Education Commons^™

Enhancing Homework’S Effectiveness Through Student Motivation And Parental Involvement, Jonathan T. Beutlich

Master of Education Program Theses

Homework has varying degrees of effectiveness; therefore, it is important for teachers to know what elements aid in making homework assignments more effective to learners. There are outside factors that contribute to homework’s effectiveness as well as types of homework assignments that will increase students’ success. Two of the factors contributing to homework’s level of benefits are student motivation and parental involvement. There are three types of homework assignments that increase the positive aspects of student motivation and parental involvement include interspersal assignments, interactive homework assignments, and project-based assignments. Improved homework benefits education, specifically Christian education, by enabling a tightly …

Reaching Children Communally: School Improvement Through Teacher Collaboration, Peter H. Roukema

Master of Education Program Theses

From a Christian understanding of both learning and community, this research examines the impact of teacher collaboration on student achievement and school culture in North American schools. Particularly in high schools, due to structural chal1enges, lack of administrative support and teacher satisfaction with the status quo, peer collaboration is not common. Five cases are examined. The first three demonstrate a positive connection between teacher collaboration and school improvement. The fourth demonstrates that teacher evaluation can also benefit from a much more participatory role for the teacher. The last case examines some of the challenges of centering col1aboration in high school …

Model For Teaching Musical Discernment In The Christian Secondary School, Zachary J. Vreeman

Master of Education Program Theses

Recent technological advances in recording and reproducing music have greatly changed the way that members of this culture interact with music. With an ever-expanding wealth of recordings, students in Christian secondary schools are faced with an increasing number of musical choices and must be equipped to discern musical activity in a God-glorifying way. This study researches the factors influencing students' musical attitudes over which schools have the most control, describes a biblically-based Christian attitude towards music, and finally proposes a model based on that research for teaching musical discernment from a distinctly Christian standpoint. The proposed model includes the establishment …

Standards-Based Assessment System In A Christian Middle School Science Classroom, David J. Mulder

Master of Education Program Theses

Teachers in all sorts of educational settings have a common difficulty: accurately reporting what their students know, understand, and are able to do. Reporting the measurement of these assessments has traditionally been done through the assignment of letter grades. There is a fairly comprehensive and growing body of literature indicating the weakness of traditional letter grades for authentically assessing student understanding. This study examines an alternative to traditional grading practices. After reviewing relevant literature, I designed a standards-based assessment and evaluation system and put it into place in my 8th grade science classroom at a mid-sized Christian school in northwestern …

Creating Community Among Colleagues: A Call To Collaboration, Thomas J. Knapper

Master of Education Program Theses

Teaching has traditionally been a lonely enterprise. Working in isolation is commonplace. Collaboration among teachers is rare, particularly at the high school level. How can Christian high schools be more purposeful in developing an ethos in which collaboration among faculty is encouraged and expected? Teachers will need to be taught how to collaborate. Teachers will have to develop attitudes of openness and trust. Administrative leadership will need to implement structures and strategies that promote a collaborative environment. Christians are called to live in community with each other. To that end much can and should be done to promote collaboration among …

Gradual Release Of Responsibility Approach In Developing Synthesis In Primary-Aged Children, Michelle Te Grootenhuis

Master of Education Program Theses

This action research explored the effects of using the gradual release of responsibility instructional method (Harvey and Goudvis, 2000) to improve the synthesis abilities of fourteen second grade students who attend a small rural school. The specific treatment involved the students in modeled, shared, guided, and independent practice of the synthesis strategy using authentic children's literature. The DRA2 interpretation scores of the students were compared before and after the treatment. The results showed that twelve of the students scored within the independent or advanced level, one student improved from frustration to instructional level, and one student remained at the frustration …

Character Of Christ: A Proposal For Excellence In Christian Character Education, Lorraine A. Potter

Master of Education Program Theses

Moral teaching programs, such as character education, have been implemented nationwide in order to curb the growing trend of violence, abuse, and moral relativism within schools, both public and private. These programs represent a variety of moral training philosophies, and current research is revealing some "best practices" within the field. However, these programs do little to address the needs of distinctively Christian educators who seek to train their students toward the character of Jesus Christ. The research in this study promotes the development of a curriculum to meet this need. The following research indicates that character education's premise and many …

Are Teens Able To Articulate A Biblical Understanding Of Christianity?, Sheila L. Bruns

Master of Education Program Theses

The following study uses previous research about the religious and spiritual lives of American adolescents and their beliefs about the Christian faith to survey teenagers at a mid-western, Christian high school. The survey is given to find out what our young people know to be true about Christianity and if they can accurately articulate their beliefs based on Scripture and reinforced in the Heidelberg Catechism.

According to the research, the students surveyed are receiving the information they need to articulate a biblical definition of Christianity. They do, however, have their strengths and weaknesses. The weakest areas would be in the …

Advanced Placement European History Exam Potentiality, Russell W. Herman

Master of Education Program Theses

This research provides an additional predictive study with regard to AP exam scores. This study correlates the following criteria with AP European History exam scores: cumulative high school Grade Point Average (GPA); average grade (%) in European History; Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) Reading and Vocabulary scores; Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) Writing, Reading (Verbal) and Math scores; ACT Reading and English scores; average minutes per day studied; and average days per week studied. The research uses the student's AP score as the criterion variable and the variables listed above as the predictor variables. The need for …

Evaluating Thematic Units To Build Reformed Worldview, James M. Schuller

Master of Education Program Theses

This descriptive study researched the benefits of implementing thematic units as an effective curricular approach to aid in developing and opening the minds of students, parents, teachers, and administration to the possibilities of kingdom transformation and kingdom discipleship. More importantly, this paper focused on the creation of evaluation rubrics in aiding schools in fulfilling their mission statements.

The literature review examined three things: research on the benefits of using an integrated curriculum, background information on Reformed thinking on education, and information on the use of rubrics and school accountability concerning worldview development.

The results found that thematic units are a …

Home Education: Declaring His Power To The Next Generation, Sandra Anderson

Master of Education Program Theses

Home education researchers have studied many facets of home schooling in America. They have studied the academic progress, the social interactions, the college acceptance and the characteristics of adults who were home schooled. But in spite of the fact that many home educators consistently claim they home school because they want to pass on their faith, there are no major studies and few research questions that link the method to religious values acquisition. This action research report discusses the results of an online survey of 1693 home-educated adults and parents of home-educated adults who were asked questions about whether home …

Encouraging Reflective Thinking In The High School Classroom: Effective Use Of Questioning And Wait Time Strategies, Jolyn M. Van Es

Master of Education Program Theses

Effective questioning techniques and the use of effective wait time can create a learning environment where all students are encouraged to process information and feel comfortable sharing their opinion. The root of reflective thinking lies in asking good questions and knowing how to ask them and when to ask them. Good questions create classroom interaction which has been found to promote student achievement. However, in our fast-paced classrooms, teachers tend to dominate discussions and often answer their own questions. This is where the effective use of wait time can be so crucial in establishing an atmosphere of inquiry – not …

Integration Of Faith And Learning In Christian School Art Education, Ron D. Van Der Pol

Master of Education Program Theses

A Christian philosophy of art education begins with an understanding that God is sovereign and that his word is infallible truth. It is not always is the case that Christian school art educators have dedicated themselves to the integration of faith and learning in the art curriculum. In the art classroom the educator should promote scriptural truths, the work and importance of the Holy Spirit in the art process, and the exciting calling that God has for the Christian artist. By teaching these fundamentals to students, the classroom atmosphere will be more conducive to productive learning and response by students, …

Relationship Between Traditional Grammar Terminology And Metacognitive Application Of Grammar Concepts, Annalisa M. Buerke

Master of Education Program Theses

This literature review revisits the debate of whether grammar instruction can improve adherence to written English conventions. However, the paper focuses on the role of traditional definitions rather than on delivery methods. Two questions guide this paper: I. Do traditional terms and definitions hinder students' understanding of grammar concepts? 2. How can teachers define grammar terms in a clearer, more accurate manner? The paper uses prominent grammarians such as C. Weaver, R. Noguchi and M. Kolin and provides a history of methodology, noting researchers' observations of traditional terms and definitions. The paper concludes that secondary teachers can supplement traditional definitions …

Implications Of Differentiated Instruction On Student Attitudes, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

Master of Education Program Theses

This research examines the implications of a differentiated curriculum on four general factors of student attitudes: motivation, enjoyment of mathematics, value of mathematics, and self-confidence. It is quasi-experimental by design. The sample included the 73 students enrolled in the Algebra I course at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. During the third quarter of the school year, students with eligible grades were allowed to contract out of portions of the regular assignment. Attitudes were measured before and after the quarter using the Attitudes Towards Mathematics Inventory (Tapia, 1996). A t-test was used to compare student attitudes. There were significant …

Is Classical Christian Education Compatible With A Reformed Christian Perspective On Education?, Peter L. Ton

Master of Education Program Theses

Is the growing classical Christian education movement, based on Dorothy Sayers’ trivium methodology, compatible to a Reformed Christian perspective on education? The classical Christian position claims that children progress through three stages of development and that the three components of the trivium complement these natural learning stages. The first stage involves memorizing facts through chants, stories and songs. In the second stage students learn how to argue and analyze by means of formal training in logic. The third stage focuses on learning to express knowledge persuasively and elegantly. When compared to the Reformed understanding of covenant children as well as …

Study Of The Effects Of A Buddy Reading Program On The Reading Achievement And Attitudes Of Kindergarten And Grade Seven Students At Abbotsford Christian School, Heritage Campus, Susan M. Dykshoorn

Master of Education Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Buddy Reading Program on reading levels and attitudes towards reading. A Buddy Reading Program is a type of peertutoring strategy that can be used across various grade levels spanning from kindergarten through grade 12. As defined in this project, a Buddy Reading Program pairs older students with younger students in a language arts setting. The older students prepare a short reading lesson and tutor the younger students in hopes of improving reading success.

This study took place using a control group of one kindergarten class of 18 students …

Using Teacher Instructional Time More Efficiently Through The Use Of Madminute Software: A Tool For Teaching Elementary Children Basic Mathematics Facts, Jeremy Tinsley

Master of Education Program Theses

Time constraints often force elementary mathematics teachers to teach only from the textbook and sacrifice conceptual, hands-on approaches to mathematics instruction. This study explores the potential time-saving benefits of using MadMinute computer software to teach elementary students basic mathematics facts. Data was collected by administering pretests and posttests to participating students, and through time logs kept by participating teachers. Results showed that teachers who used MadMinute software saved a mean of 20.4 minutes of instructional time per day, compared to teachers who used traditional methods of mathematics facts instruction. Students receiving traditional methods of instruction had higher levels of growth, …

What Do People Believe To Be The Essential Elements In A Christ-Centered Curriculum?, Adam James Sterenberg

Master of Education Program Theses

In present times, Christian schools struggle to maintain a distinctive alternative to public education. Recently, many veterans of Christian education have been pointing the way to a more Christ-centered education- one that calls for explicitly Christian ways of teaching and learning. As a result, there has been great deal of rhetoric as to how people should/would define a truly Christ-Centered curriculum (CCC). Yet, many reputable Christian educators would argue that they already have a CCC while others would say that the curriculum is merely a public school curriculum with a Christian "coating". In order to bring some resolve to the …

Secondary School Choral Curriculum Based On The Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance Project, David P. Van Brugge

Master of Education Program Theses

This thesis is a two-part paper dealing with the concept of comprehensive musicianship for an elective high school choral course in a small Christian school. Part I surveys relevant literature, considers the background of comprehensive musicianship and research related to it, and defines the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship Project (WCMP). Part II applies the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance model by outlining a curriculum for a choral music course in a small Christian secondary school.

Is It Simply A New Language Or Is It A Learning Problem?, Lynda M. Warner

Master of Education Program Theses

English Language Learners (ELLs) have been over-identified for placement into special education classes for more than 20 years. Causes include a lack of precisely defined constructs for disabilities, funding methods used by states, failure to follow federal legislation, weak prereferral systems to special education in schools, a huge influx of non-English speaking students to the classroom, and a lack of training amongst teachers. Correctly identifying ELLs who also need special education is difficult, but teachers can safeguard against improper identification by taking into account the social, educational, cultural, and language aspects of students' special circumstances, i.e., the needs of the …

Conduct Disorder: Is It Treatable?, Renata Smith

Master of Education Program Theses

Behavior problems are a growing problem in classrooms around the United States. One of the most common types of behavior disorders is Conduct Disorder. Is this a treatable disorder? Many treatment options are available. Only three will be discussed in this paper: Service Learning, Behavior Modification and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Service Learning, Behavior Modification, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy have been shown to be effective in treating conduct disorders in residential settings but there are no follow-up studies to determine whether these treatments had long-term effects on the behavior once the students left the facility.

Attitudes Towards Educational Innovations In Christian High Schools In Northwest Iowa And Southeast South Dakota, Kimberly A. Hengeveld

Master of Education Program Theses

This study examines the attitudes of Christian high school educators in Northwest Iowa and Southwest South Dakota toward educational innovation and change in secondary education. Faculty and administration rated ten innovations or practices for their value to Christian school secondary systems, their perceptions about which factors and individuals are influential in the decision-making process about affecting change in the secondary school system, and their personal response to change in the classroom. The results indicate that these educators believe that change is important, but they are less supportive of change that might disrupt the way that schools are currently organized. Respondents …

Effectiveness Of Online Education In A High School Honors American Government Classroom, Lisa Yantes

Master of Education Program Theses

The internet is a tool that many students use to do research in the classroom. Students are asked to use the internet for a variety of activities ranging from general searches for information to completing a course online. The effectiveness of online courses is of interest to many educators who want to know if this method is worth pursuing. Teachers are also interested in understanding student attitudes toward online education. This study examined the effectiveness of online learning as a teaching method in an Honors American Government class that was taught using Blackboard as the delivery system. The participants in …

Assessment In Early Childhood Education, Gwen R. Marra

Master of Education Program Theses

This study investigated assessment in early childhood education. The action research investigated the effect of familiarity of a test setting on screening scores of pre-kindergarten children. Thirty-two children participated in a pre-kindergarten screening at a local school that they did not attend as students. These same children participated in the same screening at the preschool that they regularly attend. After analyzing and comparing the test scores it was determined that there was a significant difference in the scores of students depending on their familiarity with the test setting.

Providing Meaningful Alternatives To Senior Examinations, Mary Dirksen

Master of Education Program Theses

Christian educators have a unique calling to equip their students to become active disciples of Jesus Christ. In 2001, the staff of Unity Christian High School was challenged to examine its teaching practices in this light. After a review of the current literature, two goals were adopted: (1) to provide greater opportunities for students to “unwrap their gifts” and (2) to broaden the use of authentic assessment. The staff began by amending the graduation requirements of the 2002 graduating class. Second semester exams were no longer to be administered to the seniors, and students were required to make contributions to …

Assessing A Media Discernment Course For Freshmen At Illiana Christian High School: A Case Study, William Boerman-Cornell

Master of Education Program Theses

This case study examines the effectiveness of a team-taught mass-media freshman level course on discernment of media messages, and decision-making. By means of pre- and post- course surveys of students and faculty, this study examines students' decisions about consuming mass media and how after taking the course, their media selection process became more complex, deliberate, and organized. It also examines faculty response to the course in terms of how it appears to affect the students and how it affects faculty teaching and learning.

Middle School Reading: From Reluctant To Strategic Reader, Amy S. Groetsema

Master of Education Program Theses

Research shows that student attitudes towards school reading declines dramatically as students reach upper elementary grades (Mckenna, 1995), yet as these students reach middle school and high school they will be faced with increasing demands to be critical readers. Reluctant middle school readers must have reading experiences that are successful in order to change their attitudes towards reading. Reading teachers must equip their middle level students to be strategic readers in order to be prepared for the critical reading and thinking demands of middle school and high school. This means that reading instruction must be organized in a way that …

Classwide Peer Tutoring With Or Without Competitive Reinforcement: Impact On Academic Growth And Intrinsic Interest, Dale R. De Weerd

Master of Education Program Theses

This study examined the effects of Classwide Peer Tutoring on students' academic gains and intrinsic interest in two fourth-grade math classes under two conditions-c-with competitive reinforcement (CWPT + CR) and without competitive reinforcement (CWPT - CR). Extending spelling CWPT research of C. C. Cheung and S. Winter (1999), this study utilized an adapted multiplication pretest and posttest and the Attitude Toward Mathematics Scale, developed by Peterson (1978). Study results showed a lack of statistical significance regarding group differences at posttest. However, due to traditional CWPT's impact on classroom atmosphere, peer perception, and learning focus, the investigator recommends eliminating competitive reinforcement …

Analysis Of Four Current Educational Philosophies And Their Impact On Science Education: Towards A Reformed Christian Philosophy Of Science Education, Kimberly J. Karhoff

Master of Education Program Theses

This thesis analyzes four current educational philosophies: perennialisrn, progressivism, existentialism, and constructivism. Particular attention is paid to their impact on science education. Each philosophy is examined for its philosophical roots, educational theory, science education goals, science education methodology, and science curriculum. It is then critiqued in light of a Reformed Christian perspective. In the discussion, I propose a Reformed philosophy of science education.