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- Title
- Sensemaking In Honors Scheduling.
- Creator
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Rowland, James, Musambira, George, Hastings, Sally, Katt, James, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Honors courses offer students unique opportunities such as smaller class sizes, applied application of knowledge, and a closer mentorship with the faculty member. Through observation, there are some cases where courses have regularly been cancelled every term due to low enrollment. When these courses are often canceled, it can impact the honors program ability to continue to offer courses to the students. Using Weick's work on Sensemaking and principles of analyzing organizational culture,...
Show moreHonors courses offer students unique opportunities such as smaller class sizes, applied application of knowledge, and a closer mentorship with the faculty member. Through observation, there are some cases where courses have regularly been cancelled every term due to low enrollment. When these courses are often canceled, it can impact the honors program ability to continue to offer courses to the students. Using Weick's work on Sensemaking and principles of analyzing organizational culture, the study addressed how honors students are impacted by course cancellations and how they communicate about the impact. Through two focus groups with a total of eleven participants, information was gathered on how they constructed and communicated about their identity as honors students; their individual campus environments, and how those environments help to shape the communication culture they were part of; how they make scheduling decisions by extracting plausible cues from the communication they receive about course scheduling; and the impact of course cancellations on their honors experience.In defining honors and its incorporation into their identity, the students described how being in honors was a challenge to make themselves the best that they can be which included being part of an engaging community of scholars and of use to the community around. The two focus groups noted differences on how each campus provided a slightly different organizational culture: one more familiar and inviting, the other massive and resource filled, and with diversity in the type of students encountered. Course scheduling messages often were extracted from the course scheduling website, with little communication about what would be offered into the future beyond the immediate term. Students had to gather additional data from their fellow students, faculty, and the honors office. Students often searched for cues regarding time and location of the class, the impact to the degree program, and if the class will push the student in new and innovative ways to provide a deeper engagement with the material. Students were often impacted by course cancellations and the added stress of having to find replacement courses to avoid extending the time to complete the degree or risk financial repercussions with the loss of financial aid. These stressors do provide cues that can influence the degree of challenge a student is willing to accept or even degree completion.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006652, ucf:51249
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006652
- Title
- An Investigation of the Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Academic Self-Efficacy in College Students.
- Creator
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Harris, Shaywanna, Lambie, Glenn, Hundley, Gulnora, Kelchner, Viki, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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College students diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and lower academic self-efficacy as compared to college students not diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, college students with ADHD diagnoses struggle to obtain effective treatment options for their ADHD symptoms. Specifically, pharmacological interventions are effective in mitigating ADHD symptoms; however, adverse effects of stimulant medications (i.e., increased...
Show moreCollege students diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and lower academic self-efficacy as compared to college students not diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, college students with ADHD diagnoses struggle to obtain effective treatment options for their ADHD symptoms. Specifically, pharmacological interventions are effective in mitigating ADHD symptoms; however, adverse effects of stimulant medications (i.e., increased/decreased appetite, headache) impact medication adherence in college students with ADHD. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free intervention that uses the theories of biofeedback and cybernetics to increase self-regulation of brain functions. The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine differences in college student participants' scores on inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, self-concept, depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy measures over time when exposed to the neurofeedback intervention. The researcher employed a quasi-experimental, one group, time series design to explore differences in levels of symptomology in 11 participants over four assessment points. The results identified participants' scores in inattention (p = .016), hyperactivity (p = .017), self-concept (p = .008), depression (p = .004), and anxiety (p = .018) significantly decreased of the course of the intervention (16 neurofeedback sessions). Moreover, the participants' self-reported levels of academic self-efficacy increased significantly over time (p (<) .001). The findings for the current study provide practical, professional, and public policy implications, expanding the neurofeedback training and ADHD literature.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006600, ucf:51271
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006600
- Title
- Ready or not, here comes college: A comparative correlation study of college readiness in Black and Hispanic students who take advanced level classes.
- Creator
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Pillay, Nigel, Lue, Martha, Hutchinson, Cynthia, Little, Mary, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate how participation in advanced level courses impacts college readiness in students of color, specifically Black and Hispanic students. High school students have a variety of advanced level classes to choose from, including but not limited to: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment (DE), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) classes. These types...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate how participation in advanced level courses impacts college readiness in students of color, specifically Black and Hispanic students. High school students have a variety of advanced level classes to choose from, including but not limited to: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment (DE), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) classes. These types of advanced classes not only prepare students for college but also allow them to earn college credit through participation in courses of college level rigor while still in high school. However, the number of students of color enrolled in advanced level classes has historically been substantially lower than that of their White counterparts (Kerr, 2014). Special incentives, grants, and funding have been put in place both at the state and federal levels to increase the number of students of color participating in these advanced classes. AVID is specifically designed to help increase college readiness for the most underrepresented student groups. In the past, the federal government, state policymakers, and companies such as College Board have started programs geared toward increasing AP and IB offerings for disadvantaged students and the number of students who take these courses (Iatarola, Conger, (&) Long, 2011). As a result of this effort, there has been a rise in participation in AP programs across the country with respect to Black and Hispanic students. This study was conducted to investigate how these advanced level courses impacted the level of college readiness among students of color in the fastest growing school district in Northeast Florida. The researcher aimed to determine if there was a difference in college readiness between students of color who take advanced level classes as opposed to those who do not. The principle purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Black and Hispanic high school student participation in advanced academics and their college readiness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006487, ucf:51396
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006487
- Title
- Male College Presidents With Children: Recollections on Perceptions of Work-life Balance.
- Creator
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Armstrong, Asquith, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Boyd, Karen, Santana, Maria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACTThis qualitative research study explored the recollections of work-life balance andfatherhood through the reported experiences and reflections of select college presidents.The researcher used a basic narrative research practice which allowed individuals to sharetheir experiences while shedding light on how the individuals see themselves. Sixcollege presidents participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews.The researcher incorporated Clark's Work-family border theory as the...
Show moreABSTRACTThis qualitative research study explored the recollections of work-life balance andfatherhood through the reported experiences and reflections of select college presidents.The researcher used a basic narrative research practice which allowed individuals to sharetheir experiences while shedding light on how the individuals see themselves. Sixcollege presidents participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews.The researcher incorporated Clark's Work-family border theory as the frameworkfor this study, which recognized that a working individual largely functions in twoseparate domains: work and family. The presidents' experiences were examined withinthis construct and addressed the research question that guided the study: How do malecollege presidents balance their work and life domains?This study represents a significant addition to the scholarly literature concerningwork-life balance experienced by male college presidents as little scholarship exists inthis area. The results led to recommendations and implications for college Boards ofTrustees, professional development associations, spouses, and partners.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006254, ucf:51044
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006254
- Title
- The Community College Student's Social Construction of Global Learning in the Florida College System.
- Creator
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Robertson, Jennifer, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Nutta, Joyce, Marshall, Nancy, Lee, Shara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the Florida community college student's understanding of and engagement in global learning through the lens of constructionist theory. Using a grounded theory methodology, seven students in three Florida community colleges were interviewed to hear in their own words how personal and academic experiences have shaped their interest in other countries, cultures, and current international events. The goal of this study was to explore...
Show moreThe purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the Florida community college student's understanding of and engagement in global learning through the lens of constructionist theory. Using a grounded theory methodology, seven students in three Florida community colleges were interviewed to hear in their own words how personal and academic experiences have shaped their interest in other countries, cultures, and current international events. The goal of this study was to explore students' perspectives using the principles of social constructionism and constructivism to create a new model of understanding of global learning.The final results of the study found that students primarily think of culture when asked about global learning, and they do not have a solid understanding of the concept in an academic sense. This understanding has been formed throughout their lives as their interest began well before their current community college experience. Remarkably, all seven students had some experience with global learning long before enrollment in their current institution, and all seven students had an unremarkable college experience thus far as it pertained to global learning. In the end, there were five major influences found to be involved in the formation of students' understanding and engagement level in global learning, which included the family, peers, academic experiences, work experiences, and the external environment. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of the community college's role in helping to prepare college graduates for the 21st century workplace.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006170, ucf:51145
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006170
- Title
- Stand-Alone Personalized Normative Feedback for College Student Drinkers: A Meta-Analytic Review, 2004 to 2014.
- Creator
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Dotson, Keri, Dunn, Michael, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Personalized normative feedback (PNF) has shown promise as a stand-alone intervention for reducing alcohol use among college students. PNF uses norms clarification to correct drinking norms misperceptions by highlighting discrepancies between personal alcohol use, perceived peer alcohol use, and actual peer alcohol use. Previous reviews of personalized feedback interventions have identified norms clarification as key a component, prompting researchers to study PNF as a single-component...
Show morePersonalized normative feedback (PNF) has shown promise as a stand-alone intervention for reducing alcohol use among college students. PNF uses norms clarification to correct drinking norms misperceptions by highlighting discrepancies between personal alcohol use, perceived peer alcohol use, and actual peer alcohol use. Previous reviews of personalized feedback interventions have identified norms clarification as key a component, prompting researchers to study PNF as a single-component intervention for college drinking. As the number of publications focused on PNF effectiveness has increased in recent years, an empirical review of these studies is warranted to assess the potential impact of PNF as a stand-alone program. The purpose of the present study was to summarize available research and to perform a meta-analytic review of personalized normative feedback as a stand-alone intervention for college student drinking. Studies were included if they examined a stand-alone PNF drinking intervention, used a college student sample, reported alcohol use outcomes, and used a pre-post experimental design with follow-up at least 28 days post-intervention. Eight studies (13 interventions) completed between 2004 and 2014 were included. Effect size estimates (ESs) were calculated as the standardized mean difference in change scores between treatment and control groups. Compared to control participants, students who received PNF reported a greater reduction in drinking and harms from baseline to follow-up. Results were similar for both gender-neutral and gender-specific PNF. Overall, intervention effects for drinking were small but reliable. This study offers an empirical summary of stand-alone PNF for reducing college student drinking and provides a foundation for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005606, ucf:50257
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005606
- Title
- Evaluation of a Digitally-Automated Alcohol Curriculum Designed to Alter Expectancies and Alcohol Use in First Year College Students.
- Creator
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Schreiner, Amy, Dunn, Michael, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Bowers, Clint, Linkovich Kyle, Tiffany, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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High-risk alcohol consumption remains a primary public health concern for students on college campuses. In response to this concern the National Advisory Council of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism created a task force to identify and recommend strategies to aid college administrators in implementing effective alcohol programming at their institutions. While most administrators report being aware of these recommendations, many have not successfully implemented...
Show moreHigh-risk alcohol consumption remains a primary public health concern for students on college campuses. In response to this concern the National Advisory Council of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism created a task force to identify and recommend strategies to aid college administrators in implementing effective alcohol programming at their institutions. While most administrators report being aware of these recommendations, many have not successfully implemented empirically supported interventions on their campuses. One significant barrier is the cost and difficulty of training and hiring skilled staff to implement these interventions. Of the strategies identified as effective, challenging alcohol expectancies is the only strategy validated for group administration with college students and has significant potential to address this remaining barrier. However, current expectancy-based interventions still require highly trained expert facilitators for implementation. The present study aimed to convert the previously validated Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC) into a digital format amenable to non-expert facilitation. The resulting digital ECALC was implemented in 48 class sections of a first year student course in a group randomized trial. It was hypothesized that receiving the digital ECALC would result in significant changes in alcohol expectancies and subsequent changes in alcohol use and related harms. Analyses revealed significant changes in both positive and negative expectancies following the digital ECALC, however no significant changes in alcohol consumption or alcohol-related harms were observed at a 30 day follow-up. Exploratory subgroup analyses revealed significant differences between experimental and control groups on average and peak drinks per sitting for classes receiving the digital ECALC during the fall semester only. Semester specific variables, environmental context, and social influence variables may have contributed to the lack of behavioral changes in the overall sample following observed expectancy changes. This study represents an important development in expectancy-based interventions for college students as the digital format removed the need for an expert facilitator and maintained significant changes in expectancies. Future studies should focus on replication of these expectancy changes and on demonstrating subsequent changes in alcohol use and related harms. The present study also represents the first evaluation of a group-administered expectancy intervention to report on intra-class correlations which will aid future researchers in designing sufficiently powered studies going forward.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005412, ucf:50425
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005412
- Title
- "Build Your Own Adventure" ACT Prep Manual: Beating the Odds of High-Stakes Standardized Assessments.
- Creator
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Holter, Natalie, Boote, David, Hayes, Grant, Taylor, Rosemarye, Vitale, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Today's focus on high-stakes standardized tests has had a massive impact on education throughout America, and standardized test preparation is one of the ugly, open secrets of education. Ever since 2001 when President Bush signed into law No Child Left Behind (NCLB), a bipartisan reauthorization of Johnson's landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, students have been bombarded with standardized tests from the earliest grades. Politicians believe these measures are the only way...
Show moreToday's focus on high-stakes standardized tests has had a massive impact on education throughout America, and standardized test preparation is one of the ugly, open secrets of education. Ever since 2001 when President Bush signed into law No Child Left Behind (NCLB), a bipartisan reauthorization of Johnson's landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, students have been bombarded with standardized tests from the earliest grades. Politicians believe these measures are the only way to remedy the perceived weaknesses in the education system because (")stringent accountability mandates… [provide] vital levers of change, inclusiveness, and transparency of results(") (Education Week, 2011, para. 15). Yet as time progresses, the quantity and importance of the exams increase to such proportions that, by the time students are in high school, their performance dictates whether they will graduate or attend college. While proponents of such exams say that they only test the skills that students ought to be learning anyway, the reality tends to be that teachers start to focus only on the specific questions the test will cover, and thereby lose the ability to provide full, comprehensive education. "Teaching to the test" is the much-maligned experience of most high schools. In order to combat the pressure students feel to perform and teachers feel to shortchange the learning experience, a (")Build Your Own Adventure(") manual designed around research-based principles demonstrated to improve student learning gains will allow students to focus on the key areas needed to improve test performance, demystify the test itself, and thus help students obtain score improvement. In so doing, students will not only perform better on standardized assessments, but ultimately be able to attend more elite colleges.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005806, ucf:50031
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005806
- Title
- Community College Faculty with Corporate Leadership Experience and Full Range Leadership Theory.
- Creator
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Hardee, Gloria, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, J. Thomas, Cox, Thomas, Bowdon, Melody, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Community colleges have developed into vital resources for affordable, easy access, high quality education. Community college instructors with previous leader experience possess the credentials needed to teach their curricula and to lead learning experiences in the classroom. Researchers have found that instructors who display transformational leadership qualities can influence student actions, awareness, and learning outcomes. This study was conducted to explore community college faculty who...
Show moreCommunity colleges have developed into vital resources for affordable, easy access, high quality education. Community college instructors with previous leader experience possess the credentials needed to teach their curricula and to lead learning experiences in the classroom. Researchers have found that instructors who display transformational leadership qualities can influence student actions, awareness, and learning outcomes. This study was conducted to explore community college faculty who possess transformational leadership qualities in relation to student extra effort, student perception of instructor effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with the instructor. The conceptual framework is the full range leadership theory which is one of the most broadly used comprehensive leadership theories. The measurement tool used was Avolio and Bass's (2004) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), which measures nine factors of leadership skills through a quantitative survey. These findings present support for the recognition of the value of transformational leadership in the community college environment. Consistent with the findings of this study, transformational leadership has been viewed as the most revered leadership model in the full range leadership theory. Instructors have the ability to integrate critical components of transformational leadership behaviors to impact the student experience in the classroom, resulting in higher levels of student outcomes of extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction. The findings add to the body of literature and provide insight into the leadership skills of community college instructors from previous business experience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005502, ucf:50351
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005502
- Title
- Discovering self, leaving struggle behind, and setting examples: Perspectives from first-generation, minority community college women on the value of higher education.
- Creator
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Sheel, Antonia, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Pratt Marrett, Caroline, Culp, Rex, Penfold Navarro, Catherine, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study explored how first-generation, minority community college women who participated in a Student Success course understood their higher education experiences. The researcher used a basic interpretive qualitative methodology to uncover how the value of higher education was constructed within those discussions. Five purposively selected students participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews. The participant's understandings were highlighted independently, reflecting a wide range...
Show moreThis study explored how first-generation, minority community college women who participated in a Student Success course understood their higher education experiences. The researcher used a basic interpretive qualitative methodology to uncover how the value of higher education was constructed within those discussions. Five purposively selected students participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews. The participant's understandings were highlighted independently, reflecting a wide range of sentiments that were largely self-directed in essence, at times ambiguous and yet, complex in nature as the women made sense of their experiences. Through the use of thematic analysis, three dominant discourses about the value of higher education were identified as opportunity and defined as: 1) Personal Fulfillment and Intrinsic Motivation, 2) Financial Stability and College as Insurance against Poverty, and 3) Social Obligations: Breaking Stereotypes and Setting Examples. The data coupled with researcher reflections serve as the basis for implications for Student Success faculty and administrators in the areas of pedagogical strategy, marketing, resource creation, and program restructuring. Lastly, recommendations were made for future research studies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005255, ucf:50588
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005255
- Title
- The Contribution of College Students' Attachment Styles and Social Media Practices on their Relationship Development.
- Creator
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Sherrell, Renee, Lambie, Glenn, Young, Mark, Barden, Sejal, Carlson, Ryan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between college students' attachment styles and social media practices with their relationship development. This investigation tested the theoretical model that undergraduate students' (N = 717) attachment styles (as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short form [ECR-S; Wei et al., 2007]) and social media practices (as measured by the Facebook Intensity Scale [FBI; Ellison et al., 2007] and...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to investigate the directional relationship between college students' attachment styles and social media practices with their relationship development. This investigation tested the theoretical model that undergraduate students' (N = 717) attachment styles (as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Short form [ECR-S; Wei et al., 2007]) and social media practices (as measured by the Facebook Intensity Scale [FBI; Ellison et al., 2007] and Motives for Going Facebook Official Scale [MGFBO; Fox (&) Warber, 2013]) contributed to their quality of relationship development (as measured by the Parks Relational Development Scale [PRDS; Parks (&) Roberts, 1998]). Specifically, this investigation tested the hypothesized directional relationship that students scoring in the insecure attachment range (i.e., avoidant or anxious) with higher levels of social media practices would have lower levels of relationship development quality. In addition, this investigation examined the relationship between college students' attachment styles, social media practices, and relationship development quality with their reported demographic information (e.g., age, current school level, and ethnicity). The results of the structural equation model (SEM) analyses identified that college students' attachment style contributed to the relationship development quality (96.04% of the variance explained) and their social media practices (2.56% of the variance explained). Furthermore, the results of the analyses identified that students' social media practices contributed to their relationship development quality (.4% of the variance explained). Implications of the findings from the study include (a) the inclusion of additional psychosocial intake questions for college counselors; (b) identification of current trends in undergraduate students' attachment styles, social media practices, and relationship development functioning for counselor educators to support the development of counselors-in-training; and (c) insight into the instrument development of the ECR-S, FBI, MGFBO, and PRDS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005256, ucf:50579
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005256
- Title
- A Quantitative Study of the Relationship Between Pell Grant Aid and Associated Variables in a Florida Public State College.
- Creator
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Powers, Lynn, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Cox, Thomas, Roman, Marcia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Using Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical...
Show moreUsing Bean and Metzner's conceptual framework related to non-traditional student attrition, the responsible use of Federal Pell Grants was studied by examining the retention and academic performance of college-credit seeking students in a public college in Florida that predominantly offered two year degree programs. Also analyzed were differences between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients among various demographic categories. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that statistical significance existed between Pell Grant recipients and non-recipients in retention rates from fall to spring terms, as well as in the demographic variables of academic performance, gender, ethnicity, age group, residency, and credit hours achieved. Only the variable of ethnicity showed a medium practical effect size, with all the other variables indicating a small to no practical effect size.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005231, ucf:50581
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005231
- Title
- A DEVIANCE REGULATION THEORY INTERVENTION TO REDUCE ALCOHOL PROBLEMS AMONG FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Leary, Angelina V, Dvorak, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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OBJECTIVE: An alcohol-drinking culture exists among first-time-in-college students, where many of these students come to their university relatively inexperienced with alcohol, which may increase alcohol-related consequences. Several interventions exist to combat this campus problem. The current study investigates the use of a Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) intervention, presented in a web-based manner, to increase alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS), such as monitoring drinks,...
Show moreOBJECTIVE: An alcohol-drinking culture exists among first-time-in-college students, where many of these students come to their university relatively inexperienced with alcohol, which may increase alcohol-related consequences. Several interventions exist to combat this campus problem. The current study investigates the use of a Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) intervention, presented in a web-based manner, to increase alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS), such as monitoring drinks, using a designated driver, and drinking water in between alcoholic beverages, among college freshmen. METHOD: College freshmen participants (N = 157) completed web-based surveys examining alcohol behaviors once a week for six weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a positive frame about individuals who used PBS, a negative frame about individuals who did not use PBS, or a control group that did not receive a DRT intervention. Participants also reported their perception of PBS use among UCF students and friend. Data was analyzed in each PBS subtype: Manner of Drinking, Stop/Limiting Drinking, and Serious Harm Reduction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results indicate a negatively framed message with high perceived norm levels results in increased PBS use, which may suggest college freshmen have a strong drive to "fit in", or avoid standing out in negative ways. Further, there seems to be little desire to standout in positive ways among first-year students. This may be indicative of individuals who modify their behavior in order to assimilate to a new and unfamiliar environment. Furthermore, some PBS strategies were associated with decreases in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Results suggest a DRT intervention may be beneficial to first-time-in-college students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000427, ucf:45715
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000427
- Title
- A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN RESIDENT SATISFACTION, RETENTION, AND CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE BETWEEN UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OWNED AND AFFILIATED HOUSING.
- Creator
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Novak, Jeffrey, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study compared students' perceptions and satisfaction as they related to their place of residence. In addition, this study sought to determine if a difference existed between student retention rates from their first year in college to their second year and one's grade point average with respect to one's place of residence within the collegiate setting. As such, the problem this study examined was the overall impact of where a first-time-in-college student lived within the...
Show moreThis study compared students' perceptions and satisfaction as they related to their place of residence. In addition, this study sought to determine if a difference existed between student retention rates from their first year in college to their second year and one's grade point average with respect to one's place of residence within the collegiate setting. As such, the problem this study examined was the overall impact of where a first-time-in-college student lived within the University of Central Florida housing system and how that living environment impacted students' levels of satisfaction, overall retention rates, and cumulative grade point averages. The data used for this study were obtained from a previously distributed survey conducted by the Department of Housing and Residence Life at the University of Central Florida in February 2007. Secondary data were obtained through the Department of Institutional Research at the University of Central Florida. A website link to an optional, self-administered Internet-based survey was sent via email to University of Central Florida students residing in university owned housing and university affiliated housing. The size of the sample was determined by the number of delivered emails 3800 for university owned housing, 1,500 for university affiliated housing (Towers), and 1,831 for university affiliated housing (Pegasus Landing). Of the total populations: 1) 38.57 percent were returned for university owned housing, 2) 26.26 percent were returned for university affiliated (Towers at Golden Knights Plaza), and 3) 24.63 percent were returned for university affiliated housing (Pegasus Landing). There were many statistically significant relationships. Consistently, students residing in university owned housing showed higher satisfaction and agreement levels when compared with students living in university affiliated housing. Additionally, students living in university owned housing showed a higher retention rate and cumulative grade point average when compared with students living in university affiliated housing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002245, ucf:47894
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002245
- Title
- Evaluating Pedagogical Methods that Influence Homework Assignment Completion.
- Creator
-
Sawyer, Kirk, Hartshorne, Richard, Bush, Sarah, Boote, David, Ortiz, Enrique, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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College students enrolled in an online introductory engineering course are not completing their homework assignments at an acceptable rate which impacts them, the instructor, and the college. This research study employed a quasi-experimental evaluation model to assess the effectiveness of two pedagogical methods designed to positively influence student homework completion rates and student attitudes toward homework. Despite evidence that grading penalties encourage students to submit their...
Show moreCollege students enrolled in an online introductory engineering course are not completing their homework assignments at an acceptable rate which impacts them, the instructor, and the college. This research study employed a quasi-experimental evaluation model to assess the effectiveness of two pedagogical methods designed to positively influence student homework completion rates and student attitudes toward homework. Despite evidence that grading penalties encourage students to submit their homework assignments, such strategies have historically been unsuccessful for the course used in this study. The researcher designed two pedagogical interventions, along with a survey instrument, to measure the impact of the interventions on completion rates and student attitudes toward homework, using a combination of inferential and descriptive statistics. Ideally, the findings of this study would be generalizable to subsequent offerings of the course used in this study, as well as other courses taught by the investigator, and potentially other faculty at the college. Although both interventions did not produce statistically significant results on impacting student homework completion rates, or improve student attitudes toward homework, the results of the study did indicate a positive correlation between student self-assessed knowledge gains attributed to the course and its homework. One intervention did improve homework completion rates, but the results only marginally improved final course grades, which does not fully align with prior research studies. In addition, this study provided the researcher an opportunity to study their own practice and the importance of homework and its effectiveness for student learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007858, ucf:52764
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007858
- Title
- THE BORN VERSUS MADE DEBATE: AN EXAMINATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS' BELIEFS AND TEACHING PRACTICES.
- Creator
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Hardin, Christina, Gill, Michele, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Research on the development of K-12 teachers' beliefs about and approaches to teaching and learning suggests that exposure to professional development programs can lead to the use of conceptual change strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process rather than on teacher-centered strategies focused on information transfer. However, within the existing literature on the development of teacher beliefs and approaches to teaching and learning there exists a void of...
Show moreResearch on the development of K-12 teachers' beliefs about and approaches to teaching and learning suggests that exposure to professional development programs can lead to the use of conceptual change strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process rather than on teacher-centered strategies focused on information transfer. However, within the existing literature on the development of teacher beliefs and approaches to teaching and learning there exists a void of information pertaining to the development of community college instructors' beliefs and approaches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-tenure community college instructors' beliefs about teaching and learning, their approaches to the learning process, and the training they receive via a professional development program specifically established to provide training in teaching methods, pedagogy, curriculum, and/ or instruction. Forty community college instructors going through an established three-year tenure process completed a revised version of the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI-R) created by Trigwell and Prosser (1998). Data analysis revealed that there was no difference in the scores of instructors who had participated in the professional development program on teaching and learning and those instructors who had no exposure to courses that focused on teaching and learning. Further, findings suggest that instructors' participation in the courses is not related to their beliefs or teaching approaches. The findings of this study warrant a closer examination of programs designed to provide higher education instructors with training in pedagogy and instruction. Additionally, the findings present an opportunity for professional development programs to improve current practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003577, ucf:48920
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003577
- Title
- The Development of a Reentry Program for Women in Engineering at the University of Central Florida.
- Creator
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Morse, Lucy C., Whitehouse, Gary E., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; In order to familiarize local women with advanced degree possibilities in engineering and with expanding loal industry, as well as increasing the graduate enrollment in the College of Engineering, the Univeristy of Central Florida has developed a Reentry Program for Women in the Industrial Engineering Department. Master of Science degrees are offered to the women with four options: Operations Research, Computer Systems, Engineering...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; In order to familiarize local women with advanced degree possibilities in engineering and with expanding loal industry, as well as increasing the graduate enrollment in the College of Engineering, the Univeristy of Central Florida has developed a Reentry Program for Women in the Industrial Engineering Department. Master of Science degrees are offered to the women with four options: Operations Research, Computer Systems, Engineering Administration, and Engineering Systems Analysis. The program is designed for women who received a bachelor's degree at least two years ago in mathematics, engineering, physics, or another hard science. Seed money for the program was obtained as a mini-grant from the Women's Reentry Consortium. The major component of the program is a mathematics review course which offers an intensive review of college math through differential equations. An Industrial Advisory Board is an integral part of the program and is giving support for potential employment of women during their schooling and afterwards, as well as making sure the women are going in directions consistent with the needs of industry. A special orientatioin, available tutoring, and a Professional Development Day are some of the features incorporated in this program. After the math review course, the women are mainstreamed into the standard graduate program with continued support.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1982
- Identifier
- CFR0008130, ucf:52970
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008130
- Title
- Textbook Cost-Lowering Initiatives: An Exploration of Community College Faculty Experiences.
- Creator
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Dunn, Susan, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Owens, James, Boyd, Tammy, Mcardle, Michele, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Faculty have been identified as critical players in the implementation of textbook affordability efforts at community colleges. Furthermore, emerging lower-cost alternatives to traditional textbooks present a wide and growing range of options that may help further efforts. This study sought to examine more closely the role of faculty with respect to textbook cost-lowering initiatives. The researcher utilized in-depth interviews to gain a rich picture of the experiences, attitudes, beliefs,...
Show moreFaculty have been identified as critical players in the implementation of textbook affordability efforts at community colleges. Furthermore, emerging lower-cost alternatives to traditional textbooks present a wide and growing range of options that may help further efforts. This study sought to examine more closely the role of faculty with respect to textbook cost-lowering initiatives. The researcher utilized in-depth interviews to gain a rich picture of the experiences, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of nine full-time community college faculty as they confronted textbook affordability efforts and textbook alternatives. The interview data were analyzed using a thematic analysis process. Five major themes and three minor themes were identified. The five major themes were: (a) campus administrators support, but do not mandate, efforts; (b) frequent edition revisions frustrate faculty; (c) departmental approaches to textbook selection vary; (d) content, then affordability, drive selection choices; and (e) faculty have mixed feelings about textbook alternatives. The three minor themes were: (a) faculty efforts to save students money are thwarted by campus bookstores and financial aid policies; (b) English faculty benefit from public domain readings; and (c) more faculty participating in textbook selection means more difficulty deciding on a text. Implications and recommendations were offered for community college leaders, campus bookstores, publishers, and future researchers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005159, ucf:50715
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005159
- Title
- Faculty Perspectives and Participation in Implementing an Early Alert System and Intervention in a Community College.
- Creator
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Bentham, Claudine, King, Kathy (Kathleen), Cox, Dr. Thomas, Hopp, Carolyn, Bosley, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Early alert systems have been recognized as a high impact practice designed to improve student engagement and student success. Early alert is designed to identify students with at-risk behaviors early in the semester before they decide to drop-out, withdraw, or fail their classes, using resources such as a predictive analysis tool or advising. For an early alert to be successful and efficient, faculty should be included in the process of early alert. This qualitative study examined faculty's...
Show moreEarly alert systems have been recognized as a high impact practice designed to improve student engagement and student success. Early alert is designed to identify students with at-risk behaviors early in the semester before they decide to drop-out, withdraw, or fail their classes, using resources such as a predictive analysis tool or advising. For an early alert to be successful and efficient, faculty should be included in the process of early alert. This qualitative study examined faculty's perspective and experiences when implementing early alert strategies and intervention in a two-year institution. Using Cranton's seven facets of transformative learning as a conceptual framework, this study examined the changes, perception, and experiences of faculty as a result of implementation. The literature reviews best practices that can be considered when faculty designs their early alert strategies and intervention. Participants shared their During and After Implementation Journal experience by completing reflection journals. After careful analysis of their journals and initial interview, the following major themes emerged: a) at-risk behaviors, b) high-impact practices, c) intentionality, d) personal connection, e) perspective transformation, and f) value. As a result of these themes, recommendations were provided to assist faculty development and change agents in two-year institutions in improving early alert methods to increase student success.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006857, ucf:51742
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006857
- Title
- Expectation and satisfaction of freshmen and seniors in higher education.
- Creator
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Rodriguez, Reuban Beryrl, Lynn, Mary Ann, Education
- Abstract / Description
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University of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of this study was to examine the expectation, satisfaction and performance gap levels between selected freshman and seniors as measured by the selected SSI scales. The problem was to determine if expectation, satisfaction, and performance gap levels differed between freshman and seniors in 1995 and freshman and seniors in 1998 based on class level, gender and age. The study examined four selected scales from the twelve...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Education Thesis; The purpose of this study was to examine the expectation, satisfaction and performance gap levels between selected freshman and seniors as measured by the selected SSI scales. The problem was to determine if expectation, satisfaction, and performance gap levels differed between freshman and seniors in 1995 and freshman and seniors in 1998 based on class level, gender and age. The study examined four selected scales from the twelve scales derived from the Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI): Campus Climate, Campus Life, Campus Support Services, and Instruction Effectiveness. Respondents rated all items on a 7-point Likert scale with respect to their expectations of and satisfaction with student services represented by the scales. Findings indicated that, for both 1995 and 1998, freshman had significantly higher levels of expectation than did seniors in regard to campus climate, campus life and campus support services; freshman has significantly higher levels of satisfaction than seniors with campus climate, campus life, campus support services and instructional effectiveness; seniors had significantly higher levels of unmet needs than did freshman for campus support services and instructional effectiveness, and; there were no significant differences between freshman and seniors according to gender or age. Responses of 1995 freshman and seniors and 1998 freshman and seniors were similar. The four selected scales served as having the potential to guide administrators in assessing the levels of student satisfaction with both academic and nonacademic student services.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1999
- Identifier
- CFR0011945, ucf:53107
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011945
