http://hdl.handle.net/1957/18087 2013-05-22T15:36:26Z 2013-05-22T15:36:26Z Shorb, JoAnne E. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/38603 2013-05-16T22:04:45Z 2013-04-24T00:00:00Z

Raising fragile : the experiences & perspectives of the families of male Fragile X individuals Shorb, JoAnne E. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to address the experiences and perspectives of those who have grown up with and raised males who have Fragile X syndrome. The methods used in the study included surveying and interviewing the family members of adult individuals with Fragile X, reviewing resources for Fragile individuals entering adulthood, and researching existing data and the memoirs of other families who have experienced the fragile cycle and lifestyle. This study resulted in many families coming forward, expressing their thanks for attempting to identify resources for fragile families, as well as expressing interest in participating in the study. Findings resulted in shared memories of joyous times spent with the "proverbial child" of the households interviewed, as well as reflections upon difficult experiences laced with seizures, fits of rage, and loss. The families interviewed bared their souls in hopes to provide insight, hope, and forethought to families who either are, or have yet to begin the journey of helping a fragile loved one enter adulthood. Graduation date: 2013

2013-04-24T00:00:00Z Fisher, Paul A. (Paul Anthony) http://hdl.handle.net/1957/38601 2013-05-16T21:06:12Z 2013-03-06T00:00:00Z

Changing student learning approaches in fundamental accounting education through the use of graphic organizers Fisher, Paul A. (Paul Anthony) The field of accounting has experienced dramatic changes in the past 20 years. Advances in technology and workplace requirements have changed the responsibilities in the accounting position of a historical recorder to a functioning manager within the organization. The curriculum used by accounting instructors has not changed or kept pace with redefinition of accounting competency. This study was designed to measure the effectiveness of graphical organizers in teaching accounting. Assessment was based on a deep versus surface approach checklist which was altered to reflect accounting terminology. Means testing was the primary comparison protocol. Two classes were selected in an Oregon community college which were instructed by the same instructor. One class used graphic organizers as a communication tool, and the other class did not. Results did not indicate or favor one method over the other. Other learning factors contributed to the lack of significance in this study. Graduation date: 2013

2013-03-06T00:00:00Z Kopet, Julie G. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/38562 2013-05-13T20:21:04Z 2013-04-25T00:00:00Z

Experiencing service-learning in prison Kopet, Julie G. The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of incarcerated women who participated in a service-learning program to help the homeless. Service-learning is effective pedagogy for involving students in civic engagement, and their involvement has been shown to increase the self-esteem of participating college students. This study looked for similar impacts on incarcerated women. This study used three data collection methods with an existing service-learning program in Coffee Creek Woman's Correctional Facility to look at the essence of incarcerated women's shared experience of being in prison and participating in a service-learning program. Three research questions were the basis for the study: (a) What are the lived experiences of incarcerated women participating in the Coffee Creek Sock Drive? (b) How did their attitudes and perceptions of the homeless, volunteer work, or program involvement change because of their participation? (c) In what ways, if any, did the incarcerated women's perceptions of themselves change? How do they perceive themselves as a result of participating in this program? Did they experience any shift in self-esteem? The data revealed seven predominant themes. These themes were: 1. Civic engagement and connection to the community a. Frustration with the government’s lack of help for the homeless 2. Increased knowledge about the topic of homelessness and the four agency partners that led to a shift in attitude about the homeless 3. Gratitude for what they have 4. Pride in being able to give back to the community/Public perception 5. Sadness and empathy for the homeless 6. Personal growth through self-reflection 7. Enjoyment and excitement The themes were interpreted and supported by the related literature. The three research questions were also considered with related literature. This study gave voice to the incarcerated women who participated and supported their ability to contribute to the literature. The implications of this study may impact future service-learning programs for students in nontraditional education facilities. It may inform correctional facilities' educational programs as well as established service-learning programs. Graduation date: 2013

2013-04-25T00:00:00Z Thomas, Reine M. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/38557 2013-05-13T17:53:13Z 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z

Community leaders' perspectives of a rural community college's impact on community development Thomas, Reine M. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the role a rural community college plays in the development of its community, using a holistic, community-based lens that considered college and community context, interactions and results to answer the question: How does the rural community college impact the development of the rural community? While the community college's connection to the local community is largely inherent, a full understanding of community college-community interaction and the impact of those interactions on the community as a whole is often difficult to articulate. Given the context of today's education accountability requirements, it is advantageous to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the community college with regard to community impact and public benefit -- for community college practitioners, the public, and state and local policy-makers. A social constructivist research perspective, a case study research strategy, and a single case design were employed in this study. The case for this study was a rural Northwest community and the community college within it. The community college was classified as a small, rural-serving college by the Carnegie Classification of Colleges and Universities. A logic model design guided the study. Study participants included: elected officials; business and industry executives; and health, education and human services leaders. A combination of document review, participant observation, and interviews was used to answer the research questions: (a) What is the context of this community and this community college? (b) In what ways do the college and the community interact and engage? (c) What are the results of the college-community engagement? Examination of the data revealed several major themes and five significant findings: 1. The community defines itself through a regional, rural lens and is characterized by an interconnectedness of its people to the land and to the history of the region. 2. The college and the community invest in reciprocal relationships and collaborate on mutually beneficial pursuits. 3. An improved regional economy and skilled-up workforce are identified as positive community changes – and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 4. A community leadership network with increased confidence in collaboration, understanding of community assets, and efficacy in community development is recognized as a positive community change -- and the community college's contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. 5. An enhanced community image and an optimistic community outlook are identified as positive community changes -- and the community college’s contributions to those positive changes are cited as a public benefit. When these findings are taken into account with the related literature, this study offers considerations for practice and further research among community college, civic, and policy leaders.   Graduation date: 2013

2013-04-01T00:00:00Z