Education Masters Theses

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Alcohol and Academia: A Study of the Association between Student Housing Type and Alcohol Abuse at North Dakota State University
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Lietaert, Charles Louis
The purpose of this study was to determine if student housing gender-type is significantly related to student alcohol consumption at North Dakota State University. The researcher examined whether the residence of students in coeducational residence halls or single-gender residence halls was related to the rate they consumed alcohol in an average week or the frequency they engaged in binge drinking. NDSU researchers allowed the researcher of this study to add an institutional question to the biannual Student CORE Alcohol and Other Drug Survey that gathered demographic information about what residence hall gender-type participants lived within. For the first time, this provided the opportunity to quantitatively compare alcohol consumption of students living in coeducational residence halls against those living in single-gender residence halls at NDSU. At the time of this study the NDSU on-campus population was particularly hospitable for such research since the multi-thousand person population was evenly distributed between single-gender and coed residency. Using this preexisting data set regarding student alcohol behavior and residence hall demographics, the researcher analyzed the data through descriptive statistics, bivariate correlational analysis, and analysis of covariance while controlling for the effect of age and gender. Results revealed that there was no significant relationship between NDSU student alcohol consumption and their residence hall gender-type. Recommendations for future research included adapting the national CORE Alcohol and Other Drug Survey to include residence hall gender-type to allow for further analysis.
An Alternative Way for Kosovar Adults to Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma: A Case Study
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Llapi, Gjylbehare
For many years, at the end of the last century, Kosovo was a country plagued with political, social, and economic strife that forced an entire generation of children and young adults to go virtually uneducated. Kosovo is paying a price for that today, with many of its adults finding themselves unskilled, under-educated and unemployed. The central topic and the purpose of the study was to identify possible programming options available to Kosovo’s authorities to increase the number of adults who possess an upper secondary school diploma. After conducting extensive research of possible alternatives offered in a number of countries, this researcher determined that the General Education Development or General Education Diploma (GED) developed in the United States offers the best solution to this problem. Finally, an action plan outlines a template for an alternative testing solution so that more adults will be able to obtain their high school equivalency diploma.
The Associations Between Student Perceptions of the Classroom Psycho-Social Learning Environment and Motivation to Learn Chinese
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Ji, Chongmin
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between students’ perception of their classroom psychosocial learning environment and motivation to learn Mandarin Chinese, which can support teachers in creating a good classroom environment. The students took two surveys (Likert scale and open-ended questions) that measured their perception of the classroom environment and the learning motivation. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential statistics (simple correlation, multiple regression, and two sample t-test) were used to analyze the quantitative data. The open-ended questions were coded and categorized based on the student responses. There were statistically significant associations between student perception and motivation for learning. The three scales of Task Orientation, Involvement, and Equity seemed to influence students the most to learn. The Task Orientation had the strongest relationship with student motivation. Moreover, the results of gender difference showed that only Task Orientation was significantly different between the two subgroups.
Athletic Director's Perceptions of Evaluation and Supervision Practices in North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Thielges, Brett Anthony
The purpose of this study was to better understand the process of supervision and evaluation of coaches in North Dakota schools. This study also examined the current practices of evaluation and supervision used in North Dakota schools, and how that practice compares with school enrollment size. Professional development for coaches and athletic directors was examined within this study. A survey consisting of 13 quantitative questions was used to collect data. The survey contained closed-ended questions to obtain quantitative data vital to the study. One hundred and seventy-one athletic directors were invited to participate through e-mail notification on the North Dakota High School Activities Association website. This analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, primarily frequencies and percentages. Results showed that North Dakota athletic directors are evaluating and supervising coaches at different levels in school. They are using different forms of evaluation and supervising coaches during games and practices.
An Attempt to Profile Persistent Online Students and Graduates
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Stach, Randy Vincent
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the characteristics of online graduates, and characteristics of students who persist online with their coursework, could be identified. A mixed methods approach was used incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, student demographic information was analyzed to identify any patterns or trends of persistent online students. Second, a survey was utilized to collect data from current students and graduates from online programs. Third, qualitative data was collected through conducting phone interviews of online graduates who have graduated in the last five years. Conclusions were drawn from the research and advice for future research was shared to advance retention and completion initiatives for online learners.
Citizenship and Social Activism: A Mixed Methods Case Study to Understand Cultural Competence in Students of a Service-Learning Based Course
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Wohl, Anne Frances
This mixed methods case study sought to understand cultural competency in the students of a service-learning based course, “Citizenship and Social Activism (HDFS 310),” taught at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. Cultural competency refers to how people interact with those who are of different cultural groups. For the purposes of this study, cultural competency was also defined by four components: attitudes, knowledge, awareness, and skills. Using a pre- and post-test survey, the participants showed statistically significant changes in the levels of self-reported cultural competency in the overall scores and in the subsection scores that correspond to the four components. Survey data was complemented by qualitative data collected by coding participants’ reflective journals. The qualitative data provided situation-specific information about what levels of cultural competency participants were demonstrating; additionally, the journals provided information about how participants define, perceive, and struggle with the concept of cultural competency.
Comparing Project-Based Learning to Direct Instruction on Students' Attitude to Learn Science
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Haugen, Marlen Ingvard
Students' attitude towards learning science transform during their middle school years. Research provides data showing the affect of different teaching methods on students' attitude. Two teaching methods compared were project-based learning and direct instruction. Project-based learning uses inquiry to promote student attitude by engaging them and increasing their curiosity in the natural world. Direct instruction uses lecture, worksheets, tests, and labs. The Test of Science Related Attitudes (TOSRA) survey was used to measure student's attitude. The TOSRA has seven subscales labeled as Social Implications of Science, Normality of Scientists, Attitude to Scientific Inquiry, Adaptation to Scientific Attitudes, Enjoyment of Science Lessons, Leisure Interest in Science, and Career Interest in Science. A student's age and gender were variables also used to determine the affect on transformation of attitude using two different teaching methods. The TOSRA survey showed both positive and negative transformation of students' attitude towards science.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Scenario-Based Learning vs. Traditional Training Method on an Individual’s Call Quality Score: A Case Study
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Sharma, Kritika
This study investigated the effect of Scenario-Based Learning versus the traditional training method used in customer service employee call quality scores. A secondary purpose was to see how Scenario-Based Training method would impact customer service representative’s perceptions of their learning environment. The research questions were generated and tested by interviews, examining the mean scores for call quality in the two methods of training and a t-test was also conducted to see if there was a significance difference between the call quality scores from the use of both training methods. The findings showed that altering the training method from traditional to Scenario-Based Learning/training did increase employee productivity but not by much. The change in quality scores was very small but significant. The study therefore recommended that additional research is conducted to examine possible effects of Scenario- Based Training on other criteria such as retention of content, training-relevant behavior, and organizational impact.
Correlates of Transfer-Student Persistence and Degree Completion in the College of Health Professions
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Groom, Amanda
Persistence and degree completion among transfer students are important concerns for colleges and universities. Transfer students may experience difficulties or barriers after transferring from one institution to another, preventing students from persisting and graduating. Additionally, health-profession programs often have selective admission requirements and competitive admission processes. Traditional transfer-student barriers and health-profession barriers can create a challenging atmosphere for undergraduate transfer students. The current study evaluates the relationships among transfer type, selective admission metrics, persistence, and degree completion. The results illustrate several bivariate relationships that indicate areas of concern. Directions for future research are discussed to further identify and resolve the root cause of these trends.
Effects of Therapy Canines on Therapeutic Alliance: A Pilot Study on Client Perceptions
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Grueneich, Brea Rachelle
While Animal Assisted Therapy is a more recent phenomena (Chandler, 2005, p. 5), AAT is quickly becoming an empirically supported treatment for a variety of mental health disorders (Perry, Rubinstein, & Austin, 2012). This study explored how client perceptions of their counselors change when a therapy canine is present in session. There is little research regarding client viewpoints on counselors who partner with therapy canines. Nine participants responded to a quantitative survey that was analyzed through non-parametric means. As was predicted, participants indicated more positive views of their counselors when a therapy canine was included in session. Findings suggest client perceptions of AAT reflected previously made claims by clinicians in the literature.
An Exploratory Analysis of North Dakota Teachers' Attitudes Toward and Implementation of the Common Core State Standards: Recommendations for Professional Development Providers
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Thompson, Christopher Michael
Increases in global competition for student achievement have led to drastic changes within the field of education. In recent decades educational reforms such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top have placed a stronger emphasis on standardized testing and increased accountability for schools to promote student achievement with limited success. This has led to a state-initiated overhaul of previous educational standards in favor of a set of more rigorous, internationally benchmarked standards in math and English Language Arts (ELA) known as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Since 2010, adoption of the Common Core State Standards across the United States has left teachers and school districts scrambling to unpack, align, and add the new standards to their existing curricula. The author examined North Dakota teachers’ attitudes and preparedness to teach using the Common Core State Standards providing recommendations for professional development providers.
The Flipped Classroom: Shakespeare in the English Classroom
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Gross, Anna Lynn
Bergmann and Sams’ twenty-first century flipped classroom method was reviewed in depth to determine its effectiveness in improving student achievement and enjoyment of studying Hamlet by William Shakespeare, a text that is difficult to both read and comprehend. The flipped method was implemented into one of two 12th grade general English classes in rural Minnesota. The first section of 12th grade general English read the play aloud using the traditional read-aloud method and completed an in-depth passage analysis chart for homework. The second section, the intervention group, used the flipped method and read the play on their own with accompanying video podcasts and then worked together in class with both peer and teacher help to complete the passage analysis chart. After finding similar final assessment scores, the flipped classroom may prove to be successful in an English class studying difficult literature.
In It Together: A Qualitative Case-Study of Student Experiences of Connectedness
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Eider, Adrienne Maria
Having a sense of connectedness to school may help students thrive, increasing their capacity for engagement and protective factors. A qualitative case study design was used to explore the research question: How do students at Anywhere High School experience connectedness at school? Two focus groups with juniors and seniors were conducted. Four themes emerged from a thematic data analysis. Connectedness has the power to create positive relationships while disconnectedness has the power to destroy them. Student involvement in activities, even simply attending school-related activities, fosters connectedness. Connectedness does not remain static—students’ sense of connectedness changes with the growth and development of their identity. Further, students desire connection to adults and peers at school and a place to display vulnerability. Directions for future research, as well as recommendations, are discussed.
The Influence of Agriscience Research on High School Students’ Perceived Self-Efficacy of 21st Century Skills Attainment
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Thiel, Brooke Louise
The purpose of this study was to determine if student participation in agriscience research Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) contributed to the development of selected 21st century skills. The target population was 10th-12th grade students enrolled in high schools purposely selected for their involvement in agriscience research SAEs. Total study participants included 328 (N) students from a purposive sample. Participants completed an instrument used to measure perceived self-efficacy of 21st century skill attainment. The results of the study indicate that students who were enrolled in agricultural education, were involved in SAEs, and participated in agriscience research reporter higher means of perceived self-efficacy of 21st century skill attainment than their peers who were not engaged in those activities. However, the results were not significant based on the results of the independent samples t-test.
The Influence of Extracurricular Involvement on High School Students' Academic Achievement and Engagement in School
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Miller, Courtney Lynn
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between specific extracurricular activities and the outcomes of student achievement and student engagement. The target population was 11th -12th grade student enrolled in high schools purposely selected for having FFA. Total study participants included 237 (N) student from a purposive sample. Participants completed an instrument that combined the Student Engagement Instrument (Appleton, Christenson, Kim, & Reschly, 2006), the Student Engagement versus Disaffection: Student Report (Skinner, Kindermann, & Furrer, 2009), and self-reported extracurricular involvement and Grade Point Average(s) GPAs and ACT scores. The results of the study indicate that students who participated in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) have practically the same self-reported engagement and achievement as students who participated in non-CTSO activities.
Internship Participation: Impacts on Career Outcomes and Starting Salaries
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Domholt, Kimberly
Internships are a great way for college students to gain real-world work experience. Students who participate in an internship should learn valuable skills, build a network and gain professional confidence. Employers want to see prior, relevant work experience when deciding who to hire and an internship can provide that. This quantitative research study examined the impacts on career outcomes and starting salaries for college graduates who participated in a paid internship, unpaid internship or no internship and in a structured internship program for which they receive college credit, a non-credit internship and no internship. The results clearly showed that students who completed any type of internship were employed at a higher rate than those who did not complete an internship. There was also a substantial impact on higher starting salaries for those who completed a paid internship.
Investigating the Perception of EFL Teachers in Thailand: To What Extent Do They Feel Prepared to Teach
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Scholz, Anuchidacheromoh
This study examined how well Thai teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) perceived their teacher preparation institutions trained them. The researcher focused on in-service EFL teachers who graduated from formal teacher training institutions in Thailand and were within their first three years of teaching in a high school or primary school setting. A survey was designed to diagnose the source of under-prepared EFL. SPSS was used to analyze data. Based on descriptive statistics data, the findings indicated teacher demographics, education background and current work setting influenced their perception of preparedness. EFL teachers who felt prepared, majored in English for Business Purposes, had a minor related to teaching, had a smaller class size, taken subject specific courses and completed training and one year of teaching. These findings may benefit higher education leaders who revise EFL teacher preparation programs, educators who develop professional seminars for new EFL teachers, and foreign educators who work with Thai students or educators.
Mastery Learning Instruction versus Traditional Instructional Methods in Eighth Grade Language Arts
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Mogen, Kelly Sue
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of mastery learning on eighth grade language arts students primarily in terms of academic gains, but subsidiary research questions also focused on the impact of mastery learning on student sense of self-efficacy in language arts, student attitudes towards learning language arts, and on student learning styles. This study focused on the grammar portions of language arts; it did not address the reading, writing, and speaking aspects. Results from this quasi-experimental study involved 43 eighth grade language arts students from a rural, relatively homogenous school in the Midwest. Over a four month time period, it was found that mastery learning does seem to have a statistically significant positive impact on student academic success, student sense of self-efficacy, and to some extent, student attitudes towards learning. However, no statistically significant impact was found for mastery learning on learning styles.
Mindfulness in Counselor Education: Student Perceptions of Exposure and Training
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Wheeler, Andra Jore
The purpose of the present study was to explore the perceptions that Master’s level counseling students have regarding their exposure to mindfulness throughout their coursework and training. A mixed-method design was utilized to gather both quantitative and qualitative data using a web-based survey. The survey was sent to students enrolled in CACREP accredited Master’s level counseling programs in the NCACES region. It was hypothesized that there is a lack of mindfulness training available to students in counselor education programs. A majority of participants reported being dissatisfied with the mindfulness training offered in their program. The results also indicated that students seem to be exposed to mindfulness as a self-care strategy, and lack training on how to use mindfulness therapeutically.
Motivational Needs of Secondary Family & Consumer Sciences Students
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Dietchman, Ann Marie
This study examined North Dakota junior and senior high school FCS students’ perceptions of their motivational needs. The survey instrument used was created by Turner & Herren (1997). The questionnaire measured the motivational needs for achievement, affiliation, and power from McClelland’s (1987) theory of motivation. 175 secondary, junior and senior, students completed web-based questionnaires. One-way ANOVAs were run to determine the influence of independent variables (grade level, GPA, gender, race/ethnicity, and FCCLA membership) on the three motivational needs (achievement, affiliation, and power). The data indicated that FCS students expressed the greatest need for achievement. Females have a greater need than males for achievement. FCCLA members have a greater need for power and achievement than non-FCCLA members. The study also showed that students with GPAs of 3.5-4.0 show a greater need for power than those with GPAs of 2.5-2.99 and a greater need for achievement than those with GPAs of 2.0-2.99.

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Browsing Education Masters Theses by browse.metadata.department "School of Education"