Elementary Teachers' Participation In Edmodo As A Community Of Practice: A Phenomenology, 2017 Liberty University
Elementary Teachers' Participation In Edmodo As A Community Of Practice: A Phenomenology, Cynthia Reasoner
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the shared, lived experience of elementary teachers’ participation in Edmodo as a community of practice. The theoretical framework guiding this research included Lave and Wenger’s (1991) community of practice theory and Bandura’s social learning theory (1977, 1984) which explained how learning through participation and observation occurs among teachers involved in learning communities. Social constructivism (Bruner, 1996; Piaget, 1971; Vygotsky, 1978) and adult learning theories (Mezirow, 1991, 1995; Knowles, 1984) also provided understanding as to how adults learn and create knowledge. This study described the lived experience of 10 elementary teachers and …
The Importance Of Extracurricular Stem Activities For Students With Disabilities, 2017 Georgia Southern University
The Importance Of Extracurricular Stem Activities For Students With Disabilities, Karin Fisher
Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Learning Conference (2017-2019)
Students with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers (National Science Foundation, 2015). The underrepresentation is a problem because the nation’s competitiveness depends on diverse individuals with STEM knowledge, skills, and abilities to drive innovation that will need to new products and economic growth (Business higher Education Forum/A Policy Brief, 2014; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016; National Science Board, 2016). The author discusses the importance of engaging students with disabilities in informal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics activities.
Using Primary Sources In Stem Education: An Example, 2017 Dalton State College
Using Primary Sources In Stem Education: An Example, Josh Pfiester
Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Learning Conference (2017-2019)
Primary sources are original artifacts from the past that can used to understand an event or time period. They are customarily only thought of in the realm of historical thinking. That is unfortunate because they can also be considered in terms of scientific, economic, cultural, and mathematical thinking. While primary sources are increasingly taking more prominent roles in the social studies and history classrooms, they are still very rare in other disciplines. This paper describes how primary sources gathered from the Library of Congress were situated in a larger STEM lesson focusing on the challenges faced by WWI veteran amputees. …
Assessing Student Progress And Performance Across The Curriculum, 2017 Georgia Gwinnett College
Assessing Student Progress And Performance Across The Curriculum, Christopher G. Brown, Jennell M. Talley, Bekah Ward Dr., Christopher I. Brandon Jr., Jill Penn, Elisabeth Javazon
Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Learning Conference (2017-2019)
Evaluation of student learning is of paramount importance to the educational community and allows reflection on program successes and weaknesses; however, best practices are hotly debated. This project designed and implemented an assessment system in which an identical, mixed-format assessment was given to all levels of students in the Georgia Gwinnett College biology program at the start of the semester for academic years 2014-15, 2015-16 and Fall of 2016. The assessment contained multiple choice and free-response questions, and evaluated lab reports from core courses in the biology program. This system allows for longitudinal assessment of students, provides quick results for …
Discovery Education Techbook Use As A Montessori Science Resource, 2017 St. Catherine University
Discovery Education Techbook Use As A Montessori Science Resource, Michelle S. Oliver
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This study analyzed whether adding Discovery Education Techbook, as a resource for science research, would enhance students’ depth of exploration and increase their level of understanding of research topics. The study took place in a fourth and fifth grade Montessori classroom, part of a school within a school program, serving 13 fourth graders and 7 fifth graders. Data collection tools included a discussion accountability form and a science journal rubric. These displayed students’ research work and discussion participation. A student attitude scale and parent informational tool were used to record students’ feelings about science research and collect data on how …
Inclusive Teaching Strategies: An Evaluation Of Course Structure And Summative Assessment In Introductory Biology, 2017 East Tennessee State University
Inclusive Teaching Strategies: An Evaluation Of Course Structure And Summative Assessment In Introductory Biology, Oluwaseun O. Agboola
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Several active learning strategies have been used when increasing the structure of a course as increasing course structure has been known to improve student learning in introductory STEM courses. Much has been studied on the value of frequent formative assessment; however, few studies have evaluated the effective modes of delivering summative assessment. This study examines the use of summative assessment as an inclusive teaching practice to improve first generation college student success in introductory biology and also uses faculty surveys to find out how instructors structure their introductory biology course and why they are structured that way. Final exams were …
English Language Learners In The Mathematics Classroom, 2017 University of Rhode Island
English Language Learners In The Mathematics Classroom, Julia Mccormick
Senior Honors Projects
Mathematics is often considered a universal language. Most of us have heard this statement from a math teacher at some point throughout our academic careers. However, for students moving to the United States from another country with minimal fluency in English, this is clearly not the case. They may walk into math class, a subject area in which they may have excelled in their native country, and see the words “polynomial”, “coefficient”, and “differentiate” on the board. Regardless of their experiences in their native language, there are disconnects and cultural differences between languages and skills emphasized that prevents mathematics from …
Enhancing Interdisciplinary Attitudes And Achievement Via Integrated Biology And Chemistry, 2017 Georgia Gwinnett College
Enhancing Interdisciplinary Attitudes And Achievement Via Integrated Biology And Chemistry, Ying Guo, Pat Uelmen Huey Dr., David P. Pursell
Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Learning Conference (2017-2019)
Success in undergraduate biology courses relies upon a firm grounding in chemical principles. We sought to raise students’ awareness of the connection between these two disciplines and to improve their understanding of each by carrying out a pilot project that integrated the curricula of Principles of Chemistry II (CHEM1212K) and Principles of Biology I (BIOL1107K) during the Fall 2016 semester. The study involved two course pairs: one section of each course delivered in the traditional non-integrated manner and a second pair of sections that were integrated across the chemistry and biology disciplines in both the scope and sequence of the …
Learning To Program In Python – By Teaching It!, 2017 Lumpkin County Middle School
Learning To Program In Python – By Teaching It!, Bryan J. Fagan M. Ed., Bryson Payne
Proceedings of the Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching and Learning Conference (2017-2019)
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over 8 million job openings in IT and computing, including 1 million cybersecurity postings, over the current five-year period. This paper presents lessons learned in preparing middle-school students in rural Georgia for future careers in computer science/ IT by teaching computer programming in the free, open-source programming language Python using Turtle graphics, and discusses exercises and activities with low-cost drones, bots, and 3D printers to get students interested and keep them engaged in coding. Described herein is one pair of instructors’ (one middle-school, one university) multi-year, multi-stage approach to providing engineering and technology …
Female Saudi Arabian Students’ Attitudes, Willingness And Preferences Of Communication In Online Educational Settings, 2017 Florida Institute of Technology
Female Saudi Arabian Students’ Attitudes, Willingness And Preferences Of Communication In Online Educational Settings, Sahar Abdulaziz Almasoud
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the impact of age, location, and marital status on the attitudes of Saudi female students’ toward online education. A total number of 135 females participated in the survey. Findings revealed that Saudi female students had positive attitudes toward online education courses in both Saudi Arabia and the United States. Attitudes toward online educational courses were not significantly impacted by the age and locations of the participants. However, marital status significantly impacted the attitudes, where single participants were found to have a different attitude than married and divorced participants. Willingness to communicate with male instructors was not significantly …
Are Universities Providing Non-Stem Students The Mathematics Preparation Required By Their Programs?: A Case Study Of A Quantitative Literacy Pathway And Vertical Alignment From Remediation To Degree Completion, 2017 University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Are Universities Providing Non-Stem Students The Mathematics Preparation Required By Their Programs?: A Case Study Of A Quantitative Literacy Pathway And Vertical Alignment From Remediation To Degree Completion, Charles Merritt Allen
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Informed by Gagne's belief in the necessity of prerequisite knowledge for new learning, and Bruner's Spiral Curriculum Theory, the objective of this case study was to explore the postsecondary pathway from remedial mathematics, through one gateway mathematics course, and into the quantitative literacy requirements of various non-STEM programs of study. Particular attention was directed towards analyses of the vertical alignment of course content between: (1) the two consecutive remedial mathematics courses (Beginning Algebra and Intermediate Algebra), (2) the two remedial courses and the gateway course (Fundamentals of College Mathematics), and (3) the gateway course and the quantitative literacy needs of …
Instructional Math Technology In Secondary Special Education: Teacher-Reported Practices And Perceptions, 2017 University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Instructional Math Technology In Secondary Special Education: Teacher-Reported Practices And Perceptions, Joice M. Higa
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Students with disabilities often have difficulty meeting established math proficiency levels. Without these skills, students may face increased challenges in transitioning to adulthood, including fewer post-secondary educational opportunities, limited career options, and decreased long-term income. Addressing low math skills is important to improving options for students with disabilities. Research indicates that technology-based interventions have the potential to improve academic outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to examine the math instructional technology used in secondary math classrooms with students with disabilities. The study also examined teacherperceived barriers and desired supports related to the integration of technology. A three-round Delphi method …
Examining The Affordances Of Dual Cognitive Processing To Explain The Development Of High School Students’ Nature Of Science Views, 2017 University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Examining The Affordances Of Dual Cognitive Processing To Explain The Development Of High School Students’ Nature Of Science Views, Luke Jackson
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This mixed method study was aimed at examining the influence of dual processing (Type 1 and Type 2 thinking) on the development of high school students’ nature of science (NOS) views. Type 1 thinking is intuitive, experiential, and heuristic. Type 2 thinking is rational, analytical, and explicit. Three research questions were asked: (1) Do the experiential process (Type 1) and the logical process (Type 2) influence the development of students’ NOS views? (2) If there is an influence on students’ NOS views, then what is the nature of relationship between the experiential process (Type 1) and the development of NOS …
Effectiveness Of St Math In College Remedial Mathematics Students Of Learning Fraction Concepts, 2017 University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Effectiveness Of St Math In College Remedial Mathematics Students Of Learning Fraction Concepts, Taro Ito
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This study examined the extent to which the iPad app, Spatial Temporal Mathematics (ST Math), diminished college remedial mathematics students’ natural number bias and deepened their fraction conceptual understanding. In this quasi-experimental study one class played the ST Math fraction games for 8 weeks, and they were compared to a control class who were taught without technology. The frameworks for this study included the framework theory of conceptual change, the reorganization theory, the microworld and the Lesh Translation Model. Pre and post- tests were used to examine the fraction conceptual understanding of the students in the ST Math class and …
The Successes And Challenges Of Utilizing Geogebra To Integrate Mp5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically, 2017 Missouri State University
The Successes And Challenges Of Utilizing Geogebra To Integrate Mp5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically, David Scott Matthews Ii
MSU Graduate Theses
The purpose of this action research study was to identify the successes and challenges a teacher experienced when GeoGebra was incorporated into an Algebra II unit of study with the goal of integrating the fifth mathematical practice of the Common Core State Standards, use appropriate tools strategically. Data were collected from 20 student participants and the teacher-researcher via the following methods: teacher-researcher self-observations, peer educator observations, student interviews, and video-recordings. Instruments in the form of an observational protocol, utilized by observers, and an interview protocol, utilized by the interviewer, were employed. The data analysis indicated two successes: the teacher-researcher’s instruction …
Hexapod Herald - Vol. 29, No. 3, May 2017, 2017 University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Hexapod Herald - Vol. 29, No. 3, May 2017
Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters
Contents: Congratulations - Retirement Reception for Dr. Shripat Kamble - Welcome - Faculty News - Publications - Grants - Student News - Kansas Entomological Society Annual Meeting, April 15, 2017 - Blast from the Past - Travel
Engaging Students In Authentic Mathematical Discourse In A High School Mathematics Classroom, 2017 Missouri State University
Engaging Students In Authentic Mathematical Discourse In A High School Mathematics Classroom, Whitney Ann Evans
MSU Graduate Theses
The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the successes and challenges a teacher faces when implementing authentic mathematical discourse in a high school mathematics classroom. Nine lessons were implemented that emphasized student engagement in Common Core Mathematics Practice Three (MP3) (construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.) This was a qualitative action research study that took place in a Geometry classroom with 16 9th-11th grade students. Personal journal entries were recorded by the teacher-researcher after each lesson which included detailed summaries of the lesson and reflections on instances of students engaging in MP3 as well …
Instructional Teacher Job Resources And Student Achievement In Mathematics., 2017 University of Louisville
Instructional Teacher Job Resources And Student Achievement In Mathematics., Amy Stokes-Levine
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Research shows that teachers who are supported with job resources are more engaged regardless of the level of demands (Klusmann et al., 2008). Additionally, teachers who are engaged with their work are less likely to report their intention to leave the teaching profession (Klassen et al., 2012), which is particularly important for mathematics teachers who are in high demand (Sutcher, Darling-Hammond, & Carver-Thomas, 2016). Supporting employees with job resources is a commonly accepted practice in many professional fields (e.g., Christian, Garza, & Slaughter, 2011), yet is not a common practice in education (e.g., Bidwell, 2013; Gewertz, 2014; Layton, 2015; Rentner …
Why Teach Science? Helping Teacher Candidates Frame Instructional Decision Making From Moral And Ethical Perspectives, 2017 San Jose State University
Why Teach Science? Helping Teacher Candidates Frame Instructional Decision Making From Moral And Ethical Perspectives, Grinell Smith, Colette Rabin
Faculty Publications
This qualitative research project’s overarching goal was to explore ways to help primary grade teacher candidates (re)kindle a conception of teaching as a moral enterprise involving ethical choices and enactment of one’s values. In the context of a science methods course, we explored the research question: What happens to the commitments toward science instruction of pre-service elementary teachers when we help them view science instruction as an act of caring? Our findings suggest that for many, this approach helped students take a moral stance, articulate an ethical position regarding educational issues, and use these perspectives to inform decision-making at the …
Student-Created Test Sheets, 2017 Bowling Green State University
Student-Created Test Sheets, Samuel Laderach
Honors Projects
Assessment plays a necessary role in the high school mathematics classroom, and testing is a major part of assessment. Students often struggle with mathematics tests and examinations due to math and test anxiety, a lack of student learning, and insufficient and inefficient student preparation. Practice tests, teacher-created review sheets, and student-created test sheets are ways in which teachers can help increase student performance, while ridding these detrimental factors. Student-created test sheets appear to be the most efficient strategy, and this research study examines the effects of their use in a high school mathematics classroom.