of Post Implementation Adoption Of Business Intelligence Technologies And The Role Of Training Programs During This Process, Juliana Gully

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study sought to determine if there was any difference in the perception of training modality delivery between participants who attended a face-to-face (F2F) training session or participated in blended training that supported business intelligence (BI) technology adoption. There is minimal information available identifying how training can influence an individual's intention to fully adopt BI technology into daily work processes. Identification of key factors influencing training modalities' effect on technology adoption promotes strategies that allow trainers to better facilitate and develop content that can help organizations to integrating BI technologies into their workflow. This study analyzed survey responses that …


A Study Of The Relationship Between Second-Order Change Leadership Behaviors Of High School Administrators And Student Achievement From 2016-2017, Eugene Pringle Jr. Jan 2017

A Study Of The Relationship Between Second-Order Change Leadership Behaviors Of High School Administrators And Student Achievement From 2016-2017, Eugene Pringle Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of a relationship between second-order change leadership behaviors of high school administrators and changes in student achievement from the school year 2016 to 2017 on the Florida Standards Assessment English Language Arts/Reading component and the Algebra 1 End of Course examination in two large urban school districts. This study further sought to determine the leadership behaviors that high school administrators felt had the most impact on student achievement. As a mixed-method research study (N = 69), quantitative and qualitative data were collected for analyses. Quantitative data were collected via the …


An Analysis Of Sustained Positive Behavior Intervention Support In Florida And Related Disciplinary Outcomes, Kristin Sweeney Jan 2017

An Analysis Of Sustained Positive Behavior Intervention Support In Florida And Related Disciplinary Outcomes, Kristin Sweeney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes associated with sustained school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) programs in the State of Florida and the impact the length of time of implementation of these programs had on those outcomes. The link between discipline outcomes, as measured by the number of office discipline referrals (ODRs) written over the course of a school year per 100 students and sustained implementation of PBIS systems with documented fidelity, as well as the connection between discipline outcomes for subgroups of students and sustained PBIS programs were examined for schools in the initial implementation …


Improving Instructional Strategies In Higher Education For Students With A Learning Disability In A General Education Science Course, Brian Ogle Jan 2017

Improving Instructional Strategies In Higher Education For Students With A Learning Disability In A General Education Science Course, Brian Ogle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This Dissertation in Practice employed a mixed-methods design to identify preferred instructional methods in a college level science course as well as the self-reported challenges to learning science in college by students with a learning disability. In addition, the relationships between preferred instructional strategies and learner characteristics such as declared major, and learning disability were examined. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from a sample of 48 participants using an electronic survey. Additionally, eight participants participated in focus groups to collect in-depth qualitative data. All participants are current students enrolled full-time at Beacon College. Each participant completed a science college …


A Formative Process Evaluation Study Of Teacher Usage Of A Learning Management System In A K-12 Public School, Victoria Franzese Jan 2017

A Formative Process Evaluation Study Of Teacher Usage Of A Learning Management System In A K-12 Public School, Victoria Franzese

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore teacher perceptions, concerns, and integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a K-12 public school. With more educational institutions adopting LMSs, it is imperative to examine teachers' concerns regarding the tool as teachers have an important role in how effectively an innovation—such as an LMS—is implemented (Lochner, Conrad, & Graham, 2015). Ultimately, adoption of an innovation can be successful if teachers have an understanding of the components leading to the innovation's success, such as the innovation's value in enhancing both the curriculum and the students' learning experiences (Lochner et al., 2015). …


An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study Of Student Awareness In Expressing Emotions And Identifying The Emotions Of Others: Through The Mirror Looking Glass, Christine K. Duff Jan 2017

An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study Of Student Awareness In Expressing Emotions And Identifying The Emotions Of Others: Through The Mirror Looking Glass, Christine K. Duff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to determine how the self-awareness process of expressing emotions and identifying emotions of others was impacted during a mirror-based intervention for first grade students from inclusive classrooms. The study investigated the extent that a two-way mirror display helped eight students increase their level of awareness when expressing emotions and identifying the emotions of others. Traditional assessment measures for assessing empathy and accuracy in perception of emotions of others have relied on binary, forced choice responses that have not addressed a student's level of awareness, or increased awareness in identifying the emotions of others. Further, …


A Comparison Of Final Grade Outcomes Of Veterans Enrolled In English I Through Online And Face-To-Face Instructional Modalities At A Public Four-Year College, Thomas Hoke Jan 2017

A Comparison Of Final Grade Outcomes Of Veterans Enrolled In English I Through Online And Face-To-Face Instructional Modalities At A Public Four-Year College, Thomas Hoke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the passing of the first GI Bill in 1945, the community college, now two-and-four-year college, has provided access to veterans in pursuit of postsecondary education. As the college system has grown and expanded during the second half of the 20th Century, online learning has become increasingly important to the development of four-year colleges. Research into online learning has yet to reach an agreement on its effectiveness compared to traditional face-to-face instruction. Additionally, little research into the academic outcomes of veterans taking courses through use of the online instructional modality has been conducted. To address this gap, the current study …


Doctoral Supervision: An Analysis Of Doctoral Candidates' And Graduates' Perception Of Supervisory Practices, Colton Tapoler Jan 2017

Doctoral Supervision: An Analysis Of Doctoral Candidates' And Graduates' Perception Of Supervisory Practices, Colton Tapoler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to collect and examine the reported supervisory practices experienced by professional doctoral candidates in the last year of their program, and recent program graduates, within the last three years, from across multiple disciplines. Doctoral supervisors, specifically in the United States, are not usually provided a set of practices or concrete training prior to advising doctoral candidates (Walker, 2008, p. 35). With this in mind, and the limited amount of research available on doctoral supervision in professional doctoral programs in the United States, it was critical to analyze the experienced supervision of professional doctoral candidates …


Faculty Professional Development For Improving Hybrid Course Success, Amanda Saxman Jan 2017

Faculty Professional Development For Improving Hybrid Course Success, Amanda Saxman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to investigate the inconsistent success rates in hybrid courses at a Florida college. Results from a pilot study and faculty survey revealed a need for a training program specific to hybrid instructors. The researchers created a training program composed of a framework and a professional development course, designed to promote consistency in how instructors create and implement their hybrid courses. The framework consists of six research-based standards which aided in the creation of six learning modules for the professional development course. These modules were: course alignment, face-to-face active learning, online resources, formative …


A Study Of The Relationship Between The Quality Of District Supervisor Narrative Feedback To School Principals As It Relates To Student Achievement, Fiscal Management, School Climate, And Teacher Effectiveness, Karena Chunoo Jan 2017

A Study Of The Relationship Between The Quality Of District Supervisor Narrative Feedback To School Principals As It Relates To Student Achievement, Fiscal Management, School Climate, And Teacher Effectiveness, Karena Chunoo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of narrative feedback from district supervisors given to school principals. In addition, building on the research of effective feedback, another purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between supervisor narrative feedback to school principals and four pillars of principal responsibility: student achievement, school climate, fiscal responsibility, and teacher performance. Narrative observation data from the School Leadership Evaluation - Florida Model were analyzed from a large urban school district to determine the level, (i.e., quality) of narrative feedback provided to school principals. Additional data were collected on the four …


A Phenomenological Study On The Implementation Of Louise Rosenblatt's Transactional Theory And Its Impact On Teacher-Efficacy For Literacy Instruction In An Online Environment, Marcus Vu Jan 2017

A Phenomenological Study On The Implementation Of Louise Rosenblatt's Transactional Theory And Its Impact On Teacher-Efficacy For Literacy Instruction In An Online Environment, Marcus Vu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study sought to examine the teacher-efficacy for literacy instruction (TELI) of instructors who teach in an online environment. The phenomenological methodology sought to answer the following research questions: (1) What pedagogical practices do instructors use to provide literacy instruction in an online environment? (2) How do instructors perceive their TELI in an online environment? and (3) What impact, if any, will a Professional Learning Community (PLC) focused on Rosenblatt's Transactional Theory have on TELI in an online environment? The study consisted of a group of seven online instructors. The researcher the acting as facilitator administered the initial interviews …


The Effectiveness Of Using Florida Virtual High School Course Data During The College Admission Process As A Predictor Of Degree Completion Within Six Years., Michael Callahan Jan 2017

The Effectiveness Of Using Florida Virtual High School Course Data During The College Admission Process As A Predictor Of Degree Completion Within Six Years., Michael Callahan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The admission process at higher education institutions has not adapted for online distance education classes taken in high schools, such as those offered by the Florida Virtual School. The purpose of this study was to determine whether online distance education courses taken in high school can serve as an indicator of student success in post-secondary education. An honors program at a large public research university provided the data examined. This honors program stored online distance education information in a database, which allowed for analysis. Presently, the institution's primary undergraduate admission office does not collect or store this type of information. …


An Investigation Of The Effects Of Neurofeedback Training On Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, And Academic Self-Efficacy In College Students., Shaywanna Harris Jan 2017

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Neurofeedback Training On Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, And Academic Self-Efficacy In College Students., Shaywanna Harris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College students diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and lower academic self-efficacy as compared to college students not diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, college students with ADHD diagnoses struggle to obtain effective treatment options for their ADHD symptoms. Specifically, pharmacological interventions are effective in mitigating ADHD symptoms; however, adverse effects of stimulant medications (i.e., increased/decreased appetite, headache) impact medication adherence in college students with ADHD. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free intervention that uses the theories of biofeedback and cybernetics to increase self-regulation of brain functions. The purpose of this dissertation study was to …


An Exploratory Study Of Usa Candidates' And Recent Graduates' Perceptions Of Professional Doctorate Supervision, Kari Whaley Jan 2017

An Exploratory Study Of Usa Candidates' And Recent Graduates' Perceptions Of Professional Doctorate Supervision, Kari Whaley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on exploring professional doctorate candidates' and recent graduates' perceptions of their doctoral supervision experience. Candidates from across the United States, in various academic disciplines, were surveyed and 255 total responses were gathered. The literature search focused on doctorate supervisory practices, doctoral supervisors' characteristics, and unique differences of academic disciplines. This was a mixed-methods study. The data were analyzed by quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi square test and Kruskal-Wallis test). Qualitative responses were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Respondents identified the most important competencies of a …


Examining The Experiences Of Latino/A Parents Of First-Generation College Students Pursuing A Doctoral Degree, Natalia Toro Jan 2017

Examining The Experiences Of Latino/A Parents Of First-Generation College Students Pursuing A Doctoral Degree, Natalia Toro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research points to Latino/a parents as an important source of motivation and support for high achieving Latino/a students who are the first in their families to go to college (Arellano & Padilla, 2006; Gandara, 1982; 1994; Hurtado & Sinha, 2006; Zalaquett, 2005); however, very little is known about their experience as they parent children whose educational paths are so different from their own. Cultural values such as collectivism and familism play a unique role in the level of connection between these parents and their children (Suarez-Orozco & Suarez-Orozco, 1995), creating dynamics that merit exploration. This dissertation qualitatively examines how seven …


The Influences Of Roles And Support Systems On The Baccalaureate Degree Attainment Of Nontraditional Learners, Shirdricka Roberts Jan 2017

The Influences Of Roles And Support Systems On The Baccalaureate Degree Attainment Of Nontraditional Learners, Shirdricka Roberts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the research study was to examine the influences of roles and support systems on the baccalaureate attainment of nontraditional learners. A qualitative bounded case study was conducted that include ten face-to-face interviews with nontraditional learners attending the same University during the same time period. The study provided a brief overview on the challenges, support systems, and motivations of these nontraditional learners. Theories used to frame the study's conceptual framework and address its research questions included Biddle's (1979) Role Theory, McClusky's Theory of Margin, Load and Power (1971) and Tinto's (1975, 1993, 2012) and Bean and Metzner's (1985) …


Computer Programming With Early Elementary Students With And Without Intellectual Disabilities, Matthew Taylor Jan 2017

Computer Programming With Early Elementary Students With And Without Intellectual Disabilities, Matthew Taylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Researchers suggest students at the preschool and kindergarten grade levels are active learners and creators and need to be exposed to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. The need for student understanding in STEM curriculum is well documented, and positive results in robotics, computer programming, and coding are leading researchers and policy makers to introduce new standards in education. The purpose of this single case design study is to research the abilities of kindergarten students, with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), to learn skills in computer programming and coding through explicit instruction, concrete manipulatives, and tangible interfaces. While constructionist …


Developing And Validating The Elementary Literacy Self-Efficacy Survey, Adam Ulenski Jan 2017

Developing And Validating The Elementary Literacy Self-Efficacy Survey, Adam Ulenski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the task-specific self-efficacy beliefs of elementary literacy coaches. In order for this to happen, a synthesis of literature regarding literacy coaching tasks including the International Literacy Association's standards for literacy coaches were used to write several items on the survey. In addition, the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale and the researcher's experiences as an elementary literacy coach were used to write other items on the survey. Experts in the field of literacy coaching and self-efficacy provided content validity. Construct validity was established through correlation statistics with …


The Coping Assessment For Bereavement And Loss Experiences (Cable): Development And Validation, Anne Crunk Jan 2017

The Coping Assessment For Bereavement And Loss Experiences (Cable): Development And Validation, Anne Crunk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The loss of a loved one through death is a virtually inescapable part of the human experience and one that can elicit marked psychological and physical distress on the part of the survivor. However, not all individuals who lose a loved one cope with their grief in the same way. Variation in the duration and intensity of grief reactions among mourners is well supported, with 10-15% of the bereaved population experiencing a protracted, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening grief response known as complicated grief (CG). However, most grievers respond to loss with relative resilience, demonstrating an ability to sustain reasonably stable …


Predictors Of Academic Achievement Of Non-Traditional College Students: Opportunities To Catch-Up And Succeed, Angela Bardwell-Owens Jan 2017

Predictors Of Academic Achievement Of Non-Traditional College Students: Opportunities To Catch-Up And Succeed, Angela Bardwell-Owens

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Non-traditional students make up approximately 20% of the undergraduate student population nationwide and are one of few segments of the student population that are not provided with targeted programs and services. To help this cohort achieve their goals whilst universities can increase their retention rates, this research begins a review of the non-traditional student literature to gain an understanding of what this population faces as far as barriers to their education. The literature also provides recommendations and further information in retention efforts to support the student during their academic years. Next, an analysis of non-traditional student support services at 4-year …


Enhancing Imagination And Creativity In The Elementary Classroom Through 11 Impossible Children's Books And Related Lesson Plans, Karlee L. Rankine Jan 2017

Enhancing Imagination And Creativity In The Elementary Classroom Through 11 Impossible Children's Books And Related Lesson Plans, Karlee L. Rankine

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Not too long ago we believed that it was impossible to send men outside our planets gravitational force, let alone send them to the moon. As adults, we live in a world that believes in two possibilities, those goals that are possible as long as they believe in themselves and find new ways to accomplish each goal they are given. Slowly this thought process is leaving the students minds to make room for the latest information for best practices in formal test taking. There has been a huge decline in our imaginative and creative thinkers due to this overwhelming need …


The Integration Of Music In An Ela Classroom: Creating Pedagogical Parodies For Elementary Education, Doranna Smith Jan 2017

The Integration Of Music In An Ela Classroom: Creating Pedagogical Parodies For Elementary Education, Doranna Smith

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The intent of this thesis is to capitalize the effects of using music as a tool in tandem with English language arts in order for students to improve their ELA skills. Songs are already flooding the Internet and social media; such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vine, echoing in the background of television broadcasts and commercials, and blasting across radio stations and in public areas like restaurants and malls, classroom lessons tied to current songs, are more apt to resonate with students in this era. In lieu of subconsciously humming a song by popular artist such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, …


Third Grade Science Teachers' Perspectives On Implementing Sentence Frames And Word Banks During Science Lectures To Increase The Writing Levels Of English Language Learners, Mary-Margaret M. Shimada Jan 2017

Third Grade Science Teachers' Perspectives On Implementing Sentence Frames And Word Banks During Science Lectures To Increase The Writing Levels Of English Language Learners, Mary-Margaret M. Shimada

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Each year, there is an increase of English Language Learners (ELLS) entering today's classrooms. A third grade teacher can be faced with having multiple ELLs in the classroom and still be required to teach them alongside native English speakers. Furthermore, third grade science teachers are also responsible for preparing all students in the classroom to comprehend and utilize scientific academic language based upon the Florida State Standards. Additionally, students are required on the FSA Florida Assessment to write about science content. Therefore, scaffolded instruction for ELLs, which will prepare them to write about science content is critical. This research study …


Evaluating The Quality Of Physical Education Programs Provided By State Department Of Education Websites And The Relationships Between Adolescent Obesity And Sedentary Prevalence, Payton C. Mcwilliams Jan 2017

Evaluating The Quality Of Physical Education Programs Provided By State Department Of Education Websites And The Relationships Between Adolescent Obesity And Sedentary Prevalence, Payton C. Mcwilliams

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research seeks to determine the relationships between the quality of physical education (PE) programs provided by state departments of education (DOE), obesity rates, and sedentary behaviors described as physical inactivity in adolescents ages 10-17 years old. A modified rubric based on the “Let’s Move Active Schools Assessment” was created and used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the PE programs and physical activity (PA) opportunities provided by websites of the state’s DOE. A total of fourteen states were chosen to be assessed due to having either the highest or lowest obesity or physical inactivity rates. It was believed that the …


Can We Improve Student Achievement Through Multiple Interventions? A Test Of Theory, Joshua Guillemette Jan 2017

Can We Improve Student Achievement Through Multiple Interventions? A Test Of Theory, Joshua Guillemette

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The research conducted tested a theory based on work by Tinto (1999), Astin (1984), and the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE, 2012) that multiple interventions are needed to significantly improve graduation rates at community colleges. The literature says little about this approach for community college students; therefore, this dissertation contributes to the knowledge base for educational programs. A first-year program at a large, diverse community college using multiple interventions assisted in determining the validity of the theory. The interventions built into the first-year program included learning communities, a student success course (SSC), proactive advising, and experiential learning. The …