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Graduate School Curriculum Committee Report, April 2023, University Of Maine Graduate School

General University of Maine Publications

April 2023 new course proposals before the Graduate School Curriculum Committee.

To Build A Better Textbook: Developing A Literature Curriculum For Today’S Christian Schooling, Abby L. Cockrell

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis explores the educational philosophy and the creative process behind the creation of a new textbook and curriculum. The goal of this new textbook and curriculum is to help persuade high school students to view literature as an avenue of life-long learning. The plan to develop this textbook and curriculum is built on five objectives: a recognition of the need for holistic education, the implementation of differentiated teaching methods, the cultivation of student interest, the reflection of diversity within classrooms, and the integration of modern technology. This plan will be proposed in the creation of a textbook for use …

How Do Moroccan Teachers Conceptualize Citizenship?, Tarik Saadi

Open Access Dissertations

Citizenship education plays a critical role in the development of civic attitudes and contributes to the appropriate delivery of a government's policy. However, there is a discrepancy in the literature in defining the meaning and understanding of citizenship concepts. This study is primarily qualitative in nature, using the method of phenomengraphy to investigate teachers' perceptions of citizenship in Morocco. The study recruited six elementary and secondary teachers from Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco to identify their understanding of citizenship. I adapted the three-phase interview approach proposed by Irving Seidman (1998) to frame the interviews with the teachers. The findings demonstrated …

Alpha, Beta, Launch: A Newbie's Guide To Educational Video Game Development, Colleen Krahulik, Lori Goszczynski

Journal of Interactive Humanities

This paper details the process we went through to develop an educational video game, which includes: research on implementing video games into the classroom, vendor selection, video game design, and curriculum development. Throughout the video game development process, we faced challenges such as budget, time constraint, and varying areas of expertise. This paper serves as a guideline for similar organizations interested in educational video game development.

Play game on desktop or tablet: www.avma.org/videogame

Play within browser: https://www.avma.org/KB/K12/videogame/index.html

Utilizing The Interactive Reading Model In A Continuing Education Course, Shawn Mcrae

MA TESOL Collection

This paper seeks to provide an alternative method of reading instruction to female Saudi Arabian university students enrolled in a continuing education class for banking. Rather than a teacher-centered approach that relies on textbooks for materials development, a student-centered approach has been utilized in order to encourage participation, allowing the learners to have more input in the learning process. The use of student-generated materials allows for an authentic medium of communication, enabling students to practice their language learning skills using topics of social and personal relevance. From a teaching perspective, this is extremely important; it can increase students’ motivation, stepping …

The Migration Of People: A Model Application Exploring Washington State History, Jamie Nicole Hartman

All Graduate Projects

One of the things that makes Washington State a culturally competent and perceptive place to live is its deep history and appreciation of the migration of its' people. This project is designed to serve as a model and resource for upper elementary school teachers that are seeking to integrate the migration of people into their Washington State History curriculum. A sample inquiry-based curriculum for upper elementary school students "The Migration of People" is offered as a depiction of exceptional classroom practice. Student roles, activities, and assessment methods are portrayed, along with thier connection to core curriculum content and the Washington …

Instruction And Direction Of A Process Drama At Valley View Elementary School, Mindy Curtis

Master of Theater Production Graduate Projects

This project entailed the selection, research, structuring, implementation, documentation, and post-production analysis of an original theatrical work created through process drama at Valley View Elementary School. Documentation includes research, structure, implementation, and evaluation of the process for the Valley View Elementary School music program.

Differentiated Instruction, Tracy E. Winzer

All Graduate Projects

The advantages of differentiated insh·uction compared to traditional direct instruction were contrasted aud compared in this study. The research examined the need for differentiation in public school classrooms with a wide range of student skill aud ability. The focus of the research was to determine whether or not differentiation is a sound and best teaching practice, and to what extent it should be incorporated into national curriculum instruction. The project centered on the creation of a differentiated unit for au eleventh grade U.S. Hist01y class. The unit is designed to accommodate a mixed-ability classroom by using differentiated instruction strategies. The …

Teaching Washington State History Through The Arts: A Curricular Guide, Rebekah Norgard

All Graduate Projects

Students benefit both academically and nonacademically when a core subject is taught through the arts. The arts allow students to develop cognitively, extend their research skills, define their ability to problem solve, and strengthen their self-image. Personal connections and student attentiveness is increased when classes incorporate the study of the arts. The purpose of this project was to encourage the integration of arts into core subjects and provide a framework and examples of effective arts content infusion as an instructional strategy for use by Washington State History teachers.

Moving Past Oppression To Empowerment: A Framework For Infusion Of Positive Historical Attributes Of Diverse Populations In High School United States History Curriculum, Grifan Inglis Cayce

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student dispositions and content regarding historically marginalized cultures was studied. Research explored how the delivery by the teacher on challenging subjects would have a direct result on student dispositions and learning. The research supported the need to change the current approach of teaching United States history into a transformative model where students are challenged to think about history from different perspectives. Implications for curriculum delivery are discussed.

Ethics For Industrial Technology Majors: Need And Plan Of Action, Kurt A. Rosentrater, R. Balamuralikrishma

Kurt A. Rosentrater

The recent introduction of sessions dedicated to “Industrial Technology” in the annual ASEE conference is testimony that this discipline has gained its rightful place in the company of engineering and engineering technology. This new level of partnership and collaboration between engineering and technology programs promises to be a step in the right direction for society at large. Engineering and technology majors both supplement and complement each other’s knowledge and skills and it is crucial for educators to build bridges of active interaction. This paper takes aim at one specific as well as basic need in teamwork and interdisciplinary projects – …

Using Music As A Classroom Tool, Gail Foreman

All Graduate Projects

The main focus of the project was to develop resources that will use music as a tool to improve literacy and support learning in third grade self contained classrooms. Research provides strong data connecting the relationship of music to academic achievement, language arts and improved test scores. This project provides prototype lesson plans that support grade level expectations and uses t4e Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. A unit of lesson plans was developed that integrates music into the language arts. Worksheets, graphic organizers and a music book list were developed as …

"Make It Real": A Guide To Implementing And Connecting State Madated Classroom-Based Assessments With The National History Day Curriculum At The Middle School Level, Richard Reuther

All Graduate Projects

This manuscript is intended to provide a framework for teachers to use the National History Day curriculum as a qualifying classroom-based assessment which will be required for all Washington State gth Grade Social Studies classes in 2008. A review of the literature of National History Day as well as classroom-based assessments is included. A plan for a preliminary assessment of available resources is explored, as well as a sequential topic-bytopic plan for implementing National History Day. Possible variations of student-centered activities are included; student roles in the research process and self-assessment are discussed. Alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Learning …

Ethics For Industrial Technology, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Radha Balamuralikrishma

Kurt A. Rosentrater

This paper takes aim at one specific, as well as basic, need in teamwork and interdisciplinary projects – ethics and its implications for professional practice. A preliminary study suggests that students majoring in industrial technology degree programs may not have adequate opportunity to formally study and engage in ethical aspects of technology vis-à-vis the practices of the profession. It is reasonable to assume that the ethical dilemmas faced by an industrial technologist would parallel those of engineers and managers. To address this issue, this paper identifies a domain of knowledge that would constitute a necessary background in ethics for industrial …

An Interdisciplinary, Teaming Approach To History And English Instruction At The Secondary Level, Miles J. Caples

All Graduate Projects

The relationship of integrating history and English objectives to enhance student achievement was studied. A model curriculum has been developed to connect U.S. History and American Literature content. Research has been obtained that indicates improved student learning when subjects are integrated in a relevant fashion. Secondary schools using interdisciplinary curriculum are showing improved GPA's, attendance and standardized test scores. Secondary teachers must align their daily lesson plans and assessments with the state essential learning's in both the history and language arts area.

William Blake: An Integrated Teaching Approach, Shawn C. Gaspaire

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to explore the usefulness of providing integrated curricula in today's contemporary classroom. The literature review illustrates that integrated approaches to teaching improve classroom engagement rates, retention, and skill level across grade levels when compared to non-integrated environments. A tenweek model using William Blake as a catalyst is presented. The integrated approach using Blake incorporates history, English, the arts, vocational arts, communication, and the technologies. Implications of integrated curriculum and William Blake are discussed.

Integration Of American History And American Literature, Diane Main

All Graduate Projects

The development of an integrated curriculum for American History and American Literature is presented. The purpose of this project is to integrate concepts from American History with the concepts typically taught in an American Literature course. This project is intended for use at the secondary level, specifically for use at Eisenhower High School, Yakima, Washington. Many feel that it is important for students to have the ability to transfer information from one area to another. It has also been deemed important that students are capable of critical thinking. The project that has been developed will help students do both.

An Integrated Approach To Teaching Washington State History In A Seventh Grade Humanities Block, Erika Lee Martin

All Graduate Projects

For the 2002-2003 school year, Sultan School District (WA) made the decision to move the Washington State History course from the high school level to be taught at the middle school level, specifically in the seventh grade Humanities block for a semester. This decision was made to be in compliance with the future state Social Studies requirements. Since the Humanities course was already based on the theory of integrating Geography with Language Arts, a new curriculum needed to be developed to incorporate the new Washington State History material. A team of teachers decided to take this task on and develop …

A Model United States History Developmental Reading Skills Curriculum In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Mario R. Casello

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis project was to develop a model, United States History developmental reading skills curriculum, for resource room students, at Governor John R. Rogers High School, Puyallup, Washington. The model curriculum was designed in alignment with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR'S). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

Brain-Based Music Appreciation For Middle School Students, Robert Fauth

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the human brain in relationship to understanding, teaching, and appreciating music. Included is a handbook that provides middle school teachers a brain based researched curriculum that emphasizes the listening aspects of music appreciation.

The Integration Of Music Education Strategies Into The Regular First Grade Elementary Classroom, Gloria Jane Frueh

All Graduate Projects

A handbook of activities for teaching music in an elementary first grade classroom was developed for use by first grade regular classroom teachers. A review of current educational research implicates music as being a valued discipline in early educational development of children. A number of public schools do not have a music specialist. If music education is to be part of the school's curriculum, it will have to be taught by the regular classroom teacher. Using the National Standards for Music Education and this handbook as a guide, teachers can address the nine music education fundamentals. Integration and assessment strategies …

A U.S. History Model For Enhancing Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Reading, Christopher Matthew Jorgensen

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between reading strategies that enhance essential learning in both · reading and history was studied. A U.S. History model has been developed to make connections between the teaching of history content and reading comprehension. Research has been obtained that indicates a direct correlation between student learning in a content area classroom and the integration ofreading strategies within daily lesson plans. Secondary teachers must be taught by teacher preparation programs and coached by administrators on how to develop lesson plans based on their students' need to use effective reading strategies. Secondary teachers must align their daily lessons and assessments …

The Moorish Influence On Spanish Language, Civilization, And Culture, Tommy Genoris Erwin

MA TESOL Collection

This project examines the vast contributions made by Moors to the Spanish language, civilization and culture. The project will also try to clarify as to whom the Moors were, where they came from, and the specific contributions that they made during lengthy rule of Spain. This project is divided into five major sections. The introduction explains why this topic was chosen and the audience for whom the information is intended. The second section explores the background, achievements and contributions that were made by the Moors during their 800 (eight hundred) year domination of Spain. The third section addresses more specifically, …

A Model Curriculum And Intructional Program For Native American Studies Grades 11-12, Terry Cosentino

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model curriculum and instructional program for Native American Studies, grades 11 - 12 at Tenino High School, Tenino Washington. To accomplish this purpose a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, information and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

Using Literature And Language Arts To Teach The American Revolution To Fifth Grade Students, Tara L. Affholter

All Graduate Projects

Teachers who combine language arts with social studies are not only able to teach content, but can also integrate literary elements and comprehension as well, while using literature groups. Students who were taught using novels, with various writing tasks to complete, lectures, and projects made great gains in social studies content, reading writing and communication skills.

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …

Designing A United States History Curriculum: A Thematic Approach, David Paul Willecke

All Graduate Projects

A cun-iculum framework for a one-year eleventh grade United States History course was designed. The Framework included the development of nine themes at the unit level and one theme at the lesson level. Goals and objectives were developed at the course, unit, and lesson level. The potential for thematic instruction to improve history teaching was discussed, as well as the challenges of designing thematic curriculum.

A Poetry Curriculum For Primary Teachers, Janice M. Matheny

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of poetry in language development and literacy acquisition in children. The review of current literature strongly supported the rationale for providing poetry experiences beginning at an early age and continuing on through the first few years of school. All stages of language development benefit from exposure to rhythm and rhyme. Poetry can be there to bridge the gap as young children speak their first words, read their first book and write their first sentence. Included is a poetry curriculum centering on the theme of Playground Rhymes. It was specifically written for primary teachers. The research …

Multi-Culture Unit On Native Americans, Calvin E. Marschall

All Graduate Projects

The culture of the Native American has been ignored by the educational institutions of the United States far too long. With the recent comi decisions upholding Native American treaties, local school districts must obligate themselves to the teaching of Native American culture. The purpose of this project was to develop a multicultural unit, about Native American culture, and then introduce this unit of study into the history classes at Wenatchee High School.

A Primary-Level Art And Music Program For Little Star Eduation Center In Taiwan, R.O.C., Shu-Hui Hsiao

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a primarylevel art and music program for Little Star Education Center, private academies in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding primarylevel art and music curricula and instructional strategies was conducted.