Education Commons^™

Parent Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding For Children With Varying Disabilities, Anita L. Scialli

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Disabilities affect 54 million people and 4.4 million children in the U.S. and are of importance to special education faculty (Center for Disease Control 2000). A survey design examines the effectiveness of human-animal interaction, specifically horseback riding, in children with varying disabilities.

Therapeutic horseback riding as an animal assisted therapy, aims to promote mind and body integration through movement (psychomotricity) and the human-animal bond (Delta Society, 2001a; Spink, 1993, All, Loving & Crane, 1999). Effectiveness is measured by parent assessment of improvement in 67 child behaviors resulting from child participation in horseback riding, using a new Horseback Riding Survey. Behaviors …

Learning Through Meaningful Work: The Post Office Job At City & Country School, Scott Moran

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study is a description of the Post Office job at City & Country School. The school runs a jobs program for children ages eight to thirteen years old (third - eight grades). The eight year old group runs the school Post Office. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to City & Country School. Chapter 2 discusses the Post Office job and its development through the course of a school year. Chapter 3 discusses the developmental orientation of the jobs program. Finally, chapter 4 raises other topics for discussion, including the possible sociopolitical implications and subject integration issues involved in …

A Neighborhood Curriculum For Kindergarten And First Grades, Kathy L. Rubin

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper is a curriculum study of a school neighborhood designed for children ages 5 through 7. The goal of this study is to provide an opportunity for students, who at this age are beginning to expand outward from the roots of their homes and families, to understand their next immediate neighborhood (their school). They will have a chance to meet people who work in the neighborhood, learn about how we get around and from where things come. And then, from that vantage point the students can begin to broaden their perspective and view of their world.

This study is …

Reading And Phonological Awareness Gains In A Second/Third Grade Bridge Class, Lian Chen

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a fundamental skill that is used on a daily basis as we are bombarded with print. It is also the basis for the majority of formal education. When someone lacks the skills and strategies needed to read, reading becomes a frustrating experience. The key to overcoming deficits in reading is prevention utilizing research-based methodology. This widely debated topic has lead to the recognition of the necessity of the infusing of phonics into the instruction. In this study, a one-on-one, cross age peer tutoring program using systematic, explicit phonics instruction, Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons, …

Music Of The Mind: An Examination Of Music As A Communication Conduit For Autistic Children In An Educational Atmosphere, Sarah A. Mcgovern

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Topics covered in this investigation are autism, music therapy, and education. Music has a unique way to communicate and touch people like no other medium. It knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries and can be used for various therapeutic reasons, such as autism. This study investigates whether music is an effective form of communication for autistic children in and educational environment. Books, journal articles and websites related to these topics were used as sources in this research project. In addition, the author conducted a survey to receive a better idea of how the public views the affect music has …

Promoting Equality And Access In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of State Sponsored Preferential Policies In Great Britain, India And South Africa, Lanaia C. Dubose

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Recent U.S. court decisions striking down affirmative action policies in college admissions have caused universities to seek diversity programs that can hold up to public and Jesa1 scrutiny while maintaining diversity on campus. The purpose of this thesis is to study the preference programs of other countries and determine if successful elements could be duplicated here in the United States. Specifically, the study looks at whether countries who use equality of opportunity programs (which focus on training initiatives) are more successful in increasing enrollment and hiring numbers of minorities than equality of outcome measures (which focus on quotas). The study …

Using Children's Literature And Parental Involvement To Facilitate Reading With Primary-Age Children Through A Literacy Backpack Program, Tami Marie Scrivner

Graduate Student Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a home literacy backpack program to increase children's reading skills with parental help through the use ofliterature that is relevant and meaningful to the students. Research that was reviewed showed students learn how to read through a balanced form of instruction using children's literature. Reviewed research also indicated parental involvement to be positively related to children's success in school. Materials necessary to put together 35 take home backpacks are included in this project. Conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for implementation of the backpack program are also discussed.

Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald

All Graduate Projects

The adoption of the Open Court reading program in conjunction with the Washington Read's Grant was the initial idea for this project. The integration of science and social studies themes was researched, and found to be beneficial in the teaching of those content areas. A handbook for second grade educators was created to integrate the adopted science and social studies topics with the newly adopted reading curriculum at Vale Elementary in Cashmere, Washington. This handbook contains a scope and sequence, literature libraries for three reading achievement levels, the benchmarks and essential learning's for the designated topics, and suggested activities for …

A Model Peer Coaching Guide For Junior High General Education Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Ausencio Matthias Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Improving teacher efficacy and pedagogy by building collegial and supportive relationships through peer coaching was studied. A model peer coaching guide featuring coaching procedures and activities was developed and utilized at Tahoma Junior High School. The results of the guide indicated that peer coaching can be implemented by general education teachers to enhance their educational practices by increasing dialogue, reflection, and refinement of teaching and learning practices.

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Integrating Expeditionary Learning Philosophy And Principles Into The Middle School Social Studies Curriculum, Paul Andrew George

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a handbook of activities for eighth grade social studies teachers that are based on expeditionary principles, philosophy and pedagogical practices. A review of the literature focused on the academic and social implications of integrating expeditionary philosophy and practices into an academic enviornment. A model learning expedition was provided accompanied by various forms of assessment strategies and methods.

Centers For Promoting Emergent Literacy In The Primary Grades, Elizabeth Greaves

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design classroom Literacy Centers incorporating the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements that promote emergent literacy skills in primary level children. Using Literacy Centers to enhance a child's ability to read, write, listen, and communicate is the focus of this project. The centers are intended to be a hands-on and authentic method of learning for young children. The review of relevant literature shows that this option provides positive experiences in a primary level classroom. Adaptable center plans are included as well as management and assessment suggestions.

Parent Involvement In Reading: Parent Workshops To Promote Critical Thinking, Rachelle Kristine Skeen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create an at-home reading program that would encourage parent participation and promote the development of critical thinking skills necessary for our children. The project implements a program that emphasizes using higher level questioning strategies in order to develop critical thinking skills. The project's focus is on educating and training parents as to the importance of their involvement and the importance of using higher level questioning strategies when they read with their children. Parents are educated and trained during two parent workshops. During these workshops, parents will also be introduced to the Read Together …

Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne

All Graduate Projects

Multiple intelligence theory was investigated; a description and history of the theory, as proposed by Howard Gardner, is provided. The multiple intelligence theory as it relates to education, particularly mathematics education, was reviewed. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for seventh grade teachers that will assist in the application and integration of mathematics across the range of multiple intelligences in their classroom. Assessments that resemble the Washington Assessment of Students Leaming are included, in order to develop skills necessary to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements of Washington.

Motivating Marginalized Youth Through Health Related Service-Learning, Jane Klara Miller

All Graduate Projects

The project provides secondary health teachers who work with marginalized youth with a handbook of service-learning ideas in six units to incorporate into the curriculum. The handbook allows students to utilize the skills they have learned in the classroom by participating in service-learning activities in their community. Students involved in all stages of the service-learning process gain confidence to take ownership of the program allowing for success. By connecting the community and schools through learning, students are given the opportunity to explore their talents, get to know their communities, strengthen developmental assets and learn from one another.

Teaching Students To Be Self-Directed Readers Through The Use Of Comprehension Strategies Instruction And Personal Response, Tamera L. Neveu

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on reader response and comprehension strategies instruction, and create materials to be used by teachers as they work toward improving comprehension instruction in their classrooms. Research shows that in order to help students become independent readers who are self-motivated and strategic, teachers need expertise in both reader response and comprehension strategies instruction. The project includes instructional frameworks, lessons, and techniques that can be used to implement reader response and comprehension strategies instruction in the classroom.

A Model Reading Skills Guide For Secondary Teachers To Support Classes Across The Curriculum, Keith Edward Swanson

All Graduate Projects

The need for students to learn reading skills in each of their core subject areas was studied. A skills guide, supported by research on effective reading strategies and assessment tools, was then developed to help promote successful reading by secondary students across the curriculum. The guide offers teachers various pre-reading, duringreading, and post-reading activities to enhance the reading done by students in their classes. It also provides assessment tools to enable teachers and students to measure their progress.

Messages For Girls: Looking At The Representation Of Women's Short Fiction In American Literature High School Anthologies, Aurelia Ramage Tippett

Legacy ETDs

The purpose of this qualitative study was to answer the question "What messages about the image of womanhood are available to adolescent females in female-authored short fiction that appears in a variety of American literature textbooks used since 1965, a few years preceding racial integration and widespread coverage of the women's movement in rural Georgia, through 2000?"

Five American literature anthologies that were used in the Laurens County Georgia School System for instruction in the required American literature course since 1965 were collected. Short fiction written by women was identified and then the researcher identified those women writers whose short …

Brain-Based Learning: Implications For The Elementary Classroom, Brenda Van Roekel

Master of Education Program Theses

Recent developments in neuroscience have enabled scientists to understand and image brain activity. Brain researchers are now more able than ever before to understand how the brain works, what affects the brain, and what implications these discoveries have for education. Based upon these discoveries new methods of teaching have been devised using the term, brain-based strategies or brain-based learning. This thesis examines some of the brain-based strategies embraced by leaders in this field. It will pay particular attention to the enriched environment, the effect of emotion on learning, and the concept of sensitive or critical periods. It will examine research …

Naptime And Separation Anxiety : The Use Of A Teacher-Made Book To Help Children Cope In An Infant-Toddler Classroom, Diana Musa

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper presents several theoretical explanations of the emotional reality of young children. Its focus is the influential first relationship between the young child and his caregiver and how his emotional development is shaped within the confines of this relationship. It then examines what meanings the first relationship holds for the child's emotional reality during the toddler stage, defined as roughly 18 months to 3 years of age.

The paper turns then to a discussion of the particular emotional reality of a toddler in the childcare setting. What follows is an argument about the importance of acknowledging and labeling young …

Launchpad: Using Students-Owned Computers In The Classroom, Justin James Whiteford

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to address the need for integrated technology in schools by presenting LaunchPad as a means of implementing student-owned laptops in the classroom.

Writing In The Contact Zone: Three Portraits Of Reflexivity And Transformation, Laurene L. Christensen

Dissertations and Theses

Culture is at the core of language teaching. Because classrooms are contact zones (Pratt 1991), teachers must have a well-developed sense of their own intercultural competence so that they may better facilitate the cross-cultural discovery inherent in language teaching. Teacher preparation programs need to provide opportunities for new teachers to increase their intercultural awareness. The purpose of this research was to qualitatively understand the experiences of pre-service teachers in a required culture-learning class at a large urban university. Specifically, the focus of this study was the completion of a mini-ethnography project designed to give the students a cross-cultural exchange. Since …

The Effects Of A Direct Instruction Versus A Non-Direct Instruction Classroom Environment On Behavior Patterns At The Middle School Level, Pamela D. Davis

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to complete an historical comparison of behavior patterns exhibited by students at a small rural middle school in Southside, Virginia during the 2000-2001, and the current 2001-2002 academic years. In addition, the research includes components of the effects of a non-direct instruction classroom versus a direct instruction classroom environment on such behavior patterns. All students' discipline records in grades 6 through 8 were evaluated for the study. The numbers of referrals written on individual students were considered in addition to the types of referrals written.

Integrating Technology Into Standards-Based Instruction For Second Grade English Language Learners, Catherine Levander Enbody

Theses Digitization Project

Rapid growth in the use of technology and the need for education reform resulted in the need for educators to integrate technology and standards-based instruction into their daily lessons. The growing number of students whose first language is not English requires a diverse set of teaching strategies and assessments to provide these students with optimal opportunities for achieving high standards.

The Relationship Between Academic Performance And Physical Fitness: An Analysis Of Academic Performance Scores And Fitnessgram Scores In San Bernardino And Riverside Counties, James Patrick Hallion

Theses Digitization Project

The focus of this project is an analysis of the relationship between the results of the Academic Performance Index (API) and the Fitnessgram for seventh grade students in California's Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Results of the analysis show a positive relationship beween academic scores and fitness scores.

Learning And Study Strategies As They Relate To Success In An Open-Entry/Open-Exit College Developmental Reading Course, Ginna A. Wenger

Dissertations

This study examines whether student interviews, students' responses on the Learning and Study Styles Inventory (LASSI), or both, could be useful for sorting students who are likely to succeed from those students who are less likely to succeed in an open-entry/open-exit college reading skills course at a small, rural Michigan community college.

The study combined qualitative data in the form of student interviews and quantitative data that consisted of LASSI scores from 41 students. The qualitative part of the study employed a constant comparative method to analyze data from five semi-structured interviews.The quantitative part of the study computed Pearson r …

The Impact Of A Block Schedule As Perceived By Teachers Of Various Academic Fields Within A Secondary School Setting, Brian A. Zychowski

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Computer Based Training : A Global Survey Of Current Developments And Its Application To Maritime Education And Training, Hesham M. Helal

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Dual Language Program On School Climate In A Large Urban District, Nancy Navarez-Lutzke

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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A Study Of The Reported Long-Term Attitudinal And Behavioral Effects Of An Eighth-Grade Environmental Education Project And The Development Of An Innovation Configuration To Promote Environmental Education, Jean Lomino

Dissertations

Problem. Increasing scientific evidence reveals that this planet is in serious environmental jeopardy. Since 1977, when an international group of K-12 educators met in the USSR and established goals for teaching environmental education worldwide, many schools have endeavored to fulfill these goals through the use of various curricula and teaching strategies. Although some progress has been made, most K-12 public schools have not done enough to meet the demands of environmental problems. In 1996, my co-teacher and I designed and implemented an environmental project, called Mission Environment, that we hoped would help our students develop long-term positive environmental attitudes …