Education Commons^™

A Comparison Of The Grade Point Averages And Attendance Of Octorara Area High School Students After Attending The Center For Arts And Technology-Brandywine For One Year, David B. Rutledge

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Center for Arts and Technology-Brandywine (CAT-B) is a vocational-technical school, where high school students spend part of a school day learning skills in career and technical education areas. The problem addressed by this research study 2 was that the grade point averages in academic subjects and school attendance had never been researched on students who had attended the vocational-technical school.

The study contained two research questions. They were, "Does school attendance improve after one year of attending CATB?" and "Does the GPA of academic courses improve for students after attending CAT-B for one year?"

A literature review was conducted …

Development Of A Curriculum In Interdisciplinary Studies And Communication Skills For The Doctor Of Philosophy In Biblical Studies Degree At Baptist Bible Seminary, Lee D. Kliewer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem for this study was that the Doctor of Philosophy degree curriculum at Baptist Bible Seminary does not develop communication skills and theological studies integration in its graduates. The purpose of this study was to develop a curriculum in interdisciplinary studies and communication skills for this program.

Two research questions were addressed in this study. What are the objectives, form, and content that should be included in an interdisciplinary studies and communication course curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy program at Baptist Bible Seminary? What delivery system of this curriculum would best serve the students in this degree program? …

A Comparison Of Knowledge Levels Of Diabetic Patients In A Hospital Environment To Those At An Alternate Site, Maudia L. Gentry

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Dallas County Hospital District currently provides diabetic health education 2 classes to anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. The Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) clinics also provide health education classes to anyone diagnosed with diabetes. Health education is offered to all diabetic patients. Furthermore, many patients who are admitted to the hospital for the treatment of diabetes are provided more in-depth health education on the prevention of the disease. The COPC division has seven clinics that operate in the Dallas sector, and all clinics offer diabetic health education classes to Dallas County citizens who have been diagnosed with …

Comparison Of The Quality Of Curriculum Written By Faculty Who Have Participated In Training To Curriculum Written By Faculty Who Have Not Participated In Training, Sue Salter

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem for this study was that it was unknown whether faculty participation in an IPD curriculum-writing workshop resulted in higher IPD curriculum module overall quality assessment scores (OQAS) when compared to the OQAS scores of modules written by faculty who did not participate in the curriculum-writing workshop.

There was one research question for this study: Will there be a significant difference in the mean IPD curriculum module OQAS scores of modules written by faculty who have participated in an IPD curriculum-writing workshop and by faculty who have not participated in an IPD curriculum-writing workshop?

IPD records of curriculum modules …

Development Of A Student Satisfaction Survey For The Office Of Residence Life At Virginia Wesley An College, Keith Moore

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem is that poor student retention rates at Virginia Wesleyan College affect the financial stability of the institution. The college has become increasingly dependent on funds generated by residential fees. Thus, the purpose of the study was to develop a survey instrument that could be utilized regularly to determine student satisfaction with the residential services and facilities at Virginia Wesleyan.

There were two research questions for this study: What are valid criteria for a survey instrument that could be used to determine student satisfaction with the services provided by the office of residence life at Virginia Wesleyan College? What …

Determining The Relationship Between Educational Level And College Plans Between Different Types Of Child Care Providers For Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains, Renee S. Moore

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem for this study was that enrollment numbers in the child and family development program at Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains were unexplainably low. At the request of the University 's Chancellor, survey data was analyzed to explore the relationship between key variables.

There were two research questions for this study. First, "Is there a relationship between types of child care providers and their college plans?" Second, ''Is there a relationship between the respondent's level of education and their college plans?"

Datum gathered from a survey developed and administered at an early childhood professional development conference in Springfield, Missouri …

Development Of A Management Course Syllabus For The Child And Family Development Program At Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains, Renee S. Moore

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The associate of applied science degree program in child development at Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains contains a management of early childhood programs course. The course is listed in the catalog and is required for successful completion of degree requirements. The problem was that the course had never been taught, did not have a course syllabus, and needed careful curriculum consideration prior to implementation.

The purpose of this study is to develop the course syllabus for an associate level management of early childhood programs course for delivery on the West Plains campus of Southwest Missouri State University. The research question …

Evaluation Of A Nursing Computer Learning Resource Laboratory At Contra Costa College, Saul P. Jones

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

In 1997 a Nursing Computer Learning Resource Laboratory (NCLRL) was established 2 for nursing students at Contra Costa College (CCC) by the nursing faculty to serve as a resource to help support the students in their studies. Prior to the establishment of the NCLRL the nursing program did not have computer equipment or nursing software available for student use. The lack of a NCLRL placed the nursing program at CCC behind other San Francisco Bay area and national nursing programs in using computer technology and computer-assisted instruction to enhance nursing student education and as an attraction for new and potential …

A Comparison Of Achievement Scores Of Students In Concentrated Weekend Classes Versus Those In Traditional Evening Classes At Middlesex Community College, Margaret C. Figgins-Hill

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Recently, Middlesex Community College (MCC) has begun offering a new and innovative format for non-traditional students taking courses to attain an associate degree. One of these courses is Sociology of the Family and is a requirement for all students in the Early Childhood Program. These classes are offered once per month on four all-day Saturday sessions to cover a full semester of study. The problem is that there are administrative concerns about the equivalency of all day Saturday classes in terms of student learning.

The purpose of this study was to determine if achievement scores of students completing the Sociology …

Effect Of Applied Academics On The Final English Course Grade Of Associate Of Science Degree Students In Automotive Service Management Technology, Kathleen Habel

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Traditionally, students enrolled in two-year Automotive Service Management Technology degree programs, had a difficult time succeeding in required general education courses, especially math, English composition, and physics. They enrolled in classes open to the general student population but found that the material had little meaning or relevance to their chosen field of study. According to college records, the pass rate was less than the norm for liberal arts students. Because of this, faculty and staff decided that class material needed to be presented through applied academics. The new curriculum demonstrated the relevance of subject matter in general education classes to …

Evaluation Of The Online Curriculum For The State Exam Review Course At The Southeastern Public Safety Institute Of St. Petersburg Junior College, Carlene M. Peterson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem was the curriculum for the online delivery of the State Exam Review Course has not been evaluated in its current format to see that the student is provided the same learning outcomes in the distance delivery as in the on-campus delivery. The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation of the online curriculum for the State Exam Review Course at the Southeastern Public Safety Institute of St. Petersburg Junior College to determine whether the present curriculum meets the goals and objectives of the Commission law enforcement curriculum. There was only one research question related to this …

An Evaluation Of The Availability Of Courses At Bevill State Community College, Teresa L. Johnson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to determine whether courses are offered at Bevill State Community College (BSCC) to allow a student to complete an associate degree within two years. The problem was that a significant number of students transfer to four-year institutions without completing an associate degree at BSCC.

There was one research question for this study: "Does the schedule of courses at BSCC allow students to complete an associate degree within two years?''

The procedures consisted of a literature review, establishment of criteria, selection and validation of evaluation model, selection and administration of a needs assessment instrument to …

Developing An Organizational Model For Marketing Nova Southeastern University Academic Programs, Irving Rosenbaum

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Fragmented independent marketing efforts by 17 schools, colleges, and academic centers at Nova Southeastern University have resulted in missed opportunities for NSU, and an inconsistent image for the university. As new providers and methods of delivery create an increasingly competitive environment, marketing has assumed increased significance in higher education.

The purpose of this developmental practicum was to develop a plan for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing at NSU. The research questions were "What would be the optimal model for establishing clear leadership over the now fragmented NSU marketing efforts?" and "What would be an appropriate and valid structure …

Development Of An Accounting Curriculum For The Devry Institute Of Technology, Arthur A. Gillis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem is that the DeVry Institute of Technology (DeVry) has been unable to market its accounting program effectively since its curriculum is not current and lacks computer applications. The purpose of the project is to develop an accounting curriculum that is professionally current and includes computer applications.

There were six research questions that needed to be answered in this study. First, what learning objectives should be included in each of the six core accounting classes; second, what will constitute valid measurements as to the learning objectives; third, what recommendations should be included in the applicable curriculum guides for the …

Evaluation Of Peerless Insurance Company’S Commercial Underwriting Knowledge Management Initiative And Development Of A Training Program To Address Performance Gaps, Kenneth John Swymer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

As a result of a recent knowledge management initiative, Peerless Insurance Company's (PIC) commercial underwriters {n=45) were provided access to the Internet and a company-wide intranet. The problem addressed was that incorrect underwriting decisions were being made due to the fact that information available was not being utilized, and there was no training program in place to address the shortcomings of this knowledge management initiative. Based upon an evaluation of this initiative, a training program was developed to address identified knowledge management performance gaps, with a plan for implementation and evaluation. The following five research questions were developed to address …

Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Study Abroad Program In Rome, Italy For Mount Mary College, Yvonne M. Hennigan

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem addressed in this project was that although Mount Mary College wants enrolled students to have an international experience, the college seeks also to prevent the loss of tuition when students study abroad. The mission of the all women Catholic college was committed to the development of the whole woman. The vision of the college was to educate women to transform the world.

The conflict between the president of the college wanting students to study abroad and the loss of revenue when students leave to study abroad was serious and problematic. The purpose of the project was to provide …

Correlation Of Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Portfolio Evaluation Scores With Other Measures Of Academic Performance, Karen A. Karlowicz

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A portfolio evaluation tool had been created by undergraduate nursing faculty at Old Dominion University School of Nursing to enable student portfolios to be used as an adjunct method of program evaluation. While the tool was previously judged to have face validity and high inter-rater reliability, the lack of evidence to show that portfolio scores were comparable to other measures of academic performance used to determine the attainment of program outcomes was a problem. Thus, the purpose of this project was to investigate the extent to which portfolio evaluation scores correspond with other measures of academic performance.

There were four …

Development Of A Strategic Plan Based On The Evaluation Of Relevant Quality Measures For Joliet Junior College, Mary Lou D'Allegro

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The strategic planning process at Joliet Junior College had been dormant since 2000. The problem, therefore, was that no strategic planning was being conducted that adhered to the institution's accreditation mandates or addressed stakeholder expectations. The purpose of this dissertation was threefold. First, a systematic methodology to develop key performance indicators by soliciting the input of various stakeholder groups was generated. Second, an inventory of those key measures was developed via the input of a formative committee and validation by a summative committee. A pilot study was then conducted to further corroborate lucidity of those quality measures. The final inventory …

Assessment Of The Validity Of Course And Non-Course Prerequisites In Predicting Success Of Associate Degree Nursing Students At Monterey Peninsula College, Debra Schulte

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was that the nursing program was not in compliance with the mandate from the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges that each mandatory prerequisite be a valid predictor of student success in the program. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of each course and non-course prerequisite as meaningful predictors of success for Associate Degree Nursing students.

Four research questions were under consideration. The first is "Which course prerequisites have content validity as prerequisites for the Associate Degree Nursing program?" The second was "Is each of the course prerequisites for the Associate …

Evaluation Of Adventure-Based Training Programs For Adult Learners, Jean Mee

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The nature of the problem was a lack of data supporting the validity of the adventure education movement; it was not known whether various adventure-based programs and experiences are teaching what they claim to be teaching. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of adventure-based training programs for adult learners. The study addressed several research questions. First, "Are existing adventure-based training programs utilizing adult learning principles?" Second, "Are existing adventure-based training programs 3 for adult learners effective in meeting the learning needs of program participants?" Third, "What are the goals of adventure-based training programs, and are those …

Survey Of The Educational Needs Of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists In The Western Pennsylvania Geographic Area And Development Of A Program To Meet Identified Needs, Colleen A. Cooke

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists are not being adequately served in their access to education options that are necessary for recertification of professional growth. Slippery Rock University is interested in increasing enrollment and remaining viable in the new competitive climate of higher education. The purpose of this project was to assess the learning needs and interests of the potential constituents of Slippery Rock University who are interested in furthering their education in the therapeutic recreation profession, and to develop a program responsive to those needs and interests.

This study addressed the following research questions: (a) "What is the current best practice …

Development Of A Performance Checklist For Paramedic Education At Crafton Hills College With Plans For Implementation And Evaluation, James Holbrook

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Changes in the regulations for paramedic education have recently been adopted (DOT HS 808 862 National Standard Paramedic Curriculum, 1998). The Crafton Hills College Paramedic program is required to meet these regulations, and as a requirement of the regulations, document the attainment of the required competencies to achieve paramedic course completion. No performance checklist existed within the Crafton Hills College paramedic program that tracks and documents the clinical and field exposures of the graduates that includes national, state, and local requirements. The purpose of this study was to develop, with plans to implement and evaluate, a performance checklist specific to …

Development And Evaluation Plans Of A Denominational Program To Equip Local Church Leaders With Creative Thinking And Problem Solving Techniques, Richard C. Harris

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem investigated within the Free Methodist Church was that church leaders (pastors and lay leaders) lacked skills in how to proactively engage churches in creative thinking and problem solving. The purpose of this project was to develop a program to help church leaders improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills and to design a plan for evaluating such a program.

There were four comprehensive research questions for this study. The first was "What is the subject matter of a comprehensive program for developing in church leaders the skills and attitudes needed to improve creative thinking and problem solving? The second …

Development Of A Marketing Plan To Increase Enrollment At Windward Islands School Of Evangelism, With Plans For Implementation And Evaluation, Simeon Norton

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was the low enrollment at the Windward Islands School of Evangelism (WISE), although WISE offers full scholarship to all applicants who are accepted. After 21 years of existence in the Caribbean, and offering a program with assistance that no other institution in the region offers, the student enrollment at WISE ought to be higher than what it has been. The purpose of this project was to develop a marketing plan that will render assistance to the alleviation of the problem of low student enrollment at WISE.

Five research questions guided this Applied Dissertation. First, "What are …

Development And Validation Of A Guide To Improve The Management Of Family Stressors During Pregnancy, Elena E. Jones

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was the developing of practical coping strategies for adolescent pregnant mothers that improved the management of family stressors during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to develop and to verify the content and design of a guide to improve the management of family stressors during pregnancy for adolescent mothers. Five research questions to address the problem were related to the development and validation of the content and design of a guide and the implementation and evaluation of a guide to improve the management of family stressors during pregnancy.

The development methodology was used to answer …

Development Of A Seamless Transition Program For Inmate Students At The Community College Of Southern Nevada, Theo A. Byrns

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The prison education program at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN) has been in place since 1988. The Department of Prison Education offers a five-semester Associate of General Studies at facilities of incarceration in Southern Nevada. The purpose of the project was to develop a seamless transition program from a prison-based course of study to a course of study outside of the prison for community college inmate students and an implementation and evaluation plan. The seamless transition program would provide students with an opportunity to continue their higher education when released from prison.

There were six research questions in …

Evaluation Of U.S. Army Recruiters’ Satisfaction With Basic Recruiter Training And Their Challenges Encountering Today’S Youth Market, Richard E. Talley Colonel

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Despite the U.S. Army's recent success in recruiting, recruiters have difficulties in communicating with and attracting today's youth to Army service. Army officials reiterate that complacency about recent recruiting figures is misguided, and that, without the Army consistently meeting recruitment quotas, national security could be unduly threatened. The purposes of this study were to evaluate Army recruiters' satisfaction with their basic training course and its application to performance standards, to evaluate challenges recruiters face in attracting today's youth by development and administration of a survey instrument, and to report recommendations for improving the training course and remedying recruiters' difficulties in …

Development And Implementation Of An Occupational Safety And Health Administration Education Program For Healthcare Organizations Including A Plan For Evaluation, Anita L. Huse

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Today's healthcare organizations must comply with a myriad of laws, regulations, and other requirements governing the organization, delivery, and reimbursement of health care services (Ziel, 1998, p. 1032). The problem is that loss of educational support in the institutions as a result of cut backs often results in non-compliance with federal regulations. Many healthcare institutions are no longer meeting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) educational requirements (Peck, 1997, p. 20). These healthcare institutions must now outsource to educational consultants to provide programs to address this compliance issue.

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement an …

Strategies And Techniques To Impact Teachers’ Ability To Improve Students’ Reading Skills, Helen E. Martinez

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study examines strategies and techniques intended to update 5th-grade target students’ reading skills at Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Catholic School. A comparative analysis of the reading comprehension subtest results from the Stanford Achievement Test of successive cohorts of OLV 4th-grade students showed a decline during the students’ 4th-grade year. An effort to identity this decline in performance led the researcher to possible factors: teacher quality and degree of parental involvement. To address this problem, Brandt, Farmer, and Buckmaster’s (1993) cognitive Apprenticeship Model program, in which instruction is modeled and adult learners gradually take responsibility for instructing young learners, …

Teacher Personal Characteristics And School Organizational/Contextual Factors That Contribute To Retention In The Teaching Profession, Nelson E. Diaz

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is the area’s largest employer with 21,399 instructional professionals. During the 2000-2001 school year, 3,100 new teachers were hired in the district due mainly to growth in the student population and attrition of personnel.

The purpose of this practicum was to identify the personal and organizational factors that have contributed to teachers’ decisions to remain employed in M-DCPS during the first five years of employment. The initial cohort of teachers selected for this study was 1,015 newly hired teachers during the 1996-97 school year. The sample population selected for this study was 749 teachers from …