Education Commons^™

Choosing An Effective Kindergarten Program : Comparing Full-Day And Half-Day Schedules, Lori A. Frost

Graduate Research Papers

Due to changes in American society and education during the last twenty years the popularity of all-day, everyday kindergarten programs has grown. Among the many issues cited as reasons for implementing all-day kindergarten programs are ". . . a growing need for child care, the need for more opportunity for socialization among young children, and a demand for more academically challenging programs" (Rust, 1993, p. 8).

The "whole child" approach is what we strive for today. However, that focus has been compromised in some instances by placing financial, parental, or school needs ahead of what is best for kindergarten students. …

Strategies For Sprinkling Spice On An Elementary Physical Education Program: Thematic Instruction Comes To The Gym!, Kristine Lee Whitcher

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to identify curriculum design strategies that would assist elementary physical education teachers in producing thematic units for elementary physical education classes. Strategies for integrating curriculum were identified in the literature then used to create and implement a thematic physical education project. Specific strategies were explained in detail through examples associated with the project. The strategies demonstrate that thematic instruction can successfully meet the needs of many children, invite new learning, and will assist teachers in coordinating themes with elementary physical education classes. A school-wide Olympic Fest was the culminating event of this project. There …

An Investigation And Analysis Of Environmental Stress Factors Experienced By K-12 Music Teachers, Debra G. Gordon

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to identify stress factors which music practitioners experience in the teaching environment. This study was unique in that it utilized both qualitative and quantitative perspectives to identify and to explicate those factors. Four case studies provided a compilation of information from teachers representative of different disciplines, school settings, gender, and experience levels. Survey research, conducted through the use of an instrument designed by M. J. Fimian (1988), "The Teacher Concerns Inventory," was distributed to 166 music educators within an Area Education Agency in a Midwestern state providing a return rate of 62%. The research …

Technology Training In Preservice Education Programs : A Review Of The Literature, Catherine A. Gersema

Graduate Research Papers

Education is radically changing with the dawn of the information age, where the ability to access, analyze, and manipulate information is a basic survival skill. To become more technologically adept, elementary and secondary schools must provide technical training to their students. However, trained students are the result of trained professionals. Recognizing the burgeoning need to provide skilled professionals, institutions of teacher education are integrating educational technology programs in preservice education.

This review of the literature reports on technology implementation at teacher training institutions where educational technology is being infused into the preservice curriculum through adherence to guidelines from ISTE and …

How To Build And Maintain A Strong Technology Program, Brian Horn

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will deal with the issues of developing and maintaining an educational technology program, and explain the creation of a technology program from its beginnings to a strong, but never final, state. This paper will also give ideas on the seldom-thought-about things all schools should know about technology and its implementation in the schools. We will attempt to answer the question: How do schools put together a good technology program, keep it strong and prepare for the future in educational technology?

Finding The Way : Navigation In Hypermedia, Janet Marsh Pine

Graduate Research Papers

If navigation is recognized as a fundamental problem experienced by hypermedia users, then navigation merits further investigation. This review will identify observed navigational problems, suspected causes, and proposed solutions. To investigate the problem, it is necessary to examine methods used to sequence hypermedia components and to identify the various schemes used for navigation.

Information resulting from the review of literature will serve as the basis for a project evaluating current multimedia software packages designed to develop reading skills. The findings will also provide the media specialist or professional educator with a framework for evaluation and subsequent utilization of multimedia learning …

Photographs To Enhance The Exhibits In Writing Portfolios, Carol R. Winterboer

Graduate Research Papers

Writing portfolios in a third grade classroom were used to more closely relate assessment to students' instructional needs. Photographs of students' involvement in experiences across the curriculum were offered for students to use with their writing. The photographs served to enhance the students' pieces of writing or were used in place of an artifact that was impractical to include in a portfolio. Writing samples related to two thematic units, one in science and the other in social studies, are discussed. Descriptions of the children's writing experiences, photographs that accompany student selected pieces, and students' self-reflections are presented. This portfolio experience …

Information Literacy: Its Implications For Education, Lisabeth Underhill

Graduate Research Papers

This paper explores the concept of information literacy and its implications for education. Discussion begins with a look at the shift in America's economy toward information services. The skills necessary to function productively in this Information Age are examined to demonstrate the critical nature of information literacy. In the context of information literacy, educational reform such as resource-based learning and a process approach to information skills instruction are discussed. This discussion leads to recommendations for best preparing students for the 21st century.

Rubric Assessment Of Defensible Qualitatively Differentiated Curriculum For Gifted And Talented Learners, Mary Meineke Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

Few would argue that there are children in every classroom who seem to be one step ahead of their peers. What is a teacher to do with and for these individuals who exhibit abilities and corresponding needs far beyond the average? How will their needs best be met? The answer--through the provision of defensible qualitatively differentiated curriculum--is one of the simplest responses and yet one of the most complex issues in the education of the gifted and talented.

Is Library Automation Feasible For All Elementary Schools?, Tiffany Bayless

Graduate Research Papers

Library automation has been adopted by many library media centers, but is it appropriate for all libraries? The justification for automation of four library media centers will be based on the literature reviewed, current operations of these centers, and personal experiences and observations in working with these library media centers. There have been many concerns about whether library automation is feasible for these library media centers, and that is the reason for the focus of this study. Library automation should not be something that is implemented just because "everyone else is doing it".

Pre-Service Reading Teachers' Use Of Curriculum-Based Measurement Data, Tina M. Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) represents an advancement in classroom assessment technology in that it can be used to repeatedly measure students' progress over time. The usefulness of CBM progress monitoring to reading clinicians in the UNI Reading Clinic was investigated. Following seven weeks of progress monitoring, three clinicians and their tutees who had school psychology graduate students assigned to do CBM progress monitoring and three who did not responded to interview questions. Results indicated that reading clinicians in the progress monitoring condition did not make use of CBM data when answering interview questions about tutees' reading progress. Possible reasons for lack …

Early Childhood Teachers' Beliefs And Practices Related To Promoting Children's Conflict Resolution In Constructivist Classrooms: A Study Of Two Teachers, Yuko Hashimoto

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The study involved six weeks of classroom observations and in-depth interviews with two teachers, kindergarten and first grade, who are currently engaging in an on-going process of implementing constructivist education in a public school in Missouri and whose teaching practices are considered to be exemplary. The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to describe and analyze the teachers’ practical approaches in promoting children’s conflict resolution in the classrooms and (b) to examine how the teachers’ beliefs and practices related to conflict resolution reflect the theoretical framework o f the constructivist program.

The results of the data collection were analyzed …

The Vital Element, Jennifer Mcnab

Graduate Research Papers

Integrating technology into curriculum requires educators to have a working knowledge of using technology in the educational setting. However, technology integration is often an oversight in staff development. Educators are more likely to use technology to their full potential if a support system is in place and proper training of how to use technology in their classroom is available.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators use computers to enhance the learning experience for students. Educators from around the United States answered the request for sharing motivational ideas for incorporating computers into the classroom. These innovative activities …

Gifted Education And The Middle School Reform Movement : Finding The Basis For Collaboration Through Interdisciplinary Instruction, Sandra H. Christ

Graduate Research Papers

This review reflected on literature from gifted education and the middle school movement. Its purpose was to look for common beliefs as a basis for collaboration on interdisciplinary curriculum/instruction. Sources of information include personal observations and experiences, university library materials, and ERIC and World Wide Web searches.

A shared enthusiasm for interdisciplinary instruction and many of its benefits offers an encouraging sign for collaboration. Gifted education and the middle school movement share an understanding of the nature of interdisciplinary instruction and share the belief that students will benefit from higher achievement, increased connections, and strengthened learning concepts. However, caution is …

Use Of Learning Theories In Media Design, Janet Adams

Graduate Research Papers

This review discusses learning theories such as dimensions of learning, multiple intelligences, reading-learning styles, constructivism, and brain research. It looks at software design, multimedia programs and some experimental programs that are making attempts to integrate these theories into the design of technology.

Computer Mediated Communication: Elements Impacting Sustained Usage By Iowa Elementary And Middle School Teachers, Philip M. Hibbard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to examine, using a case study methodology, interactions among a group of Iowa teachers involved in a computer mediated communication project, to better understand those elements which may impact sustained usage of computer mediated communication. The study involved examination of one year's worth of on-line journal postings and interactive conferences, and interviews with the 22 teachers involved in the project.

The multiple sources of data collected were analyzed using a methodology known as constant comparative, and the analysis presented according to the following themes:

1. What topics did the participants discuss while using computer mediated …

The Identification And Analysis Of Factors Perceived As Important To The Success Of Interactive Distance Education, Terry Dean Goro

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to provide distance education instructors, who teach over a two-way audio and two-way video interactive system, a list of strategies or skills that could be applied in the distance education environment to help ensure success. Further, differences in perceptions among users of the system regarding importance of these strategies were identified.

A Delphi study was done, utilizing a professional panel, to establish important strategies for distance education. The results of the Delphi study resulted in the identification of 99 important items. These items were placed in a survey which was administered to four groups …

Science In A Constructivist Classroom: Progress In A Five-Year-Old Child's Reasoning About Water Dynamics, Hyang-Lim Kwak

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study is to understand changes in a target child’s reasoning about water dynamics, specifically, draining and movement of water in tubes. The study also focuses on development and evaluation of activities and teaching strategies. The activities were conducted with all children in the preschool at a public elementary school in Iowa as part of the regular classroom constructivist program inspired by Piaget’s work. Using Piaget’s theory to provide insights into the child’s reasoning and knowledge, analysis focused on the child’s construction of regularities between his actions and reactions of water, and on the construction of relationships …

An Investigation Of Changing Concerns Toward Instructional Computer Use During Student Teaching, Roderick E. Winters

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated hypothesized change in the concerns of student teachers toward instructional computer use during an eight week student teaching experience. In Phase 1, information concerning seven variables which have the potential to influence teacher computer utilization was collected from student teachers and their cooperating teachers. In addition, seven dimensions of concern toward employment of instructional computer use were examined by administering the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) before and after the student teaching experience.

Multiple regression analysis indicated that change in only one of the seven stages of concern (concerns toward collaboration) could be predicted by any of …

The Effects Of Multiage Grouping On Primary Students, Susan Mooney

Graduate Research Papers

This study analyzes the literature regarding the appropriateness of grouping children in multiage groups. The term multiage groups is defined here as the deliberate assembling of pupils together who are of, at least two or three chronological age groups.

Three issues are discussed in this regard: (1) What are the characteristics of the multiage approach? (2) Why is the multiage grouping approach becoming more popular? (3) What are the standards which would be applied when assigning children to multiage groups?

The history of multiage groups is addressed as well as the characteristics and reasons for the return in popularity of …

An Examination Of The Relationships Among Learning Style, Attitudes, And Outcomes Of Computer-Assisted Instruction, Daniel Glen Wilson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was based upon a hypothesized AptitudeTreatment Interaction (ATI). More specifically, the research investigated the relationships between student learning style (aptitude) and student outcomes with computer-assisted instruction (treatment). These outcomes included student achievement with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and student attitude toward CAI.

To examine these relationships, a researcher-developed CAI program on light and color theory was validated and administered to 144 students in an educational media course at the University of Northern Iowa. Participants in the study were first asked to complete the Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales (GRSLSS) inventory along with a demographic survey. Next, each participant completed …

Aids Education: The Effect Of Three Instructional Methods On Retention Of Changes In Knowledge, Attitudes, And Intention To Act, Denise Kerns Schares

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three instructional methods (unit only, unit plus infusion, and infusion only) for teaching high school students about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Education, offered consistently and over time, can assist individuals in developing positive health behaviors associated with the prevention of AIDS. Successful implementation of community and school-based education programs can save lives in the years ahead (Taff,1987).

Four sections (N = 80) of a health education course were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions. The unit only treatment consisted of the presentation of the 4-session, Red …

What Educators Want In A Master's Program: A Practitioner's Perspective, Mary J. Selke

Faculty Publications

A constructivist practitioner's masters program in professional development (PDMA) was designed and piloted at the University of Northern Iowa. The program provides an option for pursuing a master's in education structured upon the following constructivism-focused framework of components: (1) the program is designed for experienced educators; and all coursework is applicable to the classroom; (2) classrooms serve as field-based learning laboratories; (3) students progress through the program in cohort groups; (4) professors collaborate in teaching teams to deliver an articulated curriculum; (5) electives; seminars; and practice foster individualization within a community of learners; (6) exit outcomes reflect the linkage of …

School-Home Partnership To Promote Literacy, Cheryl L. Adam

Graduate Research Papers

Parents are the primary influence on young children's emergent literacy. They provide the first and most important models of involvement in the language processes for their children. Children who observe their parents reading and writing in the home environment come to believe that these activities are important.

The purpose of this paper is to explore ways that parents of first graders can be engaged as partners with the school to nurture their children's emerging literacy. First, a review of professional literature concerning what parents need to know about emerging literacy among young primary-age children and how teachers can assist parents …

Human Relations Training For Student Teachers, Richard Stahlhut, Richard Hawkes

Faculty Publications

Human relations training is a requirement for all teacher education majors graduating from Iowa colleges and universities. At the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) this course is delivered to preservice teacher education students in conjunction with their full semester student teaching experience. Major goals of the training program are: (1) to confront individuals with experiences designed to create an awareness of biases; attitudes; and beliefs and to create awareness of the degree of congruency between stated beliefs and actual behavior; and (2) to internalize and translate such awareness into actions which result in more positive relationships within the teaching/learning environment. …

Interactive Television Preservice Teacher Education Innovative Applications: A Monograph, Mary C. Herring, Sharon Smaldino, Ann Thompson

Faculty Book Gallery

In Iowa, the practice of two-way interactive full motion video instruction is embodied in the use of the Iowa Communication Network (ICN). To facilitate innovative practices in distance education, the preservice component of the Iowa Distance Education Alliance's (IDEA) Teacher Education Alliance provided support for pilot projects which had the following goals: (1) support of Iowa teacher educators in innovative use of the ICN for distance education; (2) creation of activities that expand and enhance teacher education experiences; and (3) contribute to the distance education knowledge base. A workshop was conducted over the ICN to introduce a long-term science, mathematics, …

The Relationship Between Middle School Students' Knowledge Of The Concept Of Variable And The Use Of Concrete Manipulatives, Maureen E. Busta

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Algebra is a difficult subject for a number of high school students. One of the major concepts involved in the learning of algebra is the use of variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of concrete manipulatives on middle school students' knowledge of the concept of variable and attitudes toward mathematics.

An experimental study was conducted involving 335 students and 13 teachers. Teachers volunteered to be in the treatment or comparison group. Teachers in the treatment group were trained in the use of Hands-On Equations and used the materials in their classrooms for …

The Part-Time Employment Of High School Students: Relationship To School-Related Variables, Larry G. Eggink

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The majority of high school students, as many as 80%, have school-year employment prior to graduation (Steinberg, 1988). Many students who work at part-time jobs during the school year are putting in increasingly more hours, some in excess of 20 hours per week (D'Amico, 1984; Steinberg & Dornbusch, 1990). The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of the part-time employment of high school students as it relates to the following measures of academic involvement: GPA, time spent on homework, time spent in extracurricular activities, attitude toward school, classroom engagement, enrollment in math and science courses, and future …

Educational Aspirations And Perceptions Of Health Occupation Graduates From Community Colleges, Lawrence A. Dahl

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The major purpose of this study was to investigate whether associate degree health occupation graduates perceived that the factors proposed in Dougherty's (1987) model on the continuance of education were valid. A second purpose was to profile selected characteristics of this population.

The sample consisted of licensed health care practitioners for whom an associate degree might be an entry level of preparation. The data were collected through the use of a questionnaire constructed to determine educational aspirations degree and to assess perceptions of the factors identified by Dougherty (1987). The data were analyzed using t tests and the chi-square test …

Meeting State Mandates For Gifted And Talented : A Survey Of Iowa Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs, Judy Carol Davison

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify the methods through which undergraduate teacher education programs in the State of Iowa are meeting the competency requirement as related to the education of the gifted and talented. The instrument used to accomplish the assessment was a survey questionnaire that was distributed to each of the 30 Iowa colleges and universities that offer teacher preparation programs.