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Title: DEVELOPING THE INDIVIDUAL TO STRENGTHEN THE WHOLE: THE APPLICATION OF VIEWPOINTS TRAINING TO IMPACT THE SOCIAL COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTORS IN A HIGH SCHOOL ENSEMBLE.
Creator: Horn, Elizabeth, Listengarten, Julia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research explores the application of Viewpoints and Composition training with a cast of high school students to measure changes in the social cognitive development (SCD) of individuals and the collective group. The research centers on the writing of Michael F. Mascolo and Deborah Margolis, which takes a coactive approach to the relationship between oneÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â's social cognitive development...
Show moreThis research explores the application of Viewpoints and Composition training with a cast of high school students to measure changes in the social cognitive development (SCD) of individuals and the collective group. The research centers on the writing of Michael F. Mascolo and Deborah Margolis, which takes a coactive approach to the relationship between oneÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â‚ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â's social cognitive development and how it is manifested in his or her actions within a social group. Using this framework, the researcher assesses the personality types within the cast and analyzes how utilizing Viewpoints training creates shifts within these personalities. The researcher approaches this study from both a theoretical standpoint as a student during a two-week intensive training course for adults with SITI Company, and a practical standpoint in the direction of a fully mounted production with high school actors. The objective of the research is to propose a method to implement advanced Viewpoints training within a high school ensemble in order to cultivate ensemble and ultimately aid the social cognitive development of the individual actors.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0002996, ucf:47936
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002996

Title: Audience Engagement in Theatre for Young Audiences: Teaching Artistry to Cultivate Tomorrow's Theatre-Goers.
Creator: Woods-Robinson, Julie, Horn, Elizabeth, Wood, Vandy, Boyd, Belinda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As a teaching artist and theatre educator, I believe an important part of the theatre-going experience is when an audience engages with the play before and after the performance: learning about context, analyzing the production, and identifying themes relevant to the play. Theatre is a powerful teaching tool with regards to empathy and political and social awareness, but also, for young audiences, theatre can help students understand content in other subject areas like language arts, history,...
Show moreAs a teaching artist and theatre educator, I believe an important part of the theatre-going experience is when an audience engages with the play before and after the performance: learning about context, analyzing the production, and identifying themes relevant to the play. Theatre is a powerful teaching tool with regards to empathy and political and social awareness, but also, for young audiences, theatre can help students understand content in other subject areas like language arts, history, and even health. This thesis develops best practices for creating effective audience engagement with young people in theatre(&)nbsp;in the form of Field Trip Plus at Orlando Repertory Theatre, an enrichment program linking professional season productions to pre- and post-show workshops. It explores(&)nbsp;the following questions: What is audience engagement, and what are the benefits of audience engagement practices on retention and meaning-making? What is the history of audience engagement in Theatre for Young Audiences, and what are some examples of TYA companies intentionally engaging young people before and after performances? It(&)nbsp;focuses specifically on the development of Theatre-In-Education in the United Kingdom as an example of integrated drama and education practice which is supported by the pedagogy of Lev Vygotsky, Dorothy Heathcote, and Augusto Boal. It considers how the work of these theorists can also be applied to Field Trip Plus. This thesis is the personal exploration of a teaching artist(&)nbsp;practicing engagement strategies within Orlando Repertory Theatre, an established Theatre for Young Audiences,(&)nbsp;that will help young people make connections between state education standards and the play, cultivate their curiosity for learning through the arts, and become life-long active audience members.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007115, ucf:51949
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007115

Title: Analyzing Faculty Attitudes and Actions Surrounding Distance Education Accommodations and Inclusiveness Based On UDL Principles.
Creator: Cash, Catherine, Cox, Thomas, Vitale, Thomas, Preston, Michael, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As distance education continues to increase, it is vital that postsecondary institutions contribute time and resources towards upholding inclusive teaching practices that decrease barriers and increase opportunities for diverse student populations. This study examined faculty attitudes and actions surrounding online accommodations and inclusive teaching practices that were based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles using the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI), which...
Show moreAs distance education continues to increase, it is vital that postsecondary institutions contribute time and resources towards upholding inclusive teaching practices that decrease barriers and increase opportunities for diverse student populations. This study examined faculty attitudes and actions surrounding online accommodations and inclusive teaching practices that were based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles using the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI), which was adapted into the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory-Distance Education (ITSI-DE) to focus on faculty teaching fully online courses. The ITSI-DE measured the following seven constructs: (a) Accommodations, (b) Accessible Course Materials, (c) Course Modifications, (d) Inclusive Lecture Strategies, (e) Inclusive Classroom, (f) Inclusive Assessment, and (g) Disability Law and Concepts (Lombardi et al., 2015). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) affirmed a five-factor structure for action subscales, and seven-factor structure for attitudinal subscales for the ITSI-DE. The internal consistency calculated for the ITSI-DE was consistent with prior values reported for the ITSI, which ranged from .70 to .85 (Lombardi et al., 2013). A Pearson product moment correlation was performed, which confirmed a statistically significant correlation between faculty attitudes and actions. Next, a multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine if significant differences existed between faculty attitudes and actions based on instructional rank, college, age, or gender. Results affirmed statistically significant differences between faculty attitudes and actions based on gender. Lastly, no significant findings were associated with the three chi square test of association that were performed to identify if college, age, or gender influenced preferred methods of training on inclusive teaching practices. Descriptive statistics indicated the largest percentage of faculty preferred to receive information and training on inclusive teaching practices via online methods (46.8%) versus face-to-face methods (34.3%) and hard copy print methods (18.9%).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007747, ucf:52399
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007747

Title: Viability of a Residential Integrated Stormwater, Graywater, and Wastewater Treatment System.
Creator: Goolsby, Matthew, Chopra, Manoj, Wanielista, Martin, Randall, Andrew, Chang, Ni-bin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The subject of water scarcity and the rate of water consumption have become popular over the last few decades. Within the topic of water consumption, there are two separate issues from a residential standpoint. The first concern is the steadily increasing need for viable alternative water sources to be utilized for non-potable applications in an effort to reduce potable water demands. The second concern is the need to significantly reduce of nutrient-laden wastewater effluent discharge from...
Show moreThe subject of water scarcity and the rate of water consumption have become popular over the last few decades. Within the topic of water consumption, there are two separate issues from a residential standpoint. The first concern is the steadily increasing need for viable alternative water sources to be utilized for non-potable applications in an effort to reduce potable water demands. The second concern is the need to significantly reduce of nutrient-laden wastewater effluent discharge from septic systems in order to sustain groundwater quality and prevent adverse ecological impacts. This study addresses both issues with two separate systems integrated into one environmentally functional home that emphasizes low impact development (LID) practices. The first objective of the study is to quantify the performance of the passive treatment Bold (&) GoldTM reactive filter bed (FDOH classified (")innovative system(")) for nutrient removal. The second objective is to monitor the water quality of the combined graywater/stormwater cistern for non-potable use and asses all components (green roof, gutters, graywater treatment, AC condensate, well water, stormwater contribution). The performance of the passive innovative system is compared to past studies and regulatory standards. Also, a bench scale model of the OSTDS is constructed at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Stormwater Management Academy Research and Testing Lab (SMART Lab) and tested to provide effluent data at two different residence times. Complex physical, biological, and chemical theories are applied to the analysis of wastewater treatment performance. The data from the OSTDS and stormwater/graywater cistern both systems are also assessed using statistical analysis. The results of the OSTDS are compared to FDOH regulatory requirements for (")Secondary Treatment Standards("), and (")Advanced Secondary Treatment Standards(") with positive results. The bench scale results verify that both biological nutrient removal and physiochemical sorption are occurring within the filter media and quantified the relationship between removal rates and hydraulic residence time (HRT).The combined graywater/stormwater cistern contains acceptable water quality and operates efficiently. The demand on the cistern results in about 50% capacity utilization of the cistern and there is a consistent dependency on the artesian well. The salinity content and high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the cistern water did not produce any noticeable adverse impacts on the home other than scale formation in the toilet. The results of the research determined that the implementation of the integrated system is a viable option at the residential level.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004114, ucf:49094
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004114

Title: Examining the Effects of Self-Regulated Strategy Development in Combination with Video Self-Modeling on Writing by Third Grade Students with Learning Disabilities.
Creator: Miller, Katie, Little, Mary, Dieker, Lisa, Pearl, Cynthia, Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examined the effects of self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), a cognitive strategy instructional method, on opinion writing by third grade students with learning disabilities. A video self-modeling (VSM) component was added to the SRSD method. A multiple probe across participants, single-subject design was used to determine the effectiveness of the SRSD instructional strategy, (POW + TREE), in combination with video self-modeling. Data from various components of writing,...
Show moreThis research examined the effects of self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), a cognitive strategy instructional method, on opinion writing by third grade students with learning disabilities. A video self-modeling (VSM) component was added to the SRSD method. A multiple probe across participants, single-subject design was used to determine the effectiveness of the SRSD instructional strategy, (POW + TREE), in combination with video self-modeling. Data from various components of writing, including essay elements, length of responses, time spent writing, and overall writing quality, were collected and assessed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. All students who received the intervention improved their overall writing performance on opinion essays as measured by the number of opinion essay elements, including topic sentence, reasons, examples, and ending. During the maintenance phase of the intervention, students who received a VSM booster session increased their total number of opinion essay elements back to mastery levels.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004893, ucf:49674
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004893

Title: A Case Study Evaluation of Quality Standards and Online Faculty Development.
Creator: O'Brien, Erin, Gunter, Glenda, Hartshorne, Richard, Thompson, Kelvin, Vitale, Thomas, Haggerty, Dorothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice was designed to provide an evaluation case study of two institutions, one college and one university, in the field of online learning and quality assurance. The writer evaluated these two institutions of higher learning to discover what online teaching criteria are required and what quality assurance processes are being used to assess the quality of the institutions' online courses. An analysis of the data revealed that both institutions were at the appropriate...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice was designed to provide an evaluation case study of two institutions, one college and one university, in the field of online learning and quality assurance. The writer evaluated these two institutions of higher learning to discover what online teaching criteria are required and what quality assurance processes are being used to assess the quality of the institutions' online courses. An analysis of the data revealed that both institutions were at the appropriate stage of development, support, training and quality assurance measures for their sizes, online populations and for the length of time they have been involved in online learning. Findings revealed that both institutions had a quality assurance process in place that is appropriate to their location, population and faculty. There is much to be learned by examining the two different credentialing and quality assurance approaches to online teaching and learning that these two different institutions employ for anyone interested in improving their institutions' processes.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005855, ucf:50919
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005855

Title: The Design and Evaluation of a Video Game to Help Train Perspective-Taking and Empathy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Creator: Hughes, Darin, Vasquez, Eleazar, Kincaid, John, Marino, Matthew, Lindgren, Robb, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This paper discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a serious game intended to reinforce applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing a low cost and easily accessible supplement to traditional methods. Past and recent research strongly supports the use of computer assisted instruction in the education of individuals with ASD (Moore (&) Calvert, 2000; Noor, Shahbodin, (&) Pee, 2012). Computer games have been shown...
Show moreThis paper discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a serious game intended to reinforce applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing a low cost and easily accessible supplement to traditional methods. Past and recent research strongly supports the use of computer assisted instruction in the education of individuals with ASD (Moore (&) Calvert, 2000; Noor, Shahbodin, (&) Pee, 2012). Computer games have been shown to boost confidence and provide calming mechanisms (Griffiths, 2003) while being a safe environment for social exploration and learning (Moore, Cheng, McGrath, (&) Powell, 2005). Games increase children's motivation and thus increase the rate of learning in computer mediated environments (Moore (&) Calvert, 2000). Furthermore, children with ASD are able to understand basic emotions and facial expressions in avatars more easily than in real-world interactions (Moore, Cheng, McGrath, (&) Powell, 2005).Perspective-taking (also known as role-taking) has been shown to be a crucial component and antecedent to empathy (Gomez-Becerra, Martin, Chavez-Brown, (&) Greer, 2007; Peng, Lee, (&) Heeter, 2010). Though symptoms vary across children with ASD, perspective-taking and empathy are abilities that have been shown to be limited across a wide spectrum of individuals with ASD and Asperger's disorder (Gomez-Becerra, Martin, Chavez-Brown, (&) Greer, 2007). A game called WUBeeS was developed to aid young children with ASD in perspective taking and empathy by placing the player in the role of a caregiver to a virtual avatar. It is hypothesized that through the playing of this game over a series of trials, children with ASD will show an increase in the ability to discriminate emotions, provide appropriate responses to basic needs (e.g. feeding the avatar when it is hungry), and be able to communicate more clearly about emotions.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005184, ucf:50654
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005184

Title: Understanding and Mitigating Sources of Teacher Dissatisfaction.
Creator: Howard, Carl, Boote, David, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Hayes, Grant, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice focuses on a review of literature to answer the guiding question, what can teachers and other educational stakeholders do to help address their sources of dissatisfaction in order to build a positive school climate? The author used a modified frame analysis from Bolman and Deal, other published literature, and personal experience to identify seven different, but sometimes related, domains that affect teachers and school climate. These seven domains include...
Show moreThis dissertation in practice focuses on a review of literature to answer the guiding question, what can teachers and other educational stakeholders do to help address their sources of dissatisfaction in order to build a positive school climate? The author used a modified frame analysis from Bolman and Deal, other published literature, and personal experience to identify seven different, but sometimes related, domains that affect teachers and school climate. These seven domains include operations/management, contract application, professional development, classroom management, interpersonal, financial, and unanticipated events. The modified frame analysis was used to help empower teachers to solve problems that affect their performance and motivation, to prevent burnout, attrition, as well as help build and maintain a positive school climate. This dissertation promotes the notion that school climate is composed of and constructed from these seven domains as constituent parts that combine to create the school climate. The author-created tool, Tools for Teachers to Address Domains of Dissatisfaction, enables teachers to quickly reference potential solutions to problems faced. The tool is a prototype, created based on professional literature sources focusing on research-based strategies to identify problems and methods a teacher can use to solve a problem, thus preventing a negative school environment for the students, staff as well as other stakeholders. The domains of dissatisfaction were tested against real-life issues submitted to a Faculty Advisory Committee in order to provide veracity and justification of the domains.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005956, ucf:50796
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005956

Title: Examination of the Challenges Faced by Foreign-born Students in a State College that may Prolong/Prevent Graduation.
Creator: Soremi, Modupe, Hopp, Carolyn, Cox, Dr. Thomas, Vitale, Thomas, Joe, Richelle, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research study stems from several reports indicating the increasing competitiveness of the world economy, the requirement of at least an associate degree in the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. labor market, and the unprecedented increase in the foreign-born population in the United States since the 1970s (U.S. Census Bureau Web, 2016; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projection, 2009; President's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), 2009). Understanding the challenges faced by...
Show moreThis research study stems from several reports indicating the increasing competitiveness of the world economy, the requirement of at least an associate degree in the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. labor market, and the unprecedented increase in the foreign-born population in the United States since the 1970s (U.S. Census Bureau Web, 2016; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projection, 2009; President's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), 2009). Understanding the challenges faced by foreign-born students at state colleges will create an avenue for recommending solutions to many these challenges, thereby increasing their educational attainment and economic productivity, hence preparing more Americans for the competitive 21st century global market.Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the researcher explored, interpreted, and described challenges faced by foreign-born students (FBS) in a State college that could prevent/prolong their graduation. In addition, the researcher solicited recommendations for improvement in order to gather the necessary information to inform the creation of a comprehensive support center to address the challenges identified. Pilot study data were collected from two sources including focus group discussions and survey. The survey was administered to all students enrolled in college credit classes at the college and two focus group discussions were held in 2017 spring semester. The result of the survey provided the preliminary data on FBS and collected information from those interested in further research participation via focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using suggested methods of analysis by Moustakas (1994) and Creswell (2007).Using the College Impact Model and Socio-cultural theory as a framework, this pilot study found that foreign-born students experience social, academic, personal, organizational, and mentorship challenges. Based on participants' recommendations, the conclusion is for the college to provide more opportunities to engage with both faculty, staff, native students, and other FBS; provide proper advising; provide avenues for cultural engagement for all; provide financial advising; consolidate and publicize all resources available to support students at the college (such as information regarding the honors society, volunteer society…); offer formal and informal English classes to FBS; hire qualified staff with proper training to each department (for example, placement services, advisors…); and hire bi/tri- lingual staff. In phase II of this dissertation, an Academic and Social Engagement Center (ASEC) was created as a comprehensive support center for foreign-born students. It is the intent of the researcher that the findings from this study will inform and provide clear direction for programs and policy implementations that will enhance the success of foreign-born students at Victory State College.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006798, ucf:51820
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006798

Title: A Qualitative Inquiry Investigating the Inclusive Practices of Teachers within Catholic Schools.
Creator: Bell, Alicia, Little, Mary, Vitale, Thomas, Gresham, Gina, Flanigan, Jacquelyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This phenomenological investigation examined the inclusive practices used to instruct students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms by educators within a large Catholic diocese in the southeast US. This study used phenomenological research methods to examine the perspectives, practices, and policies of Catholic school educators in inclusive settings through interviews, observations, and artifact reviews of school data to triangulate findings within this research. Surveys completed by...
Show moreThis phenomenological investigation examined the inclusive practices used to instruct students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms by educators within a large Catholic diocese in the southeast US. This study used phenomenological research methods to examine the perspectives, practices, and policies of Catholic school educators in inclusive settings through interviews, observations, and artifact reviews of school data to triangulate findings within this research. Surveys completed by administrators and faculty members provided initial knowledge and perspectives of inclusive practices for instruction of students with disabilities (SWDs) within inclusive settings. Structured interviews and classroom observation were then completed with participants at the school to investigate the inclusive practices used within their classrooms and school for SWDs. All data were collected and analyzed from the observations of students with disabilities and educators in inclusive classrooms at the Elementary School site of this study, along with the data from surveys and interviews with the administrators and key faculty members at the school. The analyses across data sources resulted in five key themes attributed to inclusive practices within the school setting. The five themes that emerged were: (a) Catholic educators' belief to educate all students; (b) support provided of inclusive education; (c) planning for inclusive education; (d) differentiated instruction; and (e) consistency of vision and goals for inclusive education across the grade levels and throughout the school. This study exposed the key factors and practices that educators in a Catholic school attributed to successful inclusive practices for students with moderate to severe disabilities. This research provides initial research and data about inclusive practices in Catholic schools.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006720, ucf:51895
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006720

Title: Investigating The Relationship Between Adverse Events and Infrastructure Development in an Active War Theater Using Soft Computing Techniques.
Creator: Cakit, Erman, Karwowski, Waldemar, Lee, Gene, Thompson, William, Mikusinski, Piotr, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The military recently recognized the importance of taking sociocultural factors into consideration. Therefore, Human Social Culture Behavior (HSCB) modeling has been getting much attention in current and future operational requirements to successfully understand the effects of social and cultural factors on human behavior. There are different kinds of modeling approaches to the data that are being used in this field and so far none of them has been widely accepted. HSCB modeling needs the...
Show moreThe military recently recognized the importance of taking sociocultural factors into consideration. Therefore, Human Social Culture Behavior (HSCB) modeling has been getting much attention in current and future operational requirements to successfully understand the effects of social and cultural factors on human behavior. There are different kinds of modeling approaches to the data that are being used in this field and so far none of them has been widely accepted. HSCB modeling needs the capability to represent complex, ill-defined, and imprecise concepts, and soft computing modeling can deal with these concepts. There is currently no study on the use of any computational methodology for representing the relationship between adverse events and infrastructure development investments in an active war theater. This study investigates the relationship between adverse events and infrastructure development projects in an active war theater using soft computing techniques including fuzzy inference systems (FIS), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) that directly benefits from their accuracy in prediction applications. Fourteen developmental and economic improvement project types were selected based on allocated budget values and a number of projects at different time periods, urban and rural population density, and total adverse event numbers at previous month selected as independent variables. A total of four outputs reflecting the adverse events in terms of the number of people killed, wounded, hijacked, and total number of adverse events has been estimated. For each model, the data was grouped for training and testing as follows: years between 2004 and 2009 (for training purpose) and year 2010 (for testing). Ninety-six different models were developed and investigated for Afghanistan and the country was divided into seven regions for analysis purposes. Performance of each model was investigated and compared to all other models with the calculated mean absolute error (MAE) values and the prediction accuracy within (&)#177;1 error range (difference between actual and predicted value). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effects of input values on dependent variables and to rank the top ten input parameters in order of importance.According to the the results obtained, it was concluded that the ANNs, FIS, and ANFIS are useful modeling techniques for predicting the number of adverse events based on historical development or economic projects' data. When the model accuracy was calculated based on the MAE for each of the models, the ANN had better predictive accuracy than FIS and ANFIS models in general as demonstrated by experimental results. The percentages of prediction accuracy with values found within (&)#177;1 error range around 90%. The sensitivity analysis results show that the importance of economic development projects varies based on the regions, population density, and occurrence of adverse events in Afghanistan. For the purpose of allocating resources and development of regions, the results can be summarized by examining the relationship between adverse events and infrastructure development in an active war theater; emphasis was on predicting the occurrence of events and assessing the potential impact of regional infrastructure development efforts on reducing number of such events.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004826, ucf:49757
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004826

Title: Streamlining the Acquisition Process: Systems Analysis for Improving Army Acquisition Corps Officer Management.
Creator: Chu-Quinn, Shawn, Kincaid, John, Wiegand, Rudolf, Mohammad, Syed, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Army Acquisition Officer lacks proficient experience needed to fill key leadership positions within the Acquisition Corps. The active duty Army officer is considered for the Acquisition Corps functional area between their 5th and 9th years of service as an officer (-) after completing initial career milestones. The new Acquisition Corps officer is the rank of senior Captain or Major when he arrives to his first acquisition assignment with a proficiency level of novice (in acquisition)....
Show moreThe Army Acquisition Officer lacks proficient experience needed to fill key leadership positions within the Acquisition Corps. The active duty Army officer is considered for the Acquisition Corps functional area between their 5th and 9th years of service as an officer (-) after completing initial career milestones. The new Acquisition Corps officer is the rank of senior Captain or Major when he arrives to his first acquisition assignment with a proficiency level of novice (in acquisition). The Army officer may be advanced in his primary career branch, but his level decreases when he is assigned into the Acquisition Corps functional area. The civilian grade equivalent to the officer is a GS-12 or GS-13 whose proficiency level is advanced in his career field. The purpose of this study is to use a systems analysis approach to decompose the current acquisition officer professional development system, in order to study how well the current active duty officer flow works and how well it interacts or influences an acquisition officer's professional development; and to propose a potential solution to assist in the management of Army acquisition officers, so they gain proficiency through not only education and training, but also the hands-on experience that is needed to fill key leadership positions in the Army Acquisition Corps. An increased proficiency and proven successful track record in the acquisition workforce is the basis to positively affect acquisition streamlining processes within the Department of Defense by making good decisions through quality experience.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005590, ucf:50254
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005590

Title: An Examination of School Principals' Moral Reasoning and Decision-Making along the Principalship Track and across Years of Experience.
Creator: Ling, Trent, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Murray, Kenneth, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research by Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009) and Strenth (2013) found public school K-12 principals struggling in the moral reasoning and decision-making measures of the second Defining Issues Test ((")DIT-2(")). In response to these studies, this research sought to collect, to examine, and to compare DIT-2 data for educational leaders at various stages of the principalship track in an effort to determine and/or to isolate the locus of principals' reported underperformance. The moral...
Show morePrevious research by Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009) and Strenth (2013) found public school K-12 principals struggling in the moral reasoning and decision-making measures of the second Defining Issues Test ((")DIT-2(")). In response to these studies, this research sought to collect, to examine, and to compare DIT-2 data for educational leaders at various stages of the principalship track in an effort to determine and/or to isolate the locus of principals' reported underperformance. The moral reasoning and decision-making of regular-education K-12 public school principals and assistant principals in Florida, and current master's degree students in educational leadership programs at a large public Florida university were measured and compared. Research questions were posed: 1) to find the levels of moral reasoning and decision-making reached by acting principals, acting assistant principals, and current master's students in educational leadership programs; 2) to determine if there was a difference between these principals, assistant principals, and master's students in moral reasoning and decision-making; and 3) to see if there was a difference in moral reasoning and decision-making between principals across various years of experience. The DIT-2 was administered anonymously to participants through an online link, and was scored by the University of Alabama's Office for the Study of Ethical Development. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods principally to determine the degree to which participants reasoned and made decisions based upon personal interests, upon the maintenance of norms, or upon the basis of more sophisticated principles.Results showed master's students in educational leadership outperforming active principals and assistant principals in moral reasoning and decision-making by more often employing sophisticated principles and by more often avoiding choices associated with personal interests. With regard to principals, the difference was statistically significant on DIT-2 N-2 scores (based on ANOVA and t-test results) and P-scores (based on t-test results, but not based on ANOVA results). Principals not only underperformed master's students in educational leadership statistically significantly, but also underperformed active assistant principals in comparisons of group means on DIT-2 sub-scores.This research confirms the prior works of Strenth (2013) and Vitton (&) Wasonga (2009), where principals had been found to struggle in measures of moral reasoning and decision-making. These consecutive and consistent findings now require consideration, discussion, and action by the array of K-12 public school stakeholders. In response to the startling findings that K-12 principals are significantly underperforming those still aspiring for the principalship, a substantial, alarmed, and sober re-examination must take place as to what has happened to principals in K-12 public schools, and as to what can and must be done about it.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005368, ucf:50485
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005368

Title: A comparison of teachers' beliefs of the use of inquiry teaching, origin of knowledge of inquiry teaching, and student achievement between International Baccalaureate and non-International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme schools.
Creator: Haddock, Lucy, Murray, Barbara, Baldwin, Lee, Murray, Kenneth, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of improving student achievement is of paramount interest to all public schools. The focus of this research was to determine the difference between inquiry based teaching strategies and student achievement. Additionally, the researcher investigated the origin of inquiry based teaching knowledge and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) affiliation. IBPYP affiliation was studied due to the nature of the IBPYP as an inquiry based philosophy of teaching. The McGill...
Show moreThe goal of improving student achievement is of paramount interest to all public schools. The focus of this research was to determine the difference between inquiry based teaching strategies and student achievement. Additionally, the researcher investigated the origin of inquiry based teaching knowledge and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) affiliation. IBPYP affiliation was studied due to the nature of the IBPYP as an inquiry based philosophy of teaching. The McGill Strategic Demands of Inquiry Questionnaire (MSDIQ) was used to determine teacher beliefs of inquiry based teaching strategies. Student achievement was measured using Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test 2.0 (FCAT 2.0) levels. Results from the MSDIQ indicated strong beliefs among participants of inquiry based teaching indicators within three domains: planning, enactment, and reflection. The researcher recommended further research into the origin of inquiry based teaching strategies knowledge to determine accurate professional development from districts that require inquiry based teaching strategies in evaluation systems. In addition, further research was recommended to determine the relationship between IBPYP affiliation and student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005342, ucf:50493
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005342

Title: Transferability and Calibration of the Highway Safety Manual Performance Functions and Development of New Models for Urban four-lane Divided Roads.
Creator: Al Kaaf, Khalid, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Oloufa, Amr, Tatari, Omer, Lee, JaeYoung, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many developing countries have witnessed fast and rapid growth in the last two decades due to the high development rate of economic activity in these countries. Many transportation projects have been constructed. In the same time both population growth and vehicle ownership rate increased; resulting in increasing levels of road crashes. Road traffic crashes in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is considered a serious problem that has deep effects on GCC's population as well as on the national...
Show moreMany developing countries have witnessed fast and rapid growth in the last two decades due to the high development rate of economic activity in these countries. Many transportation projects have been constructed. In the same time both population growth and vehicle ownership rate increased; resulting in increasing levels of road crashes. Road traffic crashes in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is considered a serious problem that has deep effects on GCC's population as well as on the national productivity through the loss of lives, injuries, property damage and the loss of valuable resources. From a recent statistical study of traffic crashes in Oman, it was found that in 2013 there were 7,829 crashes occurred for a total of 1,082,996 registered vehicles. These crashes have resulted in 913, 5591, and 1481 fatal, injury and property damage only crashes, respectively (Directorate General of Traffic, 2014), which is considered high rates of fatalities and injuries compared to other more developed countries. This illustrates the seriousness and dangerousness of the safety situation in GCC countries and Oman particularly. Thus, there is an urgent need to alleviate the Severity of the traffic safety problem in GCC which in turn will set a prime example for other developing countries that face similar problems. Two main data sources from Riyadh, the capital city of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Muscat, the capital city of Sultanate of Oman have been obtained, processed, and utilized in this study. The Riyadh collision and traffic data for this study were obtained in the form of crash database and GIS maps from two main sources: the Higher Commission for the Development of Riyadh (HCDR) and Riyadh Traffic Department (RTD). The Muscat collision and traffic data were obtained from two main sources: the Muscat Municipality (MM) and Royal Oman Police, Directorate General of Traffic (DGC). Since the ARC GIS is still not used for traffic crash geocoding in Oman, the crash data used in the analysis were extracted manually from the filing system in the DGC.Due to the fact that not all developing countries highway agencies possess sufficient crash data that enable the development of robust models, this problem gives rise to the interest of transferability of many of the models and tools developed in the US and other developed nations. The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) is a prime and comprehensive resource recently developed in the US that would have substantial impact if researchers are able to transfer its models to other similar environment in GCC. It would save time, effort, and money. The first edition of the HSM provides a number of safety performance functions (SPFs), which can be used to predict collisions on a roadway network. This dissertation examined the Transferability of HSM SPFs and developing new local models for Riyadh and Muscat.In this study, first, calibration of the HSM SPFs for Urban Four-lane divided roadway segments (U4D) with angle parking in Riyadh and the development of new SPFs were examined. The study calibrates the HSM SPFs using HSM default Crash Modification Factors (CMFs), then new local CMFs is proposed using cross-sectional method, which treats the estimation of calibration factors using fatal and injury data. In addition, new forms for specific SPFs are further evaluated to identify the best model using the Poisson-Gamma regression technique. To investigate how well the safety performance model fits the data set, several performance measures were examined. The performance measures summarize the differences between the observed and predicted values from related SPFs. Results indicate that the jurisdiction-specific SPFs provided the best fit of the data used in this study, and would be the best SPFs for predicting severe collisions in the City of Riyadh. The study finds that the HSM calibration using Riyadh local CMFs outperforms the calibration method using the HSM default values. The HSM calibration application for Riyadh crash conditions highlights the importance to address variability in reporting thresholds. One of the findings of this research is that, while the medians in this study have oversize widths ranging from 16ft-70ft, median width has insignificant effect on fatal and injury crashes. At the same time the frequent angle parking in Riyadh urban road networks seems to increase the fatal and injury collisions by 52 percent. On the other hand, this dissertation examined the calibration of the HSM SPFs for Urban intersections in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the development of new set of models using three year of collision data (2004-2006) from the city of Riyadh. Three intersection categories were investigated: 3-leg signalized, 4-leg signalized, and 3-leg unsignalized. In addition, new forms for specific SPFs are further evaluated to identify the best model using the Poisson-Gamma regression technique. Results indicate that the new local developed SPFs provided the best fit of the data used in this study, and would be the best SPFs for predicting severe crashes at urban intersections in the City of RiyadhMoreover, this study examined the calibration of the HSM SPFs for Fatal and Injury (FI), Property Damage Only (PDO) and total crashes for Urban Four-lane divided roadway segments (U4D) in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman and the development of new SPFs. This study first calibrates the HSM SPFs using the HSM methodology, and then new forms for specific SPFs are further evaluated for Muscat's urban roads to identify the best model. Finally, Riyadh fatal and injury model were validated using Muscat FI dataset.Comparisons across the models indicate that HSM calibrated models are superior with a better model fit and would be the best SPFs for predicting collisions in the City of Muscat. The best developed collision model describes the mean crash frequency as a function of natural logarithm of the annual average daily traffic, segment length, and speed limit. The study finds that the differences in road geometric design features and FI collision characteristics between Riyadh and Muscat resulted in an un-transferable Riyadh crash prediction model.Overall, this study lays an important foundation towards the implementation of HSM methods in multiple cities (Riyadh and Muscat), and could help their transportation officials to make informed decisions regarding road safety programs. The implications of the results are extendible to other cities and countries and the region, and perhaps other developing countries as well.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005452, ucf:50378
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005452

Title: Economic Inequality and Democratic Representative Institutions Across Western Industrialized Democracies.
Creator: Plungis, Donald, Kinsey, Barbara, Wilson, Bruce, Hamann, Kerstin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines the effects of political representation on economic inequality across western industrialized democracies. I explore an explanation of increases in economic inequality as a consequence of less representative democratic institutions. Explaining economic inequality in this manner is a shift from to the Transatlantic Consensus that attributes increased economic inequality to globalization. I expect to find that more representative electoral and governments institutions will be...
Show moreThis study examines the effects of political representation on economic inequality across western industrialized democracies. I explore an explanation of increases in economic inequality as a consequence of less representative democratic institutions. Explaining economic inequality in this manner is a shift from to the Transatlantic Consensus that attributes increased economic inequality to globalization. I expect to find that more representative electoral and governments institutions will be associated with lower levels of economic inequality. The analysis takes place across twenty-three countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) over the past forty years using a cross-sectional longitudinal model. Variables used to operationalize the level of representation of democratic institutions include a novel variable of the representative ratio, the effective number of parties, an index of institutional constraints, presidential system, single member districts, and judicial review. Voter turnout, the percentage of seats held by women, gross domestic product per capita, unemployment, and the size of the industrial sector are used as control variables. The findings support the main hypothesis: as political representation increases, economic inequality decreases.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005230, ucf:50591
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005230

Title: PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHILIPPINE MUSLIM UNREST.
Creator: de Leon, Justin, Sadri, Houman, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Muslim culture and society has been a part of the Philippine islands in spite of nearly ninety-five percent of the population being Christian (a majority Catholic), yet did not become a separatist movement until the 1970's. Since then, the two main separatist groups the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been battling the Philippine government. The parties entered truces in 1996 and 2001, yet there has been a cycle of violence continues...
Show moreMuslim culture and society has been a part of the Philippine islands in spite of nearly ninety-five percent of the population being Christian (a majority Catholic), yet did not become a separatist movement until the 1970's. Since then, the two main separatist groups the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been battling the Philippine government. The parties entered truces in 1996 and 2001, yet there has been a cycle of violence continues. The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), linked to Al Qaeda, emerged in 1990 and has launched many attacks on the Christian Philippine majority. The prolonged Muslim unrest in the ARMM has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. The main objective of this research paper is to examine Philippine economic and political development and its impact on Philippine Muslim unrest. This paper presents a critical analysis of the economic and political development and Philippine Muslim unrest by examining six major features of the Philippines; they are: The historical evolution, economic development, political development, socio-cultural setting, geographic setting, and the quality of life of the Filipino people. This research also examines Fareed Zakaria's illiberal democracies theory, liberal institutionalism, and the Marxist theory of class revolution and primarily relies on research conducted at the University of the Philippines and from Philippine and Asian scholars. By taking a holistic comprehensive approach and by using international relations theory, this research fills two gaps in the literature about Philippine Muslim unrest. The research concludes with a look at future challenges, both short term and long term that face the country, as well as, possible future scenarios. The findings of this research are that the economic and political development and the historical evolution, though major contributory factors, are not the sole reason for the prolonged Philippine Muslim unrest. The most pervasive causal factor to Muslim unrest was the socio-cultural setting. Because of the all-pervasive nature of culture; at first glance, the socio-cultural setting was not a major apparent cause. At almost all times examined throughout this research, certain cultural tendencies guided decisions and altered the course of events more so than any other single variable. Corruption, crony capitalism, patrimonialism, and irrational institutions all stem from the tendencies of Philippine culture must be addressed to find lasting peace in the country. A move toward rational legal institutions and liberal constitutionalism, will lead the way to the creation of a liberal democracy and break the cycle of violence occurring in the Philippines.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002378, ucf:47812
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002378

Title: When Coquis Sing: Introducing Young Audiences to Death and Bereavement Through An Original Play.
Creator: LoRicco, Michelle, Thomas, Aaron, Boyd, Belinda, Freeman, Emily, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis documents the play development process of When Coquis Sing, an original play for young people that introduces the death of a parent on stage. Through the analysis of research from leading child psychologists and practical instruction from the Dougy Center, the National Center for grieving children and their families, this research defines important terms and demystifies language surrounding death to aid caregivers in having clear and concise conversations with children about death...
Show moreThis thesis documents the play development process of When Coquis Sing, an original play for young people that introduces the death of a parent on stage. Through the analysis of research from leading child psychologists and practical instruction from the Dougy Center, the National Center for grieving children and their families, this research defines important terms and demystifies language surrounding death to aid caregivers in having clear and concise conversations with children about death.The purpose of this document is to counter the American cultural perception of death as a taboo topic for children. Hosting open conversations about death leads to healthier child development, which can help children cope with the loss that everyone will inevitably face in life. Theatre has been proven to work as a catalyst for conversations and create empathy for young audiences. Themes of death can be seen in all forms of storytelling for children , but this study implores the use of theatre to not only reflect experiences of grieving children on stage, but also create preemptive dialogue on the topic, so when tragedy strikes, children can have a tangible example to point back to.The arguments in this document thwart misconceptions of using Piaget's stages of cognitive development and K(&)#252;bler-Ross's five stages of grief as measurements of how all human beings should grieve. Instead of placing grieving children in stages and age groups that exclude important variables, this study focuses on the individual stories that are shared through reflective journals on the investigator's experiences and conversations as a grief facilitator, tutor, and artist in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences. The original play, When Coquis Sing, has been designed to induce conversations on death through the telling of a young protagonist's story of loss, grief, and victory.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007041, ucf:52008
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007041

Title: Daytona Highlands: Florida's suburb of hills and lakes.
Creator: PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Folded brochure advertising the suburb Daytona Highlands which was started in 1924 as a golf and country club style community. It features the Tarragona Tower entrance, part of which still stands today.
Date Issued: 1924
Identifier: AAC3718QF00001/29/200704/19/200715327BnamI D0QF, FHP C CF 2007-01-29, FIPS12127, FCLA url 20070409xOCLC, 123286911, CF00001740, 2703411, ucf:21832
Format: E-book
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/tc/fhp/CF00001740.jpg

Title: FROM PRE-ISLAM TO MANDATE STATES: EXAMINING CULTURAL IMPERIALISM AND CULTURAL BLEED IN THE LEVANT.
Creator: Willman, Gabriel, Özoğlu, Hakan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: To a large degree, historical analyses of the Levantine region tend to focus primarily upon martial interaction and state formation. However, perhaps of equitable impact is the chronology of those interactions which are cultural in nature. The long-term formative effect of cultural imperialism and cultural bleed can easily be as influential as the direct alterations imposed by martial invasion. While this study does not attempt to establish comparative causal weight or catalytic impact...
Show moreTo a large degree, historical analyses of the Levantine region tend to focus primarily upon martial interaction and state formation. However, perhaps of equitable impact is the chronology of those interactions which are cultural in nature. The long-term formative effect of cultural imperialism and cultural bleed can easily be as influential as the direct alterations imposed by martial invasion. While this study does not attempt to establish comparative causal weight or catalytic impact between these types of interactions, it does contend that the cultural evolution of the Levant has been significantly influenced by external interaction for a period of time extending beyond the Levantine Islamic Expansion. This study presents a chronological examination of the region from the pre-Expansion Period through the Mandate Period, focused upon relevant cultural structures. Specifically, emphasis is placed upon religious, ethnic, and nationalistic identity development, sociolinguistic shifts, and institutional changes within the societal structure. The primary conclusion of this study is that significant evidence exists to support a long-term historical narrative of externally influenced Levantine cultural evolution, inclusive of both adaptive and reactive interactions.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004490, ucf:45075
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004490

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