Current Search: United States (x)
View All Items
Pages
- Title
- AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF A LEISURE EDUCATION CURRICULUM ON DELINQUENTS' MOTIVATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOR CHANGES RELATED TO BOREDOM.
- Creator
-
Finn, Jr., Paul, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Adolescents today have more unsupervised and unstructured free time than ever before. Poor decisions by youth during periods of free time may lead to substance abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. The highest frequency of juvenile crime, a major social problem, occurs during the 2-4 hours following the end of the school day. Research has demonstrated the benefits of engaging adolecents in prosocial leisure activity. However, no research has studied the issues of free time and...
Show moreAdolescents today have more unsupervised and unstructured free time than ever before. Poor decisions by youth during periods of free time may lead to substance abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. The highest frequency of juvenile crime, a major social problem, occurs during the 2-4 hours following the end of the school day. Research has demonstrated the benefits of engaging adolecents in prosocial leisure activity. However, no research has studied the issues of free time and leisure education with a delinquent population. This paper documents the impact of a leisure education curriculum on a population of delinquent youth in a randomized experiment. The delinquent youths who received the leisure education reported higher intrinsic motivation and better use of free time. The delinquent youths also reported improved decision making related to their involvement in healthy, prosocial free time activities. Finally, the improvement in the delinquent youths' motivation influenced a significant decrease in the delinquent youths' proneness to boredom during their free time.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001472, ucf:47104
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001472
- Title
- An Evaluation of the Iowa State University Ecosystem.
- Creator
-
Mazer, Cherie, Gunter, Glenda, Hayes, Grant, Vitale, Thomas, Cavanagh, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Purpose (-) This dissertation in practice is an evaluation study conducted at Iowa State University, entitled, Learning Ecosystem Assessment Review of Needs (LEARN). The evaluation posed these questions: (a) What educational technologies are currently used and what technologies will be needed in the future? (b) What are the attitudes and practices of faculty and students toward online and blended learning? (c) What academic technology support services are used? What are the perceptions of the...
Show morePurpose (-) This dissertation in practice is an evaluation study conducted at Iowa State University, entitled, Learning Ecosystem Assessment Review of Needs (LEARN). The evaluation posed these questions: (a) What educational technologies are currently used and what technologies will be needed in the future? (b) What are the attitudes and practices of faculty and students toward online and blended learning? (c) What academic technology support services are used? What are the perceptions of the support provided for the application of academic technologies? Methodology/design (-) The study was a mixed-methods design employing interviews with deans and focus groups and surveys of faculty and students. Findings (-) Iowa State University faculty and students use a wide array of academic technologies both in physical and virtual classrooms. The prevailing sentiment regarding the need for future academic technologies is not for new offerings and new features but for easier to use, more reliable technologies, and more timely support. Although Iowa State University has formally adopted online learning by offering numerous programs and courses, the university is in the early stages of adopting blended learning.Implications (-) The results and implications of the study inform the university on next steps to ready the institution for leveraging technology and preparing for the transformation toward strategic adoption of online and blended learning. The author outlines an organizational learning approach to manage change and promote adoption of blended learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005379, ucf:50445
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005379
- Title
- An Evaluation of the Terms and Conditions of Appointed County School Superintendents Contracts in the State of Florida and the Correlation between District Size and Superintendent Salary.
- Creator
-
Soules, Steven, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth examination of the terms and conditions found in the employment contracts of Florida Appointed School District Superintendents, with a secondary focus on salary and termination without cause. Employment contracts were obtained from each of the 26 school districts with appointed school superintendents, and then carefully analyzed for similarities and differences. The results of this study will provide Florida school districts with...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth examination of the terms and conditions found in the employment contracts of Florida Appointed School District Superintendents, with a secondary focus on salary and termination without cause. Employment contracts were obtained from each of the 26 school districts with appointed school superintendents, and then carefully analyzed for similarities and differences. The results of this study will provide Florida school districts with information to construct the best possible employment contracts to both attract top talent and protect the interests of the school district.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006006, ucf:51028
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006006
- Title
- AN EVALUATION OF TRACHEOSTOMY CARE ANXIETY RELIEF THROUGH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT (T-CARES): A PILOT STUDY.
- Creator
-
Crosby, William, Sole, Mary Lou, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Home care of a patient with a tracheostomy after surgery for head and neck cancer requires the caregiver to be proficient with new equipment and required skills. The responsibility of managing an artificial airway, may lead to an increase in caregiver anxiety. Education of caregivers varies; it is often a 1:1 impromptu instruction provided by the patient's nurse and/or respiratory therapist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the T-CARES course on caregiver...
Show moreBackground: Home care of a patient with a tracheostomy after surgery for head and neck cancer requires the caregiver to be proficient with new equipment and required skills. The responsibility of managing an artificial airway, may lead to an increase in caregiver anxiety. Education of caregivers varies; it is often a 1:1 impromptu instruction provided by the patient's nurse and/or respiratory therapist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the T-CARES course on caregiver anxiety and tracheostomy suctioning competency. Method: A quasi-experimental non-randomized control group design was used. The independent variable was method of instruction (T-CARES versus standard). Dependent variables were caregiver anxiety and tracheostomy suction competence. Caregivers (n=12) self selected into groups based on availability to attend T-CARES course. The control group was to receive the unit-based standard of education. The experimental group participated in the T-CARES course. Only one person chose to be in the control group; therefore, data were analyzed for the experimental group only (N=11). The T-CARES course, created by the researcher, was standardized and instructor-led; it incorporated media and simulated practice. Caregiver anxiety for both groups was obtained before (State/Trait Anxiety) and after (State Anxiety) tracheostomy care instruction was provided. Tracheostomy suctioning competence was assessed using a standardized checklist for participants in the T-CARES study group only. Demographic data were summarized with frequencies and descriptive statistics. Given the small sample size, non-parametric statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Data were analyzed from the experimental group only (n=11). The majority of caregivers were women (n=7), white/caucasian (n=10), married (n=8), employed full time (n=7), and were high school graduates or higher (n=10). The mean age of participants was 50.8 years. Seven of the participants reported previous caregiver experience. Mean score of caregiver trait anxiety was 36.8. Mean caregiver state anxiety score was 50.5 before, and 34.3 after the T-CARES intervention. A Related-Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed on the pre and post T-CARES intervention state anxiety scores. The T-CARES intervention significantly reduced anxiety (p=.008). Tracheostomy suctioning competency for 9 of the participants was evaluated upon completion of T-CARES. Mean score was10.8 skills performed correctly out of a possible 14. Caregivers' responses regarding their biggest fear/concern about tracheostomy care included "not doing it right," "trach coming out or being blocked," "hurting the patient," and "not being able to help in an emergency." Participants' suggestions for future improvements were creation of a Spanish language course and the addition of supplementary training to include CPR, First Aid, and the management of feeding tubes. Discussion: Research supported the hypothesis that the T-CARES course would be successful in reducing state anxiety. The T-CARES course also had a positive impact on tracheostomy suctioning competency, though without a control group it is difficult to quantify the effect. The continued development and dissemination of T-CARES to all tracheostomy patients and their caregivers may ease their transition home. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Air Force, Department of Defense or the US Government.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004138, ucf:44824
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004138
- Title
- An Evaluation Study of the Effectiveness of Using a Reaction-Based Process for Hydrazine Remediation.
- Creator
-
Oropeza, Cristina, Clausen, Christian, Yestrebsky, Cherie, Miles, Delbert, Elsheimer, Seth, Griffin, Timothy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Hydrazine (HZ) and monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are used extensively as hypergolic propellants at Kennedy Space Center. These highly reactive fuels are considered highly toxic, and potentially carcinogenic. Consequently, the transport, handling, and disposal of hydrazines is strictly regulated to protect personnel and the environment. Currently, KSC generates large volumes of hydrazine-laden wastewater for disposal. This waste is contained and shipped on public highways for subsequent disposal...
Show moreHydrazine (HZ) and monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are used extensively as hypergolic propellants at Kennedy Space Center. These highly reactive fuels are considered highly toxic, and potentially carcinogenic. Consequently, the transport, handling, and disposal of hydrazines is strictly regulated to protect personnel and the environment. Currently, KSC generates large volumes of hydrazine-laden wastewater for disposal. This waste is contained and shipped on public highways for subsequent disposal by incineration presenting a potentially catastrophic threat to the environment and the general public in the event of an accidental release. Other existing remediation methods include oxidative and reductive pathways as well as biodegradation in fixed film reactors. Each of these methods has associated drawbacks and limitations that make them unsuitable for industrial use. Recently, hydrazine neutralization by reaction with alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKGA) to form the stabilized pyridazine derivatives PCA and mPCA has been explored. The applicability of this technique for use at KSC has been established and procedural considerations for implementation have been addressed.Experimental evidence based on worst case scenario decontamination processing simulations and reaction characterization has suggested that AKGA can cost effectively function as a drop-in replacement for current neutralizers with minimal modification to existing infrastructure and operating procedures. Further work will be necessary to satisfy permitting requirements and verify that the reaction product stream is non-hazardous in light of limited toxicity data.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004148, ucf:49060
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004148
- Title
- An Evaluation Study of the Implementation of Webcam Proctoring for Secure Testing in a K-12 Virtual School.
- Creator
-
Geiser Hogan, Elena, Gunter, Glenda, Hartshorne, Richard, Boote, David, Kennedy, Kathryn, Gordon, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The purpose of this evaluative study was to review the implementation of a Webcam Test-Proctoring Program (WTPP) implemented in a Kindergarten through 12th grade public virtual school. Results of the evaluative study will be used to determine if the secure Webcam proctoring method would be a viable solution to a problem of practice(-)requiring full-time virtual school students to participate in the multitude of required state and Florida school district assessments. At the core of...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this evaluative study was to review the implementation of a Webcam Test-Proctoring Program (WTPP) implemented in a Kindergarten through 12th grade public virtual school. Results of the evaluative study will be used to determine if the secure Webcam proctoring method would be a viable solution to a problem of practice(-)requiring full-time virtual school students to participate in the multitude of required state and Florida school district assessments. At the core of virtual education lies the appeal of flexibility in each student's individual learning path. The rigid nature of secure assessments conflict with the intentions of a K-12 virtual school. Natale and Cook (2012) identified this as a problem of practice as well, stating, (")Digital learning de-standardizes and decentralizes educational delivery, so it presents challenges in applying quality control systems and metrics that were developed for more traditional school structures(") (p. 541).A formal evaluation included an electronic survey and one-on-one phone interviews. The sample population for this study included 6th-12th grade students (n = 27) who were enrolled in Hurricane County Virtual School during the 2014-2015 school year. The HCVS population was 165 at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, therefore the population for this study was N=165. The WTPP evaluated for this study took place over two test sessions, the first in October of 2014 and the second in January 2015. Students were asked to complete the electronic survey and to volunteer to complete phone interviews to provide feedback about their experience completing their benchmark assessments. In this mixed-methods study, an electronic survey created by the evaluator and research chair gathered quantitative data that were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In order to determine if there was any relationship between specific demographic sub-groups and their experiences and preferences regarding Webcam proctoring, the researcher used the Kruskal-Walis and Mann-Whitney inferential statistics. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through one-on-one phone interviews with six students who participated in the WTPP. Data from these interviews yielded supporting statements for the quantitative data analyzed. Results yielded from this study indicated that the majority of students who participated in the WTPP were satisfied or very satisfied with this method of proctoring for secure testing overall. Future studies should further evaluate the effectiveness of Webcam proctoring for secure testing and determine the impact of allowing students more flexibility (which Webcam proctoring inherently does) while testing has on their test scores.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006457, ucf:51441
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006457
- Title
- An Event-Related Potential Investigation of Error Monitoring in Adults with a History of Psychosis.
- Creator
-
Chan, Chi, Bedwell, Jeffrey, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Metacognition, which involves monitoring and controlling of one's thoughts and actions, is essential for guiding behavior and organization of information. Deficits in self-monitoring have been suggested to lead to psychosis and poor functional outcome. Abnormalities in event-related potentials originating from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region associated with error detection, have been consistently reported in individuals with schizophrenia during error monitoring tasks....
Show moreMetacognition, which involves monitoring and controlling of one's thoughts and actions, is essential for guiding behavior and organization of information. Deficits in self-monitoring have been suggested to lead to psychosis and poor functional outcome. Abnormalities in event-related potentials originating from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region associated with error detection, have been consistently reported in individuals with schizophrenia during error monitoring tasks. This study sought to examine whether these abnormalities are present in individuals with a history of psychosis across diagnostic categories and whether they are associated with subjective appraisal of self-performance and personality traits related to psychosis. The error-related negativity (ERN), the correct response negativity (CRN), and the error positivity (Pe) were recorded in 15 individuals with a history of psychosis (PSY) and 12 individuals without a history of psychosis (CTR) during performance on a flanker task. Participants also continuously rated their performance on the task and completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (-) Brief Revised (SPQ-BR). Compared with the CTR group, the PSY group exhibited reduced ERN and Pe amplitudes during error trials, but normal CRN and Pe amplitudes during correct trials. The PSY group also was less accurate at identifying their errors than the CTR group but just as accurate at identifying correct responses. Across all participants, smaller ERN amplitudes were associated with greater scores on the Disorganized factor of the SPQ-BR and smaller Pe amplitudes were associated with greater scores on the Cognitive Perceptual factor of the SPQ-BR. Individuals with a history of psychosis regardless of diagnosis demonstrated abnormal neural activity during error monitoring. Error monitoring deficits may be associated with vulnerability for psychosis across disorders.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005312, ucf:50506
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005312
- Title
- An Examination of a College and Career Preparation Program for Low Socioeconomic and First-Generation Students in an Urban School District.
- Creator
-
Gillam, Lucille, Lue, Martha, Vitale, Thomas, Swan, Bonnie, Goodman, Constance, Larsen, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine if the college and career program, in one urban high school setting, was being implemented as intended by the school district. A mixed methods analysis was conducted using student PSAT/SAT scores, interviews, surveys, focus groups, classroom observations and anecdotal notes from the program director. The results were coded to show emerging trends and themes. The results of the analysis showed that portions of the program were being conducted as...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the college and career program, in one urban high school setting, was being implemented as intended by the school district. A mixed methods analysis was conducted using student PSAT/SAT scores, interviews, surveys, focus groups, classroom observations and anecdotal notes from the program director. The results were coded to show emerging trends and themes. The results of the analysis showed that portions of the program were being conducted as designed by the school district; however, of the four criteria required to be invited to bet admitted into the program, one was not being implemented correctly at the school site. The district vetted for students who had PSAT scores in the top 15% in the nation, WGPA over 4.0 and on the federal free/reduced list but first-generation students were not being vetted correctly at the school site. Although members of the first graduating class were able to secure admission into top-tier colleges and universities, only approximately 25% of the students in the program would be the first in their families to graduate from college. Thus, the program was not being implemented as designed and may not have been serving the needs of the target population of students for whom the program was designed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007638, ucf:52485
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007638
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY IN SECONDARY ONLINE ENGLISH EDUCATION.
- Creator
-
Middleton, Marissa, Wegmann, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Online schooling is the newest form of education and it is quickly gaining popularity. However, this educational format also comes with one of the challenges that has always been present in schools, which is academic dishonesty. In the English Language Arts content area, academic dishonesty is most often manifested as plagiarism, however, cheating on online quizzes or exams still exists. Although this issue has always been present in English classes, it is becoming more of a concern because...
Show moreOnline schooling is the newest form of education and it is quickly gaining popularity. However, this educational format also comes with one of the challenges that has always been present in schools, which is academic dishonesty. In the English Language Arts content area, academic dishonesty is most often manifested as plagiarism, however, cheating on online quizzes or exams still exists. Although this issue has always been present in English classes, it is becoming more of a concern because of the vast number of technological resources available to students including websites with pre-written papers and the various methods students can now use to instantly communicate with each other. This study combines and synthesizes a literature review and a survey of secondary online English educators at Florida Virtual School to give their perspective on aspects of cheating and plagiarism in online English education including a comparison between online and face to face academic dishonesty, reasons students cheat or plagiarize in online education and attitudes toward academic dishonesty, how students cheat and plagiarize in online classes, how teachers detect academic dishonesty in their online classes, consequences and policies of academic dishonesty in online education, and preventing academic dishonesty in online education. The overall new finding, from comparing both the literature review and the FLVS survey results, was that academic dishonesty in online education is not vastly different from academic dishonesty in face to face classrooms; therefore, academic dishonesty in the online environment is not as much of a mystery as commonly perceived. The survey did, however, expand the knowledge about online academic dishonesty at the secondary level, and specifically in the English Language Arts content area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004158, ucf:44859
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004158
- Title
- An Examination of Administrators' Knowledge of the Standards for Mathematical Practice - A Think Aloud.
- Creator
-
Glenn-White, Vernita, Dixon, Juli, Ortiz, Enrique, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Boote, David, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Administrators who observe mathematics teachers need to have knowledge and an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning to effectively evaluate teachers and how their instructional practices relate to student thinking. This research study was conducted to illustrate the importance of understanding the thought process of administrators as they make decisions about teacher effectiveness based on what they notice during observations of mathematics classrooms.The purpose of this study...
Show moreAdministrators who observe mathematics teachers need to have knowledge and an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning to effectively evaluate teachers and how their instructional practices relate to student thinking. This research study was conducted to illustrate the importance of understanding the thought process of administrators as they make decisions about teacher effectiveness based on what they notice during observations of mathematics classrooms.The purpose of this study was to examine what administrators attend to in the instructional environment and how what they notice influences their ability to identify the Common Core State Standards, Standards for Mathematical Practice. A purposive sample of six administrators engaged in cognitive interviews, known as think alouds, while observing two mathematics classroom videos. This study was designed to explore how administrators' instructional leadership knowledge or skills influence what they notice during mathematics instruction.There was evidence that administrators did notice aspects of the instructional environment pertaining to teachers, students, and, content. However, in this study it was found that administrators with an understanding of mathematics teaching and learning attended more to student's mathematical thinking during instruction. It was also found that there was an increase of the administrators' mathematical language and attention to student interactions with mathematics content when the administrators were presented with a tool describing the elements of a classroom engaged in the Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005797, ucf:50034
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005797
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF AN ANTECEDENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF SUPERVISOR MORALLY QUESTIONABLE EXPEDIENCY.
- Creator
-
Greenbaum, Rebecca, Folger, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Supervisor morally questionable expediency occurs when subordinates perceive that their supervisors engage in morally questionable behavior to expedite their work for self-serving purposes (Greenbaum & Folger, 2008). A supervisor's preoccupation with the bottom-line (Greenbaum, 2007; Greenbaum & Folger, 2008; Wolfe, 1988) is examined as an antecedent of morally questionable expediency. It was hypothesized that subordinates experience deontic reactions (Folger, 2001) in the form of a moral...
Show moreSupervisor morally questionable expediency occurs when subordinates perceive that their supervisors engage in morally questionable behavior to expedite their work for self-serving purposes (Greenbaum & Folger, 2008). A supervisor's preoccupation with the bottom-line (Greenbaum, 2007; Greenbaum & Folger, 2008; Wolfe, 1988) is examined as an antecedent of morally questionable expediency. It was hypothesized that subordinates experience deontic reactions (Folger, 2001) in the form of a moral psychological contract violation. Consequently, subordinates were hypothesized to reduce performance, engage in antisocial behavior and supervisor-directed deviance. Survey data from 259 subordinate-supervisor dyads provided general support for this hypothesized model. However, post hoc analyses of alternative structural equation models suggest that a moral psychological contract violation may not always be the best explanation for why employees respond to supervisor morally questionable expediency by reducing performance and increasing antisocial and deviant behavior. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002619, ucf:48266
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002619
- Title
- An Examination of Animal Service Officers' Views on their Readiness to Recognize and Report Domestic Violence.
- Creator
-
Malick, Abigail, Jasinski, Jana, Wright, James, Grauerholz, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the past few decades there has been research dedicated to understanding the roles that animals play within violent households. The American Humane Association (2010) has developed what they termed The Link. This concept examines how forms of violence, including domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and animal abuse, are often intertwined. This qualitative study was facilitated using focus groups and interviews of animal service officers in Orange County, Florida to evaluate the...
Show moreIn the past few decades there has been research dedicated to understanding the roles that animals play within violent households. The American Humane Association (2010) has developed what they termed The Link. This concept examines how forms of violence, including domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and animal abuse, are often intertwined. This qualitative study was facilitated using focus groups and interviews of animal service officers in Orange County, Florida to evaluate the relationship and training provided from a local domestic violence shelter. There were a total of 22 Orange County Animal Services employees who participated in four different focus group sessions, and two interviews with officers who had previously made referrals to Harbor House of Central Florida, the local domestic violence shelter. Results show that animal service officers view themselves as often being the first responders to a situation and, hence, an agent to help all victims, including both animals and humans. Participants indicated that their relationship with Harbor House of Central Florida has been weak and that many were unfamiliar with the referral program known as INVEST. They provided recommendations to strengthen their relationship with Harbor House of Central Florida that included trainings, support, and cross-reporting efforts that they felt were needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004404, ucf:49377
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004404
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES IN RETENTION IN THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAMIN THE FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM.
- Creator
-
Lewis, Mary, Evans, Ruby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT This mixed-methods research examined student nurse retention methods perceived as best practice by directors and coordinators in selected Associate Degree Nursing (AND) programs within the Florida Community College System (FCCS). A critical nursing shortage is expected to worsen over the next twenty years due to the aging workforce and the inadequate supply of qualified nurse graduates. The Associate degree nursing programs supply the majority of nursing graduates to the workforce....
Show moreABSTRACT This mixed-methods research examined student nurse retention methods perceived as best practice by directors and coordinators in selected Associate Degree Nursing (AND) programs within the Florida Community College System (FCCS). A critical nursing shortage is expected to worsen over the next twenty years due to the aging workforce and the inadequate supply of qualified nurse graduates. The Associate degree nursing programs supply the majority of nursing graduates to the workforce. Thus, the associate degree nursing programs and student retention measures were studied. The research was conducted using a Delphi survey of directors of nursing in ADN programs within the FCCS. This survey served as the template for faculty surveys, which were distributed to faculty members under the selected ADN program directors. Students were surveyed with a similar Likert type scale with focus groups to allow for open-ended interviewing. Following analysis of the data, directors of nursing, faculty, and students in the ADN programs identified eleven best practices. Extensiveness strengthened the research. Resulting information will be helpful for nursing program curriculum and program planning. Future research can examine best practices quantitatively. This study can also be replicated at other venues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000893, ucf:46631
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000893
- Title
- An examination of beta diversity indices and their predictors in two large-scale systems.
- Creator
-
Schroeder, Philip, Jenkins, David, King, Joshua, Fedorka, Kenneth, Myers, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Biodiversity is what conservation biology was developed to conserve. It is the physical manifestation of life as a concept and, be it for practical or idealistic reasons, all conservationists seek to protect or, in some cases, enhance it. Because of its monolithic importance to the field, much effort has been expended trying to better measure and understand it. Recently, greater attention has been paid to the partition of diversity; the observation that the total diversity of a system (?) can...
Show moreBiodiversity is what conservation biology was developed to conserve. It is the physical manifestation of life as a concept and, be it for practical or idealistic reasons, all conservationists seek to protect or, in some cases, enhance it. Because of its monolithic importance to the field, much effort has been expended trying to better measure and understand it. Recently, greater attention has been paid to the partition of diversity; the observation that the total diversity of a system (?) can be broken down into within-site diversity (?) and between-site diversity (?). In particular, it has been noticed that the ? component of diversity is not as well studied or understood as the ? component. In this study I attempt to address this shortfall, by examining two questions: (1) how is ? is best measured and (2) what drives ?? To answer the first question, I look to find the measure of ? that is most robust to sampling error. While many ? indices have been proposed, few have considered how our methods of data gathering might affect those indices. Datasets collected from the real world will all likely have some sort of error within them as a result of the way they were sampled. Those errors will affect some indices more than others, and the indices that are least affected will be the most reliable for actual data. Once robust indices were identified, I used them to identify possible predictors of ? in two large, national datasets. The first dataset was the National Lakes Assessment created by the USEPA, in which diatoms were sampled from over 1000 lakes across the country. The second was the eBird dataset from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which used citizen science to generate a continuous dataset spanning both the last decade and the boundaries of the conterminous United States. ? calculated from these sources was regressed against relevant environmental variables to create a clearer understanding of the effects of the environment on the ? of two very different ecological systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007367, ucf:52088
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007367
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF CENTRAL ASIAN GEOPOLITICS THROUGH THE EXPECTED UTILITY MODEL: THE NEW GREAT GAME.
- Creator
-
Stutte, Corey, Wan, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The New Great Game is a geopolitical competition between regional stakeholders over energy resources in Central Asia. The author seeks to use the expected utility voting model based on Black's median voter theorem for forecasting the New Great Game in Central Asia. To judge the external validity of the voting model, the author uses data from the Correlates of War project data set, to formulate three distinct models based only on the numbers in 1992 and 1993. Capabilities and alliance data...
Show moreThe New Great Game is a geopolitical competition between regional stakeholders over energy resources in Central Asia. The author seeks to use the expected utility voting model based on Black's median voter theorem for forecasting the New Great Game in Central Asia. To judge the external validity of the voting model, the author uses data from the Correlates of War project data set, to formulate three distinct models based only on the numbers in 1992 and 1993. Capabilities and alliance data were used to develop balance of power positions and compare the outcome of 100 simulations to the actual outcome in 2000 based on Correlates of War project data. This allows us to judge whether the emergence of Russia's weak advantage as well as the continuation of the competition in the New Great Game as of 2000 could have been predicted based on what was known in 1992 and 1993. By using only one year's data to forecast the New Great Game, we are able to eliminate historical and researcher bias and judge the applicability of the model in global policy and strategic analysis.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002861, ucf:48088
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002861
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AND RELATIVE EFFECTS ON CONSUMER VALUES.
- Creator
-
Walls, Andrew, Wang, Youcheng, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the ever changing business climate, the service sector has become a major focus of attention. One key aspect of this competitive environment is the effort of many businesses to differentiate themselves by creating unique customer experiences that accompany their products and services. The challenge to creating memorable consumer experiences is the proper identification of specific characteristics that influence experiences and gaining better understanding of how these impact consumers...
Show moreIn the ever changing business climate, the service sector has become a major focus of attention. One key aspect of this competitive environment is the effort of many businesses to differentiate themselves by creating unique customer experiences that accompany their products and services. The challenge to creating memorable consumer experiences is the proper identification of specific characteristics that influence experiences and gaining better understanding of how these impact consumers perceived values. To this end, this study attempted to develop a model that identifies influencing dimensions of consumer experiences and investigates the composition of consumer experiences and the relative outcome on consumer's perceived values in a hospitality setting. To facilitate this research objective, a model was presented which proposed that consumer experiences are composed of both physical and human interaction characteristics. The consumer's perspective of these characteristics, and hence the actual service experience, are affected by situational factors and individual characteristic which in return impact perceived emotive and cognitive values. A set of propositions are presented based on the model and literature review to measure the relationship between these factors. To initiate this research, an intercept survey approach was taken. Four hundred sixty-two (462) surveys were completed by hotel guests staying in one of three market segments in Orlando, FL. Participants completed the self-administered survey by answering questions concerning their current stay experience relating to physical environment, human encounters, trip-related factors, individual characteristics, and perceived values. Overall, the results found that trip-related factors and individual characteristics affect perceptions of physical environment and human interactions consumer experiences during their hotel stay. In addition, the results revealed that both physical environment and human interactions have significant and positive relationship with perceived values. These results can give lodging managers a better understanding of the composition of consumer experiences and how these events influence perceived values.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002760, ucf:48136
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002760
- Title
- An Examination of Domestic Violence Perpetration: A Further Look into the Gender Symmetry Debate.
- Creator
-
Parra, Michelle, Reckdenwald, Amy, Gay, David, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The influences of certain social changes and social movements, such as the feminist movement, in society introduced a violence gendered stereotype model that promoted the social idea that males are more violent than females. From the limited research, it appears that domestic violence perpetration among women differs from male domestic violence perpetration; however, research has not clarified the extent of female domestic violence perpetration and the severity of their abusive behaviors. The...
Show moreThe influences of certain social changes and social movements, such as the feminist movement, in society introduced a violence gendered stereotype model that promoted the social idea that males are more violent than females. From the limited research, it appears that domestic violence perpetration among women differs from male domestic violence perpetration; however, research has not clarified the extent of female domestic violence perpetration and the severity of their abusive behaviors. The current research examines gender-specific intimate partner violence perpetration to determine whether attitudes toward social gender role expectations, income contribution and production, and division of labor in the household can explain marital violence using secondary data collected from the National Survey of Families and Households. Findings indicate that significant differences were not found for perpetration of physical violence and attitudes about division of labor among women and men, but there were significant differences for men and women when taking into consideration their attitudes about income contribution, income production, and gender roles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006372, ucf:51503
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006372
- Title
- An examination of inclusive education in schools operated by the Jordan field of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
- Creator
-
Rodriguez, Jacqueline, Dieker, Lisa, Wienke, Wilfred, Little, Mary, Keller, Clayton, Hynes, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
For refugee children with disabilities, international agencies largely provide humanitarian assistance, including education. However, the obstacles associated with refugee existence can impede progress in the movement towards educating children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Perceptions of inclusive education in schools operated by the Jordan field of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East were explored through multiple embedded case...
Show moreFor refugee children with disabilities, international agencies largely provide humanitarian assistance, including education. However, the obstacles associated with refugee existence can impede progress in the movement towards educating children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Perceptions of inclusive education in schools operated by the Jordan field of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East were explored through multiple embedded case studies. Each of the three schools examined included a student with a special educational need. The researcher also investigated strategies and supports provided by education stakeholders to students with special educational needs in inclusive classrooms. The study was framed by four research questions aligned to a theoretical model of inclusive education and guided by propositions. Findings from interviews, classroom observations, and document reviews, suggest that all stakeholders believe education for students with special educational needs is a human right. However, perceptions of inclusion differed based on several factors including the student's level of need and the disability, the teacher's self-efficacy and feeling of preparedness towards meeting the needs of students, and the impact of overcrowded classrooms and limited instructional time. In comparing results between stakeholders, differences existed in perceptions of benefits and challenges associated with inclusive education.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004923, ucf:49600
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004923
- Title
- An Examination of Inclusive Practices for Junior Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities in Gaborone, Botswana.
- Creator
-
Mrstik, Samantha, Dieker, Lisa, Lue, Martha, Pearl, Cynthia, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The country of Botswana has passed laws to support the human rights of their citizens. In accordance with the UN's guidelines, Botswana's human rights initiatives, and the international movement towards inclusive education, inclusive educational reform is taking place. In this ethnographic study, the researcher has examined the inclusive practices currently in place to support junior secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) in Gaborone, Botswana over a four-month period....
Show moreThe country of Botswana has passed laws to support the human rights of their citizens. In accordance with the UN's guidelines, Botswana's human rights initiatives, and the international movement towards inclusive education, inclusive educational reform is taking place. In this ethnographic study, the researcher has examined the inclusive practices currently in place to support junior secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) in Gaborone, Botswana over a four-month period. Participants included administrators, general and special education teachers, and students with LD. The themes of routine, academic activities, classroom life, and accommodations for students with LD emerged upon analysis and are discussed in detail. In addition, the themes of school culture, policy implementation, and dissemination emerged from interviews and observations of teachers and administrators and are discussed in detail. Implications for practice and recommendations are provided, based upon the current status in this one school observed, for consideration of further supports for junior secondary students with LD in Botswana.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006770, ucf:51841
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006770
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN THE CONTEXT OF PERFORMANCE ON A FEEDBACK V. NO FEEDBACK VIGILANCE TASK.
- Creator
-
Walker, Jenny A, Hancock, Peter A., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
When a task is boring, repetitive, and takes place over a long period of time, individuals have a propensity to experience a gradual decline in performance known as the vigilance decrement (Mackworth, 1948). This negative trend is consistent across most populations (Davies & Parasuraman, 1982), though slight variations can occur based on the characteristics of the task, as well as characteristics of the human performing it. However, despite the many differences between these tasks, most...
Show moreWhen a task is boring, repetitive, and takes place over a long period of time, individuals have a propensity to experience a gradual decline in performance known as the vigilance decrement (Mackworth, 1948). This negative trend is consistent across most populations (Davies & Parasuraman, 1982), though slight variations can occur based on the characteristics of the task, as well as characteristics of the human performing it. However, despite the many differences between these tasks, most studies are similar in the sense that, more often than not, participants are provided with immediate feedback on their performance throughout most laboratory trials. Yet, in applied settings, feedback is not always feasible. In fact, in many circumstances, if real-time feedback such as this was always available, then the role of the human component of the system may be brought into question. This also may be concerning for validity of laboratory studies which utilize feedback. Therefore, one goal of this experiment, as well as future work, is to continue to assess the importance of feedback by examining differences in performance on a vigilance task during which feedback may or may not be present. In addition to recent work relating to feedback, many current studies have also examined individual differences in the context of vigilance. Interestingly, it has been shown that performance accuracy often correlates to measures of higher order processing abilities including inhibition, which a component of working memory (Smallwood & Schooler, 2006). Additionally, when working memory load is increased, vigilant behavior also declines (Helton & Russell, 2011). Therefore, an additional goal of this study was to determine how performance relates to individual differences in higher order cognitive processing, such as working memory capacity and need for cognition. It was found that feedback does significantly improve performance, which is worth considering as issues relating to vigilance decrements are addressed in applied environments. The individual differences measures did not yield any significant results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000051, ucf:45504
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000051