Education Commons^™

Chme 223: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Hossein Noureddini

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio was intended to provide a broad overview of the course. Initially, when I decided to write this portfolio my intention was for it to help me in the student's outcome assessment of teaching for the course and in a broader scope, for my department's effort in establishing a systematic student outcome assessment process. However, as I became more familiar with the program I realized other aspects of the course could also benefit from this portfolio. My goal for this portfolio is to be broad with emphasis on course objectives, delivery methods and their assessment. I like for this …

Geog 140: Human Geography—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Katherine Nashleanas

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This benchmark portfolio will systematically evaluate my course in relation to ACE and Advanced Placement Human Geography standards and objectives. It will enable me to evaluate ways of increasing student engagement in large lecture classes, student retention, and organization that supports student mental health. As a result of writing this portfolio, I will be able to evaluate the internal consistency and coherence of my course. This portfolio provides a conceptual structure and physical place to put observations and notes about course improvement from semester to semester, which will enable me to become even more secure about the intellectual and pedagogical …

Geol 106: Environmental Geology—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Leilani Arthurs

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

The Peer Review of Teaching (PRT) program provides faculty members the environment, support, structure, and time to carefully think about how they teach a particular course. PRT benchmark portfolios are prepared as a part of this program to assist faculty members in reflecting on and documenting their instructional practices and the potential impact they have on student learning.

This benchmark portfolio targets the Spring 2013 semester of GEOL 106: Environmental Geology. It documents the course objectives that provided the foundation for the instructional approach, the course-level learning goals that defined what students should be able to do by the end …

Metr 323: Physical Meteorology—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Jun Wang

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

Hands-on out-door activities are added into a course that is designed to teach students atmospheric physics ranging form solar light transfer to cloud and precipitation formation in the atmosphere. Statistical analysis and anonymous survey are conducted to benchmark the improvement in students' learning. Results show that these hands-on activities increase the student's interest and understanding in the course materials, and also improve the overall students' satisfaction for the course.

Cive 489: Senior Design—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Karen Schurr

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

Course Background: Over recent years, the careers of professional civil engineers have become increasingly collaborative, multidisciplinary, entrepreneurial and focused on sustainability. With that comes an expectation from the profession to adequately prepare work force entrants for such challenges. In addition to traditional foundations in math, science, engineering fundamentals and an understanding of professional ethics, graduates now need interdisciplinary depth, critical thinking ability, ingenuity, creativity, leadership, multifaceted communication skills, flexibility and a broad understanding of civil systems in global economic, environmental and societal contexts. The UNL Civil Engineering Department strives to meet the profession's expectation with the capstone design course, CIVE …

The Effect Of Peer Review On Writing Skill Of Efl Students, Nasrin Shokrpour, Nikta Keshavarz, Seyed Mohammad Jafari

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Today more attention has been paid to peer-feedback/evaluation of students’ compositions at different levels. As such, the present study aims at investigating the interaction patterns among EFL learners, the effects of peer review techniques on improving the learners’ writing skill, and also the motivation aroused by writing in a synchronous writing environment of an EFL context. Fifty EFL students at the intermediate level were enrolled and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. During a three-month period, both groups were instructed writing. The control group received the traditional teacher-correction/feedback procedure whereas the experimental group was provided with a one-hour …

Exploring Public-Private Partnership In Preschool Education Provision: Potential For Socio-Economic Development, Vitaly Vitaly Radsky, Aynur Nabiyeva, Ulviyya Mikayilova

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper explores the role of public-private partnerships in expanding access to preschool education. The first part of the paper summarizes global findings on the importance of quality early childhood education (ECE) for child development, participation of parents in the labor market and overall human capital development of a society. The second section provides a brief overview of the current ECE situation in Azerbaijan. The final section presents a community-based preschool model that was piloted in the Shamkir region by the Center for Innovations in Education (CIE), a Baku-based nonprofit organization as a model for expansion of ECE education in …

School Social Work: A Vital Link In Schools: A Report On School Work Services For The Mankato Area Public School District, Rachel Johnston

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

• The purpose of this research project was to obtain additional information, beyond the school social work job description, and document the job responsibilities, roles, activities, challenges, and contributions of the three school social workers working in the Mankato Area Public School District.
• The primary research question was: To what extent does the school social work job description match the work actually performed by the school social workers?
• The recommended ratio of school social worker to students by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) is 1:250 general education students or 1:50 at-risk or intensive needs students 16 The 3 school …

Best Practice Resource Manual For New Social Workers At District 77, Shelby Lenzen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

When starting a new job many places of employment have new employee orientation. During this process many employers educate the new employee on the background of the company or organization, policies and procedures, what their job entails and the employers expectations of the new social work employee. However, currently in the Mankato School District 77 there is no orientation specific for incoming school social workers or interns to help guide them in their job. This would also benefit MSW practicum students as they enter the school district. Also, when the social worker or intern starts with District 77 they do …

An Examination Of The Influence Of Formative Self-Assessment On College Student Mastery Orientation In College Courses, Jamie Lynn Mahlberg

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examined the hypothesis that mastery orientation would increase for college students enrolled in courses that incorporated self-assessment. Early in the spring 2013 semester, 216 community college students enrolled in 16 different general education and developmental courses volunteered to participate and completed a demographic/goal orientation questionnaire. During the semester, 10 of the courses implemented self-assessment and 6 did not. At the conclusion of the semester, 143 of the original sample completed the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) which provided post-test goal orientation scores along with measures of additional motivational and self-regulatory variables. Results indicated a trend in the …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between School Failure And At-Risk Students' General Self-Efficacy, Academic Self-Efficacy, And Motivation, Marguerite Josephine Wentzel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This quantitative study explored the roles of general self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, and motivation and its effect on at-risk students' course failures. Deci and Ryan's (1996) Self-Determination Theory and Bandura's (1977) Self-Efficacy Theory were explored as well as the risk factors of at-risk students. A multiple regression analysis determined that there was not a significant relationship between the number of courses failed and the independent variables: general self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, and motivation. The moderator variable of working at-risk students was found to negatively impact the number of courses failed. While there are some limitations, this study contributes to the growing body …

Trait Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Discrimination, And Academic Achievement Among African American And Latina/O High School Students: A Study Of Academic Resilience, Nicholas Russell Abel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The goal of academic resilience research is to identify factors and processes which lead to academic success among groups of students generally found to be at-risk, including those of African American and Latina/o descent. The present study investigated a possible risk factor (perceptions of discrimination), a possible protective factor (emotional intelligence), and the role of gender in predicting academic achievement (as measured by high school GPA) in a sample (N = 79) of African American and Latina/o high school students attending one high school in Minnesota. Through the use of multiple regression, neither emotional intelligence nor perceptions of discrimination was …

Building Self-Directed Teachers: A Case Study Of Teachers' Perspectives Of The Effects Of Cognitive Coaching On Professional Practices, Kevin S. Bjerken

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This case study of a single school district aims to identify teachers' perceptions of how their professional practices have been affected after four years of receiving Cognitive Coaching. Cognitive Coaching was used in participants' professional development as a part of an Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System and included three observational cycles per year for four consecutive years with a certified Cognitive Coach. Through focus group interviews and surveys, Cognitive Coaching was found to have multiple positive effects on professional development, according to the perspectives of the sample group. Themes of an increase in reflective practice, increased awareness level, and greater …

The Good Teacher: A Qualitative Analysis Of Perceptions Of Asian American Parents, Mariam Zia Qureshi

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research study examined the general question "What do Asian American parents believe to be important characteristics of an effective elementary teacher?" In order to investigate this question, the researcher used a qualitative research design employing a semi-structured interview which probed into the personal perceptions voiced by a sample of twelve Asian American parents on the characteristics of good teachers. The twelve Asian American parents who participated in this study were from nine different Asian countries covering the three main regions defined as Asian according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Far East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian sub-continent. Also, …

Undergraduate Sport Management Students' Perceptions Of Leadership Behaviors Through Service Learning: A Quantitative, Quasi-Experimental Study, Bryan Romsa

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of a service learning activity on the perceived leadership behaviors of sport management undergraduate students at a mid-sized, Midwestern, public university. The participants in the study were 74 undergraduate students who were enrolled in four undergraduate sport management courses. The first research question analyzed how a service learning experience affects the self-reported perceptions of leadership behavior in sport management undergraduate students. The findings indicated that the students who participated in a service learning activity (experiential group) self-reported a decrease in all five leadership practices. The second research question asked how not having a …

Development Of A Social Understanding Group Resource Manual, Tristann Carter

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Social Understanding Group Resource Manual was developed to address the expressed need for a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum resource manual which would provide facilitators with easy reference to access categorized materials, activities, worksheets, and resources for Wayzata West Middle School’s Social Understanding Groups.

An Analysis Of The Re-Education Philosophy And The Applicability To Individual And Group Therapy, Psychoeducation And Skills, Sarah Manthei

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

An evaluation was conducted of the Re-Education philosophy, current practices of individual and group therapy, skills training, and psychoeducation for Level IV special education students diagnosed with an emotional behavioral disorder and/or mental health diagnosis. An assessment of current evidenced based practices for school-based mental health services was integrated. This provided the foundation for recommendations that are congruent with the Re-Education philosophy and for an evaluation tool to measure student success in learning and comprehending the skills curriculums.

Exploring Theatre Of The Oppressed And Media Synchronicity To Supplement Virtual Learning Environments: Experiences With Mados, Pedro Silva

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explored the application of Media Synchronicity Theory and its potential for translating Critical Pedagogy (specifically Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed) into a computersupported collaborative work (CSCW) environment. It introduces the Maquina dos Oprimidos (Mados) prototype, a CSCW supplement to traditional asynchronous learning networks. Mados operates as a role-playing debate game, in which students debate a pre-selected prompt while performing assigned character roles. The study explores the prototype's potential to affect student's identification with their assigned character and personal attitude toward the prompt, as well as examining the effect of presence on students' performances. The study was performed with …

Competition In Higher Education: Build It And They Will Come Or You Have To Spend Money To Make Money, Matthew R. Sharp

Humanities & Communication - Daytona Beach

The Global Perspectives Program was developed to provide Virginia Tech graduate students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of global higher education, especially in Europe. This article deals with enrollment management and competition for students.

Exploring Rti Reading Intervention For Hispanic English Learning Kindergarten Students In Central Alabama:, Kelly Leah Hill

All ETDs from UAB

This study addressed issues in implementing RTI Tier II reading intervention in kindergarten classrooms which contained Hispanic students learning English. In addition, the scope of reading progress of Hispanic students learning English was explored. The purpose of this research was to examine the frequency in providing RTI reading interventions and how they were implemented in kindergarten with Hispanic children who are learning English. This study employed an explanatory sequential (Quan QUAL) mixed methods design (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). To address the purpose of the study, the overarching mixed methods question was: What is the frequency of RTI Tier II …

Use Of Social Ecology And Mixed Methods Research To Develop An Instrument To Assess Determinants Of Hiv/Sti Risk Among A Young Adult Population, Lasonja Bonita Kennedy

All ETDs from UAB

Globally, 340 million people are affected by HIV/AIDS. Approximately 50,000 are newly infected within the United States each year with HIV. One in five of those infected is unaware of his/her status. Young adults are particularly impacted by the disease; 39% of new HIV infections are diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 13 and 29. To comprehensively examine the independent and interrelated determinants of HIV/STI risks among young adults, the researcher developed, validated, and psychometrically examined a self-report instrument guided by constructs from the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Development and validation of the content within the survey was conducted …

Urban Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions Of Former Head Start Students And Their Readiness For School, Stephanie Hardy Parker

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the experiences and instruction of kindergarten teachers in an urban school district who are teaching students who were previously enrolled in a Head Start program. Eleven kindergarten teachers who taught in an urban school district in the southeastern United States participated in this study. Data sources collected for this multiple case study included: (a) semi-structured interviews, (b) observations, and (c) curriculum documents. Results from the study revealed mixed experiences teaching former Head Start students. While some teachers expressed positive experiences teaching former Head Start students, others indicated teaching former …

Academic Advising Experiences And Retention Of First-Generation Students At A Public Historically Black College And University In The Southeastern United States, Jarrod Ennis Patterson

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to explore the academic advising experiences of first-generation students at a public, historically black college and university (HBCU) in the southeastern United States. A qualitative analysis using a phenomenological multiple case study approach was used to explore the students' academic advising experiences. The theoretical framework for this study consisted of: the Interactionalist Theory of College Student Departure (Tinto, 1987, 2006), the Theory of Involvement (Astin, 1984, 1999), and the Psychological Model for Student Retention (Bean & Eaton, 2000). In their interviews, participants were asked questions from an approved interview protocol. The questions were open-ended …

Engaging First Graders In Transformational Early Childhood Emergent Learning Themes, Amanda Daniel Pendergrass

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to encourage learners to care for others and make a difference in the world through Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching and learning practice that promoted transformational education. Students were anticipated to take an active role in helping to develop the transformational educational curriculum. Students recommended ways of making a difference in their school, neighborhood, and community while investigating a learning theme of their interest and choice. A total of 15 first grade students and nine parents participated in this study. Limited literature exists on the topic of Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood classrooms and recycling …

Kindergarten Goes To The Fair! How The World's Fair Of 1876 Advanced The Kindergarten Movement In The United States, Elizabeth Cornelius Pruett

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this historical narrative study was to discover how the World's Fair of 1876 advanced the kindergarten movement in the United States. Historical documents, photographs, and drawings were used as data sources. The following questions guided this study: "What were the purposes of the kindergarten exhibits at the World's Fair?" "Who were the individuals that demonstrated the kindergarten at the first Centennial World's Fair and how did they influence the kindergarten exhibits at the next fair in 1893?" and "How did commercialism associated with the fair affect thekindergarten movement?" The kindergarten exhibits at the Centennial World's Fair had …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Female School Leaders In Suburban School Districts, Armentress Denise Robinson

All ETDs from UAB

Abstract The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the personal, professional, and sociocultural experiences of African American female school leaders in suburban school districts. These school districts were identified as suburban locations because of low to no student poverty, stellar performances on standardized tests, high graduation and college going rates, and champion academic and athletic team honors. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design to allow the researcher the opportunity to investigate and gather data through open-ended, face-to-face, one hour interviews with study participants. Three theoretical frameworks--critical race theory, racial identity development …

Perceptions Of Participating K-12 Educational Leaders' Experiences And Decisions Regarding The Crisis Caused By The April 27, 2011 Tornadoes In Rural Alabama, William Earl Bishop

All ETDs from UAB

PERCEPTIONS OF PARTICIPATING K-12 EDUCATIONAL LEADERS' EXPERIENCES AND DECISIONS REGARDING THE CRISIS CAUSED BY THE APRIL 27, 2011 TORNADOES IN RURAL ALABAMA WILLIAM E. BISHOP, JR. (BILL) HUMAN STUDIES ABSTRACT April 27, 2011, will be remembered by many as a catastrophic day and event in Alabama, and specifically by K-12 educational leaders. Natural disasters like tornadoes have a significant impact on leaders, on their decision making and, obviously, on the survival of many of their victims. The possibility and threat of a major crisis caused by natural disasters is always going to be present. Organizations, businesses, and leaders at various …

The Incidental Leader: The Role Of Reading Recovery Training In The Professional Lives Of Teachers In A Rural Alabama School System, Sharon Lynn Bounds

All ETDs from UAB

This qualitative multiple case study was undertaken to answer the following question: How did Reading Recovery ® (RR) teachers and former Reading Recovery teachers in a mid-sized rural school system in the southeastern United States describe the influences of their Reading Recovery training as it related to their current professional lives? Additional questions included: (1) How did training in Reading Recovery position the teacher as a reading expert within her school? (2) How did Reading Recovery change her approach to working with struggling readers? (3) How did the "behind the glass" experience impact the teacher's own teaching? (4) How did …

Development And Validation Of A Survey Instrument To Assess Health Information-Seeking Behaviors Among African-Americanyoung Professionals, Shauntice Allen

All ETDs from UAB

The lay public has had more opportunities than ever before to take an active role in their own health care. Despite these opportunities, many questions remain regarding the basis for barriers relating to seeking preventive health information. Following publication of the report of the Secretary’s Task Force of Black and Minority Health, health education researchers have documented health disparities among populations of color, in particular African Americans (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 1985). Brashers, Goldsmith, and Heish (2002) pointed out the complexity of health information-seeking behaviors (HISB) and highlighted the increasing need to clearly understand the process …

Describing Primary Grade Teachers' Practice Of Shared Reading As A Strategy To Build Vocabulary And Comprehension During Literacy Instruction In A Southeastern Urban School System, Daisy Lee Chandler

All ETDs from UAB

DESCRIBING PRIMARY GRADE TEACHERS' PRACTICE OF SHARED READING AS A STRATEGY TO BUILD VOCABULARY AND COMPREHENSION DURING LITERACY INSTRUCTION IN A SOUTHEASTERN URBAN SCHOOL SYSTEM DAISY LEE CHANDLER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ABSTRACT The National Reading Panel (NRP, 2000) reported the need for explicit and systematic instruction in vocabulary and comprehension in primary grades. Students have to know the meaning of words in order to develop comprehension. Therefore, vocabulary is essential to reading. In regards to shared reading NRP (2000) noted a lack of attention to comprehension. However, several researchers illustrated the value of shared reading and its link between vocabulary …