This study analyses the effect of introducing student portfolios as a means of assessing the learning of mathematics. It examines the intended and the unforeseen outcomes in terms of the students, the caregivers, and the teachers involved, using quantitative data to match classroom environments with the response to the innovation. A major focus of the qualitative aspect of the study is the decisionmaking process that was associated with the implementation of change. For this study, all the junior students in a New Zealand secondary school were asked to compile portfolios of their mathematical work. The portfolios were graded by the teachers, the marks contributing to the students' assessments for the year's work. At the outset, the plan was to survey the 510 students involved to determine their attitude towards mathematics, survey them again once the innovation was in place to quantify the classroom environment, then repeat the first survey. Analysis was expected to reveal whether classroom environments that approximated a "portfolio culture" (Duschl & Gitomer, 1991) contributed to an improved attitude towards mathematics. This quantitative approach was supplemented with taped interviews of students and teachers, ongoing records of less formal interactions, review of examination marks and school reports, and questionnaires mailed to the homes of a sample of the students. As the study progressed, it emerged that the major impact was on the teachers, and the focus shifted to them. For four years, follow-up surveys were conducted with teachers, including those who had transferred to other schools. The study found that all students can benefit from portfolios, both in terms of skills and attitude towards mathematics. / Portfolios legitimated the involvement of caregivers, a positive change that provided greater links between classroom activity and the world of employment. The professional practice of teachers was affected by portfolios, prompting development of new classroom resources and techniques, increased collegial cooperation, and well-informed reflection on teaching and assessment. Teachers maintain great influence on classroom culture, and for many of those involved in the study, portfolios prompted a renewed interest in the process undertaken by students as they develop mathematical ideas, and a change in the relationship between teacher and students. The "portfolio culture" resulted in students improving in their appreciation of mathematics, and a changed role for the student within the social environment of the classroom.

This study was conducted to investigate the student-to-student interactions that take place in an online community college course, and how the interactions impact an online learning community. The literature review revealed three related themes: (a) the impact of the teaching/learning environment on student interaction, (b) barriers in the online environment, and (c) peer collaboration in the online environment. The case was selected using four selection criteria: (a) the class was offered completely online (b) the instructor was experienced teaching online classes, (c) computer technology was not the primary content of the course, and (d) the level of interaction was sufficient to investigate student interaction. Data were collected from public transcripts including bulletin board forum postings, email, group papers, and interviews. Six of the 16 students enrolled in the class and the instructor were interviewed. In this case, the environment impacted the way students interacted, collaborated, and socialized with peers. It changed the way participants existed within the learning community and impacted how students interpreted meaning and perceived time. The study generated findings with implications for community college instructors and participants of online learning communities. The online environment may impact: (1) how conflict is handled, (2) the quality of discussion among peers, (3) student involvement with peers, (4) the formation of cohesive groups, (5) a student's ability to interpret the meaning of comments made by others, (6) a student's expectations of the time needed to complete tasks and respond to others, and (7) the ability to design a flexible structure that encourages students to explore outside their comfort zone. Additional research is warranted. It is recommended that future studies be conducted to investigate how conflict, time, and collaboration impact an online learning community. / Graduation date: 2002

Twenty first-year management students were observed as they undertook an Effective Written Communication course (EWC) in a microcomputer lab at McGill University. The study focused on the students' adaptation to the computer during a one-semester course and for a two-year period following the course. Results suggest that although students master the basics of word processors with relative ease, they bring entrenched paper and pen habits to the computer lab; habits that are not easily changed. This study further suggests that because student writers in a first-year composition class are often inexperienced writers and computer users, inferences based upon this group may not apply to other populations.

No description available.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a co-curricular program on the behavior of seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) middle school students. Co-curricular activities are any school-based activities that give students an opportunity to blend the various aspects of their academic learning with personal actions. This was an action research study conducted in a middle school special education program. The participants were 10 middle school students identified as seriously emotionally disturbed. These students participated in the planning and evaluation of their involvement in co-curricular activities during this year long study. Participant observations, interviews, student and staff journals, and documentary evidence provided data for the development of case records. The study generated the following results: Participation in co-curricular activities increased the sense of belonging for these students at this middle school. Seriously emotionally disturbed students reported that adult mentors significantly influenced their level of success. Seriously emotionally disturbed students had higher grade point averages and better attendance and fewer disciplinary issues during this study. During co-curricular activities, these students demonstrated leadership, thinking, communication, and cooperative learning skills that were not apparent in the regular classroom settings. Seriously emotionally disturbed students responded favorably to a solution-focused model of education. Parents reported that their students engaged in more leisure activities involving peers outside school, and were easier to live with at home. Students identified the privilege of participating in co-curricular activities as motivating them to minimize their past use of counter-productive social strategies during interactions with peers and adults. Latino students found it difficult to participate in activities with Anglos if other Latinos did not view the activity as acceptable. The primary implication of this research for schools is that co-curricular programs appeared to increase the sense of belonging for middle school SED students which influenced more positive social and academic behaviors. / Graduation date: 1999

This interpretive study sought to understand how six GED graduates who dropped out of high school came to be enrolled at a rural community college, and what factors they perceived promoted or impeded their academic persistence and success. Specifically the study focused on student backgrounds, reasons for dropping out of high school, return motivations, and persistence factors influencing retention. Participants were selected based upon the following characteristics: 1) over the age of 21 2) enrolled both fall quarter, 1993 and winter quarter, 1994 3) studied for and took the GED at Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) 4) received the GED after the test was revised in 1988 5) had earned at least 20 credits at YVCC by the end of fall quarter, 1993 In-depth student interviews and examination of student records provided data for the development of case records. Data analysis resulted in the generation of seven hypotheses. Among them were hypotheses that suggest that the GED was the key to accessing further education for returning adult high school dropouts, and that a primary benefit of passing the GED Tests was an increase in the self-confidence students needed to continue their education. The study also found that GED graduates recognized they may lack academic survival skills due to dropping out of high school, and that they were inclined to use college services for remediation. Four academic integration factors--the accessibility of a sequence of developmental classes, the existence of study skills or freshman orientation classes, the availability of tutoring, and supportive advising--contributed to the persistence and success of GED graduates. Two factors--the drive to become self sufficient, and the ability of students to develop a strong commitment to college through their faith in education to promote life changes--enabled students to persist and succeed. Participants provided evidence that GED graduates can succeed in community college as well as other students who have earned traditional high school degrees when certain academic conditions are in place. Finally, the study demonstrated the positive effect education can have in breaking the cycle of negative family attitudes toward schooling for the next generation. / Graduation date: 1995

A semester-long study examined the problems and needs of non-traditional women students. The subjects were a non-traditional undergraduate student enrolled in a beginning composition class and a non-traditional graduate student enrolled in an advanced composition class. The study argues that since universities and colleges are actively recruiting older students, these institutions should be more responsive to the unique problems posed by non-traditional women students, which are different from traditional-aged students. The study addresses non-traditional women students' reasons for returning to school and the personal and academic barriers they run into. The two case studies discuss their expectations relating to their composition classes in particular and fitting into the university system generally. In conclusion, recommendations are made in the specific areas of university systems, pedagogy, and future research. / Department of English

The purpose of this embedded case study was to describe the academic experiences of international graduate students at Ball State University. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to select nine international graduate students for this study. Their countries of origin were Ghana, Kenya, China, Iceland, Greece, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Ball State University was the case in this study and the nine international graduate students the units of analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by means of constant comparison and cross-unit analysis. The findings of the study revealed the reasons why these international graduate students came to Ball State University to pursue their education, the students’ assessments of their academic experiences, and descriptions of their personal and professional development as outcomes of their educational experiences at Ball State University. The main reasons why the international graduate students came to Ball State University were, due to connections they already had with someone affiliated with the university, the quality of the programs offered at Ball State University, and through the award of scholarships. The international graduate students described their academic experiences as beneficial to their development in a number of ways including, development of research and publication skills, increased competence in the use of technological aids to enhance teaching and learning, and the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge they had acquired through practica and internships. The study participants also expressed that they acquired skills that made them competent to perform in the areas they were trained, for example, therapeutic skills or team skills. They shared that they had grown as individuals because of the experience that they gained at Ball State University. In addition, some stated that their worldview had expanded, and their self-confidence had increased. The study discusses the findings in the light of the current literature on international graduate student education in the U.S., as well as the implications for future research. The study makes recommendations as to how Ball State University can make use of this new information to better market itself as a first class institution of higher learning, and to make the experiences of international graduate students at Ball State University a more appealing choice to prospective international graduate students. / Department of Educational Studies

Bibliography: leaves [245]-268 / xiv, 268 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, 1993

An increased number of investigations for academic dishonesty with nursing students was a catalyst for this research. The aim was to explore stakeholder perceptions of academic dishonesty and approaches used to promote academic integrity. Literature reviewed was largely anecdotal, focusing on accounts of incidents and concern over nurses’ fitness to practise, recognising a need to enhance understanding and strategic solutions. A single case study design was utilised, capturing views of expert witnesses, including nursing students, academic staff, practice mentors and administrative and support staff, using individual interviews and nominal groups. Documentary evidence of incidence occurring between 2004 and 2010 were also analysed. An integrated definition of Academic and Practice Misconduct specific to nursing was developed and a range of contributing factors influencing students identified. Incidence within the school was found to have gradually reduced, where collusion and plagiarism was found to be the most common types occurring; highest at academic level five and in essays. Almost half of academic staff had reported an alleged incident. A hierarchy of Academic and Practice Misconduct emerged, indicating a range of severity and degrees of deliberateness. A self-assessment tool has been developed to enable students to measure their level of risk of Academic and Practice Misconduct. Five themes emerged from thematic analysis of data on approaches used to promote academic integrity: devising strategies, policies and procedures; educating stakeholders; implementing holistic preventative processes and deterrents; detecting and managing alleged incidents; and on-going monitoring and enhancement. This was synthesised into a collaborative cycle with four phases for use by stakeholders, listing activities undertaken at course, school and university level and in practice settings. A self-assessment tool has been developed for academic staff to measure their level of involvement in promoting Academic and Practice Integrity. The concepts of risk and person centred approaches are utilised as theoretical frameworks to underpin the research findings. The study is presented as an integration of research, education and practice.