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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING METHODS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION OF PHYSICS SUBJECT MATTER FOR BOTH SCIENCE AND NON-SCIENCE MAJORS
Title
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING METHODS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION OF PHYSICS SUBJECT MATTER FOR BOTH SCIENCE AND NON-SCIENCE MAJORS.
Creator
Maronde, Dan, Efthimiou, Costas, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The necessity of students' engagement with the subject matter for successful learning is well-documented in education research in general, and in physics education research in particular. This study examines the merits of two different programs designed to improve student learning through enhanced student engagement with the material. The target populations of the two programs are different: One is the group of students taking a physical science class as part of the general curriculum...
Show moreThe necessity of students' engagement with the subject matter for successful learning is well-documented in education research in general, and in physics education research in particular. This study examines the merits of two different programs designed to improve student learning through enhanced student engagement with the material. The target populations of the two programs are different: One is the group of students taking a physical science class as part of the general curriculum required of non-science, non-engineering majors; the other is the group of students, mostly in engineering disciplines, who must take the calculus-based introductory physics sequence as part of their majors' core curriculum. The physical science class is required for non-science majors due to the importance of having a science-literate public. To improve this group's engagement with the subject matter, Physics in Films approaches the subject in the context of scenes taken from popular Hollywood films. Students' learning in the class is evaluated by comparison between performance on pre- and post-tests. The students are also polled on their confidence in their answers on both tests, as an improved belief in their own knowledge is one of the goals of the class. For the calculus-based physics group, a large issue is retention within the major. Many students change to non-science majors before the completion of their degree. An improved understanding of the material in the introductory physics sequence should help alleviate this problem. The Physics Suite is a multi-part introductory physics curriculum based on physics education research. It has been shown to be effective in several studies when used in its entirety. Here, portions of the curriculum have been used in select sections of the introductory physics classes. Their effectiveness, both individually and in conjunction, is studied. Students' mastery of concepts is evaluated using pre- and post-tests, and effects on class performance and retention within the major are examined. Input from both groups of students in the study was obtained through interviews and surveys.
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Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFE0003742, ucf:48793
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003742
Integration of Fundamental Research and CER: The Role of Authenticity in Developing Views on the Nature of Teaching, Learning, and Doing Science
Title
Integration of Fundamental Research and CER: The Role of Authenticity in Developing Views on the Nature of Teaching, Learning, and Doing Science.
Creator
Donnelly, Julie, Hernandez, Florencio, Del Barco, Enrique, Saitta, Erin, Yestrebsky, Cherie, Underwood, Sonia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This dissertation is an integration of fundamental research and chemical education. It begins with two nonlinear spectroscopic studies of compounds important to the study of brain chemistry. In Chapter 2, we present a novel method using quantum mechanics for modelling ligand docking and the potential of nonlinear circular dichroism for elucidating the mechanism of cannabinoids docking to their receptor, a contribution to studies of varying psychological effects of cannabinoids. Considering...
Show moreThis dissertation is an integration of fundamental research and chemical education. It begins with two nonlinear spectroscopic studies of compounds important to the study of brain chemistry. In Chapter 2, we present a novel method using quantum mechanics for modelling ligand docking and the potential of nonlinear circular dichroism for elucidating the mechanism of cannabinoids docking to their receptor, a contribution to studies of varying psychological effects of cannabinoids. Considering existent challenges with measuring this phenomenon, in Chapter 3, we evaluate two-photon absorption properties of Thioflavin T (ThT) in varying glycerol/water content solutions and discuss the enhancement of nonlinear absorption due to small micelle formation. Our results represent the potential to enhance the applications of ThT for imaging Amyloid beta plaques in vitro and ex vivo and its potential application in vivo. Next, we consider the benefits of incorporating modern research into the undergraduate curriculum. In Chapter 4, we describe the integration of nonlinear optics into the physical chemistry laboratory in a course-based undergraduate research experience and the effects on student learning and perceptions. In Chapter 5, we expand our impact to secondary students by describing the development and assessment of the Orlando Chemistry Training, Enrichment, and Tutoring (OCTET) camp and its success in conveying chemistry concepts and inspiring students to pursue chemistry. In Chapter 6, we combine the successes of the previous two studies and incorporate a research component into OCTET. We study the effect on participants' views about science and show the impact on their practical knowledge about doing science. Finally, in Chapter 6, we extend the implementation of authentic learning to the classroom, present the implementation of active learning in physical chemistry, and describe students' perceptions. The results presented in this dissertation demonstrate successful integration of fundamental research into education and the powerful impact on all parties.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0006997, ucf:51620
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006997
AN ANALYSIS OF PREDICTORS OF ENROLLMENT AND SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT FOR GIRLS IN HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
Title
AN ANALYSIS OF PREDICTORS OF ENROLLMENT AND SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT FOR GIRLS IN HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS.
Creator
DePalma, Darlene, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
A problem within science education in the United States persists. U.S students rank lower in science than most other students from participating countries on international tests of achievement (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). In addition, U.S. students overall enrollment rate in high school Advanced Placement (AP) physics is still low compared to other academic domains, especially for females. This problem is the background for the purpose of this study. This investigation...
Show moreA problem within science education in the United States persists. U.S students rank lower in science than most other students from participating countries on international tests of achievement (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). In addition, U.S. students overall enrollment rate in high school Advanced Placement (AP) physics is still low compared to other academic domains, especially for females. This problem is the background for the purpose of this study. This investigation examined cognitive and motivational variables thought to play a part in the under-representation of females in AP physics. Cognitive variables consisted of mathematics, reading, and science knowledge, as measured by scores on the 10th and 11th grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT). The motivational factors of attitude, stereotypical views toward science, self-efficacy, and epistemological beliefs were measured by a questionnaire developed with question taken from previously proven reliable and valid instruments. A general survey regarding participation in extracurricular activities was also included. The sample included 12th grade students from two high schools located in Seminole County, Florida. Of the 106 participants, 20 girls and 27 boys were enrolled in AP physics, and 39 girls and 20 boys were enrolled in other elective science courses. Differences between males and females enrolled in AP physics were examined, as well as differences between females enrolled in AP physics and females that chose not to participate in AP physics, in order to determine predictors that apply exclusively to female enrollment in high school AP physics and predictors of an anticipated science related college major. Data were first analyzed by Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), independent t-tests, univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis. One overall theme that emerged from this research was findings that refute the ideas that females have lower achievement scores, lower attitude, lower self-efficacy, and more stereotypical views regarding science than males. Secondly, the only significant differences found between males and females enrolled in AP physics were for stereotypical views toward science and one factor from the epistemological views questions, both of which favored females. Although the non AP boys significantly outscored non AP girls on science FCAT scores, the only other significant differences found between these groups of students were related to attitude, with the girls scoring higher than the boys on both counts. There were significant differences found for numerous variables between AP and non AP females, however, most of the same differences were found between the two ability groups of male students as well. This leads to the conclusion that these factors certainly play an important role in AP physics enrollment for both genders. But the few significant differences found exclusively between the two female ability groups; reading ability, stereotypical views toward science, and the epistemological beliefs regarding branches of physics being related by common principles and aspects of physics need to be inferred instead of directly measured, may play a more important role in increasing enrollment numbers of females.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002121, ucf:47533
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002121
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITES AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ADOLESCENT OBESITY AND SEDENTARY PREVALENCE
Title
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEBSITES AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ADOLESCENT OBESITY AND SEDENTARY PREVALENCE.
Creator
McWilliams, Payton C, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This research seeks to determine the relationships between the quality of physical education (PE) programs provided by state departments of education (DOE), obesity rates, and sedentary behaviors described as physical inactivity in adolescents ages 10-17 years old. A modified rubric based on the "Let's Move Active Schools Assessment" was created and used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the PE programs and physical activity (PA) opportunities provided by websites of the state's...
Show moreThis research seeks to determine the relationships between the quality of physical education (PE) programs provided by state departments of education (DOE), obesity rates, and sedentary behaviors described as physical inactivity in adolescents ages 10-17 years old. A modified rubric based on the "Let's Move Active Schools Assessment" was created and used to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the PE programs and physical activity (PA) opportunities provided by websites of the state's DOE. A total of fourteen states were chosen to be assessed due to having either the highest or lowest obesity or physical inactivity rates. It was believed that the states with the highest obesity prevalence would have the highest inactivity and the lowest quality PE programs, and that those with lowest obesity prevalence would have lowest physical inactivity and high quality PE programs. After assessing the chosen states, no correlation was found between the quality of PE program as determined from the created rubric and the obesity or sedentary behavior rates of the state. The highest grade of all states assessed was 23 out of 27 with the lowest score being 7. The average scores of the states with the highest obesity was greater than the average for those states with the lowest inactivity, indicating that the quality of PE programs as provided by the DOE are not exclusively related to obesity and physical inactivity prevalence. Other determining factors such as nutrition, state funding, local policies, and societal factors may be more involved in the health of children than what is popularly believed. The data show that efforts are being made to decrease obesity throughout schools and the departments of education, however the efficiency of such efforts to increase physical activity and health are low. While states may post plans for PE and create standards for teaching, local levels of education are not required to enforce the policies or teach the curriculum suggested. Including students with special conditions and providing physical activities outside the school building is also lacking although it may seem like measures are being taken to provide such opportunities. More evaluations must be completed to get a stronger understanding of how to fix inadequate physical education and activity programs provided by the states' DOEs. Reviewing each DOE efforts as well as that of the community and individual school districts would help gain insight into where roadblocks reside and how to overcome destructive policies to offer better physical activity and education to children.
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFH2000221, ucf:45982
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000221
HEALTH ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE AND LITERACY OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Title
HEALTH ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE AND LITERACY OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
Creator
Stuib, Susan, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Previous research has indicated that physical activity and healthy eating in elementary school children are the exception rather than the norm. Increased attention to the rising rates of childhood obesity, coupled with the recognition that changes in the school environment are critical to reducing this trend, has intensified the need to adopt better practices in school nutrition, physical activity and physical education. Apart from being physically active, children need to learn fundamental...
Show morePrevious research has indicated that physical activity and healthy eating in elementary school children are the exception rather than the norm. Increased attention to the rising rates of childhood obesity, coupled with the recognition that changes in the school environment are critical to reducing this trend, has intensified the need to adopt better practices in school nutrition, physical activity and physical education. Apart from being physically active, children need to learn fundamental motor skills and develop health related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Primary caregivers play an important part in developing and teaching children these things through example and through conversations with their children. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of knowledge primary caregivers have about health and nutritional practices and whether primary caregivers' health practices, health knowledge or health literacy about nutrition and health affects their children's well-being and health practices. Based on the results from the questionnaire in this study targeted at primary caregivers of elementary school-age children, primary caregivers' health literacy, knowledge and attitudes of health were directly linked with their children's health and well-being and children's health practices.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001383, ucf:46990
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001383
SOCIAL COMPETENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLINE PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES
Title
SOCIAL COMPETENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLINE PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES.
Creator
Ware, Deborah, Higginbotham, Patricia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The purpose of this study was to assess the social competence of high school students enrolled in online Physical Education courses. Additionally, the demographic information regarding students who enroll in online Physical Education courses was examined. The subjects for this study included sixty students taking one of two Physical Education courses at the Florida Virtual School during the spring 2005 term. The entire curriculum of the Florida Virtual School is presented online and students...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to assess the social competence of high school students enrolled in online Physical Education courses. Additionally, the demographic information regarding students who enroll in online Physical Education courses was examined. The subjects for this study included sixty students taking one of two Physical Education courses at the Florida Virtual School during the spring 2005 term. The entire curriculum of the Florida Virtual School is presented online and students live throughout the entire state of Florida. Therefore, the entire study was administered online. The assessment instrument used was the Teenage Inventory of Social Skills created by Heidi Inderbitzen. The Teenage Inventory of Social Skills is a 40-item self-report questionnaire consisting of statements rated on a 6-point continuum. The instrument was divided into two sub-scales; a positive scale and a negative scale. A One-Sample T-Test was used to compare the mean sample scores with the standard means. Frequencies were run to review demographic information. Results indicated that there was no significant mean difference found between the students enrolled in online Physical Education courses and the mean of students established by the TISS. The majority of respondents were female, Caucasian, and were attending public or private schools for most of their classes.
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Date Issued
2005
Identifier
CFE0000624, ucf:46532
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000624
EXPLORING DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATION
Title
EXPLORING DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATION.
Creator
Devoe, Kelley R, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this...
Show moreThe primary purpose of this study is to determine if certain lifestyle and health behaviors (e.g. smoking, physical activity, diet) in the medically underserved population have any influence on particular health statuses. This study also looked to determine if these health behaviors resulted in particular medical aliments being more prevalent or specific to this community. The secondary purpose of this study aims to gain information that may help health care providers practicing in this community to earlier identify risk factors in patients before a medical problem becomes more severe, difficult and expensive to treat. A survey, adapted from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), was created to allow for the collection of descriptive statistical data. The survey contains questions on the various topics of diet, physical activity, chronic diseases, and self-perception of overall health status. The survey was distributed to 20 older adult participants at Hebni Nutrition, LLC, all from disadvantaged backgrounds. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Of the 20 surveys collected, about half of the respondents reported consuming close to the recommended fruit and vegetable servings and participating in regular physical activity. Furthermore, the participants reported rates of diabetes and hypertension well above average. This study's results were inconclusive as to whether any specific health behaviors among medically underserved individuals influence the prevalence of chronic diseases in this population; more likely a combination of many factors and overall poorer health habits that persist over a lifetime are contributors to chronic diseases among the medically underserved population.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFH2000292, ucf:45892
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000292
A DESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROBLEM-SOLVING EXPERIENCES OF PHYSICS STUDENTS
Title
A DESCRIPTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROBLEM-SOLVING EXPERIENCES OF PHYSICS STUDENTS.
Creator
Savrda, Sherry, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences...
Show moreThis study investigated the applicability of a general model of physics students' problem-solving experiences that suggests there are four dynamic factors affecting the problem-solving process: categorization, goal interpretation, resource relevance, and complexity. Furthermore, it suggests an overarching control factor called stabilization, which describes the inter-relatedness of the other factors over the problem-solving process. Think-aloud protocols of problem-solving experiences were used to investigate the model. Results of the study showed that conceptual resources had a significant impact on the success of problem-solving attempts. Participants who exhibited a lack of understanding of physics concepts were less likely to check their work, use diagrams effectively, set subgoals, or to use geometric or trigonometric resources, and were more likely to use a formula-driven search for a solution than those who exhibited evidence of conceptual understanding. However, conceptual understanding did guarantee problem-solving success. Mathematical and procedural knowledge was also seen as important. While many of the specific observations were consistent with the existing literature, the model provides an alternative framework with which to understand and synthesize those observations. The model was shown to be partially successful in describing participants' problem-solving experiences. Categorization, resource relevance and goal interpretation were supported to varying degrees; however, there was less evidence to support the construct of complexity. Determination of evidence for stabilization was guided by a working definition based on the participants' search for a stable understanding of the problem. Implications of these results for research and practice were noted.
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Date Issued
2007
Identifier
CFE0001619, ucf:47170
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001619
Light Matter Interaction in Single Molecule Magnets
Title
Light Matter Interaction in Single Molecule Magnets.
Creator
Cebulka, Rebecca, Del Barco, Enrique, Klemm, Richard, Mucciolo, Eduardo, Luis, Fernando, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This dissertation includes a series of experimental realizations which focus on studying the coupling between photons and single-molecule magnets (SMMs) in both the weak and strong coupling regimes. In the weak coupling regime, the aim is to achieve coherent control over the time evolution of the spin of SMMs while applying rapid microwave pulses at sub-Kelvin temperatures, where polarization of the spin bath may be achieved without large magnetic fields, allowing the suppression of dipolar...
Show moreThis dissertation includes a series of experimental realizations which focus on studying the coupling between photons and single-molecule magnets (SMMs) in both the weak and strong coupling regimes. In the weak coupling regime, the aim is to achieve coherent control over the time evolution of the spin of SMMs while applying rapid microwave pulses at sub-Kelvin temperatures, where polarization of the spin bath may be achieved without large magnetic fields, allowing the suppression of dipolar dephasing. The continuing results of this experiment will be to provide a window into fundamental sources of decoherence in single-crystal SMMs in an energy range not thoroughly investigated. We expect that these conditions would allow us to study the quantum dynamics of the spins as governed by the intrinsic molecular magnetic anisotropy, which should give rise to non-well-defined Rabi oscillations of the spin state, including metastable precessional spin states. In the strong coupling regime, high quality factor superconducting CPW resonators have been designed and fabricated to investigate the vacuum Rabi splitting between a photon and the SMM spin. The proposed setup will permit measurements of coherent collective coupling between molecular spins and a low number of photons, ideally down to a single photon. This experiment may ultimately provide the opportunity for reaching the strong coupling regime with a single spin. Finally, this thesis also documents a research study into the impact of service-learning methodology on students' depth of learning and critical thinking skills during a novel nanoscale science and technology course offered in the UCF Physics Dept. The overall learning of students was assessed and results clearly showed improvement in both multiple choice pre/post-tests and critical reflection papers. We associate this improvement at least partially to the service-learning experience.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007442, ucf:52728
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007442