Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Happiness In Us Schools: Students’ Subjective Well-Being As A Part Of School Improvement Planning, Richard E. Cleveland

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Presentations

This paper presentation will begin with a brief overview of United States’ public education school improvement policy, the School Improvement Plan (SIP), and the focus on school climate. Next, the presentation will provide participants with an understanding of subjective well-being and a review of the literature addressing subjective well-being (SWB). Results from a psychometric investigation of two instruments measuring subjective well-being (SWB) with elementary-aged children will then be presented. The presentation will conclude with recommendations for application within the educational environment and future research.

Quantitative Reasoning Learning Progression: The Matrix, Robert L. Mayes, Jennifer H. Forrester, Jennifer D. Schuttlefield Christus, Franziska Peterson, Rachel Walker

Middle Grades & Secondary Education: Faculty Publications

The NSF Pathways Project studied the development of environmental literacy in students from grades six through high school. Learning progressions for environmental literacy were developed to explicate the trajectory of learning. The Pathways QR research team supported this effort by studying the role of quantitative reasoning (QR) as a support or barrier to developing environmental literacy. An iterative research methodology was employed which included targeted student interviews to establish QR learning progression progress variables and elements comprising those progress variables, development of a QR learning progression framework, and closed-form QR assessments to verify the progression. In this paper the focus …

Real Stem: Scientific Research For Rural Georgia High School Students, Deborah Walker, Robert L. Mayes, Raushanah Oglesby

Teaching & Learning: Faculty Presentations (2012-2017)

This is the story of creating a STEM research experience for students through a partnership between research institutes, university faculty, and high school teachers.

Successful Use Of Group Assessment Procedures In An Undergraduate Stem Course, Kelly P. Massey

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019) (Archived)

Assessing content heavy STEM courses using a Group Assessment Procedure (GAP) can assist with cognitive domain objectives by allowing groups to rely on each other in order to recall important content as well as formulate well-rounded explanations using course content during application exercises. Presentation includes ideas on how to implement a successful GAP testing protocol.

Loss, Melancholy And Reverie In Education, Marla Morris

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

Technology damages our sense of how to read and study as scholars. This loss (of knowing how to read and study) makes for melancholy. Melancholy is brought on as a result of not being able to find spaces of reverie in which to read and study. We need spaces of reverie in which to read and study. We need spaces of reverie so as to delve deeply into our studies and to produce and generate knowledge.

Identification Of Specific Learning Disabilities: Georgia School Psychologists' Perceptions, Marie T. Underwood

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

An on-line survey was conducted to investigate the assessment practices and perceptions of 366 practicing school psychologist in the state of Georgia concerning various operational components, and the use of RTI when determining SLD eligibility. Results were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression to determine if psychologists’ perceptions could be predicted based on various explanatory variables. Results revealed that a little over half of the respondents preferred assessment of cognitive processing deficits evidenced through patterns of strengths and weaknesses for establishing SLD classification; while well over two-thirds continue to also value analysis of cognitive ability (IQ) scores. Psychologists’ assessment practices were …

The Relationship Between Financial Aid Type And Academic Success In A Public Two-Year College In Georgia, Donald D. Avery

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between financial aid type and academic success in a public two-year institution in the state of Georgia. Financial assistance contributes significantly to higher education in the form of subsidy to the participants in higher education through student financial aid. Much of the research available on this topic is based on data provided by four-year institutions and research was not identified which investigates the aid type and potential relationship to academic success.

In an attempt to establish this relationship, the investigation considered grades earned in foundational coursework as …

A Case Study Of The Integration Of 21st Century Technology Within The Place-Based, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound (Elob) Approach To Education, Tammy M. Stratton

Instructional Technology Education Specialist Research Papers

This study focused on the integration of 21^st Century technology as determined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards•T within a place-based curriculum framework supplemented by the Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound approach to education as presented in a rural Colorado mountain community K-8 charter school. The case study involved an in-depth look regarding how 21^st century technology integration affected the place-based, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound approach to teaching and learning practices specific to the North Routt Community Charter School (NRCCS). The particular research aimed to inform or enhance the charter school’s current practices by questioning: …

The Role Of The School Psychologist In K-12 Online And Blended Learning Environments, P. Dawn Tysinger, Jeffrey A. Tysinger, Terry D. Diamanduros

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

With the appropriate preparation and training, school psychologists are uniquely suited to provide support within the K-12 online learning environment for students, teachers, administrators, and families. The preparation and training needs at the level of graduate training and professional development are highlighted. Specific emphasis is placed on the adaptation of the school psychologist’s functions in the areas of consultation, intervention, assessment, and counseling. Additionally, the development of better credentialing models for interstate service delivery and the need for empirical research related to school safety are discussed.

Innovative Partnerships: Exploring School Librarianship Through A Global Lens, Melissa P. Johnston, Lucy Santos Green

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

Institutional ethnography uncovers how institutional factors shape practice in sometimes unrecognized ways. This IE study on Brazilian school librarianship, conducted in the summer of 2013 in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil, uncovers similar challenges experienced by school library professionals the world over, as well as unique approaches informed by Brazilian culture.

An Examination Of The Correlation Between The Seven Critical Leadership Functions And Middle School African-American And Hispanic Student Achievement, Shannon A. Flounnory

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This quantitative study examined possible correlations between each of the seven critical leadership functions and achievement in the areas of mathematics for eighth grade African-American and Hispanic students. The 117 participants included school leaders and students from 12 of the 19 middle schools in a metropolitan school district in the southeastern region of the United States. Principals from the middle schools in the district distributed the Critical Leadership Functions Questionnaire to members of their leadership team (e.g., assistant principals, school counselors, department chairs, etc.). CRCT scores measured student achievement. The researcher conducted a correlation study, using Pearson’s multivariable correlation data …

Effects Of Using Online Forum For Problem-Solving Skills And Collaborative Construction Of Knowledge In Student Teaching, Jackie Hee-Young Kim

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study was to seek a way to strengthen student teachers’ understanding of the complex nature of teaching and increase their competence in solving problems. To accomplish our goal, we embarked upon a study to explore on a computer-mediated conferencing group model enriched with constructivist principles and features of a community of learners. The study is guided by two major models: Problem Solving Approach Model and Interaction Analysis Model (IAM) for Computer-Mediated Communication rooted in social constructivist theory. This study also is aimed at assessing the quality of interaction by means of IAM for examining social construction …

A Comparison Of Student Academic Motivations Across Three Course Disciplines, Trent W. Maurer, Deborah Allen, Delena Bell Gatch, Padmini Shankar, Diana Sturges

Human Ecology: Faculty Publications

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of undergraduate students enrolled in human anatomy and physiology, physics, and nutrition courses were explored with course discipline-specific adapted versions of the Academic Motivation Scale. Information on students’ study habits and efforts, and final course grades were also collected. Results revealed the adapted versions of the Academic Motivation Scale had comparable reliabilities to previous investigations, significant differences in motivations across the students enrolled in the three courses and significant influences of motivation on academic behaviors and course performance.

Georgia Council Of Graduate Schools - Articles Of Incorporation, Charles Patterson

Armstrong Office of the Registrar: Georgia Council of Graduate Schools Publications (Archived)

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between The National Survey Of Student Engagement Scores And Persistence Data From The Freshman Year To The Sophomore Year Among Georgia Southern University Students, Steve G. Jones

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is an assessment tool administered to university undergraduate students and used to determine the degree to which they are engaged with their academic environment. The NSSE asks students to assess themselves in five categories: level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and supportive campus environment. This correlational study, also consisting of Chi-squared tests and t tests, examined the relationship between data from the NSSE by Georgia Southern University (GSU) students (independent variables) and whether first year undergraduate students persisted (re-enrolled) to their second year (dependent variable). Specifically, …

Forced To Learn: Community-Based Correctional Education, Ron Mottern, C. Amelia Davis, Mary F. Ziegler

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

Community-based correctional education has received scant attention in adult literacy research yet mandatory education is a growing part of the legal system and is fueled by research that suggests a link between correctional education and lower rates of recidivism. Growth in alternative to prison programs affects local ABE and GED programs. Adults who attend community-based correctional programs as a condition of their probation or parole face many challenges. The purpose of this existential-phenomenological study was to understand the experience of those adults. Findings describe students’ experiences of being forced to attend a GED program. Opening a space for these stories …

Examining The Role Of Facilitated Conflict On Student Learning Outcomes In A Diversity Education Course, Sabrina N. Ross

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

Building on the Piagetian concept of disequilibrium (i.e., cognitive conflict) and empirical research documenting relationships between cognitive conflict and transformative learning, this article explores the influence of facilitated conflict (i.e., intentional efforts by the instructor to help students reflect on and work through the intergroup conflict they experienced in the course) on the learning outcomes of female students enrolled in an exploratory diversity education course. Various forms of student writing including free-writing exercises and reflective papers were used in addition to two survey response questions to identify sources of cognitive conflict and assess student learning outcomes. Findings revealed that strategies …

The Relationship Between Mandatory School Uniforms And Attendance, Jessica Mayweather

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between the implementation of a mandatory uniform policy in an urban public middle school and student attendance rates (as measured by the schools yearly progress report collected by the state Board of Education). Four schools serving students in grades 6-8 in an urban school district in Georgia were included in this study.

Three comparisons were used to determine whether or not and, if so, the extent to which the relationships existed. Some qualitative and quantitative measures were utilized in the design of this mixed method study. These methods …

Georgia Council Of Graduate Schools - Bylaws, Charles Patterson

Armstrong Office of the Registrar: Georgia Council of Graduate Schools Publications (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Suggestions For The Design Of E-Learning Environments To Enhance Learner Self-Efficacy, Charles B. Hodges

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Investigating Academic Motivation Among Ncaa Division I Football Players Within Their Competition And Non-Competition Semesters., Ian R. Potter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Recent data indicates that college student athletes are graduating at higher rates than their non-student athlete peers; however, among student athletes in general, revenue sport student athletes are well below other college sport student athletes in terms of academic performance. One variable that has shown to have a connection with academic performance among college student athletes is academic motivation. An area within academic motivational research that has not been investigated is how a revenue sport student athlete’s time commitment to their sport (competition and non-competition semester) influences their academic motivation. Additionally, the large majority of research assessing academic motivation among …

A Case Study Of The Impact Of An Intervention Scheduling Model On Academic Achievement In English And Mathematics By Students In Need Of Remediation, Dora Harvey

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This case study explored the impact of a scheduling intervention on the Georgia High School Graduation Test standardized achievement test scores of students identified as in need of remediation in the content areas of English and mathematics, paired with the perception of this scheduling model from key informants in the study. Students in the scheduling intervention were enrolled in a year-long, alternating content-day block scheduling model. The quantitative portion reviewed Georgia High School Graduation Test score data for students who participated in a modified block (referred to as Schedule Two) results were analyzed, indicating passing percentages, and number for each …

Perceptions Of Teachers And Administrators Regarding The Teacher Evaluation Process, Joy Davis Sheppard

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Teacher evaluations can be a tool for increasing teacher effectiveness and accountability if it is determined how evaluations can be best used. According to current literature, this is not the case. It is more pertinent than ever that administrators use evaluations to strengthen marginal teachers and further develop skills of teachers who are already proficient. However, few studies exist pertaining to teacher and administrator perceptions of teacher evaluation effectiveness and even fewer focus Georgia teacher evaluations. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate perceptions of the teacher evaluation process held by teachers and administrators in southeast Georgia so …

Predicting Registered Health Information Administrator Examination Scores, James Condon

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences existed among candidates for the Registered Health Information Administrator certification examination that may have characterized the likelihood of acquiring professional certification upon graduation from accredited health information administration education programs. The research was conducted using data acquired from accredited health information administration education programs located across the United States. A total of 197 former student records were obtained and used in the statistical analyses; 118 were employed in correlation analysis and to develop a Registered Health Information Administrator certification examination success prediction model and to establish a 95% Approximate Prediction …

Student Success And Time Management In College Algebra, Steven Wallace, Mary Wolfe, June Jones, Gaston Brouwer

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019) (Archived)

The panel will illustrate how the students’ completion of the instructional system ALEKS objectives correlates with student success and retention rates. The panel will also discuss the influence of factors such as time management on success and the promotion of good study practices for students using computer-based learning systems.

Implementing A Blended Model Of Mathematics Instruction – Issues And Outcomes, Natasha Brewley, Alvina Atkinson, Barry Biddlecomb

SoTL Commons Conference

The session will present issues and results from the implementation of a blended instruction model at the authors' institution. The blended instruction model involves coming together as a class less often and encourages student learning by making them more responsible for their learning outside of the classroom. In addition to describing the authors' home institution, this presentation will have three objectives: (1) Describe the blended instructional model (What is Blended learning and what does it look like?), (2) Present student evaluations. (What have students said about taking a course like this?), and (3) Present quantitative comparisons between blended and traditional …

The Accuracy Of Metacomprehension Judgments: The Biasing Effect Of Text Order, Tracy Linderholm, Xuesong Wang, David J. Therriault, Qin Zhao, Laura Jakiel

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Two experiments tested the hypothesis that relative metacomprehension accuracy is vulnerable when readers' cognitive efforts are biased by text order. It is proposed that the difficulty level of initial text information biases readers' estimates of text comprehension but is correctable when more cognitive effort is applied.

Method: In both experiments, participants were randomly assigned to read a series of expository texts in one of two text order conditions: easy-to-hard and hard-to-easy. Readers made estimates of their comprehension and took comprehension tests over their understanding of the texts in the series in order to determine relative metacomprehension accuracy.

Results: Experiment …

An Analysis Of Secondary School Teachers' Perceptions Of Block Scheduling, Vern Mamon

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed method study was to examine the perceptions of public secondary school teachers regarding block scheduling and to identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using the block schedule in three secondary schools in one suburban school system in Georgia. Perceptions of teachers were obtained from data collected from a 23-item survey and three focus group discussions.

The study concluded that secondary teachers’ perceptions of block scheduling were generally favorable. However, some teachers did firmly support some statements on block scheduling. The study suggested there is not a significant difference in teachers’ perceptions based on grade …

My Sister, Our Stories: Exploring The Lived Experience Of School Leavers Through Narrative And Poetics, C. Amelia Davis, Jennifer L. Pepperell

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore the educational experiences of two adult female siblings who are both school leavers. Through the use of thematic narrative analysis, sibling narratives and poetic re-presentations, their stories were developed. These stories represent the participants’ experiences of prior schooling and their current commitments to education. While each story conveyed a profound similarity in terms of prior schooling, contrasting narratives were illustrated through description of transitional moments and sibling relationship. The analysis also explored the intersections of race, gender,and social class within educative moments of the life experiences of the participants.

"A Play Is Not A Journal Article:” A Review Of Johnny Saldaña’S Ethnotheatre: Research From Page To Stage, C. Amelia Davis

Curriculum, Foundations & Reading: Faculty Publications

Johnny Saldãna’s book, Ethnotheatre: Research from Page to Stage, does exactly what it sets out to do: It is a hands-on guide that walks researchers across disciplines step-by-step through interpreting and representing data in an ethnodramatic format. It really is “research from page to stage.” For those with little theatre experience, Saldãna provides excellent suggestions for additional readings and comparisons of different types of plays. There is much merit in this book as a text for a qualitative research class or special interest class. The exercises provided are great way for students and researchers to be more reflective as they …