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- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON READING IN STRUGGLING STUDENTS AND AN AUTOETHNOGRAPHY OF A PRESERVICE TEACHER.
- Creator
-
Campanile, Megan, Wegmann, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Educators have never had the possibility of incorporating technology into the classroom like they do today. Although technology can have its difficulties, it can truly help the development of reading for struggling students. Reading research is providing more and more clarity about how to use technology effectively within our school communities to support and enhance the academic performance of today's students (i.e. Gallagher, 2009; Isazadeh, 2004; Rice, 2011). A review of studies conducted...
Show moreEducators have never had the possibility of incorporating technology into the classroom like they do today. Although technology can have its difficulties, it can truly help the development of reading for struggling students. Reading research is providing more and more clarity about how to use technology effectively within our school communities to support and enhance the academic performance of today's students (i.e. Gallagher, 2009; Isazadeh, 2004; Rice, 2011). A review of studies conducted by the CEO Forum (2001)emphasizes: "technology can have the greatest impact when integrated into the curriculum to achieve clear, measurable educational objectives." This meaning that with the help of technology and all of the resources it provides, if used within the curriculum correctly teachers can reach their learning goals better. Technology can aid the growth of reading development in students with, or without, a learning disability. The beginning chapter will define students who are struggling readers and outline the effects technology will have on these students. Following, will be a present case study of a student who struggles with reading in order to frame the research in a contemporary setting. There will also be a personal experience with technology,focusing primarily on the IPAD, and a self-reflected journey within each chapter in a quest in becoming a technology savvy teacher. The next chapter will present the use IPADs within the classroom. It will then describe ways teachers can spark their students' interests in reading with alternative practices. With the help of a local, technology savvy teacher, there will be a real-life circumstances that have aided struggling readers at any specific grade level.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004280, ucf:44924
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004280
- Title
- An Examination of the actor's approach to playwriting: Are playwrights able to write about what is unfamiliar to them?.
- Creator
-
Zaniboni, Kayla, Perry, Charles, Ingram, Katherine, McDonald, Holly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Playwrights write about what is familiar to them. Their inspiration comes from their childhood, past relationships, and their personal view of the world. But could a playwright write about something to which they have no personal connection?Using the book Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I will write a one act play about mental illness. I have no personal experience or personal connection to mental illness, but I will approach the process the same way as an actor does a...
Show morePlaywrights write about what is familiar to them. Their inspiration comes from their childhood, past relationships, and their personal view of the world. But could a playwright write about something to which they have no personal connection?Using the book Triggered: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I will write a one act play about mental illness. I have no personal experience or personal connection to mental illness, but I will approach the process the same way as an actor does a character. I will go into the writing process as an actor, completing character analyses for the characters and using the information found within the book.I will direct a reading of my play with the goals of educating the audience about mental illness, evoking empathy for the characters within the piece, and proving that a playwright can write about something that is foreign to them, much like an actor can portray a character that is remarkably different from themselves.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004776, ucf:49787
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004776
- Title
- An Examination of the Algebra 1 Achievement of Black and Hispanic Student Participants in a Large Urban School District's Mathematics Intervention Program.
- Creator
-
Bronson, Elethia, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Storey, Valerie A., Andreasen, Janet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The mathematics achievement gap between Black and White as well as Hispanic and White students has been well documented nationwide and in the school district of study. Much has been written in observance of the achievement gap, yet markedly less research has focused on practices and interventions that have improved mathematics performance for Black and Hispanic students. Consequently, this study examined the Algebra 1 achievement (indicated by student scale scores on the Florida Standards...
Show moreThe mathematics achievement gap between Black and White as well as Hispanic and White students has been well documented nationwide and in the school district of study. Much has been written in observance of the achievement gap, yet markedly less research has focused on practices and interventions that have improved mathematics performance for Black and Hispanic students. Consequently, this study examined the Algebra 1 achievement (indicated by student scale scores on the Florida Standards Assessments Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam) of Black and Hispanic students participating in a mathematics intervention program as compared to the Algebra 1 achievement of their similar non-participating peers in one large urban school district. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis via the one-way ANOVA and the independent samples t-test were utilized. Further quantitative analysis was conducted focusing on the mean scale score differences among intervention program participants in varying course structures, summer days attended, and school socioeconomic status. The study found that Black and Hispanic 7th grade program participants significantly outperformed their similar non-participating 7th grade peers and non-participating Black and Hispanic 9th grade students. No statistically significant differences were found among program participants who attended the summer preview camp for different numbers of days. Black and Hispanic intervention program participants enrolled in a double-block Algebra 1 course numerically outscored their single-period program peers overall and when disaggregated by race/ethnicity and prior year achievement level. The findings indicate the intervention program has the potential to improve Algebra 1 achievement and increase access to advanced-level mathematics for Black and Hispanic students. This study contributes to the scant literature on successful mathematics intervention programs targeting Black and Hispanic students. Studying the implementation of the program in schools demonstrating success could provide insight, enabling other schools to replicate an environment where Black and Hispanic secondary mathematics learners thrive.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007393, ucf:52073
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007393
- Title
- An Examination of the Connection Between Genuine Dialogue and Improv.
- Creator
-
O'Neal, Kathleen, Hastings, Sally, Katt, James, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational...
Show moreThe value of improv training extends beyond the stage. Improv has been successfully utilized and applied in a variety of ways in the workplace, school, and community. This study examines the connection between genuine dialogue and improv to determine if improv exhibits dialogic qualities. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of nineteen improv students. Additionally, an interview was conducted with the director of a hospital's Innovation Lab where improv is used in an organizational setting. The conditions for dialogue set by Gordon (2006) served as a guideline for analyzing data. Thematic analysis generated categories used to analyze data. The most prominent of Gordon's conditions for dialogue within improv were Imagination (&) Innovation, Vulnerability and Immediacy of Presence. The importance of this study, implications and future studies for the connection between improv and dialogue are examined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005389, ucf:52873
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005389
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADOMIAN DECOMPOSITION METHOD IN FLUID DYNAMIC APPLICATIONS.
- Creator
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Holmquist, Sonia, Mohapatra, Ram, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Since its introduction in the 1980's, the Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) has proven to be an efficient and reliable method for solving many types of problems. Originally developed to solve nonlinear functional equations, the ADM has since been used for a wide range of equation types (like boundary value problems, integral equations, equations arising in flow of incompressible and compressible fluids etc...). This work is devoted to an evaluation of the effectiveness of this method...
Show moreSince its introduction in the 1980's, the Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) has proven to be an efficient and reliable method for solving many types of problems. Originally developed to solve nonlinear functional equations, the ADM has since been used for a wide range of equation types (like boundary value problems, integral equations, equations arising in flow of incompressible and compressible fluids etc...). This work is devoted to an evaluation of the effectiveness of this method when used for fluid dynamic applications. In particular, the ADM has been applied to the Blasius equation, the Falkner-Skan equation, and the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. This study is divided into five Chapters and an Appendix. The first chapter is devoted to an introduction of the Adomian Decomposition method (ADM) with simple illustrations. The Second Chapter is devoted to the application of the ADM to generalized Blasius Equation and our result is compared to other published results when the parameter values are appropriately set. Chapter 3 presents the solution generated for the Falkner-Skan equation. Finally, the Orr-Sommerfeld equation is dealt with in the fourth Chapter. Chapter 5 is devoted to the findings and recommendations based on this study. The Appendix contains details of the solutions considered as well as an alternate solution for the generalized Blasius Equation using Bender's delta-perturbation method.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001735, ucf:47318
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001735
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH WORD WORK WITH ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TRANSFERS TO AUTHENTIC READING AND WRITING PRACTICES.
- Creator
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Chappell, Rebecca A, Gelfuso, Andrea, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis is to seek understanding of how word work lessons with children can transfer to their authentic reading and writing practices. Research has shown that when word work is embedded into a balanced approach to teach literacy, it works well and quickly. However, other research shows that word work did not transfer into the students� authentic writing because the connection between word work and writing was not made explicit to the students. The gap in the literature is...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to seek understanding of how word work lessons with children can transfer to their authentic reading and writing practices. Research has shown that when word work is embedded into a balanced approach to teach literacy, it works well and quickly. However, other research shows that word work did not transfer into the students� authentic writing because the connection between word work and writing was not made explicit to the students. The gap in the literature is that far less is known about how word work transfers to authentic reading and writing. In my study, I engaged in word work lessons, guided reading lessons, and reading response lessons with four second grade students over the course of three weeks. All lessons were video recorded and became data for this study. Data were analyzed deductively by locating critical teaching moments that were taken advantage of. Findings include three different types of prompts being used by the teacher to take advantage of critical teaching moments. Results from this study have implications for educators, namely how they can be more intentional with their phonics and guided reading instruction, so that word work instruction can transfer to authentic reading and writing practices.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000063, ucf:45508
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000063
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE FACTORS THAT IMPACT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR LEADERSHIP ROLE.
- Creator
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Kish, Kathryn, Wenzel, Taylar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A growing body of research supports the idea that large-scale school reform efforts often fail to create sustained change within the public school sector. When implementing deep organizational change, both novice and veteran educators are challenged to learn new skills, reexamine their instructional practice and content knowledge, and re-shape their underlying beliefs and values about schools. This qualitative study explored principals' perceptions of their leadership roles in the school...
Show moreA growing body of research supports the idea that large-scale school reform efforts often fail to create sustained change within the public school sector. When implementing deep organizational change, both novice and veteran educators are challenged to learn new skills, reexamine their instructional practice and content knowledge, and re-shape their underlying beliefs and values about schools. This qualitative study explored principals' perceptions of their leadership roles in the school system. Data collection was done through a series of three interviews with three elementary school principals in Central Florida. In addition to their perceptions, it also studied factors that may influence their perceptions, including revised curriculum standards, new teacher evaluation models, and state assessments mandates. The findings of this research considered the demographic, educational, and professional background of each participant as well as the school to which they are assigned. It also examined the principals' self-reported responsiveness to current educational reform mandates and their perceptions of areas of leadership strength and weakness with their teachers and staff at their school.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004908, ucf:45494
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004908
- Title
- An Examination of the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care Coordination Program for Racial and Ethnic Minority Females.
- Creator
-
Vance, Michelle, Gryglewicz, Kimberley, Chapple, Reshawna, Lawrence, Shawn, Fisher, Kristina Childs, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Suicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among...
Show moreSuicide accounts for close to 800,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In the state of Florida, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Currently, it is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, claiming more lives than homicide. Among Black and Hispanic youth (10 to 24), it is the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death. This study aimed to examine the extent to which depression and suicidality outcomes change among racial and ethnic minority females (i.e., Black and African American, Hispanic) who participated in a care coordination intervention. These subpopulations were chosen due to limited suicide prevention research on at-risk racial and ethnic minority females and to address health disparities. To examine these outcomes, the study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design utilizing secondary data from 76 youth participants enrolled in the care coordination program from three crisis stabilization units (CSU) in Florida. Key findings included significant decreases in depression symptomology (54%) and suicidality (82%). Among participants enrolled in the program, 84% did not have a readmission to the CSU. Length of stay was a predictor or readmission in that a one unit (one day) increase lead to a 3% increase in odds of readmission to the CSU. Results of this study can help guide social work and mental health practitioners in designing and implementing community-based suicide prevention programs for racial and ethnic minority females.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007548, ucf:52594
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007548
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE FRAUDULENT FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CORPORATE FRAUD.
- Creator
-
Zmuda, Ronald, Desai, Naman, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Between the years 1998 and 2002, the United States suffered a time in which several large companies engaged in fraudulent behavior which eroded investor confidence in the stock market and to some extent destabilized the economy. Audits, which were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of a company's financial statements, were not detecting the material misstatements in the statements. As a result, both the US Government and the accounting profession needed to come up with a way to...
Show moreBetween the years 1998 and 2002, the United States suffered a time in which several large companies engaged in fraudulent behavior which eroded investor confidence in the stock market and to some extent destabilized the economy. Audits, which were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of a company's financial statements, were not detecting the material misstatements in the statements. As a result, both the US Government and the accounting profession needed to come up with a way to prevent these immense frauds from occurring in the future. As a response to these large frauds, in 2002, the US Government passed the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement on Auditing Standards No. 99(SAS No. 99) to improve investor confidence and the auditing function's ability to detect material frauds. The intent of this thesis was to look at the fraudulent factors associated with several recent corporate frauds and compare them to the standards set by SAS No. 99. Through the analysis conducted, this thesis looks at the relationships between pressures, opportunities, and rationalizations made during the act of fraud.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0004084, ucf:44782
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004084
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE HISTORY AND EFFECT OF AMERICAN SEX OFFENSE LAWS AND OFFENDER REGISTRATION.
- Creator
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Shabat-love, David, Milon, Abby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
America's Sex Offense statutes and cases are some of the most controversial sections of modern law, both for the extreme sensitivity of their subject matter as well as the scope and application of those laws. This thesis is an analysis and overview of both the objective and subjective issues posed by the current state of those very laws: the subjective portion explored the development of current laws and the diverse attendant legal issues such as over-broadness and excessive or misdirected...
Show moreAmerica's Sex Offense statutes and cases are some of the most controversial sections of modern law, both for the extreme sensitivity of their subject matter as well as the scope and application of those laws. This thesis is an analysis and overview of both the objective and subjective issues posed by the current state of those very laws: the subjective portion explored the development of current laws and the diverse attendant legal issues such as over-broadness and excessive or misdirected effect as compared to the Legislative and public intent which directly led to the development of these laws. Additionally a more objective study of their efficacy was conducted through the use of data regarding offense rates by locality. This objective data was procured from both the United States Census and Bureau of Justice statistics, which contained national averages such as the overall violent crime rate, and from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Statistics and was supplemented with additional data from other academic sources. It is both the subjective conclusion and the interpretation of objective data that while the rate of sex offenses has lowered in recent decades this effect is a part of the overall trend of reduction in all violent offenses, and that the extreme stance of modern sex offense laws have arguably resulted in the net-negative of creating a class of individuals ostracized from all but other sex offenders who are virtually incapable of supporting themselves or at times of even finding legal habitation post-release. With little to no chance of a productive life, there is the strong possibility of recidivism and little incentive to avoid re-offending.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004233, ucf:44915
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004233
- Title
- An Examination of the Impact of Student Characteristics and Teacher Experience and Preparation Program Attended on Student Achievement in a Small School District.
- Creator
-
Oneal, Michael, Hines, Rebecca, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, Cross, Lee, Reyes-Macpherson, Maria, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Demonstrating a direct link between teacher education programs and student growth is, to say the least, complex. Yet, using value-added systems as a means of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates is a growing trend. However, few quantitative studies linking TPPs with the effectiveness of their graduates exist. The availability of student test scores linked to specific teachers in administrative databases makes it possible to use value-added...
Show moreDemonstrating a direct link between teacher education programs and student growth is, to say the least, complex. Yet, using value-added systems as a means of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates is a growing trend. However, few quantitative studies linking TPPs with the effectiveness of their graduates exist. The availability of student test scores linked to specific teachers in administrative databases makes it possible to use value-added modeling to obtain estimates of teacher effects. Only recently have researchers tapped into this expanding volume of data in an attempt to examine Teacher Preparation Programs as variables of student achievement. This study uses methodologies developed in the early stages of the Value-Added Teacher Preparation Program Assessment Model developed in Louisiana in 2006 as a guide. Using the HLM 7.0 software package, a statistical model was developed to determine if it were feasible to conduct an analysis using data from a single small school district and whether the results of such an analysis showed an impact of student characteristics and teacher experience and preparation program on student outcomes in mathematics.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004904, ucf:49678
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004904
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOSITY ON POLITICAL VIEWS OF THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION.
- Creator
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DeGenaro, Kelsey, Gay , David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The millennial generation is said to consist of all those born between the years of 1978 and 1996. The majority has come of age and has the ability to be active participants in the political community. For the past three elections they have been the democratic party biggest supporters. In the 2008 presidential election 68% of all Millennial voters voted for Barack Obama. Millennials are also reporting to be less religious and more spiritual. They are attending religious services less...
Show moreThe millennial generation is said to consist of all those born between the years of 1978 and 1996. The majority has come of age and has the ability to be active participants in the political community. For the past three elections they have been the democratic party biggest supporters. In the 2008 presidential election 68% of all Millennial voters voted for Barack Obama. Millennials are also reporting to be less religious and more spiritual. They are attending religious services less frequently and identify with religious denominations less often. Throughout American history, religion is known to have an effect on political ideologies. So with Millennials religiosity changing, does their religiosity have any effect on their political ideology? The purpose of my research is to examine the religious ideologies of Millennials and see how they are affecting their political ideologies. To collect my data I have surveyed 380 Millennials. I choose to take a quantitative approach to this research project and use statistics as the basis of my analysis. My research is important to my discipline as well as my society because it closes the gaps between existing research of the Millennial generation. This research also contributes to literature because it is important to understand the political and religious views of the upcoming generation. Millennials have the ability to make huge political statements, and their decisions, attitudes, and behavior will significantly impact the future of the United States.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004365, ucf:45000
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004365
- Title
- An Examination of the Insights and Support of Self-Advocacy by Academic Advisors when Working with Students with Disabilities in Higher Education.
- Creator
-
Farran, Jennifer, King, Kathy (Kathleen), Cox, Thomas, Marshall, Nancy, Hopp, Carolyn, Preston, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Self-advocacy for students with disabilities was noted throughout the literature as a necessary element for student success (Brinckerhoff, 1996; Daly-Cano, Vaccaro, (&) Newman, 2015; Gould, 1986; Williams (&) Shoultz, 1982). The literature also found that self-advocacy was particular crucial as students entered higher education (English, 1997; Stodden, Conway, and Chang, 2003; Vaccaro, Daly-Cano (&) Newman, 2015). In regard to student persistence, academic advising was the most cited student...
Show moreSelf-advocacy for students with disabilities was noted throughout the literature as a necessary element for student success (Brinckerhoff, 1996; Daly-Cano, Vaccaro, (&) Newman, 2015; Gould, 1986; Williams (&) Shoultz, 1982). The literature also found that self-advocacy was particular crucial as students entered higher education (English, 1997; Stodden, Conway, and Chang, 2003; Vaccaro, Daly-Cano (&) Newman, 2015). In regard to student persistence, academic advising was the most cited student service (Hossler (&) Bean, 1990). Academic advisors assist students through their academic journeys and are tasked with assisting students to navigate college life (Kuh, 2008). However, there was a lack of research regarding the relationship between advisors, students with disabilities, and self-advocacy. Therefore, this research study was conducted to explore the insights and support of self-advocacy among academic advisors when working with students with disabilities. A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to explore these experiences.From the data analysis, seven themes emerged after the interviews and a focus group, which represented the needs of academic advisors for their specific roles and interactions. The themes were lack of knowledge, accommodations, transition, academics, fear of being labeled, relationships and interactions, and self-awareness. The information gathered through this study may lead to professional development programs to improve relationships between academic advisors and students with disabilities and to prepare students with disabilities to become strong self-advocates.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007329, ucf:52139
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007329
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE INSTABILITY AND EXPLOITATION IN CONGO FROM KING LEOPOLD II'S FREE STATE TO THE SECOND CONGO WAR.
- Creator
-
Beal, Baldwin, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis will analyze the Congo from King Leopold II's Free State to the 2nd Congo War. After a thorough investigation of the colonial period, this thesis will analyze the modern period. This thesis contends that the underdevelopment of the Congo, and its continuing warfare and poverty are the consequences of an exploitative colonial history. To be sure, King Leopold II of Belgium created the template for administering the Congo through the installation of concessionary companies that were...
Show moreThis thesis will analyze the Congo from King Leopold II's Free State to the 2nd Congo War. After a thorough investigation of the colonial period, this thesis will analyze the modern period. This thesis contends that the underdevelopment of the Congo, and its continuing warfare and poverty are the consequences of an exploitative colonial history. To be sure, King Leopold II of Belgium created the template for administering the Congo through the installation of concessionary companies that were more interested in harvesting huge profits than creating the conditions for a self-sustaining Congolese economy. Indeed, the policies implemented by King Leopold not only created the framework for the exploitation of the Congo after the cessation of the Free State, and set the stage for Congo's current state of instability of warfare.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004728, ucf:45352
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004728
- Title
- An Examination of the Lived Curiosity Experiences of Traditionally-Aged Freshmen Pursuing and Education Degree.
- Creator
-
Kelly, Susan, Gill, Michele, Hagedorn, W. Bryce, Hutchinson, Cynthia, Puig, Enrique, Engel, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The benefits of being curious continue beyond infancy and early childhood. Curiosity has been linked to academic achievement, memory, and lifelong learning. Yet curiosity type behaviors in academic settings are infrequently observed. This is a concern because some of the students graduating from the educational system will be the teachers responsible for fostering conditions that spark curiosity and exploration for future students. These prospective teachers' lived curiosity experiences will...
Show moreThe benefits of being curious continue beyond infancy and early childhood. Curiosity has been linked to academic achievement, memory, and lifelong learning. Yet curiosity type behaviors in academic settings are infrequently observed. This is a concern because some of the students graduating from the educational system will be the teachers responsible for fostering conditions that spark curiosity and exploration for future students. These prospective teachers' lived curiosity experiences will influence their future teaching beliefs and practices. Yet few studies have been conducted that illuminate the lived curiosity experiences of prospective teachers.The research question that guided this study was, what are the lived curiosity experiences of traditionally-aged freshmen pursuing a degree in education? A phenomenological-based approach was chosen to uncover and examine prospective teachers' prior curiosity-related experiences. Using purposive and criterion sampling methods, 13 participants were recruited from foundational education courses. Rich descriptions of participants' curiosity experiences were obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews composed of open-ended questions. Using Moustakas's modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method, data from the verbatim transcriptions were examined and analyzed. Seven themes were extrapolated from the data that were woven throughout four phases of curiosity. The themes revealed that participants' curiosity experiences included exposure to novel information or novel perspectives that sparked feelings or states of being that were both positive and negative. The participants' curiosity prompted them to explore the objects of their curiosity in independent and social activities that were often supported by individuals who provided autonomy and joined them in their exploration. Furthermore, every participant shared at least one experience in which people were the object of their curiosity. People, with whom participants shared a relationship founded on mutual respect and trust, were also instrumental in cultivating conditions that encouraged curiosity and exploration. The findings have implications for researchers, K-12 educators, and individuals responsible for preparing prospective teachers who are interested in exploring further, through research or practice, the potentiality of fostering curiosity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006337, ucf:51571
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006337
- Title
- An Examination of the Practice of Instructional Design and the Use of Instructional Design Models.
- Creator
-
Twilley, Jennifer, Gunter, Glenda, Robinson, Edward, Vitale, Thomas, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation in practice utilized a sequential mixed methods research design to investigate the performance or exclusion of instructional design activities commonly prescribed by instructional design models during a typical instructional design project. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of instructional design activities by practicing instructional designers with the performance of an experienced instructional designer to determine if instructional design models...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice utilized a sequential mixed methods research design to investigate the performance or exclusion of instructional design activities commonly prescribed by instructional design models during a typical instructional design project. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of instructional design activities by practicing instructional designers with the performance of an experienced instructional designer to determine if instructional design models are being used to guide the practice of instructional design. In this study, quantitative data was collected from a sample of 224 instructional designers to determine the activities routinely performed and excluded from typical projects. Qualitative data was collected from a single case study of an instructional design project to assess whether or not the performance or exclusion of the same instructional design activities were identified in the work of an experienced instructional designer. Analysis of the data revealed the activities that are not routinely performed by instructional designers, reasons for the exclusion of activities, and possible factors for the decisions to exclude activities.The findings of this study indicate instructional designers may be sacrificing the quality and effectiveness of instruction in an attempt to increase the pace and reduce the cost of the instructional design process. The study concluded that instructional designers are not following the prescriptions of instructional design models during the practice of instructional design by routinely eliminating the fundamental activities involving the development of learner assessments, the performance of formative evaluations during the instructional design process, and summative evaluations after the implementation of the instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005432, ucf:50438
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005432
- Title
- An Examination of the relationship between Marzano's Causal Teacher Evaluation Model and student achievement at nine high schools in a large suburban school district in Central Florida.
- Creator
-
Jacobson, Dana, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Murray, Barbara, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study focused on the relationship between student achievement and teacher evaluation during the first year of implementation of the Marzano Causal Teacher Evaluation model in a large suburban school district in Central Florida. The population included high school level teachers and students. Teacher evaluation and performance data were collected and analyzed for relationships using Spearman Rho and Chi-Square Analysis. Variables reviewed included: (a) Marzano's Causal Teacher Evaluation...
Show moreThis study focused on the relationship between student achievement and teacher evaluation during the first year of implementation of the Marzano Causal Teacher Evaluation model in a large suburban school district in Central Florida. The population included high school level teachers and students. Teacher evaluation and performance data were collected and analyzed for relationships using Spearman Rho and Chi-Square Analysis. Variables reviewed included: (a) Marzano's Causal Teacher Evaluation Model iObservation(&)copy; protocol, (b) categorized teacher years of experience, (c) student growth scores based on a teacher's student success on statewide assessments as calculated using VAM or an administered pre- and posttest, (d) school reported teacher demographics on school improvement plans and (e) historical 9th- and 10th-grade student achievement data on FCAT 2.0 Reading and 9th- grade student achievement data on the Algebra 1 End-of-Course (EOC) Examinations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004868, ucf:49663
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004868
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PERCEIVED GENDER DISCRIMINATION, WORK MOTIVATION, AND PERFORMANCE.
- Creator
-
Cornejo, Jessica, Pritchard, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Gender discrimination and work motivation are two important constructs for employers to consider. Changing workforce trends towards a more diverse workforce make understanding discrimination in the workplace more important than ever. And, established direct relationships between motivation and performance make understanding motivation key to organizational success. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived gender discrimination at work, work motivation, and...
Show moreGender discrimination and work motivation are two important constructs for employers to consider. Changing workforce trends towards a more diverse workforce make understanding discrimination in the workplace more important than ever. And, established direct relationships between motivation and performance make understanding motivation key to organizational success. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived gender discrimination at work, work motivation, and performance. Although much theory and research exists regarding motivation and performance, this study uses a new measure of motivation based on the Pritchard and Ashwood (2007) theory of work motivation. It was hypothesized that perceived gender discrimination would be negatively related to motivation, and that motivation would be positively related to performance. It was further hypothesized that motivation would mediate the relationship between perceived discrimination and performance. Consistent with social identity and attribution theory, gender identification was examined as a moderator of the relationship between perceived discrimination and motivation. Additionally, race and locus of control were examined as moderators of this same relationship. Measures of study variables were surveys administered on-line to 170 female undergraduate students. Upon completion of this part of the study, participants were emailed a link for their supervisors to complete on-line measures of participants' overall motivation and performance at work. Results indicated that both overall motivation and action-to-result motivation connections were negatively related to perceived gender discrimination. However, other motivation connections were not related to this discrimination. Furthermore, overall motivation and the motivation connections had strong relationships with performance. Despite the practical significance of these relationships, they did not reach statistical significance because of the small sample size of supervisor performance ratings (n = 37). Neither race, work locus of control, or gender identification significantly moderated hypothesized relationships. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between discrimination and performance, and so work motivation could not mediate this relationship. Reasons for non-significant results are discussed, as are implications for theory and practice. Although moderator hypotheses were not supported, this research represents an important step in discrimination research because it examines the possible influence of perceived discrimination on those who are impacted by it. This study also reaffirms the relationship between motivation and performance using Pritchard and Ashwood's (2007) theory of motivation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001906, ucf:47485
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001906
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THE SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAM AT A COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY THROUGH THE LENSES OF PROGRAM THEORY AND INSTITUTIONAL THEORY.
- Creator
-
Duff, Cathy, Tubbs, Levester, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Case study design, employing qualitative research methods, was used to document and examine a mandatory service-learning program at a new, comprehensive, public university. The study examined service-learning from multiple perspectives. Institutional theory provided a framework for examining the influence of the environment on the conceptualization, adoption, and implementation of service-learning. Program theory was used to identify and analyze the program's conceptual underpinnings,...
Show moreCase study design, employing qualitative research methods, was used to document and examine a mandatory service-learning program at a new, comprehensive, public university. The study examined service-learning from multiple perspectives. Institutional theory provided a framework for examining the influence of the environment on the conceptualization, adoption, and implementation of service-learning. Program theory was used to identify and analyze the program's conceptual underpinnings, including goals and objectives, intended outcomes for students, and program processes. Knowledge of how a program is supposed to work is useful for developing assessment questions, evaluating institutional effectiveness, and improving program performance. The study included a review of the history of service-learning at the university. Data were collected during the fall 2005 semester and were analyzed using both process and variance modes. Data sources included the following: 35 documents, which spanned the years 1991-2005; interviews with seven faculty members and four academic administrators; and observations of three meetings of service-learning courses, a Government and Not-for-Profit Service Learning Job Fair, and five meetings where service-learning was a primary topic of discussion. Previous studies served as the basis for the following researcher-developed constructs used to code text across data sources: social/civic outcomes, personal outcomes, learning outcomes, and career outcomes. Findings suggest that the goals and outcomes associated with service-learning found in university documents clustered around social and civic involvement, while outcomes reported by faculty during interviews focused on students' personal development and learning related to course content. In general, university documents contained goals and objectives written in vague language, a finding consistent with previous studies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000978, ucf:46691
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000978
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF THIRD-PERSON EFFECT IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTOVERSIAL PRODUCT ADVERTISING.
- Creator
-
Jensen, Keith, Collins, Steve, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research seeks to determine if there is a third-person effect in the realm of controversial product advertising. A questionnaire was designed based on previous research and distributed to a convenience sample of college students at the University of Central Florida. Participants were asked to rate their perceived levels of personal offense to product categories as well as the expected levels of other groups of people. The results show that there is indeed a significant third-person...
Show moreThis research seeks to determine if there is a third-person effect in the realm of controversial product advertising. A questionnaire was designed based on previous research and distributed to a convenience sample of college students at the University of Central Florida. Participants were asked to rate their perceived levels of personal offense to product categories as well as the expected levels of other groups of people. The results show that there is indeed a significant third-person effect recognized for all product categories except for racial extremist groups. A first-person effect was shown to be present for the category of racial extremist groups. This research also suggests that a concealed third-person effect may have been present in previous studies of this nature that obtained high levels of offense attributed to the self. Discussions of the findings, implications for marketers and advertisers, limitations to the study, as well as suggestions for future research are also posited.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000494, ucf:46370
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000494
