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Physical Activity And The Urban Environment: An Evaluation Of Chinatown, New York City, Elza Guzman

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

There is an intricate relationship between participation in occupations that involve physical activity and overall health and well-being. Occupational therapy emphasizes the physical environment as a critical factor that serves as a support or barrier to occupational performance. However, there are few evaluations of densely populated urban neighborhoods for the features that promote physical activity. Chinatown, New York City, was selected as a case study for an environmental evaluation because it has defined boundaries and recent studies have identified chronic conditions of Chinatown residents that may be prevented or managed through physical activity.

This project used an occupational therapy perspective …

Auditory Integration Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Jen Garness, Bryden Giving, Taylor Heidebrink, Alexandra Hein, Rebecca Humbert, Erika Janorschke, Rachel Kramer, Lauren Koelker, Aimee Lindstrom, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

After extensive review of select auditory integration interventions including Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT), The Listening Program (TLP), and Therapeutic Listening (TL), we can conclude that many of these interventions have not been examined for use with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although some the research we found showed slight improvements in our investigated outcomes, many of them did not analyze the primary long-term outcomes of interest for occupational therapy including performance, participation, and engagement. Specialized training is required for therapists to facilitate AIT, TLP, and TL with their clients. Courses are costly ranging from $365-$2400, which further …

Reflex Based Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Hannah Barrett, Audrey Benson, Alexandra Boucher, Sophia Grace Burch, Amanda J. Cash, Angel Creger, Lauren Dusek, Maureen Feyen, Kyle Garcia, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This research will focus on reflex based interventions, specifically The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method (MNRI Method). Background learning was completed by searching multiple search engines with combinations of keywords. The background information consisted of who the founder of MNRI is, what MNRI is, how it is done, and why the creator believes it works. MNRI was created by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova. Dr. Masgutova has her Doctorate in Developmental Educational Psychology (Dr. Svetlana Masgutova n.d.). Her doctoral work was geared toward the history of reflexes (Dr. Svetlana Masgutova n.d.; Rentschler, 2008). The background information she used came from the work …

Sensory/Manipulation Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Catie Madison, Victoria Marquardt, Brianna Miller, Adelaide Mueller, Stephen Pearce, Chloe Philion, Kate Ruschmeyer, Morgan Sanken, Ashley Stainbrook, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

We did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that any of our three interventions impacted occupational performance, which is the basis of occupational therapy. Multiple were designed for diagnoses other than Autism Spectrum Disorder and were not designed with occupational engagement as a goal. In addition, two of the interventions, the Wilbarger Protocol and Therasuit, were not reviewed by any of the expert review groups. In order for conclusions to be made about the effectiveness and efficacy of these interventions, thorough, high-quality research is needed. We do not recommend the use of the Wilbarger Protocol, Therasuit, or CranioSaccral Therapy as …

Nursing Clinical Instruction: What's Needed And How To Get There, Carey Borchardt

Master of Arts/Science in Nursing Scholarly Projects

The current shortage of nurse educator faculty is reaching a critical level. In an attempt to address this looming crisis colleges and universities often utilize adjunct faculty in the clinical instructor role. Many of these adjunct faculty have little to no experience in how to effectively facilitate student learning. This scholarly paper presents findings from the literature on the traits student nurses desire in faculty and how faculty are introduced or oriented to these roles and expectations. A discussion of how systems can better support adjunct faculty through the provision of appropriate resources, orientation to role, mentoring, and faculty academies …

The Effects Of Social Stories On The Problem Solving Skills Of Preschoolers, Sara Cramer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project examined the effects of social stories on the problem solving skills of preschoolers in a Montessori classroom. The classroom was in a private school in Arizona led by a lead Montessori trained teacher and an assistant teacher. The study spanned seven weeks and the subjects were 22 three to five year old children. Three stories were read to the children. Each story was read at circle time daily for a two week interval. Data collected included the observations of the lead teacher, observations of the assistant teacher, and one-on-one conversations with each child at the end …

Using Reader’S Theater During Small Group Reading Instruction To Increase Prosody Within A Second Grade Classroom Of Title I, Tier Ii Students, Amanda Mahlum, Stacey Knudson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The objective of this study was to help second grade children increase prosody by using Reader’s Theater to improve all aspects of reading and comprehension. The research was conducted collaboratively by a second grade teacher and a Title I Reading Specialist. Four Tier II, Title I reading students struggling with reading fluency were selected as participants. Reader’s Theater was implemented within a small group setting where students reread scripts while educators modeled and coached them. Data was collected using student self assessments, observational field notes, digital recordings, and a reading performance rubric. The data revealed a significant increase in the …

Feasibility And Desirability Of A Forensic Nursing Network In A Rural Minnesota Setting, Keri Ann Ovsak

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

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The practice of nursing in secure settings has been characterized by significant differences compared to traditional healthcare settings. Nurses in forensic settings report feelings of isolation, professional alienation, and lack of support. Although professional organizations for forensic and correctional nurses exist nationally, networking opportunities for nurses who work secure settings in rural Minnesota are lacking.

The goal of this study was to seek information about the feasibility and desirability of creating a forensic nursing network in a rural Minnesota setting. Quantitative and qualitative responses were sought to identify specific needs for and barriers to networking. Challenges in forensic nursing …

Cultivating System Change In Rural Forensic Nursing, Keri Ann Ovsak

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The nursing profession has an obligation to advance nursing in all roles and settings through scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of nursing and health policy. Nursing in secure treatment facilities such as prisons, jails, forensic hospitals, and juvenile treatment centers have made advances in research and professional standards. In many forensic settings, especially rural forensic settings, there continues to be challenges to quality care and the maintenance of a professional environment. This article provides the organizational context, sociopolitical history, and motivation for systematic change in rural forensic nursing. Thoughtfulness, organization, and leadership are emphasized in the plan …

Support For Mental Health Workers After Client Suicide: A Systematic Review, Nicole Arndt-Wenger

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Often, a person who has committed suicide had suffered from some sort of mental illness. Mental health workers are at risk for experiencing a client death by suicide at some point in their career. This systematic review was designed to explore what supports are available for mental health workers after a client suicide, and how effective those supports are. The review used peer-reviewed articles from databases Social Work Abstracts, PsycNet, SocIndex and GoogleScholar. These databases were systematically searched and 10 articles met criteria. From these articles, seven themes …

A Guide For Occupational Therapy Partnership Experiences In Mexico, Kazumi S. Bowman

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

As occupational therapists around the world engage in global partnership activities focused on knowledge exchange to support and grow the profession, new awareness of how health professionals should engage in global health projects is emerging. Despite these trends, there are no comprehensive guidelines that help prepare occupational therapists who visit Mexico for global health projects. This paper will present the process used to develop a document inclusive of important concepts in partnership development unique to the Mexican context to prepare OT visitors for practice, volunteerism, and education. The document was developed using the Knowledge Translation (KT) framework and is based …

Movement Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Alanna Thelen, Emily M. Tiedt, Sara C. Vang, Patricia L. Wagle, Laura K. Weber, Jordan T. Wood, Lauren K. Yares, Rebecca A. Zahr, Beth M. Zimmerli, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This review explored the following question: Are the comprehensive treatment models Makoto Therapy, Brain Gym, and Interactive Metronome effective interventions for improving occupational performance including improving executive function, academic performance, and physical coordination in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Because current research on Interactive Metronome, Brain Gym®, and Makoto Therapy fails to address children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, presents multiple flaws in research design, and does not measure occupational outcomes such as occupational performance, we recommend that these interventions should not be used as comprehensive treatment models in occupational therapy. We recommend that more occupational-based, …

Parent Involvement In Kindergarten, Martine A. Reinhardt

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research investigated the effects of parent engagement strategies on the level of parent involvement in kindergarten. Parents may have barriers preventing them from becoming more involved in their child’s schooling. Many parents have younger children they take care of, work full time jobs, and are unaware of how they can get more involved at home. In this study, various strategies were implemented to help increase levels of engagement. Parents were asked to track the amount of time they spent working with their child at home on school related activities. Activities and ideas were sent home to generate discussions …

The Effects Of Technology On Students’ Retention Of Letters And Sounds, Amanda Garcia

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research was conducted to determine if the use of technology, specifically the interactive SMART board, would lead to higher student assessment scores on the district tests for letter identification and letter sound recognition. The research was completed in a full-day traditional public school transitional kindergarten (TK) class. Data was collected using district-wide alphabet assessments, teacher observation journals, student conferences, and student checklists used by a classroom instructional assistant. Letters of the alphabet were divided into two equal groups based on letter formation and level of difficulty identified through research. One group of letters and sounds was taught using …

Project-Based Learning’S Effect On Students’ Understanding And Usage Of The Engineering Design Process, Allison Larsen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study examined project-based learning’s effect on students’ understanding and usage of the Engineering Design Process. The study took place in an elementary school with seventy-two 5th grade participants. Students participated in three project-based learning activities throughout the study. The data was collected over a six week period with the use of pre- and post-assessments, teacher observations, an Engineering Design Process rubric, and student journaling. The results of the study showed that students’ understanding and usage of the Engineering Design Process increased throughout the study. In conclusion, a project-based learning environment supports a positive effect on students’ understanding …

The Effects Of Inquiry Based Practices On Students Problem Solving Competence, Antonio Kuklok

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project looked at the impacts that family dynamics and family resources have on student achievement and self-advocacy. It then went a step further by showing how inquiry-based strategies can give students with little family resources the tools to self-advocate and become academically successful. A specific six-step inquiry process was taught and implemented amongst 28 rural fifth grade students. The researcher utilized observations, assessments, and compared completed student work to Minnesota Academic Standards throughout the project period. After the students learned and implemented inquiry practices, their self-advocacy and academic achievement increased showing that these practices can affect students …

Mindfulness Activities In Teacher Spiritual Preparation, Suzette Quiros

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness activities on teacher spirituality. It was conducted during a two-month Early Childhood Montessori teacher training course with eight female teachers between the ages of 25 and 50. Data was collected with the use of attitude scales, self-reflection journals, field notes and conversations. Conclusions showed participants perceived an increase in spirituality and gained inner peace, patience, kindness, humility, self-respect. They also showed they gained the ability to let go of negative energy, achieving calmness and positivism. Further research could be conducted to see the effects of teacher spirituality on the classroom environment …

The Effects Of Daily Art Activities On Attention In Elementary Students An Action Research Report By Marjan, Marjan Oghabi

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The goal of this action research project was to investigate the effects of morning art activities on student focus. The intervention took place over five weeks at a public elementary school. Nineteen students participated in a lower elementary Montessori classroom of six to nine year olds. The qualitative and quantitative data collected were student surveys, behavior tally sheets, student and teacher assessments, field observations and conversations. The evidence showed a relationship between daily art activities and student concentration. The students increased their time on task while writing reflections about their artwork throughout the five-week study. Future research could examine the …

The Effects Of Sign Language On Second Language Acquisition, Itzel Mejia-Menendez

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project examined the effects of sign language on the ability of primary students to learn new Spanish vocabulary in a bilingual Montessori classroom. The research took place at a public charter Montessori school in Washington, District of Columbia. Twenty-seven primary school aged children were included in this seven-week study. Sources of data collection included a parent-teacher questionnaire, a baseline assessment, daily observation logs, a daily checklist, a weekly journal, and a summative assessment. Students were grouped by Spanish fluency and taught eight different vocabulary words in Spanish. Half of the words were taught alongside a sign in …

Growth Mindset And The Makerspace Educational Environment, Lucas Steier, Alexandra W. Young

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project has studied the impact of implementing strategies in a Makerspace on increasing grit in students. The study has been conducted in two fifth grade classes in a mid-western suburban elementary school. During the study, students completed four different Makerspace design challenge activities. Data was collected from Angela Duckworth’s grit survey to establish a baseline of student grit. Documentation of strategies used was collected through an inventory students completed after each design challenge. The data was used to identify changes in grit scores from students’ initial survey results to their final survey results. Student’s survey results were …

Engaging All Students: Strategies To Promote Meaningful Learning And Increase Academic Performance, Heidi Haagenson, Casandra Schlangen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project studied the impact specific engagement strategies had on student academic performance. We conducted this project in two ninthgrade English classes in a suburban high school and two eighthgrade Spanish classes in a suburban middle school both of which were located in a midwestern metropolitan area. During the study, students participated in a variety of engagement strategies aimed at promoting academic excellence: 1) challenge and competition, 2) cooperation and connection, 3) curiosity and controversy, and 4) choice and creativity. The data provided by course grades, student feedback, student observations, and teacher reflections showed students were more engaged …

Increasing Student Learning Through Arts Integration, Codi Feland, Kylie Petrik, Jacob Larson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study was designed to examine the effects of the arts integration on student learning. Student learning was broken down by focusing on student engagement, critical thinking, and creative response. Research was conducted with 72 participants from fourth grade, fifth grade, and ninth grade classrooms within the social studies curriculum. Data collection methods included a pre-assessment survey, student journal prompts, observation tally sheets, student self-assessments, and the post-assessment survey. The results of our study indicated that student learning in each classroom maintained or improved when the arts were integrated. Students showed enthusiasm and felt optimistic towards integrating the …

Teaching Academic Vocabulary In Mathematics To English Language Learners, Emily M. Sasse

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of explicit academic vocabulary instruction in mathematics on English language learners’ understanding of mathematics concepts. The study took place in a third-grade classroom, where 50% of the students were English language learners. Data collection methods included pre- and post assessments, student self-assessment ratings, teacher reflections, and student discussion questions. Results of the study indicated positive increases in assessment scores for students at all levels of English language proficiency. Going forward, the teacher researcher will continue to use vocabulary journals, discussions, activities, and games in her classroom to provide multiple opportunities …

Digital Video As A Summative Assessment Tool, Meghann Peterson

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research study examined the effects of video production on student engagement and learning in a tenth grade English classroom. The study participants totaled 76 students in a large suburban Midwest high school. Over a period of five weeks, students worked in groups to read, analyze and make a video about a book of their choosing. The standards based project assessed their understanding of theme, characterization, and the cultural significance of their choice novel. Students worked collaboratively to answer questions about these aspects of the book and then complete storyboards and scripts for their videos. Throughout the study, the …

Effects Of Peace Education And Grace And Courtesy Education On Social Problem-Solving Skills And Social Awareness, Anna Aarre

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research studied the impact of peace education and portions of the Positive Discipline curriculum in a three-six primary Montessori classroom. During five weeks of implementing the research, sixteen students participated in class meetings for twenty minutes a day. The peace table activities and wheel of choice lessons were conducted individually and as a whole class. The peace table activities included a set of mini dishes on a tray, a rain stick, and a peace rose. The wheel of choice consisted of pictures and words of examples of what students could choose to help them solve problems. A few …

Grammar & Writing: Pedagogy Behind Student Achievement, Cheryl M. Louis

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of non-traditional teaching methods (not in isolation) with regards to the use of punctuation rules on student writing. The study took place in three Advanced English 9 classrooms with 78 students participating. Teaching strategies included the use of a web-based punctuation program, teacher-created and web-based instructional videos, teacher-created and web-based punctuation games, and the use of Google Docs via Google Classroom with both editing and conferencing. Data was collected through a student questionnaire, a student writing sample, a punctuation pre-test, two student writing assessments with error tally sheets via …

Mentoring Urban Youth Toward A Nursing Career, Sarah Mcculloch

Master of Arts/Science in Nursing Scholarly Projects

The nursing profession is dedicated to the promotion of wellbeing for all; however, significant disparities exist in patient populations who are underrepresented in the nursing workforce. The literature reports that increasing diversity in the nursing workforce can lead to improved patient outcomes, increased range of services, a greater understanding of patients’ illness and a more holistic approach to wellbeing for all. Nurses who reflect the communities they serve, support patients to make better healthcare decisions based on a better understanding of their patients life experiences, family dynamics and perspectives of their patient/client population. These aforementioned qualities have the potential to …

Gender And Collaborative Writing, Anna F. Hertzog

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research report investigated whether all boy collaboration groups improve the writing skills and attitudes in primary aged boys. The study included an all male writing group, a mixed gender writing group, and an all female writing group in a small, rural Montessori Academy in a classroom with 21 students ranging in Grades 1 through 3. Students were instructed on how to collaborate and work appropriately with one another before beginning writing in their groups assigned by gender for six weeks. While students worked in their groups the researcher observed behaviors, scored entries, conferenced with students, and administered surveys …

Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project investigated the effects on involving children in the practical life curriculum on normalization in the Montessori toddler and primary classrooms. 30 students, their parents and 7 teachers were participants. 12 students and their parents were from a toddler classroom and 18 from two separate primary classrooms. Data was collected pre and post study via questionnaires on the parents’ goals for their children. Many of the goals listed such as socialization skills, independence and emotional stability can be met through engaging the child in practical life activities and as the child meets these goals should normalize. A …

The Effects Of Mindfulness On Students’ Attention, Rose Bringus

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project examined the effects of mindfulness and meditation on concentration among elementary students. The research was conducted at a private Montessori school in an upper elementary classroom for twenty-six children ages nine to twelve. Baseline data was collected for three consecutive days. The intervention was implemented for four weeks. The teacher led the students in mindful movements in the morning and daily meditation took place in the afternoon. The average percent of on-task behavior was collected for baseline data using observational records and journal notes. Observational records included what percent of the class was on-task for specific …