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WHAT MOTIVATES AUTHORS TO INCLUDE RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN CHILDREN\u27S PICTURE BOOKS?
Get PDFThis dissertation explores children\u27s authors\u27 experiences of and motivations for including religious and spiritual themes in their picture books. It investigates the intricate connection between authors\u27 backgrounds, including their cultural, spiritual, or religious, and familial roots, and how these elements permeate their writing. The study examines these authors\u27 lived experiences and personal narratives, uncovering how their unique identities shape the portrayal of complex spiritual or religious themes in children\u27s literature. Across the interviews, several themes were identified, including family teachings, religious upbringing, and personal spirituality. Authors draw from a wealth of personal experiences, such as Matt de la Peña\u27s Christian themes in Last Stop on Market Street, Amy Hest\u27s Jewish storytelling inspired by her childhood, Gita Varadarajan\u27s Hindu influences in My Bindi, Simran Jeet Singh\u27s Sikh heritage, and Reem Faruqi\u27s Muslim cultural expressions. Gene Weingarten\u27s atheistic perspective offers a secular viewpoint, adding to the diversity of beliefs in picture books. The results reveal why authors are motivated to employ spirituality and religion to create inclusivity in their work and represent the broader scope of human experience in children\u27s literature. Interviews underline the role that narratives play in fostering empathy and understanding among young readers, providing mirrors to see themselves and windows to view others. The books’ detailed illustrations are highlighted as crucial in enhancing cultural and religious representation. Aligned with the Department of Education\u27s guidelines on religious tolerance in schools, the research addresses authorial intent and significance. Furthemore, it builds on John Dewey\u27s theory of experience and Bakhtin\u27s theory of novelness, showing how the everyday lives and voices that have not been heard can resonate powerfully through the medium of children\u27s picture books. Study limitations are acknowledged, and future research and advocacy recommendations are made. In conclusion, this dissertation champions the need for diverse, authentic representation in children\u27s literature, encouraging publishers and educators to support books that nurture empathy and develop a comprehensive understanding of religious and spiritual perspectives. It emphasizes the significance of illustrations in enriching these narratives and appeals for an inclusive approach to children\u27s literature in public education that is reflective of our multicultural and multifaceted society
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS ON RAILROAD PROPERTY AND THEIR EFFECT ON CRIME RATES: A MULTIPLE METHODS ANALYSIS
Get PDFThe U.S. homeless population’s size, vulnerability, and crime victim and offender risk merit further investigation. Valuable studies relating to homelessness and crime have been completed. However, there are missing notes in which a sample populace of homeless encampment sites, and subject matter expert opinions are combined into one study. A relationship tradition exists in the criminology research arena between appearance and esthetics levels in areas as visual cues and criminality. Through the decades, variations in crime rates across different settings have resulted in research about setting appearance and changes in frequency of crimes committed there. The purpose of this study is to fill the void by connecting the presence of homeless encampments to frequency changes in area crime rates in that location. In order to display this relationship, multiple modes of research and data analysis have been completed. A Study of twelve homeless encampments on railroad property are utilized in this multiple methods analysis, to display foundational criminal justice theories. These theories include theories of choice, behavior, patterns, environmental criminology, collective efficacy, and the spatial effect on crime rates from a homeless encampment epicenter. Surveys were also completed with subject matter experts from the involved theoretical and practical fields. Through a combination of data analysis and findings, this dissertation provides correlations between the effects of homeless encampments, vulnerable populace management, as well as the validation of Broken Windows and Social Decay/Disorder Theories involving homeless encampments on railroad properties and right of ways
GIRL POWER: HOW CAN SCHOOL COUNSELORS EMPOWER FEMALE STUDENTS TO STUDY STEM-RELATED MAJORS IN COLLEGE AND BEYOND?
Get PDFThere is a gender gap among females studying STEM ( Technology, Engineering and Math) majors and pursuing STEM careers. More males than females pursue these majors and careers. This study explore d how high school counselors influence the choices of STEM majors for female students. The researcher explored the perspectives of seven experienced high school counselors who work with students on college exploration and career planning activities in this multi case study. The processes these counselors apply when working with female students and improving these practices so school counselors can better support their students was examined. Key findings of this study suggest that school counselors play critical roles in helping their students explore college and career options. It is essential to establish a relationship between each student and their school counselor to serve each student individually. Counselors are aware of this gap and are interested in decreasing it. They want to learn more about STEM specific majors to serve their students best They offer suggestions on specific and relevant training opportunities to help them continue learning. They are eager to help their students as well as their colleagues learn and grow within their professions
STUDENT BARRIERS AND MOTIVATORS TO BYSTANDER INTERVENTION IF WITNESSING POTENTIAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Get PDFBystander intervention has received increased attention as a potential sexual violence prevention strategy, primarily to address campus sexual assault (McMahon et al., 2017). Shifting the focus from potential victims and perpetrators, the bystander approach engages all members of a campus community to act by increasing positive attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence and greater willingness to intervene in pro-social ways. This study examined associations between college students’ bystander intervention behavior and three key factors: (a) perceived self-efficacy, (b) a sense of responsibility to act, and (c) the relationship between the student bystander and the victim or perpetrator. The researcher provided insights into the complexities surrounding perceived motivators and barriers to this critical issue through a comprehensive examination by employing a case study approach with a population of students who have participated in bystander intervention leadership training. Through interviews, focus groups, and a review of bystander intervention leadership training materials, this study explored the contextual aspects influencing students’ decision-making processes when witnessing potential sexual assault. The study was conducted at a private institution with 15 students and three training facilitator participants through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The student participants were seven male and eight female undergraduate students with varying class years, majors, and resident status. Purposive and convenience sampling was used to select all participants. Findings revealed that self-efficacy, sense of responsibility, and relationships with the parties involved are the primary motivators and barriers to student bystanders intervening when witnessing a potential sexual assault. Future research could build upon this study by focusing on the failure of student bystanders to notice potential sexual assault. This failure is often rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including student apathy and the victim’s race. These factors can impact bystander intervention and are worth future focus
DEFINING SCRIBBLES: HOW DO EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS PERCEIVE SCRIBBLES AS A PART OF EMERGENT LITERACY?
Get PDFThe purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand early childhood teachers’ perceptions surrounding the topic of childhood scribbles as they relate to emergent literacy. Sociocultural theory provided a foundation for this research because of its focus on relationships between children, other children, and teachers to foster learning experiences (Gee, 2011; Vygotsky, 1978, 1998). Additionally, social semiotic theory also guided this research because childhood scribbles represent children’s “signs” which can also influence communication and literacy skills (Kress, 1997). The participants were nine preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade teachers (N=9) who volunteered to complete an open-ended survey, follow-up interviews, and a short survey before and after participating in a “Scribbles Workshop”. This study was guided by a central research question: What are early childhood teachers’ perceptions of children’s scribbling in the classroom environment, with regard to emergent literacy? Findings highlight an overarching theme: Scribbling promotes student and teacher interaction, which is critical to increased emergent literacy. A “Scribbling Interaction Cycle” is interpreted from the data and instances where teachers mentioned the importance of the student and teacher interacting to obtain meaning. Fourteen additional themes are presented which correspond to each explored construct. Findings are discussed and implications are given which relate to improved teacher education at the university level, policy changes at the state and national level, and revising kindergarten and first grade English language arts standards to include developmentally appropriate guidelines. Recommendations for further research are presented. Keywords: scribbling, emergent literacy, interaction, early childhood
AMERICAN PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND PROPAGANDA EFFORTS TO CHANGE “HEARTS AND MINDS” IN A SOVIET SATELLITE STATE (BULGARIA) DURING THE COLD WAR, 1945-1991
Get PDFThis dissertation investigates and demonstrates the nature and impact of public diplomacy and propaganda efforts employed by the United States of America across Eastern Europe throughout the Cold War, focusing on the People’s Republic of Bulgaria as a case study. Bulgaria\u27s unique position as a steadfast ally of the Soviet Union underpinned by a deep-rooted Russian-Bulgarian “special relationship” (based on shared cultural, religious, and political ties forged over the course of a century), makes it an especially compelling subject for understanding the effectiveness of American initiatives in penetrating even the most loyal Soviet satellite states during the Cold War. This research examines and evaluates the role played by Bulgarian public intellectuals-turned “dissident defectors,” in their contribution to the American-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and its Bulgarian broadcasting department. Although, the situation in Bulgaria according to RFE/RL internal reports remained mixed in contrast to the other Soviet satellite states, the results in regards to the top US objectives related to confronting the Bulgarian-Soviet connection as well as exposing corruption within Communism, were considered to be surprisingly successful due to the overall rise of interest in RFE broadcasting especially in the aftermath of an infamous political assassination in London, UK which occurred in the midst of the Western human rights agenda at the end of the era of détente in the late 1970s. The convergence of Bulgaria’s global cultural diplomacy, which peaked in the early 1980s, and the strategic shifts in US public diplomacy through radio broadcasting to Bulgaria are among the main contributions to the historiography on the state and society of Bulgaria. Additionally, this study offers insights into the way by which US foreign policy developed within the Eastern bloc during the Cold War, viewed from the perspective of one of the most Soviet-aligned satellite states. Finally, this dissertation situates the aforementioned narratives/evaluations and research/analysis within the broader context of the global diplomatic, political, and social approach to the study of history and in doing so, addresses the various historiographical debates across differing schools of thought regarding the short-term and long-term causes for the conclusion of the Cold War
DELIBERATE PRACTICE TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL PARENT TRAINING SKILLS AMONG CLINICAL TRAINEES
Get PDFDeliberate practice (DP) is a method in which structured activities are done to specifically improve performance in a given domain. Training programs, like DP, can incorporate different learning experiences to assist trainees in developing not only competency but improving client outcomes in specific therapies, like behavioral parent training (BPT). The current study examined the impact of an online-simulated DP training component on the competency among trainees, and parent-reported child outcomes after brief, virtual BPT. Eight trainees/parents were randomly assigned to the intervention group or comparison group. All trainees received didactics in BPT, with the intervention group receiving additional DP training in which they received feedback to 17 recorded vignettes depicting parents presenting their child’s behavioral difficulties. Outcome measures included six scales measured at four timepoints (baseline, week-4, -8, -12). Results indicated a significant decrease across groups from baseline to week-8 in parent-reported number of problem behaviors; from baseline to week-12 follow-up there was a significant decrease in parent-reported number of problem behaviors, intensity of problem behaviors, and negative parenting strategies, including hostility and lax strategies. No differences were observed between the intervention and comparison groups on all outcomes measures (i.e. trainee competency, parent-reported child outcomes, parenting) at all timepoints. Strengths, limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed below
REEVALUATING POSITIVE FREEDOM THROUGH THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMARTYA SEN WITH A FOCUS ON EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR FREEDOM
Get PDFEducation has since ancient times been used as a societal tool to develop and cultivate society’s individuals into participating members. Education which is considered a fundamental human right also holds potential transformative power to enable and empower individuals to exercise their freedom to create a life that aligns with their own values, ideas and goals. However, how effective an educational system can be, ultimately depends on the accessibility and quality of the education as well as the overall system the educational institutions operate in. This thesis explores how education can function as a catalyst for furthering individuals’ freedom through a comparative analysis of the Finnish and American educational systems. The Finnish system manages to create a social security net for its people through factors such as equal access to quality education and universal healthcare, which have contributed to the Finns top rankings in both education and life satisfaction
CHANGE IN BLAME ATTRIBUTIONS AS A MEDIATOR OF SYMPTOM REDUCTION IN TRAUMA-FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Get PDFYouth exposed to interpersonal violence often develop maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions about the event(s), the world, and themselves. These maladaptive cognitions have robust associations with onset and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and internalizing symptoms (Mitchell et al., 2017). Growing literature suggests changes in cognitions, particularly appraisals about control, vulnerability, and personal change following trauma exposure, serve as a mechanism of change in trauma-specific psychotherapy interventions for youth (Meiser-Stedman et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2007). Little research has examined change in blame attributions as a mediator of treatment outcome, despite their importance in understanding how youth process their trauma and are their robust associations with trauma-related symptoms (McGee et al., 2001). The current study sought to assess whether changes in self-blame and perpetrator blame mediate changes in PTSD, anxiety, and depression mid- and post-Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT; Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2006), a phase-based evidence-based intervention that addresses maladaptive cognitions through a variety of treatment components. Path models were analyzed to examine indirect effects of changes in self-blame (N = 164) and perpetrator blame (N = 420) on symptom change in a diverse sample of youth ages 4 to 17. Results indicated that reductions in self-blame mediated decreases in anxiety and depressive symptoms during Phase I of TF-CBT, which focuses on stabilization, psychoeducation, and coping skills. Path models demonstrated that perpetrator blame mediated decreases in PTSD and anxiety following imaginal exposure and cognitive processing of the traumatic events in Phases II and III of TF-CBT. Findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing attributions of blame toward the self and the perpetrator(s) of interpersonal violence throughout treatment
AN EXAMINATION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF EMERGENCY PLANNING IN NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS NEEDING COMMUNICATION OR LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE
Get PDFBackground: While all populations are susceptible to certain hazards that may expose their vulnerabilities in a disaster, populations with no or limited English proficiency, sight limitations, and hearing limitations are especially at risk due to communication and language barriers that they consistently experience. Purpose: This study explored the sufficiency of emergency planning that vulnerable populations with communication barriers may receive in a New York City hospital setting. It investigated the emergency plans, procedures, and practices that hospitals have for these specific, at-risk populations. The sufficiency of these were measured in accordance with their ability to meet the appropriate regulatory standards in existence. By collecting demographic information and characteristics about the hospitals participating, this study tested correlations between these variables with the levels of emergency planning these populations are provided with while in these hospitals. Methods: This mixed-methods study attained valuable information on these areas by surveying and interviewing a population of NYC hospital Emergency Preparedness Coordinators (EPC’s), from a sufficient representation of independent and healthcare systems hospitals; publicly and privately owned; located in different NYC boroughs; and with and without Emergency Departments. Findings: The results of this study draw our attention to the disparities in emergency and resiliency planning for these underserved populations with communication barriers through a rigorous analysis of the various levels of pre-planning they are afforded before a disaster strikes in a hospital facility setting. The presence of a vulnerability characteristic, as well as type of vulnerability characteristic, were found to have effects on the level of sufficiency of emergency planning they may receive in hospitals. The qualitative results also provided an overview of the challenges associated with this type of specialized planning, as well as suggested practices to achieve it. Conclusions: The results of this study should have implications for all emergency management personnel in hospital facilities in terms of enhancing their planning to sufficiently address the needs of vulnerable populations in their emergency planning. Future research should seek to evaluate the sufficiency of the rigor and specificity of the requirements set forth by accrediting bodies for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in emergency planning