Current Search: assessment (x)
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- Title
- INTEGRATION OF COMPUTER-BASED VIRTUAL CHECK RIDE SYSTEM PRE-TRIP INSPECTION IN COMMERICAL DRIVER LICENSE TRAINING PROGRAM.
- Creator
-
Makwana, Alpesh, Kincaid, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Pre-Trip Inspection of the truck and trailer is one of the components of the current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) test. This part of the CDL test checks the ability of the student to identify the important parts of the commercial vehicle and their potential defects. The Virtual Check Ride System (VCRS), a computer-based application, is an assessment and feedback tool that mirrors the inspection component of the actual CDL. The VCRS has provided an after action review (AAR) via a...
Show morePre-Trip Inspection of the truck and trailer is one of the components of the current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) test. This part of the CDL test checks the ability of the student to identify the important parts of the commercial vehicle and their potential defects. The Virtual Check Ride System (VCRS), a computer-based application, is an assessment and feedback tool that mirrors the inspection component of the actual CDL. The VCRS has provided an after action review (AAR) via a feedback session that helps in identifying and correcting drivers' skill in inspecting parts and for overall safety. The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of the VCRS in truck driving training programs. An experimental study was conducted with truck driving students at Mid Florida Tech, located in Orlando, Florida. The students were divided into control and experimental groups. Students in the both groups received regular training provided by Mid Florida Tech. The experimental group received additional training by making use of the VCRS. A total of three paper-based tests were given to all subjects during first three weeks; one test at the end of a week. Both groups were given the same paper-based tests. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of the VCRS in the experimental group. This analysis found a significant difference between control and experimental groups. This effect showed that the students in the experimental group increased their performance by using VCRS. Moreover, there was a main effect in the scores of each week. However, there was not an interaction between the two factors. Follow up Post Hoc tests were conducted to evaluate the pair-wise differences among the means of the test week factors using a Tukey HSD test. These Post Hoc comparisons indicated that the mean score for the third week's test scores were significantly better than the first week's test score in the experimental group. It was concluded that the VCRS facilitated learning for the experimental group and that learning also occurred for both groups as a result of repeated testing.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002926, ucf:47992
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002926
- Title
- EMPIRICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EYE TRACKING-BASED SEARCH PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS AND FEEDBACK METHODS.
- Creator
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Carroll, Meredith, Mouloua, Mustapha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In todayÃÂ's complex combat environments, troops are often faced with increasingly challenging tasks different from those experienced in the past. Warfighters must be trained in adaptive perceptual skill sets, such as search strategies that enable them to detect threats across any number of environmental, cultural, and situational conditions. The goal of the present study was to explore how advanced technology, specifically eye tracking, can be used to increase...
Show moreIn todayÃÂ's complex combat environments, troops are often faced with increasingly challenging tasks different from those experienced in the past. Warfighters must be trained in adaptive perceptual skill sets, such as search strategies that enable them to detect threats across any number of environmental, cultural, and situational conditions. The goal of the present study was to explore how advanced technology, specifically eye tracking, can be used to increase understanding of perceptual processes such as search and detection and provide tools that can be used to train search skills. Experiment 1 examined a method of diagnosing perceptual performance in order to be able to identify the perceptual root cause of target detection deficiencies and how these impact overall target detection performance. Findings indicate the method can be used to pinpoint where in the perceptual process a target miss originated, whether due to ineffective search strategy, inability to detect the subtle cues of the threat or inability to recognize these cues as indicative of a threat. Experiment 2 examined the training effectiveness of providing trainees with process level tailored feedback which incorporates elements of expert and trainee scan patterns. Findings indicate that providing trainees with elements of either expert or trainee scan patterns has the ability to significantly improve the search strategy being employed by the trainee. This work provides strong support for the use of eye tracking based perceptual performance diagnosis methods and training strategies in improving trainee search performance for complex target detection tasks.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003100, ucf:48302
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003100
- Title
- ACHIEVEMENT FOR ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION (AVID) STUDENTS AND NON-AVID STUDENTS IN SELECT CENTRAL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOLS IN 2007-2009: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
- Creator
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Connors, Linda, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this study was to examine the relationship of student participation in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and student academic performance. More specifically, this study was conducted to determine if there was a mean difference in student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in mathematics, reading, and writing between students who participated in the AVID program during their first two years of high school and students who had...
Show moreThe focus of this study was to examine the relationship of student participation in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and student academic performance. More specifically, this study was conducted to determine if there was a mean difference in student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in mathematics, reading, and writing between students who participated in the AVID program during their first two years of high school and students who had similar demographics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, and economic status) but did not participate in the AVID program for 2007-2009. The population for this study consisted of students from six high schools with certified AVID programs during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years in two central Florida school districts. Students participating in the AVID program were matched with non-AVID participants for each school site by ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and tenth grade mathematics or English course. The results of this study did not indicate statistically significant differences in the FCAT mathematics and reading developmental scale score gains between the AVID and non-AVID students. However, the non-AVID students performed significantly higher on the tenth grade writing component of the FCAT. Participation in the AVID program produced no statistically significant findings for the factors of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status for FCAT mathematics, reading, or writing. The findings indicated that AVID and non-AVID students could not be differentiated by FCAT performance measures in the mathematics and reading domains.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003206, ucf:48567
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003206
- Title
- A Macro-Level Sustainability Assessment Framework for Optimal Distribution of Alternative Passenger Vehicles.
- Creator
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Onat, Nuri, Tatari, Omer, Nam, Boo Hyun, Oloufa, Amr, Pazour, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Although there are many studies focusing on the environmental impacts of alternative vehicle options, social and economic dimensions and trade-off relationships among all of these impacts were not investigated sufficiently. Moreover, most economic analyses are limited to life cycle cost analyses and do not consider macro-level economic impacts. Therefore, this thesis aims to advance the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment literature and electric vehicle sustainability research by presenting...
Show moreAlthough there are many studies focusing on the environmental impacts of alternative vehicle options, social and economic dimensions and trade-off relationships among all of these impacts were not investigated sufficiently. Moreover, most economic analyses are limited to life cycle cost analyses and do not consider macro-level economic impacts. Therefore, this thesis aims to advance the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment literature and electric vehicle sustainability research by presenting a novel combined application of Multi Criteria Decision Making techniques with Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment for decision analysis. With this motivation in mind, this research will construct a compromise-programming model (multi-objective optimization method) in order to calculate the optimum vehicle distribution in the U.S. passenger car fleet while considering the trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the sustainability. The findings of this research provide important insights for policy makers when developing strategies to estimate optimum vehicle distribution strategies based on various environmental and socio-economic priorities. For instance, compromise programming results can present practical policy conclusions for different states which might have different priorities for environmental impact mitigation and socio-economic development. Therefore, the conceptual framework presented in this work can be applicable for different regions in U.S. and decision makers can generate balanced policy conclusions and recommendations based on their environmental, economic and social constraints. The compromise programming results provide vital guidance for policy makers when optimizing the use of alternative vehicle technologies based on different environmental and socio-economic priorities. This research also effort aims to increase awareness of the inherent benefits of Input-Output based a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and multi-criteria optimization.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005858, ucf:50901
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005858
- Title
- Who is the best judge of personality: Investigating the role of relationship depth and observational breadth on the accuracy of third-party ratings.
- Creator
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Tindall, Mitchell, Jentsch, Kimberly, Szalma, James, Wang, Wei, Piccolo, Ronald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
To date, the vast majority of research regarding personality in IO Psychology has relied on self-report assessments. Despite support for the utility of third-party assessments, IO Psychologists have only just begun extensive research in this area. Connelly and Ones (2010) conducted a meta-analysis that demonstrated that accuracy of third-party ratings improved as intimacy between the judge and the target grew. This remained true with the exception of predicting behavioral criteria, where non...
Show moreTo date, the vast majority of research regarding personality in IO Psychology has relied on self-report assessments. Despite support for the utility of third-party assessments, IO Psychologists have only just begun extensive research in this area. Connelly and Ones (2010) conducted a meta-analysis that demonstrated that accuracy of third-party ratings improved as intimacy between the judge and the target grew. This remained true with the exception of predicting behavioral criteria, where non-intimates maintained superior predictability (Connelly (&) Ones, 2010). This was later contradicted by a recent investigation that found the best predictive validity for third-party assessments when they are taken from personal acquaintances as opposed to work colleagues (Connelly (&) Hulsheger, 2012). The current study is intended to investigate how the depth of the relationship and breadth of behavioral observations differentially moderate the relationship between third-party personality assessments and accuracy criteria (i.e., self-other overlap, discriminant validity and behavior). Results indicate that both depth and breadth impact accuracy criteria and they do so differentially based on trait visibility and evaluativeness. These findings will be discussed along with practical implications and limitations of the following research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006014, ucf:51007
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006014
- Title
- An Evaluation Study of the Implementation of Webcam Proctoring for Secure Testing in a K-12 Virtual School.
- Creator
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Geiser Hogan, Elena, Gunter, Glenda, Hartshorne, Richard, Boote, David, Kennedy, Kathryn, Gordon, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT The purpose of this evaluative study was to review the implementation of a Webcam Test-Proctoring Program (WTPP) implemented in a Kindergarten through 12th grade public virtual school. Results of the evaluative study will be used to determine if the secure Webcam proctoring method would be a viable solution to a problem of practice(-)requiring full-time virtual school students to participate in the multitude of required state and Florida school district assessments. At the core of...
Show moreABSTRACT The purpose of this evaluative study was to review the implementation of a Webcam Test-Proctoring Program (WTPP) implemented in a Kindergarten through 12th grade public virtual school. Results of the evaluative study will be used to determine if the secure Webcam proctoring method would be a viable solution to a problem of practice(-)requiring full-time virtual school students to participate in the multitude of required state and Florida school district assessments. At the core of virtual education lies the appeal of flexibility in each student's individual learning path. The rigid nature of secure assessments conflict with the intentions of a K-12 virtual school. Natale and Cook (2012) identified this as a problem of practice as well, stating, (")Digital learning de-standardizes and decentralizes educational delivery, so it presents challenges in applying quality control systems and metrics that were developed for more traditional school structures(") (p. 541).A formal evaluation included an electronic survey and one-on-one phone interviews. The sample population for this study included 6th-12th grade students (n = 27) who were enrolled in Hurricane County Virtual School during the 2014-2015 school year. The HCVS population was 165 at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, therefore the population for this study was N=165. The WTPP evaluated for this study took place over two test sessions, the first in October of 2014 and the second in January 2015. Students were asked to complete the electronic survey and to volunteer to complete phone interviews to provide feedback about their experience completing their benchmark assessments. In this mixed-methods study, an electronic survey created by the evaluator and research chair gathered quantitative data that were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In order to determine if there was any relationship between specific demographic sub-groups and their experiences and preferences regarding Webcam proctoring, the researcher used the Kruskal-Walis and Mann-Whitney inferential statistics. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through one-on-one phone interviews with six students who participated in the WTPP. Data from these interviews yielded supporting statements for the quantitative data analyzed. Results yielded from this study indicated that the majority of students who participated in the WTPP were satisfied or very satisfied with this method of proctoring for secure testing overall. Future studies should further evaluate the effectiveness of Webcam proctoring for secure testing and determine the impact of allowing students more flexibility (which Webcam proctoring inherently does) while testing has on their test scores.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006457, ucf:51441
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006457
- Title
- An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of Student Awareness in Expressing Emotions and Identifying the Emotions of Others: Through the Mirror Looking Glass.
- Creator
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Duff, Christine, Hines, Rebecca, Dieker, Lisa, Reyes, Maria, Butler, S. Kent, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this research was to determine how the self-awareness process of expressing emotions and identifying emotions of others was impacted during a mirror-based intervention for first grade students from inclusive classrooms. The study investigated the extent that a two-way mirror display helped eight students increase their level of awareness when expressing emotions and identifying the emotions of others. Traditional assessment measures for assessing empathy and accuracy in perception...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to determine how the self-awareness process of expressing emotions and identifying emotions of others was impacted during a mirror-based intervention for first grade students from inclusive classrooms. The study investigated the extent that a two-way mirror display helped eight students increase their level of awareness when expressing emotions and identifying the emotions of others. Traditional assessment measures for assessing empathy and accuracy in perception of emotions of others have relied on binary, forced choice responses that have not addressed a student's level of awareness, or increased awareness in identifying the emotions of others. Further, binary tests of theory of mind (ToM) and empathy that provide 'either/or' assessment do not account for an individual's level of ToM or empathy in identifying emotions of others, when 100% accuracy is not achieved 100% of the time. A two-way mirror served to provide a real time, real world opportunity for students to examine their own expression of a given emotion, while the student on the non-reflected side simultaneously evaluated the accuracy of that emotion. The accuracy of the projected emotion was evaluated and results indicated an increase in accuracy of expressing emotions. This research study introduced a three choice assessment measure, 'The Emotion Word Assessment (EWA) that provided students choices in identifying their peers' emotion, and was used to assess accuracy and increases in correct choices, with concomitant changes in student own awareness of their emotion expression and the awareness of others' emotions. Constructs of ToM, empathy, cognitive empathy and affective empathy, cognitive processing, compassion, and sympathy were examined and recommendations for future empathy and emotional assessment provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006737, ucf:51867
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006737
- Title
- Coupling Infrastructure Resilience and Flood Risk Assessment for a Coastal Urban Watershed.
- Creator
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Joyce, Justin, Chang, Ni-bin, Mayo, Talea, Wanielista, Martin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis sheds light on coupling potential flood risk and drainage infrastructure resilience of low-lying areas of a coastal urban watershed to flood hazards and subsequent multi-scale impacts of those hazards via detailed modeling frameworks. Physically based models along with statistical models are employed to highlight the complexity for characterizing flood risk while evaluating such risk under various levels of adaptive capacity from traditional flood management techniques to low...
Show moreThis thesis sheds light on coupling potential flood risk and drainage infrastructure resilience of low-lying areas of a coastal urban watershed to flood hazards and subsequent multi-scale impacts of those hazards via detailed modeling frameworks. Physically based models along with statistical models are employed to highlight the complexity for characterizing flood risk while evaluating such risk under various levels of adaptive capacity from traditional flood management techniques to low impact development (LID), as a first step to conduct resilience assessment. Findings indicate that the coupling flood risk and infrastructure resilience is achievable by the careful formulation of flood risk associated with a resilience metric, which is a function of the hazard(s) considered, vulnerability and adaptive capacity. The results also give insights into improving existing methodologies for municipalities in flood management practices such as incorporating multi-criteria flood risk evaluation that includes resilience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006748, ucf:51844
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006748
- Title
- A Study on the Influence of Perceptual Distortion in the Scoring of Musical Performances by Florida Bandmasters Association Adjudicators.
- Creator
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Donato, Raymond, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Everett, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study explored adjudicator reliability in scores assessed at the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Music Performance Assessment. It investigated how adjudicators under conflicting sets of circumstances interpreted the criteria and rated musical performances. A sample of five concert band audio recordings from the FBA resource library were chosen and a sample of participants were selected to score the recordings using the criteria currently in use by the Florida Bandmasters...
Show moreThis study explored adjudicator reliability in scores assessed at the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Music Performance Assessment. It investigated how adjudicators under conflicting sets of circumstances interpreted the criteria and rated musical performances. A sample of five concert band audio recordings from the FBA resource library were chosen and a sample of participants were selected to score the recordings using the criteria currently in use by the Florida Bandmasters Association. These participants were chosen from Certified FBA concert band adjudicators, FBA members who are not certified concert band adjudicators and out of state judges who are certified though other judges association. Differences between groups were examined. In addition, data were collected on the participants' ranking of the musical criteria from the FBA concert band assessment instrument.From analysis of the data, it was reasonable to conclude that there is a significant difference in scoring of musical performances between face-to-face adjudicators who evaluated a live performance, and blind adjudicators who evaluated the same performance via a recorded audio only presentation. This study may provide valuable information that could lead to better development of a fair and balanced rating system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006099, ucf:51208
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006099
- Title
- Psychometric Properties of a Social Skills Assessment Using Virtual Environment.
- Creator
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Le, Thien-An, Beidel, Deborah, Paulson, Daniel, Bowers, Clint, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Background: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a marked and persistent fear of social and/or performance situations in which embarrassment or scrutiny from others may occur. In children, this marked and persistent fear must be present in peer settings and is not exclusive to interactions with adults (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Behaviorally, children with SAD may avoid eye contact and exhibit other behavioral symptoms such as stooped shoulders, nail biting, trembling voice,...
Show moreBackground: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a marked and persistent fear of social and/or performance situations in which embarrassment or scrutiny from others may occur. In children, this marked and persistent fear must be present in peer settings and is not exclusive to interactions with adults (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Behaviorally, children with SAD may avoid eye contact and exhibit other behavioral symptoms such as stooped shoulders, nail biting, trembling voice, avoidance of social and performance situations, muffled voice, longer speech latency, inappropriate tone or low voice volume, and lack of spontaneous speech (Beidel (&) Turner, 2007; Ollendick, Benoit, (&) Grills-Taquechel, 2014; Spence, Donovan, (&) Brechman-Toussaint, 1999). Currently, there are several methods of assessing symptom severity of SAD, such as structured and semi-structured interviews supplemented by self- and parent-report forms, as well as behavioral assessment of social skills, such as RPTs. However, RPTs inherently present with feasibility concerns as there are several obstacles for its implementation. Thus, the current study will examine the psychometric properties of a VE based social skills assessment as it compares to the traditional RPT. Methods: Participants were 46 children, ages 7 to 14, who underwent two assessment conditions: RPT and VE BAT. Participants were assessed prior to the assessment conditions using the ADIS-C/P and completed several self- and parent-report forms. Participants reported self-ratings of anxiety and acceptability, while blinded observers rated social skills and overall social anxiety. Results: A paired-samples t-test revealed (a) no significant difference in acceptability between the two tasks (t(36) = .209, p (>) .05); (b) the VE BAT elicited somewhat less anxiety and somewhat more skilled social behavior than a comparable and traditional RPT; (c) the VE BAT demonstrated moderate concurrent validity with the SPAI-C (r = .422, p = .004); (d) behaviors were rated as consistent across assessment tasks for speech latency ( r = .367, p = .016), overall effectiveness ( r = .541, p = .000), overall social anxiety (r = .638, p = .000), and SAM ratings (r = .730, p = .000) and; (e) VE BAT was more feasible to implement than the RPT in terms of personnel time (t(45) = 12.87, p = .00, d = 2.69) and costs (t(45) = 12.88, p = .00, d = 1.83). Conclusion: The current study addresses many of the discussed limitations of conducting RPTs and, overall, supports the utilization of VE BATS as a viable alternative to behaviorally assessing social skills in children. Overall, the current study demonstrates acceptability, validity, and feasibility of implementing such a novel method, where a formal RPT is not possible. Further implications for the current study include that VEs have potential in the armamentarium for social skills training with children with SAD.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006134, ucf:51178
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006134
- Title
- A Study of a Third Grade Summer Reading Camp: Its Promotion of Student Achievement and Its Cost Effectiveness.
- Creator
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Bixler, Krista, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Gordon, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long term impact of participation in the 2009 Third Grade Summer Reading Camp, as well as determine the cost-effectiveness of providing this program in comparison to the cost-effectiveness of other reading interventions as identified by Yeh (2010). All students in this study scored an achievement level one on the 2009 FCAT Reading assessment and either attended the summer reading camp or received a good cause exemption for promotion...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long term impact of participation in the 2009 Third Grade Summer Reading Camp, as well as determine the cost-effectiveness of providing this program in comparison to the cost-effectiveness of other reading interventions as identified by Yeh (2010). All students in this study scored an achievement level one on the 2009 FCAT Reading assessment and either attended the summer reading camp or received a good cause exemption for promotion to the next grade level. Data was not available to determine immediate impact of summer school. To determine long term impact of summer school participation, 130 students who attended the program and passed were compared to a random sample of 130 students who received another good cause exemption. Results of an independent t-test indicated students who passed summer school by performing at or above the 50th percentile on the alternative assessment outperformed students who received another good cause exemption on the 2010 FCAT Reading assessment, t(258) = -9.50, p = .000, effect size r = 0.51,and 2011 FCAT Reading assessment, t(258) = -7.43, p = .000, effect size r = 0.42. Ninety percent of students who attended summer school and passed the alternative assessment for promotion made learning gains on the following year's FCAT Reading assessment; however, the majority of students performed below grade level on the 2010 and 2011 FCAT Reading assessment. Based on school district records for the cost of salaries, benefits, transportation, materials, and supplies, the total cost of summer school was calculated and adjusted for inflation to 2006 dollars so a comparison could be made to Yeh's (2010) cost-effectiveness analysis of summer school and other reading interventions that annualized the cost to 2006 dollars. The adjusted cost for the 2009 summer reading program was calculated at $872,681.23. Using this number and dividing by the total number of summer school student, which were 3,012 students, the cost per student annualized to 2006 was $289.74. Data to determine the immediate impact of summer school were not available, therefore, student performance on the 2009 FCAT Reading assessment was compared to their performance on the 2010 FCAT Reading assessment by calculating a paired samples t-test, t(1225) = 40.82, p = .000, d = 1.23, effect size r = 0.52. The effect size d was divided by the cost per student which calculated an effectiveness-cost ratio of 0.004245 compared to that derived by Yeh (2010) of 0.000125. Caution should be taken when interpreting these results as methodology was not in alignment to Yeh (2010) due to the lack of an immediate post-test measure after participation in summer school and an additional year of interventions and education is reflected in the test scores. The cost per student was calculated to be $1,225.26 less than the amount of money reported in Yeh's (2010) calculations. Based on this information, the diminishing effect of the summer school program on student reading performance in subsequent years, and the majority of students performing below grade level one and two years after summer school participation, it cannot be determined that this program is cost-effective in raising student reading achievement.It is recommended that this study be replicated with adjustments made to address the limitations identified. Further investigation should be made at the state level to determine if the current practice of good cause exemptions and summer school offerings perpetuates the achievement gap in reading.?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004818, ucf:49753
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004818
- Title
- A Study of the Effectiveness of the Equals Mathematics Curriculum and Teacher Perceptions Of and Attitudes About the Curriculum.
- Creator
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Hughes, Jennifer, Murray, Kenneth, Kennedy, Mary, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This study further examined the perceptions of and attitudes about the Equals mathematics curriculum that exist among Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers who teach mathematics to students with disabilities participating in the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA).The study utilized a mixed methods approach to research that included both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative portion of the study was conducted using archival data obtained from the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment Data Book. A Mann-Whitney U Test was conducted through SPSS at a significance level of ? = .05 to test for relative differences in performance between the treatment (Equals) and control (non-Equals) groups. Based on the results, the Equals mathematics curriculum did not have any statistically significant impact on the 2012 FAA mathematics scores for students with disabilities in the treatment school districts at any of the tested grade groupings (elementary, middle, high, and overall).The qualitative method of data collection utilized an online teacher survey. The results were analyzed using the researcher-coded results and assisted through summary tables provided by Survey-Monkey. Differences and similarities among the survey question responses were explored. Common terms and themes were noted and compared. Data triangulation was used by surveying teachers from five of the six treatment counties. This promoted generalizability for study replication since the treatment counties train teachers and utilize the curriculum in different manners. The results of the qualitative analysis indicated that many teachers were not satisfied with the training they received and felt overwhelmed by the curriculum itself, specifically in the areas of lesson planning and delivery. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results, it was concluded that further research needs to be completed to determine the effectiveness of the Equals mathematics curriculum when used with true fidelity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004866, ucf:49651
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004866
- Title
- The Measurement of Motivation: Examining the Measurement Properties of the Motivation Assessment System.
- Creator
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Schmerling, Daniel, Fritzsche, Barbara, Joseph, Dana, Jentsch, Florian, Roth, Colin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The current study investigated the Pritchard-Ashwood (P-A) Theory of Motivation (Pritchard (&) Ashwood, 2008) by examining a measure of P-A Theory labeled the Motivation Assessment System (MAS). P-A Theory combines prior motivation theories such as expectancy theory, goal setting theory, justice theory, and needs theory and consolidates them into one integrated theory of motivation. In essence, P-A theory posits that one's motivation is determined by four perceptions, including the extent to...
Show moreThe current study investigated the Pritchard-Ashwood (P-A) Theory of Motivation (Pritchard (&) Ashwood, 2008) by examining a measure of P-A Theory labeled the Motivation Assessment System (MAS). P-A Theory combines prior motivation theories such as expectancy theory, goal setting theory, justice theory, and needs theory and consolidates them into one integrated theory of motivation. In essence, P-A theory posits that one's motivation is determined by four perceptions, including the extent to which one believes: (a) his/her actions will lead to results, (b) his/her results will lead to positive evaluations, (c) his/her evaluations will lead to positive outcomes, and (d) his/her outcomes will satisfy his/her needs. The MAS is designed to capture P-A Theory by assessing these four perceptions, and this dissertation examined tenets of P-A Theory by investigating the measurement properties of the MAS via confirmatory factor analysis. Findings showed that the model set forth by P-A Theory had the best fit compared to the other competing models when analyzing MAS data, suggesting the MAS is an appropriate measure of P-A Theory. This research should help to bridge the gap between motivation theory and practice by providing initial evidence of support for a practical measure that captures the full spectrum of employee motivation as set forth in P-A Theory. Recommendations for future research using the MAS to study motivation are suggested.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004749, ucf:49801
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004749
- Title
- An Evaluation of the Iowa State University Ecosystem.
- Creator
-
Mazer, Cherie, Gunter, Glenda, Hayes, Grant, Vitale, Thomas, Cavanagh, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Purpose (-) This dissertation in practice is an evaluation study conducted at Iowa State University, entitled, Learning Ecosystem Assessment Review of Needs (LEARN). The evaluation posed these questions: (a) What educational technologies are currently used and what technologies will be needed in the future? (b) What are the attitudes and practices of faculty and students toward online and blended learning? (c) What academic technology support services are used? What are the perceptions of the...
Show morePurpose (-) This dissertation in practice is an evaluation study conducted at Iowa State University, entitled, Learning Ecosystem Assessment Review of Needs (LEARN). The evaluation posed these questions: (a) What educational technologies are currently used and what technologies will be needed in the future? (b) What are the attitudes and practices of faculty and students toward online and blended learning? (c) What academic technology support services are used? What are the perceptions of the support provided for the application of academic technologies? Methodology/design (-) The study was a mixed-methods design employing interviews with deans and focus groups and surveys of faculty and students. Findings (-) Iowa State University faculty and students use a wide array of academic technologies both in physical and virtual classrooms. The prevailing sentiment regarding the need for future academic technologies is not for new offerings and new features but for easier to use, more reliable technologies, and more timely support. Although Iowa State University has formally adopted online learning by offering numerous programs and courses, the university is in the early stages of adopting blended learning.Implications (-) The results and implications of the study inform the university on next steps to ready the institution for leveraging technology and preparing for the transformation toward strategic adoption of online and blended learning. The author outlines an organizational learning approach to manage change and promote adoption of blended learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005379, ucf:50445
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005379
- Title
- Sustainable Material Solution for Flexible Pavements; Performance Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Utilizing Multiple Recycled Materials in HMA.
- Creator
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Golestani, Behnam, Nam, Boo Hyun, Chopra, Manoj, Tatari, Omer, Bai, Yuanli, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The demand for pollution-free and recyclable engineering materials has been increased as the cost of energy and environmental concerns have risen. Green material design can lead to better environmental quality and sustainability of civil infrastructure. Road construction is one of the largest consumers of natural resources. Beneficial utilization of recycled materials can result in an important opportunity to save the mining and use of virgin materials, to preserve energy, and to save...
Show moreThe demand for pollution-free and recyclable engineering materials has been increased as the cost of energy and environmental concerns have risen. Green material design can lead to better environmental quality and sustainability of civil infrastructure. Road construction is one of the largest consumers of natural resources. Beneficial utilization of recycled materials can result in an important opportunity to save the mining and use of virgin materials, to preserve energy, and to save landfill space. Two main research questions addressed in this study are: (1) How much pollution, energy, natural resources, time and money can be salvaged by applying recycling materials to Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA)?, (2) What are the optimum mix designs for those recycled materials in HMA?, and (3) Can multiple recycled materials be used at the same time to compensate each other's drawbacks? This study evaluates the structural performance and environmental-economical cost and benefit by substituting one or a combination of three recycled materials in HMA. The three recycled materials are Recycled Asphalt Shingle (RAS), Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Bottom Ash, and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA). Performance evaluation of the HMA including those recycled materials has been performed by a series of laboratory experimental tests while the environmental impact was investigated by the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In addition, Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) method has been employed to evaluate the benefit of the aforementioned recycled materials.In 2008, the Florida Legislature established a new statewide recycling goal of 75% to be achieved by the year 2020. The impact of this research aligns with this policy as it introduces a sustainable HMA that reduces the necessity of virgin aggregate and asphalt binder to 50% and 20%, respectively. In terms of environmental and economic impacts, in comparison with the regular HMA, it generates 25% less greenhouse gas emission, and for a period of 20 years, the cost of construction and maintenance would be 65% less.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005798, ucf:50038
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005798
- Title
- Sustainability Assessment of Wind Energy for Buildings.
- Creator
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Noori, Mehdi, Tatari, Mehmet, Oloufa, Amr, Nam, Boo Hyun, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Due to increasing concerns for global climate change, onshore and offshore wind energy technologies have stimulated a tremendous interest worldwide, and are considered as a viable solution to mitigate the environmental impacts related to electricity generation. Although wind energy technologies have been considered as one of the cleanest energy sources, they have a wide range of direct and indirect environmental impacts when the whole supply chain is considered. This study aims to quantify...
Show moreDue to increasing concerns for global climate change, onshore and offshore wind energy technologies have stimulated a tremendous interest worldwide, and are considered as a viable solution to mitigate the environmental impacts related to electricity generation. Although wind energy technologies have been considered as one of the cleanest energy sources, they have a wide range of direct and indirect environmental impacts when the whole supply chain is considered. This study aims to quantify the direct and indirect environmental impacts of onshore and offshore wind power technologies by tracing all of the economy-wide supply chain requirements. To accomplish this goal, we developed a comprehensive hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) model in which process-based LCA model is combined with the economic input-output (EIO) analysis. The analysis results show that on average, concrete and steel and their supply chains are responsible for 37% and 24% of carbon footprint, consequently. On average, offshore wind turbines produce 48% less greenhouse gas emissions per kWh produced electricity than onshore wind turbines. For the onshore wind turbines, concrete, aggregates, and crushed stone approximately consume 95% of total water in this construction phase. On the other hand, concrete, lead, copper, and aggregate are responsible for around 90% of total water for the offshore wind turbines. It is also found that the more capacity the wind turbine has, the less environmental impact the wind turbine generates per kWh electricity. Moreover, based on the economic and environmental impacts of studied wind turbines and also three more nonrenewable energy sources, this study develops a decision making framework to understand the best energy source mix for a building in the state of Florida. This framework accounts for the uncertainty in the input material by deploying a Monte Carlo simulation approach. The results of decision making framework show that natural gas is a better option among nonrenewable sources. On the other hand, V90-3.0 MW offshore wind turbine is the best source of energy among renewable energy sources for a building.The findings of this research are critical for policy makers to understand the direct and indirect environmental impacts of different onshore and offshore wind energy systems. Also this study furnishes the decision maker with a range of possible energy mixes based on different economic and environmental weights.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005038, ucf:50017
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005038
- Title
- A Comparative Analysis of Top Performing Countries in Eighth Grade Mathematics as Measured by 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.
- Creator
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Wilson, Courtney, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to shed light on factors contributing to global international rankings in mathematics released by the 2011 administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. This study focused on factors contributing to the global ranking of international scores in mathematics. Although students in the United States performed below students in the other sample countries (Singapore, Japan, and the Republic of Korea), American students scored within one standard deviation of the top performer, the Republic of Korea. The study also revealed that although other countries had their brightest and most advantaged students participate in the assessment, participating students in the United States were disproportionately disadvantaged to the proportion of United States' citizens. Another contributing factor of student success revealed in this study was the size and form of government and financing of the participating countries. While Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Japan have education systems governed and financed by national governments, the United States education system is primarily governed and financed by 50 state governments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005276, ucf:50555
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005276
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL CULTURE AND THIRD-GRADE FCAT READING PROFICIENCY IN SEMINOLE COUNTY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
- Creator
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Novak, Kelley, Taylor, Rosemarye, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the relationship between school culture and student achievement. Elementary school teachers (N=574) from 27 schools in suburban Seminole County, Florida completed the School Culture Triage Survey to generate a school culture score. The participating schools were ranked and placed in categories representing the top 33% (N=9), middle 33% (N=9), and bottom 33% (N=9) of the population based on their culture score. School culture data were analyzed and...
Show moreABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the relationship between school culture and student achievement. Elementary school teachers (N=574) from 27 schools in suburban Seminole County, Florida completed the School Culture Triage Survey to generate a school culture score. The participating schools were ranked and placed in categories representing the top 33% (N=9), middle 33% (N=9), and bottom 33% (N=9) of the population based on their culture score. School culture data were analyzed and correlated with third grade student achievement data, as measured by the 2007 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Reading to determine if there were any relationships between (a) school culture and student achievement; (b) the three key components of school culture (collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy) and student achievement; and (c) principal tenure and school culture. Additional data analysis served to determine if there were any experiential or demographic differences among the teachers from the schools falling in the top, middle, and bottom 33% on the School Culture Triage Survey. To learn more about principal beliefs with regard to school culture and student achievement, principal interviews were conducted with some principals (N=8) from the participating schools. Through a review of the research results and related literature, the researcher concluded that a relationship between the overall school culture and student achievement did not exist. Further analysis revealed that there were no relationships between student achievement and collaboration, collegiality, and self-determination/efficacy, or between school culture and principal tenure for the schools participating in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002241, ucf:47889
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002241
- Title
- Sustainability Analysis of Intelligent Transportation Systems.
- Creator
-
Ercan, Tolga, Tatari, Mehmet, Al-Deek, Haitham, Oloufa, Amr, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Commuters in urban areas suffer from traffic congestion on a daily basis. The increasing number of vehicles and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are exacerbating this congested roadway problem for society. Although literature contains numerous studies that strive to propose solutions to this congestion problem, the problem is still prevalent today. Traffic congestion problem affects society's quality of life socially, economically, and environmentally. In order to alleviate the unsustainable...
Show moreCommuters in urban areas suffer from traffic congestion on a daily basis. The increasing number of vehicles and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are exacerbating this congested roadway problem for society. Although literature contains numerous studies that strive to propose solutions to this congestion problem, the problem is still prevalent today. Traffic congestion problem affects society's quality of life socially, economically, and environmentally. In order to alleviate the unsustainable impacts of the congested roadway problem, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) has been utilized to improve sustainable transportation systems in the world. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the sustainable impacts and performance of the utilization of ITS in the United States. This thesis advances the body of knowledge of sustainability impacts of ITS related congestion relief through a triple bottom line (TBL) evaluation in the United States. TBL impacts analyze from a holistic perspective, rather than considering only the direct economic benefits. A critical approach to this research was to include both the direct and the indirect environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the chain of supply paths of traffic congestion relief. To accomplish this aim, net benefits of ITS implementations are analyzed in 101 cities in the United States. In addition to the state level results, seven metropolitan cities in Florida are investigated in detail among these 101 cities. For instance, the results of this study indicated that Florida saved 1.38 E+05 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (tons of carbon dioxide equivalent), $420 million of annual delay reduction costs, and $17.2 million of net fuel-based costs. Furthermore, to quantify the relative impact and sustainability performance of different ITS technologies, several ITS solutions are analyzed in terms of total costs (initial and operation (&) maintenance costs) and benefits (value of time, emissions, and safety). To account for the uncertainty in benefit and cost analyses, a fuzzy-data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology is utilized instead of the traditional DEA approach for sustainability performance analysis. The results using the fuzzy-DEA approach indicate that some of the ITS investments are not efficient compared to other investments where as all of them are highly effective investments in terms of the cost/benefit ratios approach. The TBL results of this study provide more comprehensive picture of socio-economic benefits which include the negative and indirect indicators and environmental benefits for ITS related congestion relief. In addition, sustainability performance comparisons and TBL analysis of ITS investments contained encouraging results to support decision makers to pursue ITS projects in the future.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004994, ucf:49549
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004994
- Title
- TEACHING AND ASSESSING CRITICAL THINKING IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Gosnell, Susan, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was primarily to explore the conceptualization of critical thinking development in radiologic science students by radiography program directors. Seven research questions framed three overriding themes including 1) perceived definition of and skills associated with critical thinking; 2) effectiveness and utilization of teaching strategies for the development of critical thinking; and 3) appropriateness and utilization of specific assessment measures for documenting...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was primarily to explore the conceptualization of critical thinking development in radiologic science students by radiography program directors. Seven research questions framed three overriding themes including 1) perceived definition of and skills associated with critical thinking; 2) effectiveness and utilization of teaching strategies for the development of critical thinking; and 3) appropriateness and utilization of specific assessment measures for documenting critical thinking development. The population for this study included program directors for all JRCERT accredited radiography programs in the United States. Questionnaires were distributed via Survey Monkeyé, a commercial on-line survey tool to 620 programs. A forty-seven percent (n = 295) response rate was achieved and included good representation from each of the three recognized program levels (AS, BS and certificate). Statistical analyses performed on the collected data included descriptive analyses (median, mean and standard deviation) to ascertain overall perceptions of the definition of critical thinking; levels of agreement regarding the effectiveness of listed teaching strategies and assessment measures; and the degree of utilization of the same teaching strategies and assessment measures. Chi squared analyses were conducted to identify differences within each of these themes between various program levels and/or between program directors with various levels of educational preparation as defined by the highest degree earned. Results showed that program directors had a broad and somewhat ambiguous perception of the definition of critical thinking, which included many related cognitive processes that were not always classified as attributes of critical thinking according to the literature, but were consistent with definitions and attributes identified as critical thinking by other allied health professions. These common attributes included creative thinking, decision making, problem solving and clinical reasoning as well as other high-order thinking activities such as reflection, judging and reasoning deductively and inductively. Statistically significant differences were identified for some items based on program level and for one item based on program director highest degree. There was general agreement regarding the appropriateness of specific teaching strategies also supported by the literature with the exception of on-line discussions and portfolios. The most highly used teaching strategies reported were not completely congruent with the literature and included traditional lectures with in-class discussions and high-order multiple choice test items. Significant differences between program levels were identified for only two items. The most highly used assessment measures included clinical competency results, employer surveys, image critique performance, specific course assignments, student surveys and ARRT exam results. Only one variable showed significant differences between programs at various academic levels.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003261, ucf:48518
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003261