Education Commons^™

Student Connection: How Graduate Assistants Of Rowan University Connect To The Campus Community, Janelle R. M. Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate how graduate assistants at Rowan University, Glassboro campus connect to the campus community using socialization theory. Data collection consisted of interviews of 10 randomly selected first and second year graduate students during the 2006-07 academic school year. The interviews were conducted at Rowan University during the spring 2007 semester. On average the interviews took about 25 minutes to conduct. Participants were interviewed to see how the graduate assistants felt about graduate school and their programs of study. Interviews were transcribed into a word document and then analyzed for common themes.

The study …

A Study Of The Attitudes Of Selected African American Students Toward Leadership & Black Greek Letter Organizations, Elora L. Crump

Theses and Dissertations

The participants in this study consisted of 76 African-American students at Rowan University in the spring 2005 semester. The purpose of the study was to replicate the research of Kimbrough (1995) exploring the attitudes of two groups of selected African American students regarding the impact of Black Greek organizations on the development of personal leadership. Subjects completed a survey indicating their level of leadership skills and activities, attitudes of Black Greek organizations and their leadership, along with demographic information. Members of Black Greek organizations (BGOs) and-non-members were compared to determine if there were attitudinal differences. The information collected from the …

Student-Athletes And Involvement Theory, Thomas F. J. Iacovone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to better understand the level of involvement student athletes have at Rowan University. The researcher surveyed 99 student athletes at Rowan University during the 2006-2007 academic year. The subjects were administered a survey to measure their level of involvement, as well as their attitudes toward involvement at Rowan University. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine frequency, percentages, means, standard deviations, and significant correlations between selected demographics and specific involvement activities.

The study provides insight on the relationship between student athletes' academic performance and their level of involvement, as well as insight on relationships between …

Students As Agents Of Change, Meghan Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how literacy instruction encouraged students to think of themselves as agents of change. Using a qualitative design, a case study examined the effect literacy instruction had on students' perceptions of themselves as agents of change. The study took place in a fifth grade inclusion classroom of twenty three students. Journal prompts and class discussions were utilized to gather data. The data collected was analyzed and categorized according to student responses. Significant findings pointed that students were willing to think of themselves as agents of change.

What Is The Result When Responsive Classroom Techniques Are Used As Both A Classroom Management And Character Education Program Without Implementing The Whole Approach?, Lisa Jewell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if six Responsive Classroom techniques can be used as a classroom management system and character education program, without implementing the entire approach. The six approaches used were class meetings, stress the deed not the doer, time-outs, voices of authority, social conferences and logical conferences. The research was conducted in the researcher's co-teach classroom in a suburban elementary school. A researcher's journal, teacher and aide interviews, teacher reflections and student surveys were used to collect data. Results are aligned with the literature on the subjects of character education and classroom management and the …

How To Establish And Maintain Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships, Tracy Cwiakala

Theses and Dissertations

Studies and literature have shown that when parents and teachers possess a positive relationship, students will be more successful and show an increase in academic achievement. The purposes of this research study were to (a) determine how to establish a positive parent-teacher relationship and (b) ascertain the most effective and ineffective methods, approaches and utilizations for maintaining a positive parent-teacher relationship. Teachers and parents defined what a parent-teacher relationship means to them as well as what roles they play within the relationship. Different obstacles and barriers encountered are discussed in addition to the best ways to approach them in order …

Impact Of Character Education On A Third Grade Inclusion Classroom, Christina M. Barbato

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement a character education program with a third grade inclusion classroom at Cooper's Poynt School in Camden, New Jersey. This study was conducted in efforts to improve relationships and interpersonal skills using qualitative action research. Character education is a concept that describes implementing moral conduct in schools in order to encourage positive behaviors. Several benefits to character education programs include reduced negative behaviors, a more positive school environment conducive to learning, and higher academic achievement. This study conducted discusses the impacts of a character education program initiated in a third grade inclusion classroom. …

Student Perceptions Regarding The Use Of Rubrics In Writing Assignments, Lindsay C. O'Neill

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore student perceptions regarding the use of rubrics in writing assignments. This qualitative research study was conducted with 16 students in a first grade classroom. I have conducted 4 mini-lessons on different writing components with the class. As a class we created a scoring rubric that includes important parts of the assignment and a number scale to further weigh the importance. The students were a part of creating the rubric and were given the rubric prior to their writing assignment. During the assignment I observed how the students use their knowledge of the …

An Examination Of The Effect Of Constructivist And Cooperative Learning Teaching Techniques On Student Engagement In Social Studies, Dana Olivieri

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to see if teaching students through constructivist and cooperative learning teaching techniques increases student engagement in social studies. Thirteen sixth grade students participated in the investigation. They completed surveys before and after a curricular intervention that consisted of social studies instruction based on constructivist and cooperative learning techniques. During the intervention, the students' engagement was observed by the researcher. The students demonstrated that constructivist and cooperative learning teaching techniques led to an increase in engagement in social studies. Implications for future research and implications for teaching are discussed.

Differentiating Instruction: What Does It Look Like When Utilized In A Kindergarten Classroom?, Andrea L. Concordia

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not students are successful when differentiated instruction is used in the classroom. By breaking students up into smaller groups and utilizing guided reading this study seeks to determine whether or not students are successful when instruction is geared to each individual's instructional level. The students in this study were broken up into four small groups and taught guided reading three times a week for twelve to fifteen minutes each over a period of three weeks. Through observations and reflections and pre and post assessments the study showed that differentiating instruction …

Promoting Student Self-Efficacy Through Assessment, Meredith Leigh Mcgrath

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of using alternate assessment methods as a means of promoting student self-efficacy. The study was conducted in a preK-8 public school located in Camden, NJ. The participants were 18 fourth grade students from a co-taught inclusion classroom. Two units of study were taught - one using traditional assessment methods, and one using alternate assessment methods. Students completed self-efficacy surveys before and after each unit, and were interviewed individually to obtain data about their opinions regarding the various alternate assessment techniques used. Student commentary and researcher observations were also analyzed …

An Exploratory Investigation Of Third Graders' Perceptions Of Bullying, Laura N. Burns

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate students' views regarding a variety of topics related to bullying. Different methods were used to gather information regarding the students' opinions. The students shared their ideas through the use of surveys, writing samples, and interviews. This study's results determined students' beliefs about bullying as well as their awareness of its occurrence. Students were able to provide accurate definitions of bullying. Students were also able to discuss several appropriate ways to react to bullying. Results of this study contribute more to the understanding of students' perspectives about the topic of bullying in the …

A Student-Driven Approach To Reduce Bullying In Elementary School Classrooms, Jennifer Lee Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to see if a student-driven approach reduced bullying episodes in two elementary school classrooms. The subjects for this study are thirty-seven fifth grade students at the Thomas E. Bowe School in Glassboro, New Jersey. This study used two anonymous surveys, audio-taped discussions with small groups of students, students' projects and artifacts, and a teacher research journal to develop and access a student-driven approach to reduce bullying in elementary school classrooms. A qualitative and quantitative approach was utilized to analyze the data, which showed a decrease in the frequency of bullying episodes in these two …

How Can Learning Centers Be Used To Support Classroom Instruction And Promote Critical Thinking In A Kindergarten Classroom?, Amelia M. Pellegrino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how learning centers can be used in the Kindergarten classroom to support regular classroom instruction and encourage students to think critically. This qualitative study used observations, interviews, surveys, student work samples, photographs, and discussions to collect information about the effectiveness of learning centers in the classroom. Sixteen Kindergarten students participated in learning center activities planned and implemented by the researcher to examine how the learning centers related the curriculum and whether the activities encouraged students to think critically about the content. The researcher found that the Kindergarten students showed improvement in their …

Strategies To Teach Character Education Through Children's Literature, Rebecca Quinn

Theses and Dissertations

A fourth-grade reading class was taught a unit in character education to determine if there was increase in knowledge from the pre-test to the post-test after using children's literature and other supplemental activities. The unit was broken up into six different traits; fairness, trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, caring, and citizenship. Each trait was taught over the course of a week while integrating two children's books highlighting the particular trait of focus for the week. The children were also taught using activities, worksheets, journal prompts, awards, and discussions. A teacher journal was also kept to note important findings. The students pre-tests indicate …

Creating And Implementing An Effective Behavior Management Strategy In A Second Grade Classroom, Kristen M. Geary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effectiveness of creating and implementing a self-management behavior system in a second grade classroom. Different types of behavior management were researched through journals discussing behavior management as well as interviews with classroom teachers. Self-management was determined to be a successful behavior management system and was thus chosen to be implemented in this classroom. An additional goal of this study is also to contribute more knowledge to the field of self-management research. This thesis will combine research, student and teacher questionnaires, focus group interviews and a classroom journal in order to determine …

An Investigation Of An After-School Science Enrichment Program, Jennifer Lyn Jamison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate an after-school science enrichment program and its components. The study was conducted in a middle school in the Evesham Township School District located in the Burlington County region of South Jersey. The participants included sixty-one students taken from the four sessions of the science program, three teachers of the program, twenty parents of the students, and the program director. Data sources included interviews held with each of the participants, anecdotal notes recorded in a teacher research journal, and student artifacts. I found positive results in the operation of the program, because of …

A Study Of Student Involvement At Rowan University, Joseph P. Lizza

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine the reasons why students get involved in student organizations, the benefits perceived by being involved, and the impact of the "highly involved" student. Seventy-five undergraduate students from Rowan University participated in the study by completing a survey that asked about involvement in a Student Government (SGA) chartered organization, Greek Life, and Varsity Athletics and the perceived learning outcomes associated with involvement. A follow-up interview was conducted with four students who completed the survey in order to more fully answer the question of what motivated and characterized the highly involved student. The survey inquired about …

A Study Investigating The Opinions And Experiences Of Selected Teachers Regarding Teacher Bullying, Christian A. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to better understand the opinions and experiences of selected teachers regarding teacher bullying at Triton High School. The researcher surveyed teachers with instructional responsibilities. A total of 70 out of 100 teachers participated in the survey. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that measured teacher experience with bullying, interpersonal dynamics of bullying teachers, the causes of bullying, and personal experience of bullying. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations on the opinion factors.

The study provides insight on the opinions and experiences of teachers regarding teacher bullying. Teachers at …

A Pilot Study Investigating The Sophomore Experience At Rowan University, David R. Stuart Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the study was to develop and pilot test an instrument to better understand the sophomore experience at Rowan University. The study investigated the importance and level of satisfaction of factors that contribute to the sophomore experience. Of particular interest was to identify those factors which are controlled by the university, so that improvements can be made in order to better serve students. The study was conducted at Rowan University during the 2007 spring semester of the academic year. A total of 574 students chose to participate in the study. The participants were asked to take the …

Acceptance Or Denial: What Matters Most In College Admissions, Lori Ann Getler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of selected college admissions officers regarding the most important criteria of a high school senior's application for admission into 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. The researcher surveyed admissions officers at eight 4-year public undergraduate colleges and universities in New Jersey. A total of 21 admissions officers participated in the survey. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that measured the weight given selected criteria contained in the application for admission to their institution. Surveys were statistically analyzed to determine the means, percentages and frequencies regarding the selected …

Leadership Issues, Concerns, And Competencies Of Senior Level Student Affairs Professionals: A Study Of A 4 Year Public University, Todd C. Brelsford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the leadership competencies commonly exhibited by selected student affairs professionals at a 4-year public university in the northeast. To have a deeper understanding of leadership within the field of student affairs, issues and concerns were investigated using relevant leadership theories (Eddy & VanDerLinden, 2006). The study sought to close the gap in the literature base by examining a division of student affairs from the director (or equivalent positions) up to the vice president of the division.

Twenty one participants were selected because of their rank of senior level student affairs professionals at …

The Learning Space: A Study Of The Suggested Principles And Practices In Designing The Classroom Environment, Theodore J. Colanduno

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated learning space design and its suggested effect upon the learning process. The study also evaluated and compared existing classrooms in the southern New Jersey area by looking for the presence or absence of certain elements of design. Data were collected by reviewing previous research on the topic of classroom design and student achievement, and in field testing at eight educational facilities in southern New Jersey. Research has shown that the design of learning spaces has a direct influence upon students' attitudes towards learning and positive outcomes are attributed to these designs. Field testing, using a sound level …

A Study Of The Impact Graphing Calculators Have On The Achievement In High School Pre Calculus, Marsha Brumberg

Theses and Dissertations

The use of graphing calculators in high school mathematics has long been debated. The transformation of function, in particular, parabolas, was studied and it was shown that there was no loss of achievement in Pre-Calculus classes with the use of graphing calculators. Assessments examined the impact of the graphing calculator on the conceptual knowledge of the topics by testing the students without the graphing calculator and with the graphing calculators. Five classes of pre calculus students (two classes who used graphing calculators and three who did not) were used in the study. The same students were used in the before …

Art History With A Click Of A Mouse Or A Flip Of A Page?, Richard Herzog

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the impact of three research methods. It examined online materials, as well as contextual research based on printed texts in the elementary population. The researcher sought to determine what the most effective method is for helping students to learn art history content, whether it is in the virtual environment of the Internet, the confines of various textbooks, or a combination of both technology-based and text-based research. The subjects of the study were fifth grade students who attended Bells Elementary School, Turnersville, NJ, in the fall of 2006.

The researcher used multiple …

Planning An Employee Spanish Training Program At The Community College Level, Melissa A. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research the process of planning and creating an employee Spanish training program. The researcher determined employees' previous knowledge of the language and culture as well as training preferences utilizing two surveys (n = 120) and a personal interview (n = 15). Surveys were statistically analyzed using SPSS software to determine frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and the interviews were analyzed using a content analysis procedure. Research on adult learning theories, program planning theories and exemplary Spanish training programs complemented the quantitative and qualitative data collected.

The study revealed that CCC employees had …

Evidence Of Heterarchical Planning Within Higher Education Institutions: Learning Garden Planning And Development At Rowan University, Sheri K. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes during the early stages of planning for an educational garden at Rowan University. This study also attempted to fill the gap in the literature that exists between garden planning and development and planning at higher education institutions. The investigator surveyed 20 committee members involved in this large-scale project, in addition to interviewing six committee members who were considered key stakeholders and have displayed high levels of involvement during the initial stages of the project. Participants were administered a Likert-scale survey that looked for the emergence of heterarchical practices during the development …

Communication Theory Vs. Performance Skills: How Do Rowan Public Speaking Professors Weave Both Into Class Lectures?, Renai Ellison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand how Rowan University public speaking professors blend the teaching of communication theory and performance skills in their classroom lectures. The researcher conducted one-on-one interviews and classroom observations of public speaking professors at Rowan. Five professors participated in the process. Each professor was asked open-ended questions which were created by the researcher to determine the specific methods used to impart knowledge about communication theory and performance skills. A classroom observation was conducted to provide confirmation and further elaboration of the information gathered from the interviews.

The study uncovered each professor's feelings and attitudes …

The Effect On Teaching Problem-Solving Skills For Students With Learning Disabilities Using The Connected Mathematics Project, Melissa A. Axelsson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) for seventh-graders with learning disabilities in acquiring math problem-solving skills in the areas of comparisons, percents, ratios, and rates. A total of 10 middle school students in a small rural district participated in the study. The CMP unit, Comparing and Scaling, was taught to those students for six weeks. Four pretests and post-tests were given to evaluate their performance. A survey was provided to investigate their satisfaction with their learning experience in the CMP. All students gained scores, with an average increase of 55.72%. …

Teacher Perceptions On Student Portfolio Assessment And Implementation, Diane Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the perceptions of teachers on portfolio development, implementation, and assessment for all students, specifically for students with disabilities. An interview was conducted individually with ten teachers working in diverse educational settings in southern Wisconsin.

A short survey gathered data on teacher demographics including gender, teaching experience, portfolio experience, and education. The interview protocol organized the questions into five sections: (1) Teacher Knowledge of Portfolios, (2) Developing and Implementing Portfolios, (3) Effectiveness as an Educational Tool and Influence on Instructional Practices, (4) Portfolio Legitimacy as an Alternative Assessment, (5) Student Roles and Responsibilities of Developing Portfolios.

The results …