Education Commons^™

How Does Social Comparison Affect Self-Esteem In The Classroom After Receiving An Exam Grade, Dana Oppenheimer

Theses and Dissertations

Social comparison is a theory developed by Leon Festinger which states that social comparison has many effects on everyday life, including body perception, learning in schools, self-esteem, exercise habits, and even balance. These different topics have been studied numerous times in the past. The hypothesis of this study is social comparison will have a significant change in self-esteem after receiving an exam grade back and being able to talk about it. The study consists of a participant filling out a self-esteem inventory pre-test, which was taken one day in the beginning of the semester before any exams were given and …

A Needs Analysis For Social Media At A Southern Postsecondary Campus, Sheri Burnett

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the College of Education At Morehead State University by Sheri Burnett on October 26, 2015.

Institutional Factors Influencing African-American Male Involvement In Undergraduate Student Organizations, John Mark Davenport

Theses and Dissertations

Students attending colleges and universities who have purposeful opportunities to interact with peers and faculty about educational matters and who are challenged with consistent encouragement report higher levels of satisfaction with their collegiate experience and have higher persistence rates than students who do not receive these opportunities (Kuh et al., 1991; Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991; Schroeder & Mable, 1994). In higher education, African-American males are neither retained from admission through graduation at a rate comparable to majority students nor African-American women (AASCU, 1988; ACE, 2008; Harper, 2012). In this study I set out to determine which institutional factors influence African-American …

Catalyzing Change: Identifying Action To Accelerate Collective Impact Progress In San Bernardino County, Stephanie Houston

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the most important actions for the implementation of the San Bernardino County Vison using a Collective Impact approach. Collective Impact is a structured approach to problem solving that includes the five core conditions of, common agenda, continuous improvement, shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities, and backbone functions. The Delphi technique was used to gather data, perceptions, and opinions from 16 cross-sector leaders identified as experts responsible for the implementation of the San Bernardino County Vision. Survey participants were identified as experts based upon their responsibility as cross-sector leaders engaged in the San …

Former English Learners’ Perceptions Of Their K-12 Educational Experiences, Corissa Rae Michaelson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative study four former English learners between the ages of 21 and 24 were interviewed in order to answer the following questions: What perceptions do participants have of their K-12 educational experiences? What perceptions do participants have regarding deficit thinking in their K-12 educational experiences? What responses do participants have to deficit thinking they might have experienced? What in-school factors, if any, might have improved participants’ educational experiences? Data from individual interviews was analyzed using the constant-comparison method (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Major findings of this study were that participants had a more positive learning experience in ESL …

Defending Liberal Education: Implications For Educational Policy, Christopher W. Lyons

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis advocates for the inclusion of liberal education in discussions of the college and university missions and mandates in North America. It is conceived with the purpose of influencing policy thinking and generating the theory and ideas required for sound education policy decision making. Research into liberal education is a special and atypical kind of inquiry and requires innovative theoretical approaches. Liberal education is foremost a philosophical problem and requires philosophical approaches. The method used is, therefore, conceptual in nature and drawn from analytical philosophy.

My research approaches liberal education conceptually in three ways: historically, philosophically, and politically. Historically, …

Predicting New Jersey High School Proficiency Test Results In Mathematics And Language Arts Using Community Demographic Data, Christopher D. Lynch

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examined the relationship between the 2013 New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) Language Arts and Mathematics scores and school level data related to family human capital and community social capital found in the extant literature to influence student achievement on high-stakes standardized assessments. School level data included percentage of families in poverty for 12 months, percentage of lone-parent households (total), and percentage of population with some college. Final analysis utilized hierarchical linear regression and the application of a mathematical algorithm found in extant literature. The study incorporated New Jersey high schools that (a) tested more than 25 …

Physical Culture As Citizenship Education At Pelican Lake Indian Residential School, 1926-1970, Braden Paora Te Hiwi

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Pelican Lake Indian residential school, also known as Sioux Lookout Indian residential school, was an Anglican run institution that was a part of the Canadian residential school system; the school operated from 1926 to 1970. It is well established in the literature that the Department of Indian Affairs intended to evangelize, assimilate, and civilize its students, but the function of citizenship in the residential schools is less well known. The focus of this study was to examine physical culture activities, specifically sport, exercise, and recreation as a form of training for citizenship. In particular, I centered this research on the …

A Mixed-Methods (Quantitative-Qualitative) Study To Identify The Perceived Level Of, Zeky Zardo

Dissertations

Different approaches to developing leaders have been established through various forms of self-assessment, action learning, and education and training activities (Smither et al., 2005). The existing body of research on the impact and success of college and university leadership development programs focuses heavily on undergraduate leadership programs and not graduate-level programs such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the doctorate. The purpose of this mixed-methods (quantitative–qualitative) study was to identify the perceived level of transformational leadership skill development by students enrolled in a doctoral program in organizational leadership. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to …

The Self-Perceived College Persistence Factors Of Successful Latino Males, Carolina E. Gonzalez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The experiences of Latino male students are oftentimes consolidated with those of other student populations from similar backgrounds. While the research on Latino males has been slowly expanding to include their varied experiences, it has been mostly characterized by a deficit-oriented narrative focusing on their challenges rather than their successes. Concentrating on the difficulties experienced by Latinos socializes administrators and researchers to focus on students from underserved backgrounds as problems, instead of resilient beings (Harper, 2015).

This qualitative study focused on the experiences of 20 successful Latino male students at a four-year public institution. Through semi-structured interviews, participants discussed how …

The Role Of Self-Awareness In Developing Global Competence: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study, Stacy D. Shipman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The current era of globalization and unprecedented global migration is creating the need for schools to educate students for global competence (GC). Multiple researchers (Boix Mansilla & Jackson, 2011; Hunter, 2004; Hunter et al., 2006; Morales & Ogden, 2013) suggest that self-awareness is the core dimension of GC, but about which very little is known. This paper considers the demonstrations of self-awareness in the development of GC. Using Kim's (2008) Intercultural Personhood Theory and the specific components of personal and social communication processes, self-awareness was investigated in East African immigrants. Findings suggest that the construct of self-awareness dimensionalizes differently for …

Analysis Of Efl Academic Writing In A Saudi University, Philline Mary Deraney

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone analyzes 25 texts written by female university students in Saudi Arabia using the paradigm of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and genre-based writing focusing on the textual metafunction. The research methodology used was a description of the patterns that emerged in the students’ writing related to features of coherence and cohesion with basic frequency tables to support the qualitative data. The findings illustrate that while the texts showed some clear elements of coherence and cohesion and a partial understanding of the genre used in instruction, similar to international and regional studies, features of academic writing related to the textual …

Restricted And Repetitive Behaviors As Strengths, Not Weaknesses: Evaluating The Use Of Social Stories That Embed Restricted Interests On The Social Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Maya Nasr

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the use of social stories that integrate a child’s particular restricted and repetitive behaviors results in differential social outcomes compared to the use of social stories that do not integrate restricted and repetitive behaviors. A non-concurrent multiple baseline experimental design across participants was used to examine the effects of two Social Story interventions on the frequency of appropriate social behaviors made by participants in a school setting. Field notes were also completed during each day of data collection in order to document the social context, events, activities, moods …

The Challenges Associated With The Implementation Of The New Teacher Evaluation Model, Achieve Nj: A Building- Based Administrators Perspective, Vincent L. Stallings

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Race to the Top is a $4.35 billion United States Department of Education program created to spur innovation and reforms in states and local districts of K-12 education. It is funded by the Education Recovery Act as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and was announced by President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on July 24, 2009. States were awarded points for satisfying certain educational policies, such as performance-based standards (often referred to as an annual professional performance review), for teachers and principals, complying with nationwide standards, promoting charter schools and privatization of …

Unpacking The Discipline Gap: Referral Categories And School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports, Christopher Michael Barclay

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite decades of efforts to racially integrate schools and the recent accountability movement, U.S. students’ access to equitable education remains elusive. Research demonstrates that discipline procedures disproportionately remove racial minority students from the classroom, creating a “discipline gap.” Racial disparities in discrete disciplinary infraction types (e.g., disruption, aggression) have shown nuanced patterns across groups and school levels. Moreover, the relationship between school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) – a framework for promoting positive behavior and preventing conflict – and the discipline gap is unclear. This investigation explored racial/ethnic disparities per infraction type (e.g. disruption, verbal abuse) and the relationship …

The Impact Of Blogging On The Facilitation Of Critical Literacy In Adolescent Students, Kelsey Wiemer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how using blogging with adolescent students could foster critical literacy. During the study, students researched an alternative perspective from World War II and completed six blog posts on a variety of topics over the course of four weeks. At the completion of the study, students' blog posts and comments revealed five different categories: (1) problematizing generally accepted texts or beliefs, (2) an interest in empowering silenced voices, (3) inquiry-driven discussion, (4) the incorporation of multiple perspectives (5) and changing attitudes towards blogging. Additionally, their writing demonstrated evidence of four different components of …

A Grounded Theory Of Individualized Learning Practices In New Jersey Higher Education, Dennis William Devery

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to develop a theory, grounded in data provided by faculty, administrators, and institutional document analysis, concerning why and how faculty and administrators at three New Jersey higher education institutions use individualized learning practices. Individualized learning practices, as defined in this study, are the actions, activities, and procedures performed by faculty and administrators at the course, program, and institutional levels that assist students as they progress through a higher education institution. The study found a variety of individualized learning practices are utilized by faculty and administrators at the course, program and institutional levels …

Using Audiobooks To Promote Comprehension Of Cause-Effect Relationships In Social Studies Texts, Eric John Vernon

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

There are many challenges for secondary ELs in their mainstream classes. Social studies texts in particular can be very difficult for students to comprehend. The cause-effect relationships play a key role in students understanding the connection of historical events. This study looks at the use of audiobooks as a scaffolding tool to improve students’ comprehension of the cause-effect relationships in social studies texts. Specifically the concurrent reading of the text along with listening to the audiobook. It was conducted in a high school intermediate ESL class, students read sections of a text without the use of the audiobook, then with …

Self-Authorship: A Teaching Approach During The After-School Community Program, Fatjona Lubonja

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of integrating self-authorship pedagogy applied to a younger population. Integration of a self-authorship program during an after-school community program examined the self-authorship pedagogy approach following the developmental theory designed by Baxter Magolda (1999, 2001). Much of previous research in self-authorship was influenced by college student population. There was a literature gap on self- authorship theory applied to younger age population. This research investigated students' responses to the self-authorship program, the impact self-authorship had on students' learning, the impact self-authorship had on after-school programs, and my leadership throughout the research. The …

An Investigation Of The Perceived Development Of The Life-Long Learning Skills Of Division I Student-Athletes, Andrew T. Goodrich

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the perceived development of life-long learning skills of Division I student-athletes and their non-athlete general student peers. Using grade point averages and graduation rates, athletics administrators are constantly evaluating the academic performance and growth of student-athletes by comparing their results with those of non-athlete general students. Though these traditional metrics are useful in many ways, there is little research on the self-reported development of life-long learning skills.

Due to a changing global economy, employers are less concerned with the knowledge students possess at graduation and are more interested in a student’s …

The Examination Of Grit In California Superintendents, Jacqueline Kearns

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between grit and successful California superintendents. Grit is a topic in infancy, only being first introduced in 2007. While there has been much research on the superintendency, there has yet to be any research exploring grit and the superintendency. The population of this study consisted of California superintendents who met the following criteria: 1. California public school district superintendent, 2. located in California, 3. Have more than three consecutive years in their current position, 4. Superintendents must meet at least two of the following criteria: a) have membership in professional …

Sensory-Based Arts Education And Engagement In The Junior Classroom: Exploring Multiple Ways Of Knowing And Meaning, Tracy Thomson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This small-scale, qualitative, exploratory case study investigated the effectiveness of holistic arts approaches in a junior classroom setting. Specifically it sought to elucidate how sensory-based arts pedagogical strategies contribute to grade six students’ engagement during arts and integrated learning experiences. The study examined individual and collective responses to sensory-based arts learning in an Ontario public elementary school classroom. Through case study methodologies, observation, interviews, writing, and art samples, the study explored how students made authentic connections between their sense awareness, their arts processes and their learning. Drawing upon educational theorists such as Eisner and Dewey, the study attended to how …

Training The Dragon: Facilitating English Language Learner (Ell) Students' Persuasive Writing Through Dictation, Nina Arcon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Writing is working memory intensive for all students, including English language learners (ELLs). Cognitive processes in writing such as transcription compete for limited resources in working memory (Bourdin & Fayol, 1994; Hayes, 2012). Previous research has shown that, when compared to handwriting, students who dictated produced better quality compositions (De La Paz & Graham, 1997; Higgins & Raskind, 1995; MacArthur & Cavalier, 2004). The goal of the present study was to investigate whether dictation would also facilitate better compositions in elementary ELL students. Using a within-subjects design, the effects of handwriting, dictation to a scribe, and dictation to a speech-to-text …

Evaluating A 1:1 Computer Program In A Secondary School, Andrew R. Walters

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of the Lewis Central High School 1:1 Chromebook initiative. This evaluation replicated a study by Dr. Don Johnson evaluating a 1:1 Ipad initiative within the Fort Calhoun Community Schools. The resulting data is intended to provide the Lewis Central Community School District results and feedback to be used toward the implementation of future school-wide initiatives in a more effective and efficient manner. Using Developmental Evaluation model/design, the research findings will be reported to the school board, the Lewis Central High School Building Leadership Team, and to the local Phi Delta …

Aged 539 Jennifer Potterton, Jennifer R. Potterton

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

Internship Report in Ag Education

A Case Study Of Teacher Leadership At An Elementary School, Allison Wills

EDL Sixth Year Theses

The purpose of this research study was to explore the status of teacher leadership at one elementary school. With increased attention on accountability for student achievement, educators have begun to look for ways to take the lead in reform efforts. But, little research has been done to identify why particular teachers emerge as leaders. This study explored the philosophies and leadership behaviors of a group of elementary teachers at Center Trail School. Quantitative and qualitative methods of data were collected using three surveys- Philosophy of Education Inventory, Teacher Leadership Self-Assessment, and Teacher Leadership School Survey- and individual interviews. Descriptive statistics …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Of Teachers’ Attitudes Towards A Computer-Based Assessment System And Student Achievement, Felicia M. Griffin

Dissertations

Since the introduction of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), districts across the country implemented computerized benchmark, or interim assessments, into their curriculum as a means to monitor and improve student achievement. Often, a change in curriculum entails a demand of educators’ time, whether through professional development or lesson planning, and therefore affects teachers’ attitudes. The purpose of this study was to determine what, if any, relationship there was among middle school teachers’ attitudes, monthly computerized benchmark assessments, and student scores on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Educators of the communication arts and mathematics content areas from one middle school were …

An Examination Of Catholic School Teachers’ Perceptions And Legal Understanding Of Cyberbullying, Mary Beth Boyer

LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations

The bully has been a figure in adolescent life for decades; however, the nature of bullying in the 21st Century has changed as it has moved to cyberspace. Bullying has taken on a new form termed cyberbullying. This quantitative survey design study examined Catholic school teachers’ legal understanding and perceptions of cyberbullying. In examining Catholic school teachers’ understanding of the law governing cyberbullying, their concerns about cyberbullying, their perceived responsibility in addressing cyberbullying, and their perceived ability to respond to cyberbullying, the study examined the human interactions that reflect not only legal responsibilities, but also ethical obligations as caring and …

Chicago’S 2013 School Actions: An Investigation Of Post-2008 Racial Neoliberal Policy, Sonya Mohini Roy-Singh

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Under the threat of a $1billion budget deficit, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) declared a "utilization crisis" and in 2013 closed 50 public schools, slated five schools to be turned around and declared the co-location of 23 schools in 11 buildings. This utilization crisis model, marketed by politicians as a cost cutting effort, has been implemented in many large cities across the United States. There are two commonalities across cities closing public schools deemed underutilized. First, these cities have gradually increased charter schools over the last decade. Second, the closing of schools deemed underutilized disproportionately impacted low-income, African American students. …

Classroom Management: Beginning Teachers' Perceptions Of Preparedness, Sean A. Woods

Dissertations

Classroom management has been the focal point of many different studies and research projects. Unfortunately, it has also been cited as one of the top three reasons teachers leave the field of education not only today, but for the last 40 years (Berry, 2010). There is a need for an understanding of the implications of past classroom management research trends, styles, and strategies that are popular but have not worked in the past. Realizing further research in teacher training programs was needed, this study included examinations of perceptions of teachers about how well prepared they were for the classroom environment, …