Education Commons^™

Cloning In Young Adult Fiction, Jennifer L. Kehoe

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to discover the issues raised about human cloning in young adult fiction. This study determined the themes found in the young adult fiction selected and if those themes reflected issues about human cloning. The questions asked in the study were: 1. Does young adult fiction confront the complexity of ethical issues about human cloning? 2. Do the plots and characters in young adult fiction about cloning provide substance to provoke reader response to the ethical controversies that surround cloning? A thematic analysis was conducted. The researcher read each book and recorded themes that were …

Fifth Grade Student Learning And Interest In The American Revolution Through Reading Graphic Novels Compared To Reading Biography Or Other Nonfiction Books, Kari Bosma

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine student recall of facts, along with enjoyment of reading and interest in the topic when using graphic novels as compared to illustrated nonfiction prose in social studies content area reading. Twenty-two fifth grade students (13 f, 9 m) in a public school in a Midwestern state participated in the study. Half of the students read about the Boston Massacre and Patrick Henry through graphic novels and read about Paul Revere and the Boston Tea Party with illustrated nonfiction texts, with the other half doing the opposite. The mean number of correct ideas …

Designing A Library Program To Increase The Number Of Fourth Grade Reading Goals, Jodonna Carlson

Graduate Research Papers

The problem identified by this research was at School C, 37% of the fourth grade students were not meeting their reading goal. The library at School C may not have been designed to meet the needs of these students. Action research using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data was used in this study. Parental permission was given for four fourth grade students to participate in this study. Two fourth grade teachers also agreed to participate in this study. Field notes were used to gather data during observations of book checkout for each class. Open-ended questions were asked each …

Sheldon Community History Traveling Trunk Project, Jan M. Kinderknecht

Graduate Research Papers

National, state, and local standards guide education in what is taught in the classrooms today. A lack of resources is often a problem in teaching these standards, especially at the local level. The Sheldon third grade teachers needed resources to fulfill the teaching expectations about their local community. The purpose of this project was to develop a traveling trunk filled with primary and secondary resources to be used in the teaching of a social studies unit on the community of Sheldon. Deciding what people, places, and events to include in these resources is often a concern. Another concern was what …

Self-Censorship In Iowa Elementary Libraries, Lacey Fliger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether or not Iowa elementary school children had access to fiction and non-fiction titles containing potentially controversial topics. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Iowa elementary schools with professionally certified school librarians hold a greater number of recommended books from ALA Notable Children's Books list from 2002-2009 in which reviews do not indicate potentially controversial topics as compared with those ALA Notable Children's Books from the same years in which reviews indicate potentially controversial topics. The methodology used for this study was quantitative research. The researcher randomly chose 45 …

Princesses Persevere: Seeking Representations Of Gender Equity In Modern Fairy Tales, Erin Becker Mcconnell

Graduate Research Papers

Children today are expected to work seamlessly in a group dynamic in efforts toward a common goal. Children's literature in the 21st century may not reflect this characteristic, especially in regards to equality of gendered characters. This research examined the presence of equity among characters in the 21st century children's fairy tales, exhibited by collaboration in both mixed and same-gendered relationships. The researcher approached the literature in a qualitative manner, coding the text using a constant comparative method, while also describing the nuances of character relationships in regards to collaboration. Findings revealed that while gender equity was exhibited through examples …

How Teacher-Librarians Can Effectively Support Technology Integration In 21st Century Schools, Holly L. Karlen

Graduate Research Papers

Schools and the role of the teacher-librarian are rapidly changing as we begin the twenty-first century. This review examines the historical and current role of teacher-librarians, concepts of information literacy and technology integration, and how teacher-librarians can integrate these skills in twenty-first century schools. New technologies and how teacher-librarians can gain support for their new role are also examined.

Through an extensive literature review and synthesis of information, a series of five research questions are evaluated. This review shows that the teacher-librarian's role has changed dramatically in the last twenty-five years. By emphasizing information literacy and technology integration into both …

An Herbal Abc Book: A Contribution To Information Available To Children And Adults, Linda Jo Kirkland

Graduate Research Papers

From Neanderthal to New Age times, plant medicine has been shown to be used by people seeking relief from ailments. There is a lack of information available for children to learn about the simple herbal remedies used by their ancestors even though herbal remedies are commonly used in this country. These plant remedies are both culturally and medically significant. People use herbal medicine to a great extent without consulting medical professionals. Therefore, a research based herbal ABC book would be a significant addition to children’s literature in this country, both as information for children and adults, and as a conversation …

School Librarians Are Teachers Too!: University Of Northern Iowa Teacher Education Majors And Their Perceptions Of The Role Of The School Librarian, Colleen Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

The problem identified by this research is students in the University of Northern Iowa’s teacher education preparatory programs may not understand the role of the school librarian as a teacher and instructional partner. This research was a quantitative investigation into the perceptions of undergraduate students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program at the University of Northern Iowa regarding the role of the school librarian.

A Textual Analysis Of The Role Of Women In Historical Fiction For Young People, Jennifer Youngblut Gassman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this textual analysis of the role of women in historical fiction written for young people was to identify whether the portrayal of women in contemporary historical fiction varies from pre-Feminist era historical fiction. This researcher’s goal was to seek examples and compare the portrayal of women in novels written before and after 1970. Twenty-four novels were selected from historical novel bibliographies. Twelve novels written before 1970 and twelve written after 1970 were read and any identified patterns were included in the sorting process. Research questions seeking resolution were: how were women portrayed in historical fiction written for …

The Availability Of Young Adult Fiction Containing Overt Gay And Lesbian Characters In Secondary Schools In Northeast Iowa Area Education Agency 1, Misty Dawn Gray

Graduate Research Papers

This study ascertained whether or not young adults had access to fiction titles containing gay and / or lesbian characters in school libraries in one geographic area within Iowa. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of fiction titles containing overt gay and lesbian characters in secondary public schools in Area Education Agency 1 in Northeast Iowa. The methodology used for this study was quantitative content analysis. The researcher visited 45 secondary public schools in the 24 school districts in AEA 1 in Northeast Iowa in order to gain access to school library catalogs and determine which …

Harry Potter: A Comparison Of The Characters, Themes, Setting And Plot With The Arthurian Legend, Diane L. Engbretson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict if Harry Potter is a re-creation of King Arthur and if the ending of the Potter stories will mirror that of King Arthur. This research focused on one series of King Arthur books written by Howard Pyle and the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. A content analysis chart was created and implemented to compare the two series of books. A content analysis chart was completed, first of the King Arthur series and then of the Harry Potter series. This archetypal chart was used to map the characters, themes, …

Measuring The Success Of Classworks Computer Instruction, Susan J. Boatwright

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to test the effectiveness of the computer program, ClassWorks Gold (CW) in improving student reading and writing scores. ClassWorks Gold is a computer program that merges parts of 150 commercially available language arts program with a built-in assessment and internal e-mail system.

Garfield Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received a grant from the Iowa Department of Education for the purchase and implementation of CW as a supplement to regular language arts classroom instruction. The grant required action research for an assessment. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of CW with two third grade …

Developing State Guidelines For School Library Media Programs In Iowa: Plans For Progress Into The 21st Century, Becky Stover Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This research project, designed for Iowa school library media specialists, principals, and state education and legislative decision-makers, provides quantitative guidelines for library media program budgets, collections, staffing and facilities in Iowa schools. Research repeatedly has shown a link between these elements of a quality school library program and higher student achievement scores. Historically, standards and guidelines have been used to improve school library media programs. Modeled after previous guidelines developed in Iowa, this project is entitled Plans for Progress into the 21st Century. The literature review of this research project also offers an extensive look at the impact of school …

Plans For Progress Into The 21st Century: A Guide To Planning For School Library Media Programs, Becky Stover Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance to school administrators, school boards, general faculty and library media staff in developing and maintaining strong library media programs in the state of Iowa.

Examining How Presentation Technology Affects Communication Of Student Ideas, Barbara Besch

Graduate Research Papers

This research examines the impact of presentation technology and the effect it has on the way students communicate their ideas. Students have traditionally stood at the front of the room and talked about their research and findings. Technology offers new means in presenting student research. The class that will be participating in this study will have access to presentation software and the tools to use it effectively to create dynamic presentations. Before the process begins, students will be asked to evaluate their attitudes and feelings on presenting the results of research. They will then evaluate the overall quality of their …

Read Aloud Practices In One Iowa Middle School, Linda K. Balog

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not teachers at Prairie Middle School in the College Community, Iowa School District were reading aloud to their students. Secondly, the research set out to determine whether those teachers surveyed knew the impact that reading aloud has on the development of vocabulary, language, and comprehension. Finally, the purpose of the research was to determine whether those teachers were choosing to read materials that would provide opportunity for. growth in vocabulary, language, and comprehension. The middle school teachers in this district were surveyed to determine what current read aloud practices are. …

The Effects Of An Individualized Reading Program On Recreational Reading, Kim Aneweer

Graduate Research Papers

We are creating a nation of alliterates. The vast majority of our population can read and write, but choose not to. The researcher intended to investigate this problem by creating an individualized reading program for a group of fifth grade students. The reading program was designed according to the students· reading levels and interests. The researcher monitored the amount of time the students spent reading for pleasure. The study consisted of three phases. During the first phase, the students chose their reading materials. A computer program assisted the students in choosing their books in phase two of the study. The …

Is Library Automation Feasible For All Elementary Schools?, Tiffany Bayless

Graduate Research Papers

Library automation has been adopted by many library media centers, but is it appropriate for all libraries? The justification for automation of four library media centers will be based on the literature reviewed, current operations of these centers, and personal experiences and observations in working with these library media centers. There have been many concerns about whether library automation is feasible for these library media centers, and that is the reason for the focus of this study. Library automation should not be something that is implemented just because "everyone else is doing it".

The Effectiveness Of Discis Books When Used To Improve Reading Scores Of Kinesthetic, Below Grade-Level Learners, Michelle Bentler

Graduate Research Papers

A reading comprehension study using Discis Books and below grade level sixth grade readers at Harmony Middle School, Farmington, Iowa, testing positive as kinesthetic learners, was carried out in a nine week time period. The study's participants completed a learning styles inventory and a comprehension reading inventory. Students were then randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The control group participated in classroom instruction and independent silent reading. The experimental group participated in classroom instruction and computer­ assisted instruction. A post comprehension inventory was administered.

Data were collected to determine if kinesthetic learners improved reading comprehension through the use of …

Picture Storybooks For Speech Communications Curriculum And Extracurricular Activities: An Annotated Bibliography, Del Brink

Graduate Research Papers

High school speech instructors frequently use picture storybooks in their curriculum. Picture storybooks differ from illustrated storybooks and picture books because they are the only type of the three that includes a balanced union between text and illustrations. An observation made at a high school speech contest in Iowa was the impetus for the formation of a bibliography of picture storybooks suitable for speech contest work. The researcher located, read, annotated, and categorized books reviewed in The Horn Book Magazine between 1989 and 1992. Of the 497 books read, 363 formed a bibliography of picture storybooks divided among these categories: …

Oral History: A Curriculum Guide, Nancy Lee Geiken

Graduate Research Papers

The subject of this paper ls the development and design of a curriculum guide which facilitates teaching students how to complete an oral history of another person. The purpose of the research was to design an Oral History Unit for the Composition II course at Washington High School in Vinton, Iowa. Extensive research was done to determine that no curriculum guide existed which would meet the needs of the course and students.

Data were collected on a •typical• class at Washington High School. The school philosophy and objectives were studied, along with the course objectives. Based on research of the …

The Effects Of Storytelling Experiences On Vocabulary Skills Of Second Grade Students, Gail E. Froyen

Graduate Research Papers

Subjects were 40 second grade students from Lowell School, Waterloo, IA. The students met for 14 weekly forty minute sessions where they heard folktales, learned folktales to tell, and told or listened to each other tell folktales. All second grade students were tested with the ITBS Primary Battery in October 1986 (pre-test) and the subjects took the post-test in April, 1987.

The null hypothesis stated there would be no significant difference in standard scores at p<.05 using as pre-and post-tests ITBS Primary Test V-Vocabulary when compared using NCE's to the national norms of that test. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference at the p<.005 level. Therefore, the hypothesis was rejected

The Fiction Reading Interests Of Academically Gifted Seventh-, Eighth-, And Ninth-Grad Students At Holmes Junior High School, Donna Bush

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to discover the following concerning gifted seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students: preferred categories of fiction, factors which influence fiction reading choices, and the amount of time devoted to reading. The professional literature reviewed helped in making predictions for the outcome of this study and in developing fiction categories used in the survey instrument. A questionnaire was distributed to all gifted students and a representative number of students at each grade level not in the program for the gifted at Holmes Junior High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The questionnaire was divided into the following …

Instructional Role Of The Media Specialist, Patricia S. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

A study was made to investigate the number of elementary school media specialists part1e1pat1n.g 1n the instructional program. Additional problems of the study were to further investigate what instructional tasks were performed and what values were assigned to the instructional tasks in a total media program.

A survey instrument was distributed to one hundred fifteen Iowa elementary school media specialists in April, 1975. The instrument was used to assess the following, (1) if the recipient was an elementary media specialist employed full time in one attendance center; (2) if the recipient participated with the teaching staff in planning, designing, implementing, …

Comic Book Reading Interests Of Primary Iv And Intermediate Iii Grade Students In Ames, Iowa Schools, Beverly Ann Baum

Graduate Research Papers

This research examines the reading interest in comic books of a Primary IV (term used in Ames, Iowa for Third Grade) and Intermediate III ( term used in Ames, Iowa for Sixth Grade) students. The study considered whether the sex, grade level, as well as reading ability of the students influenced the quantity and types of comics being read.

In the study three main hypotheses were tested. These hypotheses are listed as follows: 1) During a one week period, male students in the Primary IV and Intermediate III grades will read 25% more comic books than female students, 2) Students …

Lecture Versus Discussion In The Study Of Sophomore Library Skills, Sandri F. Gehrke

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine which method of instruction--the lecture or the small group discussion--would achieve the best learning results as far as knowledge of certain unfamiliar materials was concerned.

Specifically, the author of this research study tried to answer this questions When an instructor is teaching "selected" reference books to average-ability sophomores in an English 10 library skills unit at Fort Dodge Senior High School, Fort Dodge, Iowa, which method of instruction--the lecture or the small group discussion--will achieve the best learning results as measured by an author- constructed post-test?

In this research study the author …

Utilization Of Educational Television In Iowa's Elementary Schools, Jane Barker

Graduate Research Papers

In today;'s fast-paced world where messages conveyed through many forms of media, television as a form of entertainment has enjoyed much popularity. It has grown in recent years as a method of instruction in the school. The success of "Sesame Street" has powerfully demonstrated the potential of instruction through entertainment.

Television can be used effectively for learning, especially if used regularly. Kelly (1964) has shown that when television is used regularly as a source of instruction in the form of lectures and demonstrations, students do as well and sometimes significantly better on tests than when it is not used regularly. …

A Survey Of The Utilization Of The Video Tape Recorder In Iowa Secondary Schools, Thomas W. Bingaman

Graduate Research Papers

As education in the United States continues to grow in importance, a number of factors that influence the learning process become increasingly significant. The use of educational media in the schools is one of the problems facing teachers and administrators. Technology in the media field has a marked tendency to move ahead much faster that the ability of educators to put these new tools to use. One such example of this dilemma is the video tape recorder.

As more and more Iowa school districts purchase video tape equipment, the question of utilization of this apparatus becomes important. It is necessary …

Federally Funded Educational Programs: Their Purpose And Implications For Media Specialists, Dorothy Jean Button

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this discussion is to indicate the importance to media specialists of federally funded educational programs in the United States. The intended purposes of the Congressional acts will be summarized, noting areas of particular interest to media personnel. Some consideration will be given to what has been or is being done under these directives.