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- Title
- The Influence of Choice in Manipulatives on Second Grade Students' Attitudes, Achievement, and Explanations of Two-Digit Addition Concepts.
- Creator
-
Siegel, Aryn, Andreasen, Janet, Dieker, Lisa, Dixon, Juli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to improve my teaching practice, as well as my second grade students' success with two-digit addition concepts, by allowing them to choose the manipulative tools to explore problems and justify solutions. I examined how allowing my students this choice influenced their attitudes, achievement, and explanations of their thought processes. I found that allowing students to choose their own manipulatives had positive influences in all three areas. Pre- and post-test...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to improve my teaching practice, as well as my second grade students' success with two-digit addition concepts, by allowing them to choose the manipulative tools to explore problems and justify solutions. I examined how allowing my students this choice influenced their attitudes, achievement, and explanations of their thought processes. I found that allowing students to choose their own manipulatives had positive influences in all three areas. Pre- and post-test results showed an overall shift toward more positive mathematics attitudes, as well as increased academic achievement with two-digit addition concepts. Students also demonstrated changes in the ways they used the manipulatives, as well as how they explained their solutions to two-digit addition problems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004267, ucf:49540
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004267
- Title
- SetPad: A Sketch-Based Tool For Exploring Discrete Math Set Problems.
- Creator
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Cossairt, Travis, Laviola II, Joseph, Foroosh, Hassan, Hughes, Charles, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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We present SetPad, a new application prototype that lets computer science students explore discrete math problems by sketching set expressions using pen-based input. Students can manipulate the expressions interactively with the tool via pen or multi-touch interface. Likewise, discrete mathematics instructors can use SetPad to display and work through set problems via a projector to better demonstrate the solutions to the students. We discuss the implementation and feature set of the...
Show moreWe present SetPad, a new application prototype that lets computer science students explore discrete math problems by sketching set expressions using pen-based input. Students can manipulate the expressions interactively with the tool via pen or multi-touch interface. Likewise, discrete mathematics instructors can use SetPad to display and work through set problems via a projector to better demonstrate the solutions to the students. We discuss the implementation and feature set of the application, as well as results from both an informal perceived usefulness evaluation for students taking a computer science foundation exam in addition to a formal user study measuring the effectiveness of the tool when solving set proof problems. The results indicate that SetPad was well received, allows for efficient solutions to proof problems, and has the potential to have a positive impact when used as as an individual student application or an instructional tool.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004240, ucf:49507
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004240
- Title
- Improving Student Learning in Undergraduate Mathematics.
- Creator
-
Rejniak, Gabrielle, Young, Cynthia, Brennan, Joseph, Martin, Heath, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The goal of this study was to investigate ways of improving student learning, par-ticularly conceptual understanding, in undergraduate mathematics courses. This studyfocused on two areas: course design and animation. The methods of study were thefollowing: Assessing the improvement of student conceptual understanding as a result of teamproject-based learning, individual inquiry-based learning and the modied empo-rium model; and Assessing the impact of animated videos on student learning with...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to investigate ways of improving student learning, par-ticularly conceptual understanding, in undergraduate mathematics courses. This studyfocused on two areas: course design and animation. The methods of study were thefollowing: Assessing the improvement of student conceptual understanding as a result of teamproject-based learning, individual inquiry-based learning and the modied empo-rium model; and Assessing the impact of animated videos on student learning with the emphasis onconcepts.For the first part of our study (impact of course design on student conceptual understanding) we began by comparing the following three groups in Fall 2010 and Fall2011:1. Fall 2010: MAC 1140 Traditional Lecture (&) Fall 2011: MAC 1140 Modied Empo-rium2. Fall 2010: MAC 1140H with Project (&) Fall 2011: MAC 1140H no Project3. Fall 2010: MAC 2147 with Projects (&) Fall 2011: MAC 2147 no ProjectsAnalysis of pre-tests and post-tests show that all three courses showed statistically significant increases, according to their respective sample sizes, during Fall 2010. However, in Fall 2011 only MAC 2147 continued to show a statistically significant increase. Therefore in Fall 2010, project-based learning - both in-class individual projects and out-of-class team projects - conclusively impacted the students' conceptual understanding. Whereas, in Fall 2011, the data for the Modified Emporium model had no statistical significance and is therefore inconclusive as to its effectiveness. In addition the difference in percent ofincrease for MAC 1140 between Fall 2010 - traditional lecture model - and Fall 2011 -modified emporium model - is not statistically significant and we cannot say that either model is a better delivery mode for conceptual learning. For the second part of our study, the students enrolled in MAC 1140H Fall 2011 and MAC 2147 Fall 2011 were given a pre-test on sequences and series before showing them an animated video related to the topic. After watching the video, students were then given the same 7 question post test to determine any improvement in the students' understanding of the topic. After two weeks of teacher-led instruction, the students tookthe same post-test again. The results of this preliminary study indicate that animated videos do impact the conceptual understanding of students when used as an introduction into a new concept. Both courses that were shown the video had statistically significant increases in the conceptual understanding of the students between the pre-test and the post-animation test.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004320, ucf:49481
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004320
- Title
- SUPPORTING A STANDARDS-BASED TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF AN EXPERT MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER.
- Creator
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Akyuz, Didem, Dixon, Juli K., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Although it has been more than 20 years since the publication of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 1989) and 10 years since the second version of standards, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000), the research underlines the lack of essential practices for standards-based teaching (Franke, Kazemi, & Battey, 2007). The literature also emphasizes the importance of planning in standards-based teaching, although few studies focus on the direct...
Show moreAlthough it has been more than 20 years since the publication of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 1989) and 10 years since the second version of standards, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000), the research underlines the lack of essential practices for standards-based teaching (Franke, Kazemi, & Battey, 2007). The literature also emphasizes the importance of planning in standards-based teaching, although few studies focus on the direct planning of the teacher (Kilpatrick, Swafford, & Findell, 2001). The aim of the current study was to conduct a case study to extract the planning and classroom practices of an expert seventh grade mathematics teacher. The extracted practices were interpreted using the teaching-in-context theory which is based on the beliefs, goals, and knowledge of the teacher. The case study was conducted in a design experiment environment where the instructional sequence was revised based on the classroom instruction. The data were collected through different resources including videotapes of classroom sessions, teacher notes, students' artifacts, audiotapes of daily teacher interviews, weekly teacher meetings and classroom small groups in five weeks. Transcripts were used to observe the action patterns of the teacher during both planning and classroom practices. By triangulating the data, planning practices were separated into five categories: preparation, reflection, anticipation, assessment, and revision. These practices were interrelated in an environment of collaboration. Classroom practices also were categorized into five groups, namely creating and sustaining social norms, facilitating genuine mathematical discourse, supporting the development of sociomathematical norms, capitalizing on students' imagery to create inscriptions and notation, and developing small groups as communities of learners. Similar to the planning practices, these were also highly interrelated with social norms playing a key role in application of all other practices. The results showed that the expert teacher used a diverse set of practices with each practice comprised of multiple actions to create and sustain a standards-based environment. The results also indicated that standards-based teaching requires a rich and connected body of knowledge about students, curriculum, content, and literature. It was found that the depth of the teacher's knowledge allowed her to develop practices that were consistent with her beliefs and goals. Finally, the planning and classroom practices were found to be highly interrelated. While effective planning practices facilitated the application of standards-based teaching, the classroom teaching practices equipped the teacher with the data necessary to perform effective planning practices.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003449, ucf:48395
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003449
- Title
- EDUCATIONAL VIDEO GAME EFFECTS UPON MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AND MOTIVATION SCORES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY EXAMINING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SEXES.
- Creator
-
Kappers, Wendi, Hirumi (Co-Chair: Witta), Atsusi (Co-Chair: Lea), University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
An experimental research study using a mixed-method analysis to was conducted to examine educational video game effects on mathematics achievement and motivation between sexes. This study examined sex difference in a 7th grade mathematics (Mathematics 2/Mathematics 2 Advanced) classroom (n=60) learning algebra. Attributes and barriers relating to educational video game play, preference, and setting characteristics were explored. To examine achievement and motivation outcomes, a repeated...
Show moreAn experimental research study using a mixed-method analysis to was conducted to examine educational video game effects on mathematics achievement and motivation between sexes. This study examined sex difference in a 7th grade mathematics (Mathematics 2/Mathematics 2 Advanced) classroom (n=60) learning algebra. Attributes and barriers relating to educational video game play, preference, and setting characteristics were explored. To examine achievement and motivation outcomes, a repeated-measure (SPSS v14) test was used. The analysis included ethnographic results from both student and teacher interview and observation sessions for data triangulation. Results revealed a statistically significant academic mathematics achievement score increase (F =21.8, df =1, 54, p<.05). Although, mathematics class motivation scores did not present significance (F =.79, df =1, 47, p>.05), both sexes posted similar data outcomes with regard to mathematics class motivation after using an educational video game as treatment during an eighteen-week term in conjunction with receiving in-class instruction. Additionally, there was an increase in male variability in standard deviation score (SDmotivationpre=8.76, SDmotivation post=11.70) for mathematics class motivation. Lastly, self-reported differences between the sexes for this limited sample, with regard to game design likes and dislikes and observed female game play tendencies, were also investigated. The data presented customization as a unified, but most requested, game design need between the sexes. Between sex differences were found only to be superficial other than a female delay in game acceptance with regard to time and game play comfort.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002586, ucf:48270
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002586
- Title
- ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF A SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE.
- Creator
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Bonadies, Monica, Kapat, Jay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Solar energy, a topic popular in the United States during the oil embargo of the 1970ÂÂ's, has become a relevant topic once more with the current focus on reducing greenhouse emissions. Solar thermal energy in particular has become popular as it uses existing steam turbine technology to produce electricity, with the benefit of using solar energy to produce steam rather than coal or nuclear heat sources. Solar thermal can also be used at lower temperatures to heat water...
Show moreSolar energy, a topic popular in the United States during the oil embargo of the 1970ÂÂ's, has become a relevant topic once more with the current focus on reducing greenhouse emissions. Solar thermal energy in particular has become popular as it uses existing steam turbine technology to produce electricity, with the benefit of using solar energy to produce steam rather than coal or nuclear heat sources. Solar thermal can also be used at lower temperatures to heat water for pools or for residential use. While this energy source has its benefits, it has the problem of being opportunistic – the energy must be used as it is captured. With the integration of storage, a solar thermal system becomes more viable for use. In this work, a low temperature (50-70o C) thermal storage unit with a solar thermal collector is experimentally run then studied using both analytical and numerical methods. With these methods, suggestions for future developments of the storage unit are made. The prototype collector and storage combination tested worked best during the winter months, when there was low humidity. Furthermore, the heat exchanger design within the storage unit was found to work well for charging (heating) the unit, but not for discharging the storage to heat water. The best modeling method for the storage unit was the use of FLUENT, which would allow for the suggested changes to the prototype to be simulated before the next prototype was constructed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003260, ucf:48548
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003260
- Title
- Analysis and Simulation for Homogeneous and Heterogeneous SIR Models.
- Creator
-
Wilda, Joseph, Shuai, Zhisheng, Brennan, Joseph, Nevai, A, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In mathematical epidemiology, disease transmission is commonly assumed to behave in accordance with the law of mass action; however, other disease incidence terms also exist in the literature. A homogeneous Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) model with a generalized incidence term is presented along with analytic and numerical results concerning effects of the generalization on the global disease dynamics. The spatial heterogeneity of the metapopulation with nonrandom directed movement...
Show moreIn mathematical epidemiology, disease transmission is commonly assumed to behave in accordance with the law of mass action; however, other disease incidence terms also exist in the literature. A homogeneous Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) model with a generalized incidence term is presented along with analytic and numerical results concerning effects of the generalization on the global disease dynamics. The spatial heterogeneity of the metapopulation with nonrandom directed movement between populations is incorporated into a heterogeneous SIR model with nonlinear incidence. The analysis of the combined effects of the spatial heterogeneity and nonlinear incidence on the disease dynamics of our model is presented along with supporting simulations. New global stability results are established for the heterogeneous model utilizing a graph-theoretic approach and Lyapunov functions. Numerical simulations confirm nonlinear incidence gives raise to rich dynamics such as synchronization and phase-lock oscillations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005906, ucf:50872
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005906
- Title
- Applied problem solving in children with ADHD: The mediating roles of working memory and mathematical calculation.
- Creator
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Friedman, Lauren, Rapport, Mark, Beidel, Deborah, Vasquez, Eleazar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The difficulties children with ADHD experience solving applied math problems (i.e., word problems) are well documented; however, the independent and/or interactive contribution of cognitive processes underlying these difficulties is not fully understood and warrant scrutiny. The current study examines two primary cognitive processes integral to children's ability to solve applied math problems: working memory (WM) and math calculation ability (i.e., the ability to utilize specific facts,...
Show moreThe difficulties children with ADHD experience solving applied math problems (i.e., word problems) are well documented; however, the independent and/or interactive contribution of cognitive processes underlying these difficulties is not fully understood and warrant scrutiny. The current study examines two primary cognitive processes integral to children's ability to solve applied math problems: working memory (WM) and math calculation ability (i.e., the ability to utilize specific facts, skills, or processes related to basic math operations stored in long-term memory). Thirty-six boys with ADHD-combined presentation and 33 typically developing (TD) boys aged 8-12 years old were administered multiple counterbalanced tasks to assess upper (central executive [CE]) and lower level (phonological [PH STM] and visuospatial [VS STM] short-term memory) WM processes, and standardized measures of mathematical abilities. Bias-corrected, bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed that CE ability fully mediated between-group differences in applied problem solving whereas math calculation ability partially mediated the relation. Neither PH STM nor VS STM was a significant mediator. When modeled together via serial mediation analysis, CE in tandem with math calculation ability fully mediated the relation, explained 79% of the variance, and provided a more parsimonious explication of ADHD-related deficits in applied math ability. Results suggest that interventions designed to address applied math difficulties in children with ADHD will likely benefit from targeting basic knowledge of math facts and skills while simultaneously promoting the active interplay among these skills and CE processes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006593, ucf:51300
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006593
- Title
- The Comparison of the School District Curriculum Alignment with Algebra Content Standards.
- Creator
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Lipscomb, Karen, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to analyze school district curriculum alignment with state and national standards to find content omissions that may contribute to low Algebra End-of-Course exam scores in ninth grade. The study primarily looked for algebra course content omissions in the algebra, functions, and statistics' domains of the algebra curriculum. These three categories were chosen because low achievement for ninth grades students was recorded in each category for a Medium Sized Rural...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze school district curriculum alignment with state and national standards to find content omissions that may contribute to low Algebra End-of-Course exam scores in ninth grade. The study primarily looked for algebra course content omissions in the algebra, functions, and statistics' domains of the algebra curriculum. These three categories were chosen because low achievement for ninth grades students was recorded in each category for a Medium Sized Rural School District. The study also examined the pre-algebra curriculum for a Medium Sized Rural School District to see if alignment was present with the algebra curriculum. Embedded skills needed for algebra success were also recorded to develop an in-depth look at the curriculum alignment. The embedded skills are skills that should be mastered before students are placed in the pre-algebra course.The algebra state standards were compared with the Medium Sized Rural School District local algebra standards. From the local standards, 95 coded algebra skills were established as pertinent for mastery of algebra content. The 95 coded algebra skills were used in the constant comparison document analysis to find content omissions in the algebra curriculum, the pre-algebra curriculum, and the algebra textbook. The 95 algebra coded skills were also examined individually to record embedded skills needed for mastery of each skill. An additional study was performed on the amount of time given to the mastery of the 95 algebra coded skills or performance tasks.The following results were found in this research for curriculum alignment. In a Medium Size Rural School District, the algebra curriculum and algebra textbook were analyzed for the presence of 95 essential performance tasks in search for missing content. The algebra curriculum and algebra textbook were both found to be aligned with the algebra state standards. These findings allow educators to look at other factors that may contribute to low performance on the Algebra End-of-Course exam. Content omissions were found in the pre-algebra curriculum that showed a lack of alignment with the algebra course. Also, 77 embedded skills were recorded as prerequisites to algebra mastery. Last, the amount of material to be mastered in a ninth grade algebra course may be too numerous for ninth grade algebra students to master the material.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006348, ucf:51574
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006348
- Title
- Establishing and Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities of K-12 Mathematics Coaches in a Rural Urban School District in Central Florida.
- Creator
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006214, ucf:51102
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006214
- Title
- A Study of the Effectiveness of the Equals Mathematics Curriculum and Teacher Perceptions Of and Attitudes About the Curriculum.
- Creator
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Hughes, Jennifer, Murray, Kenneth, Kennedy, Mary, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This study further examined the perceptions of and attitudes about the Equals mathematics curriculum that exist among Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers who teach mathematics to students with disabilities participating in the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA).The study utilized a mixed methods approach to research that included both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative portion of the study was conducted using archival data obtained from the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment Data Book. A Mann-Whitney U Test was conducted through SPSS at a significance level of ? = .05 to test for relative differences in performance between the treatment (Equals) and control (non-Equals) groups. Based on the results, the Equals mathematics curriculum did not have any statistically significant impact on the 2012 FAA mathematics scores for students with disabilities in the treatment school districts at any of the tested grade groupings (elementary, middle, high, and overall).The qualitative method of data collection utilized an online teacher survey. The results were analyzed using the researcher-coded results and assisted through summary tables provided by Survey-Monkey. Differences and similarities among the survey question responses were explored. Common terms and themes were noted and compared. Data triangulation was used by surveying teachers from five of the six treatment counties. This promoted generalizability for study replication since the treatment counties train teachers and utilize the curriculum in different manners. The results of the qualitative analysis indicated that many teachers were not satisfied with the training they received and felt overwhelmed by the curriculum itself, specifically in the areas of lesson planning and delivery. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results, it was concluded that further research needs to be completed to determine the effectiveness of the Equals mathematics curriculum when used with true fidelity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004866, ucf:49651
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004866
- Title
- Five School District Mentor Models for Secondary Mathematics and Science Teachers in a Job Embedded University Teacher Preparation Program.
- Creator
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Karcinski, Lisa, Taylor, Rosemarye, Swan, Bonnie, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Wilson, Corbet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mentoring was a component of the Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3), a Race to the Top (RTTT) program funded project. RTTT funded efforts reward states that have demonstrated success in raising student achievement and have the best plans to accelerate learning in the future (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Five Florida school districts implemented different variations of the RTP3 mentor model and due to the unique needs of each school district, context differences...
Show moreMentoring was a component of the Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3), a Race to the Top (RTTT) program funded project. RTTT funded efforts reward states that have demonstrated success in raising student achievement and have the best plans to accelerate learning in the future (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Five Florida school districts implemented different variations of the RTP3 mentor model and due to the unique needs of each school district, context differences in effectiveness may have emerged. The purpose of the study was to determine the differences among the five mentor models, the extent to which these differences may relate to variances in mentoring effectiveness, and the impact on persistence of the resident teachers in teaching. School district designee interviews were conducted and mentor and resident teacher surveys were administered. Interview and survey data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach (Glaser (&) Strauss, 1967) and open coding (Strauss (&) Corbin, 1990) to determine mentor and resident teacher perceptions of the effectiveness of the RTP3 mentoring support.The findings of the research suggest that the decisions of the five partner school districts to add additional targeted supports to their mentor models had an impact on increased persistence rates and decreased rates of resident teachers leaving the field of teaching. The majority of mentors perceived that common professional learning increased their capacity as a mentor to a moderate or large degree. The findings suggest that resident teachers who had school-based mentors perceived that their mentors were somewhat to very influential in assisting them in being more effective teachers. There were limitations to this study. Five school districts in the state of Florida were used in the study, and the sample of survey and interview participants were limited. Therefore results may not be able to be generalized to other school districts in Florida or other states. Additionally, the objectivity of survey and interview participants may be questioned because the participants were employees of the school district. However, it was assumed that participant's responses to the survey and interview questions were candid.Further research is recommended that would examine variations in school district mentor preparation and selection processes. Further recommendations would include evaluating different mentor models within the same context to better examine the impact of specific components of mentoring programs and considering the effectiveness of the mentee based on not only mentee perception of increased effectiveness, but effectiveness as determined by the school district-adopted evaluation system. Another avenue for future research to broaden and support the findings in this study would be to access whether effective mentoring models differ depending on the context and based on the needs and experiences of the beginning teachers.?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005639, ucf:50231
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005639
- Title
- Replacing the "Raise Your Hand to Speak" Rule with New Social and Sociomathematical Norms in an Elementary Mathematics Classroom.
- Creator
-
Brooks, Lisa, Dixon, Juli, Andreasen, Janet, Ortiz, Enrique, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This qualitative study documents the establishment of new social and sociomathematical norms in a second grade classroom. The teacher allowed students to speak directly to one another without having to raise their hands first during whole group mathematics instruction. Reform efforts in mathematics and the standards for mathematical practice contained in the Common Core State Standards call for students to discuss their reasoning with each other. Data were collected through interviews with...
Show moreThis qualitative study documents the establishment of new social and sociomathematical norms in a second grade classroom. The teacher allowed students to speak directly to one another without having to raise their hands first during whole group mathematics instruction. Reform efforts in mathematics and the standards for mathematical practice contained in the Common Core State Standards call for students to discuss their reasoning with each other. Data were collected through interviews with the teacher and students, field notes, and video-recorded lessons over the course of 23 days. An online survey tool was utilized to share selected video of the teacher's instruction. Initial professional development topics were chosen from research in mathematics education related to the social construction of understanding. Ongoing professional development was responsive to what occurred during instruction. The literature suggests that teachers often utilize traditional teaching methods and struggle to deviate from established patterns regardless of their desire to implement change. The teacher in this study learned that allowing students to talk openly provided him with insight into their mathematical conceptions and misconceptions. The students initially viewed mathematics as a set of rules to follow and exhibited the role of passive recipients of information. This changed as students were provided opportunities to participate in discussions and in doing so developed a new understanding of their role during mathematics lessons. Mathematical errors became a catalyst for communication and were viewed by students as opportunities for assisting their peers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005308, ucf:50517
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005308
- Title
- Inversion of the Broken Ray Transform.
- Creator
-
Krylov, Roman, Katsevich, Alexander, Tamasan, Alexandru, Nashed, M, Zeldovich, Boris, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The broken ray transform (BRT) is an integral of a functionalong a union of two rays with a common vertex.Consider an X-ray beam scanning an object of interest.The ray undergoes attenuation and scatters in all directions inside the object.This phenomena may happen repeatedly until the photons either exit the object or are completely absorbed.In our work we assume the single scattering approximation when the intensity of the raysscattered more than once is negligibly small.Among all paths that...
Show moreThe broken ray transform (BRT) is an integral of a functionalong a union of two rays with a common vertex.Consider an X-ray beam scanning an object of interest.The ray undergoes attenuation and scatters in all directions inside the object.This phenomena may happen repeatedly until the photons either exit the object or are completely absorbed.In our work we assume the single scattering approximation when the intensity of the raysscattered more than once is negligibly small.Among all paths that the scattered rays travel inside the object we pick the one that isa union of two segments with one common scattering point.The intensity of the ray which traveled this path and exited the object can be measured by a collimated detector.The collimated detector is able to measure the intensity of X-rays from the selected direction.The logarithm of such a measurement is the broken ray transform of the attenuation coefficientplus the logarithm of the scattering coefficient at the scattering point (vertex)and a known function of the scattering angle.In this work we consider the reconstruction of X-ray attenuation coefficient distributionin a plane from the measurements on two or three collimated detector arrays.We derive an exact local reconstruction formula for three flat collimated detectorsor three curved or pin-hole collimated detectors.We obtain a range condition for the case of three curved or pin-hole detectors and provide a special caseof the range condition for three flat detectors.We generalize the reconstruction formula to four and more detectors and find anoptimal set of parameters that minimize noise in the reconstruction.We introduce a more accurate scattering model which takes into accountenergy shifts due to the Compton effect, derive an exact reconstruction formula and develop an iterativereconstruction method for the energy-dependent case.To solve the problem we assume that the radiation source is monoenergeticand the dependence of the attenuation coefficient on energy is linearon an energy interval from the minimal to the maximal scattered energy. %initial radiation energy.We find the parameters of the linear dependence of the attenuation on energy as a function of a pointin the reconstruction plane.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005514, ucf:50324
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005514
- Title
- A Systematic Review of Research on Successful African American Students in Mathematics: Implications for Seminole High School.
- Creator
-
Vong, Trung, Boote, David, Vitale, Thomas, Robinson, Edward, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to synthesize the counter-narratives of mathematically successful African American students. The gap in educational achievement between African American and White students is well documented in the United States, especially in mathematics education. Although Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores have increased for both groups at Seminole High School, the gap has remained over 30% for nearly a decade. Most research on this topic has focused on the reasons...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to synthesize the counter-narratives of mathematically successful African American students. The gap in educational achievement between African American and White students is well documented in the United States, especially in mathematics education. Although Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores have increased for both groups at Seminole High School, the gap has remained over 30% for nearly a decade. Most research on this topic has focused on the reasons why African American students fail to achieve. Various individual, social, and organizational factors have been suggested. However, a growing body of research has highlighted the stories of mathematically successful African American students.Using best evidence review methods, an exhaustive review of the literature identified 22 research articles published between 2004 and 2013. All studies collected interview data with mathematically successful African American middle school, high school, and higher education students in the United States. Meta-synthesis was used to synthesize findings across studies. Among the 151 participants across 22 studies, six common experiences were identified as contributing to students' mathematical success: supportive teachers, supportive family, supportive peers, a strong mathematics identity, ability to deal with racial stereotype, and supportive organizations. Most importantly, this meta-synthesis highlights the tendency of prior research to focus on de-contextualized factors rather than understanding students holistically within their broader social and community environment. Insights from this study lead to several recommendations for improving mathematics education for African American students at Seminole High School and for suggested future research on this topic.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005438, ucf:50387
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005438
- Title
- A Comparative Analysis of Top Performing Countries in Eighth Grade Mathematics as Measured by 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.
- Creator
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Wilson, Courtney, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one standard deviation of the top performer, the Republic of Korea. The study also revealed that although other countries had their brightest and most advantaged students participate in the assessment, participating students in the United States were disproportionately disadvantaged to the proportion of United States' citizens. Another contributing factor of student success revealed in this study was the size and form of government and financing of the participating countries. While Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Japan have education systems governed and financed by national governments, the United States education system is primarily governed and financed by 50 state governments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005276, ucf:50555
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005276
- Title
- The perceived effectiveness of mixed reality experiences in a master of arts in teaching (MAT) program for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degreed individuals.
- Creator
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Speir, Chana, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Doherty, Walter, Mitchell, Paul, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effectiveness of mixed reality experiences on resident teachers who successfully completed an undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree and were enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program as part of RTP3 at a large research university in Orlando, Florida. The population for this study consisted of those selected to be in the RTP3, which included being in the Masters in the Art of...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effectiveness of mixed reality experiences on resident teachers who successfully completed an undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree and were enrolled in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program as part of RTP3 at a large research university in Orlando, Florida. The population for this study consisted of those selected to be in the RTP3, which included being in the Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) and becoming a middle or high school science, mathematics, or engineering teacher. The resident teachers experienced mixed reality as a method of practice on two occasions. The first was to introduce a lesson with avatar middle school students and a second time to conduct a parent conference with an avatar parent. This study was focused on the resident teachers' perceptions of (a) the effectiveness of mixed reality in the lesson experience and parent conference, (b) the coach's helpfulness after the lesson introduction experience and the parent conference experience, and (c) the extent to which the resident teachers believe that their confidence was increased and they were prepared for future classroom instruction and parent interactions through the use of mixed reality.Data were gathered with a feedback form with Likert-type items and open ended items completed immediately upon completion of each experience, as well as an additional open response document completed at a later time after reflection on the entire experience. The researcher analyzed the two qualitative data sources independently to determine trends and themes. Findings in this study were that the mixed-reality laboratory experience did have a positive effect on the perceptions of the resident teachers regarding their level of preparedness. They were more confident and comfortable teaching a lesson and conducting a parent conference after practicing both experiences with the avatars. Resident teachers overwhelmingly responded that the mixed reality experiences should remain a part of the MAT pedagogy and that they gained insight and confidence through the mixed reality practice. ?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005718, ucf:50127
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005718
- Title
- AN ACTION RESEARCH STUDY INVOLVING FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS LEARNING FRACTIONS THROUGH A SITUATIVE PERSPECTIVE WITH STORY PROBLEMS.
- Creator
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Allen, Colleen, Dixon, Juli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The purpose of this action research study was to investigate the affects of teaching through a situative perspective with story problems on students' understanding of fraction concepts and operations in my fifth-grade mathematics classroom. Students participated in twelve weeks of instruction. Data was collected in the form of pre and post tests, audiotaped and videotaped recordings of instructional sessions, and student work samples. Data analysis revealed that my students...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this action research study was to investigate the affects of teaching through a situative perspective with story problems on students' understanding of fraction concepts and operations in my fifth-grade mathematics classroom. Students participated in twelve weeks of instruction. Data was collected in the form of pre and post tests, audiotaped and videotaped recordings of instructional sessions, and student work samples. Data analysis revealed that my students constructed their own knowledge about various fraction concepts and operations because students engaged in discussions, after solving story problems, that developed, extended and restructured their knowledge. One example of this occurred after students had solved an equal-sharing problem. Two students came up with different answers and another student explained why both answers were equivalent. Student work samples and post test results indicated that the one student's explanation was understood, adopted and extended by all the students in my class. The data also revealed that students' pictures typically represented the context and action of the story problems. For example, subtraction problems dealing with length were usually represented by number lines or horizontal rectangles with crossed-out markings to show the subtraction operation. Throughout this research study, I discovered that my students were capable of learning from each other and solving problems for which they have no preconceived algorithm. I also learned that analyzing students' work and listening to their discussions in ways that focused on their thinking, not their answers, provided me with information about what my students were grasping and not grasping.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000538, ucf:46423
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000538
- Title
- PSYCHOLOGICAL SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND RETENTION: RETHINKING THE FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS IN STEM.
- Creator
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Dagley Falls, Melissa, Cintron-Delgado, Rosa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This investigation looks at the relationship between a STEM learning community's co-curricular activities and students' perceived sense of community (SOC)to determine which activities most influence SOC and, in turn, retention. This investigation shows that SOC can be impacted by a multitude of factors found within the college environment. The most influential of these factors are open acceptance, student academic support services, and residential experiences. Most importantly there...
Show moreThis investigation looks at the relationship between a STEM learning community's co-curricular activities and students' perceived sense of community (SOC)to determine which activities most influence SOC and, in turn, retention. This investigation shows that SOC can be impacted by a multitude of factors found within the college environment. The most influential of these factors are open acceptance, student academic support services, and residential experiences. Most importantly there were significant differences for African American students participating in the STEM learning community on the measures of SOC, retention, and being on-track in mathematics. Additional data suggested higher levels of being on-track in mathematics for male students and differences in retention and being on-track for Hispanic students participating in a STEM learning community.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002841, ucf:48058
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002841
- Title
- DRAMA + MATH = DRAMATH.
- Creator
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Bryson, Lucy, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Arts-Across-the-Curriculum is gaining popularity in the field of education as arts programs are being cut from schools and teachers look for ways to incorporate art in their classroom. Most of these teachers have minimal formal arts training, but recognize the importance of introducing their students to various fine arts disciplines. These educators seek opportunities to learn new ways to bring arts to their students and may bring teaching artists into their classrooms to teach students or...
Show moreArts-Across-the-Curriculum is gaining popularity in the field of education as arts programs are being cut from schools and teachers look for ways to incorporate art in their classroom. Most of these teachers have minimal formal arts training, but recognize the importance of introducing their students to various fine arts disciplines. These educators seek opportunities to learn new ways to bring arts to their students and may bring teaching artists into their classrooms to teach students or teachers. The clear connection between drama and the core subjects of history and literature allow teaching artists to easily create units utilizing both curriculum areas. Mathematics does not present clear connections to drama and the prevalence of mathematics anxiety, especially in the arts, prevents connections from being made. As an educator, theatre artist and lover of mathematics, Arts-Across-the-Curriculum provides me a opportunity to meld these together as a way to help young people find excitement in their education. Partnering with a fourth grade teacher, I developed a unit of lesson plans using playwriting as a way to understand word problems that was user-friendly for a teacher with no arts training. The Dramath Unit was integrated into the class as part of regular curriculum taught by the participating classroom teacher. Based on feedback from the participating teacher, I revised the unit for future use.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003618, ucf:48871
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003618
