Education Commons^™

How Does Home Literacy Help Children?, Katie Pick

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature paper focuses on the importance of home literacy programs. The literature shows the importance of parental involvement in their children's formal and informal educational process. Children who are exposed to home literacy have learned literacy better than children who are not. Many literacy activities for home are described. Many schools offer home literacy programs to assist parents within the home. This review of literature has implications for parents and teachers who try to implement home literacy.

The Importance Of Building Classroom Community, Sara A. Retallick

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine the importance of building community within the classroom. Information will relate classroom community with student needs and classroom management. It will provide a written visual on what community looks like in a classroom and explore different strategies important to community building within the classroom. A review of the No Child Left Behind Act and policymakers' views on community in the classroom will be discussed along with various community building programs.

Year Round Schooling, Rita Danielle Fiala

Graduate Research Papers

Research investigating the.effects of year-round schooling on student academic achievement is reviewed in this paper. Traditional, balanced and multi-track calendars are explored and compared. Benefits and drawbacks of a balanced calendar and multi-track calendars are discussed. It is recommended that more long-term research should be conducted on alternative calendars. However, the data that is present suggests that the benefits of a balanced calendar are more prevalent than the traditional calendar.

The Benefits Of Collaboration And Co-Teaching In The Elementary Grades, Katherine Kelley Hoover

Graduate Research Papers

Collaboration between educators is an older concept that has become popular again in recent years. Due to the recent federal and state mandates, schools are implementing new teaching methods to raise school achievement and benefit all students. When collaborating, special education students are generally included in the general education classroom with two teachers co-teaching to meet the needs of the students. This paper will explore the importance of collaboration between general education and special education teachers and the benefits to all learners in the classroom.

Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (Siop) : A Model For English Language Learners, Edith L. Bakley

Graduate Research Papers

With so many second language learners entering our public schools, it is imperative that educators prepare themselves with training and strategies to best meet the needs of these students. The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, or SIOP Model, has been developed for the purpose of instructing English Language Learners (ELL) in mainstream classrooms and bestow effective methods for teaching all content areas, while promoting fluency of the English language. In this literature review, the components involved in the SIOP Model will be examined as well as the effects it has on second language learners and their ability with language fluency.

A Literature Review Of The Think-Aloud Reading Comprehension Strategy For Teacher Use In The Classroom, Cindy Kathryn Kauder

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on the classroom use of a research based comprehension strategy called Think-Aloud. This is a strategy that readers of all abilities and ages can incorporate into their daily reading habits in order to more fully engage in text of all types. This is a fairly new strategy that has come to awareness and more widespread use within the last few years. Teachers need to provide direct instruction and model this strategy so that students correctly practice and use it alone and with partners. The final goal of the Think-Aloud strategy is that readers will become more …

Inclusion Of Special Needs Students Into The Regular Education Classroom, Jennifer S. Hemann

Graduate Research Papers

Is inclusion really the best environment for students with disabilities? Inclusion remains a controversial topic of discussion in the world of education. Since the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), discussing the idea of inclusion has become more acceptable as school personal become willing to create inclusive classroom settings. This paper will examine the ideas behind inclusion including the history and evolution of inclusion. Throughout this paper the focus will be placed on inclusion issues in the classroom, as well as present various perspectives from individuals involved in the inclusion process. Research cited in this review suggests …

Use Of Learning Styles In The Selection Of Instructional Strategies : Does Pedagogy Lead To Practice?, Roger E. Baker

Graduate Research Papers

Much has been written about the importance of learning styles in instructional design. Learning styles can be measured by the use of personality profiles such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Learning styles can also be measured by Learning Style Inventories and defined by cognitive theory such as Gardner's multiple intelligences. This literature review explores the different approaches to the study of learning styles and the practical use of learning style indicators as a tool for selecting instructional strategies.

Many challenges exist in designing instruction to the personal level including costs, time, and instructor limits. Philosophical questions on the benefits …

Guided Reading In Early Childhood Classrooms, Shyla Dawn Crosser

Graduate Research Papers

Guided Reading is a topic that has been discussed in great detail over the last few years. It has been discussed as "best practice" by Zemelman, Daniels, and Hyde (p.70) and is gaining popularity in classrooms across the nation. In teaching kindergarten during the last seven years, I have seen an enormous change in the curriculum at this level. I want my children to learn to read and want to keep up with the best practice in order to best fit the needs of my children; however, I do not want kindergarten to become first grade. This paper will explore …

Family Literacy Nights : Factors For Success, Crystal Betts

Graduate Research Papers

Family Literacy Nights were developed and held at a K-4 elementary building in a medium-sized town in eastern Iowa, demonstrating an example of part of a family literacy program. Family Literacy Nights involved parents and students from the two first grade classrooms at this elementary school. Parents completed surveys and participated in interviews to share their reactions and feelings towards family literacy programs.

The included literature review explores parental involvement and family literacy programs. It looks at the effects of parent involvement on student achievement. The difference between parent involvement programs and family literacy programs is explored. Family literacy programs …

Advisory Programs : Organization And Implementation, Angela Ruth Black

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined how to implement an advisory program into middle schools. This review looked at the pros and cons of advisory programs, and what needed to be considered before implementing an advisory program.

The topic of advisory programs was chosen after having discussions during my graduate program, as well as with work colleagues. During class discussions, advisory programs sounded like a wonderful concept. But when I went to work, my coworkers made advisory programs sound like a waste of time. I decided I needed to learn more about advisory programs, so I could make my own decision about …

Home And School Literacy Partnerships : Building Stronger Tomorrows Hand In Hand, Tera Bockenstedt

Graduate Research Papers

This project aims to bring quality literacy interactions into homes of young children. These literacy interactions are important because research has shown that quality literacy experiences during the early childhood years impact a child's emergent literacy learning. Because children are not yet in formal schooling, many of these interactions can take place in home so family involvement is critical. The project is threefold: (a) to increase the quantity and quality of literacy interactions in the home, (b) to help parents become more informed contributors of their children's emergent literacy development, and (c) to promote more family involvement and two-way communication …

The Impact Of Readers' Workshop In A First Grade Classroom, Tara Lynn Seery

Graduate Research Papers

In this research I describe the Readers' Workshop approach, the impact that it has on a first graders' motivation, self-selection, and comprehension. This study was implemented during the 2006-2007 school year over a six week period. The observations at the beginning of the study indicated that the three focus students in this study lacked motivation, struggled with self-selection, and were in need of assistance to develop their comprehension skills. However, as Readers' Workshop was implemented, the students began to develop motivation to read on their own. They developed interests in books, and their comprehension strategies improved.

The Impact Of Grouping For Reading Instruction On Student Attitude And Self-Concept, Michelle Renee Keegan

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have found a parallel between types of grouping and attitudes of students regarding reading. The majority of students placed in the "lower" reading group in their classrooms have had negative perceptions and overall attitudes about reading. Research has indicated that the curriculum taught in these lower reading groups has differed from those in medium and higher groups due to different skills and practice that teachers have felt were required for students to succeed. Teachers' overall expectations have been found to be lower for those in lower academic groups in school. Students who have had motivation, self-efficacy, self worth, competence, …

Reading Comprehension : What Strategies Make A Difference?, Jill Helgerson

Graduate Research Papers

A literature review was conducted on comprehension strategies. The comprehension strategies that are being reviewed were chosen based on past research of reading comprehension.This literature review will explore six comprehension strategies that have been found to improve students' comprehension abilities.

Using Powerpoint Created Talking Books For Reading Fluency Instruction, Gretchen R. Lawyer

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes action research integrating Microsoft PowerPoint with reading fluency instruction in a group of 6 first grade students. Included is a literature review examining multimedia, hypermedia and reading fluency. Students used CD-ROM storybooks as models for reading fluency, received direct fluency instruction, and wrote stories they developed into "talking storybooks" with Microsoft PowerPoint. Results showed students improved overall reading fluency, except reading rate. Expression and prosody were most positively affected.

A rating scale measured student attitudes towards the instruction. Results showed a positive reaction. In addition, it was found that students might have been indirectly motivated by the …

Assistive Technology : An Instructional Tool To Assist College Students With Written Language Disabilities, Isandra Martinez-Marrero

Graduate Research Papers

In their practice, instructional designers develop instructional materials and learning environments that address the individual needs of learners. However, little research has been conducted on how to address the needs of learners with disabilities, especially in post-secondary education. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the literature regarding the use of Assistive Technology as an instructional tool to assist college learners with written language disabilities. Implications for instructional designers are presented.

The Advantages And Challenge Of Fluency Instruction, Jennifer Schroeder-Van Cleve

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the topic of fluency instruction as part of quality literacy instruction for children. Fluency is one of the five components of reading instruction recognized by the National Reading Panel, (2000). Fluency methods in reading curriculum should be given thoughtful attention. As the movement in education focuses on student assessment, meaningful literacy instruction is crucial to student success. This literature study focused on the benefits, and the challenges, associated with fluency instruction. Lastly, conclusions and recommendations were made for the implementation of fluency instruction in our schools.

Using Technology To Assist In The Teaching Of Reading Instruction, Hallie M. Wyatt

Graduate Research Papers

A professional literature review was conducted on the use of technology in assisting teaching of reading instruction. Technology reviewed was categorized according to the essential elements of reading as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Vygotskian and Piagetian theories were used to evaluate the technology reviewed. The review ends with a series of recommendations for teachers who may consider integrating technology into their curriculum.

Effective Technology Integration Strategies In An Elementary Classroom, Karen M. Worden

Graduate Research Papers

It is important for teachers to use technology to enrich and enhance their curriculums and to adequately prepare their students for the world of tomorrow. There are many factors that inhibit this use, but these factors can be reduced or eliminated by providing resources, such as computers and software, technical and administrative support and professional development opportunities. Action research was conducted to investigate using the computer as a learning station and an assessment tool in a classroom with limited resources and a teacher with limited experiences. The participants in the study were nine students in a combined third and fourth …

Use Of Social Stories For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Alicia Ann Karwal

Graduate Research Papers

Social stories have been widely used as an intervention for children on the Autism Spectrum. Educators and other service providers of students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are continually looking for strategies that will allow for their students to have more typical social experiences and greater quality of life. Some controversy exists concerning the success of social stories as an effective intervention. This paper will briefly examine characteristics of individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It will then explore using social stories with children affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Finally, it will consider a variety of purposes …

Roles And Reflections : Using Team Teaching To Improve Literacy Teaching, Jennifer L. Frett

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes the development of a team teaching model by a first grade team consisting of classroom and Title 1 teachers. This project grew out of a study group designed to look at best practice in literacy education and evolved in response to student achievement data. Four factors influenced the progress of the project including peer collaboration and demonstration, professional reading, reflection by teachers and the facilitator, and leadership roles. The role of the facilitator receives special attention, as – unlike most efforts at classroom change involving a grade level team – this effort began within the team, and …

Think-Alouds : Thinking Beyond The Text To Increase Reading Comprehension, Jennifer Marie Lee

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on how the Think-Aloud strategy can be implemented in order to help readers comprehend text. This strategy is one that will allow all readers to visualize and verbalize what is taking place during the decoding of the text. Teachers need to provide direct instruction in forms of modeling and scaffolding when implementing the Think-Aloud strategy. This helps to aid in the students' ability to effectively gain a full understanding of what the strategy looks like. In the end, it is expected that the students will begin to utilize the Think-Aloud strategy automatically when comprehending any type …

Role Of Classroom Questioning Strategies As They Relate To Reading Comprehension, Catherine M. Metz

Graduate Research Papers

Instruction using comprehension strategies is important as students begin to construct meaning from text through a transactional process. This instruction can help prepare students to become better readers, as well as provide benefits for teachers and school-wide instruction. Questioning is important to comprehension for a variety of reasons and is used across all grade levels and throughout curricular areas.

Through the teaching of questioning, students are able to build backgrounds which they can utilize during their taking of high-stakes assessments, as well as school or district assessments. Questioning strategies, such as Question Answer Relationships, Questioning the Author, and Reciprocal Teaching, …

The What, The Why, And The How Of Using Repeated Readings Of Poetry To Increase Reading Fluency, Melissa Feldmann

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review concludes that repeated readings of poetry will increase student reading fluency. The use of repeated readings to increase fluency is a common classroom practice; its effectiveness has been firmly established. The daily use of poems for rereading purposes can enhance several literacy skills including fluent reading. Although there are limitations of the study, it can be concluded that when poems are read repeatedly in a variety of ways, students are able to read fluently while comprehending the text. The research that does exist clearly suggests that classroom teachers might use repeated readings of poetry to help students …

Using High Interest Reading Material To Motivate Struggling And Reluctant Readers, Nicoles C. Hoover

Graduate Research Papers

One of my great challenges as a second grade teacher is getting students who struggle with reading to become engaged, motivated, and enthusiastic about reading. This paper will look at different literature findings about using strategies that involve high interest reading materials to motivate readers. It will seek to determine the values of these practices for all students, but especially those who struggle as readers. It will also look at different types of high interest materials that could potentially motivate readers. This paper will provide resources to others looking to use high interest materials to motivate readers.

Tree Identification And Age Project, Mark Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the Tree Identification and Age Project is to use authentic learning activities to extend the current curriculum to include learning that takes place at high levels of cognition. The methods employed integrate higher-order thinking into learning through a hands-on, problem-based approach to authentic scientific investigation. Using a problem-based approach, the learners apply knowledge and skills to solve real problems. The process involves focusing on the problem, identifying relative information, categorizing, critically analyzing, synthesizing that information and effectively communicating the results.

Collaborative Teaching : How Can Co-Teaching Be Implemented Effectively In The Classroom?, Elizabeth Lea Kelly

Graduate Research Papers

A huge issue in education today is that of inclusion. There is a wide spectrum of beliefs on whether or not all students should be fully included in the general classroom. According to K.S. Stout (2001) in Special Education Inclusion, a solution to this major issue is collaborative or co-teaching. With a push for least restrictive environment, collaborative teaching has become a very important part of the education system. The big question is: How can teachers implement co-teaching into their instruction effectively?

Fathers As Readers : A Program For African American Fathers And Their Children, Amber Nicole Boyd

Graduate Research Papers

The achievement of African American literacy learners has become a significant topic in education. How to best meet the needs of these learners through the study of the African American family will be the focus of this project. This project will consider, specifically, the father's momentous role in the literacy learning of the African American child. Trends in research will be identified in this paper, an overview of significant literature published on the subject of African American family literacy will be discussed, and findings that support the father's significant impact on learning in the African American family will be presented. …

Reading Strategies For Struggling Readers In The Middle School, Kathleen Claeys

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on several strategies good readers use to understand and interpret different types of text, such as fiction, non-fiction, and expository. These strategies are ones that struggling readers are not aware of, or these readers do not have the knowledge and experience to utilize the strategies. Teachers need to provide direct instruction of these strategies, generate models of what they look like, demonstrate what the thought process is behind the strategies, and offer students practice in using them with the idea that students will add them to their repertoire of strategies and use them throughout the learning …