Theses and Dissertations

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  • Publication
    The utilization and training of elementary special education paraprofessionals in Iowa
    ( 1999) Butzen, Susan Kay ; Foegen, Anne M.
    One hundred forty-three school districts in Iowa were surveyed to examine how elementary special education paraprofessionals are utilized and trained. Small, medium, and large districts were included in the survey. Responses were garnered from superintendents, principals, and special education teachers. Results from the questionnaire found elementary special education paraprofessionals were employed primarily as one-on-one assistants to students integrated in general education classrooms. Paraprofessionals were also hired, in many cases, as classroom assistants in self-contained special education classrooms and as assistants to special education teachers in "pull-out" programs. They were used least often as assistants to special education teachers in "pull-in" programs. In the majority of cases, paraprofessionals were hired for a combination of both the special education program and specific students. Teachers and Area Education Agency staff had equal roles in training paraprofessionals, with district administrators having a lesser role in training. Most training was offered on a voluntary basis. Of the types of training offered, on-the-job training had the highest number of responses, followed by training for working with a specific student, in-service workshops or meetings, training before working with students, and training on special topics. More than half of the districts responding indicated training needs were not being met in the areas of behavior management and collaborative skills and interpersonal relationships. Districts reported an average of 21 minutes per day outside of student contact time, and two full days available per year to train paraprofessionals.
  • Publication
    The development of growth center in Batam Island, Riau, Indonesia
    ( 1999) Bustian, Jondi Indra ; Mahayni, Riad
    The study focused on the development of growth center in Batam Island and its effects on several economic and population indicators in Riau province, Indonesia. The intention is to evaluate the achievement of the development effort in reducing disparities in Riau. Indicators that are used include: income coefficient variation in the region, contribution of Batam to Riau GNP, and four urban primacy city index. The analysis uses long range comparative approach to analyze the achievements before and after the development was started. After 20 years of development Batam has emerged as an important center of growth (economic and population) in the province. In 1995, it contributed the largest share for Riau GNP and its population has multiplied for more than 27 times than the initial population when the development started. Although the development has reduced the income disparities in the region by increasing Riau income per capita, within the region, the income disparities has become worse. Batam development also had little effect on reducing the dominance of Pekan Baru as the largest city in the region.
  • Publication
    Older adult learners and their acquisition of basic computer skills and Internet use
    ( 1999) Buck, Nancy Twedt ; Schmidt, Denise A. ; Thompson, Ann D.
    Results from this research study indicated that older adults are very interested in being active participants in the technological age. The results also indicated that older adults are not only capable but successful in learning to use the computer and the Internet. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the attitudes and perceptions older adults have regarding the computer and the Internet. It also reports the effects an introductory course on the Internet has on the older adults' ability to learn about the Internet and on basic computer skills. During the spring of 1999, nineteen older adults participating in a College for seniors course entitled, Introduction to the Internet, completed a pre and post-survey. The surveys were designed to gather data about the participants' background, experience with basic computer skills, computer applications, Internet skills, and their attitudes and perceptions regarding technology. The results of this research study indicated that overall, older adults have a positive attitude regarding technology and are interested in learning about computers and the Internet. The results of the research study also indicated that older adults have the capability to learn about computers and the Internet, but in general, have different ways of learning than younger adults. The study also revealed that the Introduction to the Internet course did make a significant difference on the participants' abilities to use basic computer and Internet skills. Because older adults are living longer and the population itself is growing larger, educators need to be cognizant of the fact that this segment of our population desires to be part of the technological age. Knowledge of the differences in learning styles for older adults can assist trainers and educators to help older adults become effective and efficient users of computers and the Internet.
  • Publication
    Student persistence within the Hixson Opportunity Awards at Iowa State University
    ( 1999) Bruns, Leah Michelle ; Hamrick, Florence A.
    This study explores reasons why students involved with the Hixson Opportunity Awards program at Iowa State University tend to persist towards graduation at unusually high rates. The researcher used qualitative research methods such as interviews, participant observations, and document analysis to determine reasons for student persistence in the Hixson program. Five first year and five second year Hixson scholars were interviewed concerning their experiences and reasons for persistence at Iowa State University. Four themes emerged as a result of these interviews that seemed to explain their reasons for their persistence at Iowa State. These themes include: (1) personalized service and care; (2) components of the Hixson Opportunity Awards; (3) involvement and interaction with fellow students; and (4) sense of purpose. Verbatim interview passages from Hixson scholar respondents are used to substantiate and illustrate each theme. Conclusions, implications for practice, and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
  • Publication
    Effects of early spring grazing on the regrowth of smooth bromegrass
    ( 1999) Brueland, Brent Alan ; George, J. Ronald ; Moore, Kenneth J.
    The initiation of spring grazing of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures affects forage yield, quality attributes, regrowth potential and future stand health. This study was conducted to quantify the effects of the timing of the initiation spring grazing on these factors. A field experiment was conducted at the Rhodes Research and Demonstration Farm in central Iowa (41052' N, 9301O'W) from April through July in 1996 and 1997. Eight weekly defoliation treatments using two mature cattle (Bos spp.) per paddock were applied to quickly (12-24 hr) defoliate the sward to a height of 5-10 cm. Regrowth was clipped weekly at ground level, staged according to the Nebraska method (Moore et al., 1991), and analyzed for forage quality. The overall development of the sward was not affected by the initial grazing date. Mean stage count (MSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) differed between years. Tiller density, MSC, and forage quality factors for the first 7 weeks were not different between treatments in 1996 but were in 1997. By the end of the study all factors reached similar points in all treatments. Early grazing of smooth bromegrass pastures followed by adequate rest periods did not delay sward development. Initiation of grazing at the latest dates caused short delays in both development and the ability to regrow rapidly, but ensured a good, healthy stand before grazing and also allowed utilization of a larger quantity of forage for the initial grazing event, with minimally decreased forage quality. Based on this study, initiation of grazing at approximately MSC 1.2 (V2), followed by an adequate recovery period before beginning rotational grazing would give producers an early start on pasturing with a limited impact on sward yield and health.