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Full-Text Articles in Education

Problem-Based Learning In A Fourth Grade Gifted And Honors Mathematics Class, Barbara J. Barr Jul 2003

Problem-Based Learning In A Fourth Grade Gifted And Honors Mathematics Class, Barbara J. Barr

All Graduate Projects

Problem-based learning was used to deliver math instruction on three different occasions. Thirty-two fourth-grade students were involved in the project. The purpose was to investigate students' attitudes towards word problems and the development of their confidence with problem-solving skills by providing differentiation through Problem-based learning. The results showed that the majority of the students perceived themselves as good problem solvers and that math in school was related to real life.


Expressivist Pedagogy In The High School English Classroom: A Handbook For Curricular Integration, Michel Beth Pola Jan 2003

Expressivist Pedagogy In The High School English Classroom: A Handbook For Curricular Integration, Michel Beth Pola

All Graduate Projects

Research in the area of written composition concludes that individuals learn about themselves, about their subject matter, and about their community through the process of writing. Expressivist pedagogy encourages writing as a process and utilizes writing as a way to shape meaning. It places high value to the writer's sense of self and the writer's ability to create change in the community. A review of related research and survey of current best practices in the secondary language arts setting led to the development of an expressivist-based resource toolbook. This resource book was designed for teachers to help integrate expressivist pedagogy …


Emergent Writing Practices For A Kindergarten Classroom: A Handbook For Kidergarten Teachers, Tori Lyn Bennan Jan 2003

Emergent Writing Practices For A Kindergarten Classroom: A Handbook For Kidergarten Teachers, Tori Lyn Bennan

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid in the design of a kindergarten writing program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing kindergarten writing curriculum. The handbook consists of four main content areas of discussion regarding current writing practices used in a kindergarten writing curriculum: Writer's Workshop, journals, partner writing, and parent involvement. Each section consists of a brief definition of the term and five distinctive lesson plans implementing the above practices. Current literature and research regarding the topic of young children's development in writing were explored.


An Interdisciplinary, Teaming Approach To History And English Instruction At The Secondary Level, Miles J. Caples Jan 2003

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.


A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny Jan 2003

A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny

All Graduate Projects

A literature review was conducted to illustrate that there is an achievement gap in education between minority and white students. Probable causes contributing to the achievement gap and possible solutions to the gap were studied. The knowledge that high standards, a challenging curriculum and good teachers (Haycock, 2001), increases student achievement of minority students, inspired a project geared toward providing teachers with strategies to support minority students with learning difficulties in the area of reading. A model reading strategy guide featuring reading strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners was developed for presentation to Springbrook Elementary School. The guide …


A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado Jan 2003

A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Teaching concepts in science that incorporated different science disciplines were studied and placed into practice at Tahoma Junior High School, Maple Valley, Washington. This form of integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated science model unit detailed river systems and the many different sciences that play a role in creating the river environment we see daily. Research showed students learned as well if not better in integrated science classrooms when compared to students who fulfilled the traditional sequence of science classes. Moreover, brain research …


A Practical Guide Using A Variety Of Instructional Methods For Teaching Reading To Gifted Students, Melissa Caveness Jan 2003

A Practical Guide Using A Variety Of Instructional Methods For Teaching Reading To Gifted Students, Melissa Caveness

All Graduate Projects

Gifted students spend most of their school day, if not all, learning in the regular classroom. Often, this environment is not conducive to their learning needs, and there is a lack of readily available supplemental materials that teachers can use to meet the needs of the gifted students. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to create a handbook that provides different strategies for teachers to use when teaching gifted students in the regular classroom. The project contains five thematic units that incorporate and utilize literature and comprehension strategies. This project first focuses definitions and identifiers of gifted students academically …


William Blake: An Integrated Teaching Approach, Shawn C. Gaspaire Jan 2003

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.


Using Literature Circles To Teach Comprehension Strategies To Low-Achieving Middle School Readers, Rachel Grace Gossett Jan 2003

Using Literature Circles To Teach Comprehension Strategies To Low-Achieving Middle School Readers, Rachel Grace Gossett

All Graduate Projects

Discussion is an integral part of our society and a natural way for students to learn. When discussion is brought into the classroom, students are able to use their background knowledge to create their own meaning and take their thinking to a higher level. Because of these attributes, discussion of reading material in the classroom leads to a greater comprehension of what was read and opens more doors for learning more strategies to increase reading ability. The teacher's role changes from being the one with all of the answers to a member of the group looking for the meaning. Teachers …


A Guide To Motion And Newton's Laws For General Science, Roger F. Hume Jan 2003

A Guide To Motion And Newton's Laws For General Science, Roger F. Hume

All Graduate Projects

This project provides activities in motion and Newton's Laws of motion. Besides instructions on how to perform the activity, a list of student selfassessment questions is provided to encourage further inquiry. The activities are also aligned with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the State of Washington. These activities are designed to supplement curriculum already being taught.


A Model Marketing Education/Store Management Program For Klahowya Secondary School, Karin K. Johannessen Jan 2003

A Model Marketing Education/Store Management Program For Klahowya Secondary School, Karin K. Johannessen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model Marketing Education/Store Management program for Klahowya Secondary School. The model program was designed for implementation with second year (grades 11-12) marketing education students at Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap School District, Silverdale, Washington. To accomplish this purpose a review of literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed, including a survey that was sent to marketing education teachers in the State of Washington.


Supporting Reading Instruction Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities By Using Wynn Software, Linda Kilgore Jan 2003

Supporting Reading Instruction Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities By Using Wynn Software, Linda Kilgore

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a student/teacher handbook, which contained information for the successful integration of the WYNN computer software into the general and special education classroom. Students with learning disabilities struggle with the general education curriculum and new technology provides an individualized approach to the accommodation of their needs. Research concerning learning disabilities and how the use of computers can support these students in the classroom was included.


Project-Based High School Science Activities, Raymond Lynn Harris Jan 2003

Project-Based High School Science Activities, Raymond Lynn Harris

All Graduate Projects

The development of project-based science activities and assessment rubrics are presented. A total of fifteen different science projects are presented for use in the high school science classroom. The activities are complete with lesson plans, design lessons, overviews of materials and follow up assessments. The activities are designed to combine essential academic learning requirements with real-world applications and can be applicable to a wide variety of concepts. The development of these activities is supported by the literature review as well as the use in the author's classroom.


Teaching Children To Be Storytellers: A Handbook For Educators, April Nicole Cross Jan 2003

Teaching Children To Be Storytellers: A Handbook For Educators, April Nicole Cross

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a handbook for second grade teachers interested in teaching storytelling. By introducing children to the world of storytelling, teachers can bring the true nature of storytelling into the classroom and take full advantage of its educational benefits. Through the storytelling process, children's listening, reading, and oral language skills are enhanced. Although storytelling is only one part of a literacy program, it is the means to a very important literacy goal: the development of independent, lifelong readers. The handbook includes a five-week storytelling unit that gives an explanation of how to realize and …


Incorporating Literature Circles Into A Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Michael Kron Jan 2003

Incorporating Literature Circles Into A Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Michael Kron

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on literature circles within the framework of a balanced literacy program, and create materials to be used by fifth grade teachers as they work toward improving their language arts curricula. The results of the research review show that students are motivated to read when they choose their own reading material and can comprehend the material after engaging in collaborative, meaningful discussion of the text with peers. The project includes instructional frameworks, lesson plans for after-reading activities, and book selections for three rounds ofliterature circles.


First Grade Classroom Web Site Featuring Components Of A Balanced Literacy Program, Jennifer Renee Kummer Jan 2003

First Grade Classroom Web Site Featuring Components Of A Balanced Literacy Program, Jennifer Renee Kummer

All Graduate Projects

A classroom web site for first grade families and community members of the llidgefield School District was designed for the World Wide Web. It was created as a resource to explain the components of balanced reading and writing programs in a first grade classroom. These components include reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, shared writing, guided writing, and independent writing. Included on the web site are photographs documenting monthly events in the first grade classroom, as well as, literacy internet resources for parents and children. Featured is research regarding balanced literacy programs, parent involvement, and effective web site …


Integration Of American History And American Literature, Diane Main Jan 2003

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.


Creating Motivation And Oral Reading Fluency Through Readers' Theatre, Kelly Leaverton Jan 2003

Creating Motivation And Oral Reading Fluency Through Readers' Theatre, Kelly Leaverton

All Graduate Projects

Readers' Theatre is a wonderful teaching tool in which students practice and rehearse scripts in order to put on plays in front of an audience. The focus is on word accuracy and expression in reading without having to memorize lines. Studies have shown that Readers' Theatre can strengthen oral reading fluency by repeated readings, and increase confidence and motivation to read as students learn to read their parts with fluency and precision. Unfortunately, due to lack of availability and training, Readers' Theatre is not used in the classroom to the extent it should be, and many educators are uncomfortable with …


Integrating Curriculum Using A Thematic Unit On Gardening, Mandi Marie Laurent Jan 2003

Integrating Curriculum Using A Thematic Unit On Gardening, Mandi Marie Laurent

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a thematic unit, using a central theme of gardening, for first grade teachers. This project is in alignment with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements. The lesson plans were developed after conducting a literature review that shows integrating curriculum can be beneficial for both teachers and students. The activities presented in this project have been implemented, thus enhancing the author's curriculum.


Integrating Student Led Conferences Into An Elementary Classroom, Paul Robert Marquardt Jan 2003

Integrating Student Led Conferences Into An Elementary Classroom, Paul Robert Marquardt

All Graduate Projects

Improving student learning and responsibility using student led conferences was studied. A guide for implementing student led conferences in an elementary school was developed and has been implemented at Camelot Elementary School. The results of the guide support that student led conferences can be utilized by general education teachers to enhance their students ability to develop an understanding of their learning and its processes. Through student led conferences, students learn to effectively set personal academic goals, improve their communication skills and become more active in their learning. The use of student led conferences has also provided evidence that participation and …


Model Title I Reading Program In Allignment With The Essential Academic Learning Requriements, Jeanne O'Hara Maxwell Jan 2003

Model Title I Reading Program In Allignment With The Essential Academic Learning Requriements, Jeanne O'Hara Maxwell

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model Title I reading program for John Campbell Elementary School, Selah, Washington, in alignment with the state Essential Learning Requirements. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to the fundamentals of reading/literacy and instructional strategies related to student mastery of this essential academic skill were reviewed. Additionally, related information/ materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed. The model consists of a number of separately usable components, organized into four units: Student-Centered Classroom, Homogeneous Grouping, Building Fluency, and Phonics & Whole Language. Each unit contains its own …


A Media Literacy Curriculum For The Adolescent Learner, Chris Lopez Jan 2003

A Media Literacy Curriculum For The Adolescent Learner, Chris Lopez

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a media literacy curriculum for teachers of young adolescents. Media literacy is a new, evolving field of study that teaches students to become critical consumers of today's media. Media have often been blamed for the ills of student learning, critical thinking, performance and/or behavior skills. In the review ofliterature, the author investigated media's impact on the adolescent learner, the need to teach media literacy, and recommended curriculum that would benefit the adolescent learner. The curriculum unit is designed to be a useful teaching tool for teachers of adolescent and preadolescent learners who …


Reading With Your Preadolescent Children At Home: A Workshop For Parents, Elizabeth Jane Keefe Jan 2003

Reading With Your Preadolescent Children At Home: A Workshop For Parents, Elizabeth Jane Keefe

All Graduate Projects

Reading comprehension is a continuous process of evolving thinking. When readers read, they carry on an inner conversation with the text. Readers respond with wonder, delight, and even outrage. They question the text, argue with the author, and nod their heads in agreement. They make connections, ask questions, and draw inferences to better understand and learn from what they read. Programs that involve parents in their children's education have been found to have a positive influence on a child's academic performance and cognitive development. Secondly, book-reading experiences have correlated strongly with success in reading, leading experts to conclude that preparing …


John Sedgwick Junior High School Physical Science Curriculum Alignment At The South Kitsap School District With The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And National Science Standards, Iva Scott Jan 2003

John Sedgwick Junior High School Physical Science Curriculum Alignment At The South Kitsap School District With The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And National Science Standards, Iva Scott

All Graduate Projects

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) lists curriculum alignment as one of the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools. With an increased emphasis on educational accountability and assessment of student learning, school districts are placing heightened emphasis on state and national learning standards. Physical science curriculum alignment consisted of matching curricular standards with information and skills being taught in the classroom and assessed through utilization of various forms of testing, including Washington Assessment of Student Leaming in Science, which is currently being developed. This project provides a format for development and utilization of district curricula that is aligned with …


A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem Jan 2003

A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of a brain-based pedagogy to improve student achievement in middle school students. The review of current research found that orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness and active processing were integral for an effective brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement. Included is a curriculum that focused on a brain-based pedagogy. Written for teachers of middle school students. Lessons included support a brain-based pedagogy, were age appropriate, and encouraged teachers to use a curriculum based on a brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement.


A Handbook Of Strategies For Making Intertextual Connections During Read-Alouds To Build Schema For Elementary School Students, Andrea Kay Manion Jan 2003

A Handbook Of Strategies For Making Intertextual Connections During Read-Alouds To Build Schema For Elementary School Students, Andrea Kay Manion

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been created to give primary teachers strategies for building valuable schema and an awareness of text connections during their read-aloud time. The handbook consists of an introduction, ten read-aloud lessons which include some student responses, reviews and classroom activities for twenty read-aloud books, as well as a critique of popular web sites for quality children's literature. Current literature and research regarding schema theory, intertextuality, and reading aloud were reviewed.


Inservice Workships: Freshman Focus Curriculum Implementation, Rachel Elizabeth Rief Jan 2003

Inservice Workships: Freshman Focus Curriculum Implementation, Rachel Elizabeth Rief

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create workshops to help teachers implement an existing Freshman Focus Curriculum. It was specifically intended for use at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, Washington. The workshops include ways to help teachers organize, prepare for and teach the curriculum which was written to help freshmen transition into high school. The workshops include lesson plans as well as supplemental materials needed to effectively teach the curriculum.


An Integrated Approach To Teaching Washington State History In A Seventh Grade Humanities Block, Erika Lee Martin Jan 2003

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 …


Summer Enrichment Packets Of Resources And Activities For Primary Students, Karen Michele Smith Jan 2003

Summer Enrichment Packets Of Resources And Activities For Primary Students, Karen Michele Smith

All Graduate Projects

Literature pertaining to summer learning loss was reviewed, including summer learning programs and year-round education. Summer programs and year-round education were looked at as possible solutions to summer learning loss. The research indicated a significant loss of academic skills over the summer months while students are not in school. Summer enrichment programs proved to be successful in helping students retain academic knowledge and skills. The literature review revealed inconclusive results in the effectiveness ofyearround education on student achievement. A summer activity packet was created for students preparing to enter the second grade. The focus of this packet was on reading, …


Creating A Balanced Literacy Program For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students, Shayne T. Wrzesinski Jan 2003

Creating A Balanced Literacy Program For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students, Shayne T. Wrzesinski

All Graduate Projects

Balanced literacy instruction can be defined in a variety of ways. The important characteristic about a balanced literacy program is that it is neither phonics nor whole language. Creating a balanced literacy program within a classroom encompasses both phonics and whole language in a literature rich environment. Students who participate in a balanced program have opportunities to read and write daily through a variety of meaningful approaches including shared, guided, independent and direct instruction. The literature rich environment provides growth for all students, by teaching skills and strategies through literacy in a natural setting not in isolation. Teachers in the …