This paper presents an exploratory case study focusing on the acquisition of information, through technologically efficient systems, by the hearing impaired. The multiple-case study was conducted during one school year with seven students participating. While a central question and propositions derived from that question guide the data collection and analysis, this is a hypothesis-building study. The purpose of the study was to generate questions to focus further research of a descriptive or explanatory format. One question, and the propositions generated by it, dominated this research: How do efficient acquisition systems in the classroom effect academic and social behavior, independent activities, or student, peer, and adult expectations? Three propositions directed the data collection/analysis of this research. As knowledge increases in students: (1) the rate of academic production will increase; (2) times of independent activities will be focused on productive projects; (3) self-concept will improve as measured by students, peers and adults. Six sources (documents, physical artifacts, archival records, interviews, direct observations, participant observation) were used to gather data for the analysis of the research project. The results of this study showed that the students who had only the disability of hearing impairment had significantly different experiences throughout this study than those who evidenced intellectual impairments. Generally, their work output was greater, increased more, and reflected a qualitative change. The data gathered from the unstructured activity periods also clearly show a dissimilar experience. The hearing impaired students "grew" into increasingly more productive behaviors while the other group showed, for all practical purposes, no change at all. The analysis of the third proposition was more problematical. The findings are not as clear as the first two propositions because the reporting and recording of data was subject to more interpretation. The indicators may support the proposition that increased learning has a positive effect on self-image. The results from this study have implications for current educational practices for hearing impaired: (1) Computer and video technology need a directedness not now evident. (2) Placement decisions should be based on expectations and achievements of the various populations served. (3) More sophisticated technology should be placed at the disposal of the classroom teacher.

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Since the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, a number of common problems have emerged. Primarily they involve the difficulties both experienced and created by public schools attempting to fulfill the federal mandate to provide students with disabilities an appropriate public education. The purpose of this study is to examine the process of inclusion as implemented by teachers of students with learning disabilities. This study is a qualitative research project. A grounded theory approach, used to derive constructs and laws directly from the immediate data collected, rather than from prior research and theory was utilized. Three regular classroom teachers were selected for detailed investigation. The investigation focused on the usability of the Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and how well the regular education teacher implemented the interventions and accommodations specified in the IEP for students with learning disabilities in their class. To enhance the validity and generalizability of the findings, several methods of data collection were used: researching student files, interviews and observations. Upon analysis of the data, various themes emerged. The themes were grouped into three areas of focus: general classroom teachers, the IEP, and administrative focus. The data obtained in this study are characteristic of previous research findings; teachers typically provide whole-class, undifferentiated instruction and offer minimal adaptations for students with learning disabilities, the IEPs consistently lack usability and the language used in the IEP is confusing. This study indicates that focusing on the IEP itself can make a significant impact. By specifically defining terms used in the IEP and by soliciting the input from previous teachers to document specific teaching strategies for a student with a learning disability the IEP will evolve into a tool to be used by subsequent teachers. It is not a sufficient strategy simply to return students with disabilities to unchanged mainstream programs. Teacher education programs need to focus on the increasing diversity of the student population and emphasize techniques in modifying and differentiating curriculum. The regular school programs need to be re-created so that they can meet more effectively the diverse and individual needs of all students. / Graduation date: 2002

With the ever-evolving advancements in technology, public not-for profit higher educational institutions have experienced a significant increase in the demand for distance learning. As a result, with the changing needs of students and institutions’ ambition to remain competitive and relevant in the industry of higher education, public not-for profit higher education institutions are continuously thriving to ensure that they are offering the best quality of education that can be provided for purposes of distance learning. When considering faculty, faculty play a significant role in making certain that the quality of education is maintained and reflected throughout curriculums and programs despite the instructional method selected. Therefore, understanding their thoughts and perceptions of distance learning is paramount to uncover areas for improvement since they are the ones that experience the impact of distance learning first hand. Therefore, the results of this qualitative case study of a college within a major four-year public not-for profit higher education institution were used to determine the attitudes, perceptions, and concerns of faculty members who teach in a distance learning environment. Uncovering and bringing clarification to underlying perspectives that faculty grapple with is imperative for institutions to improve organizationally. As a result, removing obstacles that can hinder change can assist institutions’ administration to discover innovative approaches that foster an atmosphere where distance learning can thrive and increase a greater embrace by faculty. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

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This study used ethnographic research methodology to examine the process of including children with special needs in a regular split grade 4/5 classroom. Participant observation was conducted over a ten month period. In-depth interviews were held with students, parents, regular classroom teachers, special educators, and administrators. Other sources of data included documents collected in the field, notes from informal discussions, videotapes, diagrams, and photographs. The thesis provides rich description and detailed analysis of the processes and supports used to address the diverse needs of aft of the children in the class. Among the findings: (a) participants' definitions of integration had an effect on the process of addressing the diverse needs of all of the children in the regular classroom, (b) the characteristics of the teacher and the strategies he employed were seen as critical to the success of this integration effort, and (c) reallocation of personnel and resources and provision for scheduled collaborative sessions for teachers were considered to be desirable adjustments to further balance the integration effort and to better fit resources and personnel to the people and area of greatest need. The goal of this study was to provide a richly detailed, comprehensive portrait of the integration process which can serve as a medium through which regular classroom teachers can familiarize themselves with the issues surrounding integration, anticipate problem areas and areas of strength, and plan strategies for success.

This study utilized the principles of Total Quality Management and Q Methodology to determine the attitudes of 18 junior and senior students in the music business program at Anderson University.The concourse for this study was developed using Schmidt's four principles of Total Quality Management: customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, empowerment, and teamwork. The Q sample included a total of 54 statements related to personal beliefs regarding the Music Business program.The subjects completed a Q sort, which included positive and negative statements about the Music Business program based on Schmidt's four principles.The subjects of the study were 50 percent male, 50 percent female, 50 percent junior class status, and 50 percent senior class status. Each student had completed the introductory courses within the department, and was taking upper-class level specialized music business classes.PQMethod software was used to tabulate the Q sorts, and two factors were found. Attitude types were named "Contented" and "Discontented." The two factors were not closely correlated. The "Contented" group felt their experience as a Music Business major was positive, and had a positive outlook on the future of the program. The "Discontented" group felt the program did not meet their expectations, and they had little expectation for future improvements. / Department of Journalism

Institutions of formal education have a survival interest in the question of why most adults do not participate in more formal adult education. This study, using a descriptive approach, gathered evidence from 16 adults (8 males and 8 females) who had not participated in formal education in the past 10 years. The evidence gathered was used to answer the question, How do adults, who have not participated in formal education as adults, describe their reasons for not participating? The evidence was gathered from multiple individual interviews and two focus groups.Much of the previous research in discovering why adults did not participate in formal education has been done from the perspective of the participating adult. An examination of this previous research identified job related reasons as the prominent reasons adults gave for participation in formal education. Barriers/deterrents to participation were most often identified as lack of time and money; however, the study presented here found neither money nor time reported as important reasons for nonparticipation in formal education for adults.The informants in this study answered the question clearly. They did not participate in formal education for adults because they found no need for, or value in, additional formal education. Furthermore, they had no interest in exploring potential benefits.Some research on participation in formal adult education shows some adults who participated, did so for social reasons. The informants in the study presented here may have avoided formal education for social reasons, that is, a fear of failure in that context. All informants were satisfied with the way they learned needed skills and/or knowledge. Previous formal education, schooling, was not recognized as an important contributor to the informants' current or future adult lifestyles. Schooling, as described by the informants, was not credited with providing them with understanding, knowledge, and/or skills required to find employment or to support or enhance their adult lifestyles.Hands-on, and less often reading, were the methods employed by the informants and their peers. There seemed to be a threat to their self esteem if they were involved in formal adult education to gain skill and/or knowledge. / Department of Educational Leadership