Education Commons^™

Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Freshman Chemistry Laboratories, Elizabeth Ann Maschewske

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the implementation of inquiry-based chemistry curriculum devised by the College University Resource Institute (CURI) into the freshman chemistry labs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with the aim of retaining and enthusing chemistry students in general and women and minorities in particular. Pertinent educational research is reviewed and practical strategies are recommended for the process of curriculum implementation. A pilot laboratory section is taught incorporating as many of the recommendations as possible. Pilot labs study the process of implementation and look at student perceptions and academic achievement. An action plan is developed …

A Comparison Of Kentwood Public Schools' Algebra Standards And The Ucsmp Algebra Objectives, Carol A. Farrer

Masters Theses

This paper compares the Standards written by Kentwood Public Schools in Kentwood, Michigan for its algebra course and the objectives of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Algebra textbook. The paper includes an examination of national recommendations and publications which influenced the authors of the UCSMP text and the national and state publications which influenced Kentwood's Mathematics Curriculum Committee. Lessons are provided for Kentwood's algebra teachers for the few instances where the objectives of the textbook do not meet the district's standards.

Mathematics Placement At A Community College, Bonnie E. Morris

Masters Theses

There are few recently documented effectiveness studies of locally designed math placement tests, while there are many that utilize a professionally designed test. All tests that are used in placement whether professionally designed or created by faculty need to conform to the same standards.; This research assimilates the current best knowledge of the qualities required of a math placement test. It delineates the procedures required in the creation and evaluation of a valid and reliable mathematics placement test by addressing a variety of issues. These include calculating difficulty and discrimination indexes, validating and setting cut scores, and evaluating test validity …

The Local Use Of Igap Science Test Scores In High School Program Evaluation, Garry Krutsinger

Masters Theses

This study examined the use of various objective test data, including IGAP Science test scores, by school personnel in the process of local science program evaluation. Three hundred and twenty-four public Illinois High Schools, all Illinois high schools with enrollments of 500 or less, were surveyed. Principals were asked to identify objective test score data used in local science program evaluation, to characterize the nature of the local evaluation process, and to identify local personnel involved in the evaluation process. All respondents identified sources of objective test score data used in local science program evaluation. The IGAP Science test score …

Behavioral Contracting: The Effects Of Metacontingency Contracting On Math Performance Of At-Risk Students, Vernard V. J. Jones

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of behavioral contracting in providing parents with a means of assisting their child with homework from school. Following the baseline condition, the subjects were introduced to the intervention [behavioral contracting including parent(s)] one at a time to provide a concurrent check between baseline and treatment conditions.

Six students from the Kentwood Public School District served as participants in the study. All participants were between eleven and thirteen years of age. Each participant was identified by the teacher as "at-risk" based on their sustained academic performance.

Four out of six participants …

Educational Service Center #17'S Fy92 Scientific Literacy Program, Marilyn Holt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Illinois Educational Service Center #17's Scientific Literacy Program for FY92. Objectives utilized to address this problem were:

1. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching physics concepts to students in grades K-8.

2. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching mathematic concepts to students in grades K-6.

3. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching science process concepts to students in grades …

Using American Sign Language With A Direct Instruction Mathematics Program To Affect The Mathematics Achievement Of Deaf Students, Annette J. Bass

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of supplemental instruction using a scripted direct instruction program, Connecting Math Concepts (Englemann & Carnine, 1992), with four lower elementary deaf students was compared to the effectiveness of supplemental instruction in their traditional math curriculum, Mathematics Today (Abbott, 1985). A two-phase multiple baseline design across students was used. During the first phase, the students' achievement on curricula-based math probes was assessed while using the Mathematics Today as a supplement. During the second phase, the students' achievement was assessed while using Connecting Math Concepts as a supplement. The teacher presentation scripts in this program were translated into American Sign …

A Comparison Of The Hutchings’ Low-Stress, Factor Analysis, Hand-Held Calculator, And Conventional Addition Algorithms For Speed, Accuracy, And Preference With Regular Education Students, John C. Hampel

Masters Theses

Three repeated measures experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency with which medium and low math-achieving, fourth- and fifth-grade students computed two sizes of addition problems using each of four different algorithms. The experimenter selected the conventional algorithm and the hand-held calculator because they are currently in popular use. The experimenter selected the Hutchings' low-stress and factor analysis algorithms because of their demonstrated performance enhancing characteristics and unique design features. The three written algorithms represented a design continuum that facilitated a powerful deductive analysis.

In all conditions the Hutchings' low-stress algorithm produced incrementally superior performance consistent with its unique features. …

The Meyersville School's Utilization Of Windows On Science, Art D. Anthony

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine if the students and teachers of Meyersville School, Meyersville, Texas, liked the Windows on Science^® program better than learning and teaching science using the traditional book. All students, grades three through six, and teachers, grades one through six, were surveyed regarding their opinion of Windows on Science^®.

This field experience indicated the students and teachers liked the Windows on Science^® program better than using standard science textbooks. The male students had a higher mean score than the female students or teachers. The teachers felt they needed more experiments to help …

Learning Mathematics As A Language, Kathryn Shafer

Masters Theses

This paper explores the relationship between language and mathematics. It is a summary of research done over the last thirty years. Also included are personal observations which are not part of any controlled study. Since language is the vehicle for thought, mathematics educators and curriculum planners will benefit from a linguistic approach to mathematics education. Symbolic mathematics is similar to natural language in both its structure and its communicative nature. If the students are to internalize the notation, they must be the ones to give it meaning. A linguistic approach to mathematics education includes language development, verbalization of concepts, vocabulary …

Male/Female Aspirations To Science Oriented Careers In Grades 2 - 6 In Rural East Central Illinois, Anneliese Payne

Masters Theses

President Bush recently outlined six national goals for education to be accomplished by the year 2000. One of these goals is that American students must rank first in the world in achievement in science and mathematics. How are these goals to be realized? What are the attitudes of students toward science and mathematics? Is there a critical time for intervention? The attitudes of male and female elementary school children in grades 2 through 6 in rural East Central Illinois toward science oriented occupations were examined in this study involving students (N=364) from 4 East Central Illinois communities. Data has been …

Computer Assisted Drill And Practice: An Instructional Aid To Increasing Rate Of Acquisition Of Addition Math Facts, Paula G. Frandsen

Masters Theses

This study supplemented existing math instruction and drill and practice (flash cards and worksheets) with computer assisted drill and practice (CADP) to facilitate addition math fact attainment of first grade students. The six students selected were introduced to (CADP) on an individual basis using a multiple baseline across subjects research design. Timed tests were used to select subjects, as baseline measures, and as probes throughout the study to measure the students' rate correct per minute (the dependent variable).

All subjects showed an increase in their individual rate correct per minute after the introduction of CADP. This rate increase is important …

Effects Of New Science Textbooks On Selected Sixth And Eighth Grade Students At Crestwood Elementary School, Paris, Illinois, David R. Pruim

Masters Theses

This paper describes the results of a six-month field study to determine the effects of a newly adopted and implemented junior-high level science textbook series on student achievement. This study took place in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science classrooms of Crestwood Elementary School, Paris, Illinois, from December 1988, until May of 1989. This study compared the science achievement of two groups of students in both their sixth and eighth grade years. The Normal Curve Equivalents or NCE's and letter grades as given by the junior-high level science teachers at Crestwood, were analyzed using non-independent t tests. Descriptive data …

An Analysis Of Ability Grouping Of Mathematics Students At The Argenta-Oreana Middle School, Steven L. Mitchell

Masters Theses

This field experience investigated the effects of ability grouping mathematics students at the Argenta-Oreana Middle School in Oreana, Illinois. This study investigated the perceptions of teacher attitudes toward abilty grouping mathematics students, the effects ability grouping has had on grades assigned to eighth grade students and the effects ability grouping has had on eighth grade student achievement test scores. A two tailed t-test for the difference of means at the .05 level of significance was used to analyze the data collected. The perception survey information collected from 11 teachers determined that no statistically significant differences existed between the perceptions of …

Attitudes Of Preservice Elementary Teachers Toward Science And The Teaching Of Science, Gregory C. Schaeffer

Masters Theses

The importance of attitude toward the teaching and understanding of science has long been a concern of researchers. Its importance in the schools, as a means to influence academic achievement, continues to be felt. Teachers, often without trying, pass on to their students attitudes about science that are unproductive. It is, therefore, important for teachers to possess attitudes supporting the subjects that they teach. The problem then is determining what factors contribute to these teacher attitudes and how are they passed on to students.

Past research has failed to show conclusively what actually contributes to the creation of positive and …

The Effects Of Immediate Vs. Delayed Knowledge Of Results On The Acquisition And Retention Of Multiplication Tasks, Lynn Ruth Kidwell

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of three feedback conditions on a multiplication task. Data were obtained over a nine week period of instruction with a single individual. Both correct and incorrect responses were charted and analyzed in the results. A pretest and two posttests, one immediate and one after six weeks, were given to obtain information about the retention of the multiplication tasks.

Results of this study showed that practice with immediate feedback and practice with delayed feedback were significantly better than no feedback without practice for correct responses. Practice with immediate feedback was significantly better than …

A Study To Investigate Predictors Of Mathematical Giftedness As Measured By The Scholastic Aptitude Test - Mathematics, Jolene Mcgrogan

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the following were predictors of mathematical giftedness as measured by the Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematics:

1. family income
2. father's level of education
3. sex of student
4. student's liking for school
5. time spent on home computer by student
6. marital status of the parents

This study was based on The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth done by Stanley at Johns Hopkins University.

Two forms of The Questionnaire for Academic Talent Search were developed; (1) a student form and (2) a parent form. The instruments were based on those used by Stanley with a few items added …

A Comparison Of Hutchings' Low Stress Algorithm And Three Other Methods In Multidigit Multiplication For Calculation Speed And Accuracy, John Byron Connors

Masters Theses

High achieving fifth grade students were taught three alternate multiplication algorithms: Hutchings low stress, Gelocian lattice, and partial products (distributive algorithm using indentation). The two independent variables were the four algorithms (three alternate plus traditional) and three problem array sizes (3 x 2, 3, and 4 factors). The three dependent variables were percent accuracy, rate correct, and rate incorrect. A multi-element manipulation design across phases was used varying type of calculation procedure within sessions and type of problem array across sessions. Results showed that all three alternate algorithms were superior to the traditional algorithm on most dependent variable measures. Pre …

A Component Analysis Of Hutchings' Low-Stress Subtraction Algorithm With Third Grade Students, Karen J. Lascurettes

Masters Theses

This study measured the effects of what was hypothesized to be the major functional component difference between the Hutchings' low-stress subtraction algorithm and the traditional algorithm: the non-alternation of regrouping and subtraction steps. A multiple baseline design was used with two groups of third grade students. Dependent measures included rate correct, rate incorrect, percent accuracy, and types of errors made. Statistical analysis of the data failed to support the position that the non-alternation of regrouping and subtracting steps in subtraction yielded superior performances with these students. Future research in this area might investigate the inclusion of zeroes in the minuends …

A Comparison Of The Hutchings "Low-Stress”, Fulkerson Tens Method, And Conventional Addition Algorithms For Speed, Accuracy And Preference With Regular Education Students, Gregory N. Vaughan

Masters Theses

The differential calculation power (rate and accuracy) of three separate procedures for addition was investigated. The Hutchings' "low-stress", Fulkerson tens method. and conventional algorithms were compared on 5x7 array addition problems. The subjects were six male first semester third grade students approximately eight and one half years of age. A multielement design was used in which the three algorithms composed the multiple elements. During the last three daily sessions the students were given free choice of algorithms to use. The results indicated that the Hutchings "Low-stress" algorithm was superior to the Fulkerson tens method, which in turn was superior to …

A Comparison Of Calculation Speed And Accuracy On Two Levels Of Problem Difficulty Using The Conventional And Hutchings’ "Low Stress" Subtraction Algorithms And The Pocket Calculator, Margaret T. Mcglinchey

Masters Theses

This study involved a comparison of three different calculation procedures for solving two different sizes of subtraction problems. A multi-element baseline design was used with three subjects: 2 females and 1 male, whose ages were 9.6, 24, and 8.1, respectively. The calculation procedures were varied randomly within, sessions, and the problem sizes varied randomly across sessions. Dependent measures included rate correct, rate incorrect, and percent accuracy. For all subjects, the conventional algorithm was the fastest calculation procedure. Accuracy data were not as consistent, since they varied across subjects and problem array sizes. Future research in this area might involve larger …

The Effects Of Hutchings’ Low Stress Addition And Subtraction Algorithms On The Accuracy And Rate Of Problem Solving With Low Performing Math Students, Stephen Edgar Hadden

Masters Theses

The accuracy and rate of problem solving using Hutchings' low stress addition and subtraction algorithms was investigated using four, fourth-grade low performers. Two multiple baseline designs were used, (one for addition and one for subtraction) where subjects were required to work addition and subtraction problems using the conventional method during Baseline. As Baseline for each subject stabilized, a brief training program was implemented using Hutchings' low stress addition or subtraction algorithm. Following training, subjects were required to work the addition and subtraction problems using the new algorithm. Probes were administered before and after training to measure knowledge of place value …

Component Analysis Of Hutchings' Low-Stress Addition Algorithm, Daniel V. Mccallum

Masters Theses

An A-B-A-C counterbalanced reversal design was used with two groups to analyze the two components of Hutching's Low-Stress addition algorithm. Fourth grade students achieving 96% accuracy on a pretest of basic math facts were subjects of this study. Subjects were taught two new methods of computation; Hutchings' Low-Stress and the Conventional algorithm with a written record, along with reviewing the Conventional algorithm. Students were given worksheets containing fixed size addition problems and asked to complete as many as possible with a five-minute times session. Accuracy and speed were monitored across the three methods of computation. The results showed superior performance …

A Comparison Of Speed And Accuracy In Addition Calculation For High And Low Achieving Math Students Using The Calculator, Conventional Algorithm And The Hutchings' “Low Stress Algorithm”, Edward S. Drew

Masters Theses

This study was an attempt to compare the differential calculation power (speed plus accuracy) with addition for the conventional algorithm as compared with the Hutchings' low stress algorithm as compared to hand held calculators for high and low achievers with two levels of difficulty. Also, it is a systematic replication of Zoref's (1976) previous research. The subjects were eight third grade students, four male and four female, approximately nine years old. A multielement baseline design was used varying type calculation method within sessions and level of difficulty across sessions. The Hutchings' "low stress" algorithm produced markedly better results in correct …

A Comparison Of The Hutchings' “Low-Stress", Fulkerson "Full-Record" And Conventional Addition Algorithms For Speed, Accuracy And Preference With Regular Education Students, John Robert Vanhevel

Masters Theses

The differential calculation power (speed and accuracy) of three different addition procedures were investigated using the Hutchings " Low-stress", Fulkerson "Full-record" and conventional algorithms. The subjects were nine fourth grade students, five female and four male, approximately ten years of age. Elements of both multiple baseline and reversal designs were employed, varying the type of calculation method across phases. After exposure to each algorithm, students were given a choice of methods to use in solving a problem. Results indicated that both the Hutchings "Low-stress" and Fulkerson "Full-record" algorithms were generally superior in producing stable, accurate and efficient calculations. When given …

Preferences Of Students For The Hutchings "Low Stress" Compared To The Conventional Algorithm Under Conditions Of Differentially Increasing The Number Of Problems With And Without Reinforcement, Pamela G. Buitendorp Drew

Masters Theses

This study was an attempt to determine which computation procedure students would select under varying classroom conditions. It is a systematic replication of previous research by Gillespie (1976). Algorithm preferences of 14 third grade students, 10 high accuracy and four low accuracy on a math facts test, were investigated under conditions of differentially increasing the number of problems with and without reinforcement, Reversal designs were used. The students completed 4X5 array problems and chose which algorithm to use, but after choosing the same algorithm for three consecutive sessions, they were required to use the alternative algorithm the next session. Preference …

A Point System For Maintaining Accurate Grading In A Psi Course, Terry E. Mcsween

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Systems Analysis Of Laboratory Report Editing, Suanne A. Williams

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Curriculum Development In Selected Sciences In The Secondary School, Norma Grace Hockett Bauer

Masters Theses

This field study was to help a student write relevant secondary science curricula that (l) may actually be used by the author; (2) used in training other teachers; (3) used as examples in other subjects; and (4) encourage research and innovations to meet changing educational processes. Each of the five selected secondary science curricula shows different development of specialization and adaptation. Aerospace is developed as a minicourse. Basic biology has fifteen units based on specific scientific concepts, with laboratory experiments, along with individualized research. Field biology uses community resources, experiments, local, state, and federal parks or memorials, reference books instead …

Implementation Of Ecology And Conservation Education In The Findlay Grade School, Ronald L. Hash

Masters Theses

I started this project to improve the teaching of conservation and ecology in the Findlay Grade School. I wanted more than a paper project. I wanted a workable program that would improve the education of the students and a program that would promote better understanding of conservation and ecology. I wanted more teaching to be ecology oriented.

The students of the Findlay Grade School needed more information, and a better understanding of how our natural resources affect their lives. The students also needed a purpose for conservation. This purpose could only come through better education in the field of conservation. …