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- Title
- THE EFFECT OF PREWRITING STRATEGY INSTRUCTION ON THE WRITTEN PRODUCTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.
- Creator
-
Sundeen, Todd, Wienke, Wilfred, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT We know that many students with learning disabilities struggle throughout their school years with the writing process. High school is no exception. Writing is a life skill that can directly impact the quality of life for older students preparing to graduate and progress to college, a career, or simply the world of work. A need in society exists to improve the writing of all students including those who are on the threshold of high school graduation. Students with learning...
Show moreABSTRACT We know that many students with learning disabilities struggle throughout their school years with the writing process. High school is no exception. Writing is a life skill that can directly impact the quality of life for older students preparing to graduate and progress to college, a career, or simply the world of work. A need in society exists to improve the writing of all students including those who are on the threshold of high school graduation. Students with learning disabilities enter their ninth year of school with a performance gap of 4 to 5 years placing their equivalent learning in the late elementary years. Few studies however have investigated the impact of explicit written expression strategy instruction for students with mild disabilities in high school. Thus, expanding the knowledge base for this group of students becomes especially critical. The present study examines the effects of explicitly teaching a writing strategy to high school students with learning disabilities. A multiple baseline design across subjects was used to observe changes in student writing. A total of 11 students in three subject groups participated in the study. Eleventh grade students in three learning strategies classes were pretested to determine the level of their organizational skills for written products. Scoring criteria were described to students using a written expression rubric to provide them with the specific expectations for their daily writing. Mind-mapping, an organizational strategy for writing, was explicitly taught to each of three classes during their daily learning strategy period. Data were collected relative to the students' rubric scores and visually inspected for changes in writing performance before, during, and following the strategy instruction. Pre- and post-tests were administered to the student groups. Following data collection and the post-test, interviews were conducted with the teacher and each of the participants. Findings indicate that the mind-mapping intervention had limited success in improving students' written products when measured by the multiple baseline across subjects design. Pre- and post-test data, however, show that writing quality certainly did improve. The participants' teacher specifically noted during her interview that, in her perception, improvements in student writing as a result of using the mind-mapping strategy did occur. The teacher also felt strongly enough about the efficacy of the mind-mapping intervention that she plans to teach the strategy to her future students. Most of the students reported during their interviews that they felt that learning mind-mapping helped them to become better writers. The vast majority of students also stated that they planned to use the strategy for tests and writing assignments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001788, ucf:47263
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001788
- Title
- AN ETHNOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY IN A BRITISH PRIMARY (ELEMENTARY) SCHOOL CLASSROOM OF ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY.
- Creator
-
Iliff, Kelly, Eriksson, Gillian, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
An ethnographic case study of a Year 6 (5th grade) classroom in Southwest England was conducted in order to explore factors that contribute to academic self-efficacy in British education, specifically in this classroom. Data was collected through qualitative observations, a teacher interview, and student questionnaires to determine the level of academic self-efficacy in the classroom. The class consisted of 14 female students and 9 male students, ranging from ten to eleven years old. Of the...
Show moreAn ethnographic case study of a Year 6 (5th grade) classroom in Southwest England was conducted in order to explore factors that contribute to academic self-efficacy in British education, specifically in this classroom. Data was collected through qualitative observations, a teacher interview, and student questionnaires to determine the level of academic self-efficacy in the classroom. The class consisted of 14 female students and 9 male students, ranging from ten to eleven years old. Of the total number of students, parental consent was received to allow 9 boys and 7 girls to complete questionnaires. Data was analyzed by examining critical issues and comparing anecdotal records to a teacher interview and student questionnaires. Recurrent themes that materialized were: bullying, uniforms, discipline, competition, assessment, and exceptional students. Results showed that these core issues contributed to positive academic self-efficacy among students in this classroom in the context of the British educational system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003860, ucf:44691
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003860
- Title
- MAKING THE DECISION: FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
- Creator
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Himschoot, Brian, Murray, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information...
Show moreIn the opening decades of the 21st Century, a movement towards parental choice in public schools has taken flight. One of the choices becoming more readily available to parents of young children is charter schools. Charter schools are expanding across the United States and Central Florida is representative of this growth. Parents are faced with more choices as they make decisions on their children's educational future than ever before making the availability of quality, accurate information about local schools paramount. While scholarly work on charter schools, the effects of media coverage on public opinion, and how parents make choices for their children exists, in many cases the research offers inconclusive results and rarely was there an attempt to connect all three. This paper, written from a parent's perspective, analyzes research, newspaper articles, interviews, and surveys of Central Florida's media outlets, public school representatives, and parents of young children to determine the types of information on charter schools available to parents of young children in Central Florida. The purpose of this thesis will be to investigate the information available to parents when considering a charter school for their young children by comparing the stated opinions of the local media, district school boards, and the charters themselves. It also identifies who is responsible for disseminating this information, and how the parents choose to gather and use this information.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004466, ucf:45105
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004466
- Title
- LEVELS OF LINE GRAPH QUESTION INTERPRETATION WITH INTERMEDIATE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF VARYING SCIENTIFIC AND MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY: A THINK ALOUD STUDY.
- Creator
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Keller, Stacy, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study examined how intermediate elementary students' mathematics and science background knowledge affected their interpretation of line graphs and how their interpretations were affected by graph question levels. A purposive sample of 14 6th-grade students engaged in think aloud interviews (Ericsson & Simon, 1993) while completing an excerpted Test of Graphing in Science (TOGS) (McKenzie & Padilla, 1986). Hand gestures were video recorded. Student performance on the TOGS was assessed...
Show moreThis study examined how intermediate elementary students' mathematics and science background knowledge affected their interpretation of line graphs and how their interpretations were affected by graph question levels. A purposive sample of 14 6th-grade students engaged in think aloud interviews (Ericsson & Simon, 1993) while completing an excerpted Test of Graphing in Science (TOGS) (McKenzie & Padilla, 1986). Hand gestures were video recorded. Student performance on the TOGS was assessed using an assessment rubric created from previously cited factors affecting students' graphing ability. Factors were categorized using Bertin's (1983) three graph question levels. The assessment rubric was validated by Padilla and a veteran mathematics and science teacher. Observational notes were also collected. Data were analyzed using Roth and Bowen's semiotic process of reading graphs (2001). Key findings from this analysis included differences in the use of heuristics, self-generated questions, science knowledge, and self-motivation. Students with higher prior achievement used a greater number and variety of heuristics and more often chose appropriate heuristics. They also monitored their understanding of the question and the adequacy of their strategy and answer by asking themselves questions. Most used their science knowledge spontaneously to check their understanding of the question and the adequacy of their answers. Students with lower and moderate prior achievement favored one heuristic even when it was not useful for answering the question and rarely asked their own questions. In some cases, if students with lower prior achievement had thought about their answers in the context of their science knowledge, they would have been able to recognize their errors. One student with lower prior achievement motivated herself when she thought the questions were too difficult. In addition, students answered the TOGS in one of three ways: as if they were mathematics word problems, science data to be analyzed, or they were confused and had to guess. A second set of findings corroborated how science background knowledge affected graph interpretation: correct science knowledge supported students' reasoning, but it was not necessary to answer any question correctly; correct science knowledge could not compensate for incomplete mathematics knowledge; and incorrect science knowledge often distracted students when they tried to use it while answering a question. Finally, using Roth and Bowen's (2001) two-stage semiotic model of reading graphs, representative vignettes showed emerging patterns from the study. This study added to our understanding of the role of science content knowledge during line graph interpretation, highlighted the importance of heuristics and mathematics procedural knowledge, and documented the importance of perception attentions, motivation, and students' self-generated questions. Recommendations were made for future research in line graph interpretation in mathematics and science education and for improving instruction in this area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002356, ucf:47810
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002356
- Title
- Affirmative Action in Higher Education and the Talented Twenty Program in Florida.
- Creator
-
Ubiles, Miguel, Vieux, Andrea, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Knuckey, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Affirmative action in higher education is a necessary component for ethnic minorities to be afforded postsecondary educational access and opportunities to improve their socioeconomic status. The ban of affirmative action in undergraduate admissions, wherever instituted, has decreased the undergraduate enrollment of ethnic minorities. The broad objective of this research is to demonstrate how the elimination of affirmative action has lessened postsecondary educational access for minorities,...
Show moreAffirmative action in higher education is a necessary component for ethnic minorities to be afforded postsecondary educational access and opportunities to improve their socioeconomic status. The ban of affirmative action in undergraduate admissions, wherever instituted, has decreased the undergraduate enrollment of ethnic minorities. The broad objective of this research is to demonstrate how the elimination of affirmative action has lessened postsecondary educational access for minorities, who presently account for the majority or near-majority population in several states and will soon account for a much larger segment of the national population. This study will use two series of multiple regression models with scale-level variables to note the effect of the removal of affirmative action and the effectiveness of the Talented Twenty Program in maintaining student diversity at the University of Florida and the Florida State University. The major finding of this research is that the minority enrollment at UF and FSU was significantly related to the change in policy from affirmative action to the Talented Twenty Program. This study and the prior literature strongly suggest that the current diversity levels at these public universities are most likely a result of the university recruitment and outreach programs and population change.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004236, ucf:49501
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004236
- Title
- ROLES AND INTERACTIONS OF GENERAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN SECONDARY CO-TAUGHT TEAMS.
- Creator
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Moorehead, Tanya, Dieker, Lisa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study focused on identifying the components that contribute to instructional delivery in co-taught secondary classrooms in hopes of enhancing the understanding in the field of co-teaching in various secondary content areas. Employing a non-experimental mixed method research design, the study integrated qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insight into general education teachersÂÂ' roles in solo-taught and co-taught classrooms and special educatorsÃ&...
Show moreThis study focused on identifying the components that contribute to instructional delivery in co-taught secondary classrooms in hopes of enhancing the understanding in the field of co-teaching in various secondary content areas. Employing a non-experimental mixed method research design, the study integrated qualitative and quantitative methods to gain insight into general education teachersÂÂ' roles in solo-taught and co-taught classrooms and special educatorsÂÂ' roles in co-taught classrooms. Instrumentation included the use of the Teacher Roles Observation Schedule (TROS), the Colorado Assessment of Co-Teaching (CO-ACT), interview questions, and field notes. The quantitative portion of the study consisted of event recordings of teacher interactions (TROS), co-teacher perception rating scale scores (CO-ACT), and class seating charts to monitor the occurrence of one-on-one interactions with students in both settings. The qualitative portion of the research study consisted of the researcher gathering ongoing field notes and teacher interviews. The researcher sought to identify the interaction behaviors of secondary co-teaching teams. The most and least successful co-teaching teams were identified based on the findings. The findings indicate teacher preparation programs need to prepare all teachers to first consider the diverse learning needs of all students and second, to effectively collaborate in inclusive settings. Special education preparation programs need to include more secondary content teaching courses. Likewise, general education preparation programs need to prepare future secondary general educators to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. In addition to improvements in teacher preparation programs, school leaders need to provide ongoing support for co-teachers via planning time and professional development, so they can maximize the collaborative potential embedded within the co-teaching model.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003318, ucf:48496
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003318
- Title
- Perceptions of Secondary Education Teachers Working in an Inclusive Setting.
- Creator
-
Pacha, Destiny, Hopp, Carolyn, Reyes, Maria, Vitale, Thomas, Pratt Marrett, Caroline, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices....
Show moreThis dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices. Students with disabilities nationwide are increasingly taught in the general education classroom in order to provide them access to their least restrictive environment and instruction of the general education curriculum. The beliefs held by teachers about students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom is one key variable to the successful inclusion as measured by student outcomes. To provide necessary support, it is imperative to understand teachers' attitude towards students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom. Based on the survey results and relevant research, the professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices was developed and will focus on three elements: (a) school culture and understanding of inclusion, (b) effective inclusive teaching strategies, and (c) collaboration models and techniques. The goal of the professional development framework is for administrators and other school leaders to provide appropriate learning opportunities for teachers to enhance their understanding of inclusion and to provide them strategies and techniques to improve student outcomes in an effort to close the achievement gap between students with and without disabilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006368, ucf:51495
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006368
- Title
- The AfterMath: A Culturally Responsive Mathematical Intervention to Aid Students Affected by Natural Disasters.
- Creator
-
Kurtz, Brianna, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Bush, Sarah, Safi, Farshid, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico. The damage was extensive, and many people found themselves to be natural disaster refugees. As a result, schools in Central Florida saw an influx of new students who had their educations interrupted by the disaster and now were resuming school in a new language of instruction. These students not only faced linguistic challenges but also academic differences due to the high prevalence of poverty and the effects of...
Show moreOn September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico. The damage was extensive, and many people found themselves to be natural disaster refugees. As a result, schools in Central Florida saw an influx of new students who had their educations interrupted by the disaster and now were resuming school in a new language of instruction. These students not only faced linguistic challenges but also academic differences due to the high prevalence of poverty and the effects of neocolonialism in their previous schooling. This mixed methods study implemented an intensive intervention in probability to aid students in developing mathematical understanding and forming meaningful connections. Student participants, who had been affected by Hurricane Maria, were now attending a public high school and were paired one-on-one with a bilingual, mathematically high performing student mentor to complete culturally responsive, bilingual probability tasks. Data collection occurred over the course of six weeks in fall 2019. Both mentor and mentee students participated in focus group interviews, and the mentees completed a probability pre-test and post-test. Student participants were found to have statistically significant increases in the understanding of probability concepts when comparing pre-intervention and post-intervention results, with the understanding and usage of the multiplication rule showing the most significant improvement. Both mentors and mentees reported feeling a stronger sense of unity and belonging post-intervention as well as improvement in bilingual academic vocabulary. With the impact of natural disasters on the rise, implications of this study include its adaption to respond to future displaced students as they resume schooling post-interruption in Central Florida and beyond.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007828, ucf:52820
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007828
- Title
- ADDRESSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP AND DISPROPORTIONALITY THROUGH THE USE OF CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING PRACTICES.
- Creator
-
Griner, Angela, Lue Stewart, Martha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Culturally responsive teaching practices in schools and classrooms have been shown to be an effective means of addressing the achievement gap, as well as the disproportionate representation of racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students in programs serving students with special needs. While there has been a recent influx in research discussing these issues, teachers and school staff lack clear examples and tools for best practices that will aid them in addressing the...
Show moreCulturally responsive teaching practices in schools and classrooms have been shown to be an effective means of addressing the achievement gap, as well as the disproportionate representation of racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students in programs serving students with special needs. While there has been a recent influx in research discussing these issues, teachers and school staff lack clear examples and tools for best practices that will aid them in addressing the achievement gap and disproportionality effectively within their schools. Conducted in three phases, this research provides a framework for developing, implementing, and evaluating a culturally responsive tool for schools and school staff in order to impact beliefs and practices related to culturally responsive teaching, leading to the enhanced learning outcomes of all students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003880, ucf:48759
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003880
- Title
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Military Simulation.
- Creator
-
Golovcsenko, Igor V., Biegel, John E., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This report is a survey of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology contributions to military training. It provides an overview of military training simulation and a review of instructional problems and challenges which can be addressed by AI. The survey includes current as well as potential applications of AI, with particular emphasis on design and system integration issues. Applications include knowledge and skills training in...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; This report is a survey of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology contributions to military training. It provides an overview of military training simulation and a review of instructional problems and challenges which can be addressed by AI. The survey includes current as well as potential applications of AI, with particular emphasis on design and system integration issues. Applications include knowledge and skills training in strategic planning and decision making, tactical warfare operations, electronics maintenance and repair, as well as computer-aided design of training systems. The report describes research contributions in the application of AI technology to the training world, and it concludes with an assessment of future research directions in this area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1987
- Identifier
- CFR0011599, ucf:53044
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011599
- Title
- A MEASUREMENT OF CAMPUS PRESENCE: THE COGNITIVE LINK BETWEEN CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT AND POSITIVE OUTCOMES IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
-
Kleiman, Daniel M, McConnell, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Prior research has shown that positive psychological states and attitudes are known outcomes in students who are engaged on their college campus. Although many studies prove this to be evident, literature lacks examination between these two variables. The purpose of the current study was to find a cognitive link between student engagement and the measured outcomes of self-esteem, college self-efficacy, college affiliation, and levels of optimism/pessimism. The study proposed that there is a...
Show morePrior research has shown that positive psychological states and attitudes are known outcomes in students who are engaged on their college campus. Although many studies prove this to be evident, literature lacks examination between these two variables. The purpose of the current study was to find a cognitive link between student engagement and the measured outcomes of self-esteem, college self-efficacy, college affiliation, and levels of optimism/pessimism. The study proposed that there is a process of developing an internal sense of presence on campus, which occurs in those students that are actively engaged in activities outside of the classroom. Individual personality traits are additionally measured as a variable for tendencies of involvement. Measurements of presence level in students were analyzed by administering a Campus Presence Scale, modified from the Witmer & Singer Presence Scale. The study subscales that examine levels of student engagement and its outcomes were measured in an online questionnaire format via Qualtrics. A total of 371 students at the University of Central Florida participated in the study. This study hypothesized that students who spend more time on campus engaged in co-curricular activities would display higher levels of presence development. The study also sought a flow of development in these processes, hypothesizing that campus presence mediates the actions in which students engage and their psychological well-being and attitudes towards their institution. Analyses in SPSS were used to examine these relationships. Results indicated that presence is significantly correlated with higher student self-esteem, self-efficacy, college affiliation, and optimism. Results also showed that those involved with student organizations and those who regularly attend campus events are significantly more extroverted and have higher levels of presence, college affiliation and self-efficacy
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000164, ucf:46047
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000164
- Title
- INTEGRATING JOURNAL WRITING WITH INQUIRY BASED SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN A SECOND GRADE CLASSROOM.
- Creator
-
Zissman, Lauren, Lewis, Nancy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This action research study investigated the effects of using science journals to promote science writing and to investigate changes in student attitudes in a second grade inquiry-based science class. This was an action research study in which qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The data was collected using science journals, pre and post inventories, field notes, teacher observations, videotaped science inquiry lessons, and surveys. The students demonstrated a true fondness for...
Show moreThis action research study investigated the effects of using science journals to promote science writing and to investigate changes in student attitudes in a second grade inquiry-based science class. This was an action research study in which qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The data was collected using science journals, pre and post inventories, field notes, teacher observations, videotaped science inquiry lessons, and surveys. The students demonstrated a true fondness for journal writing and expressed interest in continued use. After concluding this action research study, I better understand the benefits of utilizing journal writing to enhance my teaching of the science curriculum as well as the other disciplines I facilitate.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000437, ucf:46383
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000437
- Title
- THE STUDY AND COMPARISION OF THE LEVEL OF MOTIVATION, ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE, LOCUS OF CONTROL, AND CAREER INDECISION BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE NINTH GRADE STUDENTS.
- Creator
-
Johnson, Nicola, Hayes, B. Grant, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between Black and White 9th grade suburban students in regard to career indecision and certainty, and to determine what relationship exists between career indecision/certainty, motivational level, locus of control, and attributional style. The sample size of this study was 95 ninth grade students from a Seminole County high school in the state of Florida. Some of the demographic variables taken into account for this study were...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between Black and White 9th grade suburban students in regard to career indecision and certainty, and to determine what relationship exists between career indecision/certainty, motivational level, locus of control, and attributional style. The sample size of this study was 95 ninth grade students from a Seminole County high school in the state of Florida. Some of the demographic variables taken into account for this study were student socioeconomic status, involvement in special programming at school (i.e. Exceptional Education, or Advanced Placement), parental education level, and parental occupation. The data in this study was collected through the use of the Career Decision Scale (CDS), Children's Attributional Style Questionnaire-Revised (CASQ-R), Children's Nowicki-Strickland Internal External Locus of Control Scale (CNISE), and the Five Item Polarized Motivation Scale. The results of this study came as a result of the use of an ANOVA and Mann Whitney test, as well as a series of simple linear regression analyses. The ANOVA and Mann Whitney test determined if there was a difference in career indecision/ certainty level based on race. The linear regression analysis compared the variables of career indecision/certainty, motivation level, attributional style, and locus of control to uncover any predictive relationships. Post hoc analyses were also conducted to determine if the variables of motivational level, locus of control, attributional style, and career indecision/certainty are predictors for race. The results of the data indicate that there is no statistical significance between race and career indecision between Black and White students. Also the results uncovered the only predictive relationships among the variables existed between career certainty and motivation, career indecision and attributional style, and locus of control and attributional style. The post hoc analyses uncovered that race cannot be predicted by any of the variables in this study. This study is exploratory in nature and should be replicated with the use of a larger sample size to further explore this phenomenon.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001632, ucf:47191
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001632
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF A RESPONSIBILITY-BASED CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM ON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SCHOOL CLIMATE AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN EAST AFRICA.
- Creator
-
HOWARD, TERRY, ROBINSON, EDWARD, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a character education program on middle school student academic performance, effort and attitude about their school located in an international setting. Middle school students at the participating international school were assigned to either an experimental or control group. Those students in the experimental group classes received a series of 12 lessons focusing on the character trait of responsibility. Those students in the control group classes did not receive these lessons. Twelve responsibility-based lessons were presented to students in the experimental group. Student academic grades in six different academic subjects, effort scores in six different academic courses, and student attitude concerning school climate constituted the dependent variable. The literature review and the general results of this study indicate that there are many factors that may influence student academic performance, effort or attitude. Various character education programs which have been designed to be integrated into school curricula as part of pre-existing courses or as stand alone programs have had varying levels of success. There is limited quantitative data available to support the claims that many existing programs make related to their effectiveness. The data collected from this study were also inconclusive making it difficult to generalize the findings beyond the scope of this study. While certain middle school grade levels showed statistically significant improvement in some academic disciplines or effort improvement in some subjects it would not be appropriate to generalize the findings based on this investigation. Implications of this study and suggestions for future investigations are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000620, ucf:46518
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000620
- Title
- A PROFILE OF THE LITERACY PRACTICES OF K-5 CENTRAL FLORIDA TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 2004-2005.
- Creator
-
Cowern, Stephanie, Magann, Douglas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The problem of this study was to develop a literacy teaching profile of the 2004-2005 Teachers of the Year in Kindergarten through grade 5 in four central Florida school districts. Of primary interest was the extent to which these teachers indicated their use of exemplary literacy practices as defined using the domains and indicators of the National Exemplary Literacy Teacher Assessment (NELTA). The NELTA results were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results of the NELTA were...
Show moreThe problem of this study was to develop a literacy teaching profile of the 2004-2005 Teachers of the Year in Kindergarten through grade 5 in four central Florida school districts. Of primary interest was the extent to which these teachers indicated their use of exemplary literacy practices as defined using the domains and indicators of the National Exemplary Literacy Teacher Assessment (NELTA). The NELTA results were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results of the NELTA were also evaluated and discussed when total length of years teaching, and length of years at present grade level were considered. The data were derived from the 66 (59.4%) classroom Teachers of the Year who responded to the survey. Overall, the findings showed little congruency between exemplary teaching practices as measured by the NELTA and teachers' self-described practices. Many teachers indicated utilizing grade level practices best suited for grade levels higher than the ones they were presently teaching. Demographic variables did little to clarify the profile of the Teachers of the Year; however, 18 teachers with 7 or more years of teaching experience (27.2%) responded with the highest levels of congruency. Furthermore, using the domains and indicators of the NELTA, 13 grade 4 teachers (19.7%) demonstrated the highest level of congruence with grade 4 best practices. Conclusions were made to explain this along with recommendations for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000249, ucf:46229
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000249
- Title
- WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES WITH DISTANCE EDUCATION.
- Creator
-
Moody, Jane Elizabeth, Jones, Daniel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis examines issues that affect women in online learning, and discusses four women's particular experiences in the University of Central Florida's distance learning program. Online education involves aspects of support and communication that may affect women's learning experiences either positively or negatively. Distance learning may also allow women to pursue their education while still taking care of their families and outside work. In order to get a better idea of how distance...
Show moreThis thesis examines issues that affect women in online learning, and discusses four women's particular experiences in the University of Central Florida's distance learning program. Online education involves aspects of support and communication that may affect women's learning experiences either positively or negatively. Distance learning may also allow women to pursue their education while still taking care of their families and outside work. In order to get a better idea of how distance learning impacts women, I discuss several studies that examine how distance learning affects women in particular. I identify three areas from this literature that seem to be particularly important in order for women to have a successful distance learning experience: social support, technical support, and awareness of differences in discussion style.After reviewing the existing literature, I discuss how this literature applies to four women's experiences here at UCF. I talk with them about how they perceive their online learning experiences, and about how they feel that the issues identified in the literature are reflected in their own lives. I discuss their issues with support, technical support, and online discussions, and relate these to existing literature in order to come up with areas that may need further exploration or improvement.I conclude the study by providing suggestions and recommendations for professors who deal with women in their online classes. I also suggest areas for further exploration in the field of women's distance education.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000086, ucf:46146
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000086
- Title
- AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: RESPONSES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS, HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS.
- Creator
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Lasso de la Vega, Ernesto, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Over the last 30 years, environmental education has been part of the curriculum in Southwest Florida public schools. Curriculum objectives, such as, environmental attitude, knowledge, and awareness (AKA), have been investigated in the literature as ways to improve the overall behavior of future citizens toward the environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned objectives among the following groups: environmental specialists, high school instructors, high school...
Show moreOver the last 30 years, environmental education has been part of the curriculum in Southwest Florida public schools. Curriculum objectives, such as, environmental attitude, knowledge, and awareness (AKA), have been investigated in the literature as ways to improve the overall behavior of future citizens toward the environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned objectives among the following groups: environmental specialists, high school instructors, high school students, and the parents of the corresponding students in three Southwest Florida counties during the 2003-2004 school year. An instrument was developed to measure the groups' levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitude as well as their levels of self-efficacy. The returned surveys represented responses from: 27 environmental specialists, 15 high school instructors, 224 high school students, and 222 parents. This study found statistically significant differences among the groups regarding the levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitude as related to environmental issues. The environmental specialists scored highest for all AKA components as compared to the lowest levels presented by parent awareness, parent attitude, and high school student knowledge. In addition, factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and preference of leisure activities resulted in differences among the groups regarding their levels of environmental AKA. This study supports the evaluation of AKA levels among participants as an appropriate approach to the evaluation of environmental curriculum objectives. In addition, the study suggests a simplified measurement of AKA as an attempt to unify the parameters measured by numerous instruments found throughout environmental education literature. The results of this study may assist environmental specialists, instructors, and school districts in the evaluation of environmental education curricula.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000207, ucf:46266
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000207
- Title
- THE INTEGRATION OF MUSIC IN AN ELA CLASSROOM: CREATING PEDAGOGICAL PARODIES FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
- Creator
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Smith, Doranna, Jennings-Towle, Kelly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The intent of this thesis is to capitalize the effects of using music as a tool in tandem with English language arts in order for students to improve their ELA skills. Songs are already flooding the Internet and social media; such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vine, echoing in the background of television broadcasts and commercials, and blasting across radio stations and in public areas like restaurants and malls, classroom lessons tied to current songs, are more apt to resonate with...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to capitalize the effects of using music as a tool in tandem with English language arts in order for students to improve their ELA skills. Songs are already flooding the Internet and social media; such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vine, echoing in the background of television broadcasts and commercials, and blasting across radio stations and in public areas like restaurants and malls, classroom lessons tied to current songs, are more apt to resonate with students in this era. In lieu of subconsciously humming a song by popular artist such as Beyonce, Kanye West, and Taylor Swift, students could accomplish more in a classroom environment while using music as a tool. This includes using music as a tool for learning through reading, as well as teaching writing processes through song.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000171, ucf:45993
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000171
- Title
- A FOCUS GROUP OF ADOLESCENT HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS: FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN A FLORIDA PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
- Creator
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Pichard, Mercedes, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as...
Show moreThe goal of this ethnographic research was to examine the perceptions of academic success of adolescent Haitian immigrant students who have arrived in the United States within the last five years and attend a public high school in Florida. The Haitian students were asked to explain the tensions they perceive between Haitian societal and educational norms and beliefs and American ones, and explain their perceptions and concerns regarding success. The importance of their perceptions as influences on their behavior was related to Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory. The relevance of certain questions concerning academic success for Haitian students was investigated through group interviews and focus group interviews textual data. The resulting qualitative exploratory study is meant to further our understandings of the Haitian students' perceived and real successes, as well as to further additive bicultural educational practice in public high school settings where Haitian students are found. The literature review and results of this study found that there were many factors, student characteristics and student perceptions that could be used to explain Haitian immigrant adolescent student achievement in Florida public high school course work. Thirteen themes of concern to the students were developed in the data analysis. The Haitian adolescent immigrant students are able to speak purposefully, cogently, powerfully and coherently (English-language skills permitting) on numerous questions surrounding their thoughts and perceptions about their own success, academically or in their future careers. We can see that these students are able to define and discuss issues, make plans and recommendations for their own success, and state what is available/helpful and what is lacking for them in their high school. Suggested uses for the study included making some suggestions for the reorganization and implementation of certain educational resources for these Haitian adolescent students, and also making recommendations for future research, including but not limited to a study examining, implementing and assessing a pilot program which increases the career-counseling and vocational-planning resources available for these older secondary LEP students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000945, ucf:46737
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000945
- Title
- THE IMPACT OF ONLINE EDUCATION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE FOR LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION TEACHING AND CLUB PROFESSIONALS.
- Creator
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Fjelstul, Jill, Higginbotham, Patricia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching Professionals are scattered throughout the country, many of whom are self-employed. There was not a review session for Class A written test preparation prior to this study. The focus of this research, thus, was to assist first time test takers in their preparation of the LPGA Class A written evaluation through an online medium. The study was conducted between July and November, 2005, and was offered to LPGA T & CP Class B first-time test takers....
Show moreLadies Professional Golf Association Teaching Professionals are scattered throughout the country, many of whom are self-employed. There was not a review session for Class A written test preparation prior to this study. The focus of this research, thus, was to assist first time test takers in their preparation of the LPGA Class A written evaluation through an online medium. The study was conducted between July and November, 2005, and was offered to LPGA T & CP Class B first-time test takers. Components of the online review session included self-evaluations, discussion postings involving test-related content, and practice quizzes. The study compared the pass rate percentage of the participants in the online review session with the pass rate percentage of those who did not participate in the online review session. A test of proportions determined there was not a significant increase in the pass percentage rate of the online review session participants when compared to the test takers who did not receive intervention. However, pass rates and average test scores were higher for online review session participants. Suggested uses of this study include the future development of online review sessions for LPGA Class B and Apprentice written evaluations, with the goal of improving academic performances. Future research should include replication of the present study, but with a larger sample size. Future research should also involve Class B and Apprentice test takers and not be limited to first time test takers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000940, ucf:46730
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000940
