Education Commons^™

Combining Science And Reading Materials To Teach Comprehension Strategies, Melena Haskovec

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a curriculum development project in which science and reading were combined to teach reading comprehension strategies to kindergarten and first grade children. Nonfiction science texts were purchased. The teachers collaboratively created and implemented lesson plans for three science units and one social studies unit. The combined classes met once every six days from January to May.

The children were paired across grade levels to read the texts, participate in the strategy instruction and complete the guided practice activities. Pre and post project measures of first graders' growth in reading comprehension showed that all the first grade students …

Year One In The Writing Workshop : A Step In The Right Direction, Michelle L. Grimm

Graduate Research Papers

This article will discuss some of the questions I faced in the implementation of the elements of writers' workshop in my classroom. I focused on seven of the traditional workshop elements: time, ownership, modeling, conferences, mini-lessons, response, and sharing or publishing. These common elements can be implemented into the classroom in a variety of ways, and I will briefly define them.

Integrating Technology Into The Classroom Through Online Projects : A Fairy Tale Unit, Luann K. Langel

Graduate Research Papers

The integration of technology and the Internet have brought new opportunities to today's educators. When technology is utilized correctly, effective teaching in the classroom is promoted. The project focuses on online projects than can be incorporated into the elementary classroom. The project designed and utilized is a telecollaborative project focusing on the genre of fairy tales being taught in the 3rd grade. The Internet can be utilized in the classroom for interpersonal exchanges, information collection, and problem solving. A wealth of information is available to students on the Internet. Students gain control of their learning as they begin to navigate …

Using Mindtools To Build Information Literacy And Promote Critical Thinking, Matthew J. Haan

Graduate Research Papers

Information literacy is a skill that students need to handle the overwhelming amount of information. Using Mindtools can provide teachers with a way to help students use the information literacy skills. Mindtools are used to allow students to learn through the use of technology, not from technology. By giving students opportunities to use these skills, they will be able to think critically and independently about the information they access. As a result of focusing on information literacy and critical thinking, students wiII increase proficiency in locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and applying new information. The importance of this review is to determine …

Females And Computer-Mediated Communication : New Technologies, New Challenges, Kelly Coleman

Graduate Research Papers

Advanced technologies are changing the face of higher learning by creating opportunities for those who wish to continue their education. On-line education, currently the most common mode of education delivery, has revolutionized the way in which learning takes place. Adult females appear to benefit greatly from computer-mediated communication distance learning due to its flexibility. However, there has been a general lack of research and focus on the females as distance learners and their success in on-line learning. This literature review examines the reasons why females comprise the majority of computer-mediated students and also looks at those barriers that keep women …

Criticism Of Middle School Curriculum Integration : A Review Of The Literature, Carrie Even

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review looks at curriculum integration at the middle school level. The literature predominantly has reflected curriculum integration as a practice that benefits middle school students, but it has received criticism as well. Some of the criticism includes the following: time needed for planning, teaming of teachers, student interest, standards and benchmarks being subject specific, and the lack of critical information in specific content areas. This review of the literature examines the criticism to understand whether curriculum integration is beneficial for students.

Recommendations about the continued use of curriculum integration at the middle school level include the following: continued …

Aligning Technology And Language Arts Standards, Catherine A. Feldmann

Graduate Research Papers

The standards of language arts and technology blend fluidly to provide for an optimal learning environment. Language Arts teachers and students of all levels can gain significantly from the incorporation of multimedia software into the curriculum. Educators demonstrate responsible teaching when the initiative is taken to incorporate these otherwise separate areas together. Multimedia provides for an additional method for students to obtain, demonstrate, and share information. The use of technology into all curricular areas helps to develop life skills that are considered necessities in many jobs today.

The Introduction Of Interactive Multimedia Dvd To The Electronis Media Studies, Randal L. Lau

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to show how technology is able to improve student achievement and increase student productivity. Finding new and exciting ways to integrate technology into today's classrooms is a challenge. The use of an interactive DVD will be introduced to the students in the Electronic Media Studies classes in the fall of 2003. The project was based upon the research reviewed and documented within this literature review. Students will no longer be listening to the instructor lecturing in front of the classroom, they will be actively involved in an interactive multimedia presentation, where they are free …

Developmental Spelling Instruction Through Word Study, Elizabeth Ann Overstake

Graduate Research Papers

This article is an overview of word sorts and word study that has evolved from research in developmental spelling. The five stages of developmental spelling are described. Analysis of four students' writing samples from a second grade classroom was utilized in this study. Spelling inventories from Words Their Way were used three times throughout the year to evaluate developmental stages of spelling. This alternative approach to spelling instruction, including word sorting, writing sorts, speed sorts, and word hunts is discussed in this article.

Best Practices In Teaching Reading Fluency In The Elementary Classroom, Tina Schneider

Graduate Research Papers

The focus of this review of literature was Best Practices for teaching reading fluency in the elementary classroom. Research shows that students' reading fluency rates need improvement. Teachers must create a classroom environment that fosters reading fluency and use research based teaching practices to improve students' reading fluency. Journal articles were selected that addressed best practices in teaching reading fluency in the elementary classroom. Reading fluency influences the academic success students attain at school and therefore it is a skill which must be taught. Because best practices have a positive impact on students' reading fluency rates, it is recommended that …

Grade Retention : Its Impact On Students, Teresa Ann Schneider

Graduate Research Papers

Grade retention has been a heated topic in education for a number of years. Research has shown there are a variety of factors that put students at greater risk for retention. While studies found some students who were retained showed academic improvement, others did not. Retention was also found to have a negative impact on social and emotional adjustments. Students were more successful when retention was paired with additional programs. Schools need to aggressively implement programs to eliminate the need for retention. Principals and teachers must connect research to classroom practice.

Differentiating Instruction Using Authentic, Performance Assessments And Technology Integration, Cynthia Seberg

Graduate Research Papers

A major challenge in education today is to be able to reach and teach all learners. Methodologies and strategies come and go. The philosophy of differentiated instruction, while not new, is being bandied about as the answer to working with all students of all abilities. The beliefs associated with differentiated instruction envelope methodologies and strategies associated with authentic assessment, performance-based assessment, and technology integration.

A common bond inherent within these philosophies is the growing emphasis on assessing students based on their ability to perform real-life tasks, and technology integration is the connecting link. Educators must become facilitators of meaningful learning …

The Motivating Aspects Of Technology, Mary Ascher

Graduate Research Papers

Motivation is the most challenging and complex issue facing educators today. There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. To foster life-long learning educators need to stimulate intrinsic motivation in their students. Three factors that stimulate and sustain intrinsic motivation include personal relationships, shared responsibility, and safety. The expectancy theory also identifies elements affecting motivation. Technology is a tool that fits into all of these factors to capture the students' motivation.

Designing Online Courses : Reflections From The Cyber Trenches, Cherie Post Dargan

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews research on the use of instructional design in developing course websites; it then describes the writer's experience creating a supplemental website using Blackboard, contrasting the project with the previous experience of creating an online course using WebCT. The writer analyzes problems with early online courses, reflects on the challenges of becoming an online teacher, documents her methodology, shares the results of the project, and makes recommendations for the design of effective web-based courses. Online teachers incorporate instructional design in many ways: they rethink their courses, analyze learners and content, design on paper first, structure the physical layout …

Literature Response Journals : Successful Implementation In A Balanced Literacy Program, Michelle Heiserman

Graduate Research Papers

When balancing their literacy program, classroom teachers take into consideration many components of reading. They know that they must look at each student to see where his or her strengths and weaknesses are. They then plan instruction based on this assessment. One way is to teach how to respond to literature, which is a valuable way to reflect and clarify while reading. It allows the students to work at their own level and become engaged in literature. The literature response journal can be used in conjunction with any literacy program. It provides a way for the teacher and student to …

Laptop Computers In The K-12 Setting : The Effect On Instructional Strategies And Student Learning, Sarah Merriam

Graduate Research Papers

Research has shown the benefits of computers. But mobile computing by the use of laptop computers has only recently been studied in K-12 classrooms. This review paper discusses various research studies that focus on how laptop computers affect student learning, how laptops affect instruction, teachers' perceptions about using laptop computers, and specific school districts that have implemented laptop computers into their curriculum. Overall, the research shows that laptops are more convenient and meet educational objectives once teachers and students adapt to the new technological way of learning.

Universal Design For Learning, Cindy Mudroch

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review identifies the Universal Design for Learning or UDL method, which consists of educators representing information in multiple formats while providing numerous pathways for students' expression and several ways to engage students' interest and motivation. UDL is one way to address the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) act with a solution that will not only benefit the special needs children, but all children.

With UDL, student curriculum focuses on every child during the design phase. Graphic organizers are a part of every textbook and aide to understand the main topics. Assistive technology devices are available to all children, …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Technology On Learning In K-12 Education, M. Ann Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

Demonstrating an impact on student learning due to technology innovations is extremely important in K-12 education. Billions of dollars have been spent on technology in education in the past several years. Stakeholders are demanding to know if this investment is impacting student learning and achievement. However, the assessment of technology in K-12 education is complicated due to the changing nature of technology and all of the variables involved in education. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rationale for evaluating technology.in education, analyze the issues involved in evaluation, review current research on the impact of technology on student …

The Effect Of Year-Round Education On Student Achievement, Rebecca Okerlund

Graduate Research Papers

The year-round calendar has generated interest among many educators as a way to increase student achievement by reducing learning loss that often occurs during long summer vacations. This paper explores various assertions made about year-round education (YRE) as it compares with traditional-calendar education (TCE). Achievement results in the core subjects of math and reading are discussed and compared in school districts.that have utilized either a multi-track, a single-track, or a traditional 9-month calendar:

The outcome of this review indicates mixed results regarding YRE and student achievement.Because many of the studies contained incomplete data and confounding variables such as length of …

Using Computer Software To Enhance Instruction Of Early Literacy Skills In The Kindergarten Classroom, Janann Dostal

Graduate Research Papers

This review investigates skills vital to early literacy instruction, technology use in early childhood classrooms, and software available to enhance early literacy skills of kindergarten students. Letter naming, phonological awareness, concepts about print, and language development are early literacy skills vital to a student's future reading success. Studies have shown that technology has been used in early childhood classrooms as an effective teaching tool, to promote active student involvement, and as a tool for motivation, showing that computers can be utilized successfully with young students. Research indicates that early literacy software used to supplement teacher instruction has great potential to …

Accelerated Reader And Its Impact On Reading Comprehension And Lifelong Literacy, Julie Whiston

Graduate Research Papers

Computerized reading assessment programs such as Accelerated Reader (AR) are becoming prevalent in reading classrooms. After their reading level is determined, students take quizzes over the books they read. Points are earned by answering quiz questions correctly. A reward is often associated with earning a certain amount of points. The assessment program has many advantages. Students are allowed to choose the books that they read, and the program depends upon students having access to a wide variety of trade books. When used correctly, the program has been shown to increase reading scores and encourages students to read independently (Topping & …

Teacher Discourse In A Culturally Diverse Classroom, Madalina Tanase

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the process of language acquisition, the interaction between home and school languages, and also offers strategies teachers should follow to acknowledge the diversity represented in the classrooms. The paper further discusses some behaviors teachers should display in order to enhance discussion among students. The purpose of this paper is to investigate cultural differences as well as language differences in the classroom and the ways teachers address these differences, by allowing diverse children to have a voice and thus to express their culture. Students come to school already having an informational background acquired at home and teachers try …

The Use Of Electronic Portfolios For Preservice Teachers, Kimberly Gobble-Sengstock

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will discuss the results found in support of this CD-ROM project: The Use of Electronic Portfolios for Preservice Teachers, through the infusion of standards in the teaching and learning process and the competent use of technology as a tool for reflective practice, assessment and hiring purposes. This project provides best practices in portfolio development, tutorial guides, and student examples in developing their own electronic portfolios.

The Digital Media Lab At Bainbridge College, Neil L. Griffin

Graduate Research Papers

This project describes the development of an audio and video production facility at Bainbridge College, a small community college in Bainbridge, Georgia. The Digital Media Lab provides faculty, staff, and students with the ability to create audio and video resources for classroom use, research, training, and outreach.

The principal steps of this project were a literature review, a needs analysis, the equipment selection process, and implementation. The literature review included examples of how video is used in higher education, information about current trends in technology, and faculty development strategies. The needs analysis determined that the facility should support both analog …

Creating A Successful Online Class In An Alternative Educational Environment, Cathy L. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

This paper's objective was to describe how creating an online class for alternative education students could benefit school districts. Alternative education is a continuing problem for school districts. Small school districts have difficulty affording alternative education environments. Online alternative programs also benefit students. Creating an online learning environment allows students to work at their own pace, stay in touch with their class, and perform at their own level. This paper's conclusions indicate alternative education programs can benefit through the creation of online classes.

Differentiated Instruction : Does It Work?, Michelle Maher

Graduate Research Papers

The fact that every child is unique poses a dilemma for educators. The model for differentiated instruction requires teachers to be flexible in their approach to adjusting the curriculum and presentation of information to learners. Noting that there is no recipe for differentiation, this paper discusses the broad principles and characteristics that are useful in establishing a differentiated classroom. Studies explore the impact differentiated instruction has on students, and research highlights what must be done to transition beliefs about differentiated instruction into action. The outcome of this review indicates mixed results regarding differentiated instruction and implementation. Further research is suggested …

The Benefits And Liabilities Of Ability Grouping In Elementary School Classrooms, Jill Miller

Graduate Research Papers

Ability grouping, the practice of homogeneously grouping students for instruction, is topic of much debate in education. The purpose of this paper is to identify advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping for students as well as for teachers in the elementary school setting through research of literature available. Further, implications of ability grouping as a method of instruction are discussed.

Effective Models As Instructional Designs To Build Student Motivation In Learning, Karla S. Lammers

Graduate Research Papers

Effective Models As Instructional Designs to Build Student Motivation in Learning: A Review of Literature examines some of the research and academic literature related to successful designs/models that educators can use to build motivation in learners. Views of different motivations, extrinsic and intrinsic, as a learner are also discussed. Examples of designs/models are examined that integrate technology. The author concludes by presenting a technology-assisted, literature-based curriculum product that integrates these models to enhance learners' motivation.

Using Technology To Encourage Critical Thinking, Tracy Wilkins

Graduate Research Papers

As technology continues to change educators must be willing to make adjustments in their teaching strategies and make an effort to make technology a permanent part of the curriculum. Critical thinking consists of organizing knowledge in a meaningful manner so it can easily be used by the learner. Those applying critical thinking are more motivated and perform at a higher level of performance than students using lower level thinking skills. Technology continues to become a bigger part of education and teachers need to use databases, spreadsheets, and concept maps as tools to facilitate critical thinking. Educators need to be aware …

Writing In A Second Grade Math Class, Tammy Bakken

Graduate Research Papers

Writing in math has given me a much better benchmark-driven curriculum. I know more clearly how to help students accomplish math benchmarks. I used to have a separate time for the students in my classroom to write and a separate time for my students to do math. Nearly two years ago, I had the idea of writing in math. I read what other teachers had tried and I tried to include more writing in math. The results have confirmed my belief that writing in math is a worthwhile practice. Writing in math gave my students a greater understanding of math. …