Education Commons^™

Implementation Of Writing Portfolios In Grade Two, Jill A. Hans

Graduate Research Papers

The view of language as a process has influenced the use of qualitative assessment techniques that allow the description of children's progress, interests, and instructional needs. One qualitative technique among several is the portfolio. Specifically, in assessing children's writing, the students and the. teacher can collaborate in selecting a collection of writing exhibits for their. portfolios. Such collecting can occur over time giving evidence of emerging literacy.

The purpose of this article is to provide background information about writing portfolios. Then, the implementation of portfolio assessment in a second grade writing program is presented through three students' collection activity.

Integrating "Kindergarten Technology Activities" Into The Kindergarten Classroom, Tania Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This graduate project outlines how technology was integrated into a kindergarten classroom using the activities from" Kindergarten Technology Activities." The activities were tested during the 2000-2001 school year with a kindergarten class of fifteen students. The project gives a brief description of the activities, how effective the activities were, and what modifications may need to be made.

After any revisions, the activities will be shared with the other members of the kindergarten team for the following school year. These activities will improve the use of technology with the kindergarten students. The teachers will gain knowledge of additional technology activities that …

Extending The Dimensions Of Science Through Poetry, Tracey L. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

The primary function of poetry is to bring enjoyment, but poetry can also foster concept development in an instructional program that extends literature across the curriculum. Because of its intense emotional quality and sharp images, it can assist in connecting children's prior knowledge with new concepts.

One of the goals of an integrated program for fifth grade was to integrate literature-based language arts with science. The connection of the language arts and science areas offered children opportunities to engage in the language processes within the functions of language offered in the science area. Through reading and writing poetry and conducting …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To The Science Area : A Unit On Spring, Kelly Jones

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based program emphasizes creating meaning through the language processes, thus leading to growth in thinking and language abilities. A print-rich learning environment supported by the different genres encourages involvement in the language process and contributes to the dimensions of a unit of study. When literature-based language arts are extended to the science area, such a program can extend children's knowledge of the world around them and nurture their curiosity.

A science unit on spring, extended through quality literature and many options for expressive activity, was presented to first grade children. This literature-based unit is shared.

Moving Students Forward In Spelling, Catherine Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated additional spelling instructional strategies into her current basal program. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of research about methods of spelling instruction and describe strategies that can be incorporated into an existing program to motivate students toward becoming conventional spellers. The article emphasizes the importance of purposeful writing experiences to give students ample opportunities to practice their growing knowledge of spelling.

Constructivist Education : Developing A Constructivist Kindergarten Program, Carol J. Menefee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of using constructivist approaches in the kindergarten program. The primary focus of this paper was to look at the features of a constructivist approach. Advantages and criticisms of constructivism are included. This study also provides guidelines designed to help educators, specifically kindergarten teachers, implement constructivist approaches in their classrooms. The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions and cautions to educators on implementing these guidelines. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.

The Merits Of Kindergarten Readers' Workshop, Janet K. Hurley

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy is at the very core of our being, and as such a vital component of personal identity, creating an environment conducive to literacy development is an essential element of education. Knowing that attitudes are molded early in life, establishing a strong, meaningful literacy program in early childhood can affect children for a lifetime.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the merits and power of Readers ' Workshop at the kindergarten level. First I will define and discuss components of the workshop format. I then will share what I see as the greatest benefits of the workshop approach …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based language arts program provides meaningful experiences for children within the functions of language. Such programs can be extended across the curriculum to utilize the functions in other areas. These connections across the curriculum can be enhanced through the different genres of literature.

In this article, a literature base was integrated into the science area of the curriculum. A science unit on pumpkins was developed for first grade children with quality literature and related expressive activities that extended the children's literacy and their understanding of plants. Teacher-directed activities were presented along with learning centers.

Distance Education, Kathleen E. Krug

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education has helped to reach many students regardless of geographic location and differences in learning styles. Interactive classrooms, for example the ICN, have helped to eliminate barriers regardless of the distance between locations. Still the concern remains with finding a way to address the different learning styles of the student. This paper will examine both the institutional and situational barriers and how K-12 district administrators in one area of Iowa and the nearby community college are addressing the issues.

An Integrated Technology Project In One Iowa Middle School, Beverly R. Nielsen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether implementing an integrated technology project at Columbus Middle School in the Columbus Community, Iowa School District would have any positive learning effects on the eighth grade students. Secondly, the research set out to determine if there are advantages to integrating technology into middle school curriculum. Finally, the purpose of the research was to find selection criteria for an integrated technology project for the middle grades. After selection and implementation, the project was evaluated through teacher observations and student self-evaluations. Both evaluations indicated that this integrated technology project had positive learning effects …

Motivational Barriers : Technology Use By Minorities, Laura Dayton

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper reviews motivational factors that affect the use of technology by minorities. The technology gap is taking a toll on individuals, communities, and Society at large. Sixty percent of jobs require skills with technology. Students with limited or no access to computers are falling behind in developing skills that are needed in college and in the job market. This lack of infrastructure strikes some as particularly worrisome because it comes at a time when the federal government is forcing individuals and communities to become more self-sufficient. The research cited in this paper addresses the existence of a digital …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer Bruce

Graduate Research Papers

The development of a print-rich learning environment can facilitate the integration of the curriculum. A literature base representative of the different genres can contribute to the dimensions of learning. A literature-based unit on apples provided kindergarten children with quality literature experiences and many expressive activities that extended the students' understanding of the concept of apples. The unit was presented through teacher presentations and learning centers.

Internet-Enhanced Esl Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

This paper intends to present some of the most current research on the tremendous benefits which the Internet can provide to ESL education. Some Internet applications which can be used as active teaching and learning tools in the ESL classrooms are being presented in this paper, such as electronic mail, electronic discussion group or "lists," electronic forum, chat room, and keypal. Additionally, this paper intends to bring educators' attention to those issues which affect language learners' interests in using the Internet in their learning. Issues include the lack of training, accessibility of technology, and lack of feedback.

Alternate Curriculum In Reading For Grade 4, Carolyn M. Wiezorek

Graduate Research Papers

Academically gifted students are in every classroom. They have a right to be challenged all day, every day. Most curriculum is aimed at the average student, leaving gifted students bored and unchallenged. It is the school's responsibility to meet the needs of these academically gifted students. By differentiating content, process, product and learning environment, teachers can enrich, challenge and better meet the needs of all students. Our district is in the process of creating alternate units for our elementary language arts program. The sixth grade is complete and a team is working on the fifth grade units. Two other teachers …

Cultural Connection : A Communication Project Designed To Enhance Cultural Awareness And Global Workforce Skills, Devon M. Anderson Winters

Graduate Research Papers

The Cultural Exchange Project was developed to be a collaborative activity that would allow students from a computer applications class in Waterloo, Iowa, to communicate through electronic mail (email), letters, and video with students from a Polish high school. The project was developed to provide cultural awareness, foster international relationships, improve communication skills, and promote technology usage. Students completed various activities to prepare for and enhance this project. These activities included: lessons in "netiquette"; reports on other cultures, and worksheets for sharing personal information. Each student was assigned a partner to communicate with individually through letters and email. The author …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Brandee M. Alexander

Graduate Research Papers

Literature can link all areas of the curriculum. Extending a literature-based language arts program to the science area can provide a rich learning environment supported by many different genres of literature and related expressive activities that contribute to the dimensions of learning.

A science unit of study on the five senses, with special emphasis on touch, for kindergarten children, was expanded through literature experiences and related expressive activities. The literature presented offered much content on the senses and models of language to nurture the children's emerging literacy. During the one-week of study, learner enthusiasm and peer interaction for reading and …

Distance Learning : Is It Worth The Investment?, S. Michelle Degabriele

Graduate Research Papers

As human knowledge expands at an exponential rate, learning is increasingly becoming a lifelong endeavor. Careers and lives in the twenty-first century require constant learning, new education, and retraining. Thus, the nontraditional adult population in universities is increasing. Institutions pondering how to cope with an increasing student population and an ever shrinking budget can examine distance learning as a possible solution. Costs and benefits must be carefully considered in the areas of institution finances, the learning process, students, and instructors.

Although many instructors gladly accept opportunities to teach in the distance learning environment, the majority of instructors still have concerns …

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Science : A Unit On Frogs For Kindergarten, Ruth Rysta

Graduate Research Papers

Classrooms providing a literature-base program allow children to engage in the language processes and present opportunities for children to create meaning by surrounding them with high-quality literature representative of different genres. Many of the language arts and science processes are related and can be integrated in themes or units to connect children's learning.

A unit on the life cycle of frogs offered kindergarten children a rich learning environment through quality literature and related expressive activities. The literature-base extended to science developed a sense of community, increased science knowledge and connected reading and writing to the science study.

Curriculum Differentiation In Practice, Twyla D. Wisecup

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to create two curriculum differentiated reading units designed to meet the needs of fifth grade, high-ability language arts students. The units were written to compliment existing whole class units already in use, and to coincide with major district goals encouraging students to take control of their own learning by making decisions about their writing, selecting their reading materials, and assessing their progress. This paper gives a broad definition of curriculum differentiation and reviews the literature in regard to differentiation of curriculum in the field of gifted education, and provides a focus on possible strategies …

Meeting The Social And Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Talented Students, Angela Germaine

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review ofliterature was to identify the major problems gifted and talented children may face in social and emotional adjustments and how to cope with these adjustments. It also sought to document strategies by which the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students may be met in the classroom and to delineate possible interventions that can improve their academic achievement. The review and analysis of literature revealed that two major social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students are self-discovery and an assurance that they are understood and accepted. Suggested interventions focused on the …

An Overview Of The Nature Of Science For K-12 Science Teachers, William J. Soesbe Iii

Graduate Research Papers

Recent publicity has emphasized the concern of American citizens over student performance in the sciences. In an effort to evaluate one aspect of kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula that may have contributed to this situation, a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the nature of science was developed into a philosophical paper. The findings are synthesized into an analysis of the nature of science that provides a broad outline of the subject and related issues. The nature of science is a way of knowing that when balanced with scientific content and processes aids in the development of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, …

Using Lightspan Technology To Build School To Home Connections, Frances J. Birks

Graduate Research Papers

Family involvement in children's emerging literacy is critical to their school success. School personnel can support family literacy by becoming acquainted with families and providing home strategies and materials. Teachers can guide caregivers to the resources of the school and public libraries for books and software. Schools can off er caregivers instruction on computers as a learning tool for children.

The implementation of school computer lab sessions scheduled at night for families is described. This project was designed to 1) discover the ways families interact while using computers, 2) determine if families enjoyed using the lab together, and 3) document …

Teacher Change In Math Education, Jamie Folkers

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review addresses the process teachers go through in order to change their instructional practices in math. The purpose of this review is to compare traditional math practices with practices being advocated by reform initiatives, to look at hurdles preventing teachers from adapting these reforms, and share suggestions for removing these hurdles to allow a smoother change process for teachers.

The sources referenced come from research studies involving classroom practices and professional development programs, journal articles related to the math reform movement, and books on the same topic. They date from 1989 to 2000.

The main recommendations are as …

The Underserved: Primary Grade Gifted, Michelle Sturtz

Graduate Research Papers

Gifted primary grade students, those in grades one through three, have interests and abilities similar to their age mates. The main difference is the depth to which they want to learn and explore these interests. However, due to the lack of programming for this age group, untrained teachers, and parents who are uncertain of their role, these children are underserved when it comes to meeting their needs. There are three issues that contribute to the primary grade gifted student being underserved. The first issue is lack of programming. The majority of educational programs for gifted students are designed for students …

Web-Based Portfolios In Higher Education, Marilyn Murphy

Graduate Research Papers

Portfolios offer an authentic means of assessment for higher education. The management of paper portfolios, however, is problematic,. Electronic portfolios solve many of the problems associated with paper portfolios and offer several added benefits. Making electronic portfolios accessible on the World Wide Web is advantageous for faculty, students, and employers. The problems associated with web-based portfolios are generally manageable.

The Design Of Web Sites With Quality User Interface, Amery L. Moultry

Graduate Research Papers

Usability engineering focuses on how well Web sites are structured. Many designers are unaware of the diversity of usability engineering and what it can offer the developer in efforts to produce a usable Web site. Three researchers in the field, Borges, Morales, and Rodriquez (1998), have created a style guide of content, which recommends essentials for user-friendly Web sites. They included in their list Common Look and Feel (CL&F), Information Display, Navigation, and Labels. This research paper goes through the steps it took to create a quality Web site using the style guides of the noted researchers.

Alternate Curriculum In Reading For Grade Four, Julie A. Schmit

Graduate Research Papers

Julie A. Schmit, a fourth grade teacher, specifically designed the two reading alternate units. These units were designed to provide challenging reading and learning experiences for talented and gifted students in grade four. These units provide challenging, above grade level materials and activities for the students whose reading, vocabulary, and language skills are advanced to such a degree that they would derive greater educational benefit from working with alternate materials.

Whales, Meg Gammon Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Children develop thinking-language abilities through involvement in the language processes. A print-rich environment representing the many genres of literature extended across the curriculum offers meaningful experiences with the language functions. Such literature experiences and related expressive activities can provide in-depth study in the content areas, expanding the understanding of units' concepts and related vocabulary.

A science unit on whales for kindergarten was enriched through literature experiences. The activities were presented through teacher-directed sessions and student-initiated activities available in the learning centers. The result of this extensive print-rich environment was in-depth study and enthusiastic responses on the part of the students.

Family Literacy, Dorothy Fay Bantz

Graduate Research Papers

This is a Family Literacy Program set up for second grade students and their families. The project includes thirty-six books and activities for the students to take home every Friday of the school year. The activities include both the student and the adults in the home. The picture books are both narrative and expository and written in a variety of genres. The book reviews are included for each book to show their quality. The adults are given support from the school through newsletters, a web page, family nights, and an initial home visit. The adults are encouraged to become part …

Implementing Portfolio Assessment In Grade Four, Marilyn L. Browder

Graduate Research Papers

Writing is a process. To assess this process, it needs to be described through qualitative techniques. One of these techniques is portfolio collection: Writing · . exhibits, collected over time, can facilitate students' self-reflections on their writing activity, interests, progress, and instructional needs. Such a collection is also valuable evidence for teachers in planning and maintaining their language programs and in reporting to caregivers.

This project involved the implementation of portfolio assessment in grade four by a first-year teacher. Through portfolio collection, the teacher as well as the students received much information that promoted writing and led to much interest …