Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

How to Get to the Other Side of Emotional Pain

Ronnie Moore — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:33:37 PST

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a resource of approaches to deal with pain and guide in the direction of getting to the other side of pain. This project is used from a journey of painful events. The study is performed from literature, research and personal experiences. Therefore, this dissertation will provide and allow a person a valuable resource to deal with emotional pain and painful situations as well as provide several tools to get to the other side of emotional pain. It will also show how to understand emotional pain and work through the most devastating hurt or pain so that an effective approach can be applied. When getting over emotional pain, the hurt will provide an attitude of praise and worship.

Factors Influencing Teachers' Technology Self-Efficacy: A Case Study

Amy Farah — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:04:10 PST

Factors influencing teachers` levels of technology self-efficacy were examined through a qualitative multi-site, multi-subject case study research design. An initial survey was administered to all full-time, certified teachers at three school sites in order to gauge teachers` current level of technology self-efficacy. From that population, purposive and systematic samplings were used to draw the participants for the case study. A group of nine teachers with varying levels of technology self-efficacy was interviewed and participated in one of three focus groups to better understand factors influencing their current level of self-efficacy. A document analysis was also performed of local school professional development plans. Results revealed several factors that influenced teachers` technology self-efficacy, including personal, behavioral, and environmental factors. Common themes emerged that indicate more can be done to foster increased technology self-efficacy in teachers, which may in turn enhance students` learning experiences.

A Phenomenological Study: African-American Males in the Educational Profession

Kristopher Rashard Williams — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:28:09 PST

This phenomenological research study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of African-American male teachers related to the underrepresentation of African-American males in the teaching profession. The study was guided by four research questions. The data was collected from 15 African-American male teachers at the elementary school level, middle school level, high school level, administrator level, and retired level from a school system in southeast Georgia. Data collection occurred through teacher/retired teacher interviews and administrator interviews. The findings of the study showed the reasons for African-American males being underrepresented in the teaching profession is due to (a) low starting salary, (b) lack of eligible candidates, (c) perceived dishonor of the profession, and (4) the lack of positive promotion of the profession. Through the findings, the research study was able to identify four emergent themes aimed at reversing the trend of African-American males being underrepresented in the teaching profession. The factors are: (a) provide monetary/financial incentives, (2) provide positive exposure to the profession, (c) promote the profession in a positive light, and (d) increase community support. The participants expressed a desire for the educational world to fully embrace African-American male teachers and utilize their unique skills and abilities to have a positive impact on the lives of students, especially African-American males. The research study was not without limitations and further research on the topic was recommended.

The Ministry of Service: A Critical Practico-Theological Examination of the Ministry of Presence and its Reformulation for Military Chaplains

Mark Tinsley — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:21:48 PST

For centuries, the military chaplaincy has been guided by an applied ministry paradigm known succinctly as the ministry of presence. Although this model has served the chaplaincy well in many ways, it is not without its ideological, theological, biblical, and practical weaknesses. This work purposes to illuminate some of these weaknesses, while at the same time affirming the various strengths of presence ministry. In the end, however, this thesis will propose an alternate ministerial model for the military chaplaincy, namely, the ministry of service. Unlike its presence-ministry counterpart, the ministry of service will be shown to harmonize better with biblical revelation, conservative theological commitments, and commonsensical faith practice. Although it is not without its own weaknesses, the ministry of service will be shown as a superior alternative to its forebear.

The Impact of Classroom Performance System-Based Instruction with Peer Instruction upon Student Achievement and Motivation in Eighth Grade Math Students

Tracy Hunter Allison — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:01 PST

The researcher employed two designs to address the research question for this particular study. This quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group study compared the math achievement of 92 eighth grade students who received Classroom Performance System (CPS)-based instruction using Peer Instruction (PI) to 76 eighth grade students who received CPS-based math instruction without PI. Posttest scores were statistically analyzed using an ANCOVA. Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores were used as a covariate. A statistic control group design was employed to examine student motivation for the same group of students under the same conditions. Student motivation data from the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) were statistically analyzed using MANOVA and independent sample t-tests. The results showed that eighth grade students who received CPS-based math instruction using PI had significantly higher math achievement scores. Student motivation scores were statistically higher when analyzing all four components of the IMMS together. When analyzing the components separately, two of four subscales were significantly higher for the treatment group.

How the Church Has Lost Its Vision; A Biblical Model to Regain Its Mission

Robert Kauffelt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:55:57 PST

The mission of the church is to make disciples of all the nations. However the church has lost focus of its mission to reach the lost people outside of the church. Over the last several decades the church has become inwardly focused on itself and its members. This has caused the majority of the churches to be in a serious state of decline to the point that many are on the verge of closing. If the church does not rediscover the biblical model that Jesus gave it, it could lead to the end of the church as we know it.

The Significance of Developing Core Counseling Competencies in Pastoral Care Ministry

Craig L. Younce — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:44:54 PST

The purpose of this thesis project is to present the importance of developing four specific core competencies in the area of pastoral counseling. It is problematic that most pastors have received minimal or no training in counseling resulting in inadequate therapy when parishioners seek pastoral counseling during times of crisis. The material presented in this thesis project enables pastoral care givers to become proficient counselors through a series of learning objectives, best practices, critical tasks, and accomplished practices directed toward improving counseling competencies in the area of personal, marriage, and family counseling. Additionally, this project addresses the problem of pornography, and proposes a blueprint to be implemented in developing a church program that would assist men in overcoming addictions to pornography.

Single Parenting and Faith: Does It Have an Influence on their College-Aged Children's Life Outcomes?

Starla Kay Quinn — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:05:28 PST

Nearly 60 percent of America's children will spend part of their childhood in a single parent family in one form or another. Past research has examined correlations between spirituality and mental as well as physical health. In addition, there is a marginal amount of study regarding the parental influence of faith on child outcomes in two-parent families. A quantitative study utilizing a cross-sectional design was employed. Data analysis was completed employing a series of multiple regressions to ascertain the correlations of the aforementioned constructs. The study revealed that parental religious commitment to faith was significantly correlated with the development of morality in their offspring for both single and two-parent families. It was also found that family structure significantly correlated with academic attainment, with two-parent offspring having a significantly higher GPA than single parent offspring. However, when the single and two-parent data was separated out and the same analyses ran, it was found that single parent participants faith scores were significantly correlated with both morality and resiliency and marginally with academic attainment. The most significant outcome of this study is that it provides new insights regarding the influence of spiritually (faith) as a mediating factor that could be instilled into current literature and research for the benefit and encouragement of single and two-parent families alike.

The Differences in Reading Readiness Among Kindergartners Who Attended State And Federally Funded Pre-k in Alabama

Kelli Tucker — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:08:33 PST

This causal comparative study sought to examine differences in reading readiness of kindergarteners who attended public school pre-k, both state and federally funded. Scores were examined for a convenience sample of 131 students who attended pre-k in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years in a school system in east central Alabama. The DIBELS were used to gather kindergarten data in order to examine significant differences in reading readiness. MANCOVA was used to analyze the data for significant differences. The results indicated there were no significant differences, after a full year in kindergarten, in reading readiness of children who attended state and federally funded public school pre-k. Significant differences were found at the middle of the kindergarten year.

Developing A Strategic Intern Program for Prestonwood Baptist Church

Jarrett L. Stephens — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:20:52 PST

Internships are extremely beneficial to those entering ministry. While many churches provide internships, research shows that very few are structured and strategic. The purpose of this project is to develop a strategic Intern Program for Prestonwood Baptist Church that is transferable to other local churches. Its aim is to demonstrate how to start an intern program and what to do once that program is established.

Investigating the Role of God Attachment, Adult Attachment and Emotion Regulation in Binge Eating

Angela Charpia Weaver — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:03:42 PST

Using a cross-sectional, self-report research design, this study examined a non-clinical population of 175 college women between the ages of 18-28 at a private, Christian university. A Pearson correlation matrix confirmed significant linear relationships between binge eating symptoms, emotion regulation, adult attachment insecurity and God attachment insecurity. A hierarchical multiple regression model determined that God attachment insecurity does not contribute unique variance toward binge eating symptoms after controlling for emotion regulation and adult attachment insecurity. Because God attachment insecurity was correlated to emotion regulation and adult attachment insecurity, and weakly correlated to binge eating symptoms without contributing unique variance, this study suggests that God attachment insecurity plays an indirect role in the perpetuation of binge eating symptoms.

A Study of John Piper’s Sermon Preparation: A Model for Pastors who Emphasize the Supremacy of God in Expository Preaching

Sunghyun J. Pae — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:08:49 PST

This dissertation aims to answer the question, How can the preacher complete the process of his expository sermon preparation to manifest God's glory and exalt His supremacy in preaching by studying Piper's life and methods? Based on an analysis of Piper's writings and selected sermons, this project investigates Piper's background and influences on his God-centered life and theological system. It then discuses Piper's principles and skills of biblical exegesis, and it looks into the major influence on Piper's biblical exegesis. It also describes Piper's philosophy of preaching: Piper's motivation and purpose of preaching, and it investigate great preachers who impacted Piper's preaching. It then discuses Piper's skills of expository preaching. Finally, it offers a summary of the findings and an application.

Satisfaction and Contributing Factors in Satisfying Long-Term Marriage: A Phenomenological Study

Mark A. Nimtz — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:48:53 PST

This phenomenological study investigated the subjective marital experiences of five couples married for more than forty years. Select participants responded to interview questions pertaining to the phenomena of marriage satisfaction and marriage longevity. Participants completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to assure the phenomenon of satisfaction was experienced in the marriage.

The data was collected using semi-structured, conversational, recorded, transcribed interviews in which the participants were interviewed separately by same-sex interviewers within the participant couples’ homes. The marriage experiences and answers were compared and contrasted.

Two major themes emerged from the participants’ descriptions of satisfaction: “Togetherness” and “Children/Grandchildren.” Additionally, two major themes emerged from the data in reference to marriage longevity. These were “Attitude,” referring to the mind-set participants brought to their marriage relationship, and “Action,” referring to the work and effort participants invested in the marriage relationship. Subthemes emerging from “Attitude” included an “Attitude of Commitment,” “Attitude of Respect,” and “Attitude of Humor.” Subthemes emerging from “Action” included “Act of Communication,” “Act of Compromise,” and “Act of Support.” The theme “Sense of Security” emerged as a fiber that was woven throughout satisfaction and the factors contributing to marriage longevity.

This study has implications for premarital education, clinicians treating married couples, and personal growth. Suggestions for future study include expanding geographical area and ethnicity of participants for a more diversity-based approach.

The Effect of a Manualized Group Treatment Protocol on God Image and Attachment to God

Jacqueline Diane Rasar — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:20:42 PST

This study tested the effect of a manualized group treatment protocol on God image and attachment to God in a sample of college students attending a Christian college. Thirty undergraduate students from a homogenous population were tested with one measure of God attachment, two measures of God image, one measure of religious coping, and one measure of spiritual outcomes. It was hypothesized that significant God image and attachment to God change would occur among the treatment group participants. In addition, it was hypothesized that significant religious coping and spiritual outcome change would occur among the treatment group and comparable group participants. The results indicated significant spiritual outcome change and some God image change. In particular, the strongest finding of this study was the treatment group and comparable group participants reported increased love of God, others, and self after participating in a manualized group treatment protocol.

Five Key Recommendations for a Korean Protestant Pastor Concerning Understanding and Applying Biblical Ethics in Finances: John Chrysostom as a Model for Ministry

Jung Suk John Yang — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:54:08 PST

The purpose of this project is investigating the biblical view of the principle of economics and also study of the South Korean pastors' role concerning the poverty and the wealthy. This project utilizes the New Testament first and foremost, and I will read avidly John Chrysostom's sermons on the indigent and the wealthy, as well as many books about clergy ethics and statistical information from the church ministry in Korea. The author writer hopes that through this dissertation a pastor who is longing for a frugal life will gain new insight about biblical economic perspectives and desire to constantly transmit to other believer's truth on poverty, reaffirming the role of the wealthy, the almsgiving, and the poor within his Christian community.

A Correlational Study Examining the Institutional and Faculty Characteristics of ACSI Schools that Produced National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists in 2010

Christopher Adam Clagg — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:32:15 PST

This is a correlational study examining the characteristics of Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) schools that produced National Merit Scholarship semifinalists in 2010. The variables examined came from an archival data set: the 2009-2010 ACSI Annual School Survey results. The research questions examine the relationship of institutional and faculty characteristics of these schools. The theoretical basis for the study is the connection between school climate and student academic achievement. National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are chosen based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). In 2010, 126 ACSI schools produced National Merit Scholarship semifinalists because of their 11th grade scores on the PSAT/NMSQT. Sixty-nine of these 126 schools participated in the 2009-2010 ACSI Annual School Survey, along with 1,884 other ACSI member schools. The sample came from this data set. The results showed six institutional variables that were related to the school producing a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist: accreditation, school size, high school tuition, student computer availability, annual school budget, and years of operation. Five faculty variables were related to a school producing a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist: teachers having graduate degrees, teacher salary, offering of merit pay, student-to-teacher ratio, and number of full-time faculty.

Becoming the Message: Using Jeremiah to Develop the Personal Aspect of Expository Preaching

Thomas Sanford Hensley — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:27:11 PST

The Word of God was given to the world to move human beings to faith and obedience. It is the role of the expositor to release that Word with all of its potency by faithfully communicating every aspect of every passage. Each passage of Scripture has a personal aspect designed to radically change both the heart and life of the expositor so that he becomes the message to his hearers. Among the Old Testament prophets, Jeremiah particularly models and informs this personal aspect of Scripture. The purpose of this paper is to show that using Jeremiah to develop the personal aspect of expository preaching produces measurable movement in both the expositor and in his hearers. This will bring the expositor into deep, personal involvement with the message in order to unlock the life changing potency of the passage in every sermon.

The Effects of a Service Learning Introductory Course in Diversity on Pre-Service Teachers Attitudes' Toward Teaching Diverse Students

Dawn Jacoby Lucas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:42:18 PST

This study examined the impact of a service-based course in diversity on pre-service teachers attitudes toward the inclusion of diverse learners (ethnically, socioeconomically, and disabled) in the general classroom. One-hundred and ten students at a private liberal arts university in North Carolina completed the Pluralism and Diversity Attitude Assessment (PADAA) to measure pre-service teachers' attitudes toward including cultural diverse students in the general education classroom, the Opinions Relative to Integration (ORI) instrument to measure pre-service teachers' attitudes toward including disabled students in the general education classroom, and a short demographic survey Results indicate an introductory class has impact in improving a pre-service teachers' attitude toward the inclusion of diverse learners, specifically students with disabilities, in the general education classroom. However, according to review of literature, this factor is not enough to improve the achievement levels of diverse learners whom are taught in the general classroom. Suggestion for change and further research are included.

Georgia High-stakes Testing: The Correlation between Eighth Grade and Ninth Grade Achievement

Venita Lee Bruton — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:18:32 PST

Standardized tests are an education reality and an important accountability consideration in most states and school systems. Most states require standardized assessments to meet requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Changes to curriculum and instruction and to the school culture frequently occur through a school improvement process, and standardized test data are often used to inform these decisions. The school improvement process and professional development should focus on student learning, but how administrators and teachers perceive standardized testing and the ensuing data analyses is an important consideration in understanding what needs improvement and the professional development that best supports student learning. Ultimately, standardized assessment results should inform changes to curriculum and instruction. However, who decides what change is needed or how to implement the change? In this study, the researcher seeks to understand the value of existing students' testing in middle school as it relates to and, perhaps, predicts their high school achievement in ninth grade.

Experiences of Looping for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Phenomenological Case Study

Laura C. Brown — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:53:42 PST

The problem is the academic, social, and emotional needs of students with learning disabilities are not being met within the general classroom. Looping, the practice of a teacher staying with the same group of students for two or more years, has been suggested as an educational approach designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The purpose of this research project was to examine the experiences of looping for students with learning disabilities from the perspectives of the looping teacher, the students with learning disabilities, and their parents. Therefore, a phenomenological case study design was utilized. The methods of data collection included teacher and student interviews, a parental questionnaire, examination of student artifacts, and observations of everyday school activities. Examination of the research data revealed no significant improvement in the academic or speech performances of the students with learning disabilities; yet, their social skills and emotional competencies improved.