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Title: An Exploration of Indexed and Non-Indexed Open Access Journals: Identifying Metadata Coding Variations.
Creator: Allen, Ethan J., Weber, Roberta K.
Date Issued: 2015-07-03
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000116
Format: Citation

Title: The impact of parent communications and expectations on teacher practices in private Jewish day schools.
Creator: Solomon, Rebecca, Weber, Roberta K., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study investigated teacher, parent, and school leader perceptions of the impact of parent communications and expectation on teacher practices, focusing specifically on four categories: grading, communication, instructional, and curriculum practices. Quantitative data were collected through online surveys from 25 teachers in second through fifth grades, as well as 96 parents of second through fifthgraders, in five private Jewish day schools located in the Southeastern United...
Show moreThis mixed methods study investigated teacher, parent, and school leader perceptions of the impact of parent communications and expectation on teacher practices, focusing specifically on four categories: grading, communication, instructional, and curriculum practices. Quantitative data were collected through online surveys from 25 teachers in second through fifth grades, as well as 96 parents of second through fifthgraders, in five private Jewish day schools located in the Southeastern United States. Qualitative data were collected from ten teachers, ten parents, and three school leaders who provided interviews, where they elaborated on the nature of parental communications and expectations at their own schools and their perceptions of their impact on teacher practices. The findings indicated that parent communications take place with high frequency, and are initiated fairly evenly between parents and teachers. Parents and teachers differ on their perceptions of negativity of communications, with teachers reporting more negative communications than parents. A t-test was conducted on the survey items that corresponded with the four categories to compare parent and teacher responses. There were some statistically significant differences in the perceptions of parents and teachers of the impact of particular types of parent communications on teacher practices in private Jewish day schools. These included requests for reviews of a child's grade or a grade change, as well as requests for changes in the content of homework. However, the qualitative data overwhelmingly indicated that parents and teachers have similar perceptions of the impact of parents communications and. They felt that parents occasionally request certain changes, but that these changes have minimal impact in the classroom, outside of isolated, individual events. expectations The school leaders who participated in the study agreed that, for the most part, the dayto- day practices of teachers were not greatly impacted by parent communications.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004063
Subject Headings: Communication in education, Interaction analysis in education, Parent participation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Approaching Authentic Assessment: Using Virtual School Teachers’ Expertise to Develop an Understanding of Full Time K-8 Virtual School Teacher Practices.
Creator: Seamster, Christina Lambert, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: According to Molnar (2014), full time virtual school education lacks a measurement tool that accurately measures effective virtual teacher practice. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the current study sought to understand the common practices among full time K-8 virtual school teachers, the extent to which teachers believed such practices impacted student learning, as well as the methods in which current standards, recommendations and practices were implemented in the full time...
Show moreAccording to Molnar (2014), full time virtual school education lacks a measurement tool that accurately measures effective virtual teacher practice. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the current study sought to understand the common practices among full time K-8 virtual school teachers, the extent to which teachers believed such practices impacted student learning, as well as the methods in which current standards, recommendations and practices were implemented in the full time K-8 virtual school setting. The relationship between virtual school teacher practices and their Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) was also explored. Using the standards, practices and recommendations developed for online learning from International Association for K–12 Online Learning (iNACOL), National Education Association (NEA), Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) a team of focus group members gave input on the common practices for teaching students in the full time K-8 virtual school environment. The results included 11 general virtual school teacher practices, 12 teacher practices relating to evaluation and three practices relating to special needs and diverse learners. Qualitative and quantitative findings indicated that teachers most frequently meet the established practices through the following strategies: phone conferences, live sessions with students, feedback on assessments, webmail communication, professional development, collaborating with peers/teacher collaboration, professional learning communities, curriculum based assessments on the phone, communicating with family stakeholders, and determining students in the bottom quartile. A framework for K-8 full time virtual school pedagogy which includes evaluating student learning and individualizing instruction through technology tools and collaborative methods was developed. Finally, the quantitative findings indicated that of the three virtual school teacher practice categories (teacher practice, evaluation and special needs and diverse learners), evaluation was the leading predictor of teacher TPACK scores. Specifically, collaboration, having an online voice and presence, and using data from assessments to modify instruction were found to significantly predict a teacher’s Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. Using virtual school teachers’ expertise on the practices which most impact student learning and the methods for implementing virtual school teacher practices, the researcher created a draft full time K-8 virtual school teacher evaluation rubric.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004741, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004741
Subject Headings: Teachers--Training of--Evaluation., Teachers--Rating of., Public schools--Effect of technological innovations on., Educational change--United States--Evaluation., Educational technology--United States--Evaluation., Pedagogical content knowledge., Computer-assisted instruction.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An examination of how middle school science teachers conduct collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding.
Creator: Todd-Gibson, Christine, Weber, Roberta K., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This qualitative case study examined how middle school science teachers conducted collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding, and how individual teachers in the middle school science group acted and made reflections in response to their collaborative inquiry. It also examined external influences that affected the teachers’ ability to engage in collaborative inquiry. Observational, written, and interview data were collected from observations of teachers’ face...
Show moreThis qualitative case study examined how middle school science teachers conducted collaborative inquiry and reflection about students’ conceptual understanding, and how individual teachers in the middle school science group acted and made reflections in response to their collaborative inquiry. It also examined external influences that affected the teachers’ ability to engage in collaborative inquiry. Observational, written, and interview data were collected from observations of teachers’ face-to-face meetings and reflections, individual interviews, a focus group interview, and online reflections. The results of this study revealed that collaborative inquiry is a form of professional development that includes answering curricular questions through observation, communication, action, and reflection. This approach was developed and implemented by middle school science teachers. The premise of an inquiry is based on a need with students. Middle school science teachers came to consensus about actions to affect students’ conceptual understanding, took action as stated, and shared their reflections of the actions taken with consideration to current and upcoming school activities. Activities involved teachers brainstorming and sharing with one another, talking about how the variables were merged into their curriculum, and how they impacted students’ conceptual understanding. Teachers valued talking with one another about science content and pedagogy, but did find the inquiry portion of the approach to require more development. The greatest challenge to conducting collaborative inquiry and reflection was embedding teacher inquiry within a prescribed inquiry that was already being conducted by the Sundown School District. Collaborative inquiry should be structured so that it meets the needs of teachers in order to attend to the needs of students. A conducive atmosphere for collaborative inquiry and reflection is one in which administrators make the process mandatory and facilitate the process by removing an existing inquiry.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004066
Subject Headings: Achievement in education, Concept learning -- Study and teaching (Middle school), Inquiry (Theory of knowledge), Middle school teaching, Science -- Study and teaching (Middle school), Team learning approach in education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Analysis of High-Performing Science Students’ Preparation for Collegiate Sciences Courses.
Creator: Walter, Karen, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed-method study surveyed first year high-performing science students who participated in high-level courses such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and honors science courses in high school to determine their perception of preparation for academic success at the collegiate level. The study used 52 students from an honors college campus and surveyed the students and their professors. The students reported that they felt better prepared for academic success at...
Show moreThis mixed-method study surveyed first year high-performing science students who participated in high-level courses such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and honors science courses in high school to determine their perception of preparation for academic success at the collegiate level. The study used 52 students from an honors college campus and surveyed the students and their professors. The students reported that they felt better prepared for academic success at the collegiate level by taking these courses in high school (p<.001). There was a significant negative correlation between perception of preparation and student GPA with honors science courses (n=55 and Pearson’s r=-0.336), while AP courses (n=47 and Pearson’s r=0.0016) and IB courses (n=17 and Pearson’s r=-0.2716) demonstrated no correlation between perception of preparation and GPA. Students reported various themes that helped or hindered their perception of academic success once at the collegiate level. Those themes that reportedly helped students were preparedness, different types of learning, and teacher qualities. Students reported in a post-hoc experience that more lab time, rigorous coursework, better teachers, and better study techniques helped prepare them for academic success at the collegiate level. Students further reported on qualities of teachers and teaching that helped foster their academic abilities at the collegiate level, including teacher knowledge, caring, teaching style, and expectations. Some reasons for taking high-level science courses in high school include boosting GPA, college credit, challenge, and getting into better colleges.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004640, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004640
Subject Headings: High school students., Science--Study and teaching--United States., Science.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aspiring to a Higher Education: Students’ Perception of Christian Campus Culture at Selected Christian.
Creator: Wolfe, Kathryn A., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods research study explored students’ perceptions of Christian campus culture at three Christian institutions of higher education. The aim of this study was threefold: to comprehend why students want to obtain an education within a Christian campus culture; to understand students’ perceptions of and experiences with the Christian campus culture at their Christian university/college; and to decipher the presence of predominant characteristics of Christian campus culture at all...
Show moreThis mixed methods research study explored students’ perceptions of Christian campus culture at three Christian institutions of higher education. The aim of this study was threefold: to comprehend why students want to obtain an education within a Christian campus culture; to understand students’ perceptions of and experiences with the Christian campus culture at their Christian university/college; and to decipher the presence of predominant characteristics of Christian campus culture at all three Christian institutions. Qualitative and quantitative data demonstrated that while many students attend their Christian institution due to personal conviction or their Christian identity, other students attend their Christian university or college because it was the best financial decision for them. Additionally, students often indicated that there was not one sole reason for their choice of school, but a combination of various factors that influenced their decision. Additionally, this research study was able to gain insight into students’ perceptions and experiences with Christian campus culture. Interestingly, the major components that were vital to each research site’s environment were present at all three research sites. Therefore, while each institution varied in size, student population, and location, the most frequently noted characteristics were seen at all three Christian institutions. Students often described their environment, the “bubble,” as limiting but safe. However, students also mentioned that the sense of community that they felt within their Christian campus culture encouraged them to interact with people—students, professors, and staff—that were invested in them academically, socially, and spiritually. Students also noted that their institutions make a conscious effort to create an academic environment that integrates faith and learning. In both the quantitative and qualitative data, students pointed to Bible classes and chapel as evidence of their institution’s integration of faith and learning (IFL). Upon further discussion, the participants stated that IFL was often in the way that their professors taught and interacted with them. While IFL remained an integral part of students’ experience with Christian campus culture, students continued to emphasize their invested professors as quintessential features not just in the classroom but also throughout their Christian campus environment.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004715, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004715
Subject Headings: Christian education -- Philosophy, Christian universities and colleges -- United States, Christianity and culture, Education, Higher -- Religious aspects, Education, Higher -- Social aspects, Universities and colleges -- Religion
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Comparative Analysis of Required Continuing Education in Florida SB1108 and Teacher Self-Efficacy for Inclusion.
Creator: Scruggs, Leigh A., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: While classroom teachers report alarming rates of unpreparedness, and even unwillingness to include diverse populations in the classroom, our nation is continuing along a trend started in the 1990s to include students with disabilities (SWD) in general education settings. This quasi-experimental research study uncovered the impact of completing the required continuing education course in teaching SWD course mandated by Florida Senate Bill 1108 ([SB1108]; The Florida Senate, 2013b), which...
Show moreWhile classroom teachers report alarming rates of unpreparedness, and even unwillingness to include diverse populations in the classroom, our nation is continuing along a trend started in the 1990s to include students with disabilities (SWD) in general education settings. This quasi-experimental research study uncovered the impact of completing the required continuing education course in teaching SWD course mandated by Florida Senate Bill 1108 ([SB1108]; The Florida Senate, 2013b), which amended Florida Statute 1012.585 (3) (e) (Process for Renewal of Professional Certificates, 2017) on perceived teacher ability to implement inclusion practices. An online version of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale developed by Sharma, Loreman, and Forlin (2012) was utilized, along with demographic and experiential factors for classroom teachers in the study district to examine their self-efficacy toward inclusion. Analysis of the data indicated statistically significant differences in mean TEIP scale scores for exceptional student education (ESE) and general education teachers. Data analyses revealed that almost half of the teachers had a negative view of and did not perceive any benefit from the course. While ESE and general education teachers had similar preparation needs, they also reported areas of concern specific to their subset. Overall, the course did not provide enough continuing education in the areas most needed by the participants. SB1108-mandated course completion was also not found to be an indicator of higher teacher self-efficacy for the majority of teachers. Analysis of the differences in TEIP scale scores found that only elementary school teachers benefited from completing the course, while it had the opposite effect for general education high school teachers and no significant effect for ESE teachers. Differences in TEIP scale scores from demographic and experiential factors accounted for 13% of the variance in the population and was not significant for the ESE teacher subset. One percent or less of the variance was attributed to completion of the required continuing education course. Implications include reviewing the legislation’s effectiveness for teachers in different areas and grade levels, hiring and evaluation decisions based on TEIP scale scores of applicants and employees, and designing more meaningful continuing education courses. Recommendations for state legislatures, school administrators, designers of continuing education courses, and for future research regarding improvement of teacher self-efficacy for inclusive practices are offered.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005956
Subject Headings: Continuing education, Students with disabilities--Education--United States, Inclusive education, Education and state--Florida, Professional development for teachers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Elementary school teachers’ perceptions of bullying and antibullying curriculum: a qualitative case study.
Creator: Moosai, Vikaash, Hyslop-Margison, Emery, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Numerous studies examining bullying among elementary school students and anti-bullying curricula and programs are available in educational literature. However, little research examines the perceptions of elementary teachers and guidance counselors regarding implementing the curriculum. To address this gap in the literature, my case study focused on three elementary schools and 21 participants (18 teachers and three guidance counselors) in South Florida and their perceptions on bullying and...
Show moreNumerous studies examining bullying among elementary school students and anti-bullying curricula and programs are available in educational literature. However, little research examines the perceptions of elementary teachers and guidance counselors regarding implementing the curriculum. To address this gap in the literature, my case study focused on three elementary schools and 21 participants (18 teachers and three guidance counselors) in South Florida and their perceptions on bullying and the antibullying curriculum implemented during the 2011 school year. The data collected included approximately 50 hours of interviews and the disaggregation of each school’s discipline summary report. There were two major themes that emerged from the study. The first theme (elementary school bullying) addressed the individuals responsible for addressing bullying, the outcomes of bullying, the characterisitcs of a bully, the locations of bullying, and the reasons why bullying occurs. The second theme (elementary school anti-bullying curriculua) addressed the professional development offered and what is needed, the components within an anti-bullying curriculum and what is needed, and the ways in which special needs students are addressed through an anti-bullying curriculum.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004310
Subject Headings: Aggressiveness in children -- Prevention, Bullying in schools -- Prevention -- Case studies, Curriculum planning, School violence -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fostering Creativity Using Special Library Collections: A Case Study of The Arthur & Mata Jaffe Center For The Book Arts.
Creator: Binder, Andrew D., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This dissertation examines the Arthur & Mata Jaffe Center for the Book Arts (JCBA) at Florida Atlantic University, focusing on creativity. Sixteen artists whose artwork is collected by the center were chosen to provide an overview of the creative process of book artists: Susan Allix, Julie Chen, Béatrice Coron, Johanna Drucker, Timothy Ely, Karen Hanmer, Linda K. Johnson, Marie Marcano, Bea Nettles, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Susan Joy Share, Keith Smith, Beth Thielen, Carol Todaro, and...
Show moreThis dissertation examines the Arthur & Mata Jaffe Center for the Book Arts (JCBA) at Florida Atlantic University, focusing on creativity. Sixteen artists whose artwork is collected by the center were chosen to provide an overview of the creative process of book artists: Susan Allix, Julie Chen, Béatrice Coron, Johanna Drucker, Timothy Ely, Karen Hanmer, Linda K. Johnson, Marie Marcano, Bea Nettles, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Susan Joy Share, Keith Smith, Beth Thielen, Carol Todaro, and Marshall Weber. The artists and the JCBA were selected for this study not only because these artists‘ books provide a unique opportunity to explore the creative processes of their makers, since many points of creative decision must be made, but also because artist‘s books by definition are often conceived, written, designed, printed, and bound by an individual artist. The list contains several artists who have been important to the historical development of the artist‘s book or pop-up publishing fields. Their influence ranges in scope from the historical to the international, national, and local, especially in terms of the JCBA. This dissertation should be useful to creativity researchers and students of the book arts because it is the first study to use qualitative research and creativity studies as a lens to investigate the artifacts and creative processes of artists in the book arts genre, as well as the first to use the case study approach to examine a book arts center and its educational practices with the focus of creativity research. With these goals in mind, concept maps were first created to document the artists‘ internal and external processes of creation, while master composite maps were compiled to facilitate a meta-analysis of their experienced creativity. The JCBA was then profiled, and its educational programs, practices, and policies were documented in order to describe and demonstrate how it encourages the creativity of book artists, as well as how its creativity-enhancing practices are established and traced into associated organizations. A model of how the organization does this is proposed and discussed with the intention of enhancing this effect at the JCBA and in other book arts organizations.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004650, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004650
Subject Headings: Artists' books -- United States -- History -- Case studies, Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.), Creative ability, Creative thinking, Jaffe Center for Book Arts, Jaffe, Mata, Jaffe, Arthur
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Going on the Grid: Secondary Teachers’ Implementation of Mobile Handheld Devices as Instructional Tools.
Creator: Berger, Allison S., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study examined secondary teachers’ technology selfefficacy, their professional development activities regarding mobile handheld devices, and how those activities affect their use of mobile devices as instructional tools. Additionally, this study also explored teachers’ perceptions of other factors that act as barriers or enablers to their use of such devices. The study included 104 middle and high school teachers who taught in a large, urban public school district in the...
Show moreThis mixed methods study examined secondary teachers’ technology selfefficacy, their professional development activities regarding mobile handheld devices, and how those activities affect their use of mobile devices as instructional tools. Additionally, this study also explored teachers’ perceptions of other factors that act as barriers or enablers to their use of such devices. The study included 104 middle and high school teachers who taught in a large, urban public school district in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected through the administration of an electronic survey and semi-structured interviews. The researcher utilized multiple regression and moderator analyses, as well as qualitative analysis of the interview data. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed teachers’ technologyrelated self-efficacy to be a significant predictor of their instructional use of mobile handheld devices. However, secondary teachers’ level of professional development was found not to contribute significantly to the model. The moderator analysis too revealed professional development to be a nonsignificant factor. The findings of the qualitative phase of the study revealed secondary teachers’ awareness of their varied and fluid technology-related self-efficacy, as well as those factors that modify it. Qualitative data also revealed four categories of essential elements that teachers must have in order to most effectively implement mobile handheld devices within their pedagogy: intellectual capital, emotional capital, social-cultural capital, and technological capital. When lacking, these elements can represent barriers to teachers’ implementation of mobile handheld devices. Targeted professional development and increased funding to minimize the digital divide are recommended to reduce these barriers. The findings of the study inform designers of professional development programs, school and district and secondary teachers, as they are all stakeholders in the process of increasing the effective implementation of mobile handheld devices as instructional tools.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004649, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004649
Subject Headings: Computer assisted instruction, Education -- Effect of technological innovations on, Educational innovations, Educational technology, Internet in education, Mobile communication systems in education, Pocket computers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Precursors Of Sexualization: Perspectives of Mothers and Female Teachers Regarding the Influence of the Media on 4-Year-Old Girls’ Gender Identity Development.
Creator: Malhoyt-Lee, Jennifer M., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The sexualization of girls is an ongoing issue that has garnered much attention in recent years, with one contributing factor, media, becoming an ever-increasing part of children’s lives. This study explored four questions: How do mothers and teachers perceive the media’s influence on young girls’ identity development? To what extent do these caregivers engage young girls in analyzing media messages? What observed behaviors of 4-year old girls indicate media’s influence? and What are...
Show moreThe sexualization of girls is an ongoing issue that has garnered much attention in recent years, with one contributing factor, media, becoming an ever-increasing part of children’s lives. This study explored four questions: How do mothers and teachers perceive the media’s influence on young girls’ identity development? To what extent do these caregivers engage young girls in analyzing media messages? What observed behaviors of 4-year old girls indicate media’s influence? and What are caregivers interpretations and responses to these behaviors? Analyzing the perceptions of mothers and female teachers of 4-year old girls contributes to a better understanding of how girls are influenced, both by caregivers’ actions and by media consumed. Twelve mothers and female early childhood teachers from three South Florida preschools were interviewed to better understand how girls are influenced by media, and to gain a more holistic perspective of the potential impact of media on young girls’ behaviors and their emerging understanding of what it means to be a girl today. The findings indicate that mothers and female teachers perceive media to be influential in the lives of girls, both in terms of general child development and young girls’ gender identity development. The participants are observing behaviors in their 4-year old girls that indicate media’s influence; these behaviors include sexualized dancing, attitude and language changes, and requests for sexualized clothing and beauty products. Although these mothers and teachers do not yet help girls analyze media messages, they do, however, engage in significant guidance as they interpret and respond to the observed behaviors. These findings reflect a need for media literacy education for parents and teachers, as well as comprehensive sexualization awareness and prevention education for children, parents, and teachers.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005957
Subject Headings: Gender identity, Girls, Early childhood education, Media
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Social Construction Of Teachers and the Teaching Profession Among Florida State Legislators from 1984 to 2015.
Creator: Crespo, Janny, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Public officials at the state level currently are called upon to create, evaluate, and implement policies that assess the effectiveness of teacher performance and hold teachers accountable for student achievement. Therefore, understanding the social construction of the teaching profession among those public officials is crucial to understanding the impact of the policy agenda on the work of teachers as well as being essential to exercising influence on the policy process itself. This study...
Show morePublic officials at the state level currently are called upon to create, evaluate, and implement policies that assess the effectiveness of teacher performance and hold teachers accountable for student achievement. Therefore, understanding the social construction of the teaching profession among those public officials is crucial to understanding the impact of the policy agenda on the work of teachers as well as being essential to exercising influence on the policy process itself. This study was an analysis of legislation regarding teacher accountability in an effort to provide insight into how the Florida State Legislature socially constructs the teaching profession. This study used a qualitative methodology to place teachers, as a group, in Schneider and Ingram’s (1993) typology of target populations and made use of historical analysis to trace the changes that have occurred in the social construction of teachers during the period from 1984-2015. In doing so, it found teachers are negatively constructed with a positive power component, correspondingly labeled contenders, on Schneider and Ingram’s typology. Ultimately, the effect of the pressures placed upon teachers has been to create projections of ongoing teacher shortages and to discourage potential candidates from pursuing the profession.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005928
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Education and state--Florida., Social constructionism., Teachers--Florida., Florida. Legislature
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Instructor Self-Efficacy Among Online Adjunct Faculty in Higher Education.
Creator: Wojcik, Jillian, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Given the increased reliance on adjunct faculty and the increased demand for online courses, the online adjunct faculty member is an important figure to know and understand. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of research on this population, particularly in terms of how their feelings of connection to their colleagues, administration, and their institution affects their beliefs about their online teaching abilities. This non-experimental correlational study investigated the relationship between...
Show moreGiven the increased reliance on adjunct faculty and the increased demand for online courses, the online adjunct faculty member is an important figure to know and understand. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of research on this population, particularly in terms of how their feelings of connection to their colleagues, administration, and their institution affects their beliefs about their online teaching abilities. This non-experimental correlational study investigated the relationship between sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy among online adjunct faculty in higher education. Additionally, this study sought to determine if there is a predictive element between these two variables. This study utilized the Organizational Sense of Belonging (OSB) subscale and the Sense of Efficacy for Online Teaching Scale (SEOTS) as well as demographic questions in order to collect data on the study variables. Questionnaires were distributed to online adjunct faculty members from six higher education institutions within the states of Florida, Virginia, and Nevada. A total of 122 online adjunct faculty members completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, and regression analysis. Results indicated that sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy share a significant linear relationship. Additionally, a stronger sense of belonging and a higher instructional self-efficacy were found among participants who participate in universitysponsored faculty development opportunities, who participate in non-academic university events, and who communicate with other online adjunct faculty members through social media. Furthermore, sense of belonging was found to be a significant predictor of selfefficacy, both when controlling for significant variables and when not controlling for variables. Further research is needed to determine causality between sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004970, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004960
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Lutheran school teachers’ instructional usage of the interactive whiteboard.
Creator: Powers, Jillian R., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this mixed methods study was twofold. First, the study assessed whether Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was useful in predicting instructional usage of the interactive whiteboard (IWB), as reported by K-8 teachers. Second, the study set out to understand what motivated those teachers to use the IWB for classroom instruction, and to further describe the ways in which they used them. Through surveying 155 teachers and 40 administrators of the Lutheran Church...
Show moreThe purpose of this mixed methods study was twofold. First, the study assessed whether Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was useful in predicting instructional usage of the interactive whiteboard (IWB), as reported by K-8 teachers. Second, the study set out to understand what motivated those teachers to use the IWB for classroom instruction, and to further describe the ways in which they used them. Through surveying 155 teachers and 40 administrators of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) schools, the researcher used multiple regression and moderator analyses to examine whether the TAM model helped explain teachers’ reported teacher-centered and student-centered instructional IWB usage. The researcher followed this by oneon- one interviews with 5 of the teachers surveyed. With the data gathered from the interviews and open-ended items from the original surveys, an analysis using qualitative methods was performed. The results from the qualitative analysis were then used to help refine and explain the quantitative findings. The results of the study’s quantitative phase indicated two variables adapted from the TAM, teachers’ perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the IWB, contributed to the prediction of teacher-centered instructional usage of the device. Further it was found that the perceived usefulness variable contributed to the prediction of student-centered instructional usage. Moderator analysis indicated the variable for teachers’ IWB technological pedagogical content knowledge, adapted from Mishra and Koehler’s (2006) technological pedagogical content knowledge framework, moderated the relationships between the variable perceived ease of use of the IWB and teacher and student-centered instructional usage respectively, as well as between the variable perceived usefulness of the IWB and teacher-centered instructional usage. The qualitative phase results revealed those teachers surveyed used their IWBs in a variety of ways for both teacher-centered and student-centered instruction. Teachers frequently reported they were motivated to use the device by its overall user-friendliness and its utility as an instructional tool. Central to the teachers’ discussion of its utility were ways in which the tool positively impacted the students during instruction. Specifically how it engaged students by attracting their attention, keeping them focused, and offering them a better way to learn.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004150, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004150
Subject Headings: Computer assisted instruction, Digital media, Educational technology, Instructional systems, Interactive whiteboards, Visual education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Here, Let Me Show You: The Use of Senior Exhibitions in Conjunction with Traditional Assessments.
Creator: Mimbs, Christopher, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This case study examined how senior exhibitions function in a progressive educational environment that employs traditional assessments. The researcher interviewed 18 students and three faculty members of The Crefeld School about the Creative Expression, one of the 14 exhibitions that students are required to complete for graduation. The researcher conducted a document analysis and content analysis of rubrics for two essays and the Creative Expression. The researcher conducted a survey of...
Show moreThis case study examined how senior exhibitions function in a progressive educational environment that employs traditional assessments. The researcher interviewed 18 students and three faculty members of The Crefeld School about the Creative Expression, one of the 14 exhibitions that students are required to complete for graduation. The researcher conducted a document analysis and content analysis of rubrics for two essays and the Creative Expression. The researcher conducted a survey of student participants and a questionnaire to assess students’ perceptions of authenticity. The researcher observed three students present their Creative Expression in front of faculty, students, and family. The researcher conducted a survey analysis based on Cooper’s (1976) and Whitney’s (1978) tests for polarity of sentiment and Hsu’s (1979) test for disagreement. The researcher used a program designed by Morris (1979) and transposed to Microsoft Excel by Liebermann and Morris (2015) in order to calculate p values and to determine the ES value based on the standard deviation. The researcher also attempted to conduct a point biserial Pearson Product Moment to determine if a relationship existed between results on a mathematics exam and results on the Creative Expression. The findings of the study revealed that students at The Crefeld School had a positive experience working on the Creative Expression; many of them identified how the project reflected their interests, prepared them for college and careers, and was a good representation of authentic assessment. Tests for polarity were used to measure participants’ perceptions of authenticity. The category of task had the least amount of disagreement, while the category of overall authenticity had the most disagreement. Document analysis and content analysis of rubrics showed how thorough the rubric descriptions were so students knew how they were being assessed; interviews with students and faculty revealed that the rubrics, while used as guidelines, were not followed strictly in any of the major assessments. Survey data revealed any disagreements in responses to survey questions, based on Cooper’s (1976) and Whitney’s (1978) tests for polarity. As no dichotomous variable existed, a point biserial test was unwarranted regarding results on a traditional assessments and on the Creative Expression.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004733, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004733
Subject Headings: Action theory., Education, Secondary--Evaluation., School improvement programs., Educational evaluation--Methodology., Educational tests and measurements., Educational innovations.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Missed Opportunities and Connections in Teacher Learning.
Creator: Ferris, Deborah Melchers, Hyslop-Margison, Emery, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The current qualitative study focused on understanding the process of learning to teach. Using interviews of teacher educators, the study explored the importance of a set of teaching activities developed as part of the Teacher Self Efficacy Survey (Tschannen- Moran & Woolfolk Hoy, 2001) as well as the inclusion of instructional and assessment strategies for the teaching activities and the quality of beginning teacher performance of the activities. Data were collected from interviews of 15...
Show moreThe current qualitative study focused on understanding the process of learning to teach. Using interviews of teacher educators, the study explored the importance of a set of teaching activities developed as part of the Teacher Self Efficacy Survey (Tschannen- Moran & Woolfolk Hoy, 2001) as well as the inclusion of instructional and assessment strategies for the teaching activities and the quality of beginning teacher performance of the activities. Data were collected from interviews of 15 teacher educators. A process of open, axial, and substantive coding was applied to the data to inductively identify and categorize data relevant to the purpose of the study and to allow comparisons among and between categories. Findings suggested that teaching activities are critically important to and a comprehensive description of effective teaching, and that beginning teachers struggle with differentiation and applying their learning to their practice. Further, findings suggested that the source of beginning teacher struggles was found within the teacher education program, within school contexts, and between the two institutions. In addition, findings suggested that beginning teachers perform the student engagement activities and those related to instructional strategies more proficiently than classroom management activities, and that all three teaching activity categories were included in the curriculum, but to different degrees and not all as part of curriculum design. A variety of pedagogies were used to prepare preservice teachers; however, there was no reported knowledge of assessment instruments used to measure preservice teachers’ readiness for teaching and to obtain data on the performance of their graduates. Lastly, this study revealed that teacher education program leaders were reluctant to participate in a study that sought to draw direct connections between the skills taught in the program and how well beginning teachers perform them. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends further studies to determine the viability of the teaching activities as a comprehensive and accurate definition of effective teaching. Further the researcher recommends that teacher education programs and school districts adopt the teaching activities as a consistent framework for providing preservice education, for setting school district expectations, and for conducting teacher evaluations.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004676, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004676
Subject Headings: Action research in education, Educational leadership, Effective teaching, Pedagogical content knowledge, Teacher effectiveness, Teachers -- Training of
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Multicultural education and high school English teachers: a teacher awareness study.
Creator: Hamilton, Rebecca, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: Multicultural education has been mandated in the state of Florida as part of State Mandate 1003.42. In order for this mandate to be implemented, it is necessary for teachers to know what effective multicultural education is and how it is to be implemented. This study was designed to find out what English teachers know about the state mandate and multicultural education and how they use multicultural education in their classrooms. High school English teachers in one South Florida school...
Show moreMulticultural education has been mandated in the state of Florida as part of State Mandate 1003.42. In order for this mandate to be implemented, it is necessary for teachers to know what effective multicultural education is and how it is to be implemented. This study was designed to find out what English teachers know about the state mandate and multicultural education and how they use multicultural education in their classrooms. High school English teachers in one South Florida school district participated in an online survey, and 11 of those respondents also participated in a follow-up personal interview. According to multiple scholars, there are three categories for multicultural education: Recognition, Transformation, and Action, with Recognition serving to recognize and respect other cultures without any change to the mainstream curriculum and instruction, Transformation serving to transform the curriculum and instruction to reflect students and their various cultures while introducing them to others and meeting the various instructional needs of the students, and Action motivating students to take action to bring about social justice. Overall, high school English teachers’ understanding of effective multicultural education is on the Transformation level. The survey found that high school English teachers use multicultural education on the Action level; however, the follow-up interviews did not support that finding. Also based on the interviews, teachers are willing and eager to learn more and would like the district to implement their suggestions to help with their learning.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004376, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004376
Subject Headings: Cultural pluralism, Curriculum planning, Educational equalization, English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary), English literature -- Study and teaching (Secondary), Ethnicity -- Study and teaching, Multicultural education -- Case studies, Teachers, Training of
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Technology, Textbooks, and Mathematics: Perceptions of Online Math Homework from Traditional High School Students Enrolled in Private Schools.
Creator: Gutierrez, Gisselle, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This research study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology to explore high school students’ perceptions about online math homework and paper math homework. The purpose of this study was threefold: to understand how high school students perceive online math homework, to determine what aspects of online math homework aid and/or hinder student learning, and to improve the student learning experience with online math homework. Through quantitative analysis, the researcher noted...
Show moreThis research study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology to explore high school students’ perceptions about online math homework and paper math homework. The purpose of this study was threefold: to understand how high school students perceive online math homework, to determine what aspects of online math homework aid and/or hinder student learning, and to improve the student learning experience with online math homework. Through quantitative analysis, the researcher noted that although not all students learned best with online math homework, nearly every student used the online tools provided when assigned online math homework. Through qualitative analysis, the researcher noted that the most commonly mentioned aid for both online math homework and paper math homework was showing your work. The two most commonly mentioned hindrances to learning were guessing or cheating with online math homework and losing your homework with paper math homework. Participants stated that they actually have more opportunities to cheat with online math homework than with paper math homework; these results diverge from the literature, which states that online math homework helps to eliminate cheating. The data suggests that while online resources, such as examples, were a commonly mentioned aid to online math homework, many students indicated that the online resources also prevented them from truly having to think, as they could just follow the online examples step by step. This research study determined that the majority of students did not have a strong inherent like or dislike toward either online or paper math homework. Instead, students often stated that they preferred whichever medium allowed them to earn higher grades or receive more support. Therefore, if students continue to receive the necessary support, they can continue to learn mathematical concepts through the use of both online and paper math homework.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004984, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004974
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Mathematics--education., Mathematics education -- Educational material and media, educational technology -- Computer assisted instruction; e-learning., Homework., High school students.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simulation For A Continuing Professional Education Course: Examining The Learning Gains And Perceptions Of Athletic Trainers.
Creator: Frank, Eva M., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was threefold. First, this study compared the effects of two different simulation-based instructional strategies on athletic trainers’ clinical competence in performing cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Second, this study identified the athletic trainers’ perceptions of learning through simulation-based instructional strategies. Third, this study attempted to identify and offer instructional recommendations...
Show moreThe purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was threefold. First, this study compared the effects of two different simulation-based instructional strategies on athletic trainers’ clinical competence in performing cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Second, this study identified the athletic trainers’ perceptions of learning through simulation-based instructional strategies. Third, this study attempted to identify and offer instructional recommendations based on the outcomes. The quantitative phase analyzed cognitive and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and history-taking and clinical skills specific to cardiovascular screenings with cardiac auscultations as it was taught to athletic trainers (ATs) at a continuing professional education (CPE) course. The quantitative results found that high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation-based instructional strategies significantly increased cognitive and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and history-taking and clinical skill from pre-test to post-test assessment on all dependent variables. When comparing the two fidelity types to each other, the analysis found that the participants in the high-fidelity simulation group gained significantly more skill when compared to the low-fidelity group. In the qualitative analysis of this study, three themes emerged specific to the perceptions of the athletic trainers’ experiences as they learn through simulation-based instructional strategies. The first theme that emerged was a clear indication that participants’ exhibited positive perceptions of learning through simulation-based instructional strategies. The second theme that emerged was that the high-fidelity simulation experience during the pre-assessment and post-assessment raised an awareness of the deficit of knowledge and skills in performing a comprehensive cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Lastly, the third theme that emerged was specific to the perceived limitations in the effectiveness of low-fidelity simulation and the perceived strengths in the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation. A few instructional recommendations emerged from this dissertation study. Simulation-based instructional strategies are an ideal teaching method to utilize during continuing professional education courses with athletic trainers. Specifically, this study identified that both, high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulation, are effective in teaching cardiovascular screening with cardiac auscultations. Additionally, the participants perceived influences of a pre-test on the identification of their knowledge and skills deficit suggests that there are benefits of utilizing an authentic simulation pre-test as part of CPE courses.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004653, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004653
Subject Headings: Athletic trainers -- Training of, Career development, Computer assisted instruction, Continuing education, Health care teams -- Training of, Internet in education, Professional education, Sports medicine -- Study and teaching (Continuing education)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Teacher Perceptions of Technology Integration Professional Development in a 1:1 Chromebook Environment.
Creator: Yankelevich, Eleonora, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: A variety of computing devices are available in today’s classrooms, but they have not guaranteed the effective integration of technology. Nationally, teachers have ample devices, applications, productivity software, and digital audio and video tools. Despite all this, the literature suggests these tools are not employed to enhance student learning according to best practices. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe and understand perceptions of a technology integration...
Show moreA variety of computing devices are available in today’s classrooms, but they have not guaranteed the effective integration of technology. Nationally, teachers have ample devices, applications, productivity software, and digital audio and video tools. Despite all this, the literature suggests these tools are not employed to enhance student learning according to best practices. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe and understand perceptions of a technology integration professional development (TIPD) experience of elementary teachers at a suburban, independent school. The TIPD was an ongoing, 40-minute class led by a technology specialist, taking place in teachers’ classrooms, engaging teachers and their students in a 1:1 Chromebook environment. Data collected were through classroom observations, teacher written reflections, school documents, and face-to-face interviews. The results of multiple cycles of coding wrought findings in regard to teachers’ perceptions of effective technology integration, technology class as professional development (PD), and technology class as enabling effective technology integration. The findings showed teachers perceived technology integration to be effective if it benefited the skills or productivity of themselves or their students and if it directly related to their curriculum. Teachers required the support of their colleagues, technology specialist, IT department, as well as traditional and alternative forms of PD to overcome internal and external barriers to integration. Five of the seven teachers explicitly conveyed the technology class to be effective TIPD and all seven learned about a technology tool or resource, technical knowledge or skills, or ideas for integration during the technology classes. Findings also showed the technology class enabled reflection, which led to ideas for integration; the class enabled integration when the content was related to or the tools were useful for their subject area; the class provided the collaboration necessary for integration to occur.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004968, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004958
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Elementary school teachers--Training of., Educational technology., Professional development.
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (19)	+ -
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Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University (4)	+ -
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Educational technology (2)	+ -

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College of Education (19)	+ -
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry (19)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (17)	+ -
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