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Title: An assessment of the effect of adult education on sustainable development in Jamaica.
Creator: McLean, Pauline., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: An assessment of the knowledge and the behaviors associated with sustainable development was conducted to determine the effect of adult education on sustainable development in Jamaica. The discourse for leadership commitment and governance, as well as continuous learning has its tenets in the discovery that the programs do not significantly address sustainable development (SD). While knowledge was significantly addressed, the programs failed to motivate useful action. The study has provided...
Show moreAn assessment of the knowledge and the behaviors associated with sustainable development was conducted to determine the effect of adult education on sustainable development in Jamaica. The discourse for leadership commitment and governance, as well as continuous learning has its tenets in the discovery that the programs do not significantly address sustainable development (SD). While knowledge was significantly addressed, the programs failed to motivate useful action. The study has provided an explanation of the barriers, costs, and limits to sustainability so that program planners can devise transfer of learning strategies that foster adaptation and mitigation. The investigation involved 35 adult educators and 84 trainees from four programs of the premier adult and continuing learning facility in Jamaica. Both groups agreed that the programs addressed the knowledge, but not the behaviors associated with SD, despite the fact that all three dimensions of SD were addressed in an almost equitable manner. The requirements for achieving SD were met by 7% of the respondents, while the percentage of respondents that achieved environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social responsibility was 15%, 16%, and 13%, respectively. The six measures correlated highly with the SD variable and were significant. However, there were no significant differences across the groups. Instructors and trainees agreed that knowing about the concerns of SD had not changed their thinking and behavior. On average, the principles of sustainability were not applied. Although hospitality programs were more effective than agriculture, construction and automotive programs in addressing the content on environmental sustainability, no program paid attention to transfer of learning. Cronbach's alpha for the survey instrument was .973., Although instructors were applauded for identifying SD concerns with learners, the sample mean was 38.84% with a standard deviation of 12.24. In all three dimensions, the mean for knowledge exceeded 50%, but fell below 25% for behavioral outcomes. These results are not generalizable. They have implications for instructional leadership and for curriculum design and development across the Caribbean. Additional assessments of higher-level adult learners in the select facility and in other specialized training programs are needed for the validation of these findings.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186692
Subject Headings: Adult education, Education and globalization, Education, Higher, Economic aspects, Education and state
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The adaptability of academic advising teams in higher education.
Creator: McFarland, Leigh A., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this single site case study was to identify how four advising teams in a medium-sized public university adapt to the changes presented to them and what role leadership and culture play in that adaptation. This was accomplished through analysis of advisor and administrator interviews, office and meeting observations, and reviews of documents relating to advising and university changes in curriculum and systems. The study was guided by team culture and the five core adaptation...
Show moreThe purpose of this single site case study was to identify how four advising teams in a medium-sized public university adapt to the changes presented to them and what role leadership and culture play in that adaptation. This was accomplished through analysis of advisor and administrator interviews, office and meeting observations, and reviews of documents relating to advising and university changes in curriculum and systems. The study was guided by team culture and the five core adaptation strategies described by Eckel and Kezar (2003). The study indicates that although part of the same institution, each advising team has a unique culture and approach to doing their work. In turn each team has a different approach to their adaptation to the change that affects them. The study began with an examination of how and if the advising teams use the five core adaptation strategies described by Eckel and Kezar (2003). It was found that these adaptation strategies were not utilized because they require authority and the advisors do not have the organizational control necessary to use these strategies. However, the study revealed that the advising teams adapt to their environment through coping mechanisms depending on the type of adaptation. It was also found that the responses the advising teams have to particular change events depends on when they find out about the change as well as the culture and leadership of the teams. Consequently, their resilience to changes is a result of their ability to either absorb the change or alter their system quickly in reaction to the change. Implications are presented for universities and the advising teams in addition to recommendations for future study.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3333060
Subject Headings: Organizational behavior, Counseling in higher educations, Student-administrator relationships, Faculty advisors, Universities and colleges, Administration, Educational leadership
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An analysis of Florida's school districts' attendance policies and their relationship to high school attendance rates.
Creator: Reardon, Ryan Turner., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to determine the relationship between the type of attendance policies in the high schools of the 67 Florida school districts, the size of the school district (number of high school students), the socioeconomic status (SES) of the school district, and the average daily attendance rate of the district. Additionally, the study determined if the relationship between policy type and attendance rate was moderated by SES and size. To test...
Show moreThe purpose of this non-experimental correlational study was to determine the relationship between the type of attendance policies in the high schools of the 67 Florida school districts, the size of the school district (number of high school students), the socioeconomic status (SES) of the school district, and the average daily attendance rate of the district. Additionally, the study determined if the relationship between policy type and attendance rate was moderated by SES and size. To test the research questions, high school attendance polices were examined and coded into one of three pre-determined categories: punitive, reward, or affective. The SES level and district size were also examined. A percentage was calculated for each district with respect to the makeup of attendance policies (by type). Polices that were punitive in nature were found to be most commonly implemented (mean 81.14 percent)., No significant relationships existed among the independent variables policy type, SES level and district size when tested with the dependent variable average daily attendance rate. Furthermore, district size and SES showed no significant moderation effects on the relationship between policy type and average daily attendance rate. An additional analysis of a large urban school district showed that when examining school level average daily attendance rates, school size showed no significant relationship, while school SES level did. The conclusion of this study was that while a heavy emphasis was placed on the implementation of punitive policy, when measured at the district level, average daily attendance rates were not significantly related to the variables of policy type, SES level, or district size, nor was the relationship between policy type and average daily attendance rate moderated by SES or district size., Recommendations for future research, school leaders, and policymakers were to assess the effectiveness of using reward and affective policies in conjunction with punitive policies, to conduct an assessment of policy effectiveness using school level data as the unit of analysis, and while attendance policies are typically created at the district level, schools should be given the autonomy to create and implement attendance programs conducive to their individual needs.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58010
Subject Headings: School attendance, Juvenile delinquency, Dropout behavior, Prediction of, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The community college baccalaureate: a study of capital costs in Florida.
Creator: Bottorff, E. Allen, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study focused on the capital costs of the community college baccalaureate (CCB) institutions established in the Florida College System (FCS) from 2001 to 2010. This period spanned the entire history to date of the Florida CCB. The data analyzed included selected institutional, financial, and baccalaureate characteristics of the Florida CCBs and for comparison included corresponding institutional and financial characteristics for the non-CCB institutions in the FCS. The data analysis...
Show moreThis study focused on the capital costs of the community college baccalaureate (CCB) institutions established in the Florida College System (FCS) from 2001 to 2010. This period spanned the entire history to date of the Florida CCB. The data analyzed included selected institutional, financial, and baccalaureate characteristics of the Florida CCBs and for comparison included corresponding institutional and financial characteristics for the non-CCB institutions in the FCS. The data analysis investigated the relationships between these characteristics and the baccalaureate capital costs reported by Florida's CCB colleges. From these relationships, the historic average of the baccalaureate start-up capital cost was derived. In addition, the total baccalaureate capital cost for the system and for each Florida CCB college was also determined. As part of the process of conducting this study, a number of additional relationships between CCB and non-CCB institutions were explored, reported, and described.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174509
Subject Headings: Community colleges, Supply and demand, Education, Higher, Forecasting, Universities and colleges, Finance
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A study of persistence of undergraduate women majoring in engineering and math.
Creator: Pena-Lopez, Jessica., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that are associated with encourage the persistence of undergraduate women majoring in Engineering and Math (EM) at Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. The persistence factors were examined through an analysis of university data and the use of a survey for enrolled senior standing students who declared their first major in engineering or math. Both quantitative and qualitative methods...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify factors that are associated with encourage the persistence of undergraduate women majoring in Engineering and Math (EM) at Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. The persistence factors were examined through an analysis of university data and the use of a survey for enrolled senior standing students who declared their first major in engineering or math. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized to collect and analyze data from the three sites. Factor analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the quantitative data. The quantitative data retrieved from the survey instrument revealed that participants who were self motivated, felt they had a safe learning environment, and were engaged by the university were more likely to persist in engineering and math. Additionally, the survey revealed that race and ethnicity does not predict persistence of undergraduate women maj oring in engineering and math. Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions revealed that the most important factor that helps female students persist in engineering and math major was self-confidence and determination. They also indicated that discrimination and stereotyping were the most difficult factors for female students to overcome. To enable more women to be successful in the pursuit of a engineering or math degree, participants made an overwhelming reference to intervention as student engagement., Student engagement consists of the following: outreach programs, support programs, study groups, homework sessions, women clubs, engineering or math clubs, math and sciences activities, math and science tours, engineering and math societies, educational programs focusing on engineering and math, online courses, women organizations in STEM, positive role models, female teachers, women mentors, exposure to engineering and math, and expanding the career outlooks of young women. They suggested that student engagement must start early and must be continuous throughout every level of the educational pathway and professional life. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and university administrators to continue supporting women majoring in EM and to increase awareness and access that encourage persistence of women in the pursuit of EM career goals.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3333307
Subject Headings: Women in engineering, Women in mathematics, Women, Education (Higher), Engineering, Study and teaching, Psychological aspects, Mathematics, Study and teaching, Psychological aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The relationship between principal leadership actions and business and social justice cultures in schools.
Creator: Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study detected and explored the existence of two proposed school cultures, the use of leader actions by principals, and the relationships between them, of a sample of 42 public schools in Southeast Florida. A quantitative non-experimental design was used, guided by eight research questions. One instrument, the BSJQ, was created for the purposes of detecting school normative cultures and another, the SLQ, was refined and used to detect principal leader actions. The existence of Business...
Show moreThis study detected and explored the existence of two proposed school cultures, the use of leader actions by principals, and the relationships between them, of a sample of 42 public schools in Southeast Florida. A quantitative non-experimental design was used, guided by eight research questions. One instrument, the BSJQ, was created for the purposes of detecting school normative cultures and another, the SLQ, was refined and used to detect principal leader actions. The existence of Business and Social Justice cultures was confirmed, and three latent cultures of Standards Performance, Democratic Community and Equity Curriculum were discovered. Of the schools participating, 74% had at least one of these cultures. The use of four leader actions was measured and statistically associated with different detected cultures. Managing/Transforming and Bridging actions were associated with all, Bonding was associated with all except the Equity Curriculum culture, and Bartering was associated only with the Business/Standards Performance culture. The schools' context had limited impact on the relationship between actions and culture., Only higher student poverty increased the principal's use of Managing/Transforming actions in schools with a Democratic Community culture. Four principal demographics - years as principal, years at the school, undergraduate major, and level of graduate study - had a actions and school culture. The study reinforces Pisapia's (2009) theory of strategic leadership, develops new instrumentation to measure cultures associated with social justice and accountability, and provides guidance to principals and those who educate them on leader actions associated with desired school cultures.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/215295
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Critical pedagogy, Social justice, Study and teaching, Marginality, Social, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A prediction model for community colleges using graduation rate as the performance indicator.
Creator: Moosai-Sitahal, Susan, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: In this thesis a prediction model using graduation rate as the performance indicator is obtained for community colleges for three cohort years, 2003, 2004, and 2005 in the states of California, Florida, and Michigan. Multiple Regression analysis, using an aggregate of seven predictor variables, was employed in determining this prediction model. From this prediction model, a predicted graduation rate was obtained for each of the 142 institutions in this study. Using this predicted graduation...
Show moreIn this thesis a prediction model using graduation rate as the performance indicator is obtained for community colleges for three cohort years, 2003, 2004, and 2005 in the states of California, Florida, and Michigan. Multiple Regression analysis, using an aggregate of seven predictor variables, was employed in determining this prediction model. From this prediction model, a predicted graduation rate was obtained for each of the 142 institutions in this study. Using this predicted graduation rate, an Institutional Performance Ratio (IPR), was then calculated for each institution, by dividing the actual graduation rate for each institution by its predicted graduation rate. These IPR values were then used to classify the performance of each institution as meeting expectation, exceeding expectation or falling below expectation. Inter institutional comparisons were also made using these IPR values.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683205
Subject Headings: Community colleges, College attendance, Educational evaluation, Educational indicators
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploration of the relationship between experiential learning and self-directed learning readiness.
Creator: Amey, Beth E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between experiential learning and self-directed learning readiness of bachelor's and master's level social work students. A quantitative design was utilized. The study consisted of 115 senior social work students and 70 master's level social work students (separated into three student groups) from a state university. Students participated in a one-semester field education component as part of their social work degree program. The...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between experiential learning and self-directed learning readiness of bachelor's and master's level social work students. A quantitative design was utilized. The study consisted of 115 senior social work students and 70 master's level social work students (separated into three student groups) from a state university. Students participated in a one-semester field education component as part of their social work degree program. The research instrument utilized was the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) constructed by Guglielmino (1978). The SDLRS is a self-report questionnaire with 58 Likert scale items designed to measure the attitudes, values and abilities of learners relating to their readiness to engage in self-directed learning. A pretest, treatment, posttest design was utilized. Demographic data were collected with the pretest administration and level of satisfaction information was collected with the posttest administration. The bachelor's level social work students demonstrated statistically significant differences in the pre and posttest SDLRS scores while the master's level social work students' changes in readiness for self-directed learning were not significant. It is important to note that the master's level social work students spent only half the amount of hours in the field education as the bachelor's level students at the time of the posttest. Correlations between change score from pretest to posttest SDLRS with students' previous exposure to the field of social work, prior experiential learning in a social work program, their satisfaction with the experiential learning component, and demographic factors of gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, number of children, and number of years pursuing degree were not significant., The initial SDLRS scores of the bachelor's level students were found to be consistent with those of nursing students previously scored on the SDLRS. In the ANOVA of all groups, significant differences were not found with the four groups of social work students in their change scores of pretest and posttest SDLRS or their overall level of satisfaction with the field experience and overall level of satisfaction with the quality of the supervisor in the field experience. The internship did not demonstrate particular merit for improving readiness for self-directed learning except for the bachelor's level students. However, students were satisfied with the experience and felt it changed their perceptions of self and others.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/107799
Subject Headings: Experiential learning, Adult learning, Learning, Psychology of, Self-culture
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A cost-effectiveness analysis of two community college baccalaureate programs in Florida: an exploratory study.
Creator: Bemmel, Edwin P., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this case study was to determine which, if any, alternative in delivering baccalaureate programs in the state of Florida was the most cost-effective one. This exploratory study focused on gaining an understanding of the cost effectiveness of two baccalaureate programs offered at a Florida community college to two like programs at a Florida university using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The researcher interviewed five community college and three State Department of...
Show moreThe purpose of this case study was to determine which, if any, alternative in delivering baccalaureate programs in the state of Florida was the most cost-effective one. This exploratory study focused on gaining an understanding of the cost effectiveness of two baccalaureate programs offered at a Florida community college to two like programs at a Florida university using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The researcher interviewed five community college and three State Department of Education administrators during the Fall of 2007 and analyzed expenditure and effectiveness data from 2003-04 through 2006-07 to determine the cost effectiveness for the programs at each institution. The study revealed that the university and community college programs were equally effective as measured by student graduation and test scores. The community college baccalaureate programs were more cost effective, however, using a formula of per-student state funding combined with student cost. Th e lower per-student funding and student tuition charged resulted in the community college baccalaureate being a less expensive alternative of offering baccalaureate degrees to the state and the students. Using Henry Levin's ingredients model of measuring cost effectiveness, the quantitative analysis of the study revealed that that the university programs were more cost effective in the early years, but the differences diminished over time. Using Levin's model for comparison, the researcher concluded that increased growth in the enrollment of the programs combined with the implementation of effectiveness measures comparable to those of the university would render baccalaureate programs at the community colleges more cost effective., Conclusions based on the formula of state and student cost were based on factual data, while conclusions based on Levin's ingredients model were based on assumptions and estimates using a weighting factor along with an indirect cost rate for Proxim University. The study identified factors other than the cost effectiveness that could make the community college baccalaureate a more attractive alternative and concluded with recommendations for practice, policy, and future research. Differences in state and local laws, or economic, geographical, and environmental differences combined with the nature of this exploratory case study limit the generalizability of the results of this study.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/107803
Subject Headings: Education, Higher, Forecasting, Community colleges, Higher education and state
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Policy and practice: an analysis of 2001 Florida State Bill 1162.
Creator: Hrabak, Michael R., Floyd, Deborah L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examined the initially intended outcomes of the 200 I Florida Senate Bill 1162, a Florida law that established an educational policy granting community colleges the ability to confer baccalaureate degrees in teacher education programs. The intended outcomes included teachers filling growing vacancies statewide. This study found that 69% of Florida College System graduates from 2004-2010 found employment in Florida as teachers, and in fact, the overall percentage outpaced that of...
Show moreThis study examined the initially intended outcomes of the 200 I Florida Senate Bill 1162, a Florida law that established an educational policy granting community colleges the ability to confer baccalaureate degrees in teacher education programs. The intended outcomes included teachers filling growing vacancies statewide. This study found that 69% of Florida College System graduates from 2004-2010 found employment in Florida as teachers, and in fact, the overall percentage outpaced that of students graduating from a Florida State University System institution. This study also uncovered positive relationships between employment and individual student characteristics such as a graduates' age, major, and year they graduated, impacting their likelihood for employment. Overall, this study determined that the 200 I Florida Senate Bill 1162 is succeeding in fulfilling its intended outcome of producing community college baccalaureate degree holders that do indeed find employment in Florida as teachers.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004251
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Retention in Florida community colleges: a study of the 2005-2008 academic years.
Creator: DeLuz, Ancil., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examined the relationship between selected student and institutional characteristics and the retention rates of first-time, degree seeking, full-time and parttime, freshman student cohorts in public community colleges in Florida. Based on data obtained from the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System on selected student and institutional variables for three years beginning fall 2005, 2006 and 2007, retention rates were analyzed for the years beginning fall 2006, 2007 and 2008...
Show moreThis study examined the relationship between selected student and institutional characteristics and the retention rates of first-time, degree seeking, full-time and parttime, freshman student cohorts in public community colleges in Florida. Based on data obtained from the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System on selected student and institutional variables for three years beginning fall 2005, 2006 and 2007, retention rates were analyzed for the years beginning fall 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. This quantitative non-experimental descriptive study relied on multiple regression to analyze aggregated data on eight predictor variables to determine their impact student retention rates. A moderating variable (institutional size) was used to determine its influence on the relationship between the predictor variables and the criterion variable. The results suggest that gender and age were positively related to student retention rate at the parttime level, academic support expenses were negatively related to student retention rates at the part-time and full-time levels, and institutional size moderated the relationship between certain predictor variables and retention rates at small institutions.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3332179
Subject Headings: Commuity college students, Achievement in education, College dropouts, Prevention, College attendance, Universities and colleges, Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A COMPARISON OF ATTITUDES OF TENTH GRADE STUDENTS TOWARD SELECTED ASPECTS OF THE STUDY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES (URUGUAY, BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA).
Creator: KOONCE, MARIA H., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study examines the differences in attitude between tenth grade students in Western High School, Broward County, Florida, and tenth grade students in Liceo Zorrilla, Montevideo, Uruguay, toward selected aspects of the study of foreign languages. A survey was administered to approximately 100 randomly selected tenth grade students from each group. It is hypothesized that no significant differences existed between the attitudes of the two groups toward selected aspects of the study of...
Show moreThis study examines the differences in attitude between tenth grade students in Western High School, Broward County, Florida, and tenth grade students in Liceo Zorrilla, Montevideo, Uruguay, toward selected aspects of the study of foreign languages. A survey was administered to approximately 100 randomly selected tenth grade students from each group. It is hypothesized that no significant differences existed between the attitudes of the two groups toward selected aspects of the study of foreign languages. It is also hypothesized that no significant differences existed between the two groups toward the positions that foreign language study should begin in the elementary school; that it should be continued in high school; that all students should have the option to take more than one language; and that all students should be required to take a foreign language. Findings indicate that significant statistical differences exist in the following positions: (1) that foreign language study should begin in the elementary school; (2) that foreign language study should continue in high school; and (3) that all students should be required to take a foreign language. Liceo Zorrilla tenth grade students favor these positions more markedly than Western High School tenth grade students. However, the correlation between the variables is weak. There is a high percentage of undecided Western High School respondents in the first of the two issues, and a high percentage of negative responses to the third issue from both groups. Significant differences do not exist in the following: (1) the attitude of the two groups toward selected aspects of the study of foreign languages; and (2) the position that all students should have the option to take more than one foreign language. The major conclusion reached is that tenth grade students in Western High School appear to be favorable toward an expansion of foreign language programs, as long as they are not required for all students. The major recommendations include: (1) additional comparative studies; (2) research regarding the job market in the community relative to foreign language needs; (3) steps to expand and improve foreign language programs in the country; and (4) additional studies of international magnitude.
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Date Issued: 1986
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11877
Subject Headings: Education, Bilingual and Multicultural
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Criteria for selecting classroom teachers.
Creator: Meltzer, Carol, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine criteria used by public school administrators who select from among applicants to fill elementary and secondary classroom teaching positions in a large southeastern school district. The study was designed to determine the relative importance of criteria used by hiring officials when selecting first-time classroom teachers. The sample for this study included 76 South Florida public elementary (47) and secondary (29) principals. The survey instrument...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine criteria used by public school administrators who select from among applicants to fill elementary and secondary classroom teaching positions in a large southeastern school district. The study was designed to determine the relative importance of criteria used by hiring officials when selecting first-time classroom teachers. The sample for this study included 76 South Florida public elementary (47) and secondary (29) principals. The survey instrument included 16 criteria. Each criterion was categorized into one of two subscales of the teacher selection process (credentials or interview). The design of this study included a series of eight factorial analyses of variance (ANOVAs) performed to examine the relationships between responses on the two subscales and school level, and selected administrator demographic variables. All eight analyses included identical school levels (elementary and secondary) and identical criteria subscales (credentials and interview). However, each of the eight analyses included a third factor pertaining to one of the eight administrator demographic variables (highest degree completed, number of years taught, number of certifications, number of years in administration, number of years at current school, age, gender, and ethnicity). Results indicated that means in the credentials subscale were significantly higher for secondary than for elementary administrators (p <.05). This difference in means was consistent regardless of which of the eight other demographic variables were included in the factorial analysis of variance design. Means in the interview subscale for elementary and secondary administrators were not significantly different. Means in both the credentials and the interview subscales for the eight demographic variables were not significantly different as main effects, or along with school level as two-way interactions. T-test results that indicated elementary administrators rated the interview subscale higher than the credentials subscale were in agreement with ANOVA results that indicated the credentials subscale was rated higher by secondary than by elementary administrators. The highest rated criterion, "enthusiasm for teaching" was rated most effective by 89% of the elementary and 97% of the secondary administrators surveyed. The lowest rated criterion, "test scores" was rated most effective by none of the elementary and four percent of the secondary administrators surveyed.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12391
Subject Headings: Education, Elementary, Education, Secondary
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Perceptions of virtual learning teams at the university level.
Creator: Oliver, Abigail Jean, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research study was to measure perceptions of the teaming process in distance learning courses. A survey instrument was adapted and developed based on the benchmarks found in a research study by the Institute of Higher Education Policy. Data was gathered from 100 students enrolled in an Internet-based (web-assisted, web-enhanced, or online) course in the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University. Results showed that the majority of respondents (n = 75 or 75%) were...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to measure perceptions of the teaming process in distance learning courses. A survey instrument was adapted and developed based on the benchmarks found in a research study by the Institute of Higher Education Policy. Data was gathered from 100 students enrolled in an Internet-based (web-assisted, web-enhanced, or online) course in the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University. Results showed that the majority of respondents (n = 75 or 75%) were female, in the age range of 18--30 (n = 48 or 48%), were Caucasian American (n = 74 or 74%), were graduate students (n = 68 or 68%), had been using computers for 5+ years (n = 84 or 84%), had taken 1--2 Internet-based courses (n = 38 or 38%), and were taking the current course as an elective, as a requirement, and/or because it was convenient (n = 49 or 49%). A thematic analysis yielded three subscales, collaborative process, instructional design, and learning team process, for data analysis. The results of the study indicated that there are significant relationships between and among the subscales. Highly correlated variables in each of the subscales included the perception that communication with the professor should be facilitated through a variety of ways (M = 5.02), the perception that course materials should promote collaboration among class members (M = 4.56), and the perception that group work should include problem-solving activities to facilitate topic understanding (M = 4.66). Results from the survey questionnaire indicated that communication is crucial between professors and students. Course materials should be structured to promote collaboration among class participants, which in turn indicates how critical good instructional design is in the delivery of distance education courses. Activities that promote collaboration among students, such as problem-solving activities, should be considered in the course design and delivery so that teaming and collaboration occur. Research, interviews, and data analysis of the pilot study (field test) and final research study provided information for the development of the Virtual Learning Team Survey. This survey is designed to help develop effective and efficient distance education courses.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT12003
Subject Headings: Education, Adult and Continuing, Education, Technology, Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A PILOT STUDY OF LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL STYLES AS A PREDICTOR OF EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES IN PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING I AT BROWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
Creator: BATTLE, COLIN, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Broward Community College (Florida) has experienced high attrition in its Principles of Accounting I. The present study investigates the relationship of grades with divergent instructional/learning styles. Subject literature indicated individual approaches to perceiving, thinking, remembering and problem solving. These traits are possessed by both learners and teachers. However, the interaction of instructional/learning styles remained unexplored at the community college level. Further,...
Show moreBroward Community College (Florida) has experienced high attrition in its Principles of Accounting I. The present study investigates the relationship of grades with divergent instructional/learning styles. Subject literature indicated individual approaches to perceiving, thinking, remembering and problem solving. These traits are possessed by both learners and teachers. However, the interaction of instructional/learning styles remained unexplored at the community college level. Further, accounting education has not provided discussion of the issue. Using the Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) and the Canfield Instructional Style Inventory (CIS), learning and instructional preferences were obtained. This style data was used to determine measures of divergence between instructor's and learner's style along 17 selected factors. The sum of these differences provided a total divergent measure of instructional/learning style (TMD) and were based on key score preference zones representing broad measures of instructional/learning style. Students and instructors in Principles of Accounting I during Term I 1979/80 were selected. Results were summarized and three statistics applied. Z-tests showed significant differences exist on the TMD between campuses of the college. Significant differences were not found between full- and part-time faculty on the same measure. Results required all statistics be performed by campus Multiple correlation analysis by campus indicated low multiple R and R('2) values for the relationship of grades, TMD, and quality points. An alternate correlation analysis was postulated based on the 17 individual factors making up the TMD and indicated a stronger multiple R and R('2). Chi-Square analysis were performed on each of the selected factors. The factors Achievement/Independence and Numeric were found to relate to grades for Campus #1. The analysis for Campus #2 indicated the variables Numeric, Affiliation/Peer, Eminence/Competition and Reading affect the relationship with grades. In conclusion, TMD and quality points in multiple correlation analysis are questionable as predictors of grades. A composite measure of difference (TMD) inhibits the strength of each selected factor and alternate procedures are too general an identification of style preference. Campus groupings lacked the homogeneity required by the distinctive characteristics of teaching and learning., .
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Date Issued: 1982
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11801
Subject Headings: Education, Community College
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE RELATIVE EFFICACY OF THE LEITER INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE SCALE AND THE WECHSLER PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCALE OF INTELLIGENCE IN DETERMINING GIFTEDNESS IN BLACK CHILDREN AND WHITE CHILDREN.
Creator: RAPEE, MARCIA RUBIN, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Purpose. This dissertation was designed to study the relative efficacy of the 1948 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, the 1975 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence for placing children in the gifted range of intellectual functioning. In addition, this dissertation addressed the relationship of a preschool screening instrument, the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of...
Show morePurpose. This dissertation was designed to study the relative efficacy of the 1948 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, the 1975 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence for placing children in the gifted range of intellectual functioning. In addition, this dissertation addressed the relationship of a preschool screening instrument, the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning with the 1948 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, the 1975 standardization of the Leiter International Performance Scale, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Results. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in the number of white children and black children placed into gifted classes, based upon the WPPSI and LIPS. Inspite of the fact that both white children and black children scored both higher and lower on the LIPS than the WPPSI statistically, based upon observed and predicted frequencies, the WPPSI did favor the white children in terms of gifted placement. There was no significant difference between the number of white children and black children placed in gifted classes based upon the LIPS. Discriminant root analysis corroborated these findings by statistically indicating the discriminant roots inherent in the WPPSI for the black children in this study. These discriminant roots were the following six subtests: Information; Vocabulary; Arithmetic; Comprehension; Mazes and Block Design. In addition, a multiple regression analysis corroborated that the 1948 LIPS is statistically nondiscriminatory by revealing that race was not a significant predictor of the 1948 LIPS IQ score.
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Date Issued: 1980
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11759
Subject Headings: Education, Educational Psychology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Predicting retention of first-year college students.
Creator: Bebergal, Jennifer, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic and academic variables that may contribute to the persistence of students at a mid-size, public, four-year institution in southeast Florida. A discriminant analysis was performed using 16 demographic (gender, age, ethnicity, permanent address location, residential or commuter status, and types/amounts of financial aid received) and academic variables (major, high school GPA, SAT verbal scores, SAT quantitative scores, ACT composite...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate demographic and academic variables that may contribute to the persistence of students at a mid-size, public, four-year institution in southeast Florida. A discriminant analysis was performed using 16 demographic (gender, age, ethnicity, permanent address location, residential or commuter status, and types/amounts of financial aid received) and academic variables (major, high school GPA, SAT verbal scores, SAT quantitative scores, ACT composite scores, total credits attempted first semester, and type of orientation program attended) as predictors to differentiate between classification as a persister or a leaver. The predictive accuracy of the analysis was assessed using a one-tailed z test that compared the results of the analysis to the proportional chance expectation (Huberty, 1994). Analyses were also completed to investigate the contributions of individual and subsets of variables on predicting the criterion. The research questions considered were: Can a predictive model based on student demographic and academic variables known to an institution of higher education prior to a student's matriculation correctly classify students as potential persisters or leavers with greater accuracy than chance? Is there a significant relationship between the criterion and any of the individual variables or subsets of variables in the model that correctly classify students as potential persisters or leavers? The findings indicated that the model failed to classify students as persisters better than chance; however, it was able to provide some predictive accuracy in the classification of leavers. In the most parsimonious model, it was found that persisters were more likely to receive moderate student loan amounts and attempted greater numbers of credit hours than leavers. Since a large number of students at this institution expressed an intention to transfer from the onset of their studies and because student intent could not be used as a variable, the predictive accuracy of the model was affected. A recommendation of this study is to link student intent to the data to create a more successful model.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12022
Subject Headings: Education, Higher
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of parents' perceptions and speech/language pathologists' perceptions of selected social competency needs of speech/language impaired preschool children in Broward County, Florida.
Creator: Thornton, Robin Elizabeth, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The problem investigated in this study was to determine the significance of agreement between the perceptions of parents and speech/language pathologists toward selected social competency needs of speech/language impaired children in the personal, family, and school contexts. Preschool children exhibiting speech/language impairments are more likely to demonstrate a lack of social competency development than children with normal speech and language development. As children with speech/language...
Show moreThe problem investigated in this study was to determine the significance of agreement between the perceptions of parents and speech/language pathologists toward selected social competency needs of speech/language impaired children in the personal, family, and school contexts. Preschool children exhibiting speech/language impairments are more likely to demonstrate a lack of social competency development than children with normal speech and language development. As children with speech/language impairments receive intervention in the absence of parental support, the intervention results may be minimized. If perceptions of parents and speech/language pathologists differ significantly, parents may not reinforce carryover activities in the home, thereby reducing therapy gains. The evaluation instrument utilized in this study was a 31-item survey developed by Tunstall (1993) at the College of Education, University of South Carolina. The survey was created using a 4-point Likert-type scale. Reliability was obtained by Tunstall in 1993 and revealed good internal reliabilities. In 1996, this study included the entire sample of 100 respondents to obtain a high reliability coefficient alpha of .9189. The sample included 70 parents of preschool speech/language impaired students and 30 speech/language pathologists of the Broward County Public School System in Florida, during the fall of 1996. Surveys were distributed to parents of children exhibiting a speech/language impairment, who attended a preschool speech/language, developmental, and hearing screening provided by the Broward County Public Schools. During an annual Speech/Language Policies and Procedures meeting in August of 1996, surveys were distributed to 30 speech/language pathologists providing treatment for preschool children. Three hypotheses were developed to determine if there was a significant difference in the perceptions of the two groups surveyed. Analyses of variance were utilized to test the statistical significance of the group (parents and speech/language pathologists) differences for each factor (personal, family, and school). Descriptive statistics were included to describe the demographic characteristics of the respondents from the survey instrument. A Boneferonni type adjustment was made to the nominal alpha of .05, such that all the hypotheses were tested at the .017 level. Based on the findings of this study, there was a significant difference between the perceptions of the parents and speech/language pathologists toward selected social competency needs of preschool children with speech/language impairments within the family context, F(1,98) = 7.44, p =.0078. The results revealed the two groups were not in agreement as to the importance of family factors and the contributions of those factors to a preschool child's social competency. The mean score of the parents' responses was significantly higher than that of the speech/language pathologists.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12544
Subject Headings: Health Sciences, Speech Pathology, Education, Early Childhood, Education, Special
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Crediting experiential learning: An examination of perceptions and practices in postsecondary hospitality management and general management programs.
Creator: Lee-Story, Joy H., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This descriptive research study attempted to identify practices currently used by postsecondary educational institutions to accommodate adult learners and to identify the factors that determine whether or not institutions offer a means by which adults my earn college credit through individual assessment of their experiential learning. Data were collected from postsecondary institutions with clearly defined general management (GM) and hospitality management (HM) programs. The study gathered...
Show moreThis descriptive research study attempted to identify practices currently used by postsecondary educational institutions to accommodate adult learners and to identify the factors that determine whether or not institutions offer a means by which adults my earn college credit through individual assessment of their experiential learning. Data were collected from postsecondary institutions with clearly defined general management (GM) and hospitality management (HM) programs. The study gathered demographic information concerning responding institutions (size, area, degrees awarded, accreditations, and type of institution) as well as activity variables: (a) practices in place to accommodate adult learner needs, (b) methods used to acknowledge and, when warranted, credit experiential learning, (c) policies and procedures concerning prior learning assessment programs, and (d) beliefs blocking and supporting the concept of evaluating and awarding credit for experiential learning based A majority of respondents indicated interest in accommodating adult learners by (a) providing small classes and individual attention; (b) eliminating institutional barriers relating to inconvenient time and place scheduling of classes; and (c) conducting some type of prior learning assessment. However, respondents indicated strong preference for traditional testing methods and a low level of acceptance for individual assessment certificates of achievement, or American Council on Education Guidelines. Portfolio-based, assessment had greater acceptance among private institutions than among public institutions. One focus of the study was to determine why institutions do or do not offer portfolio-based assessment opportunities. The most highly rated reasons supporting PLA programs were: (a) the possibility of finding favor with potential adult students and thereby increasing enrollments, (b) the pointlessness of expecting adult students to re-learn what they already know, and (c) the opportunity to meet educational missions. Other responses relating to the support of portfolio-based PLA concerned valuing the portfolio preparation process, building favorable reputation through innovation, and a comparison of costs between the assessment of prior learning and the conduct of internships.The most highly rated reasons blocking adoption of PLA programs were: (a) students' inability to document learning outcomes, (b) difficulty in assessment of learning outcomes, and (c) lack of faculty trained in assessment techniques. GM respondents placed greater emphasis on the value of formal classroom learning over experiential learning, the value of traditional teaching methods, and the preference for experience to follow the learning of theory.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11953
Subject Headings: Education, Adult and Continuing, Education, Higher
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE SELF-CONCEPTS OF SELECTED URBAN GERIATRIC POPULATIONS.
Creator: ANDERSON, CHRISTINE ELEANOR, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: An investigation was made of the relationship between personal factors of selected urban geriatric populations in Dade and Broward Counties, Florida and t he self concepts of the subjects as measured by scores on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale. Subjects under study were one hundred fifty-nine men and women volunteers over the age of sixty who were participants at the eight Senior Centers of Dade County, Ida Fisher Junior High's Community School, or Broward Community College's Services for...
Show moreAn investigation was made of the relationship between personal factors of selected urban geriatric populations in Dade and Broward Counties, Florida and t he self concepts of the subjects as measured by scores on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale. Subjects under study were one hundred fifty-nine men and women volunteers over the age of sixty who were participants at the eight Senior Centers of Dade County, Ida Fisher Junior High's Community School, or Broward Community College's Services for the Elderly Program. The instrument used to obtain the personal factors information (senior center, birthplace, ethnic group, sex, marital status, age, religious preferernce, number of children, income, former occupation, education) was a questionnaire devised by the investigator consisting of nineteen questions. The self concept assessments were obtained by using the Tennessee Self Concept Scale. The self concept scores which were used in this study were Total Positive, Self Criticism, Physical Self, Moral-Ethical Self, Personal Self, Family Self, and Social Self. The responses on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale and questionnaire were compared using a univariate analysis of variance for each personal factor as compared with each of the seven scores on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale for each subject. The results of this comparison were in terms of an F-test of analysis of variance, and the results were considered significant if they exceeded the .05 level. Additionally, data were graphed by senior center. Of the eleven personal factors which were investigated, six bore some significant relationship (at the .05 level) to one or more self concept scores of the subjects under investigation. These factors were senior center, sex, birthplace, educational level, ethnic group, and religious preference. When the data were graphed by senior center, it was found that Claude Pepper, Edison Courts, James Scott, Metropolitan, Smathers, and Ida Fisher senior centers had a similar Tennessee Self Concept Scale profile and similarities in the personal factors of birthplace, ethnic group, sex, marital status, religious preference, number of children, income, and education. Myers, Jollivette, and Malcolm Ross Senior Centers had similar Tennessee Self Concept Scale profiles and similarities in the personal factors of sex, marital status, number of children, income, and education. Broward Community College's Services for the Elderly Center had a unique profile and was exceptional in that its attendants had been professionals and had attended graduate school.
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Date Issued: 1976
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11671
Subject Headings: Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Format: Document (PDF)

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