Education Commons^™

Transition, Mattering And Marginality: Deaf Students In A Hearing Institution, Kaitlin Shaginaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gather deaf student feedback and to better understand if they feel as though they matter to Rowan University. This study also provides an opportunity for deaf students to express their experiences transitioning from K-12 to a higher education institution. A total population of 24 were targeted in this study and they had the opportunity to complete the College Mattering Inventory (CMI), which showed their feelings of mattering verses marginality. A total of 83% of the population responded to this study. Following the completion of the survey, a total of three subject agreed to …

Mattering Versus Marginality: African American Student Perspective At Rowan University, Dante Dandridge

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gauge the perceptions of African American students in the areas of social interaction, classroom climate, faculty interactions and administrative support and determining if these students felt marginalized or if they matter in those areas. The study also intended to find correlations between mattering and academic success as well as active campus participation with a feeling of mattering. The survey used was adapted from Lovely Durham, who condensed the survey Perceptions on Community, and handed out to a portion of the African American students at Rowan University.

Examining The Role Of Professional Orientation In How Trustees Of New Jersey's State Colleges And Universities Experience Their Fiduciary Responsibilities: A Mixed Methods Study, Brittany Ann Williams-Goldstein

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this sequential explanatory study was to examine, through the lenses of sensemaking theory and professional authority, the relationship between how largely non-educational professionals in New Jersey experience their fiduciary responsibilities as trustees of the state's public colleges and universities and to what extent their professional orientations influence their oversight.

Trustees draw from a continuum of orientations to navigate their responsibilities and chief among them are professional orientation, institutionally-rooted orientation, and orientations as members of traditionally underrepresented populations. Trustees frequently engage in deferential activities with their fellow board members whose professional or other orientations provide needed context for …

Helping Children Overcome Reading Difficulties Using Response To Intervention, Corinne M. Sannino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if Argryis and Schon's (1974) Theory-of-Action framework could be used as a viable professional development tool to improve teachers' professional practices when providing Tier II literacy interventions within the context of a Response to Intervention (RTI) program in an elementary school. This multicase study sought to understand more deeply the espoused beliefs and theories-in-use of four elementary literacy interventionists' when delivering intensive literacy interventions to students not reading on grade level within the context of the RTI program by using semi-structured interviews, collection of student work, and classroom observations. Discrepancies were …

The Effect Of Social Stories On The Positive Play Behaviors And Social Interactions Of Preschool Students With Developmental Disabilities, Lauren Lee Divittorio

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single subject design study was to determine the effectiveness of social stories on the positive play behaviors and social interactions of preschool students with developmental disabilities. The satisfaction of staff members with the implementation of social stories in the classroom was also examined. Preschool students in the study showed an increase in positive social interactions including turn-taking, using verbal and non-verbal communication to express their feelings during play, and overall positive play behaviors after implementation of social stories. Staff members reported positive social validity of the intervention. Implications for using social stories with preschool students with …

Seeking External Funding: Experiences Of Selected Full-Time Faculty At Rowan University, Lacey Taylor Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the obstacles and motivators that tenured and tenure-track faculty members at Rowan University's, Glassboro, New Jersey campus face while seeking and securing external funding. The surveys were distributed to all 433 tenured and tenure-track faculty members on Rowan University, Glassboro's campus. Of the subjects, there are 273 faculty members that are tenured, and 160 who are tenure-track. The results of the study conclude that Rowan University faculty members feel as though their heavy workload is a hindrance on their ability to seek and secure grant funding. Secondly, survey results indicate that Rowan …

Teaching The Common Core State Standards (Ccss) Using Interdisciplinary Units: A Qualitative Case Study Of How Secondary Core Curriculum Teachers Implement The Ccss Using Interdisciplinary Units (Ius), Ella Jones Burch

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how teachers understood and practiced using IUs to teach the core disciplines of the CCSS. The strategy of inquiry was a single case study in an urban high school where teachers of English, science, social studies, and math courses discussed IUs, and some teachers were observed using IUs. Data from public documents, teacher and student participant interviews, teacher classroom observations, a teacher survey, and field notes were analyzed and produced themes around the implementation of IUs.

The findings of this study indicate that teachers perceive how to conceptualize an IU, …

Autism's Affect On The Family, Jason L. Hicks

Theses and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of children and families alike and is characterized by impairments in socialization, communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The impairments caused by ASD vary in severity and may negatively impact a child’s functioning. The purpose of this exploratory research is to critically examine ASD and how it impacts family units following diagnosis. To that end, this qualitative study provides first-hand accounts of families who have lived through their child’s ASD diagnosis. This study provides accounts from four participating families on the topics of their personal feelings of ASD, their knowledge of ASD before and …

The Implementation Of Positive Behavior Supports To Reduce Student Elopement, Melanie Mcglone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement positive behavior supports to reduce student elopement. The participant of this study was a female fifth grade student who is diagnosed with Specific Learning Disability and has had documented chronic elopement issues. The experimental design was used in this study. First, a baseline period occurred where data was collected on the frequency of the student's elopement behavior. Then, the positive behavior support of a small tangible daily classroom reward was earned by the student when she did not elope. Next, a reversal period occurred where the student did not receive any positive …

The Persistence Of The Associate Degree Nursing Student: The Lost Nurse, Stella A. Barber

Theses and Dissertations

There is controversy surrounding the entry-level degree to the profession of nursing. This study had the focus of showing the persistence of the associate degree nursing student as a way of giving evidence to maintaining this pathway as entry to nursing. Narrative inquiry was used to interview 10 students and 3 faculty on the persistence of the nursing student. Callista Roy's Coping Adaptation Processing Scale was taken by 51 students enrolled in the same nursing program. The overarching themes of the student interviews were goals, learning environment, and admission criteria. The overarching theme as a result of the Coping Adaptation …

Latino Immigrant Family Involvement: Feelings Of Belongingness And Attachment In An Urban Elementary School, Christel Marie Hibbard Pond

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the relationship between Latino immigrant family involvement and feelings of belongingness and attachment in relation to the school community. This study explored how Latino immigrant family voices described their feelings of belongingness and attachment by investigating the linkages between Latino immigrant family beliefs and social capital relating to school involvement and perceptions of belongingness. This study used theories of attachment and belongingness to understand the relationship between family feelings of belongingness, attachment, social capital, and family involvement in the school community. Findings of the study revealed that although Latino immigrant …

The Effect Of Cross Age Tutoring On Math Fact Automaticity Using Students With Disabilities As Tutors, Wendy L. Krayer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the math fact knowledge and recall of students with disabilities improved when they acted as tutors in cross-age tutoring situations. I hypothesized that students with disabilities would exhibit increased recall, improved engagement and enhanced self-concept when they took on the role of expert. All the participants in our study were special education students with Individualized Education Plans and met for 15 three-minute tutoring sessions. The tutor and tutee did not change roles. Addition fact cards were presented and tutees were given a pre-determined amount of time to answer. All participants were …

The Impact Of Social And Academic Integration In Developmental Education, L. Marie Dionisi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate academic and social integration among students in a developmental math course. A convenience sample was utilized in this study since many of the students either passed out or stopped out at the time the survey was distributed. The study used a survey consisting of the following six sections, background information/demographics, peer-group interactions, interactions with faculty, faculty concern for student development and teaching, academic and intellectual development, institutional and goal commitments.

The study found there was a positive response rate with interaction with faculty. In addition, many of the students were committed to …

A Study Of Cultural Awareness And Transformative Learning Through Participation In Study Abroad, Desirae Gould

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to explore the effects of study abroad on students' cultural awareness and transformative learning. This study was conducted at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. The students in this study have participated in semester long study abroad during fall 2016, spring 2017, or fall 2017 semesters. For some this was their first time travelling abroad. The literature strongly suggests that there are many benefits for students that participate in study abroad. The data analysis suggests that respondents increased their cultural awareness and have more appreciation for those that are different than them. In addition, that …

Using Graphic Organizers To Improve Science Outcomes, Deana Lynn Elwood

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at the outcome of using graphic organizers to improve student outcomes in the content area of science for students with special needs in an inclusion class in a high school in New Jersey. In total, there were five participants in this study who were all eligible for special education services. Of the five students in the study, four are under the category Other Health Impaired, and one student is autistic. All participants were demonstrating grade level performance as determined by their baseline data collection.

The data from the study illustrated that all five of the participants demonstrated …

A Study Of National Pan-Hellenic Council Members And Inclusivity Of Greek Life Of Rowan University, Alesha L. Debose

Theses and Dissertations

The participants in this study consisted of 31 members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Rowan University in the spring semester of 2018. The purpose of the study was to identify the attitudes and thoughts of current members of NPHC at Rowan University regarding inclusivity of Greek Life. Members of all nine NPHC organizations completed a survey indicating their thoughts on inclusion, leadership skills, and black student empowerment. The information collected from subjects was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings from Kimbrough and Crump's research regarding leadership and leadership opportunities shared similar views on the importance of leadership. Findings from this …

Student Satisfaction Related To The Campus Residential Experience, Renee Raisa Grant

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to understand how satisfied students were with their campus residential experience. This study was conducted at a private, liberal arts college located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate, NY, given the pseudonym Able University. Convenience sampling was used to get respondents to this survey. The survey was sent out electronically to the campus residential population. The students that responded to the survey were included in the study.

A total of 372 students responded to the survey for a return rate of 18.4%. The survey used for this study was administered in fall …

Transition Experiences: Feelings Of Mattering Among Military Students At Rowan University, Marisa Israel

Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of mattering among military service members at Rowan University. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Schlossberg's Theory of Mattering to reveal military students' perceptions of mattering to the institution and to examine the relationships of military students with the Rowan community. This study uses a quantitative method which includes a survey focused on capturing participants' perceptions of five focus areas of mattering to the institution including: administration, advising, faculty, peers and multiple roles. Sixty-one subjects completed a Likert-type survey using a five-point scale to assess their perceptions of matering …

Students And Sexual Orientation: A Study Of Students And Their Development At Higher Educational Institutions, Diamond Bolden

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore and assess student sexual identity development on college students, in particular sophomore, junior, and senior students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ in the spring 2018 semester. The study also investigated the impact of demographic factors and other variables such as gender, ethnicity, and social life. The instrument used to assess students' anxiety levels and attitudes toward sexual orientation was adapted from two surveys used in previous studies, one about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) and gender development, as well as student anxiety. It was assessed with survey questions created …

High School Age Students With Disabilities And Social Interaction In A General Education Physical Education Setting, Kelsey B. Hannan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study focused on the social interaction of high school age students with disabilities in a general physical education setting. The study included two students in tenth grade in an adaptive physical education class. The students attend a high school in a suburban northern New Jersey school district. The two students chosen for this study have a documented diagnosis of autism and are placed in the adaptive physical education class at the high school. The adaptive physical education class is separate from the general physical education classes. All students in this adaptive physical education program have either …

The Effect Of Imagine Math On High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Danielle Cabassa

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to: (a) examine the effectiveness of Imagine Math in increasing the engagement of students in a high school resource Algebra 2 classroom, (b) examine the effectiveness of Imagine Math in increasing the academic achievement of students in a high school resource Algebra 2 classroom, and (c) determine if students in a high school resource Algebra 2 classroom are satisfied with the use of Imagine Math. The research was conducted using single-subject design methodology. The study followed an ABAB alternating baseline pattern. Academic achievement was monitored through daily assessments, while engagements was evaluated in three …

Veteran Students Transitions Into Higher Education Using Chickering's Seven Vector Development Theory, Taryn Marie Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine what kinds of internal emotions and feelings are attached to the transition of becoming a student on a college campus for veteran students. Veteran students have a different experience on campus compared to the rest of the student population, therefore it is important for institutions to understand this experience in order to best provide for these students. A survey was created based off of Chickering's seven vector development theory. The survey collected demographic data such as what branch of the military the student was in, age, race/ethnicity, and gender. The rest of …

Effects Of Universal Design For Learning Math Menus On Seventh Grade Students, Mona L. Mauro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to: (a) examine the effectiveness of UDL math menus in increasing the academic engagement of seventh grade students with disabilities, (b) examine the effectiveness of UDL math menus in increasing the academic achievement of seventh grade students with disabilities, and (c) determine if seventh grade students with disabilities are satisfied with the use of UDL math menus. The research was conducted using single-subject design methodology. The study followed an ABAB alternating baseline pattern. Student academic achievement was evaluated through daily assessments, while student engagement was evaluated five times per class, approximately every fifteen minutes …

Effects Of Reciprocal Teaching In Guided Reading With Third Grade Students With Specific Poor Comprehension, Sharon R. Mclaren

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects that using the reciprocal teaching intervention method had on third grade students with specific poor comprehension skills within a guided reading setting. The study included ten third grade students - five boys and five girls. While all the students read fluently, they were identified with poor reading comprehension skills. The researcher conducted the reading groups with both the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received the reciprocal teaching intervention. The control group received the standard guided reading lessons. Results from the study show that reciprocal teaching can improve third graders reading comprehension …

Writing Fiction During Writing Workshop In First Grade, Maureen Kelly Rowan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine how first graders respond to and perform within the writing workshop model. The workshop model is used during the writing of fiction pieces. One goal of this study was to determine how the students would respond to choosing their own topics. A second goal of this study was to determine if students would be successful in composing fiction pieces through the use of this model. The third goal of this study was to determine if there would be gender differences within the choice of topic. The findings showed that the students were …

Effects Of A Scripted And Intense Reading Intervention Program On The Reading Comprehension Of Fifth Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Tracy Slater

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the use of intensive reading intervention programs in a fifth inclusion classroom setting. This has been a topic that is frequently discussed and how support for the special need students with comprehension deficits can be increased. These students deserve a fair, equal, and individualized learning plan in a classroom that accepts all children. Studies show how successful using intensive reading programs close the reading comprehension gaps with our exceptional students.

The purpose of this study is to show how using the intensive reading intervention program is crucial in the classrooms to support the special needs students. …

Black Male Teachers: Retention And Importance In New Jersey, Charles Anthony Ozuna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of Black male teachers in the K-8 teaching profession in Atlantic and Essex counties in New Jersey and their recommendations to increase hiring and retention in the teaching profession. This study implemented a qualitative approach by interviewing 12 participants from Essex and Atlantic Counties in New Jersey who identified as Black male teachers. Teacher success depends on a variety of factors that can have both a positive and negative influence on a teacher's ability to stay motivated and succeed in the profession. Knowing the motives and experiences that influenced Black …

The Effect Of A Multisensory Approach To Spanish Instruction On The Foreign Language Proficiency Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Linda Chui

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a multisensory approach to Spanish instruction founded in Orton-Gillingham on the (1) foreign language writing, and (2) foreign language reading comprehension of students with learning disabilities in the middle school Spanish classroom. Additionally, the study inquired about the students' satisfaction with the Orton-Gillingham approach to learning to read in Spanish. Four middle school Spanish students with SLD, three male and one female, participated in the study. A single subject ABAB design was used. During the baseline phases, students received Spanish instruction in the traditional mainstream classroom. During the intervention, …

Student Leaders' Involvement And The Impact On Their Eating Habits, Carly Jill Samuels

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the eating habits of undergraduate student leaders at Rowan University. This study also sought to find a connection between the involvement of student leaders and its effect on the food intake for student leaders. The Student Athletes and Involvement Theory instrument helped to quantify student leader involvement. This survey was distributed to undergraduate student leaders at the Student Government Association senate meetings.

The conclusions revealed in the study include involvement patterns being consistent with previous research, more nutritional education needed for undergraduate student leaders, more research needed to determine the relationships of …

Race To The Top: An Investigation Of The Challenges African American Males Face In Higher Education, Samuel W. Jay

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to better understand the struggles African American males encounter in higher education. A secondary purpose was to analyze the social and academic struggle African American males face at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. This study also looked at the past, present and future of the African American males selected to participate in this study. Convenience sampling was used to select participants. Selection criteria included male African American undergraduate students, who have sufficient grades and enrolled full time at Rowan University during the 2015-2016 school year. A total of 376 surveys were distributed …