Education Commons^™

A Structured Approach To Teacher Collaboration Within Professional Learning Communities, Laura Ann Davis

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a teacher handbook for a more structured approach to teacher collaboration within professional learning communities. Many groups of teachers have successfully participated in small teams, including focusing on such activities as team building, scheduling, parent communication, discussing lesson plans and curriculum, and sharing strategies to improve student behavior. Unfortunately, this is where most teams are stymied, unsure of how to take their collaboration to a higher level. The next step needed is to move forward and truly start looking at student learning and analyzing instruction practices as well as assessments, in order …

Benefits Of A Parent Involvement Plan For Second Grade Students, Mila Hart

All Graduate Projects

The benefits of a parent involvement plan for second grade students were researched. Students, whose parents were actively involved in their education, did better in school (Henderson & Mapp, 2002). Most parents want what is best for their child and will provide the support needed when encouraged and shown how to be involved with their child in school. Active parent involvement can be facilitated by a parent handbook combined with an open house, follow-up workshops that provide helpful information to parents, and frequent and regular communication via phone, progress reports, e-mail, home visits, and formal or informal conferences (Epstein et …

Enhanced Student Learning And Scholarly Productivity Through Capstone Projects, Bruce G. Hancock, Jane M. Gervasio, Iftekhar Kalsekar, Julie M. Koehler, Mary H. Andritz

Scholarship and Professional Work – COPHS

Abstract from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy/Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, July 16-24, 2008.

Mobile Learning In Higher Education: An Empirical Assessment Of A New Educational Tool, Douglas Mcconatha, Matt Praul, Michael J. Lynch

Anthropology & Sociology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Using Rubrics To Improve Online Teaching, Learning, And Retention, Cindy Rippe

Management, Marketing and Operations - Daytona Beach

No abstract provided.

Increasing Academic And Behavioral Success For Adhd Students In The Primary Classroom, Sandra Kay Munoz

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a teacher's handbook that provides primary classroom teachers with effective classroom interventions and strategies that would improve behavioral and academic success in students who experience ADHD. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current and relevant resources was conducted on topics that included best practices, strategies, techniques and interventions concerning classroom management of ADHD students.

Student Characteristics, Academic Self-Concept And Language Arts Literacy Performance In Traditional And Block Scheduling In Two Urban Schools, Luana Gipson-Bruce

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The effectiveness of language arts literacy (LAL) block scheduling on student achievement atid self-efficacy is a strategy of education reform. Language arts skills in urban schools is noted in the 1983 report "A Nation at Risk", which documents the seriousness of urban school literacy difficulties. In addition, state standardized requirements have attested to poor language arts performance in many minority schools.

The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic, health, academic self concept and student achievement of a 6& grade sample of 62 students in two urban schools, one which implements a traditional scheduling language arts program and …

Praise: Christians Educators And The Difficult Student, Beth E. Ackerman

Christian Perspectives in Education

This article defends the role of the Christian educator in reaching the difficult student. It further offers tips for handling the challenging student from a Christian perspective, coupled with tried-and-true research using the acronym PRAISE: being proactive, using reinforcements, assessing and analyzing the intent of misbehavior, being sincere, and empowering students and the Holy Spirit in them.

Composition Programs And Practices In Sweden: Possibilities For Cross-Fertilization With The United States, Birgitta Linnea Sjoberg Ramsey

Dissertations

This dissertation contributes to several of the discussions that are taking place within the field of rhetoric and composition at this particular time: about the nature and definition of academic literacy; about the impact of a heterogeneous and multicultural student population on literacy practices in the academy; about the issue of academic socialization; and about the advantages and disadvantages of traditional first-year composition courses. Most importantly, this work is a contribution to cross-national research and an attempt to open up the field of composition to recognize and include voices other than the ones from North America. Even though the differences …

An Integrated Nutrition Unit For Half-Day Kindergarten, Erin Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The obesity rates among children in the United States have been rising rapidly over the past thirty years. Children are getting messages from the media to eat unhealthy foods. This epidemic is beginning to be addressed in schools. A nutrition curriculum was developed and implemented in a half day kindergarten program. Core academic subject were integrated using Washington State GLEs as a guide. Parent involvement was a component to strengthen student's understanding of cultural diversity as it pertained to food.

Using A Balanced Reading And Spelling Approach To Enhance The “Spell To Write To Read” Program For Preschool To Fifth Grade, Dawn A. Heer

All Graduate Projects

Reading is the foundation of much that society aspires to, even now in the age of technology. The teacher plays a key role in facilitating the learning of reading in an elementary school. By using a balanced reading approach through the use of spelling, phonics, writing and language, teachers will be able to apply user-friendly principles of reading with the curriculum, Spell to Write to Read. A handbook will be used to present this information during a workshop for teachers and para-professionals of preschool to fifth grade students.

A Manual For Using Communication Strategies With Adolescents With Autism, Gayle J. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

Many students with autism lack the essential skills necessary to communicate effectively as adolescents and adults. They communicate in a nonproductive manner to get their "wants" or "needs" met. Some of these behaviors include crying, screaming, or having tantrums. Current research reviewed for this project indicates clearly the benefits of applied social skills such as social stories, augmentative strategies such as picture exchange systems, and alternative strategies such as gestures and sign language. These students need to communicate their wants and needs by using socially appropriate adaptive methods of communications. The purpose of the manual at the end of this …

Profiles And Perspectives: Learning Through Descriptive Inquiry At The Cypress Hills Community School, Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, Cecilia M. Espinosa, Sarah Ferholt, Michael Loeb, Berky Lugo-Salcedo, Cecilia Traugh

Publications and Research

This paper describes the work of a collaborative study group on exploring the multiple literacies of students at one school in Brooklyn, NY. Through descriptive review, the group developed knowledge about how to support student language and bilingualism through responsive techniques.

Student Achievement And Teacher Perception In Small Schools And Large Schools, Frances Irene Dearman

Dissertations

The study analyzed student achievement in various school sizes and teachers' perceptions of relationships and interactions with colleagues, students, and parents depending on the size of the school in which teachers work. The purpose was to assist school leaders when they are faced with decisions about school size.

Simple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship of achievement and school size of fourth-grade students. The variables mathematics achievement and size and language arts achievement and size were positively correlated. These findings suggest that as the size of a school increases, achievement increases. After holding the variables socioeconomic status and …

Effects Of Nonfiction Guided Interactive Read-Alouds And Think-Alouds On Fourth Grader's Depth Of Content Area Science Vocabulary Knowledge And Comprehension, Tania Tamara Henderson Hanna

Dissertations

Effects of nonfiction guided interactive read-alouds and think-alouds as a supplement to basal science textbooks on three vocabulary measures, definitions, examples, and characteristics, and one multiple-choice comprehension measure were assessed for 127 fourth graders over three time periods: pretest, posttest, and a 2-week delayed posttest. Two of three fourth grade elementary science teachers implemented a series of 12 content enhanced guided interactive scripted lessons. Two of these teachers implemented two treatments each. The first condition employed basal science textbooks as the text for guided interactive read-alouds and think-alouds while the second treatment employed basal science textbooks in conjunction with nonfiction …

The Relationship Between Learning Styles And Student Performance On The Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test In A Low Performing, Low Socioeconomic-Status School, Joseph Lassale Williams

Dissertations

The intention of this research was to bring light to the current state mandated testing, and possible solutions in assisting educators to address the issues of students not meeting the standards. In more general terms, this study is looking to prove to what extent a student's learning style has on their performance on the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). This study analyzed four of the twenty-six learning preference areas identified by the Learning Style Instrument (LSI) of middle school students in a traditional public middle school in seventh grade. The four areas that were looked at were kinesthetic, tactile, auditory, …

Adult Education Principles In A Teacher Mentoring Program: A Grounded Theory, Debra Jean Winans

Dissertations

A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted to determine the use of adult education principles in a school mentoring program. The study was conducted in a middle school in rural South Georgia during the 2006-2007 school year. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 25 participants: 11 proteges, nine mentors, and 5 mentor program coordinators. Insights into the dynamics of mentoring relationships and administration of the mentoring program were illustrated by stories of selected participants.

In this study, adult education principles were identified as (a) respect, (b) participation, (c) collaboration, (d) dialogue, (e) problem posing as a catalyst toward …

An Analysis Of The Career Maturity Levels Of Intellectually Gifted Adolescents, Yolanda Yvette Baker Cobb

Dissertations

This research project was conducted to analyze the career maturity level scores of intellectually gifted middle school students. The Career Maturity Inventory-Revised (Crites & Savickas, 1995) was used to compare the career-choice readiness of the intellectually gifted students to their typical middle school-age peers, as well as to the 9th through 12th graders in the norm sample. In addition, a comparison of the career maturity levels of intellectually gifted male and female 6th and 7th graders was also conducted. It was also hypothesized that the intellectually gifted students' career maturity score would increase as the students' grade level increased T-tests …

Play In Public Schools, Casey Yanella

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This is a research paper and literature review on the issue of play and developmentally appropriate practice in the public schools of New York City during the era of No Child Left Behind. It begins with an examination of the theory surrounding play in the primary grades, along with the discussion of studies dealing with play in today's public schools. The work includes school visits and an ethnographic description of the models of play environments in these schools. Finally, it also includes recommendations for programmatic actions to be taken in order to reinstate play in public schools.

The Samurai In Medieval Japan: A Teacher Resource & Curriculum Companion Based On The Japanese Collection At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Barbara Anderson

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This resource guide utilizes the fascination with the samurai and their honor code system, known as bushido, to examine the eastern feudal system, and the artistic and cultural traditions of Medieval Japan. The six provided lessons in this resource support a museum visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Mary Griggs Burke Collection of Japanese Art and the Arms and Armor Collection. They are directed to build upon each other to provide students with a meaningful sequence of experiences and attempts to address a diverse body of learners through variance of activities and the integration of academic areas such as …

Art Speaks! Connecting Visual Arts And Language Arts A Program For Fourth-Grade Students In The School District Of Philadelphia, James Stein

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support a partnership among PMA, Pennsylyania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Barnes Foundation, The Fabric Workshop and Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania. These five art institutions collaborated with each other, and with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), to develop a literacy-based museum visit program called Art Speaks! that is open to all 13,500 fourth-grade students in SDP public schools. The program features a museum visit to one of the five collaborating institutions …

Educational Games Increase Learning Effectiveness: A Case Study, Shonda R. Hoyt

All Graduate Projects

Educators of all age groups-whether they be elementary, secondary, or postsecondary- have long recognized and known that there is a strong connection between student engagement in the learning process and student success. Given the environment in which we teach in today, with its growing diversity, larger class sizes, increased focus on high-stakes testing, and ever- expanding poverty levels, it is essential that teachers incorporate new teaching techniques into their classrooms as a tool for better engaging students in their own learning. To that end, this paper reviews the purported benefits of educational games in the classroom setting as a tool …

What Funding Resources Are Available To School Libraries And How To Best Access Them, Yvonne Marie Hughes

All Graduate Projects

This project is intended to substantiate the need for school libraries. A great deal of research is presented which links the quality of school libraries to their students' academic success. The serious decline in the current level of funding for school libraries is discussed. The goal is to provide librarians with funding resource options to pursue, which can be used to supplement any district or other funding that they do receive.

The Impact Of Service Learning On Moral Development And Moral Orientation, Matthew L. Bernacki Phd, Elizabeth A. Jaeger

Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education Faculty Research

Research on Service-learning's (SL) impact on students' moral development has been "mixed." In this study, 46 students in SL and non-SL sections of comparable courses offered at a northeastern Catholic university completed the Defining Issues Test, the Moral Justification Scale, and the SL Outcome Scale at the beginning and end of a semester. Although scores on moral development and orientation did not change significantly, SL students reported becoming more compassionate and more sensitive, having a greater understanding of and ability to solve social problems, and possessing a greater efficacy to make the world better. While a single-semester exposure to SL …

A Theatrical Take On Educational Self-Esteem, David Seagraves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the constructs of self-esteem and theatre arts. The experimental research utilized a Solomon four-group design, which included four groups of public high school freshmen. The study investigated whether or not self-esteem would increase after studying theatre arts, and if a cause and effect relationship existed between theatre arts and self-esteem. The study’s independent variable was a theatre arts treatment of ten lessons centered around a novel. The dependent variables were the scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), a self-reporting and numerically measurable self-esteem survey. The scale was administered in a pretest and posttest format. The self-esteem …

Critical Components To Improve Literacy Learning For All Students, Marcia Harriet Kaye

Dissertations

The purpose of this multiple case study was to understand the critical components to improve literacy learning for all students. The central focus of the study involved looking at principles for classroom instruction in reading and writing that are essential for students to become good readers and writers. According to Allington and Cunningham, the following principles are critical: (a) the amount of time students spend on reading and writing each day, (b) the explicit teaching of comprehension strategies, (c) modeling writing and reading daily, (d) student engagement in thoughtful literacy learning, and (e) literate rich classroom environments.

Six classrooms were …

All “Homework” And No Play…, Shamsah Raheem Dhanani

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Robots That Teach: Developing An Integrated Curriculum For Middle School Math, Antoinette P. Bruciati

Education Faculty Publications

Keeping middle school students interested in mathematics and motivating them to succeed are challenges that continually present themselves to even the most seasoned teachers. Students will be drawn to mathematics if they are able to connect it to exciting careers. This paper describes a research-based curriculum model for teachers, grant writers, and others interested in incorporating Lego robotics technologies into an existing middle school mathematics curriculum. The model is based on data gathered from a three year research study in which approximately 150 sixth grade students per year and their teachers collaborated with a middle school Math Coordinator, a school …

An Abstract Subject, Mashooque Ali Samo

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

The Tuition Culture, Bilqees Patel

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.