Education Commons^™

Study Skills Self Monitoring For Adolescents With Adhd, Rachel Michelle Lesse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to see how self-monitoring affected academic progress among high school aged students with ADHD. Students were monitored throughout their study skills class period, where they learned to monitor themselves by assessing a variety of factors, such as personal grades, missing assignments, and personal reflection. Of the three students monitored, two increased grades in most of their academic subjects, and all increased their homework production post intervention. The study did not go without various limitations, however future implications are discussed as to the importance of this study.

Online Versus On-Ground: Student Outcomes And The Influence Of Student Engagement In A College Success Course, Theresa Elizabeth Orosz

Theses and Dissertations

Online course enrollments are growing despite concerns about higher withdrawal rates and lower persistence rates, academic performance, and levels of engagement (Bambara, Harbour, Davies, & Athey, 2009; Blackner, 2000; Jaggars & Xu, 2010; Xu & Jaggars, 2011). College success courses, which are meant to bolster new students' academic skills and foster engagement, are being offered online, placing academically inexperienced students in a high risk learning environment. This mixed methods study sought to understand the experience of community college students enrolled in online and on-ground sections of a college success course and how engagement may have influenced their outcomes. Despite similarly …

Students' Lived Experiences Of The Realization Of Academic Wrongness (Raw), Dana Carol Kemery

Theses and Dissertations

Being wrong is a common phenomenon for students in academic environments; however this phenomenon has yet to be described from the student perspective. The purpose of this phenomenologic inquiry is to describe the realization of academic wrongness (RAW) as experienced by senior level nursing students during a high stakes testing period. Observations, class documents, communications, and semi-structured interviews were collected to gain a full description for the realization of academic wrongness within context and as this phenomenon unfolded for the students. The data were analyzed using Moustakas (1994) 7 step phenomenological process. Fourteen invariant constituents emerged during data analysis which …

Encouraging Professional Competency Development Of Higher Education Administration Graduate Students Through Supervised Student Affairs Practice, Andrew S. Tinnin

Theses and Dissertations

Professional preparation and socialization of student affairs educators and their competency development is increasingly important in today's higher education environment (ACPA & NASPA, 2015; Janosik, Creamer, Hirt, Winston, Saunders, & Cooper, 2003; Schuh, Jones, & Harper, 2010). This professional preparation often occurs during graduate programs in higher education administration, and features a supervised practice component (CAS, 2012; Janosik, Cooper, Sauders, & Hirt, 2015). The purpose of this grounded theory study is to explore the process of competency development of higher education administration graduate students as part of their professional socialization into the student affairs profession. The intent of the study …

The Challenges That International Students Face When Integrating Into Higher Education In The United States, Raja Almurideef

Theses and Dissertations

For the last two years, the number of international students aspiring to obtain a qualification in U.S. universities has been exponentially growing by 8% (IIE, 2014). The purpose of this study was to discuss the challenges faced by international students in the United States. Although international students benefit universities, they encounter adjustment difficulties that differ from those of domestic students, such as culture shock, homesickness, loss of social support, discrimination, language barriers, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and academic adjustments. This quantitative study was conducted with undergraduate international students from different countries enrolled at Rowan University during the spring semester of 2016. …

The Effects Of Orton Gillingham Instructional Techniques During Small Group Instruction, Kathleen Tiver

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of leveled literacy through guiding reading and leveled literacy reading in conjunction with supplemental small group instruction utilizing Orton Gillingham techniques. This study was completed in a first grade inclusive classroom. This study was created by results from beginning of the year (September) independent reading assessments. Students who were incorporated into this study as part of the instructional group read at least three grade below excepted level, and were not classified students. Students were monitored and formally assessed at each marking period of the school year to measure successes. Students …

An Exploration Of Student Anxiety And The Degree Of Aba Services, Alexis Stavros

Theses and Dissertations

Children diagnosed with Autism may present numerous internalizing and externalizing behaviors. In order to help decrease problematic behaviors and promote positive behaviors, early intervention programs are often put into place. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a method of intervention based in operant conditioning, and is used to alter socially useful behavior (Kearney, A. 2008). Although ABA can be effective in decreasing problematic behavior, it could be argued that children diagnosed with Autism exhibit a range of symptoms that may be more internalizing in nature, and not particularly responsive to ABA (Herbert, Brandsma, 2002: Fryling, 2011). Research states that 84% of …

College Student Attitudes Toward Intercollegiate Athletics At Rowan University, Donald Nathanial Parsley

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) analyze undergraduate residential student attitudes towards athletics at Rowan University; (b) discern differences between self-identified student-athletes and non-athletes with respect to athletic programs at Rowan University in regards to resource allocation, corruption, relevance of athletics to the college experience, and academic matters of student-athletes; and (c) examine differences in attitudes of the student sample at Rowan University with previous studies. The survey tool that was utilized consisted of 44 items, which collected demographics and employed a series of Likert-style statements. The subjects consisted of 431 residential, undergraduate students at Rowan University enrolled …

The Effect Of Social Stories On The Socialization And Self-Control Of Preschool Children With Disabilities, Jessica German

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effect of social stories on the number of social exchanges between children, the verbal requests for items during play centers, and the number of impulsive behaviors. A single subject design with three phases was used. This study also evaluated maintenance data to assess generalization of skills post intervention. Specifically, in the area of impulse control and verbal requests, results reveal that all three participants in the study were able to increase their ability to control their impulsive behaviors and verbal requests with the use of the social stories. In the area of social exchanges, research data …

Understanding The First-Year Student Athlete Experience At Rowan University: A Qualitative Approach, David Joseph Naphy

Theses and Dissertations

Retaining students in higher education is a continual process, in need of constant evaluation, to ensure best practices are being implemented to meet the needs of the students. When implementing retention and transition programs, colleges and universities must understand the varying needs, particularly for those who are members of a subgroup within the traditional population (Bean & Metzner, 1985). One subgroup, in particular, that could benefit from a more focused transitional experience during their first-year at college are student athletes (Crom, Warren, Clark, Marolla, & Gerber, 2009).

The purpose of this study was to better understand the first-year experience at …

The Effect Of The Video Game Quizlet On The Acquisition Of Science Vocabulary For Children With Learning Disabilities, Deborah Ann Boyce

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the learning video game Quizlet on students with learning disabilities in the science classroom. Specifically this study investigated (a) student academic performance, (b) student on-task behavior, and (c) student satisfaction using the learning video game. Student academic performance was measured in terms of vocabulary acquisition, and student engagement was measured in relation to on-task behaviors. Seven middle school students, three female and four male participated in the study. A single subject design with ABABAB phases and maintenance data collection was utilized. Results show that all students increased their grades …

The Effects Of A Multiple Schedule And Rird Intervention On The Vocal Stereotypy Of A Student With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kathleen Michelle Scully

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to use a research based intervention package to decrease the levels of vocal stereotypy and increase appropriate vocalizations and attending behavior in a student with ASD. Through use of an ABAB reversal design, a multiple schedule intervention was introduced, with the evidence-based practice Response, Interruption, and Redirection (RIRD) implemented at set intervals. The multiple schedule was then faded out of the intervention and RIRD was run solely throughout the day in a classroom setting. Results revealed a decrease of vocal stereotypy and an increase in attending behavior for the participant across phases. Results suggest …

Effectiveness Of Pivotal Response Training As A Peer-Mediated Strategy To Increase Social Interactions For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Communication Disorders, Alyssa Erin Friedrich

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to: (a) examine the effectiveness of using PRT as a peer-mediated strategy, (b) examine the effectiveness of using PRT to increase social interactions (play initiation and turn taking) for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and (c) evaluate typical peer satisfaction and perception of this intervention. Eight kindergarten students participated in this study, four students classified as having ASD or Communication Disorders, and four typical peers. A single subject multiple baseline across participants design was used, and maintenance data was collected. During the baseline, the frequency of taking turns and initiating play were observed …

Does Daily Therapeutic Intervention Within A Controlled Environment Reduce Chronic Disruptive Behavior For A Second Grader With Adhd?, Lisa M. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic disruptive behaviors often happen throughout classrooms nationwide. These behaviors distract other students and at times prevent them from learning. This study will explore whether therapeutic interventions (environmental management method, self-management techniques) were helpful in decreasing chronic disruptive behaviors during academic time. One, second grade student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in the study. This study observed a student for two behaviors, calling out and out of seat. There were two interventions implemented to help reduce the disruptive behaviors. The results of this study show that therapeutic interventions are an effective way to reduce chronic disruptive behaviors, as …

Total Physical Response And The Natural Approach To Teaching Foreign Language To Students With Disabilities, Jessica Lynn Dalessandro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using the instructional strategies of Total Physical Response (TPR) and Natural Approach (NA) on the foreign language acquisition of students with learning disabilities (LD) in an inclusion Spanish classroom. The study utilized an ABAB single subject design, and was designed to build on the research recommendation of Duran (1993) to examine the effect of a combined approach utilizing TPR and NA strategies to teach foreign language to students with LD. Results reveal that the daily language acquisition scores of two of the four students increased during both intervention phases, …

The Effect Of Explicit Teaching Of Inferring On The Reading Comprension Of Students With Learning Disabilities In Middle School, Rebecca Berkowitz Muller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine improvement of reading comprehension on students with specific learning disabilities in the seventh grade through the direct and explicit teaching of inferring. The students were taught to use a graphic organizer to aid their metacognition related to making an inference. Each student was identified as having weak inferential thinking skills through the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment and the easyCBM long reading comprehension assessment. Data was collected during a baseline phase, intervention phase, and post-intervention phase. The independent variable was the use of a graphic organizer that aided in the strategy of …

Implementing State Initiatives In A Pk-1 Primary School: A Case Study Exploring Instructional Leadership, Jennifer Baldwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods case study is to explore the practices that a principal has used to address the individual needs of students through instructional and cultural changes, which resulted in increased student achievement. Using Lambert’s (1998) Leadership Capacity Survey, the espoused beliefs of the principal are correlated to the teachers’ ratings of the principal’s performance. The findings indicate an overall emergent theme that the principal uses broad-based leadership and skillful participation to establish reciprocal trust among the staff by creating teacher leaders. An additional theme of the community’s principal illuminates the work the principal’s efforts to establish …

Involvement Patterns Of International Students And Their Overall College Experience, Kesiane C. Costa-String

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this mix method study was to examine the involvement patterns of Rowan University international undergraduate students and their overall college experience and satisfaction. The study further explored what services are most used from international students at Rowan University. The survey sample included the available population of all international undergraduate students from Rowan University, Glassboro main campus, during spring 2015. Of the 59 international undergraduate students who received the survey, 33 students responded yielding a 56% response rate. The purposive sample included four undergraduate international students from Rowan University, Glassboro, main campus, enrolled during the 2014-2015 academic year, …

Examining The Impact Of Community Factors On Student Truancy, Juan Jose Lorenzo

Theses and Dissertations

Truancy has been an ongoing issue in the lives of many urban and low-income students. Poor school attendance has been one of the earliest indicators of academic failure, delinquency, crime, poverty and etc. Although there have been a number of different definitions for truancy, the law has consistently stated that underage students must attend school. It has been clear that addressing and combating truancy has been an issue in many cities. Research has identified many truancy risk indicators and various community factors have appeared to impact truancy rates. Additionally, within an urban setting, the availability of public transportation to and …

Leadership Development And Ethnic Identity Of Latina/O Students At Rowan University, Andrew Montanez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of leadership and ethnic identity among selected Rowan University Latina/o undergraduate students. More specifically, the study replicated Oldham’s (2008) research, which was based on Erikson's Identity Development Theory (1980) and the Leadership Identity Model of Komives, Owen, Longerbeam, and Mainella (2005). In addition, the study probed how Latina/o Rowan University undergraduate students viewed their ethnicity using Phinney’s (1992) Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM).

Students were surveyed randomly via an electronic version of the instrument on Rowan’s Volvici survey software, and by convenience sampling through paper formatted surveys gathered at the …

Influence Of Mentors Of Female Development Among Higher Education Administrative Professionals, Courtney Van Leuvan

Theses and Dissertations

Leadership is a socially constructed concept that has been seen as a masculine quality; because of this women struggle reaching leadership positions and face many challenges when holding leadership positions. This study investigated the development of leadership styles and qualities of selected female administrative leaders at Rowan University through survey and interview data. The study specifically looked at the influence of these women’s mentors on their leadership development. The findings of the study showed that the women reported no negative experiences with male mentors, however several with female mentors. The interviews also revealed that there were differences among qualities and …

Effectiveness Of 1:1 Technology In The Science Classroom, Courtney Tara Weiss

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were: (a) to determine if using e-text technology in a middle school resource science classroom increases student academic performance, (b) to determine if using e-text technology in a middle school science resource classroom increases student engagement/on-task behavior, and (c) to evaluate student comfort and satisfaction in using an electronic textbook or print textbook in a middle school resource science classroom. Ten middle school students, four in grade 7 and six in grade 8 participated in the study using the Discovery Education Science Techbook and the AGS General Science series. A single subject design with ABABA …

The Effectiveness Of Listening While Reading With Story Mapping On The Reading Comprehension Of Students With Emotional Disorders, Suzanne C. Sedarat

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a single-subject ABA design to examine the effectiveness of listening while reading using audiobooks combined with the evidence-based strategy, story mapping, on the reading comprehension of narrative text for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Four high-school students in a ninth grade self-contained classroom in a private, special education setting participated in the study. During the intervention, students listened to a novel on the computer program Learning Ally (TM) while reading along with a copy of the text and competing a related story map. Reading comprehension was measured via student responses to comprehension questions and the number …

Comparing Math Fluency And Automaticity Using Explicit Timing With Students With Disabilities, Andrew Ehala

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the mathematical fluency performance of a group of students with various learning disabilities in an eighth grade classroom by implementing and intervention intensification program that incorporates an explicit timing model. Students demonstrated a wide range of progression with their mathematical fluency with all students showing progress from the start of the study to the conclusion. Analysis of the data determined that students fluency levels increased at a faster rate when provided with a consistent intensive regime of math computational facts. Implications for teaching students with disabilities mathematical fluency are discussed.

First-Year Students: Investigating The Impact Of Participating In A Mathematics Learning Community, Lindsay Barrie

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate how participating in a mathematics learning community can impact a first-year students’ experience in college. The total population in the Math Learning Community (MLC) was 40, 36 of these members participated in a survey and five volunteered to participate in an interview. The survey collected demographic information and responses to statements regarding the students’ transition to college, their connectedness to Rowan, their peer interaction, faculty interaction, and their overall satisfaction at Rowan. The interview questions asked about their most and least satisfying aspects of participating in the MLC and what recommendations they …

Do Formative Assessment Strategies Help Learners With Academic Difficulties?, Dana King

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not formative assessment strategies enhance the educational learning experience for lower level learners in a mathematics classroom setting. The selected students are supported by a Basic Skills teacher and perform below grade level. The FA group, Formative Assessment group, was given two variations of Formative Assessments to use each day. The IAL group, Instruction as Usual group, continued as is. The formative assessment strategies used were mini white boards and a mathematical graphic organizer allowing the students to determine the problem, question being asked, information provided, which operation to choose, …

Examining Student Leader Involvement Patterns Related To Academic Success, Stephanie Reiley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the desirable limits of Astin’s Involvement Theory. Astin (1993) reports that involvement on campus is positively related to student success, however, in other portions of his work, he reports that there are certain limitations on the theory of involvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement patterns and academic impact of highly involved students at Rowan University, in Glassboro, New Jersey in the spring 2015 semester. The target population for this survey was current Resident Assistants, Orientation Staff, and members of the Student Government Association. The instrument to assess students’ patterns and levels of …

The Effectiveness Of The Word Study Program On Teaching Elementary Students With Learning Disabilities, Catherine Marie Dipierro

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates the effects of the Word Study approach on teaching decoding skills, oral reading fluency (ORF), and reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities. Five, 3rd and 4th graders with specific learning disability (SLD) participated in the study. A single subject design with multiple baselines across grade levels with AB phases was used in this study. During the baseline, students were assessed by a spelling inventory and comprehension rubric for 8 weeks. During the intervention, students were taught by lessons developed based on their word patterns with a discussion of words, grouped to complete activities including word sorting, …

A Quantitative Study On Student Perception Of Campus Climate For Diversity At A Predominantly White Institution, Tyler O. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study was conducted during the spring 2015 semester at Rowan University—a Predominantly White Institution located in Glassboro, NJ that also consists of classes in Camden, NJ. The target population of this study was all main-campus, full-time undergraduate students at or above the age of 18 years who were enrolled in Rowan University for at least a full semester—during the Fall 2014 semester and returned in the Spring 2015 semester.

The purpose of this research study was to close a knowledge gap for research surrounding undergraduate perception of campus climate for diversity at a Predominantly White Institution as represented …

Town And Gown Relations: Finding Equitable Prosperity For Neighborhood Resident Stakeholders, Ian T. Foley

Theses and Dissertations

An effective and prosperous community is measured by the sum of its parts, and in the case of a college town, everyone from the college students, to the neighborhood residents are stakeholders in what represents a college town. The neighborhood resident is a less researched stakeholder, but none the less important in understanding challenges. This study expands the limited knowledge base on attitudes of neighborhood resident stakeholders in college towns. A randomized door-to-door survey was conducted in the Glassboro, New Jersey neighborhood surrounding Rowan University, collecting the attitudes of permanent residents regarding interactions with students, property and public safety concerns, …