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Title: WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF STANDARDIZED TESTING ON TEACHER PRACTICE?.
Creator: Granato, Courtney, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines the potential correlation between standardized testing and teacher practice. Building upon the conceptual framework, are constructs of school climate and assessment to develop themes such as leadership role, teacher role, district role, and coach's role as well as teacher practice, classroom assessment, standardized assessment, and the alignment of curriculum to standardized testing. In discovering the parallel between standardized testing and teacher practice, both...
Show moreThis study examines the potential correlation between standardized testing and teacher practice. Building upon the conceptual framework, are constructs of school climate and assessment to develop themes such as leadership role, teacher role, district role, and coach's role as well as teacher practice, classroom assessment, standardized assessment, and the alignment of curriculum to standardized testing. In discovering the parallel between standardized testing and teacher practice, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through research and observations, but more importantly through a survey and focus group. Over a two-semester period, it became evident that there was an eminent parallel between each the themes and constructs within the conceptual framework, ultimately answering the research question. Although the data fulfilled the research question of this study, future research would require a more in-depth, longitudinal study in order to suggest possible ideas for solutions.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004790, ucf:45335
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004790

Title: A hermeneutic study of secondary English Language Arts teacher candidates' writing instruction experiences in ESOL methods courses.
Creator: Bello, Paula, Olan, Elsie, Nutta, Joyce, Hopp, Carolyn, Mihai, Florin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand, describe and interpret secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teacher candidates'(TC) experiences with writing instruction while attending English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) methods courses. The study included a purposeful convenience sample of 15 (fifteen) secondary ELA teacher candidates' (TC) attending 4 (four) different sections in 2 (two) ESOL methods courses. TCs were invited to participate in inquiry driven activities...
Show moreThe purpose of this hermeneutic study was to understand, describe and interpret secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teacher candidates'(TC) experiences with writing instruction while attending English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) methods courses. The study included a purposeful convenience sample of 15 (fifteen) secondary ELA teacher candidates' (TC) attending 4 (four) different sections in 2 (two) ESOL methods courses. TCs were invited to participate in inquiry driven activities including written reflections in response to a literacy questionnaire, oral interviews responding to open-ended questions and focus/work groups' discussions, which allowed them to reflect about their past and present literacy and learning experiences and become reflexive about the application of knowledge and practices in their future classrooms. The phenomenological hermeneutic qualitative design granted the researcher insight into participants' literacy and learning experiences as lived in relationship with their contexts, in a specific place and time.Colaizzi's (1978) seven-stages data analysis procedure, enabled the analysis and thorough description of TCs' experiences with writing instruction along their schooling and teacher education career. The following thematic categorization of participants' experiences was outlined: a)- TCs' experiences with instruction received and knowledge developed in teacher education programs, b)- TCs' recognition of good and bad practices in educational settings, including planning accommodations in general education classrooms, c)- TCs' experiences with ELs in authentic settings, d)- TCs' awareness process of ELs in schools, and e)- TCs' experiences with and about writing instruction to teach ELs.Further in depth data analysis guided the researcher into the interpretation of the fundamental structure of the phenomenon of teacher education experiences with writing instruction. TCs' experiences, drawn from different learning settings (including methods and content courses and field practicum), were articulated thanks to their participation in inquiry based learning activities. This breath of experiences specifically informed TCs' writing instruction experiences while attending ESOL methods courses. TCs' reflective and reflexive stances position them at the center of the educational phenomenon, in which TCs develop from facilitators of classroom communication to facilitators of learning processes and intercultural mediators.The phenomenon of TCs' lived experiences with writing instruction while attending ESOL methods courses, and by extension, content area courses and field practicum, needs to be analyzed, described and interpreted in order to develop practices conducive to inform the curricular development of teacher education programs and courses, to better prepare TCs to teach every learner develop knowledge and literacy, paying special attention to ELs'proficiency in English as a second language (ESL).?
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006681, ucf:51904
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006681

Title: An Analysis of the Legal Issues of School Voucher Programs for Students with Disabilities and Its Impact on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Creator: Fontan, Patricia, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the current case law on school voucher programs for students with disabilities and legal protections under IDEA. The idea of school vouchers can be traced back to the 1950s but have taken a new form in the past 13 years. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of school voucher programs with mixed results which will lead to court challenges in the future on a state by state basis based on the state's constitution. School vouchers have been...
Show moreThis study examined the current case law on school voucher programs for students with disabilities and legal protections under IDEA. The idea of school vouchers can be traced back to the 1950s but have taken a new form in the past 13 years. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of school voucher programs with mixed results which will lead to court challenges in the future on a state by state basis based on the state's constitution. School vouchers have been developed to target specific populations of students including students with disabilities. But with very little accountability for the private schools accepting the school vouchers, parents are left to make choices about their child's education with the limited information provided to them. Parents of student with disabilities who participate in school voucher programs in order to attend a private school may lose many protections under IDEA, if not all of them. The focus of the study was on the five states with school voucher programs for students with disabilities: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Utah. The review of case law in regards to school voucher programs for students with disabilities demonstrated difference and similarities depending on the state's constitution. This will lead to future case law for school voucher programs for disabilities to be determined on a case by case basis. The legislators developing new school voucher programs for student with disabilities will need to analyze the state's constitution in order to determine if any legal challenges would occur. Federal legislators need to revisit the protections under IDEA for parentally placed private school students with the mindset that more and more school voucher programs for students with disabilities will be developed in years to come. In the reauthorization of IDEA, federal legislators need to determine if more protections need to be provided to parentally placed private school students attending a private school on a school voucher program. Without more protections for students with disabilities, parents may have limited options when participating in a school voucher program and the students may not receive the appropriate special education and related services.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004537, ucf:49229
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004537

Title: Evaluating Improvisation as a Technique for Training Pre-Service Teachers for Inclusive Classrooms.
Creator: Becker, Theresa, Hines, Rebecca, Beverly, Monifa, Hopp, Carolyn, Hamed, Kastro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Improvisation is a construct that uses a set of minimal heuristic guidelines to create a highly flexible scaffold that fosters extemporaneous communication. Scholars from diverse domains: such as psychology, business, negotiation, and education have suggested its use as a method for preparing professionals to manage complexity and think on their feet. A review of the literature revealed that while there is substantial theoretical scholarship on using improvisation in diverse domains, little...
Show moreImprovisation is a construct that uses a set of minimal heuristic guidelines to create a highly flexible scaffold that fosters extemporaneous communication. Scholars from diverse domains: such as psychology, business, negotiation, and education have suggested its use as a method for preparing professionals to manage complexity and think on their feet. A review of the literature revealed that while there is substantial theoretical scholarship on using improvisation in diverse domains, little research has verified these assertions. This dissertation evaluated whether improvisation, a specific type of dramatic technique, was effective for training pre-service teachers in specific characteristics of teacher-child classroom interaction, communication and affective skills development. It measured the strength and direction of any potential changes such training might effect on pre-service teacher's self-efficacy for teaching and for implementing the communication skills common to improvisation and teaching while interacting with student in an inclusive classroom setting. A review of the literature on teacher self-efficacy and improvisation clarified and defined key terms, and illustrated relevant studies. This study utilized a mixed-method research design based on instructional design and development research. Matched pairs t-tests were used to analyze the self-efficacy and training skills survey data and pre-service teacher reflections and interview transcripts were used to triangulate the qualitative data. Results of the t-tests showed a significant difference in participants' self-efficacy for teaching measured before and after the improvisation training. A significant difference in means was also measured in participants' aptitude for improvisation strategies and for self-efficacy for their implementation pre-/post- training. Qualitative results from pre-service teacher class artifacts and interviews showed participants reported beneficial personal outcomes as well as confirmed using skills from the training while interacting with students. Many of the qualitative themes parallel individual question items on the teacher self-efficacy TSES scale as well as the improvisation self-efficacy scale CSAI. The self-reported changes in affective behavior such as increased self-confidence and ability to foster positive interaction with students are illustrative of changes in teacher agency. Self-reports of being able to better understand student perspectives demonstrate a change in participant ability to empathize with students. Participants who worked with both typically developing students as well as with students with disabilities reported utilizing improvisation strategies such as Yes, and..., mirroring emotions and body language, vocal prosody and establishing a narrative relationship to put the students at ease, establish a positive learning environment, encourage student contributions and foster teachable moments. The improvisation strategies showed specific benefit for participants working with nonverbal students or who had commutation difficulties, by providing the pre-service teachers with strategies for using body language, emotional mirroring, vocal prosody and acceptance to foster interaction and communication with the student.Results from this investigation appear to substantiate the benefit of using improvisation training as part of a pre-service teacher methods course for preparing teachers for inclusive elementary classrooms. Replication of the study is encouraged with teachers of differing populations to confirm and extend results.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004516, ucf:49273
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004516

Title: Counselor education students' ethnic identity and social-cognitive development: Effects of a multicultural self-awareness group experience.
Creator: Johnson, Jennifer, Lambie, Glenn, Daire, Andrew, Young, Mark, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The present study investigated the impact of a multicultural self-awareness personal growth group on counselor education students (n = 94) and group leaders (n = 10) and their ethnic identity development scores, social-cognitive maturity levels, and presence of group therapeutic factors. Findings from the study identified no statistically significant differences in ethnic identity development and social-cognitive maturity scores between treatment group and comparison group participants, or as...
Show moreThe present study investigated the impact of a multicultural self-awareness personal growth group on counselor education students (n = 94) and group leaders (n = 10) and their ethnic identity development scores, social-cognitive maturity levels, and presence of group therapeutic factors. Findings from the study identified no statistically significant differences in ethnic identity development and social-cognitive maturity scores between treatment group and comparison group participants, or as a result of multiple measurements throughout the semester. However, a statistically significant effect was identified for time (pre-test, M = 91.94, SD = 5.33; mid-semester, M = 90.32, SD = 6.43; post-test, M = 91.18, SD = 6.36) on social-cognitive maturity TPR scores for treatment group participants, Wilk's Lambda = .90, F (2, 63) = 3.39, p = .04, ?(&)#178; = .10. In addition, positive correlations were identified between ethnic identity development scores and group therapeutic factors in students participating in the multicultural personal growth groups: (a) Instillation of Hope, n = 63, r = .43, p = .00 (18.5% of the variance explained); (b) Secure Emotional Expression, n = 63, r = .39, p = .00 (15.2% of the variance explained); (c) Awareness of Relational Impact, n = 63, r = .47, p = .00 (22.1% of the variance explained); and (d) Social Learning, n = 63, r = .46, p = .00 (21.2% of the variance explained. Furthermore, a discussion of implications for counselor education and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) with graduate students are included.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004257, ucf:49528
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004257

Title: The Effect of Civics-Based Video Games on Middle School Students' Civic Engagement.
Creator: Pagnotti, John, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Hopp, Carolyn, Dobson, Leonard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Democratic theorists argue that democratic institutions thrive when the citizens of the society robustly participate in governance (Galston, 2004; Barber, 2001). A traditional indicator of democratic participation is voting in elections or referendums. However, democratic apologetics posit that humans need to be trained in democratic processes in order to be democratic citizens (Dewey, 1916; Gutmann, 1990; Sehr, 1997; Goodlad, 2001). Citizens need to know not only the protocol of...
Show moreDemocratic theorists argue that democratic institutions thrive when the citizens of the society robustly participate in governance (Galston, 2004; Barber, 2001). A traditional indicator of democratic participation is voting in elections or referendums. However, democratic apologetics posit that humans need to be trained in democratic processes in order to be democratic citizens (Dewey, 1916; Gutmann, 1990; Sehr, 1997; Goodlad, 2001). Citizens need to know not only the protocol of participation, they also need to be trained in the processes of mind (Dewey, 1916; 1927). Educational systems in this country have been the traditional place where democratic training has been vested (Spring, 2001). It seems, though, that the methods that educators are using to train young people fail to meet this challenge as voting rates among the youngest citizens (under 30) have never been higher than slightly more than half of eligible voters in the age group. To remedy this situation, Congress and several private civic-education organizations have called for changing curricular approaches to engage more youth. One such method that may hold promise is the use of video game technology. The current generation of youth has grown up in a digital world where they have been labeled (")Digital Natives(") (Prensky, 2001a). They are (")tech savvy(") and comfortable with their lives being integrated with various forms of digital technology. Significantly, industry research suggests that over 90% of (")Digital Natives(") have played a video game in the last 30 days, and business is booming to the level that video games pulled in more money than the movie industry did in 2008 (ESA, 2009). As early as the 1970s, educational researchers have looked at the use of video game technology to engage student learning; however, this research has been limited at best. More recently, educational scholars such as James Gee (2003; 2007) and Kurt Squire (2002; 2003; 2006) have sought to make the academic conversation more mature with regard to using video games as a classroom supplement.This study continues that conversation by using quantitative methods to investigate whether or not different groups of middle school students self-report a greater propensity to be civically engaged as a result of civic-themed video gameplay. The investigator collected data from middle school students who were given access to civic-themed video games to see if there were statistically significant differences in self-reported civic-engagement scores as a result of gameplay. This investigation was conducted at a large, urban middle school in the Southeast region of the United States.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004422, ucf:49379
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004422

Title: An Evaluation of a New Course Modality: A Pilot Study of Cross-Listed Courses at DeVry University.
Creator: Sapijaszko, Karol, Hopp, Carolyn, Gunter, Glenda, Boote, David, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Devry University, a private for-profit higher education institution, generates its revenue exclusively by students' tuition. In addition, DeVry University offers courses via two modalities: blended and online. Unfortunately, Devry University has seen its student enrollments decline over the last few years. Because of lower student enrollment levels, DeVry University has had to limit its course offerings. The problem of practice addressed in this dissertation is an insufficient number of...
Show moreDevry University, a private for-profit higher education institution, generates its revenue exclusively by students' tuition. In addition, DeVry University offers courses via two modalities: blended and online. Unfortunately, Devry University has seen its student enrollments decline over the last few years. Because of lower student enrollment levels, DeVry University has had to limit its course offerings. The problem of practice addressed in this dissertation is an insufficient number of blended course offerings for current DeVry students.To remedy this problem, an initiative was started at DeVry University to address the insufficient number of blended course offerings and to pilot a new course modality, cross-listed (C-L) courses, in the March 2014 session at four campus locations. More specifically, this initiative involved offering several sections of CIS115 (Logic and Design with Lab) in its C-L modality. C-L courses combine students registered in more than one modality: in this case, blended and online modalities. Upon completion of the pilot offering of C-L courses, an evaluation was conducted to determine if the new C-L modality had a positive impact on addressing the stated problem of practice.This evaluation used an outcome-oriented post-test only design with non-equivalent groups (quasi-experiment) coupled with qualitative components. The quasi-experiment compares outcomes of students enrolled in C-L courses (the treatment group) with students enrolled in blended and online courses (comparison groups) using post-achievement data. The results of the evaluation revealed that students who completed the C-L CIS115 courses performed as well as students who completed blended or online CIS115 courses, considering their course satisfaction levels and course outcomes. Professors' perceptions of the C-L modality were also analyzed; results indicate that professors are willing to endorse the new modality but not without suggesting some improvements. The evaluation also revealed that there was an increase in the number of blended courses offered at DeVry University campuses, suggesting that the problem of practice may be addressed by this initiative. Recommendations for further studies include repeating the pilot offering in the C-L modality, with the inclusion of professors' suggestions for improvement identified in this study. These improvements include providing campus-based professors with an ability to broadcast and record their classroom lectures for the benefit of all students enrolled in C-L courses.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005884, ucf:50880
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005884

Title: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Lived Experiences of African American Adults in Individual Mental Health Counseling.
Creator: Martin, Jessica, Boote, David, Hundley, Gulnora, Robinson, Edward, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: African Americans continue to access non-emergency mental health care at a lower rate than White Americans, despite have equal risk for mental health issues. Currently, literature in counseling focuses on this deficit and why African Americans do not attend counseling, as opposed to those African Americans who do choose to go into counseling. The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of adult African American mental health counseling clients...
Show moreAfrican Americans continue to access non-emergency mental health care at a lower rate than White Americans, despite have equal risk for mental health issues. Currently, literature in counseling focuses on this deficit and why African Americans do not attend counseling, as opposed to those African Americans who do choose to go into counseling. The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of adult African American mental health counseling clients. Two types of purposive sampling, criterion and snowball, were used to identify and recruit participants. Six African American women were selected for inclusion in this study. Data for this study were collected through two face-to-face audio-recorded interviews with each participant, a demographics questionnaire and researcher field notes.Experiences and meanings identified in this study included: Navigating Crisis, Stigma of Counseling, Counselor and Client Relationship and Acceptance of Self and Others. This study adds a counter-narrative to the counselor literature that highlights African Americans who do choose to become counseling clients, their experiences, and the meanings they take away from that experience.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005838, ucf:50928
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005838

Title: Farm to Fork: A Culinary- and Farm-Enhanced Nutrition Education Program.
Creator: Ray, Vivian, Hopp, Carolyn, Lue, Martha, Stout, Jeffrey, Thomas, Lionel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With obesity in adolescents becoming a major health problem in the United States, there has been an expansion in the use of nutritional education programs as intervention. Effective nutrition education can decrease the incidence of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. This dissertation in practice proposes to design a nutrition education program, integrating farm and culinary activities into a nutrition education...
Show moreWith obesity in adolescents becoming a major health problem in the United States, there has been an expansion in the use of nutritional education programs as intervention. Effective nutrition education can decrease the incidence of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. This dissertation in practice proposes to design a nutrition education program, integrating farm and culinary activities into a nutrition education curriculum. The program is designed as a stand-alone program, but for this practice, implementation integrates the nutrition education program into the Film @ 6 after-school program (-) a STEM-focused program designed to assist sixth graders in their first year of middle school (-) at Southeast Middle School in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina (NC). This experiential nutrition education program will provide instruction and activities in order to increase nutritional knowledge, improve culinary techniques, and increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods of sixth grade students as a means to address the overweight and obesity risks of middle school children. Children and adolescents are considered the priority population for intervention strategies because 70% of obese adolescents become obese adults and it is difficult to reduce excessive weight once established (Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh, (&) Merchant, 2005).
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005871, ucf:50866
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005871

Title: Understanding and Mitigating Sources of Teacher Dissatisfaction.
Creator: Howard, Carl, Boote, David, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice focuses on a review of literature to answer the guiding question, what can teachers and other educational stakeholders do to help address their sources of dissatisfaction in order to build a positive school climate? The author used a modified frame analysis from Bolman and Deal, other published literature, and personal experience to identify seven different, but sometimes related, domains that affect teachers and school climate. These seven domains include...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice focuses on a review of literature to answer the guiding question, what can teachers and other educational stakeholders do to help address their sources of dissatisfaction in order to build a positive school climate? The author used a modified frame analysis from Bolman and Deal, other published literature, and personal experience to identify seven different, but sometimes related, domains that affect teachers and school climate. These seven domains include operations/management, contract application, professional development, classroom management, interpersonal, financial, and unanticipated events. The modified frame analysis was used to help empower teachers to solve problems that affect their performance and motivation, to prevent burnout, attrition, as well as help build and maintain a positive school climate. This dissertation promotes the notion that school climate is composed of and constructed from these seven domains as constituent parts that combine to create the school climate. The author-created tool, Tools for Teachers to Address Domains of Dissatisfaction, enables teachers to quickly reference potential solutions to problems faced. The tool is a prototype, created based on professional literature sources focusing on research-based strategies to identify problems and methods a teacher can use to solve a problem, thus preventing a negative school environment for the students, staff as well as other stakeholders. The domains of dissatisfaction were tested against real-life issues submitted to a Faculty Advisory Committee in order to provide veracity and justification of the domains.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005956, ucf:50796
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005956

Title: Learning in the 21st Century: A Study Addressing Educational Trends and Implications.
Creator: Harshbarger, Denise, Hopp, Carolyn, Doherty, Walter, Vitale, Thomas, Border, Harold, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The 21st century workforce is very different from the workforce of our predecessors. With the rise in automation and technology there are new demands that are being placed on employers to produce goods that are faster, more personalized, and more accessible. In order to meet these demands, this generation of employees must have a skillset that complements these demands. This skillset includes communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills. The problem of practice...
Show moreThe 21st century workforce is very different from the workforce of our predecessors. With the rise in automation and technology there are new demands that are being placed on employers to produce goods that are faster, more personalized, and more accessible. In order to meet these demands, this generation of employees must have a skillset that complements these demands. This skillset includes communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills. The problem of practice addressed in this dissertation is the lack of 4C skills among students currently in the K-12 education system, and the lack of opportunities students have to develop these 4C qualities. This problem was examined through a pilot study that was conducted in the context of a fifth grade setting in a small and rural school district in northeastern Florida. Teachers volunteered to provide a two-week unit of instruction to their students that focused on the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills within the context of state mandated curricular content. Curriculum also promoted the development of students' non-cognitive factors (academic behaviors, academic mindset, learning strategies, social skills, and perseverance) as stepping-stones to refining students' 4C skills. Over the course of the two-week unit, teachers tracked the development of their students' 4C skills, noting their perceived progress of students through teacher focus group sessions and through individual teacher's written reflections. The results revealed that teachers perceived their students 4C skills to improve over the course of the unit of study, especially after the first four days of instruction. One significant finding of the pilot was that teachers who subscribe to a more student-centered philosophy of teaching were more successful with implementing a 4C rich curriculum than teachers who preferred a teacher-centered classroom. Student-centered teachers also perceived more growth in their students' 4C abilities than teachers who were teacher-centered. The framework developed from this study is intended to assist educators who are interested in improving students' 4C abilities. The framework was created and refined to reflect the results of the pilot study. Each of the non-cognitive factors that supported the development of the 4C skills were aligned in a visual and described in a rubric that can be used by educators to guide their students' progression toward proficiency in 4C skills. In this pilot, learning strategies, academic behaviors, and academic mindset were the non-cognitive factors that supported the development of all 4Cs, while social skills were critical to the development of communication and collaboration, and academic perseverance was essential to the development of critical thinking and creativity. The non-cognitive factors that supported the development of each of the 4C skills were aligned in a visual and described in a rubric that can be used by educators who are interested in developing or refining their classroom practice to build these skills among students. Recommendations for further studies include repeating the pilot study with a larger sample size and across multiple grade levels, as well as providing more lengthy and in-depth training for teachers who are interested in promoting 4C skills in their classrooms.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006319, ucf:51541
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006319

Title: The Influence of Economics Knowledge on Students' Attitudes Toward Financial Literacy.
Creator: Beckles, Lloyd, Russell, William, Hopp, Carolyn, Hewitt, Randall, Witta, Eleanor, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Financial literacy has developed in importance resulting from the growing intricacy of financial markets and the increased responsibility placed on consumers for their own financial security. During last decade, the necessity of financial literacy has been heightened due to increasingly complex products and services. Managing personal finances is important and people must learn to engage in prudent financial decisions required when planning for retirement, education, and home purchases. The...
Show moreFinancial literacy has developed in importance resulting from the growing intricacy of financial markets and the increased responsibility placed on consumers for their own financial security. During last decade, the necessity of financial literacy has been heightened due to increasingly complex products and services. Managing personal finances is important and people must learn to engage in prudent financial decisions required when planning for retirement, education, and home purchases. The ability to understand and manage personal finances is a skill critical to long-term financial security, additionally, there are significant consequences to financial illiteracy that can last for a life-time and many of these consequences occur while young adults are in college where financial independence begins. As young people progress through life, they are inundated with financial decisions which should be made based on prudent financial knowledge, however, many consumers are faced with a myriad of significant financial decisions very early in life and imprudent financial mistakes made by young people can have negative effects for many years. Because many consumers lack adequate financial literacy skills, they often make poor financial decisions in an increasingly complex economic environment. This purpose of this dissertation is to study how economics knowledge influences students' attitudes in an effort to refine current of knowledge of financial literacy levels and attitudes of students
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006564, ucf:51329
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006564

Title: K-12 Transition Framework for Students with Disabilties.
Creator: Delaney, Clydia, Hopp, Carolyn, Reyes, Maria, Little, Mary, Robertson, Shelby, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The problem of practice that this dissertation addressed was the post-secondary transition of students with disabilities, which has garnered national and international attention for decades. This dissertation was completed to inform the educational community regarding the potential for improvement in the post-secondary transition process of students with disabilities. Multiple factors were examined related to helping students with disabilities develop appropriate skills to transition through...
Show moreThe problem of practice that this dissertation addressed was the post-secondary transition of students with disabilities, which has garnered national and international attention for decades. This dissertation was completed to inform the educational community regarding the potential for improvement in the post-secondary transition process of students with disabilities. Multiple factors were examined related to helping students with disabilities develop appropriate skills to transition through school into personally successful, post-secondary activities and environments.A pilot study was conducted to inform a potential transition framework. Invitations to participate in an anonymous survey were sent to 741 teachers in the district via email. The survey, conducted in a small North Florida School District, had 289 nine participants, but not all participants were targeted to respond to every question. In addition to the quantitative items, the survey included several open response questions, which were coded and themed to inform the framework and specific concerns of the Director of Exceptional Student Services.The data from the pilot study were used to develop the K (-) 12 Transition Framework, which included levels of knowledge development from kindergarten through high school. Introducing students with disabilities to post-secondary transition concepts in the elementary grades supports the construction of a prior knowledge base at the elementary grade level. The prior knowledge base will be enhanced potential knowledge growth regarding opportunities, education and careers. This will translate into the successful transition of students with disabilities into personally successful, post-secondary activities and environments.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006292, ucf:51582
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006292

Title: Designing a Virtual Embedded Scenario-Based Military Simulation Training Program using Educational and Design Instructional Strategies.
Creator: Cook, Christina, Hopp, Carolyn, Gunter, Glenda, Hewitt, Randall, Vitale, Thomas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this dissertation in practice was to develop and implement a new training program for designers of military intelligence simulation scenarios used to train soldiers. The use of education and design instructional strategies assisted in the ability for designers to gain mastery skills in creating realistic, high-fidelity scenarios that are applied in the training process. The use of simulation scenarios to train adult learners has increased significantly with improvements in...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation in practice was to develop and implement a new training program for designers of military intelligence simulation scenarios used to train soldiers. The use of education and design instructional strategies assisted in the ability for designers to gain mastery skills in creating realistic, high-fidelity scenarios that are applied in the training process. The use of simulation scenarios to train adult learners has increased significantly with improvements in technology and its fidelity to engage learners in a realistic way. Despite these advances, the lack of effective design, implementation and analysis of military simulation training programs in the military intelligence community has led to a decrease in simulation utilization, as in the case of the organization examined in this problem of practice. The current training program's increasing difficulties with consistent use by military intelligence simulation scenario designers were discovered in the results of a gap analysis conducted in 2014, prompting this design. This simulation design aimed to examine: (1) a research-based design methodology to match training requirements for the designers, (2) formative assessment of performance and (3) a research-based evaluation framework to determine the effectiveness of the new training program. For the organization's training program, a Simulation-Based Embedded Training (SBET) solution using scenarios was conceived based on research grounded in cognitive theory and instructional design considerations for simulations. As a structured framework for how to design and implement an effective and sustained training program, the educational instructional design model, ADDIE, was used. This model allowed for continual flexibility in each phase to evaluate and implement changes iteratively. The instructional model and its techniques were used with fidelity, specifically for training the designers of the simulation system. Industries will continue to increase the use of simulation as advances in technologies offer more realistic, safe, and complex training environments.A detailed strategy was provided specific to the organization using a research-based instructional approach integrated into program requirements set forth by the government. This proposed solution, supported by research in the application of instructional strategies, is specific to this organization; however, the training program design differs from other high-fidelity military simulator training programs through its use of dispersed training to the simulation scenario designers using realistic scenarios to mimic the tasks that the designers themselves must create. The difference in the solution in this dissertation in practice is: 1) that the simulation scenarios are designed without the help of subject matter experts by using the embedded instructional strategies and 2) the design is to the fidelity of realism required for military intelligence training exercises.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0006990, ucf:51617
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006990

Title: Inquiry as Practice for Continuous Improvement: A Framework for the Curricular Redesign of the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Research Continuum at the University of Central Florida.
Creator: Clark, Paola, Boote, David, Vitale, Thomas, Hopp, Carolyn, Swan, Bonnie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This design-based research study was conducted at the University of Central Florida with the aim of informing the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction research course sequence within the College of Education and Human Performance. The main purpose of this dissertation was to enhance and enrich the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction research continuum courses to ensure that they support the use of applied research and practical theory as central to the development of scholarly...
Show moreThis design-based research study was conducted at the University of Central Florida with the aim of informing the Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction research course sequence within the College of Education and Human Performance. The main purpose of this dissertation was to enhance and enrich the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction research continuum courses to ensure that they support the use of applied research and practical theory as central to the development of scholarly practitioners. In order to fulfill its purpose, this study addressed three main goals: clarifying the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program goals, objectives, and research continuum learning outcomes; developing research course sequence curriculum maps; and redesigning sample curriculum units for individual research courses.The curriculum mapping and redesign process was supported by research-based design choices in alignment with the practice-oriented nature of the program. These design choices included the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Working Principles and Design Concepts, in particular the use of Inquiry as Practice as the main redesign framework in combination with improvement science principles. These frameworks were first used as foundations to clarify the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program goal and overall objectives. Later, user-centered design principles were applied to create faculty and student personas in order to inform the redefinition of individual research course learning outcomes. In addition, the frameworks were used to create alignment matrices and demonstrate where they supported each of the program objectives. This iterative process was carried out simultaneously with the course curriculum map redesign for each of the research continuum courses using backward design principles, the spiral curriculum model, and taking into consideration the most suitable instructional modality for learning outcomes, including the best suited education technology choices. Further, some proposed sample course units were developed in greater detail utilizing Universal Design for Learning principles and the prioritization of learning outcomes. Course contents were selected based on cognitive and reasoning learning theories pertaining to mixed method courses for professional practitioners.The developed prototypes support the continuous Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction curriculum redesign efforts of the program and College of Education and Human Performance at the University of Central Florida and clearly distinguish the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program from traditional, research-based doctorates. Similarly, at the national level, this study also sought to benefit other CPED-influenced professional practice programs, as they also consider the careful redesign of their research or inquiry sequences to define their programs as ones that fully address the needs of advanced professional educators. Acknowledging the limitations of this study, further studies should identifying the motivational, cognitive, and organizational causes affecting student learning outcomes. Implementing and evaluating the prototypes developed to ensure their effectiveness in preparing scholarly practitioners to act as agents of change in their professional practices.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006285, ucf:51585
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006285

Title: Learning in the 21st Century: A Study Addressing Educational Trends and Implications.
Creator: Harshbarger, Rodney, Hopp, Carolyn, Doherty, Walter, Vitale, Thomas, Border, Harold, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The 21st century workforce is very different from the workforce of our predecessors. With the rise in automation and technology there are new demands that are being placed on employers to produce goods that are faster, more personalized, and more accessible. In order to meet these demands, this generation of employees must have a skillset that complements these demands. This skillset includes communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills. The problem of practice...
Show moreThe 21st century workforce is very different from the workforce of our predecessors. With the rise in automation and technology there are new demands that are being placed on employers to produce goods that are faster, more personalized, and more accessible. In order to meet these demands, this generation of employees must have a skillset that complements these demands. This skillset includes communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills. The problem of practice addressed in this dissertation is the lack of 4C skills among students currently in the K-12 education system, and the lack of opportunities students have to develop these 4C qualities. This problem was examined through a pilot study that was conducted in the context of a fifth grade setting in a small and rural school district in northeastern Florida. Teachers volunteered to provide a two-week unit of instruction to their students that focused on the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (4C) skills within the context of state mandated curricular content. Curriculum also promoted the development of students' non-cognitive factors (academic behaviors, academic mindset, learning strategies, social skills, and perseverance) as stepping-stones to refining students' 4C skills. Over the course of the two-week unit, teachers tracked the development of their students' 4C skills, noting their perceived progress of students through teacher focus group sessions and through individual teacher's written reflections. The results revealed that teachers perceived their students 4C skills to improve over the course of the unit of study, especially after the first four days of instruction. One significant finding of the pilot was that teachers who subscribe to a more student-centered philosophy of teaching were more successful with implementing a 4C rich curriculum than teachers who preferred a teacher-centered classroom. Student-centered teachers also perceived more growth in their students' 4C abilities than teachers who were teacher-centered. The framework developed from this study is intended to assist educators who are interested in improving students' 4C abilities. The framework was created and refined to reflect the results of the pilot study. Each of the non-cognitive factors that supported the development of the 4C skills were aligned in a visual and described in a rubric that can be used by educators to guide their students' progression toward proficiency in 4C skills. In this pilot, learning strategies, academic behaviors, and academic mindset were the non-cognitive factors that supported the development of all 4Cs, while social skills were critical to the development of communication and collaboration, and academic perseverance was essential to the development of critical thinking and creativity. The non-cognitive factors that supported the development of each of the 4C skills were aligned in a visual and described in a rubric that can be used by educators who are interested in developing or refining their classroom practice to build these skills among students. Recommendations for further studies include repeating the pilot study with a larger sample size and across multiple grade levels, as well as providing more lengthy and in-depth training for teachers who are interested in promoting 4C skills in their classrooms.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006320, ucf:51577
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006320

Title: Teaching Fractions Procedurally and Conceptually to Pre-Service Elementary Education Teachers.
Creator: Edwards, Deborah, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Ortiz, Enrique, French, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to inform pre-service elementary education teachers of conceptual and procedural methods for teaching fractions. The problem of practice began when the researcher noticed a deficiency in fraction addition knowledge for a remedial mathematics program at a local private university. Further exposure of fraction knowledge for the 2014 third-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores at a local elementary charter school ascertained slightly...
Show moreThe purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to inform pre-service elementary education teachers of conceptual and procedural methods for teaching fractions. The problem of practice began when the researcher noticed a deficiency in fraction addition knowledge for a remedial mathematics program at a local private university. Further exposure of fraction knowledge for the 2014 third-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores at a local elementary charter school ascertained slightly above 50% of those students making a 70% percentile or higher. Now that Florida State Standards are aligned with the Common Core Standards, pre-service elementary teachers need to know how to teach fractions procedurally and conceptually. This research-based model was used to determine the level of fraction knowledge, math anxiety level, and present NCTM videos aligned with Common Core Standards. A key element of the model was the performance assessment of the participants teaching randomly selected fraction problems they had already encountered confirming the need for more professional development in this essential mathematics domain.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006215, ucf:51098
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006215

Title: Establishing and Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities of K-12 Mathematics Coaches in a Rural Urban School District in Central Florida.
Creator: Davis, Beth, Hopp, Carolyn, Zugelder, Bryan, Little, Mary, Behrens, Cherie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice establishes roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a rural, urban school district in central Florida. To do this, coach roles and responsibilities from existing coaching approaches were examined. The roles and responsibilities were closely examined for alignment with the objectives of the work of the coach (-) improving instruction and increasing student achievement. The result was proposed roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice establishes roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a rural, urban school district in central Florida. To do this, coach roles and responsibilities from existing coaching approaches were examined. The roles and responsibilities were closely examined for alignment with the objectives of the work of the coach (-) improving instruction and increasing student achievement. The result was proposed roles and responsibilities for K-12 mathematics coaches in a targeted district in central Florida. Review of the literature found that clearly delineated and communicated roles and responsibilities are vital to the success of mathematics coaches. Poorly defined and/or communicated roles and responsibilities result in barriers that prevent the coach from meeting the objectives of his/her job: improving instruction and student achievement. Clearly established and communicated job responsibilities for mathematics coaches positively impact the effectiveness of the coach, resulting in support for teachers and students and, in turn, a positive impact on student achievement. Research suggests that in addition to instructional practices, teachers also need support in content knowledge, curriculum, assessment, and data analysis.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006214, ucf:51102
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006214

Title: Faculty Professional Development for Improving Hybrid Course Success.
Creator: Lawhon, Jennifer, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Hines, Rebecca, Phelps, Julie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to investigate the inconsistent success rates in hybrid courses at a Florida college. Results from a pilot study and faculty survey revealed a need for a training program specific to hybrid instructors. The researchers created a training program composed of a framework and a professional development course, designed to promote consistency in how instructors create and implement their hybrid courses. The framework consists of six research-based...
Show moreThe purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to investigate the inconsistent success rates in hybrid courses at a Florida college. Results from a pilot study and faculty survey revealed a need for a training program specific to hybrid instructors. The researchers created a training program composed of a framework and a professional development course, designed to promote consistency in how instructors create and implement their hybrid courses. The framework consists of six research-based standards which aided in the creation of six learning modules for the professional development course. These modules were: course alignment, face-to-face active learning, online resources, formative feedback, assessment guidelines, and course structure. A focus group of faculty members who have taught hybrid courses at the college was used to review the course and framework to assess whether any modifications are required. The focus group discussion revealed that all six elements of the framework are essential to the success of a hybrid course design. The focus group also suggested changes and revisions to the professional development course which should be addressed prior to rolling out the course college-wide.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006757, ucf:51861
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006757

Title: Faculty Professional Development for Improving Hybrid Course Success.
Creator: Saxman, Amanda, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Hines, Rebecca, Phelps, Julie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to investigate the inconsistent success rates in hybrid courses at a Florida college. Results from a pilot study and faculty survey revealed a need for a training program specific to hybrid instructors. The researchers created a training program composed of a framework and a professional development course, designed to promote consistency in how instructors create and implement their hybrid courses. The framework consists of six research-based...
Show moreThe purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to investigate the inconsistent success rates in hybrid courses at a Florida college. Results from a pilot study and faculty survey revealed a need for a training program specific to hybrid instructors. The researchers created a training program composed of a framework and a professional development course, designed to promote consistency in how instructors create and implement their hybrid courses. The framework consists of six research-based standards which aided in the creation of six learning modules for the professional development course. These modules were: course alignment, face-to-face active learning, online resources, formative feedback, assessment guidelines, and course structure. A focus group of faculty members who have taught hybrid courses at the college was used to review the course and framework to assess whether any modifications are required. The focus group discussion revealed that all six elements of the framework are essential to the success of a hybrid course design. The focus group also suggested changes and revisions to the professional development course which should be addressed prior to rolling out the course college-wide.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006791, ucf:51819
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006791

professional development (7)	+ -
Professional Development (4)	+ -
students with disabilities (4)	+ -
Higher Education (3)	+ -
education (3)	+ -

framework (3)	+ -
higher education (3)	+ -
student engagement (3)	+ -
21st century skills (2)	+ -
African American students (2)	+ -
Case Study (2)	+ -
Curriculum (2)	+ -
Financial Literacy (2)	+ -
Social Studies (2)	+ -
Video Games (2)	+ -
achievement gap (2)	+ -
attrition (2)	+ -
blended learning (2)	+ -
classroom management (2)	+ -
elementary (2)	+ -
equity and access to excellence (2)	+ -
exceptional education (2)	+ -
hybrid (2)	+ -
hybrid learning (2)	+ -
induction (2)	+ -
innovation (2)	+ -
instructional coaching (2)	+ -
middle school (2)	+ -
non-cognitive factors (2)	+ -
perceptions (2)	+ -

ETD Collection (76)	+ -
Honors Collection (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (77)	+ -
Vitale, Thomas (33)	+ -
Boote, David (8)	+ -
Cox, Dr. Thomas (8)	+ -
Hewitt, Randall (7)	+ -

Robinson, Edward (7)	+ -
Hayes, Grant (6)	+ -
Doherty, Walter (5)	+ -
King, Kathy (Kathleen) (5)	+ -
Van Horn, Stacy (5)	+ -
Little, Mary (4)	+ -
Russell, William (4)	+ -
Beverly, Monifa (3)	+ -
Blank, William (3)	+ -
Cox, Thomas (3)	+ -
Gunter, Glenda (3)	+ -
Hagedorn, W. Bryce (3)	+ -
Hines, Rebecca (3)	+ -
Kaplan, Jeffrey (3)	+ -
Lambie, Glenn (3)	+ -
Murray, Kenneth (3)	+ -
Olan, Elsie (3)	+ -
Puig, Enrique (3)	+ -
Taylor, Rosemarye (3)	+ -
Border, Harold (2)	+ -
Brenckle, Martha (2)	+ -
Butler, Malcolm (2)	+ -
Butler, S. Kent (2)	+ -
Campbell, Laurie (2)	+ -

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