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Title: THE EFFECT OF SCHOOL CULTURE ON SCIENCE EDUCATION AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC CASE STUDY.
Creator: Meier, Lori, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This ethnographic case study investigated one elementary school to understand how the school's culture influenced its science curriculum design and instruction. The main data was formal and informal semi-structured interviews with key teachers to understand their values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems with science instruction. To triangulate these data, the researcher observed classroom practice, school-wide activities, and collected artifacts and documents. Data were...
Show moreThis ethnographic case study investigated one elementary school to understand how the school's culture influenced its science curriculum design and instruction. The main data was formal and informal semi-structured interviews with key teachers to understand their values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems with science instruction. To triangulate these data, the researcher observed classroom practice, school-wide activities, and collected artifacts and documents. Data were analyzed using a theoretical framework that emphasizes that culture cannot be reduced to beliefs, values, practices, materials or problems, but rather each aspect of culture is interdependent and mutually reinforcing. The main finding suggests that the school's culture is organized to accomplish other curricular goals than effective science education. Science is rarely taught by most teachers and rarely taught well when it is. While the teachers know the rhetoric of effective science education and value it enough to not dismiss it entirely, most value it less than most other subjects and they are not proficient with science instruction and materials. This study builds upon the literature by reiterating that school culture plays a central role in elementary science education, but adds to that literature by emphasizing that culture cannot be reduced to one or a few factors and must be seen as an organic whole.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001412, ucf:47061
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001412

Title: PRESUPPOSITIONS IN MORAL EDUCATION DISCOURSE: DEVELOPING AN ANALYTIC FRAMEWORK AND APPLYING IT TO MORAL EDUCATION TRADITIONS.
Creator: Sciaino, Maria, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Moral education is ever more important in our schools today, but the various moral education traditions make it difficult to decide which tradition best serves our purpose and population. This dissertation develops and uses an original analytic framework to narrow the choices of moral education curricula. The analytic framework introduced presuppositions that expounded upon one's center of value or source of moral authority, the nature of people and their capacity for rational thought, the...
Show moreMoral education is ever more important in our schools today, but the various moral education traditions make it difficult to decide which tradition best serves our purpose and population. This dissertation develops and uses an original analytic framework to narrow the choices of moral education curricula. The analytic framework introduced presuppositions that expounded upon one's center of value or source of moral authority, the nature of people and their capacity for rational thought, the nature of society, the time orientation of tradition, and the resulting morality in action. The analytic framework was then applied to ten notable traditions: Catholic religious education, values clarification, Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory, five multicultural education traditions (Teaching the Exceptional and Culturally Different, Human Relations, Single-Group Studies, Multicultural Education, and Education that is Multicultural and Social Reconstructionist) reviewed by Sleeter & Grant, and Skinner's theory of behavior modification. This study presents the analytic framework in depth and offers a brief narrative of its application across traditions. The resulting synthesis offers a review of commonalities, differences, surprises, and finally, a proposal that an existing presupposition stands as the defining one in regard to differentiating among moral education traditions.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000405, ucf:46350
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000405

Title: AN ANALYSIS OF PREDICTORS OF ENROLLMENT AND SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT FOR GIRLS IN HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS.
Creator: DePalma, Darlene, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A problem within science education in the United States persists. U.S students rank lower in science than most other students from participating countries on international tests of achievement (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). In addition, U.S. students overall enrollment rate in high school Advanced Placement (AP) physics is still low compared to other academic domains, especially for females. This problem is the background for the purpose of this study. This investigation...
Show moreA problem within science education in the United States persists. U.S students rank lower in science than most other students from participating countries on international tests of achievement (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). In addition, U.S. students overall enrollment rate in high school Advanced Placement (AP) physics is still low compared to other academic domains, especially for females. This problem is the background for the purpose of this study. This investigation examined cognitive and motivational variables thought to play a part in the under-representation of females in AP physics. Cognitive variables consisted of mathematics, reading, and science knowledge, as measured by scores on the 10th and 11th grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT). The motivational factors of attitude, stereotypical views toward science, self-efficacy, and epistemological beliefs were measured by a questionnaire developed with question taken from previously proven reliable and valid instruments. A general survey regarding participation in extracurricular activities was also included. The sample included 12th grade students from two high schools located in Seminole County, Florida. Of the 106 participants, 20 girls and 27 boys were enrolled in AP physics, and 39 girls and 20 boys were enrolled in other elective science courses. Differences between males and females enrolled in AP physics were examined, as well as differences between females enrolled in AP physics and females that chose not to participate in AP physics, in order to determine predictors that apply exclusively to female enrollment in high school AP physics and predictors of an anticipated science related college major. Data were first analyzed by Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), independent t-tests, univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis. One overall theme that emerged from this research was findings that refute the ideas that females have lower achievement scores, lower attitude, lower self-efficacy, and more stereotypical views regarding science than males. Secondly, the only significant differences found between males and females enrolled in AP physics were for stereotypical views toward science and one factor from the epistemological views questions, both of which favored females. Although the non AP boys significantly outscored non AP girls on science FCAT scores, the only other significant differences found between these groups of students were related to attitude, with the girls scoring higher than the boys on both counts. There were significant differences found for numerous variables between AP and non AP females, however, most of the same differences were found between the two ability groups of male students as well. This leads to the conclusion that these factors certainly play an important role in AP physics enrollment for both genders. But the few significant differences found exclusively between the two female ability groups; reading ability, stereotypical views toward science, and the epistemological beliefs regarding branches of physics being related by common principles and aspects of physics need to be inferred instead of directly measured, may play a more important role in increasing enrollment numbers of females.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002121, ucf:47533
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002121

Title: AN EXPLORATION OF HOW PRE-SERVICE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS USE EDUCATIVE CURRICULUM MATERIALS TO SUPPORT THEIR SCIENCE TEACHING PRACTICES.
Creator: Englehart, Deirdre, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research indicates that a proportion of elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching science to young children. These teachers are unaware of the best methods of approaching science and don't have the science background knowledge to support teaching through inquiry methods. This case study explores the role educative curriculum materials play in supporting pre-service early childhood education teachers' knowledge with science content and teaching practices. Specifically, I examine...
Show moreResearch indicates that a proportion of elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching science to young children. These teachers are unaware of the best methods of approaching science and don't have the science background knowledge to support teaching through inquiry methods. This case study explores the role educative curriculum materials play in supporting pre-service early childhood education teachers' knowledge with science content and teaching practices. Specifically, I examine how educative materials impact pre-service teacher's content knowledge in science and their pedagogical content knowledge related to inquiry methods. Three pre-service early childhood teachers participated in this research. The teachers were initially interviewed about teaching science based upon three instruments: Views of Science Inquiry, Views of the Nature of Science and the Science Teachers Efficacy Beliefs Inventory. Each subject was observed teaching science in their internship site: the first lessons taught were guided or approved by their teachers and the next lessons were conducted using the support of educative curriculum materials. Finally, the initial instruments were once again administered along with an interview to obtain changes in teacher's knowledge, beliefs and understandings of science and science teaching. Results from this research indicate that educative curriculum was supportive of teachers in a variety of ways. Most importantly, this curriculum helped teachers to target more aspects of scientific inquiry during their science lessons than lessons without the use of educative curriculum. The important considerations regarding the effectiveness of the educative curriculum for these pre-service teachers were their underlying beliefs about how science should be taught, their uses of the curriculum materials and reflective practices regarding their own teaching. Results specifically related to early childhood educators include the level of inquiry implemented with young children and how children communicate their findings. Young children need support in their participation of inquiry learning. Successful implementation of guided inquiry practices occurred in this research. Also, the teachers in this research found insightful ways that directly supported young children in their communication of ideas. Implications for further research are also discussed. Educative materials could further support pre-service early childhood teachers if additional supports were used including accessible curricular rationales, support in classroom management and the specific use of guided inquiry.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002142, ucf:47520
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002142

Title: RURAL TEACHER SATISFACTION: AN ANALYSIS OF BELIEFSAND ATTITUDES OF RURAL TEACHERS' JOB SATISFACTION.
Creator: Huysman, John, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research was to understand the beliefs and attitudes of teachers that affect their perceptions of job satisfaction in one small rural Florida school district. Data collected included a self-administered survey of Likert-type items measuring 20 factors for job satisfaction (96% response rate), individual semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Analysis of the data confirmed prior research suggesting that multiple factors influence job satisfaction. Intrinsic...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to understand the beliefs and attitudes of teachers that affect their perceptions of job satisfaction in one small rural Florida school district. Data collected included a self-administered survey of Likert-type items measuring 20 factors for job satisfaction (96% response rate), individual semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Analysis of the data confirmed prior research suggesting that multiple factors influence job satisfaction. Intrinsic satisfaction factors were the best predictors of overall job satisfaction: security, activity, social service, variety, and ability utilization. Extrinsic factors were most likely to predict overall dissatisfaction: recognition, company policies, opportunities for advancement, co-workers, and compensation. Interviews and focus groups further confirmed how participants projected personal significance onto these factors and how they interacted. The complexity of these interactions stemmed from personal perceptions and values participants placed on individual extrinsic factors and linked those values to other extrinsic factors. Consequently, other extrinsic factors took on perceptions of dissatisfaction based on the original factor. In addition, this research revealed several issues not previously reported in studies of rural teaching. First, "role confusion" emerged as a major source of job dissatisfaction for teachers who were either raised in the community or who had spent a considerable number of years in the community. These teachers often found themselves frustrated at work because of conflicting expectations and perceptions between their professional roles as teachers and their social roles in the community. Second, a high majority of teachers interviewed expressed dissatisfaction because they believed other teachers to have undue influence and power. However, interview data suggested that power was distributed properly but pervasive informal decision making processes led to the widespread perception of favoritism. In addition, teachers often exercised influence because no one opposed them. This study suggests that research to gain a better understanding of the sociology of rural communities needs to be conducted in rural education generally and specifically in rural teacher job satisfaction. Rural teachers' job satisfaction is complexly intertwined with a wide range of factors. Suggested uses for this study include an invitation for rural administrators and teachers to incorporate issues related to job satisfaction into their school improvement and professional development strategies. Addressing the factors influencing rural teacher job satisfaction, which have been previously overlooked, affords rural administrators a new opportunity to positively influence teacher retention, teacher quality, student achievement, and school climate.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001656, ucf:47240
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001656

Title: HUMAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN THE MIDDLE GRADES CLASSROOM: A REVIEW OF CURRICULA IN A SAMPLE OF FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Creator: Myrick, Melinda, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the extent to which human sexuality topics are covered in Florida middle school science classrooms and the process by which curricular decisions are made regarding human sexuality education on a county-wide basis. Primary data included interviews with county-level administrators who oversee curricular decisions related to the middle-grades science curriculum or health curriculum in twelve school districts within the state. These districts represented four geographic...
Show moreThis study examined the extent to which human sexuality topics are covered in Florida middle school science classrooms and the process by which curricular decisions are made regarding human sexuality education on a county-wide basis. Primary data included interviews with county-level administrators who oversee curricular decisions related to the middle-grades science curriculum or health curriculum in twelve school districts within the state. These districts represented four geographic locations and districts of various sizes. Administrators from four of the twelve studies in the sample chose to provide information regarding their human sexuality education curriculum. In two cases, teacher leads were identified and were interviewed to understand the implementation of the curriculum within the classroom. Additional data were collected from the district curriculum guides for human sexuality education and the adopted middle-grades science textbook for each county. The interview and documentary data were analyzed by comparison to established criteria for a comprehensive human sexuality education curriculum. The analysis revealed that the scope of human sexuality education varied considerably within the sample and that much of the curricula in place failed to include topics and activities that have been identified as important in a successful human sexuality education program. These findings are limited because few counties chose to fully participate. Additional research is clearly needed to examine the effectiveness of existing human sexuality education curricula in Florida. In addition, research is needed to understand the characteristics, values, and beliefs of successful human sexuality education instructors across the state.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001640, ucf:47233
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001640

Title: A DESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROBLEM-SOLVING EXPERIENCES OF PHYSICS STUDENTS.
Creator: Savrda, Sherry, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences...
Show moreThis study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences were used to investigate the model. Results of the study showed that conceptual resources had a significant impact on the success of problem-solving attempts. Participants who exhibited a lack of understanding of physics concepts were less likely to check their work, use diagrams effectively, set subgoals, or to use geometric or trigonometric resources, and were more likely to use a formula-driven search for a solution than those who exhibited evidence of conceptual understanding. However, conceptual understanding did guarantee problem-solving success. Mathematical and procedural knowledge was also seen as important. While many of the specific observations were consistent with the existing literature, the model provides an alternative framework with which to understand and synthesize those observations. The model was shown to be partially successful in describing participants' problem-solving experiences. Categorization, resource relevance and goal interpretation were supported to varying degrees; however, there was less evidence to support the construct of complexity. Determination of evidence for stabilization was guided by a working definition based on the participants' search for a stable understanding of the problem. Implications of these results for research and practice were noted.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001619, ucf:47170
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001619

Title: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF SEVEN URBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS RELATED TO RETENTION.
Creator: Dunn, Lu, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Job satisfaction is essential to retain teachers in classrooms. Increased challenges in today's classrooms discourage many teachers from reaching veteran status. Teachers with a perception that they are making a difference appear to have more resilience in the difficult times in their classrooms. Purpose: To investigate the experiences of middle school science teachers. This study explored the influence of perceptions, beliefs, and experiences on job attrition and teacher...
Show moreBackground: Job satisfaction is essential to retain teachers in classrooms. Increased challenges in today's classrooms discourage many teachers from reaching veteran status. Teachers with a perception that they are making a difference appear to have more resilience in the difficult times in their classrooms. Purpose: To investigate the experiences of middle school science teachers. This study explored the influence of perceptions, beliefs, and experiences on job attrition and teacher satisfaction; and helps explain the cumulative effects that contributed to teachers' dissatisfaction. This study analyzed the intensification of the teaching profession and the increased emotional stress this causes for teachers. Setting: Five public middle schools in a large urban school district in central Florida. A total of seven teachers participated in the study. Subjects: Seven middle school science teachers were selected based on their years of experience, method of teacher training, and ability to participate in the entire study. Research Design: Phenomenological. Data Collection and Analysis: The data were collected through focus groups, interviews, journals, and classroom observations. The audio-taped portions were transcribed then analyzed with NVivo/NUD*IST, Revision 1.2 to find common themes. The initial themes were subsequently reduced for manageability. The teachers stories were separated to provide support as the themes emerged. Findings: Teachers who were more experienced by years on the job or more extensive initial training appeared to have more resilience for the difficulties in their job. Satisfaction with their job seemed to be influenced by professional identity, teacher preparation, personal experiences, curriculum policy, and cultural diversity. Conclusions: Analyzing the perceptions and beliefs of teachers who are in classrooms can provide insights to improve conditions to encourage teachers to stay. The analysis strongly suggests that teachers who feel supported and valued are more likely to remain in the classroom in spite of the challenges they encounter.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002494, ucf:47687
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002494

Title: READING MOTIVATION IN UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: HOW CHILDREN EXPLAIN READING FOR PLEASURE.
Creator: Poppe, Rebecca, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This qualitative study investigated the phenomenon of the pleasure reading experience in fourth and fifth grade students. The purpose of the study was to create a dialogue with children regarding their leisure reading habits in an effort to inform our understanding of aliteracy, a term that refers to having the ability to read but choosing not to. Fourth grade students were surveyed to uncover their attitudes toward pleasure reading and eleven students were chosen for interviews. Comparative...
Show moreThis qualitative study investigated the phenomenon of the pleasure reading experience in fourth and fifth grade students. The purpose of the study was to create a dialogue with children regarding their leisure reading habits in an effort to inform our understanding of aliteracy, a term that refers to having the ability to read but choosing not to. Fourth grade students were surveyed to uncover their attitudes toward pleasure reading and eleven students were chosen for interviews. Comparative data was obtained from those students who conveyed either extremely negative or extremely positive attitudes toward reading. Students of both genders were selected who had varied ability levels. Parents and fourth-grade teachers were also interviewed in an effort to triangulate data. This study revealed similarities in the way reluctant readers and motivated readers experience pleasure reading physically and intellectually and contrasts in the way these children emotionally, psychologically, and socially experience pleasure reading. Reluctant readers described preferring reality-based and experiential approaches to leisure-time activities while motivated readers described the ability to internalize stories they read for pleasure. Parental modeling did not prove to be a strong influence with this group of children and reluctant readers reported that the Accelerated Reader program provided motivation for them to read in order to meet classroom requirements.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000635, ucf:46528
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000635

Title: ATTAINMENT OF DOCTORAL DEGREE FORAMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE WOMEN.
Creator: Hanna, Rosalin, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population is challenged with diverse learning styles, high-risk behaviors, low economic status, low enrollment predictions, lower total education achievement, or lower graduate level higher education. However, AI/AN doctoral degree recipients may be successful due to diverse sources of support. Data from 1992 to 2002 SED was analyzed using Chi square tests to observe the trends of the total number of AI/AN women receiving doctoral degree compared to...
Show moreThe American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population is challenged with diverse learning styles, high-risk behaviors, low economic status, low enrollment predictions, lower total education achievement, or lower graduate level higher education. However, AI/AN doctoral degree recipients may be successful due to diverse sources of support. Data from 1992 to 2002 SED was analyzed using Chi square tests to observe the trends of the total number of AI/AN women receiving doctoral degree compared to trends to African-American/Black, Hispanic, Asian, White, Other / Unknown women doctoral degree recipients. A two-way contingency table analysis was conducted to compare the difference in the total number of AI/AN female doctoral degree students with female doctoral degree recipients in other races. The Asian, White, and Other/Unknown were found to be significant in total number of doctoral degree recipients when compared to AI/AN population from 1992 to 2002, year to year. In a follow-up pair wise comparison conducted to evaluate these differences between consecutive years for the groups only the Other/Unknown category was significant. In addition, each race experienced a decline in the total female doctoral degree recipients during 1999 to 2002. However, the AI/AN female doctoral degree recipient group experienced the most drastic decreases, - 26.9 percent from 1999 to 2000. More AI/AN women are enrolled in colleges however they may be inadequately prepared to progress to doctoral programs due to poor availability of sources of support. Therefore, a survey questionnaire was designed to provide descriptive information on sources of social, emotional, academic, and professional support that was available for AI/AN women doctoral degree recipients. On the survey sources of social, emotional, academic, and professional support during graduate school were asked to be selected from: Committee Chair, Committee Member, Graduate Faculty, Graduate Colleagues, Other Faculty, Spouse/partner, Family, Employer, Friend, Tribal Group, Elder, Mentor, or Other. All sources of support that applied were selected, as well as, top three main sources. Forty-six surveys were completed, and the most frequent source (91 percent) and most common primary source (41 percent) of support selected for survey respondents was their Committee Chair. The survey data analysis offers observations of frequencies of this scarcely studied population.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000548, ucf:46436
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000548

Title: INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES IN ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAMS: "WHAT METHODS ARE OF MOST WORTH?".
Creator: Cummings, Nancy, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study sought to understand effective and ineffective instructional practices in clinical settings and to identify problem-solving strategies used by students and instructors. Three research questions were addressed: where in the undergraduate athletic training education program do students learn, or fail to learn, particular skills; "what instructional methods are of most worth" in teaching these skills, as perceived by the students; and what are the problem-solving strategies used by...
Show moreThis study sought to understand effective and ineffective instructional practices in clinical settings and to identify problem-solving strategies used by students and instructors. Three research questions were addressed: where in the undergraduate athletic training education program do students learn, or fail to learn, particular skills; "what instructional methods are of most worth" in teaching these skills, as perceived by the students; and what are the problem-solving strategies used by novice, experienced non-expert, and expert athletic trainers when confronted with novel situations. The subjects were nine students ("novices") and ten Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI's) from three programs in the Southeast United States. Five ACI's were categorized as "experienced non-experts" and five as "experts". All subjects were videotaped while performing various tasks. Each subject was required to think-aloud while they performed typical tasks expected of an entry-level certified athletic trainer, as designated by the NATA Education Council. Subjects then performed a stimulated-recall session, with analysis adapted from Ericsson and Simon (1993). The main findings of this study supported the well-respected teaching notion of "first teach them, then show them, then have them do it". Most concepts were first taught via lecture in the classroom; however, participants believed the "method of most worth" to be hands-on strategies displayed in clinical settings and labs. This study confirmed and disconfirmed aspects of prior research on problem solving. Experts: offered the most verbal comments, used their self-talk to stay on task, displayed intimate rapport with the models, and used various problem-solving strategies based upon the task at hand. Experienced non-experts: tended to drift in their verbal comments, felt the need to justify their answers, spoke mostly with verbal commands, and used several problem solving strategies. Novices: provided the fewest verbal comments, apologized throughout their sessions, often found the problem statement to be the problem itself, and used basic problem solving strategies. Demographics revealed that close relationships, balanced with manageable ACI's and clinical sites, created the most successful programs. Based on the findings of this study, future research must focus on how to best design the curriculum to take advantage of these "methods of most worth".
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000269, ucf:46217
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000269

Title: ADDRESSING SCIENTIFIC LITERACY THROUGH CONTENT AREA READING AND PROCESSES OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: WHAT TEACHERS REPORT.
Creator: Cooper, Susan, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to interpret the experiences of secondary science teachers in Florida as they address the scientific literacy of their students through teaching content reading strategies and student inquiry skills. Knowledge of the successful integration of content reading and inquiry skills by experienced classroom teachers would be useful to many educators as they plan instruction to achieve challenging state and national standards for reading as well as science. The problem...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to interpret the experiences of secondary science teachers in Florida as they address the scientific literacy of their students through teaching content reading strategies and student inquiry skills. Knowledge of the successful integration of content reading and inquiry skills by experienced classroom teachers would be useful to many educators as they plan instruction to achieve challenging state and national standards for reading as well as science. The problem was investigated using grounded theory methodology. Open-ended questions were asked in three focus groups and six individual interviews that included teachers from various Florida school districts. The constant comparative approach was used to analyze the data. Initial codes were collapsed into categories to determine the conceptual relationships among the data. From this, the five core categories were determined to be Influencers, Issues, Perceptions, Class Routines, and Future Needs. These relate to the central phenomenon, Instructional Modifications, because teachers often described pragmatic and philosophical changes in their teaching as they deliberated to meet state standards in both reading and science. Although Florida's secondary science teachers have been asked to incorporate content reading strategies into their science instruction for the past several years, there was limited evidence of using these strategies to further student understanding of scientific processes. Most teachers saw little connection between reading and inquiry, other than the fact that students must know how to read to follow directions in the lab. Scientific literacy, when it was addressed by teachers, was approached mainly through class discussions, not reading. Teachers realized that students cannot learn secondary science content unless they read science text with comprehension; therefore the focus of reading instruction was on learning science content, not scientific literacy or student inquiry. Most of the teachers were actively looking for reading materials and strategies to facilitate student understanding of science concepts, but they did not want to give up limited class time attempting methods that have not been proven to be successful in science classrooms.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000266, ucf:46218
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000266

Title: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE BEILE TEST OF INFORMATION LITERACY FOR EDUCATION (B-TILED).
Creator: Beile O'Neil, Penny, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Few constituencies exist where it is more important to produce information literate individuals than teacher candidates, yet rarely is it suggested that practitioners entering the field are adequately prepared to teach and model information literacy to their students. As a result, information literacy has been established as a key outcome by a number of teacher education accrediting bodies and professional associations. Corollary to this initiative is the effort to develop valid instruments...
Show moreFew constituencies exist where it is more important to produce information literate individuals than teacher candidates, yet rarely is it suggested that practitioners entering the field are adequately prepared to teach and model information literacy to their students. As a result, information literacy has been established as a key outcome by a number of teacher education accrediting bodies and professional associations. Corollary to this initiative is the effort to develop valid instruments that assess information literacy skills. Yet, at the time of this dissertation, no rigorously reviewed instruments were uncovered that measure the information literacy skills levels of teacher candidates. The study describes the development and validation of the Beile Test of Information Literacy for Education (B-TILED). Funded in part by the Institute for Library and Information Literacy Education and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the study is part of a national initiative spear-headed by the Project for the Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS). Test content is based on nationally recognized standards from the International Society for Technology in Education and the Association of College and Research Libraries. Procedures designed to enhance the scale's validity were woven throughout its development. 172 teacher education students at a large, metropolitan university completed a protocol consisting of 22 test items and 13 demographic and self-percept items. This instrument can be used to inform curricular and instructional decisions and to provide evidence of institutional effectiveness for program reviews.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000749, ucf:46591
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000749

Title: ADDRESSING THE IMPACT THAT WORKSHOP SITE COORDINATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS HAVE ON THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM.
Creator: McKenna, Valerie, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation studied the beliefs and practices of principals, workshop site coordinators, and science support personnel in two Central Florida school districts and compared those beliefs and practices to the literature on effective science in-service education. It is important to understand these beliefs and practices because they directly affect the content and pedagogical knowledge of classroom teachers, yet this aspect of instructional practices has been ignored in the science...
Show moreThis dissertation studied the beliefs and practices of principals, workshop site coordinators, and science support personnel in two Central Florida school districts and compared those beliefs and practices to the literature on effective science in-service education. It is important to understand these beliefs and practices because they directly affect the content and pedagogical knowledge of classroom teachers, yet this aspect of instructional practices has been ignored in the science education literature. This study used a grounded theory methodology using open-ended individual interviews, participants observation, and documented analysis. Constant comparisons were built through analyzing the data. The research shows that in-service providers' and administrators' beliefs are aligned with the effective science education in-service literature. The conditions and context are ripe for changes because principals and workshop site coordinators' beliefs are aligned with the literature and changes are already beginning to take place. The intervening conditions may lead to improved teacher knowledge, teaching, and learning because standardized testing is expanding to incoporate the content area of science. Also workshop site coordinators are trying to set up a variety of opportunities to attend workshops on the same topic throughout the school year. Budgets are being restructured at the school level and district level to incorporate more science content professional development. However, it is too early to show how much improvement there will be in standardized test scores or whether teachers' have a deeper understanding of science content knowledge or effective science instruction.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000715, ucf:46620
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000715

Title: ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES IN GENERAL EDUCATION CLASSROOMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE.
Creator: Gischel, Carolynne, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) have traditionally been educated in self-contained special education settings. Recent legislative changes such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 have led to increased inclusion of students with EBD in general education classrooms. Because of these changes, general educators need to know which research-based interventions are effective in improving academic...
Show moreStudents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) have traditionally been educated in self-contained special education settings. Recent legislative changes such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 have led to increased inclusion of students with EBD in general education classrooms. Because of these changes, general educators need to know which research-based interventions are effective in improving academic performance with these students. This systematic review examined the literature to identify research-based effective interventions for students with EBD served in general education settings. Studies included in this review had to meet the following criteria: research sample includes students identified with EBD as their primary disability who are being educated full time in general education settings; description of intervention and implementation are thorough enough to allow replication; documented relationship between intervention and academic performance is clearly established; and data documenting intervention effect is provided. The focus of interventions for students with EBD is too often only on controlling behavior, whereas this review focused on improving academics. Studies not meeting these criteria were excluded from the review. These inclusion and exclusion criteria were necessary to identify studies relevant to current practice of inclusion, as well as to provide information to educators on interventions having an effect on academic performance. Five studies met all inclusion criteria. Effective interventions included: writing instruction, discovery teaching, teacher modeling, cross-age tutoring, and guided notes. Nineteen studies met all inclusion criteria except setting, with intervention and data collection performed in self-contained special education classrooms. These studies suggest that peer-tutoring and self-management interventions may also be effective if introduced into general education classrooms. The study concludes by suggesting specific methodological criteria needed for future research in this area.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002196, ucf:47914
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002196

Title: CONTENT AND CITATION ANALYSIS OF INTERDISCIPLINARY HUMANITIES TEXTBOOKS WITHIN A FRAMEWORK OF CURRICULUM THEORY.
Creator: Guidera, Julie, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this dissertation was to analyze the content of textbooks used in undergraduate survey courses in interdisciplinary humanities to understand the content of the curriculum and how an author's viewpoint shapes the product. By enumerating the texts and images authors and their publishers used to illustrate 20th century culture and the transition into the 21st century, the analysis generated a description of the range of perspectives from traditional to postmodern found in six...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation was to analyze the content of textbooks used in undergraduate survey courses in interdisciplinary humanities to understand the content of the curriculum and how an author's viewpoint shapes the product. By enumerating the texts and images authors and their publishers used to illustrate 20th century culture and the transition into the 21st century, the analysis generated a description of the range of perspectives from traditional to postmodern found in six sampled textbooks. Textbook content provided chronological data, while authors' source citations established identity properties of the works' contributors. Through a ranking system of authors' treatment of content and citations, the most traditional perspectives were compared to the most postmodern. Classifying cultural contributors by identity properties gave a quantitative rate of inclusion of traditionally excluded groups. A trend of increase in "diversity-infusion" was observed among all authors when the content of the textbooks was compared in chronological sequence. The qualitative differences, as constructed for this dissertation, indicate that each textbook constitutes a varied and unique representation of author perspective. The project's contribution to future research is the development of a database of art works and literary sources from the years 1900-2006 that can be used for quantification and for further study.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002851, ucf:48075
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002851

Title: ARE APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND/OR STUDENT EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION SCORES RELATED TO THE AMOUNT OF FACULTY FORMAL EDUATIONAL COURSEWORK?.
Creator: Schellhase, Kristen, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are correlations among an instructor's approach to teaching, student evaluation of instruction outcomes, and the amount of formal coursework in education a teacher has completed. Three research questions provided the focus for the study: (1) to determine if there is a correlation between the number of formal educational courses taken by athletic training educational program (ATEP) faculty and their approach to teaching; (2) to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate if there are correlations among an instructor's approach to teaching, student evaluation of instruction outcomes, and the amount of formal coursework in education a teacher has completed. Three research questions provided the focus for the study: (1) to determine if there is a correlation between the number of formal educational courses taken by athletic training educational program (ATEP) faculty and their approach to teaching; (2) to determine if there is a correlation between the amount of formal educational courses taken by ATEP faculty and their students' evaluations of instruction; and (3) to determine if there is a relationship between faculty's approach to teaching and students' evaluations of instruction. The population for the study was certified athletic trainers working as full-time faculty in ATEPs in the State of Florida. Data were generated using all eligible faculty from 10 of the 13 universities in Florida that offer Athletic Training Educational Programs. The study included faculty who teach in large and small ATEPs. Faculty from public and private, large and small universities were also represented. The faculty completed questionnaires that included demographic information, the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI-R) and the Students' Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) questionnaire. Based on the research findings, there is clear evidence that there is a lack of uniformity among ATEP faculty in the area of formal exposure to pedagogy and curriculum. 17.6% (n = 3) of respondents earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and 18.8% (n = 3) of respondents earned a master's degree in education, health education, or physical education. Of the 77.8% (n = 14) of respondents who completed or were in progress with a doctoral degree, 42.9% (n = 6) degrees were related to education. Faculty reported completing a mean of 9.25 courses related to education (SD = 7.39). The number of educational courses taken ranged from 0 to 25 courses. The study demonstrates that there is a correlation of large effect size between the amount of formal educational coursework and the SEEQ subscale value of "Assignments/Readings." In addition, the "Assignments/Readings" and "Learning/Academic Value" subscale scores on the SEEQ were significantly higher when instructors had completed more than 10 educational courses. The study found moderate and large correlations and medium and large effect sizes between the scores of 7 of the 8 remaining SEEQ subscales and the number of education courses taken by faculty. In addition, there was a moderate correlation and medium effect size between the total score of the SEEQ and the number of education courses taken by faculty. Though statistically non-significant, each of these correlations were positive and may demonstrate a need for the study to be replicated using greater statistical power.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002767, ucf:48128
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002767

Title: EXAMINING ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ACCEPTANCE OF NETWORK VIRTUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY USING THE TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL.
Creator: Yousif, Wael K. Yousif, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This causal and correlational study was designed to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and to test its applicability to Valencia Community College (VCC) Engineering and Technology students as the target user group when investigating the factors influencing their decision to adopt and to utilize VMware as the target technology. In addition to the primary three indigenous factors: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention toward utilization, the model was also...
Show moreThis causal and correlational study was designed to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and to test its applicability to Valencia Community College (VCC) Engineering and Technology students as the target user group when investigating the factors influencing their decision to adopt and to utilize VMware as the target technology. In addition to the primary three indigenous factors: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention toward utilization, the model was also extended with enjoyment, external control, and computer self-efficacy as antecedents to perceived ease of use. In an attempt to further increase the explanatory power of the model, the Task-Technology Fit constructs (TTF) were included as antecedents to perceived usefulness. The model was also expanded with subjective norms and voluntariness to assess the degree to which social influences affect students decision for adoption and utilization. This study was conducted during the fall term of 2009, using 11 instruments: (1) VMware Tools Functions Instrument; (2) Computer Networking Tasks Characteristics Instrument; (3) Perceived Usefulness Instrument; (4) Voluntariness Instrument; (5) Subjective Norms Instrument; (6) Perceived Enjoyment Instrument; (7) Computer Self-Efficacy Instrument; (8) Perception of External Control Instrument; (9) Perceived Ease of Use Instrument; (10) Intention Instrument; and (11) a Utilization Instrument. The 11 instruments collectively contained 58 items. Additionally, a demographics instrument of six items was included to investigate the influence of age, prior experience with the technology, prior experience in computer networking, academic enrollment status, and employment status on student intentions and behavior with regard to VMware as a network virtualization technology. Data were analyzed using path analysis, regressions, and univariate analysis of variance in SPSS and AMOS for Windows. The results suggest that perceived ease of use was found to be the strongest determinant of student intention. The analysis also suggested that external control, measuring the facilitating conditions (knowledge, resources, etc) necessary for adoption was the highest predictor of perceived ease of use. Consistent with previous studies, perceived ease of use was found to be the strongest predictor of perceived usefulness followed by subjective norms as students continued to use the technology. Even though the integration of the task-technology fit construct was not helpful in explaining the variance in student perceived usefulness of the target technology, it was statistically significant in predicting student perception of ease of use. The study concluded with recommendations to investigate other factors (such as service quality and ease of implementation) that might contribute to explaining the variance in perceived ease of use as the primary driving force in influencing student decision for adoption. A recommendation was also made to modify the task-technology fit construct instruments to improve the articulation and the specificity of the task. The need for further examination of the influence of the instructor on student decision for adoption of a target technology was also emphasized.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003071, ucf:48313
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003071

Title: GAME ASSESSMENT FOR MILTARY APPLICATION.
Creator: McNeese, Patricia, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary purpose of conducting this research was to establish game assessment guidelines and characteristics for integrating elected characteristics of games into ongoing instructional approaches. The cost of repurposing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) games could offer a considerably lower cost alternative than the cost of creating a new instructional game developed for a specific instructional goal. The McNeese Game Assessment Tool (MGAT), created for the assessment of games in this...
Show moreThe primary purpose of conducting this research was to establish game assessment guidelines and characteristics for integrating elected characteristics of games into ongoing instructional approaches. The cost of repurposing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) games could offer a considerably lower cost alternative than the cost of creating a new instructional game developed for a specific instructional goal. The McNeese Game Assessment Tool (MGAT), created for the assessment of games in this usability study, is currently in a beta stage and was found to have potential for future game assessment. The overall assessment indicated that the tool was effective in analyzing game products for reuse potential and that the five instruments that make up the tool did meet the purpose of the design. However, the study also indicated that the instruments needed recommended modifications and further testing with a larger population group before the tool could be utilized. The assessment process identified in this study was a step forward in the area of game and simulation integration research. This study indicated that more research is needed in the area of instructional design to enhance instructional integration goals for future game, simulation and training applications.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002602, ucf:48257
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002602

Title: INTERRATER RELIABILITY OF PSYCHOMOTOR SKILL ASSESSMENT IN ATHLETIC TRAINING.
Creator: Craddock, Jason, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Assessment in athletic training education is an evolutionary process that is determined by each individual Athletic Training Education Program. The autonomy authorized by national accreditation standards allows academic programs to determine the appropriate assessment practices that facilitate the meeting of student learning outcomes. Even with autonomy, formative and summative techniques are to be employed in both the didactic and clinical arenas of athletic training education programs. The...
Show moreAssessment in athletic training education is an evolutionary process that is determined by each individual Athletic Training Education Program. The autonomy authorized by national accreditation standards allows academic programs to determine the appropriate assessment practices that facilitate the meeting of student learning outcomes. Even with autonomy, formative and summative techniques are to be employed in both the didactic and clinical arenas of athletic training education programs. The major objective of athletic training education is to prepare students for entry-level practice in athletic training. The purpose of this study was to assess interrater reliability of athletic training faculty and approved clinical instructors in their rating of athletic training student performance on four psychomotor skills. A total of 115 individuals participated in this study. Thirty two faculty and 83 approved clinical instructors completed the online survey The results of this study indicate that the overall reliability was high for the entire population as well as the subgroups analyzed. Even though the overall reliability was high, three specific criteria out of a total of 29 criteria had lower reliability scores. These findings may indicate that there may be a high degree of agreement between academic faculty and approved clinical instructors in the rating of athletic training students in their performance of psychomotor skills.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002639, ucf:48232
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002639

science education (5)	+ -
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