Education Commons^™

Pleasure Reading Workshop: Meeting Sel Competencies Based On Sustained (And Maybe Not So Silent) Reading, Lora Sink

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the benefits pleasure reading had on students' understanding of social emotional learning and the Teacher Librarian’s (TL) foundational role for providing an environment for pleasure reading that fostered social emotional learning (SEL) at the middle school level. The participants included one language arts class of 14 seventh graders at a private K-8 school located in the Midwest. Students were given ample class time to read, and their writing, discussions, and evaluations centered around social and emotional learning. Results in 6 themes showed that using pleasure reading as a base, teachers …

The Influence Of Book Club Conversations On Reluctant Or Struggling Readers, Jadee Jo Gloede

Graduate Research Papers

This qualitative case study reports the TL impact on reluctant readers’ sustained engagement in conversations about reading, and the impact the participation in the book club has on a student’s motivation to read. This study from a small, rural area in Northwest Iowa consisted of six fourth grade students and their teacher librarian who met in a book club over a four week time period during summer school. The students were taught different reading roles and utilized them throughout the discussion of the book. The researcher discovered five main themes in response to the research questions. Theme one is Diverse …

Examining The Impact A Teacher Librarian Has On Students' Self-Selection Strategies, Stefanie Throndson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the impact a Teacher Librarian has on students’ self-selection strategies and the broader impact on a culture of reading in a school building. Data was collected from 263 students in middle school (grades 5-8) resulting in 1322 reponses over eight weeks. Research Question 1 asked, What appeal strategies do students use when selecting an independent reading book? “You liked the author or it is in a series” was the number one book selection approach used with 21.6% of the responses indicating this approach when selecting a book. The least helpful book …

Elementary School Library Program Integration With Art, Literacy, And Steam Through Makerspaces, Kristi Baldwin

Graduate Research Papers

Note: This study refers to three co-researchers who each collected data in their respective schools and collaborated in reviewing that data, but each separately authored a paper using that data; the co-researchers are Sara Pflughaupt and Lisa Tegels.

The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to find out how makerspace use might influence an inquiry-based focus in student learning through the use of design thinking. The researchers were interested in how makerspaces support the National School Library Standards and local school district goals. This study investigated literacy, critical thinking, and inquiry-based processes that might justify having a makerspace …

Three Cases Of Makerspace Integration In School Library Programs In Conjunction With District Initiatives: Steam, Design Thinking, And Literacy, Lisa Tegels

Graduate Research Papers

Note: This study refers to three co-researchers who each collected data in their respective schools and collaborated in reviewing that data, but each separately authored a paper using that data; the co-researchers are Kris Baldwin and Sara Pflughaupt.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine whether makerspace or STEAM activities can support inquiry learning and meet specific American Association of School Library (AASL), Next Generation Science (NGSS) and Common Core Literacy (CCSS ELA) Standards. For purposes of this study, the three co-researchers were also focused on how this type of learning activity can support district initiatives in …

Teacher Perceptions Of Understaffed School Libraries, Amanda Bonjour

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to learn what classroom teachers perceive the effects of improper staffing of school libraries to be. It asks: What do classroom teachers perceive are the effects of improper staffing or the cutting of a school librarian? Through the qualitative analysis of survey responses, the study found that teachers perceived teacher librarians to have a positive impact on student achievement through collaboration and to be a valuable asset in providing resources for staff and students. Qualitatively, results from two school districts, one with and one without a certified librarian staffed in their middle …

Parent Perceptions Of Support From The School Library, Heather Garrett

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to analyze and describe parent perspectives and aspirations related to their child's information literacy, lifelong reading, and digital literacy skills and the role of the school library program to enhance these skills. Four parents of fourth or fifth grade students in a rural Iowa district were asked questions regarding their knowledge of the current library program and how the library curriculum could improve to better aid their children as they progress through school. Three research questions guided the interviews: I.What do parents already know about their children's skills in information literacy, lifelong reading, and …

The Use Of Mentor Texts To Teach Writing In Kindergarten, First And Second Grades, Mary Heeringa

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to research and analyze high quality fiction and nonfiction texts to be used as mentor texts to teach writing in kindergarten, first and second grades. The researcher created a checklist and a table to analyze 81 different texts and then selected 29 to be used as mentor texts to assist in teaching opinion/persuasive, narrative and informational writing. Annotated bibliographies for the 29 texts were written and include how the texts can be used to teach writing in a classroom and/or library setting.

An Annotated Bibliography Of Materials Recommended For Middle School Classrooms Regarding The Multiple Perspectives On The Causes Of The American Civil War, Emma Folland

Graduate Research Papers

The Civil War is a topic that is taught at the middle school level. However, teachers are not necessarily teaching from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. They are also not always looking at the causes of the Civil War beyond slavery. The purpose of this project was to create a selective annotated bibliography of recommended resources for middle school teachers to use when teaching about the causes of the Civil War from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. The researcher considered what resources were available for teaching middle school students about the different causes of the Civil War from …

Teacher Librarians & Literacy Coaches: Their Roles In Reading Support, Nicole N. Ruthaivilavan

Graduate Research Papers

According to AASL (2010), multiple research studies have confirmed that there is a correlation between school library programs staffed by certified school librarians and increased student achievement; yet, many schools are also beginning to employ literacy coaches to improve reading achievement. With the teacher librarian being a well-established part of the school system, and playing a vital role in supporting students’ reading achievement, a clear definition of roles is needed. The purpose of this case study was to analyze roles and responsibilities of teacher librarians and literacy coaches and to determine how schools can utilize one or both of these …

An Investigation Of Adolescent Boys' Dispositions Toward Leisure Reading, Julie Barnett

Graduate Research Papers

When children are very young, they seem to enjoy books. However, as they grow older, those positive feelings about books and reading begin to change for some students. Some studies agree that it is in middle school or adolescence that this change often occurs, and it most often occurs in boys. This study had two purposes: to investigate the factors that may influence adolescent boys' attitudes toward books and reading and their changes from elementary to middle school and to identify activities or events that evoke a positive response toward reading among adolescent boys.

This qualitative descriptive study gathered data …

The Collaborative Relationship Between Teacher Librarians And Public Librarians, Jennifer J. Keltner

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research study is to develop an understanding of the collaborative relationships between teacher librarians and public librarians in Cedar County, Iowa, a region that includes five public school districts, seven public town libraries, and one branch of a county library system. Additionally, this research explores the potential role of public librarians in working with students on school curriculum and/or homework assignments. In conducting research, a survey was given to a variety of participants who serve teens or young adults through either public schools or public libraries in the research study area. Participants included school librarians, public …

Influencing Incoming Fourth Graders' Reading Habits Through A Summer Literature Circle: A Case Study, Brandy E. Bingman

Graduate Research Papers

Digital communications are profoundly influencing young adult communications; yet little is known about how novels that use digital communications such as text messages, e-mails, or blogs as the voice and point of view. The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to analyze how select young adult novels portray digital communications themes using the following research questions: What digital communication themes are portrayed in young adult literature that use digital communication as the voice and point of view? In what ways are the digital communication themes developed in these young adult novels? In what ways might these themes inspire young …

101 Books For Youth That Feature Hunters & Hunting, Leann Seddon

Graduate Research Papers

Librarians, teachers and other adults concerned with motivating reading among youth hunters want to provide them with books that feature the sport; however many sources cite a concern at the lack of positive, or at least neutral, portrayal of hunting in books for youth. There was also a lack of any comprehensive bibliography that identified books that feature hunters and hunting, yet alone one that identified how they were portrayed in those books. The purpose of this project was to create an annotated bibliography which would fill that gap and support recommendations for reading and purchase. The annotated bibliography consists …

A Training Guide And Reference Handbook For Elementary School Library Secretaries In The Iowa City Community School District, Lisa Collier

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to create a document that can be used as both a training guide and reference handbook containing of the some basic philosophical and practical information needed for library secretaries in the Iowa City Community School District to perform their jobs as effectively and efficiently as possible. This training guide and reference handbook is presented in two parts. Part 1: Principles of Librarianship, and Part 2: Destiny Basics. Library policies and procedures that are supported by professional organizations and publications have integrity. The goal of Part 1: Principles of Librarianship is to provide ICCSD library …

Teacher Perceptions Of Graphic Novels, Katherine Block

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research study is to ascertain classroom teachers’ dispositions toward graphic novels as quality literature and the rationale for their beliefs and attitudes. Of particular interest in this study is how teacher dispositions toward graphic novels may differ across teacher age groups. In conducting research, a survey was given to a variety of classroom teachers. These participants are language arts teachers for grades three through eight and range in age from 20 to 60 years. The researcher recorded the frequencies and percentages of responses, looking for teachers’ perceptions of graphic novels, the origin of these perceptions, and …

Portrayal Of Agriculture In Children's Literature: Contemporary Stories In Picture Books, Traditional Tales, And Nonfiction, Kathryn S. Koller

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to analyze the representations of modern American farming in traditional tales in picture book format, storybooks with contemporary settings, and non-fiction literature to assess how accurately agriculture information is provided to children. This project will contribute to the knowledge base about how well children’s books are compensating for the lack of first-hand experience. The four hypothesizes studied were: 1. Ninety percent of storybooks with contemporary settings will depict a male in the role of farmer. 2. One hundred percent of traditional literature in picture book format will depict a farmer wearing bib overalls, straw …

A Selective Annotated Bibliography Of Materials Recommended For Junior High Classrooms Regarding Resistance During The Holocaust, Katharine Mulfinger

Graduate Research Papers

The Holocaust is a topic that is regularly taught in schools around the country, yet teachers are not necessarily instructed about what to teach regarding this time in history. The purpose of this project was to create a selective annotated bibliography of recommended resources for junior high school teachers to use when teaching about resistance during the Holocaust. The researcher questioned the appropriate role of historical fiction among teaching resources for a junior high school unit about resistance during the Holocaust, and she considered what resources were available for teaching junior high school students about resistance during the Holocaust. The …

Scheduled Library Visits And Reading Achievement, David Stanfield

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to measure the correlation between the number of materials checked out from the school library and students’ achievement on two reading assessments. Students in a setting with a flexible library schedule had a fixed visit scheduled with their literature classes so that all students could regularly visit the library. A quantitative bibliometric method was used to analyze the number of books checked out by students and how often their classes visited and compare the data with their achievement on two reading assessments. Results showed students that checked out more material did not have significantly …

The Influence Of Digital Communication On Young Adult Contemporary Fiction, Melissa J. Dagel

Graduate Research Papers

Digital communications are profoundly influencing young adult communications; yet little is known about how novels that use digital communications such as text messages, e-mails, or blogs as the voice and point of view. The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to analyze how select young adult novels portray digital communications themes using the following research questions: What digital communication themes are portrayed in young adult literature that use digital communication as the voice and point of view? In what ways are the digital communication themes developed in these young adult novels? In what ways might these themes inspire young …

Multicultural Picture Books: Windows And Mirrors, Dawn M. Goodale

Graduate Research Papers

Multicultural children’s picture books offer readers views into far away places that can be similar or very different from that of the reader. These picture books can be used to enhance the Social Studies curriculum by offering students new perspectives on other cultures. The researcher employed the five dimensions of global perspectives developed by Robert G. Hanvey (1976) and criteria from the Iowa Core Curriculum Social Studies Standards (grades 3-5), to determine the titles that best exemplified the criteria. Review of related literature included the topics of multicultural education, multicultural literature and reader-text-relationships. The project consists of an annotated bibliography …

Parental Perspective On Technology Integration In Pk-2 In A Rural Community School, Stephanie L. Callan

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated parental perspectives of PK-2 classroom technology integration and parental familiarity with 21st Century Skills and their importance in their children's education and future success in a global economy. Through this descriptive study the researcher used mixed-methods of a survey and semi-structured interview to gather information from parents in a small, rural school in southeastern Iowa. The research found that parents of this age group do place value on technology integration as it relates to both their children's academic and future success. Most parents of this age group working outside of an educational setting were unaware of what …

Teens Read Book Trailers, Jill Besler

Graduate Research Papers

The Teens Read website was developed as a tool for middle and high school students to use when making book selections. The website features award books from YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, YALSA Teen’s Top Ten, Iowa Teen Award, and Iowa High School book lists. Book trailers are embedded on each page to promote the books as well as an embedded preview for students to get a sneak-peak of the book before selection.

School Library Circulation Records: What Do They Reveal About Boys' Reading Preferences?, Chelsea Sims

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine what if any patterns emerge in the library checkout habits of elementary school age boys in consecutive grades and to compare them to common assumptions of which books boys prefer to read. A quantitative bibliometric method was used to analyze and count the circulation records of forty-four students over a three year period. The circulations to the boys in the study were compared to the circulations to the girls. Records revealed that on average, boys in third grade borrowed more books than the girls in the study, but girls selected more books …

Are Students Ready For Post-Secondary Research?, Paula Winward

Graduate Research Papers

According to faculty interviews, entering college freshmen frequently did not exhibit consistent knowledge of information literacy skills needed to be successful. Schools have increasingly used models of team teaching between librarians and professors to ensure students have information literacy skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the expectations and deficiencies in information literacy skills of entering college freshmen. The researcher questioned professors about (1) what skills they expected college freshmen to have, (2) students dispositions and responsibilities, (3) research inadequacies of students, and (4) the effect they felt using embedded librarians would have in other college departments. The …

Connecting Children's Quilt Literature With The Iowa Core Curriculum Social Studies Standards, Suzanne D. Burris

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to identify themes found in children's quilt picture books that could connect to the Iowa Core Curriculum Social Studies Standards. Elementary teachers could utilize the quilt picture books to teach the elementary social studies curriculum. This researcher analyzed 15 quilt picture books with a copyright of 1994 and newer that were in the Wilson Children's Core Collection. The themes that emerged from the content analysis of children's quilt picture books were generosity, slavery, multicultural, generational, and westward expansion. This researcher found that the books could be used to teach essential skills in …

Life Of Chaos, Life Of Hope: Dystopian Literature For Young Adults, Lisa Newgard

Graduate Research Papers

As dystopian literature grows in popularity, teacher librarians many not fully understand the themes found within this new subgenre. The purpose of this research was to describe the themes in positively reviewed dystopian literature for young adults. Themes found during the research included: resilience of the protagonist, survival, government control, social conformity, and love between the protagonist and another young adult. Novels from 2001-2010 were analyzed for themes and lessons for young adults. Thirteen positively reviewed novels were chosen, read, and coded by the researcher. After the first reading of the novels, one novel was eliminated, leaving 12 novels to …

Accelerated Reader And Sustained Silent Reading's Impact On Students' Motivation To Read, Amy Benedict

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if students' motivation to read is influenced by the use of Accelerated Reader or SSR in their school. Fourth grade students had been selecting books to read based on Accelerated Reader levels. After reading each book the students took a quiz. SSR was implemented for two weeks to determine if students' attitudes towards reading would improve.

A mixed-methods approach was used in this research design. Quantitative data were collected through the MRP survey, administered both before the introduction of SSR and after implementing SSR. Qualitative data were collected through an individual conversational …

Supervision In The School Library Program: Administrator Expectations Of Paraprofessionals And Traveling Teacher Librarians, Dixie Forcht

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this grounded theory research was to develop an understanding of administrators' expectations of the responsibilities, roles, and tasks of paraprofessionals and teacher librarians in Iowa schools where the teacher librarian travels between three or more buildings while paraprofessionals serve in the day-to-day operations of the school library. The findings from this research indicated that individuals involved in the upper echelons of administration and support for public schools possessed knowledge about and expectations for the role of school library programs, teacher librarians, and library paraprofessionals in Iowa schools. Because invited school-level administrators were unwilling to participate in this …

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 …