Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
William Vales
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
alternative education, attendance problems, behavior problems, counseling programs, emotionally maltreated students, expelled students, grades, higher locus of control, interpersonal activities, lower negative attitudes, motivation, motivational attributes, multiple intelligences, music, parent maltreatment, physical maltreatment, positive behaviors, school attitudes, sexually maltreated students, student behavior, teacher ratings, visual analogies, WhyTry Program
Abstract
By using a program called the WhyTry Program (C. Moore, 2001), the researcher was able to change some motivation-related behaviors caused, in part, by parent maltreatment. The study took place in a school in the east Los Angeles area. Motivation was a key factor studied.
The applied dissertation utilized the theory of multiple intelligences (H. Gardener, 1987) in a counseling setting. The writer used the WhyTry Program to create a meaning modality of communication using the visual analogies, music, and interpersonal activities. Students increased positive behaviors. The study was conducted on students who were identified as being physically, sexually, or emotionally maltreated or neglected. In addition, the students had been expelled from their home schools for significant behavior problems. Results were mixed in regard to the students’ grades.
Students who participated in the program were more likely to have less attendance problems, lower negative attitudes toward teachers and school, and a higher locus of control, indicating they were more personally responsible for their behavior. Teachers rated a significant improvement in motivational attributes. Also, students rated their behavior as improved over the course of the program.