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Full-Text Articles in Education
The Impact Of Internal And External Factors On The Academic Success Of Selected African American Students, Takeyda Williams
The Impact Of Internal And External Factors On The Academic Success Of Selected African American Students, Takeyda Williams
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of 208 selected African American students at Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, in March, 2010. The study investigated the impact of internal and external factors such as school preparation, self determination, financing, mentoring, academic advising, and self efficacy, and the impact that these six identified factors had on their grade point average and their academic achievement at Rowan University. Academic achievement was measured by a self reported grade point average of a 3.0 or higher. Data on the attitudes were collected by means of a survey using a 31 Likert-type …
An Evaluation Of Graduate Students' Perceptions Of Mattering At Rowan University, Christopher D'Angelo
An Evaluation Of Graduate Students' Perceptions Of Mattering At Rowan University, Christopher D'Angelo
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine whether graduate students at Rowan University felt as though they mattered to the university. The subjects in this study consisted of 320 full-time and part-time matriculated graduate students at Rowan University during the spring 2010 semester. Data were collected using a revised version of the Mattering Scales for Adult Students in Higher Education, which consists of 45 Likert scale statements meant to gain insight into how students felt about their graduate school experience, and how they felt their needs were being met by the university community. Data analysis found that participants generally …
The Effects That A Cognitive Behavior Modification Intervention Can Have On A Child With Behavioral Disabilities, Kelly Courtney
The Effects That A Cognitive Behavior Modification Intervention Can Have On A Child With Behavioral Disabilities, Kelly Courtney
Theses and Dissertations
This study is a focus on the effects that a cognitive behavior modification intervention can have on a child with behavior disabilities. Children with conduct disorder(s) frequently engage in aggressive and disruptive behaviors and often show and express their emotions in many different ways. Often these behaviors are controlled or managed through behavioral interventions. CBM aims to teach individuals to monitor their own behavior, pace or performance and to appropriately dispense self-reinforcement. A cognitive behavior modification program was implemented with one student. Through modeling, observation and then imitation, the child developed new behaviors. This intervention represents a viable alternative for …
Magic, Monsters, And Merlin: An Exploration Of The Fantasy Genre In A Fifth Grade Setting, Traci Bowles
Magic, Monsters, And Merlin: An Exploration Of The Fantasy Genre In A Fifth Grade Setting, Traci Bowles
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to determine how fantasy literature helps children explore, process, and discuss real world issues and topics and what other applications the genre had in the classroom. This study was conducted by implementing a genre study in a fifth grade classroom. Seventeen students participated in the research model. Data collected included audiotaped discussions, student projects and artifacts, and my personal teacher research journal. The data was analyzed recursively across all data sets to determine patterns and themes. Data was coded according to the four main patterns and counted across data sets. If the pattern …
The Dream Is Alive: A Study Of Selected African American Males' Success At Rowan University, Cory Boone
The Dream Is Alive: A Study Of Selected African American Males' Success At Rowan University, Cory Boone
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to better understand why African American males struggle to obtain a four-year college degree. A secondary purpose was to analyze the Black male college students' perceptions of success in college and the roles educational leaders played in their attendance and achievement in college. This study also looked at the behavior of the African American males in college. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Selection criteria included male, African American undergraduate and graduate students attending Rowan University during the 2009/2010 academic year who were student leaders, and doing well in the classroom. Also, selected …
How Do First Graders Define A Family?, Kelly Ann Mcgrail
How Do First Graders Define A Family?, Kelly Ann Mcgrail
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this study was to determine how first grade students define a family. Qualitative research was used as the methodology for this inquiry. The participants were thirteen first grade inclusion students in a school that is located in Southern New Jersey. An instructional unit depicting various family constellations was implemented along with authentic discussions, a student survey, an interactive bulletin board, a classroom library containing family books, and writing prompts contained in My Family Journal. The data collected and analyzed was from student discussion, the subjects' work, direct observation of pupils, the instructional unit, and a teacher research …
Student Motivation: The Impact Intrinsic Motivation And Extrinsic Rewards Have On Elementary Students, Renee Tybus
Student Motivation: The Impact Intrinsic Motivation And Extrinsic Rewards Have On Elementary Students, Renee Tybus
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine what happens when intrinsically motivating strategies and an extrinsic reward program are implemented in a fifth-grade inclusion classroom. The intrinsic strategies of enthusiasm, incorporating student choice into the lessons, and cooperative learning groups were used to help teach students during their literacy block. Additionally, an extrinsic reward program was put into effect once the three strategies had already been conducted. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as student motivation surveys, teacher observation checklists, focus group discussions, student written feedback, and observations recorded in my own teacher research journal, were all used to facilitate …
A Study Of The Impact Of Late Night Programming On Student Involvement At Rowan University, Brian Milsted
A Study Of The Impact Of Late Night Programming On Student Involvement At Rowan University, Brian Milsted
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate student attitudes toward Rowan After Hours (RAH) and to determine the program's impact on student involvement. There were 365 respondents during the Spring 2010 semester. All respondents had attended at least one night of Rowan After Hours. A survey was used to gather attitudes toward various aspects of the campus late night program: Operations, Food Service, Activities, Professional Staff, and the Sense of Community. Students were given an opportunity to list what they like most and least about the program. Established research indicates a strong connection between students who socialize and higher …
A Study Of Academic Achievement Differences Between The Genders, Marissa Housman
A Study Of Academic Achievement Differences Between The Genders, Marissa Housman
Theses and Dissertations
This study seeks to explore the academic achievement gap between male and female students by comparing grade point averages across genders. Specifically, the researcher hypothesized that such a gap exists and that females would academically surpass their male counterparts in the classroom. Participants consisted of 300 students in grades 5, 8, and 11 from a public school district in suburban New Jersey. Grade point average (GPA) was generated by converting letter grades into numbers (4.0-0.0) and then averaged. A two-way between-groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the hypothesis that females have a higher average GPA than males, as a whole …
Early Intervention In Conflict Resolution For Lower Elementary Students In A Self-Contained Classroom, Colleen Roughgarden
Early Intervention In Conflict Resolution For Lower Elementary Students In A Self-Contained Classroom, Colleen Roughgarden
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the effects of teaching conflict-resolution strategies to lower elementary students in a self-contained classroom. The students received conflict-resolution strategies and social skill development through an instructional unit involving children's literature along with student self-evaluations, appropriate outlets for tattletales, and the formation of a classroom club against bullying. This qualitative research study was conducted in a kindergarten and first grade self-contained classroom located in southern New Jersey. In order to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the students, all names have been altered. There were seven students in the class who …
What Happens When Writing Notebooks Are Used In A First Grade Classroom?, Shelley Kole
What Happens When Writing Notebooks Are Used In A First Grade Classroom?, Shelley Kole
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to investigate what happened when writing notebooks are implemented in a first-grade regular education classroom. Writing notebooks were used along with the Writer's Workshop curriculum in which students learned how to revise, edit, and use professional literature as examples for writing techniques. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as student surveys, student written work, and observations were used to collect data. The data revealed that the students gained an ownership of their writing notebooks which enabled students to take risks in their writing and led to an increased motivation and interest among students to write. …
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching, Mallory Heimlich
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching, Mallory Heimlich
Theses and Dissertations
With instructional time being interrupted by both in and out-of-class disturbances, research shows that approximately 30% of instructional day is wasted. Students are more likely to be unengaged and off-task when the teacher is interrupted than at other times and most classroom interruptions are initiated by the students themselves. The goal of this study was to decrease student interruptions and transition time by implementing a nonverbal signal system as a component of the classroom management plan. Student interruptions were tallied and student transitions were timed during social studies and science in a fourth grade classroom. Reflections of the study were …
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing, Kerri Colletto
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing, Kerri Colletto
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine how students' attitudes towards writing are affected when authentic writing activities are implemented into the traditional writing curriculum. The students kept Lifebooks for a period of three weeks and there was an emphasis placed on writing that was personal and meaningful. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as my teacher research journal, student surveys, individual interviews, discussion groups and student work were used to collect data. Sorting and categorizing data within and between data sources revealed that the freedom to choose a topic affects what is written, that having a personal connection affects …
Using Self-Regulation To Improve Academic Outcomes Of Middle School Students With Behavioral Disabilities, Sandra Niblic
Using Self-Regulation To Improve Academic Outcomes Of Middle School Students With Behavioral Disabilities, Sandra Niblic
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this investigation was to identify and analyze the use of self-regulation techniques to improve the academic skills of language arts and mathematics for students with behavioral disabilities attending middle school. Self-regulation techniques were presented in a self-contained class during presentation of reading, writing and mathematics objectives. Students monitored their participation in class activities after signing a contract of agreement. Behaviors were monitored and assessed for preparedness for class, listening to directions, staying in assigned area and completing work assignments. Selfmanagement, self-monitoring and self-evaluation techniques were used by two subjects. Rewards were used to increase academic skills by …
How Do Intrinsic Motivational Strategies Impact Student's Engagement In Learning?, Kaitlyn Howarth
How Do Intrinsic Motivational Strategies Impact Student's Engagement In Learning?, Kaitlyn Howarth
Theses and Dissertations
Intrinsic motivation is one of the key factors in student's academic performance in the classroom. Thus, my research question becomes "how do intrinsic motivational strategies impact student's engagement in learning?" Researchers believe there are three common factors that are thought to promote intrinsic motivation: teacher enthusiasm, student choice and cooperative learning. These factors are three techniques believed to help foster intrinsic motivation in students and were implemented in the classroom. After five weeks of implementation, research found that students were making positive changes in the classroom by reading for pleasure, challenging themselves more, and participating more in class. More importantly, …
Leadership And The First-Year Experience: A Study Of Outcomes From Student Involvement And The Flip Program, Gavin Farber
Leadership And The First-Year Experience: A Study Of Outcomes From Student Involvement And The Flip Program, Gavin Farber
Theses and Dissertations
This study looks at the impact from the Freshmen Leadership Interest Program (FLIP) that took place in August 2006. A group of freshmen attended a three day retreat before the start of their freshmen year when they were introduced to the different types of leadership opportunities on the campus of Rowan University. Throughout the last four years the participants in the program have been involved in a variety of different clubs and organizations serving in many leadership positions. Fifty-three former participants were emailed a survey about their experience in FLIP and asked to complete the three page instrument. Along with …
Improving Math Fact Acquisition Of Students With Learning Disabilities Using The "Touch Math" Method, Carol Dombrowski
Improving Math Fact Acquisition Of Students With Learning Disabilities Using The "Touch Math" Method, Carol Dombrowski
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the effects of "Touch Math" compared with a number grid for computation. The study also considered the effects of these interventions on the self-efficacy of students with learning disabilities towards mathematics. Computation probes and math self-efficacy surveys were administered to the students prior to, and at the end of the intervention sessions. A quasi experimental alternating treatment design was utilized for interventions which lasted for ten days each. Probe and intervention practice sessions presented addition first then subtraction on separate worksheets. Seven elementary students with learning disabilities receiving specialized instruction through a pull-out program participated. Significant difference …
Making A Major Decision: Undeclared Student Retention And The Process Of Choosing An Academic Major At Rowan University, Rachael Scharen
Making A Major Decision: Undeclared Student Retention And The Process Of Choosing An Academic Major At Rowan University, Rachael Scharen
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the rationale of college major selection for undeclared students. The study focused on determining if undeclared students were influenced by outside resources and factors to aid in their decision to declare a particular major. Approximately 300 freshmen undecided students and five sophomore undecided students at Rowan University in January through March of 2010 participated in this study. Data on the influences and factors were collected through a survey using 31 Likert scale items and four open ended questions as well as using interviews and asking a series of questions about …
Social Skills And Attributions Of Asperger's Syndrome, Louis Fair
Social Skills And Attributions Of Asperger's Syndrome, Louis Fair
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was a single subject design (a) measuring where in social skills ability, a male high school student diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, is deficient based off of 5 subscales of social skills and then (b) creating an intervention focused on improving the areas of weakness to help the student function socially. The five subscales that the skills were grouped under with social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation and autistic mannerisms. A within-subject design was run for t-scores and the student measured to have the biggest area of weakness in the areas of social awareness, …
Life Satisfaction: A Study Of Undergraduate And Graduate Students, Stacy Behlau
Life Satisfaction: A Study Of Undergraduate And Graduate Students, Stacy Behlau
Theses and Dissertations
The stresses of life that college students face can be overwhelming at times and may affect the student's satisfaction with life. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors in student's lives that diminish their life satisfaction, and to examine which group of students had a lower life satisfaction in each area. Participants in this study were all Rowan University undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Psychology courses. Within the study, there were 57 total participants, 30 of which were undergraduate students and 27 graduate students. In addition, 47 participants were females while only 10 were males. Participants …
Effectiveness, Types, And Usage Of Behavior Modification At The Elementary Level, Ashley Hanscom
Effectiveness, Types, And Usage Of Behavior Modification At The Elementary Level, Ashley Hanscom
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined if 60% or more of the participants use Behavior Modification, if four or more different types are being used, and if Behavior Modification in effective in less than 2 months. A survey was distributed to an elementary school in Southern New Jersey (n = 25). Two out of the three hypotheses were proven; 100% of participants use Behavior Modification and more than four types are being used. Limitations, future research, and conclusions are discussed.
Educationally Underprepared Students' Perception Of Their Experience In A Pre-Freshman Bridge Program, Mary Schell
Educationally Underprepared Students' Perception Of Their Experience In A Pre-Freshman Bridge Program, Mary Schell
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of underprepared students regarding their participation in a pre-freshman bridge program. Data were collected through a series of interviews conducted over the course of three months. Interviews focused on students' perceptions of their classroom and out-of-classroom experiences, as well as their overall reflections on their participation in the program. Analysis of the interviews showed that students perceived that their participation in a pre-freshman summer bridge program readied them for the academic rigors of college and developed in them the skills to be successful first year students. Students also reported that …
Computer Assisted Instruction Or Mnemonic Strategy Instruction: Which Approach Produces Better Outcomes With Helping Students Develop Multiplication Fact Fluency?, Laura Flynn
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact mnemonic strategy instruction and computer assisted instruction had on helping students gain multiplication fact fluency. Thirteen, third grade students were provided with either mnemonic strategy instruction or computer assisted practice for six weeks to see which instructional approach assisted the children with fluency gains with multiplication facts. The two groups were assessed weekly with timed fact probes to evaluate progress. Baseline scores and ending scores were analyzed with a percent of change formula to reveal either an increase or decrease in fluency. The results of the comparison between the two …
A Case Study On Sibling Rivalry And The Use Of A Social Skills Training Model, Michelle Maiorano
A Case Study On Sibling Rivalry And The Use Of A Social Skills Training Model, Michelle Maiorano
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to use social skills training on an individual child to enhance the relationship with her siblings. The social skills sessions focused on factors such warmth, rivalry, conflict and status/power between the two siblings. These were measured by the Sibling Rivalry Questionnaire which the mother filled out before the sessions began and after they were completed. The results did not find a major difference between the pre and post tests. Warmth increased slightly, rivalry decreased slightly, there was no difference in the amount of conflict, and there was a slight decrease in relative status/power from …