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Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

5-2001

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Ronald A. Lindahl

Committee Members

Russell F. West, Louise L. MacKay, Leslie Perry

Abstract

The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to determine if a relationship exists between implementing Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and fifth graders' attitudes toward school. The focus population consisted of fifth grade students within a 300-mile radius of Kingsport, Tennessee. Surveys were administered to students at 15 elementary schools. Data were collected from five schools identified as implementing multiple intelligences theory, five schools identified as partially implementing multiple intelligences theory, and five schools identified as not implementing multiple intelligences theory in educational planning. Data collected primarily focused on students' attitudes toward school; however, information concerning gender was also solicited. The study employed quantitative data, and descriptive analysis was performed.

Findings indicated that there was no significant difference in students' attitudes toward school among fifth graders attending schools implementing multiple intelligences theory, fifth graders attending schools partially implementing multiple intelligences theory, and fifth graders attending schools not implementing multiple intelligences theory. There were no gender related differences found.

All 15 schools participating in the study could be characterized as institutions having good academic records, community support, and a dedicated faculty. The major conclusion was that these factors and others identified in the review of literature could affect students' attitudes toward school and possibly contribute to the closeness of the means among the three implementation groups.

Document Type

Dissertation - restricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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