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Full-Text Articles in Education

Communication: The Lost Art, Mary Zenyuk Jun 2013

Communication: The Lost Art, Mary Zenyuk

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if technology, specifically text messaging, has an affect on young adult's face-to-face communication. Technology is improving on a daily basis. This continuous evolution and advancement in technology has paved the way for numerous methods of communication such as texting and social media. Not only has the methods of communication increased, so has the access to these methods become unlimited. This study is important to analyze how individuals are adapting their communication habits to conform with changing technology. A survey was developed and consisted of questions such as the student's age, major, preferred …


The Educational Opportunity Fund/Maximizing Academic Potential (Eof/Map) Program As Viewed By Underrepresented Freshmen Students, Lara Sader Jun 2013

The Educational Opportunity Fund/Maximizing Academic Potential (Eof/Map) Program As Viewed By Underrepresented Freshmen Students, Lara Sader

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Educational Opportunity Fund/Maximizing Academic Potential (EOF/MAP) program through the attitudes of freshmen students toward the services provided and their perceptions of the benefits in regards to social skills, academic performance, and attainment in college. The study also investigated students' suggestions to improve the program. This quantitative research study explored institutional factors, socio economic characteristics, as well as pre-college preparation (independent variables) and their relationships to EOF/MAP student success at a medium sized four-year university. This study utilized a survey instrument to collect data from EOF/MAP freshman during the spring of 2013. …


The Main Factors Behind First Generation College Students' Retention And Dropout, Ahmed Hussein Jun 2013

The Main Factors Behind First Generation College Students' Retention And Dropout, Ahmed Hussein

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that first-generation college students face many hurdles until they graduate if they did not drop out. Limited financial resources, lack of personal skills, and social supports cause many first-generation college students to struggle as they strive to achieve their academic aspirations and receive a degree. This study was developed to locate the main factors behind first-generation college students' retention and dropout. For the purpose of forming this study 84 college students were surveyed to collect data from college students themselves. The short-term study found that first-generation college students have more challenges finishing their studies and getting a …


School Psychologists Involvement With Response-To-Intervention And Students With Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Difficulties, Katelyn Hickman-Poloney Jun 2013

School Psychologists Involvement With Response-To-Intervention And Students With Social, Emotional, And Behavioral Difficulties, Katelyn Hickman-Poloney

Theses and Dissertations

The current school reform is being driven by shifts in thinking about school improvements, including a willingness to consider prevention versus remediation. Response-to-Intervention is a buzz word in education right now as it is the framework by which this shift in thinking is to be implemented. Preventatively addressing the mental health needs of students is a pressing issue for educational professionals as the population of students who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral problems continues to be underserved. Since school psychologists are trained in Response-to-Intervention procedures, the purpose of this study was to determine if school psychologists are involved in Response-to-Intervention …


The Effect Of Using The Ipad To Enhance Sight Word Acquisition Of Students With Autism, Jeffrey Emerson Jun 2013

The Effect Of Using The Ipad To Enhance Sight Word Acquisition Of Students With Autism, Jeffrey Emerson

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) investigate the effectiveness of the Apple iPad as an assistive technology device to support students with autism spectrum disorders in their acquisition of sight words and (b) examine the social validity of using the iPad in the classroom. The participants were two 2nd and two 3rd graders diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Baseline data was collected by evaluating student progress of sight word acquisition at the end of each week for three weeks. A multiple baseline across students with AB phases was used in this study. During Intervention, the iPad was integrated …


Using The Four Square Strategy To Enhance Math Problem-Solving, Andrea Gerrard Jun 2013

Using The Four Square Strategy To Enhance Math Problem-Solving, Andrea Gerrard

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether the use of the Four Square problem-solving strategy would improve the math problem-solving performance of students who receive supplemental services for language arts literacy and mathematics from a basic skills teacher or a special education teacher. The Four Square strategy was used in conjunction with the enVision math series. It was also used during all problem-solving lessons. Students' growth in math problem-solving was measured using the enVision problem-solving pre- and post-test and the Measure of Academic Progress Test (MAP). Students showed growth on the enVision test. The students showed work when solving problems instead of just …


Proactive Measures In Combating Bullying In Schools: Examining The Effectiveness Of The Bucket Fillers Program In Character Building Education, Karina Katsikis Jun 2013

Proactive Measures In Combating Bullying In Schools: Examining The Effectiveness Of The Bucket Fillers Program In Character Building Education, Karina Katsikis

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying continues to plague our schools. Some schools are implementing proactive solutions in the form of character building education to address bullying. The purpose of this research was to examine the character education program, Bucket Fillers, and its effectiveness on reducing bullying in one public elementary school by examining questionnaires containing homeroom teachers' evaluations. Data of behavioral incident reports from prior to the program's initiation and after were also collected and compared. The majority of teachers noticed more spontaneous positive interactions and less negative interactions between students after the establishment of the program. There was no significant correlation found between …


The Effect Of Project Read On The Reading Fluency And Comprehension Of Third Grade Students With Special Needs, Andrea Derringer May 2013

The Effect Of Project Read On The Reading Fluency And Comprehension Of Third Grade Students With Special Needs, Andrea Derringer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect Project Read has on the reading fluency and comprehension of third grade students with special needs. This study implemented a two group, pretest-posttest design. The participants were six students with special needs from a third grade inclusion classroom who scored about two grade levels below grade three. A pretest, intervention mid-test, and intervention posttest were utilized to collect data. The independent variables were the use of the Project Read Story Form Literature Connection materials. The dependent variable was the measure of the participants reading fluency and comprehension using the Developmental …


The Use Of Graphing And An Effort And Achievement Rubric To Increase Students' Multiplication Fact Accuracy And Fluency, Joan Hackl May 2013

The Use Of Graphing And An Effort And Achievement Rubric To Increase Students' Multiplication Fact Accuracy And Fluency, Joan Hackl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of self-graphing and an effort and achievement rubric on increasing students' multiplication fact accuracy and fluency. The research design was a two-group pretest/posttest research design. Data was collected from student multiplication math fact quizzes. Students were given the same math fact quiz for a month before a new set of facts was introduced the next month. For each month, the first quiz of the month served as baseline data as no interventions were introduced for those quizzes. The second month of quizzes served as the self-graphing alone data, and the …


Passive Vs. Active Technologies In The Classroom, John Borchert May 2013

Passive Vs. Active Technologies In The Classroom, John Borchert

Theses and Dissertations

Modern technology is being implemented in the classroom more and more. Little has been done to identify which types of technologies are the best to use for educational purposes. Research has shown that students perform better when they are interested in the subject. This study seeks to determine if passive technologies (TV, power points, etc.) or active technologies (video games, electronic quizzes, etc.) were more effective in inspiring interest and better performance. This will help educators chose better options for technology use in their classrooms. This study required subjects answer a survey questions regarding different types of technologies they had …


The Capacity To Lead: Building A Collaborative Organization Through A Shared Vision And Improved Staff Capacity In An Inclusive New Jersey Preschool, Kathleen Mccabe-Odri May 2013

The Capacity To Lead: Building A Collaborative Organization Through A Shared Vision And Improved Staff Capacity In An Inclusive New Jersey Preschool, Kathleen Mccabe-Odri

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of my dissertation study was to examine my own leadership in the context of the community inclusive preschool that I own and operate along with my business partner. The focus was to build a collaborative organization through a shared vision and improved staff skill capacity. In order to implement the change process, I chose the specific learning environment of our instructional student centers (i.e., "zones") as the setting to conduct my action research project. The study describes both my personal leadership theory as well as an analysis of my leadership actions (i.e., theory in use) in order to …


Rowan After Hours: The Impact Of Student Employment On Student Engagement, Lauren Thompson May 2013

Rowan After Hours: The Impact Of Student Employment On Student Engagement, Lauren Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of student employment in Rowan After Hours (RAH) on student engagement at Rowan University. All respondents were employed by RAH during the spring 2013 semester. A survey was used to gather information on various aspects of subject engagement on campus, including how often students contributed to academic classes, utilized information learned in class in their academics or daily life, interacted with faculty or staff, time spent completing various tasks, number of pages written throughout the semester, and work and co-curricular experiences. Established research indicates that engaging students in a variety …


The Effects Of Ipads On The Independent Reading Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Jaime Macewen May 2013

The Effects Of Ipads On The Independent Reading Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Jaime Macewen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the use of iPads for independent reading would enhance the reading motivation of ninth grade students with learning disabilities as measured by number of pages read and students' self-reported interest in reading in response to a survey. Its purpose is also to determine whether they would prefer reading on an iPad over reading traditional books. This study used a pretest-posttest group design. The participants were nineteen students in ninth grade. The participants all receive special education services in the resource center classroom. They are enrolled in an intensive reading …


Inclusion Of African American Vernacular English In The Classroom, Chris Roye-Gill Apr 2013

Inclusion Of African American Vernacular English In The Classroom, Chris Roye-Gill

Theses and Dissertations

A plethora of research exists citing the poor academic performance of African American children in this country (D'Angiulli, Siegel, & Maggi, 2004; Labov, 1971, 1995; Miranda, Webb, Brigman, & Peluso, 2007). A large amount of the research is specific to reading deficits identified with African American students. Students who are successful readers are also successful in the other content areas. Lytel and Botel (1990) along with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE, 2009) contend that literacy encompasses reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. They go further to say that if one is to acquire these skills, learning has to be relevant. …


Academic Resilience: Narratives Of High-Achieving Black Female Middle School Adolescents, Courtne Thomas Apr 2013

Academic Resilience: Narratives Of High-Achieving Black Female Middle School Adolescents, Courtne Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the academic experiences of four grade 6, high-achieving Black females in an urban middle school. Using the interpretive lenses of Feminism, Critical Race Theory, Critical Race Feminism, Intersectionality and Identity Formation, roles and identities were explored with word choice and language analysis. Habits and factors contributing to the participants' success revealed their beliefs about academic achievement. Through the use of narrative inquiry, data were collected from semi-structured in-depth individual interviews, observations and researcher field notes, personal autobiographical narratives, archival document reviews and artifacts. Findings of this study revealed that participants exhibited …


The Impact Of A Theater Service Learning Course For Underserved Children Through A Mixed Methodology, Fanny Chouinard Mar 2013

The Impact Of A Theater Service Learning Course For Underserved Children Through A Mixed Methodology, Fanny Chouinard

Theses and Dissertations

In general, the community partnerships found in service learning programs can be conduits between underserved populations and populations that have greater access to resources (Burbank & Hunter, 2008). A typical community partnership would be among a local institution of learning, the parents of underserved children, and their children. Although service learning programs cannot be expected to solve all problems of the individuals, the community, and the University, they can have a positive impact on the complex relationships between its stakeholders. The intention of this action research project was to determine the effect of a theater service learning course with children. …


Using Digital Stories To Improve Writing Skills Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Michelle Andreevski Mar 2013

Using Digital Stories To Improve Writing Skills Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Michelle Andreevski

Theses and Dissertations

Writing is an important medium to express one's ideas and needs and is an integral part of the curriculum in secondary schools. Within an accountability system, students are expected to compose narrative, persuasive, and informational essays for state and district level assessments. Students with ASD demonstrate developmental delays in language and communication skills, including verbal and written language, thus, writing is a difficult area and challenge in their learning. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of computer-assisted instruction using digital stories to teach expressive writing to students with ASD. A total of six students with autism participated in …


Undergraduate Students' Perceptions Of General Education: A Mixed Methods Approach, Rihab Saadeddine Mar 2013

Undergraduate Students' Perceptions Of General Education: A Mixed Methods Approach, Rihab Saadeddine

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions should offer students an enriching learning experience that fosters their academic competencies, professional skills, civic responsibility, and global preparedness (AACTE, 2010; AAC&U, 2007). Colleges and universities have been criticized for not adequately preparing students academically and professionally. They are urged to assess and improve their general education programs to provide quality education and meet the needs of 21st century students (AACTE, 2010; AAC&U, 2007; Boning, 2007; Rhodes, 2010). This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design to indirectly assess the general education program through students' perceptions. It was designed to explore the differences in perceptions …


Motivational Orientations Of Rn-Bsn Students At Rowan University, Tywanna Hamilton-West Mar 2013

Motivational Orientations Of Rn-Bsn Students At Rowan University, Tywanna Hamilton-West

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research the motivational orientation of diploma and associate prepared nurses enrolled in a RN-BSN program, by examining what factors influence students to participate in adult education activities. Research was conducted at Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey during the fall of 2011. Questionnaires were electronically distributed to 200 RNs out of a population of 400. Ninety-eight surveys were utilized, which yielded a 49% return rate. Information was collected from Boshier's Education Participation Scale (EPS) A-Form and 7 demographic questions. Data analysis suggested that 87.5 % of the subjects were goal-oriented learners, participating in advance …


Religion And Spirituality: A Study Of Undergraduate Student Sentiments And Transcendence, Robert Yufer Mar 2013

Religion And Spirituality: A Study Of Undergraduate Student Sentiments And Transcendence, Robert Yufer

Theses and Dissertations

This study took place at a public university located in Glassboro, NJ. The purpose of this study was to determine the religiosity, religious crisis, and spirituality levels of Rowan University undergraduate students. A survey was sent to all undergraduate students at least 18 years old to participate in the study. The instrument is partitioned and includes a religiosity section and a spirituality section with statements and questions. The survey data suggest that Rowan undergraduates fall within the normative range when it comes to religion and spirituality. The responses have also indicated that Rowan students are, as a whole, not experiencing …


Career And Technical Education Faculty Retention: A Leadership Study, Jennifer Bates Jan 2013

Career And Technical Education Faculty Retention: A Leadership Study, Jennifer Bates

Theses and Dissertations

Attracting and retaining qualified teachers is a necessary component for successful schools. Literature on faculty retention abounds (Ingersoll, 2001; Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement, 2007; National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium, (NASDCTEc), 2010.), but literature specific to retention in career and technical education is limited. One New Jersey career and technical high school experienced high faculty mobility rates which was reason for concern. This qualitative action research study sought to identify environmental factors that contributed to the mobility rates. This study also focused on the leadership of the school principal and the components …