This creative project recognized that contemporary cultural trends have increased "disconnect" between individuals and their appreciation and practical knowledge of "nature." It addressed the defunct relationship humans often have with nature and focused primarily on how this disconnection effects the lives of children. Research was undertaken to summarize possible reasons for this disconnection and to discover possible corrections to this perceived problem. This research initiative coupled with personal ideation resulted in a design experiment that integrated environmental education with a play environment for elementary school children. Theoretically, this design experiment was implemented on a site-specific level at Storer Elementary School in Muncie, Indiana. / Department of Landscape Architecture

This study presented an overview of the use of Photovoice technique as an information gathering tool that is useful in the study of aging. The processes followed in this study lead to a possible method that could be helpful when assessing needs as they relate to activities of daily living as well as wellness information for individuals. The photos collected in this study along with first person accounts of the pictures enhanced the breadth and depth of information when compared to a traditional survey tool used to study activities of daily living. This study looked at the phenomenon of staying vital in ones home in the later stages of the life span from the perspective of the person living in the situation. / Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the perceptions and experiences of individuals involved in peer assisted learning (PAL) in the clinical setting of an athletic training education program. A qualitative research approach was utilized to examine the value of PAL experiences in the clinical education setting, define participants' perspectives on interactions with peers in the clinical education setting, and determine which terms were used most commonly by athletic training students and ACIs in describing educational exchanges amongst peers in the BSU athletic training education program. Data was collected through a series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews that pursued the various perceptions and experiences regarding PAL from individuals involved in the BSU athletic training education program. A purposeful sample of 15 participants, consisting of 9 athletic training students, 3 alumni, and 3 ACIs, were asked a set of core questions that explored their perceptions and experiences of PAL within the athletic training program. Data analysis consisted of a coding format which involved the development of themes as a result of the information provided during the interviews. Identified themes were based upon frequency, extensiveness, and significance of comments that occurred through the interview process. The findings suggest PAL activities occur on a regular basis among athletic training students in clinical education experiences and involve informal, active learning situations where students work together to help each other learn. Peers were viewed as individuals having similar knowledge, training, or experiences who help each other with learning, reviewing athletic training competencies and proficiencies, or solving problems within the clinical education setting. Athletic training students involved in PAL at BSU prefer to experience active and informal educational exchanges amongst their peers. Athletic training educators, including faculty, ACIs and even athletic training students, should be aware of the benefits of PAL to learners within athletic training education programs. The use of this type of active, informal learning strategy may significantly impact the success of students involved in athletic training education. / Department of Educational Studies

The purposes of this creative project were (1) to develop a stone conservation plan for some of the markers in the "Old Part" of Beech Grove Cemetery, (2) to bring attention to the plight of a sampling of the cemetery stone markers in the "Old Part," and (3) to provide a written and photographic database for those individuals who are concerned with the preservation/conservation of Beech Grove Cemetery, in the hopes that a conservation plan can be implemented throughout the cemetery.Results revealed that a vast majority of Beech Grove's markers are deteriorating due to several natural factors such as weathering and erosion, as well as to neglect and vandalism. I have included, in this project, 195 stone inventory forms with a correlating map and photograph of those stones surveyed. The results also confirmed my theory that little conservation has taken place in the cemetery. Some conservation efforts that have been applied to the stone markers have further damaged them due to inappropriate methods. / Department of Architecture

This study provides a compelling, comprehensive argument regarding how Resident Assistants (RAs) understand sexism at Ball State University. The evidence asserts gender privilege and sexism are prevalent on the campus. The findings substantiate that many RAs have witnessed instances, or become victims of sexism while at Ball State University. The evidence further demonstrates RAs value education on sexism for themselves and their residents. The findings indicate RAs both feel responsibility, and are expected to provide this education to residents. However, the evidence also illustrates RAs are in prime roles for promoting holistic learning but receive neither the appropriate training nor education needed to teach residents about sexism. Implementing training and education for RAs will decrease instances of, and misunderstandings about sexism. This will help faculty members, administrators, student affairs professionals, RAs, and others educate through prevention in order to best serve the students at Ball State University. / Department of Educational Leadership

A unique cultural artifact, the bondage club known as Club DOMINION, existed in Muncie, Ind., from 1997 to 2001.This project is a 25,000-word work of literary journalism detailing the four years of DOMINION's existence and the inner lives of its participants. Using techniques of interviews, observation, and immersion journalism inspired by the work of Tom Wolfe, Gay Talese, and John McPhee, it tells the story of the founder of the club, known as Moth, and her close-knit circle of friends.The project also acts as an ethnographic study of a distinctive subculture operating in a conservative Midwestern community. / Department of Journalism

There is no abstract available for this thesis.

There is no abstract available for this thesis.

There is no abstract available for this thesis.

There is no abstract available for this thesis.