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- Title
- An Examination of African-American Male Awareness of and Application to Honors Programs.
- Creator
- Balzora, Lulrick, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine African-American male awareness of and application to honors programs at two selected state colleges in the southeastern region of the United States. The researcher also attempted to fill a current void in the literature and to present an emergent theory for attracting African-American males to honors programs in State College settings. A disproportionate amount of research focuses on remediation and underachievement among African-American males. The...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine African-American male awareness of and application to honors programs at two selected state colleges in the southeastern region of the United States. The researcher also attempted to fill a current void in the literature and to present an emergent theory for attracting African-American males to honors programs in State College settings. A disproportionate amount of research focuses on remediation and underachievement among African-American males. The lack of information on the experiences of high ability African-American males leaves many unanswered questions about how to best recruit and serve the needs of this population of students. This study focused on high achievers rather than languish over the problem of underachievers. It examined the level of awareness of gifted African-American male students regarding honors programs at the collegiate level. It also analyzed how institutional atmosphere/reputation, facilities , personal influences, and incentives affect the decision of African-American males to apply to honors. The format for this study was a mixed method design. It included quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. To satisfy the quantitative nature of this study, IBM SPSS 21.0 was used for the purpose of data analysis via binomial tests. Furthermore, the researcher conducted four semi-structured focus groups. Qualitative data analysis procedures were used to understand and interpret the undergirding knowledge that may have played a role in the decisions made by African-American males in terms of whether or not to apply to honors programs. The study findings revealed that African-American male participants valued the atmosphere and reputation of an honors program more than facilities, personal influences, and incentives. However, awareness of this and others factors among African-American male honors applicants and honors non-applicants was often based on the personal influences in their lives. The results of this study and its emergent theory suggest that, rather than simply showcase gifted abilities, state colleges strategically place honors in a leadership role to increase the presence of persons of influence that motivate high achieving African-American males to enroll in its honors programs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004481, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004481
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- United States, African American young men -- Education (Higher), College student development programs, Educational equalization -- United States, Minority students -- Education (Higher), Talented students -- Education (Higher), Universities and colleges -- Honors courses
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An examination of biomedical intellectual reputation in relationship to graduates’ productivity, regional innovation and absorptive capacity at selected universities worldwide.
- Creator
- Cavanaugh, Gesulla, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was first to determine factors associated with intellectual reputation, specifically among selected biomedical departments worldwide within the university setting. Second, the study aimed to examine intellectual reputation in relationship to doctoral graduates’ productivity in the biomedical sciences and in relationship to organizational biomedical advancement and productivity. Third, the study aimed to visualize a spatial relationship between intellectual reputation...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was first to determine factors associated with intellectual reputation, specifically among selected biomedical departments worldwide within the university setting. Second, the study aimed to examine intellectual reputation in relationship to doctoral graduates’ productivity in the biomedical sciences and in relationship to organizational biomedical advancement and productivity. Third, the study aimed to visualize a spatial relationship between intellectual reputation and local organizational biomedical advancement and productivity in the United States and the United Kingdom. Finally, a simulated research-based model was proposed for understanding hospital productivity. The study used quantitative analysis in order to achieve these goals. The Geographic Information System (GIS) and Geocommons were used to visualize possible relationship between universities and hospitals in different regions. The findings from this study suggest that the university’s research intensity, having a Nobel Laureate on staff, Hirsch Index of the most prominent researcher on staff, scientific patent, scientific publications, and affiliation with multiple countries are good predictors of intellectual reputation. Correlation analysis suggests that university intellectual reputation is associated with doctoral graduates’ productivity. When examining the relationship between the university and hospitals, university intellectual reputation was positively correlated with hospital biomedical advancement, r= .445, p =0.001. Hospital productivity was significantly correlated with university intellectual reputation, r= .322, p =0.001. University intellectual reputation was significantly correlated with hospital capacity to absorb knowledge (r= 0.211, p =0.005) and knowledge spillover (r=.242, p =0.001). Regression analysis reveals that hospital capacity to absorb knowledge and knowledge spillover are good predictors of hospital biomedical advancement, F (2, 176) = 52.637, p = 0.001. Hospital capacity to absorb knowledge, affiliation with a university, intellectual reputation of the affiliated university, and distance between the hospital and the affiliated university were shown to be good predictors to hospital productivity, F (4, 106) = 11.115, p = 0.001. Visual examination of the hospitals suggests that when the universities publish at a large quantity, this tends to influence the hospitals within the area to publish a large quantity as well. Additionally, hospitals that are more productive tend to cluster around universities with higher intellectual reputation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004090, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004090
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- Measurement, Educational productivity -- Measurement, Universities and colleges -- Ratings and rankings
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING READINESS AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN STUDENT SUCCESS COURSES.
- Creator
- Downes, Kim-Le Thuy, Bryan, Valerie C., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
The objective of this correlation study was to describe the association between the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) and academic achievement among community college students enrolled in student success courses. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 35 community college students enrolled in student success seminar courses in central New Jersey. Total scores obtained from the administration of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) were used to measure...
Show moreThe objective of this correlation study was to describe the association between the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) and academic achievement among community college students enrolled in student success courses. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 35 community college students enrolled in student success seminar courses in central New Jersey. Total scores obtained from the administration of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) were used to measure participants’ degree of SDLR. Participants’ GPA and final student success course grade was used as metrics of academic achievement. Additional analyses were conducted to determine if participants’ age and gender changed the association between SDLRS score and academic achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013592
- Subject Headings
- Student success, Community college students, Academic achievement, Self-directed learning, Student success programs
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An examination of the southern association of colleges and schools commission on colleges’ quality enhancement plans at two institutions through the lens of quality improvement.
- Creator
- Rodriguez, Barbara June, Floyd, Deborah L., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this case study was to explore the quality enhancement plan (QEP) process and its influence on student learning of critical thinking and the institutional environment from the perspective of key stakeholders at two community colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (the Commission). Key stakeholders were defined as faculty, staff, and administrators who had direct and continuous involvement with the development and/or...
Show moreThe purpose of this case study was to explore the quality enhancement plan (QEP) process and its influence on student learning of critical thinking and the institutional environment from the perspective of key stakeholders at two community colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (the Commission). Key stakeholders were defined as faculty, staff, and administrators who had direct and continuous involvement with the development and/or implementation of the QEP. This was accomplished through document reviews and analysis of interviews. The study was guided by intertwined quality assurance systems accountability, accreditation, and assessment, and six of Deming’s (1986) total quality management principles. These principles are: (1) customer, (2) training and development, (3) teamwork, (4) measurement, (5) improvement, and (6) leadership (Bosner, 1992; Deming, 1986; Marchese, 1991; Sallis, 2002).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004404, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004404
- Subject Headings
- Educational evaluation -- Case studies, Educational tests and measurements -- Case studies, School management and organization -- Quality control -- Case studies, Total quality management in education -- Case studies, Universities and colleges -- Accreditation -- Case studies
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An exploratory examination of “pockets of success” in creating urban high schools of opportunity for LSES students.
- Creator
- Gaines, Frank, Bogotch, Ira, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine “pockets of success” through the voices of participant stakeholders in low socio-economic status urban high schools and communities to identify opportunities and structures that can improve postsecondary outcomes for students. Examining those pockets of success to rise above the dynamics that obstruct pathways to success, and identifying opportunities for students to transcend their social, economic, and human condition, are the impetuses...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory study was to examine “pockets of success” through the voices of participant stakeholders in low socio-economic status urban high schools and communities to identify opportunities and structures that can improve postsecondary outcomes for students. Examining those pockets of success to rise above the dynamics that obstruct pathways to success, and identifying opportunities for students to transcend their social, economic, and human condition, are the impetuses for the study. The study design is grounded in portraiture, created by Lawrence-Lightfoot and Hoffman-Davis (1997), to detail the intricate dynamics and relationships that exist in high schools. Portraiture steps outside of the traditional boundaries of quantitative and qualitative research to converge narrative analysis with public discourse in a search for authenticity. Identifying what the participants value, how they create and promote opportunities for students, the school’s role in rebuilding the surrounding community, and the community’s priority for graduates, provided the groundwork. The review of the literature reconstructs the term “opportunity” in the context of the urban high school, aligning it with the moral purposes of education. It traces the history of educational and social justice barriers for minority students, outlines the impact of leadership decision-making on the evolution of the urban high school, and addresses increasing the capacity of schools to create opportunities for students to succeed. Participants revealed the foundations for success, challenges and goals toward success, conduits to facilitate that success, and collaborations required to build an agenda to couple school-based stakeholders, civic groups, and national organizations to the creation of a national platform to improve outcomes for urban public high school students in disenfranchised communities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004019
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- Social aspects, Educational equalization, Effective teaching, Minorities -- Education -- Social aspects, School improvement programs
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An exploratory multiple case study of succession planning for higher education community engagement practitioners in selected higher education institutions in theSoutheastern region of the United States.
- Creator
- Louisy, Heidi, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
Succession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results...
Show moreSuccession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results revealed that HEIs are not currently using succession planning strategies for the HECEP role. Further, although the study revealed that professional development opportunities for HECEPs exist, only 50% of institutional study participants were aware of, and participated. Finally, based on the credentials of individuals currently in HECEP roles and data obtained from this study (including data from an expert judge linked to the professional development program analyzed as part of this study), the researcher provides a job specification template for determining if institutions have a pipeline of individuals who could be prepared to assume the HECEP role in the future. This study, although limited in scope as it relates to succession planning, provides insight into the attitudes and perceptions of specific higher education professionals toward the professional development of employees, and more specifically, the HECEP role.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303
- Subject Headings
- Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives, Educational leadership, Leadership in education, Organizational change, School management and organization, Universities and colleges -- Administration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An Investigation of Kindergarten Teachers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Reported Practices Regarding Teacher Leadership in the State of Kuwait.
- Creator
- Aleisa, Bashayer, Bogotch, Ira, Barakat, Maysaa, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
This study aimed to investigate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Kuwaiti kindergarten teachers regarding their leadership roles in the classroom and schools within the State of Kuwait. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. The qualitative sample included 56 kindergarten teachers and twelve heads of departments selected from 12 kindergarten schools from all six school...
Show moreThis study aimed to investigate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Kuwaiti kindergarten teachers regarding their leadership roles in the classroom and schools within the State of Kuwait. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. The qualitative sample included 56 kindergarten teachers and twelve heads of departments selected from 12 kindergarten schools from all six school districts in the State of Kuwait. The quantitative sample included 560 volunteer participants who completed a survey that measures teachers’ values, practices, and their perspectives on school culture regarding teacher leadership. ANOVA was used to analyze the differences among school district location, years of teaching experience, and teacher’s education level. The findings suggested that there were no statistically significant correlations among teachers’ beliefs regarding teacher leadership and school location, years of experience, and education level. Also, there were no statistically significant correlations between teacher leadership practices and school location, years of experience, and education level. There were significant correlations between school climate conducive to teacher leadership and years of experience, without school location and education level. Moreover, the concept of teacher leadership was ambiguous in Kuwaiti kindergarten schools. There were some indications of opportunity for teacher leadership roles, but those roles were not considered effective by participants. Teacher participants believe that their roles are restricted, and this perspective was supported in part by the heads of department. Teachers enumerated some hindrances to teacher leadership, such as instability of ministry supervisors’ decisions; top-down, unilateral decision-making; and school administrations’ tight control of teachers’ roles to the level of organizing and running classrooms. Broader implementation of Kuwaiti school restructuring efforts employing a distributed leadership model among formal and informal leadership roles and positions is recommended to help improve quality of education, the teaching profession, and school reform. In the end, the most significant benefit would be gained by students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013167
- Subject Headings
- Kindergarten teachers, Kuwait, 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.
Show less - 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
- APPRECIATIVE ADMINISTRATION: HOW THE APPRECIATIVE EDUCATION THEORY-TO-PRACTICE FRAMEWORK IS BEING INFUSED INTO HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES.
- Creator
- Elsberry, Meagan, Bloom, Jennifer L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
This qualitative grounded theory study updated the framework, including a definition, of Appreciative Administration. Bloom et al. (2013) first introduced the concept of Appreciative Education in a New Directions for Student Services article. Appreciative Education’s framework is harnessed by the power of the organizational development theory of Appreciative Inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987), the relationship-building theory-to-practice framework of Appreciative Advising (Bloom & Martin...
Show moreThis qualitative grounded theory study updated the framework, including a definition, of Appreciative Administration. Bloom et al. (2013) first introduced the concept of Appreciative Education in a New Directions for Student Services article. Appreciative Education’s framework is harnessed by the power of the organizational development theory of Appreciative Inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987), the relationship-building theory-to-practice framework of Appreciative Advising (Bloom & Martin, 2002; Bloom et al., 2008), and an Appreciative Mindset. Bloom and McClellan (2016) coined the phrase Appreciative Administration to describe how higher education administrators could lead their organizations by harnessing the power of Appreciative Education. To date, there is no research on how higher education administrators are using Appreciative Education in their administrative practices. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine how higher education administrators infuse the Appreciative Education framework into their daily administrative practices. The study included 21 professionals, who met the following criteria: (1) had at least one full-time person reporting to them; (2) had participated in a formal Appreciative Education training. The experiences of the 21 study participants were captured through semi-structured 60-minute Zoom interviews. Subsequently, eight of the 21 participants participated in a focus group via Zoom to provide feedback on the study’s initial themes and sub-themes. Data was analyzed through three rounds of coding: (1) initial coding, (2) focused coding, and (3) theoretical coding.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014076
- Subject Headings
- Grounded theory, Education, Higher--Management, Education, Higher--Administration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The art of leadership: a study of administrative practices in Florida's schools of the arts.
- Creator
- Perry, Kevin Gardner., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify common practices of school-of-the-arts administrators and to determine if these commonalities differ from the practices of effective school leaders in general. A sample of administrators (n=92) completed a 3-part Likert survey based on the 21 attributes identified in the balanced leadership model. Five research questions guided this study which looked for both common and unique leadership challenges facing principals in schools of the arts...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory study was to identify common practices of school-of-the-arts administrators and to determine if these commonalities differ from the practices of effective school leaders in general. A sample of administrators (n=92) completed a 3-part Likert survey based on the 21 attributes identified in the balanced leadership model. Five research questions guided this study which looked for both common and unique leadership challenges facing principals in schools of the arts. Prinicpals ranked the practices in order of importance. Although the statistical analyses revealed no significant differences among the variables of instructional levels (elementary, middle, and secondary), gender, or school grade designations, descriptive statistics as well as qualitative data found a number of emergent themes including principal outreach, principal advocacy, focus, flexibility, curriculum, funding challenges, and the commitment to being there(i.e., at the school). Based on the findings, a plus one model was developed illustrating the tensions across organizational management, instructional leadership, and artistic leadership, all of which must function simultaneously in order to lead a successful school of the arts. While only one study, the findings suggest that regular school principals might want to consider incorporating successful school-of-the-arts practices in their own schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352282
- Subject Headings
- Educational leadership, Educational administration, Arts, Study and teaching, Teacher-principal relationships
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists: informal learning in the medical workplace.
- Creator
- Walden, Patrick Roy., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
This study explored the types and uses of informal, on-the-job learning occurring among American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA)-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) working in medical settings as part of a rehabilitation team. In addressing this purpose, a qualitative, phenomenological approach to research methodology was used. Participants were selected through a process of purposeful sampling, each meeting the criteria of having earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence in...
Show moreThis study explored the types and uses of informal, on-the-job learning occurring among American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA)-certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) working in medical settings as part of a rehabilitation team. In addressing this purpose, a qualitative, phenomenological approach to research methodology was used. Participants were selected through a process of purposeful sampling, each meeting the criteria of having earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA and working in a medical setting as part of a rehabilitation team. Twenty-four SLPs from varying demographic profiles took part in one of three online data collection methods. Nine participants completed a computer-mediated interview, 11 participants completed an online journal entry and 4 participants completed a virtual focus group method. All data collection methods were accomplished via internet technologies. Data analysis was performed through a process of thematic analysis and resulted in four significant findings. First, both internal and external forces triggered SLPs to learn informally in the medical workplace. Also, SLPs went through an individually-determined, goal-directed process when learning informally in the medical workplace. SLPs used a combination of collaboration, workplace experience and research to learn informally in the medical workplace. And finally, SLPs employed informal learning activities for the purpose of meeting personal, patient and organizational needs., It was recommended that (a) the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association review its professional development policy and consider implementation of a process whereby clinicians can document their goal-directed workplace learning and receive professional development credit for these activities; (b) healthcare organizations recognize, support and reward the informal learning in which their SLPs are already engaging; and (c) SLPs enhance their informal learning in the medical workplace through proactivity, critical reflectivity (of their own and others' learning), and creativity. The significance of this research included the use and support of existing theory in both Adult Education and Human Resource Development. Further, this research represents the first of its kind in investigating informal learning in rehabilitative therapies, specifically Speech-Language Pathology. Peer professions such as Physical and Occupational Therapy may also benefit from this study's conclusions and recommendations, as these professionals work in similar medical contexts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186323
- Subject Headings
- Audiology, Practice, Methodology, Speech therapy, Practice, Methodology, Interpersonal communication, Study and teaching
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Assessing goal intent and achievement of university learning community students.
- Creator
- Pfeffer-Lachs, Carole F., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to assess the goal intent and achievement of university students, during the Fall 2011 semester, at Blue Wave University, a high research activity public institution in the southeast United States. This study merged theories of motivation to measure goal setting and goal attainment to examine if students who chose to participate in a learning community program set goals at different levels than the students who chose not to join a learning community program. This...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to assess the goal intent and achievement of university students, during the Fall 2011 semester, at Blue Wave University, a high research activity public institution in the southeast United States. This study merged theories of motivation to measure goal setting and goal attainment to examine if students who chose to participate in a learning community program set goals at different levels than the students who chose not to join a learning community program. This study investigated if there was a difference in motivation, by studying goal intent and goal achievement of Freshman Learning Community participants, Living- Learning community participants, or non-learning community participants at Blue Wave University. . Moderation analyses concluded that none the seven contextual variables (choice of college, ethnicity, gender, high school grade point average, living on-campus, SAT score, and ACT score) moderated the difference in the level of change from goal intent to goal achievement in this study.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360967
- Subject Headings
- Achievement in education, Group work in education, Professional learning communities, Learning, Psychology of, School improvement programs
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- 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.
Show less - 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
- Athletic trainers' perceptions of effectiveness and transfer of training in continuing education workshops.
- Creator
- Reed, Sarah L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
Extensive literature research revealed that little was known about the effectiveness of athletic training continuing education workshops in increasing athletic trainers' knowledge, skills and abilities. The three purposes of this mixed method exploratory study were: 1) to examine whether continuing education workshops were perceived by athletic trainer participants as effective; 2) to determine if a relationship existed between efficacy and perceived workshop training effectiveness; 3) to...
Show moreExtensive literature research revealed that little was known about the effectiveness of athletic training continuing education workshops in increasing athletic trainers' knowledge, skills and abilities. The three purposes of this mixed method exploratory study were: 1) to examine whether continuing education workshops were perceived by athletic trainer participants as effective; 2) to determine if a relationship existed between efficacy and perceived workshop training effectiveness; 3) to demonstrate the transfer of training through work experiences. Participants were recruited through Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) approved continuing education workshops. Eighty-four participants completed a questionnaire packet on the day of the workshop. The packet contained the Athletic Training Efficacy Questionnaire, subject matter pre-test, workshop evaluation, and subject matter post-test. Two months after the workshop, participants were contacted and asked to complete an online questionnaire that focused on their perceptions of the workshop they attended and their transfer of the training to the workplace. Quantitative data analysis revealed no significant relationships between participants' levels of efficacy and ages, genders, work experience, and degree attainment. Nor was there a significant relationship found between participants' level of efficacy and their perceptions of workshop effectiveness. The characteristics of the workshops were perceived as effective in increasing participant knowledge, skills and abilities related to athletic training. Overall, 20.2% of participants perceived the workshops as being very effective, 46.4% perceived the workshops to be effective, and 33.3% perceived the workshops as ineffective., Qualitative analysis revealed that the perceptions of workshop effectiveness were related to the presentation format, characteristics of the instructor, and the relevancy of the workshop material to real life situations. Barriers to the transfer of training were also identified and included workshop format factors (delivery, environmental, and learning styles) and a lack of information presented. Recommendations for the development of continuing education workshops that better meet the needs of athletic trainers were discussed, and suggestions for future research were provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186292
- Subject Headings
- Athletic trainers, Training of, Sports medicine, Study and teaching (Continuing education), Physical education and training, Administration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Attitudinal study of older adult African Americans' interaction with computers.
- Creator
- Lovell-Martin, Nigel Leon., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
It was estimated that 35 million people age 65 or older lived in the United States in 2000. Of that number 2.8 million were Black/African American. The U.S. Census Bureau's (2000) population projections show that there will be 70 million older adults age 65 or older by 2030 and African Americans are expected to comprise over 12% of that population. In 1993 older adults had made less elective use of computers than younger adults, accounting for 24.2% of those age 55 to 64 and 4.9% of adults...
Show moreIt was estimated that 35 million people age 65 or older lived in the United States in 2000. Of that number 2.8 million were Black/African American. The U.S. Census Bureau's (2000) population projections show that there will be 70 million older adults age 65 or older by 2030 and African Americans are expected to comprise over 12% of that population. In 1993 older adults had made less elective use of computers than younger adults, accounting for 24.2% of those age 55 to 64 and 4.9% of adults over age 65. By 2003 adults over age 65 recorded a 20.1% increase in computer usage becoming the fastest growing segment of computer users who are engaging in learning computer skills as a way of coping with the technological changes. Studies have found that greater experience with computers is associated with more positive attitudes; however, it has never been determined whether this is true of the older African American population since there is a paucity of research documenting their computer attitudes. This study utilized a mixed methods research design that included an experimental design and an inductive approach with interviews. The following findings emerged: (a) attitudes differed for older African Americans who received computer training and those who did not; (b) there was no distinction in computer attitudes between older adult male and older adult females in the African American population; (c) there was no interaction effect on computer attitudes as moderated by training and gender; (d) older African Americans exhibited a positive disposition towards computers which elicited positive attitudes towards the technology; (e) older African Americans had a nascent need for computer self-efficacy; and (f) older African Americans constructed new meaning regarding computers as a result of their reflection on their computer interaction experience., The findings have established that older African Americans' attitudes can be influenced by direct computer experience and the study extends prior research by identifying the process by which attitude change takes place.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186682
- Subject Headings
- African Americans, Education (Continuing education), African Americans, Intellectual life, Aging, Psychological aspects, Attitude (Psychology), Computer literacy
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Beyond fidelity: relating educational practices and their determinants to student learning gains.
- Creator
- Urdegar, Steven M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
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This study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at...
Show moreThis study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at their schools. Nearly 13,000 students in grades 2 through 5 were assigned to those teachers. Factor analyses were used to separately identify patterns within survey items that measured educational practices, leadership actions, and instructional program coherence. Then, the students' achievement gains were adjusted for the effects of fixed demographic and organizational variables through hierarchical linear modeling. Finally, classroom level relationships between the adjusted achievement gains, and subscales computed from the factors that were identified, were examined through a path analysis. Educational practices were found to align to six factors labeled Technology, Training Utility, Advanced Skills, Basic Skills, Grouping, and Assessment. Leadership actions were found to align to two factors labeled Relationship and Task. Fixed effects at the student, classroom, and school levels were found to have an impact on both the initial status and growth components of student achievement. In the path model, Task was found to have a significant direct effect on Advanced Skills, while the effect of Relationship on educational practices was partially mediated by Instructional Program Coherence. Both Advanced and Basic skills were found to have positive effects on Adjusted Gain when taught at the appropriate level, and negative effects, when taught at the inappropriate level., Technology was found to facilitate Basic Skills instruction overall, with greater benefits seen at the upper grades. It was concluded the rates of use seen for Advanced and Basic skills instruction were similar at the three types of schools examined because of poor differentiation due to innovation diffusion. Teachers who perceived their leaders as supportive, tended to rate their schools as more coherent and training requirements as more appropriate, and used technology and assessment more often, leading to gains in student achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77653
- Subject Headings
- School management and organization, Decision making, Education, Evaluation, Educational tests and measurements, School improvement programs, Evaluation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- BREAKING THE MOLD: IMPLEMENTING RADICAL INNOVATION AT THE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL LEVELS.
- Creator
- Holcombe, Joseph, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
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Very little research exists around the implementation of innovative practices in traditional public schools. However, research indicates that innovation and creation of an organizational culture and climate that fosters innovation are both practices associated with improvement in overall organizational performance. This study aims to examine leadership practices, both at the school and district levels, which support the implementation of a radical innovation in traditional public schools....
Show moreVery little research exists around the implementation of innovative practices in traditional public schools. However, research indicates that innovation and creation of an organizational culture and climate that fosters innovation are both practices associated with improvement in overall organizational performance. This study aims to examine leadership practices, both at the school and district levels, which support the implementation of a radical innovation in traditional public schools. Specifically, this study asks three key questions: How did the plan to implement personalized learning develop, how did district and school leaders gain acceptance for the implementation, and how did Very little research exists around the implementation of innovative practices in traditional public schools. However, research indicates that innovation and creation of an organizational culture and climate that fosters innovation are both practices associated with improvement in overall organizational performance. This study aims to examine leadership practices, both at the school and district levels, which support the implementation of a radical innovation in traditional public schools. Specifically, this study asks three key questions: How did the plan to implement personalized learning develop, how did district and school leaders gain acceptance for the implementation, and how did school leaders manage school climate change during the implementation? In this context, radical innovation is defined as an innovation that significantly changes the ways in which the school organization operates and delivers education to students (Zaltman, Duncan, & Holbek, 1973).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013537
- Subject Headings
- Public schools, Innovation, School leadership
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Build a Better Mousetrap: A Review of State School Accountability Models and Their Relation to the Socio-Economic Status of Students.
- Creator
- Houchens, Paul, Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
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This study aims to identify [or create] equitable accountability systems that can be used to drive sustainable school improvement. In this context, equitable accountability is defined as a measure more of the school’s impact on student achievement and less a measure of the socio-economic status of the students enrolled in the school. To do this, the study begins with a review of the history and current state of school accountability policies in the US and its relation to the concepts of...
Show moreThis study aims to identify [or create] equitable accountability systems that can be used to drive sustainable school improvement. In this context, equitable accountability is defined as a measure more of the school’s impact on student achievement and less a measure of the socio-economic status of the students enrolled in the school. To do this, the study begins with a review of the history and current state of school accountability policies in the US and its relation to the concepts of school improvement, between accountability and student achievement, a review of accountability policy in each state and the possible future model of accountability policy. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods with a policy analysis informing state correlational comparisons, which in turn informed the models to be applied to the Florida data to identify how they perform (correlate), culminating in the development of a new school accountability model. The policy analysis revealed current school accountability in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as the relationship between socio-economic status and school accountability in each where data were available. Five of these state models were shown to be significantly less related to socio-economic status than Florida. However, only two of these models performed similarly when applied to Florida data. Finally, a model was proposed that included aspects from these states and available literature that performed similarly to these two states. This study represents an important first step in a larger policy discussion of how to hold schools accountable for their impact on students and not a measure of the demographics of the students they are serving.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014138
- Subject Headings
- Education policy, Education and state, Educational sociology, Educational leadership
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The call of public service: motivation and professional commitment in education.
- Creator
- Ackerina, Jacqueline., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who are professionally committed to careers in public education possess public service motivation. The participants in this study were a sample of convenience selected through their enrollment in graduate education programs within three East Coast universities. The sample was stratified into three groups based on their education roles as teachers, aspiring leaders, and school district administrators. Based on the 258 education sector...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who are professionally committed to careers in public education possess public service motivation. The participants in this study were a sample of convenience selected through their enrollment in graduate education programs within three East Coast universities. The sample was stratified into three groups based on their education roles as teachers, aspiring leaders, and school district administrators. Based on the 258 education sector participants, the majority were Caucasian, female, and under the age of 30. All respondents held at least a bachelor's degree and the majority held up to ten years tenure in education. Utilizing an abridged version of Perry's (1996) multi-dimensional scale that was modified for the education sector, the public service motivation (PSM) construct was measured using an Internet survey approach. Three of the public service motivation dimensions and two commitment items were used to operationalize the PSM and professional commitment of education professionals within their current roles. Correlation, regression, ANOVA, and t-test analyses were conducted to examine the data collected. Study findings concluded that education professionals possess public service motivation and are professionally committed to their careers. In addition, results indicated that school district administrators possessed higher levels of public service motivation than teachers. Furthermore, demographic characteristics indicated that educators who are older, more experienced, and highly educated possess higher levels of PSM. Perhaps the most critical discovery was that when comparing education professionals to their public administration counterparts, educators possessed higher levels of public service motivation. These findings have several important implications for education institutions, academic scholars, human resource managers, and leadership preparation programs that would all benefit from all
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342031
- Subject Headings
- Motivation (Psychology), Educational leadership, Public administration, Education, Aims and objectives, Education, Social aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Canadian professional chef's' perceived value of formal culinary education and its relationship with industry success.
- Creator
- Roche, Colin Philip., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
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Hundreds of universities, colleges and institutions graduate students yearly with some form of culinary education. To date, limited research has been conducted to examine the perceived value of formal culinary education on industry career success from the perspective of those who conduct the majority of the hiring of culinary positions. This dissertation examined the perceived value of formal education in culinary arts and its relationship with industry success from the perspective of...
Show moreHundreds of universities, colleges and institutions graduate students yearly with some form of culinary education. To date, limited research has been conducted to examine the perceived value of formal culinary education on industry career success from the perspective of those who conduct the majority of the hiring of culinary positions. This dissertation examined the perceived value of formal education in culinary arts and its relationship with industry success from the perspective of Canadian professional chefs.... Though the population for this study was Canadian professional chefs who were members of the Canadian Culinary Federation, the results of this study may be useful to both current and future culinarians who are pursuing or contemplating pursuing formal culinary education in other countries, especially the United States....Institutions that provide formal culinary education will find this important as they come under increased scrutiny from stakeholders to demonstrate the value of the investment students make in terms of tuition and associated costs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355878
- Subject Headings
- Hospitality industry, Study and teaching (Higher), Vocational interests, Food service, Vocational guidance, Restaurant management, Study and teaching (Higher)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
