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Full-Text Articles in Education

Dramatic Play And Its Effects On Reading Comprehension In Elementary School, Rachael Marie Schlee Jan 2018

Dramatic Play And Its Effects On Reading Comprehension In Elementary School, Rachael Marie Schlee

Theses and Graduate Projects

Elementary classroom teachers are facing a mounting problem; how can they help the growing number of struggling readers improve? Research suggests that phonics-based approaches to reading are less effective at improving reading skills than more integrated teaching strategies that also focus on comprehension, yet teaching methods for struggling readers remain primarily phonics-based. So, how should teachers help these students get better at reading? The following paper examines the relationship between reading and dramatic play. Research indicates that when drama-based activities are incorporated into reading lessons, student comprehension rates improve. Using dramatic play to teach reading has shown to be an …


The Role Of Piay In Elementary School: The Perceptions Of Students, Aaron Skjerseth Jan 2018

The Role Of Piay In Elementary School: The Perceptions Of Students, Aaron Skjerseth

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study is a look into students' views surrounding play and its place in the elementary classroom. The study was qualitative in nature and focused wholly on student interviews and their viewpoints and opinions on the subject. From these interviews, four broad themes were established. These themes revealed that students found play to be crucial in developing and maintaining friendships, destressing throughout the day, keeping up focus during lessons, and finally, there needs to be more play in schools. These themes suggest play should be taken more seriously in the classroom, as students view it to be crucial in several …


Incorporating Indian Education: An Educational Tool For Including Native Voices In Classrooms, Ramona Kitto Stately Jan 2018

Incorporating Indian Education: An Educational Tool For Including Native Voices In Classrooms, Ramona Kitto Stately

Theses and Graduate Projects

As an Indian Education teacher and program coordinator in Minnesota, I found it interesting that so many teachers contact our Department for lessons and speakers. I realized that many teachers did not learn Minnesota Indian History as it is revealing itself today with more accurate and authentic voices. Teacher need some guidance to find clear narratives and class lessons to be able to teach the true history of all Minnesotans. I was hoping to scaffold some good resources with teachers and to help bridge the gap to some missing historical information.


The Use Of Offensive Language By Middle School Students In The Special Education Classroom: Student And Staff Perspectives, Matthew Francis Hillis Byrnes Jan 2018

The Use Of Offensive Language By Middle School Students In The Special Education Classroom: Student And Staff Perspectives, Matthew Francis Hillis Byrnes

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students'use of offensive language often leads to behavioral problems, such as fights, that impede learning in the classroom environment. Through comparing and contrasting the perspectives of students and staff in a program for middle school students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders, this research seeks to understand why students use offensive language. Both students and staffwere interviewed. The students were sixth and eighth graders who spend 60-100% of their time in school in a special education classroom. The staff who were interviewed include special education teachers, an educational assistant, a teacher in the mainstream program, and a school psychologist. All of …


Best Practices In Behavior Management Strategies For Classroom Teachers, Kristin Lynham Jan 2018

Best Practices In Behavior Management Strategies For Classroom Teachers, Kristin Lynham

Theses and Graduate Projects

In recent years, school districts have begun to utilize evidence-based approaches to teaching and promoting appropriate behaviors such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Responsive Classroom and Developmental designs. While these programs have been shown to be successful in a variety of settings, there continues to be an alarming increase in the amount of students who engage in a range of highly disruptive behaviors in school. Teachers report being underprepared, or not prepared at all, to effectively manage challenging behaviors from students, which leads to high rates of teacher burnout and attrition. Teacher preparation institutions need to provide classroom …


The Perspectives Of Hmong Parents' Role In Their Children's Post-Secondary Education, Ka H. Lysongtseng Jan 2018

The Perspectives Of Hmong Parents' Role In Their Children's Post-Secondary Education, Ka H. Lysongtseng

Theses and Graduate Projects

Hmong people have been living in the United States for over four decades, primarily in the States of California, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with fewer numbers in other parts of the United States. The Hmong came to the United States as refugees from Laos when the country was overtaken by the communist Pathet Lao in 197 5. The Hmong have made great strides in acculturating and assimilating into the new culture and society; however, a number of research studies have shown that Hmong students are struggling in higher education institutions in the US today. Upon entering the United States of America …


Parent Perspectives On Homeschooling In Minnesota, Danielle Miller Jan 2017

Parent Perspectives On Homeschooling In Minnesota, Danielle Miller

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper explores the perspective of parents who have experience homeschooling their children in the state of Minnesota. Five families participated in the study in an interview format. In each case the mother was interviewed as she was primarily responsible for homeschooling. Data collected from interviews showed themes among all participants in the areas of: continual assessment of the choice to homeschool, the positive affect homeschooling had on the preservation of family structure, a dissatisfaction with other education options, the importance of support systems and the issue of socialization, and the benefits of Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO). All families in …


Student Perspectives On Daily Learning Targets, Kai Sill Jan 2017

Student Perspectives On Daily Learning Targets, Kai Sill

Theses and Graduate Projects

Content standards, most often provided by a local, state, or federal governing body, guide schools and teachers through essential knowledge and skills students need to master during the course of their education. Teachers use content standards to drive both instruction, assessment, and to help define a level of proficient achievement. Yet, how often do we explicitly define and present to students exactly the goals of our instruction and our perforrnance expectations? Educational standards arose initially in response to the 1983, "A Nation at Risk," report which found that high school curricula was not adequately preparing students for either vocational or …


Students Perspectives On Learning, Christma Groe Lange Jan 2017

Students Perspectives On Learning, Christma Groe Lange

Theses and Graduate Projects

How do children learn best? This study looks at what students themselves feel makes school fun, what type of environment helps them learn best, and what types of strategies help them persevere when things are hard. This study of fourth grade students-diverse in ethnic background, socio-economic status, mindset, and identified academic level-examines student perspectives on learning. Qualitative methods including journal reflections, interviews and descriptive analysis are used. It explores how students' mood and sense of belonging play a dynamic part in their readiness to learn. This research provides perspectives on how the learning environment as well as students' sense of …


Middle School Students' Perspectives On What Teaching Strategies Work Best For Them, Michelle E. Bjorklund Jan 2017

Middle School Students' Perspectives On What Teaching Strategies Work Best For Them, Michelle E. Bjorklund

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study attempts to shed a light on the perspectives of middle school students on their middle school experience. This qualitative study was conducted with 18 middle school students located in the small, rural town in the northern part of the mid-west. Data showed that students want choices and options in their learning. Furthermore, they want to work with their peers in an active, comfortable, fun space. What this space looks like may differ for each student, which is why trust and an open line of communication between the student and teacher is key. They want to know that their …


Students' Perspectives On Belonging And Scholar Identity Development, Caroline C. Church Jan 2017

Students' Perspectives On Belonging And Scholar Identity Development, Caroline C. Church

Theses and Graduate Projects

TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) is an educational opportunity program serving middle - high school students. It is meant to increase student admittance, enrollment, retention and graduation from post-secondary degree programs. TRIO staff must meet these goals through voluntary enrichment activities for youth in their programs. Each program must identify the best practices that will motivate and prepare students to meet and reach difficult educational goals. This research study identifies best practices in fostering belonging and scholar identity in a qualitative case study of TRIO pre-college students. The data from this qualitative study shows separate but related results about student …


Hmong Perspectives On Teaching, Lorrie Xiong Jan 2017

Hmong Perspectives On Teaching, Lorrie Xiong

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper explores Hmong perspectives on teaching in Minnesota. It includes published articles that report results from research conducted about the need for teachers of color, the successful teacher retention strategies, the needs and challenges of the Hmong community, and the barriers Hmong individuals face in pursuing education. This paper will shed light on the unique experiences of 11 Hmong teachers who continue to stay in the teaching field or who have left the teaching field and will add on to existing research of Hmong educators in the educational profession.


Middle Grades Literacy Engagement And The Read-Aloud Strategy, Kirsten Elise Taylor Jan 2017

Middle Grades Literacy Engagement And The Read-Aloud Strategy, Kirsten Elise Taylor

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper examines the issue of a lack of student engagement in reading during the middle school years. It examines the role of external factors in reading disengagement, including the transition from childhood, social needs, self-esteem, lack of teacher interaction, and identity formation, both socially and academically. It addresses a variety of student needs that, if met, can lead to a connection with school as well as curriculum. It then presents the read-aloud strategy as a possible solution to the lack of middle school engagement, as instructional techniques are within the control of educators and can lead to increased engagement. …


Teacher Perceptions Of A Culturally Responsive Classroom, Laura Sundberg Jan 2017

Teacher Perceptions Of A Culturally Responsive Classroom, Laura Sundberg

Theses and Graduate Projects

Through the use of qualitative research methods, and a literature review of multiple scholars, this paper explored teacher perceptions of culturally responsive classrooms. The intent of qualitative research methods is to describe and clarify human experiences as it appears in people's lives (Polkinghorne,2005). Geneva Gay (as cited in Bazron, et. al. 2005, p. 1) defines culturally responsive teachings in the following way: "using the cultural knowledge, prior experience, frames of reference, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning more relevant and effective for them." For the purpose of this study, teachers were interviewed to gain insight about …


The Impact Of Collaborative Groups And Student Choice On Classroom Engagement: The Perspectives Of Students., Robert O. Johnson Jan 2017

The Impact Of Collaborative Groups And Student Choice On Classroom Engagement: The Perspectives Of Students., Robert O. Johnson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Collaborative learning has been a well-researched topic that has consistently shown to increase student engagement, develop high level thinking, build self- esteem, and promotes a positive attitude toward the subject. These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg when dealing with both collaborative and cooperative leaming. With the overwhelming research that supports collaborative leaming, teachers are transitioning to effectively establish this style of teaching and learning in the classroom. Unfortunately, many collaborative and cooperative learning groups fall short of actually being considered these groups for a number of reasons (group arrangement, establishing norrns and positive interdependence). Teachers need to …


Student Perspectives On Guided Math, Kristy N. Westrom Jan 2017

Student Perspectives On Guided Math, Kristy N. Westrom

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the student perspectives of a guided math instructional method. Qualitative data was collected in the form of focus groups conducted with 4th grade students in my classroom at an elementary school in the upper Midwest. Transcripts from the focus groups were analyzed for themes. Findings suggest that students prefer an instructional format that is unlike traditional direct instruction. Findings also suggest that classrooms are in need of better support to differentiate for various types of learners. Recommendations include the expected continued development of teachers to ensure optimal learning environments for all levels …


Parent Perspectives On The Parent-Teacher Relationship In The Case Of Parents Of Children With Special Needs In Doha, Qatar, Corinne Lorence Jan 2016

Parent Perspectives On The Parent-Teacher Relationship In The Case Of Parents Of Children With Special Needs In Doha, Qatar, Corinne Lorence

Theses and Graduate Projects

Parent-teacher partnership is a key element to student achievement and success. While there is a large body of literature that supports the importance of parent-teacher partnership, and literature capturing teacher and parent perspectives alike, there are fewer studies involving perspectives of parents of children with special needs in the Middle East. This qualitative study sought the perspectives of such parents living in a small country in the Middle East. Three mothers of children who attended a special education school were interviewed, and the data was transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes. Despite their diverse backgrounds, participants shared a love for …


You Know Me: Understaniding The Emotions You Feel, Justin Rein Jan 2016

You Know Me: Understaniding The Emotions You Feel, Justin Rein

Theses and Graduate Projects

Some children often enter schools without the ability to successfully participate both socially and academically, and typically these same children that struggle participating also struggle communicating their needs that can differ from what is required of them during the school day. Because of the amount of time children spend with schools, they are recommended as a primary location for the identification and support with social, emotional, or behavioral health issues (U.S. Public Health Service, 1999). By improving children's levels of social-emotional competence through explicit instruction, it is possible to improve their levels of social-enrotional well-being and academic achievement (e.g. Nelson …


What Is The Perception Of Struggling Readers On The Impact Of Computer Games On Working Memory?, Kathleen Anderson Jan 2016

What Is The Perception Of Struggling Readers On The Impact Of Computer Games On Working Memory?, Kathleen Anderson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Students with learning disabilities are faced with a lifetime of struggles to meet the demands of academics and daily activities. How can special education and classroom teachers effectively ensure that interventions provided to students will meet their needs? Research reports that working memory is no longer fixed but can be improved through targeted training. Computerized working memory training programs are promoted as a means to improve working memory. The purpose of this research was to discover the perception of struggling students on the impact of computerized working memory games on their working memory. In this qualitative research, data was collected …


Reciprocal Teaching In Secondary Classrooms: Preparing Students For College And Career Reading Demands, Kelly Romo Jan 2016

Reciprocal Teaching In Secondary Classrooms: Preparing Students For College And Career Reading Demands, Kelly Romo

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper investigates comprehension strategy instruction in secondary classrooms. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2015 report indicates many high school students are not prepared for the reading demands of college and career texts. Research suggests explicit teaching of comprehension strategies increases reading achievement, yet few high school teachers incorporate strategy instruction with current teaching practices due to perceived time constraints, quantity of standards to be covered, and lack of training. The author of this paper proposes Reciprocal Teaching (RT) created by Palincsar and Brown (1984) can be implemented in traditional high school English language arts classrooms as a way …


English Language Learners And Using Technology In The Classroom For Language Arts And Reading Instruction, Lindsay Block Jan 2016

English Language Learners And Using Technology In The Classroom For Language Arts And Reading Instruction, Lindsay Block

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper focuses on using technology with English language learners (ELLs), specifically in grades 4-8. Research supports that there are many benefits to using technology with ELLs in the general education classroom. The technology resources that this paper focuses on blogs, WebQuests, handheld devices, and websites. One hundred and nine teachers participated in the study by completing a survey. The survey results indicate that teachers have technology available, but that many do not know how to use it with ELLs. The author provides resources, including a manual and a website, for those teachers to use with their ELLs. The author …


A Non-Traditional Learning Environment And Student Success From The Perspectives Of The Students Themselves, Arika R. Mareck Jan 2016

A Non-Traditional Learning Environment And Student Success From The Perspectives Of The Students Themselves, Arika R. Mareck

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this action research study is to examine a non-traditional learning environment and student success from the perspectives of the students themselves. This study defines a non-traditional learning environment as a hope- inspired and relational environment with a person a\ized, and relevant curriculum. It is an environment where teachers model collaboration, restorative practices, and compassion through intentional culturally relevant instruction, strength-based assumptions, whole-sfudent relationships, confl ict resolution, and sfudent advocacy and empowerment. The study seeks to understand if typically unsuccessful students (also commonly referred to as at-risk students) can find success if the delivery of their education is …


The Retention Of Black College Students, Latreena Kathleen Felegy Jan 2016

The Retention Of Black College Students, Latreena Kathleen Felegy

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper explores three factors that contribute to the retention of Black college students: the institutional environment, social support and motivatior/resilience. In this paper institutional environment is defined as the student's perceived acceptance and well-being at the instifution. Social support is defined as the student's network of family, friends, faculty and staff who are available to assist and encourage the students in their academic pursuits. Motivation/resilience is defined as the willingness of the students to continue on their path to graduation regardless of setbacks and challenges. Each of the factors presented in the paper is supported by research by professionals. …


Students' Perspectives Of Mathematics, Karen M. Kempe Jan 2016

Students' Perspectives Of Mathematics, Karen M. Kempe

Theses and Graduate Projects

Mathematical education in the United States has evolved through the centuries in order to adjust to the demands of society and prepare students for success. A quality mathematics program in our world today requires teachers to have thorough content knowledge, an understanding of students' developmental thought processes, and constructivist teaching principles that are student-centered This study aims to examine students' perspectives on mathematics using qualitative research methods with the goal to produce theories that will help teachers create a math program that is based off of the needs of students as determined from understanding their mathematical perspectives. Centered on qualitative …


Principals' Perspectives On Visual Arts Subject Allocation And Value, Joseph J. Durben Jan 2016

Principals' Perspectives On Visual Arts Subject Allocation And Value, Joseph J. Durben

Theses and Graduate Projects

Research indicates there are unique benefits for students' learning in the visual arts and creative skills learned in the art studio teach students what is needed to be successful in the 21st century. Many schools reduce allocation time for quality visual arts. Although current federal and state policy indicates that visual art is a core subject, it is treated at times as enrichment. To teach the whole child, there needs to be a balance of subjects and equal access for students. In this qualitative study three themes emerged: I ) Principals view the visual arts as a core subject, 2) …


Alternative Learning: A Focus On Increased Engagement And Motivation In A Mathematics Classroom, Rachel Loftus Jan 2016

Alternative Learning: A Focus On Increased Engagement And Motivation In A Mathematics Classroom, Rachel Loftus

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to focus on increasing engagement and motivation in an alternative learning mathematics classroom. The study uses qualitative methods to observe students in an alternative learning program's mathematics classroom as they work towards obtaining a mathematics credit needed for graduation. Direct participant observation, passive observation, teacher field notes, student assessment scores, structured formal interviews, and surveys are utilized in data collection. Following the analyzation and coding of data, the findings suggest that students need relevant curriculum and personalized learning to entice greater engagement and motivation in an alternative learning mathematics classroom. Another finding suggests that …


The Effects Of Teaching A Growth Mindset Unit On A Teaching Practice And Fifth Grade Students' Perceptions Of Their Abilities In Math, Rosalind M. Sybrant Jan 2016

The Effects Of Teaching A Growth Mindset Unit On A Teaching Practice And Fifth Grade Students' Perceptions Of Their Abilities In Math, Rosalind M. Sybrant

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine whether teaching growth mindset, that intelligence is malleable and can be increased through persistence and effort, had an impact on students' perception of their abilities in mathematics. The participants were 23 fifth grade students in the Midwest. In this qualitative study, data was collected through surveys, self-assessments, reflection journals and direct participant observation. Four major themes emerged: I ) relationships and trust; 2) increased willingness to take risks; 3) asking questions; and 4) puzzles and problem solving. Improved relationships and increased trust were foundational to other changes, allowing the students confidence to …


Approaching A Listening And Speaking Skills Gap For Some Learners In The Adult Ell Classroom, Johanna K. Steinruieck Jan 2016

Approaching A Listening And Speaking Skills Gap For Some Learners In The Adult Ell Classroom, Johanna K. Steinruieck

Theses and Graduate Projects

Some adult English language learners (AELLs) have weak English listening and speaking skills in relation to their reading and writing literacy skills. Little information about this discrepancy is available to teachers of AELLs. The purpose of this project was to learn what research exists on the topic and find hands-on strategies to address it in the AELL classroom. Methods included an extended literature review and a survey of AELL teachers in two upper-Midwest urban Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs. Studies of college and university students who are learners of English as a second language (ESL), show that listening and speaking …


Parents' Perspectives On Early Childhood Literacy, Courtney S. Bagge Jan 2016

Parents' Perspectives On Early Childhood Literacy, Courtney S. Bagge

Theses and Graduate Projects

Learning from birth to the age of five is critical for the development of literacy in children, as well as influencing the ability of children to have later success in school. Enrollment in a preschool with a structured literacy program is a way to enhance literacy in young children. It has also been shown that parental involvement in child literacy programs improve the educational benefits to the child. This study uses qualitative research based on interviews with parents of children enrolled in the SEEDS program at the Community Child Development Center in order to better understand their perspectives of the …


Students' Perspectives Of Self-Monitoring And Self-Assessment, Erica E. Kirsch Jan 2016

Students' Perspectives Of Self-Monitoring And Self-Assessment, Erica E. Kirsch

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact that self-monitoring and self-assessment had on students' perspectives regarding their classroom experience. Classroom teachers are faced with the task of guiding students towards increasing their independence with academic tasks and classroom behavior on a daily basis. Many teachers also seek solutions to help increase students' motivation and self-regulation skills. Self-monitoring and student self-assessment strategies are both examples of positive behavior interventions that are considered to be evidence- based strategies. These strategies can be used to help support students in increasing positive classroom behavior and decreasing negative or undesirable behavior. A …