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An Evaluation of the Cognition Component of the Physics Resources and Instructional Strategies for Motivating Students (PRISMS) Program in Iowa
Get PDFvi, 114 leaves. Advisor: Charles RowleyThe problem. The problem of this study was to determine whether the Physics Resources and Instructional Strategiesfor Motivating Students (PRISMS) program influenced the teachers' knowledge of physics.
Procedures. Data for this study were collected through pre- and post-questionnaires for twenty-nine teachers and administrators. Pre- and post-assessment instruments were developed to measure the teachers' knowledge of physics content. The purpose for these data collection instruments was to determine if the PRISMS program could contribute to the improvement of physics instruction in Iowa. The data gathered from these instruments tested the hypotheses. The paired-t
test examined the change in scores for Hypotheses 3, 4, 5, and 6. Pearson's Product Moment correlation was calculated for the remaining hypotheses in an attempt to determine if relationships existed between major study variables. Descriptive statistics were applied to selected items on the questionnaires as a means
of examining changes in opinion scores for teachers and administrators.
Findings. The data indicated that the teachers' attitudes toward teaching physics and the PRISMS program decreased from a positive attitude to a less positive attitude The teachers' knowledge of physics increased as a result of PRISMS, and the
teachers became more comfortable with presenting physics concepts. The teachers' level of knowledge was influenced by years in teaching physics, and by the number of semester hours taken in college physics. The data indicated that the administrators' pre-program attitudes influenced the teachers' level of knowledge. Finally, the teachers' and administrators' opinions on selected statements decreased from a more positive opinion to a somewhat negative opinion.
Conclusion. The results of this study were not sufficient to indicate that the PRISMS program improved physics instruction in Iowa.
Recommendations. It is recommended that: (1) researchers investigate the effect that the PRISMS program would have on student learning, (2) comparisons between student achievement scores for districts not utilizing PRISMS be conducted. and
(3) researchers must investigate the causes for the decreases in teachers' attitudes and opinions
A CASE STUDY OF THE ATTEMPTS TO DEVELOP AND EVALUATE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES IN AN IOWA AREA EDUCATION AGENCY DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
No full text204 leavesThe problem: The basic problem examined by the study was the development and evaluation of the program objectives of an approved annual plan to provide special education services in Area Education Agency 6. Current federal and state audits of AEA special education programs focused on compliance procedures, not on program objectives.
Procedures: The study was conducted by the coordinator of the evaluation efforts at AEA 6 and was reported as a case study. The case study was organized in a chronological sequence from Year One through Year Six. The study is a narrative description of the effects of the actions of the administrative team on the evaluation process.
The case study details the efforts of the administrative team to develop an annual plan which contained objectives
with specific performance levels. As part of this effort, a stratified random sample of students identified as handicapped was used to select the records to be reviewed. The review of records was done to provide evidence of the pro vision of services.
Findings and Recommendations: The approved annual plan developed in AEA 6 contained too many objectives with no specific performance levels. The expected levels of performance were met in fewer than one-half of the program objectives. Further study of the use of a prediction method to develop criteria levels for special education program objectives at an AEA is recommended. Special educators should also study the single subject multiple baseline
design and its application to program evaluation
Teaching Speech Delivery Skills to Reduce Speech Anxiety
Get PDFv, 37 leaves. Advisor: Margaret E. Lloyd.The problem. Speech anxiety is a common problem among college students. This can hurt the student academically, and could also continue to affect him or her in professional situations once out of school. Therefore, an economical program designed to teach speech skills and reduce their anxiety would be beneficial. Previous studies have focused
on reducing speech anxiety without teaching speech skills, or have taught speech skills without recording their occurrence.
Procedure. Instructions and behavioral rehearsal were used to teach speech anxious subjects speech delivery skills. Prior to and following each skill taught, a probe speech was conducted. Both objective measures of anxiety five (i.e. Timed
Behavioral Checklist, duration of speech, and number of notes) and subjective measures of anxiety (i.e. Personal Report of Confidence as a Speaker) were recorded. In addition, the occurrence of the specific speech skills taught was recorded.
Findinqs. Subjects increased their level of speech
skills, and reported a decrease in anxiety. Only one of the subjects observable indicators of anxiety decreased.
Conclusions. This program increased speech skills
and decreased self-reported anxiety. In addition, the program took very little time for the subjects to complete.
Recomendations. This program could be implemented
economically at universities in order to provide help to speech anxious students
Utilization of Sick Leave Benefits in Iowa Public Schools in Relation to Accumulation Levels Allowed
Get PDFviii, 93 leaves. Advisor: Richard H. LampshireThe problem, The problem of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between sick leave utilization by professionaf staff members in Iowa public school districts and the number of sick leave days allowed to accumulate. Two
other factors, size af district and average teacher's salary, were selected as covariates because of their relationship to the dependent variable.
Procedure. The population of this study was the 350 Iowa public school districts who operated under a collective bargaining agreement during the 1982-83 academic year. Four main variables were established for purposes of analysis. Data on each of the four variables, relating to the 1982-83
academic year, were obtained for 336 school districts which equaled a 36 percent participation level. Frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, ranges, Pearson product moment correlations, and analysis of covariance were statistical procedures employed in this study. The analysis of covariance was utilized to test the
null hypothesis.
Findings. After controlling for the variables, average teacher's salary and size of district, the major independent variable, number of sick leave days allowed to accumulate, had no affect on the average number of sick leave days utilized per teacher. The only relationship found was a positive one between size of district and average number of sick leave days used per teacher
Evaluation and Comparison of Teleconference Training with Face-to-Face Training and the Effects on Attitude and Learning
Get PDFvi, 134 leaves. Advisor: Alfred SchwartzThe problem, The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in attitude and achievement of adult learners who participated in training via teleconferencing, face-to-face training, or a combination of both. Examined
also was the relationship between attitude of participants and achievement scores. Varying somewhat from other research studies was the finding of a significant difference between
the groups in attitude toward the training method. The results of the study confirmed previous research findings of no significant differences in achievement scores existing between the groups.
Procedure. The study was conducted on a random sample basis, Eighty-seven cases were included in the analysis and randomly assigned to the four treatment groups. The course content, pre- and post-tests, and the attitude assessment
instrument were developed based upon extensive research in the area of teleconference and evaluation. Four methods of delivery were used: all face-to-face, all teleconference, face-to-face prior to teleconference, and teleconference
followed by face-to-face, Each treatment group utilized the same instruction, content, instructor, and instrumentation. Only the method of delivery was varied.
Conclusions. Differing significantly from the other groups, the all face-to-face group was much more positive toward the method of delivery than were the other three groups. As face-to-face contact increased, the attitude responses of the participants improved. Although there was no
significant difference in achievement scores between the groups, the all teleconference group obtained the highest gain score. There was no significant relationship between attitude and learning.
Recommendations. The study concludes with suggestions for successful uses of teleconferencing. Educators employing
teleconferencing must develop curricula which can create an environment that can replace the need for face-to-face contact. Recommendations for successful uses for teleconference instruction include humanizing the learning environment, allowing for maximum participation by students,
implementation of a presentation style which is conducive to learning, and feedback between student and instructor to insure learning
The Attitudes of Alumni Non-Donors, Donors, and Consecutive Donors Toward Drake University
No full textix, 113 leaves. Advisor: Charles D. RowleyThe problem. The purpose of the study was to determine if there were differences in the attitudes of alumni nondonors, donors, and consecutive donors toward Drake University. Specific areas which were examined included Drake University in general, the Drake National Alumni
Association, and Drake University and fundraising.
Procedures. A stratified random sample of 396 alumni was obtained from the 40,000 members of the Drake National Alumni Association. Stratification was based on donor classification: non-donor, donor, or consecutive donor; degree classification : undergraduate, graduate, or law degree; and, residence: Iowa or non-Iowa resident. Fifty
percent of the alumni, or 199 individuals, responded to the questionnaire. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.
Findings. Significant differences were found among the attitudes of alumni, based on donor classification, toward each of the topical areas about Drake University. Significant differences did not exist for degree classification or residence. The majority of alumni, regardless of donor classification, felt that attending Drake was a source of real pride to them, and that the University had contributed to their lives. The act of giving, regardless of amount, and consistent communications with alumni were important factors
in donating. Tax considerations and successful athletic programs were not important. The majority of alumni contributors would want their children to attend Drake.
Conclusions. Drake University should be pleased that the majority of alumni have positive feelings about the institution. More effort should be made to attract donors to the consecutive donor category, and to target specific mailings to alumni donors with children of college age. Nondonors should be encouraged to give, regardless of the purpose of their gifts.
Recommendations, A survey of other private comprehensive universities should be done to determine if there are similarities between the attitudes of their alumni and Drake alumni
The Relationship Between Achievement in Second Language Acquisition of Southeast Asian Students and Influencing Variables
No full textvii, 124 leaves. Advisor: Charles RowleyThe problem. Early evaluation of the English as Second Language program for the Southeast Asian refugee population showed a range of achievement levels in English language acquisition. Sociocultural and psychological factors influencing the success in second language acquisition have been of concern to educators in providing appropriate programs.
Procedure. This study was undertaken to determine the degree that selected variables influenced second language learning in the Southeast Asian refugee population in Des Moines public schools. It is intended that this study will provide
essential data for program development in the areas of proper assessment, placement, and curricula. A questionnaire to the parents identified: (1) number of years a parent attended
school in his or her native country, (2) ability to read and write, (3) predominant language used in the home, and (4) amount of English spoken in the home. Correlational analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were
used. The Bilingual Syntax Measure was used to determine achievement in English oral proficiency.
Findings. There was a positive relationship between level of second Language acquisition and number of years parents attended school in their native country, parents' ability to read and write, length of time the student had been in school, and amount of English spoken in the home, Levels of achievement were also affected by ethnic group and predominant language spoken in the home.
Conclusions. It was concluded that achievement in second language acquisition was interrelated with several sociocultural and psychological factors: (1) number of years of - in native country, (2) parents' ability to read and write, (3) predominant language spoken in the home, (4) the time factor, (5) ethnic group, and (6) amount of
English spoken in the home.
Recommendations. It is recommended that: (1) program objectives and curricula should take into account sociocultural and psychological factors that influence second language learning,
(2) further study be conducted to determine if literacy efforts have a positive affect on second language acquisition, and (3) further study to determine if the same influencing variables
affect the development of second language reading and writing skills
The Hollywood Novel : An American Literary Genre
Get PDFvii, 217 leaves. Advisor: Richard AbelThe Hollywood Novel is an American regional fiction genre that treats characters working in the film industry either in Hollywood or with a Hollywood production company on location. Although pre-Hollywood film novels set in the eastern filmmaking capitals flourished as early as 1912, the Hollywood Novel per se first appeared in 1916, after the film companies had nearly completed their move to Hollywood. The genre grew up and developed with the Hollywood film industry, mirroring the rise of powerful moguls, the decline
of the studio system, and the advent of location shooting, in the United States and abroad, as well as influential events, public concerns, and fads of the times. From 1916-1963, the genre intersected with other popular literature, creating eight sub-genres of novels: historical,
cornie-epistolary, detective, and semi-pornographic--as determined by Carolyn See in 1963--as well as romances, adolescent fiction, religious tracts, and "romans a clef". Many novels
within the sub-genres were penned by persons involved with filmmaking. After 1964, novels written by people within the industry and "romans a clef", as well as historical and detective Hollywood Novels, continued to flourish and reflected more contemporary concerns: current politics, including espionage; feminism; alternative life styles, such as homosexuality; and the counter-culture movement. As the studio system waned and foreign cinemas exerted influence, location shooting became commonplace. Hollywood, thus, declined as a picture-making
center, and a strong adjunct genre of location and international filmmaking novels developed. In addition, novels which were not about filmmaking and which dealt with the characters' Hollywood experiences peripherally, if at all, became common. The novels' setting--the town of Hollywood--has been overwhelmingly influenced by the film industry and the illusions it produces, so that, as in the movies, anything is possible there, but nothing is as it seems. The symbiotic
relationship between the town and the industry is reflected in the novels, the only American regional genre determined by a specific industry. In them, distinctions between illusion and reality collapse, owing to the timelessness, artificiality, physical unconventionality, unusual atmosphere, and the reality/illusion dichotomy at work in Hollywood and the film industry
A Physical, Cultural, and Nutritional Study of "Leptospira Interrogans" Serotype "Hardjo" with Emphasis on Antigenicity, Immunogenicity, and Viability
Get PDFvi, 120 leaves. Advisor: Dean A. HogansonThe problem. "Leptospira interrogans" serotype "hardjo" has been indicated as the cause of abortion and clinical leptospirosis in cattle. It is a fastidious organism and has been difficult to reisolate from infected animals. This study was designed to determine if the nutritional requirements were different from other leptospires and if an optimum incubation temperature could be established. Secondly, studies were done to see what effects these parameters had on antigenicity and imunogenicity.
Procedure. Cells of an avirulent laboratory adapted strain of "L. hardjo" were grown in different formulations of bovine albumin polysorbate media (BA-P80). Single and multiple
deletions and different sources of ingredients for the medium were evaluated. Continuous growth was measured over a predetermined range of temperatures. The antigenicity of cells incubated at two temperatures were compared in a microscopic agglutination test. The efficacy of two heat-inactivated bacterins was evaluated by challenge of vaccinated hamsters with a kidney infective isolate.
Findings. The avirulent strain grew best at temperatures between 29 degrees and 31.5 degrees C. Optimum growth occurred in the complete BA-P80 media formulation. No difference was seen in the antigenicity of either 29 degree or 37 degree C. incubated leptospires. The bacterin prepared with whole cells grown at 37 degrees C was more efficacious than the bacterin using cells
grown at 29 degrees C.
Conclusions. The nutritional requirements for "L. hardjo" did not differ from many of the other leptospires that have been studied. Bovine albumin polysorbate 80 media was best suited for routine propagation of antigens and isolation of leptospires from infected tissues. Heat-inactivated whole cell bacterins provided excellent protection.
Recommendations. Attempts should be made to duplicate the nutritional studies and growth temperature studies using several virulent "L. hardjo" isolates. Further research needs to be done to determine why a whole cell bacterin prepared using antigen incubated at 37 degrees C provided greater immunity
Female Offenders : A Study of the Characteristics of Self-Esteem, Dependency, and Psychological Androgyny and How These Characteristics Differ in Three Correctional Settings
No full textvii, 177 leaves. Advisor: Lawrence Fanning. Note: pagination erroneously omits p. 146 although content is not ommitted.The Problem. The intent of this study was to analyze three specific assumptions about female offenders that appear to be commonly held by professionals in corrections, that they: have low self-esteem, high dependency, and possess a
masculine sex-role identity. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships and differences between these three variables and to identify how they differ in female offenders in three correctional settings.
The Procedure. The data were obtained by administering the Texas Social Behavior Inventory (self-esteem), the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (dependency), and the Extended Personal Attributes Questionnaire (sex-role identity), and a demographic profile questionnaire to seventy-five volunteer adult female offenders in the Iowa criminal justice system. The sample consisted of twenty-five women in each of the following three subgroups: probation, a community correctional facility, and the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. The statistical analyses utilized to measure relationships was the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient test and
to measure differences the Analysis of Variance test was used with a least squares difference test to identify specific differences.
The Findings. The results indicated that: there was a negative relationship between level of self-esteem and dependency, androgynous female offenders reported higher levels of self-esteem than both the feminine and undifferentiated
female offenders, and masculine female offenders reported higher levels of self-esteem than women in the undifferentiated classification. There was no significant negative relationship between
level of self-esteem and level of the correctional setting. There was no significant difference in level of dependency among offenders in the three subgroups or among the four categories of sex-roles.
The Recommendations. Research should be conducted on a larger sample and on a random basis. A longitudinal study should be undertaken to identify changes in the aforementioned variables as the offender progresses through the system