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- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS OF MUNICIPAL WATER FLUORIDATION RELATING TO ORAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
- Creator
-
Hawkins, Thomas A, Borgon, Robert, Duranceau, Steven, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Municipal water fluoridation began in 1945, and in the past 70 years, it appears to have decreased the rate of dental caries nationwide. Despite being deemed one of the top ten innovations of the 20th century, there continues to be misconceptions with this controversial practice. The intent of this thesis is to address some of the misconceptions with water fluoridation, and what possible solutions could be provided to alleviate the concerns. This was accomplished through a literature review...
Show moreMunicipal water fluoridation began in 1945, and in the past 70 years, it appears to have decreased the rate of dental caries nationwide. Despite being deemed one of the top ten innovations of the 20th century, there continues to be misconceptions with this controversial practice. The intent of this thesis is to address some of the misconceptions with water fluoridation, and what possible solutions could be provided to alleviate the concerns. This was accomplished through a literature review of current research articles. Two main topics were explored: the public health and oral health concerns and how they contribute to the controversy. Results from the literature show that there was an increasing campaign from anti-fluoridators that use misleading information to advocate for ceasing water fluoridation. There was also a common concern about fluoridated water causing dental fluorosis. Furthermore, there was a trend with the lack of education and knowledge about water fluoridation, predominately in rural and low-income communities. Overall, it was reasoned that the best way to reduce the misconceptions of water fluoridation is to increase educational opportunities through medical professionals creating inter-department relationships and redirecting various government programs to target different populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000504, ucf:45608
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000504
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF REPRESENTATIONS OF RACE AND ETHNICITY IN THREE TRANSITIONAL SERIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
- Creator
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Balkaran, Sonia M, Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth, Goodman, Constance, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis seeks to explore the related research literature surrounding representations and portrayals of protagonists of various multicultural backgrounds in series or transitional books. As teachers, it is essential to acknowledge the lack of multicultural characters in children's literature among elementary classroom bookshelves and learn how to incorporate literature featuring strong main characters of varying races and ethnicities so that children can see role models who mirror their...
Show moreThis thesis seeks to explore the related research literature surrounding representations and portrayals of protagonists of various multicultural backgrounds in series or transitional books. As teachers, it is essential to acknowledge the lack of multicultural characters in children's literature among elementary classroom bookshelves and learn how to incorporate literature featuring strong main characters of varying races and ethnicities so that children can see role models who mirror their own contexts. Prior studies, such as Gangi (2008) and Green and Hopenwasser (2017) have examined the deficiency of multicultural literature in the classroom, particularly among transitional stories, which shows the importance of exploring this topic. Furthermore, Green and Hopenwasser (2017) emphasize the importance of equal representation of transitional books with characters of diverse ethnicities, as they act as "mirrors and windows" for students to reflect upon themselves. These studies argue that to prevent the "whitewashing" of literature for primary grades, teachers should be cautious while choosing series or transitional books. I conducted an equity audit on three series or transitional books from different time periods, commonly found among elementary classroom libraries to explore ethnic and racial representations of protagonists to the actual demographics of the third-grade student population. Administering this equity audit also determined that popular series or transitional books are advantageous to include in classroom libraries when protagonists are portrayed as non-stereotypical experiencing real-life situations. The findings of this equity audit have the potential for educators to improve their methods choosing literature with characters of diverse races and ethnicities and improve methods of integrating multicultural literature into lessons.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000409, ucf:45704
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000409
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF RESEARCH AND RESOURCES RELATED TO APHASIA: CREATING A RESOURCE GUIDE.
- Creator
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Velez Diaz, Lexie Anne, Blanch, Norine, Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of educators is to aid their students as they develop as their own individuals. Only through education can individuals grow to become the best version of themselves, in and out of the classroom. It is crucial for educators to be aware of the many different learners in the world, so teachers are prepared for any exceptional student that enters their classroom. That is why it is so important to educate oneself on the many exceptionalities and circumstances students are facing....
Show moreThe purpose of educators is to aid their students as they develop as their own individuals. Only through education can individuals grow to become the best version of themselves, in and out of the classroom. It is crucial for educators to be aware of the many different learners in the world, so teachers are prepared for any exceptional student that enters their classroom. That is why it is so important to educate oneself on the many exceptionalities and circumstances students are facing. Encompassed within the 13 disabilities identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1975), are sub categories of many additional exceptionalities. It is a lot of information, and it can be very overwhelming for anyone, not just teachers, to know each one. By bringing exposure to the many exceptionalities, teachers, parents, and students can potentially feel less overwhelmed. By creating a resource guide for at least one exceptionality, help is being given to those who need it. For this research, the exceptionality of focus is Expressive Aphasia, also known as Broca's aphasia. Expressive Aphasia is not an exceptionality commonly spoken of outside of those involved in this study and those afflicted with this unique form of aphasia. Which This highlights the purpose of this thesis, to examine research/studies and form a resource guide for teachers and parents to learn about Expressive Aphasia. The resource guide will provide information about the history of Expressive Aphasia, offer definitions, suggest strategies, and introduce resources that can help educators, parents, and students better understand this type of aphasia. Everyone needs help, and what better way to help teachers and parents than to give them tools to effectively aid students in their educational journey.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000445, ucf:45793
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000445
- Title
- An exploration of secondary science grade teachers' written artifacts about their experiences with an online professional development in reading research and instruction: A grounded theory study.
- Creator
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Woodhall, Carmen, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Lambie, Glenn, Swan, Bonnie, Haggerty, Dorothy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Classroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school...
Show moreClassroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school and high school science teachers who took the 14-week course. This grounded theory research used the reflective assignment, a comprehensive, 10-week, job-embedded assignment of 62 science teachers, to generate categories and themes about the reading challenges they perceived in their own classrooms, what strategies and tools they chose to remedy those challenges, and the perceived changes they saw in their students and themselves. The theory that was derived from the data speaks to how effective, job-embedded reading professional development can impact the knowledge, motivation, and instructional practice of science teachers in the classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004618, ucf:49932
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004618
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF SONG AS A STRATEGY TO ENGAGE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS DURING SOCIAL STUDIES LESSONS.
- Creator
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Rome, Morgan, Jennings-Towle, Kelly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this thesis is to explore how curriculum-related songs provide an engaging atmosphere for elementary students learning social studies concepts. The investigation done for this thesis examines the resources available to teachers in terms of songs to be used for pedagogical engagement of social studies lessons. Through research and video analyzations it can be concluded that students are overall intrigued by the usage of songs in their social studies lessons. During the social...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to explore how curriculum-related songs provide an engaging atmosphere for elementary students learning social studies concepts. The investigation done for this thesis examines the resources available to teachers in terms of songs to be used for pedagogical engagement of social studies lessons. Through research and video analyzations it can be concluded that students are overall intrigued by the usage of songs in their social studies lessons. During the social studies lessons observed in the video analyzations, the elementary students are focused, exhibit positive body language, participate, and have fun. Since engagement is documented within the analyzed videos and supported through others' research to be beneficial for students, this thesis researched and found a place for songs in elementary social studies lessons. Since there are a lack of current social studies resources that contain a musical element, eight social studies lesson plans were produced specifically for this thesis to demonstrate how songs can be implemented into the elementary curriculum to engage students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000302, ucf:45792
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000302
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF TEACHER CANDIDATE PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING THEIR POLITICAL ROLE IN SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION.
- Creator
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Zagrocki, Brian, Russell, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study argued that the purpose of social studies education is intimately connected with civic engagement. The function of civic engagement shifts in accordance with the political roles a teacher plays in the classroom (Westhaimer & Kahne, 2004). The literature review defined the possible parameters of these political roles. The research then explored how secondary social science and elementary teacher candidates, if at all, planned to address the political issue of civic engagement in...
Show moreThis study argued that the purpose of social studies education is intimately connected with civic engagement. The function of civic engagement shifts in accordance with the political roles a teacher plays in the classroom (Westhaimer & Kahne, 2004). The literature review defined the possible parameters of these political roles. The research then explored how secondary social science and elementary teacher candidates, if at all, planned to address the political issue of civic engagement in education and their self-awareness as political actors. This research study aimed to expand the available body of research on this topic by exploring the perceptions of social studies teacher candidates concerning their roles in promoting civic engagement. This study conducted a survey of social science and elementary teacher candidates to qualitatively measure these perceptions. The study found that teacher candidates possessed entrenched conceptions of good citizenry but fail to connect social studies� primary purpose of civic engagement with the promotion of good citizenry. The study also indicated teacher candidates lack sufficient civic engagement conceptual understanding and corresponding pedagogy to adequately perform their political roles as democratic gatekeepers. Consequently, the study�s educational implications were that social studies teachers� and teacher candidates� awareness of civic engagement in the social studies classroom is necessary to facilitate an effective, ethical, and objective education. Additionally, more attention must be given in teacher candidate education to address the political reality of the social science education profession.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000056, ucf:45510
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000056
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF TEACHER PERSPECTIVES OF MATHEMATICS ANXIETY AND GENDER STEREOTYPING.
- Creator
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Browning, Jessica, Gresham, Regina, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to identify the current perspective of grades three through twelve in-service teachers regarding mathematics anxiety, its causes, and its relation to gender stereotyping. A short online survey was conducted to gain insight into their classrooms and perspectives of the subject. The results showed that mathematics anxiety did exist in the classroom, and in-service teachers did report seeing a gender gap between the anxiety experienced by females and males. I...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify the current perspective of grades three through twelve in-service teachers regarding mathematics anxiety, its causes, and its relation to gender stereotyping. A short online survey was conducted to gain insight into their classrooms and perspectives of the subject. The results showed that mathematics anxiety did exist in the classroom, and in-service teachers did report seeing a gender gap between the anxiety experienced by females and males. I believe that from these findings it is important to conduct further research on in-service teachers to see in depth what they think. This is important because their beliefs about the subject can have a lasting impact on their students and their feelings towards mathematics.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004756, ucf:45347
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004756
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS FOR IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT GENDER BIAS AND STEREOTYPES IN CALDECOTT AWARD AND HONOR BOOKS FROM 2001-2014.
- Creator
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Kunkel, Jessica, Wenzel, Taylar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Children's literature is a critical aspect during a child's development; the messages portrayed in children's books can affect the development of gender identity in young children and can affect how a child with act and perceive the world around them in the future (Tsao, 2008). Expanding on this research this study aimed to determine if award winning children's literature contained implicit and explicit gender stereotypes and biases in the illustrations and text. The sample examined was...
Show moreChildren's literature is a critical aspect during a child's development; the messages portrayed in children's books can affect the development of gender identity in young children and can affect how a child with act and perceive the world around them in the future (Tsao, 2008). Expanding on this research this study aimed to determine if award winning children's literature contained implicit and explicit gender stereotypes and biases in the illustrations and text. The sample examined was Caldecott Award and Honor books from 2001 through 2014; the sample size was did not include biographies, autobiographies, informational books, concept books, poetry, and science fiction. This study only examined works of fiction and each book was examined, read, and analyzed. Following the methodology of various studies, a three part Data Collection Instrument was used: book identification, frequency analysis of illustrations, and a character analysis. This research attempted to answer the following questions: (1) Is there evidence of gender stereotypes in the written depiction of characters in Caldecott Award and Honor books award between 2001 and 2014?, (2) Is there evidence of gender stereotypes in the illustrated depictions of characters in Caldecott Award and Honor books award between 2001 and 2014?, and (3) Are males' and females' roles and attributes represented equally through the text and illustrations? This research aimed at examining whether gender biases and stereotypes still existed in the text and illustrations and if so, to what extent.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004791, ucf:45327
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004791
- Title
- An Exploration of the Feasibility of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a Neurofeedback Cueing System for the Mitigation of the Vigilance Decrement.
- Creator
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Hancock, Gabriella, Szalma, James, Mouloua, Mustapha, Bohil, Corey, Hoffman, Robert, Matthews, Gerald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Vigilance is the capacity for observers to maintain attention over extended periods of time, and has most often been operationalized as the ability to detect rare and critical signals (Davies (&) Parasuraman, 1982; Parasuraman, 1979; Warm, 1984). Humans, however, have natural physical and cognitive limitations that preclude successful long-term vigilance performance and consequently, without some means of assistance, failures in operator vigilance are likely to occur. Such a decline in...
Show moreVigilance is the capacity for observers to maintain attention over extended periods of time, and has most often been operationalized as the ability to detect rare and critical signals (Davies (&) Parasuraman, 1982; Parasuraman, 1979; Warm, 1984). Humans, however, have natural physical and cognitive limitations that preclude successful long-term vigilance performance and consequently, without some means of assistance, failures in operator vigilance are likely to occur. Such a decline in monitoring performance over time has been a robust finding in vigilance experiments for decades and has been called the vigilance decrement function (Davies (&) Parasuraman, 1982; Mackworth, 1948). One of the most effective countermeasures employed to maintain effective performance has been cueing: providing the operator with a reliable prompt concerning signal onset probability. Most protocols have based such cues on task-related or environmental factors. The present dissertation examines the efficacy of cueing when nominally based on operator state (i.e., blood oxygenation of cortical tissue) in a novel vigilance task incorporating dynamic displays over three studies. Results pertaining to performance outcomes, physiological measures (cortical blood oxygenation and heart rate variability), and perceived workload and stress are interpreted via Signal Detection Theory and the Resource Theory of vigilance.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006599, ucf:51286
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006599
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MUSIC INTEGRATION IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSROOMS.
- Creator
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Skeen, Nicole, Russell, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
"Music is the biggest tool of revolution - the best way to reach out the youth and involve them�" (Kher, n.d.). Music has the ability to impact so many areas of life. Music is universal, and regardless of language, meaning and emotions can be conveyed. Imagine if this was harnessed and utilized as an effective teaching tool for students? Music has played a significant role in history, but is often overlooked when history is taught. Utilization of music in the social studies classroom can...
Show more"Music is the biggest tool of revolution - the best way to reach out the youth and involve them�" (Kher, n.d.). Music has the ability to impact so many areas of life. Music is universal, and regardless of language, meaning and emotions can be conveyed. Imagine if this was harnessed and utilized as an effective teaching tool for students? Music has played a significant role in history, but is often overlooked when history is taught. Utilization of music in the social studies classroom can take the form of time period pieces, cultural music, mnemonics for memorization, films, and much more. While it can be an effective tool for educating students, are teachers actually integrating it into their lesson plans? Using a stratified random sampling procedure, a survey was sent to teachers in the Central Florida region to gain insight into the topic. It was seen, that while over half (60%) of the educators indicated music could be an effective teaching tool, almost all (95%) used it very often, often, or sometimes in some way, shape, or form. Several teachers indicated that they did not have the time, resources, or the training to integrate music into their social studies classrooms. This research is only a starting point for additional regional studies, as well as more focused studies through which resources may be developed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004810, ucf:45455
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004810
- Title
- An Exploration of the Perceived Change in Administrators' Skill in Giving Targeted Feedback.
- Creator
-
Anderson, Kathryn, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Johnson, Jerry, Moxley, Susan, Buckridge, Hilary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Teachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers...
Show moreTeachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers as evidenced by the alignment of administrators and teacher results. The ability to give feedback to teachers needs to be part of a collaborative cycle as evidenced in the growth from September 2016 to January 2017 survey results for administrators (d=.56), as well as the statistically significant results of the independent t Tests for both administrators (p(<).000) and teachers (p(<).018).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006969, ucf:51649
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006969
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF THE POTENTIALS AND LIMITATIONS OF ADAPTING TRADITIONAL TEXT-BASED NARRATIVE TO INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY.
- Creator
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Jardaneh, Said, Fiore, Stephen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Narrative is expressed in many forms, yet the reading of narrative through books may be unique in its transformative qualities. The medium of books has existed for thousands of years as a primary means of passing down and internalizing narrative from generation to generation. Are books now a dying medium in the face of ever-advancing technology in an increasingly fast-paced and technologically-dependent society? Technology now incorporates narrative into interactive environments in various...
Show moreNarrative is expressed in many forms, yet the reading of narrative through books may be unique in its transformative qualities. The medium of books has existed for thousands of years as a primary means of passing down and internalizing narrative from generation to generation. Are books now a dying medium in the face of ever-advancing technology in an increasingly fast-paced and technologically-dependent society? Technology now incorporates narrative into interactive environments in various ways often immersing the user in ever more realistic experiential scenarios. Yet, is something potentially lost with these advancements that can only be afforded through the time-tested method of old-fashioned reading? What makes reading so compelling a medium/activity for personal development? Does experience in these interactive environments offer the same transformative intrinsic experience afforded through the tranquil receptive processing, reflective elaboration and insight offered through the reading of books? This thesis seeks to explore these questions by looking at three major factors that must be considered in furthering our understanding of the potentials and limitations of interactive narrative technologies as they compare to narrative delivered via the established medium of books: 1) theories of self, identity/character, cognitive development and behavior (specifically as these relate to traditional text-based narrative), 2) theory and research associated with narrative transportation and transformation, and 3) current and future efforts to adapt narrative to the medium of interactive technology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003037, ucf:48360
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003037
- Title
- An Exploration of the Relationship between Work Climate, the Utilization of Support Resources, and Compassion Fatigue Level in Child Protective Investigators.
- Creator
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Holliker, Shannon, Leon, Ana, Yegidis, Bonnie, Dziegielewski, Sophia, Rosa-Lugo, Linda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The impact of child maltreatment is far reaching, affecting the abused child, the family system, and the professionals tasked with providing support during the moments of crisis. As child protective investigators (CPIs) provide care and support to others, they are at high risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress and/or burnout, both aspects of compassion fatigue. Researchers suggest that work climate, utilization of resources, and worker characteristics can impact CPI compassion...
Show moreThe impact of child maltreatment is far reaching, affecting the abused child, the family system, and the professionals tasked with providing support during the moments of crisis. As child protective investigators (CPIs) provide care and support to others, they are at high risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress and/or burnout, both aspects of compassion fatigue. Researchers suggest that work climate, utilization of resources, and worker characteristics can impact CPI compassion-fatigue level. Drawing on extant literature, this study examined three research questions and seven hypotheses aiming to explore the relationship between work climate, resource utilization, CPI characteristics, and CPI compassion-fatigue level. This dissertation research used a cross-sectional study design that included collecting data from 165 CPIs using three instruments: (a) CPI demographic form, (b) Professional Quality of Life-5, and (c) Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Descriptive, nonparametric, and regression analyses were conducted on the returned surveys of 165 Florida-based CPIs. Results of data analyses indicated that statistically significant inverse relationships exist between the independent variable, compassion fatigue, and the dependent variables of teamwork climate, CPI supervision utilization, CPI age, and CPI trauma history (verbal abuse). The study presents implications for addressing compassion fatigue in CPIs from a public-affairs, a practice, and a research perspective.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007654, ucf:52496
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007654
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUNG WOMEN'S BODY ESTEEM, STIGMA CONSCIOUSNESS, AND AMBIVALENT SEXISM.
- Creator
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Uribe, Manuela, Modianos, Doan T., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis seeks to explore how young women's body esteem is influenced by their beliefs about ambivalent sexism and stigma consciousness. In this study, a sample of 168 undergraduate female students at the University of Central Florida were asked to complete an online battery containing six psychological measures. The measures in this study included measures of body esteem and objectified body consciousness, perception and attitudes toward sexism, experiences with sexist events, and stigma...
Show moreThis thesis seeks to explore how young women's body esteem is influenced by their beliefs about ambivalent sexism and stigma consciousness. In this study, a sample of 168 undergraduate female students at the University of Central Florida were asked to complete an online battery containing six psychological measures. The measures in this study included measures of body esteem and objectified body consciousness, perception and attitudes toward sexism, experiences with sexist events, and stigma consciousness. The results showed an association between higher body esteem and higher beliefs in benevolent sexism, and no relationship was found between hostile sexism and body esteem. As expected, body consciousness was positively correlated with stigma consciousness and women who experienced more sexist events had higher stigma consciousness. Additionally, regression models predicting body esteem based on hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, and stigma consciousness were only significant for benevolent sexism. These findings suggest further research to explore body esteem in relation to sexism and stigma consciousness. The results of this study can help highlight the importance of a cultural context when addressing female body esteem issues.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFH2000555, ucf:45695
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000555
- Title
- An Exploration of the Relationships Between Supervisees' Perceptions of Facilitative Conditions in Supervision, Clients' Perceptions of Facilitative Conditions in Counseling, and Client Outcomes.
- Creator
-
Bell, Chastity, Robinson, Edward, Hagedorn, William, Hundley, Gulnora, Hayes, Burnice, Brumfield, Kristy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The counseling relationship has long been considered an essential part of the foundation of positive client outcomes in counseling. While many factors play a role in the therapeutic relationship, the facilitative conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness have been the most-researched components of the Person-Centered construct of the therapeutic relationship. The supervisory relationship parallels the therapeutic relationship in many ways, and as the therapeutic...
Show moreThe counseling relationship has long been considered an essential part of the foundation of positive client outcomes in counseling. While many factors play a role in the therapeutic relationship, the facilitative conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness have been the most-researched components of the Person-Centered construct of the therapeutic relationship. The supervisory relationship parallels the therapeutic relationship in many ways, and as the therapeutic relationship is critical to counseling, the supervisory relationship is foundational to effective supervision. While the facilitative conditions are empirically proven to contribute to positive client outcomes within the therapeutic relationship, the role of the counselor's supervisory relationship has been largely unexplored in its association to client outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the facilitative conditions perceived by the client during counseling, and the facilitative conditions perceived by the counselor-in-training during supervision. Additionally, these variables were tested for their ability to predict client outcomes.The sample of this study consisted of 88 clients and 55 counselors-in-training at a large university in the southeastern United States. Both clients and counselors-in-training completed two instruments to ascertain the quality of their counseling and supervision relationships. The Outcomes Questionnaire-45 was utilized to collect client outcomes data. Results validate a correlation between the client's perception of the therapeutic relationship and client outcomes, however there appears to be no relationship between the supervisory relationship and client outcomes. Further results of the study and limitations were discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004812, ucf:49741
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004812
- Title
- An Exploration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Direct Manipulation Through 3D Spatial Interaction.
- Creator
-
Pfeil, Kevin, Laviola II, Joseph, Hughes, Charles, Sukthankar, Gita, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
We present an exploration that surveys the strengths and weaknesses of various 3D spatial interaction techniques, in the context of directly manipulating an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Particularly, a study of touch- and device- free interfaces in this domain is provided. 3D spatial interaction can be achieved using hand-held motion control devices such as the NintendoWiimote, but computer vision systems offer a different and perhaps more natural method. In general, 3D user interfaces ...
Show moreWe present an exploration that surveys the strengths and weaknesses of various 3D spatial interaction techniques, in the context of directly manipulating an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Particularly, a study of touch- and device- free interfaces in this domain is provided. 3D spatial interaction can be achieved using hand-held motion control devices such as the NintendoWiimote, but computer vision systems offer a different and perhaps more natural method. In general, 3D user interfaces (3DUI) enable a user to interact with a system on a more robust and potentially more meaningful scale. We discuss the design and development of various 3D interaction techniques using commercially available computer vision systems, and provide an exploration of the effects that these techniques have on an overall user experience in the UAV domain. Specific qualities of the user experience are targeted, including the perceived intuition, ease of use, comfort, and others. We present a complete user study for upper-body gesture, and preliminary reactions towards 3DUI using hand-and-finger gestures are also discussed. The results provide evidence that supports the use of 3DUI in this domain, as well as the use of certain styles of techniques over others.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004910, ucf:49612
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004910
- Title
- AN EXPLORATION OF USING IPADS AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING THROUGH WESTORIESWITH STUDENTS WHO HAVE AUTISM.
- Creator
-
Mariotti, Michelle, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study investigated the potential of using weStories, a type of digital storytelling, and the use of iPads with second and third grade students who have autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, comprehend language, and their ability to socially interact with peers. Digital storytelling combines the art of telling stories with photos, videos, audio, and other digital media. This study employed the use of weStories, a...
Show moreThis study investigated the potential of using weStories, a type of digital storytelling, and the use of iPads with second and third grade students who have autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, comprehend language, and their ability to socially interact with peers. Digital storytelling combines the art of telling stories with photos, videos, audio, and other digital media. This study employed the use of weStories, a collaborative storytelling process that requires students to work in a team while using an iPad. weStories were created by Dr. Glenda Gunter specifically for individuals to learn the fundamental of narrative and story skills to increase their literacy and communication skills. This study was conducted over a series of teachings and observations at the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida (UCP). The UCP is a school that serves children with a variety of learning disabilities, including autism. The purpose of this ethnographic thesis was to explore the impact of teaching the story invention process and weStories through iPads with students who have autism. Ethnographic research design was utilized to observe and assess individual changes in student behaviors and investigate the phenomena of story. This study utilized qualitative research methods. The potential of the intervention was measured through interviews and observations. This research on using technologies with students who have autism, such as iPads and weStories, has shown potential in terms of working collaboratively; enhancing problem solving in social situations, and providing exposure to iPads as a learning tool.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004153, ucf:44827
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004153
- Title
- An Exploratory Analysis of a Five Minute Speech Sample of Mothers of Children with Selective Mutism.
- Creator
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Kovac, Lisa, Culp, Anne, Hundley, Gulnora, Szente, Judit, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Selective mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder wherein children have difficulty speaking or communicating when they are uncomfortable, is relevant for the early childhood population as symptoms often manifest upon school entry (Steinhausen (&) Juzi, 1996) and early treatment leads to better treatment prognosis (Oerbeck, Stein, Wentzel-Larsen, Langsrud (&) Kristensen, 2014). Bergman, Gonzalez, Piacentini and Keller, (2013) utilized an integrative behavioral treatment for children (ages 4-8) with...
Show moreSelective mutism (SM), an anxiety disorder wherein children have difficulty speaking or communicating when they are uncomfortable, is relevant for the early childhood population as symptoms often manifest upon school entry (Steinhausen (&) Juzi, 1996) and early treatment leads to better treatment prognosis (Oerbeck, Stein, Wentzel-Larsen, Langsrud (&) Kristensen, 2014). Bergman, Gonzalez, Piacentini and Keller, (2013) utilized an integrative behavioral treatment for children (ages 4-8) with SM and reported a 75% treatment responder status after 24 weeks of therapy. Their mothers are the focus of this study.This exploratory study examined the content of Five Minute Speech Samples at baseline and end of treatment condition for 9 mothers whose children had participated in the randomized controlled trial. Via a content analysis of language samples, this study examined emergent themes and a priori codes of Expressed Emotion (a construct associated with a variety of disorders) and parental overcontrol (a construct associated with the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders). Results revealed five categories of content expressed by mothers: (a) child characteristics (b) child's activities, (c) relationships with others, (d) difficulties other than SM, and (e) thoughts related to SM. Analysis revealed mothers who had children with SM had higher levels of expressed emotion and emotional overinvolvement than samples of mothers of children without SM. The implication of this finding is unknown and is a direction for future research. Overcontrol was overtly present in one mother and subtle in other mothers. Levels of expressed emotion largely remained unchanged over the course of treatment. Overall, information garnered from giving mothers the five minutes speech sample provides insight for therapists to design intervention. Giving the mothers a chance to discuss their views and experiences with their children is valuable in determining the behavioral and emotional support they need as they parent their child with SM.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007033, ucf:51990
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007033
- Title
- AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY COMPARING THE TEACHING PRACTICES OF READING ENDORSED VERSUS NON-READING ENDORSED SECONDARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERS.
- Creator
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Greenwell, Sabrina, Zygouris-Coe, Vicky, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading...
Show moreThis comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading endorsed teachers is using their training in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore and to compare the teaching practices of two secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed, and two honors English II language arts teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed. Did the classes in reading instruction and scientifically based reading research (SBRR) strategies carry over into teaching practices in the classroom? If yes, how, or in what capacity, and in what areas of student learning? The participants in this study included secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers and honors English II language arts teachers from a local central Florida high school. Their identities are confidential, but their years of teaching experience, their qualifications, and their classes' level are provided. This comparative case study used an observation protocol, interviews with teachers, classroom observations, a questionnaire for teachers, and observational and reflective field notes made while observing and documenting teachers' practices in secondary English classrooms. This study investigated the value of the Florida reading endorsement, its influence on secondary teachers' knowledge of instruction and practices, the role of comprehensive professional development, and the endorsement's influence on student engagement. The significance of these results may provide evidence for policymakers to further mandate reading endorsements for content area teachers or become more lenient on their demands for English language arts teachers to become reading endorsed. The input and opinions of the veteran teachers may help shape and change the current endorsement while examining theory to practice. The study was qualitative in nature; most of the evidence and research came from observations and interviews. The voice of the veteran English teachers, their beliefs, instructional practices, classroom environments, and students' motivation is a reflection of current practices in today's public schools. There is evidence that professional development in scientifically based reading research has an impact on the instructional practices of teachers. The study included the voice of the teachers; what they would like to experience in professional development; what they found useful; what they need; and what they did not value. The participants explained how they transformed theory into practice. The findings of this study concluded that further research and communication is needed between the researchers who design professional development statewide initiatives for secondary content area teachers, the teachers/practitioners who implement the knowledge and strategies, the administration for support, and policy makers who mandate the professional development efforts. The reading endorsed teachers did create enthusiastic classroom environments where student motivation increased, but the teachers voiced obstacles that inhibited their professional development that should be addressed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002902, ucf:48006
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002902
- Title
- An Exploratory Comparison of a Traditional and an Adaptive Instructional Approach for College Algebra.
- Creator
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Kasha, Ryan, Kincaid, John, Wiegand, Rudolf, Hartshorne, Richard, Morris, Cliff, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This research effort compared student learning gains and attitudinal changes through the implementation of two varying instructional approaches on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitudinal changes were measured based on the Attitude Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI). The ATMI also provided four sub-scales scores for self-confidence, value of learning, enjoyment, and motivation. Furthermore, this research explored and compared relationships between students' level of mastery...
Show moreThis research effort compared student learning gains and attitudinal changes through the implementation of two varying instructional approaches on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitudinal changes were measured based on the Attitude Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI). The ATMI also provided four sub-scales scores for self-confidence, value of learning, enjoyment, and motivation. Furthermore, this research explored and compared relationships between students' level of mastery and their actual level of learning. This study implemented a quasi-experimental research design using a sample that consisted of 56 College Algebra students in a public, state college in Florida. The sample was enrolled in one of two College Algebra sections, in which one section followed a self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space) and the other section followed a traditional approach using MyMathLab. Learning gains in each class were measured as the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitude changes in each class were measured as the difference between the holistic scores on the ATMI, as well as each of the four sub-scale scores, which was administered once in the beginning of the semester and again after the unit of functions, approximately eight weeks into the course. Utilizing an independent t-test, results indicated that there was not a significant difference in actual learning gains for the compared instructional approaches. Additionally, independent t-test results indicated that there was not a statistical difference for attitude change holistically and on each of the four sub-scales for the compared instructional approaches. However, correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between students' level of mastery learning and their actual learning level for each class with the self-adaptive instructional approach having a stronger correlation than the non-adaptive section, as measured by an r-to-z Fisher transformation test. The results of this study indicate that the self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS could more accurately report students' true level of learning compared to a non-adaptive instructional approach. Overall, this study found the compared instructional approaches to be equivalent in terms of learning and effect on students' attitude. While not statistically different, the results of this study have implications for math educators, instructional designers, and software developers. For example, a non-adaptive instructional approach can be equivalent to a self-adaptive instructional approach in terms of learning with appropriate planning and design. Future recommendations include further case studies of self-adaptive technology in developmental and college mathematics in other modalities such as hybrid or on-line courses. Also, this study should be replicated on a larger scale with other self-adaptive math software in addition to focusing on other student populations, such as K - 12. There is much potential for intelligent tutoring to supplement different instructional approaches, but should not be viewed as a replacement for teacher-to-student interactions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005963, ucf:50821
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005963