Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 27 of 27
Full-Text Articles in Education
Improving Fourth Graders' Attitudes Toward Leisure-Time Reading And Increasing Book Involvement, Deborah A. Beck
Improving Fourth Graders' Attitudes Toward Leisure-Time Reading And Increasing Book Involvement, Deborah A. Beck
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This practicum describes a reading program that was developed and implemented by the author to improve attitudes toward leisure-time reading with an increased book involvement among elementary students. A target group of 30 students in a fourth grade self-contained class was established for the program. The program contained three basic strategies for improving attitudes toward leisure-time reading with an increased book involvement; read aloud session conducted by teachers, parents, and other adults; daily sustained silent reading periods; and the keeping of a student reading log. The writer measured success by comparing students' pre and post attitude surveys, pre and post …
Development Of A Generic Model Aimed At Building Self-Love Among Para-Alcoholic Native American Children, Claralynn Merino
Development Of A Generic Model Aimed At Building Self-Love Among Para-Alcoholic Native American Children, Claralynn Merino
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This report describes an alternative program for building self-love among Native American para-alcoholic, elementary school age children. There is a need to increase awareness of the para- alcoholic behaviors existing in young Native American students. The epidemic of alcoholism on the reservation affects all the children and increases the need for nurturing and love. In a culture where touch is limited, prevention strategies are important. The dysfunctional home and community environment should not interfere in a child's ability to learn. Co-dependent children deal daily with their public self and real self, and need outlets to relieve their tensions. The Love …
Organizing A Program To Increase Fitness Levels In Fourth Grade Students, Warren A. Bell
Organizing A Program To Increase Fitness Levels In Fourth Grade Students, Warren A. Bell
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A high percentage of students have scored low on health-related fitness tests in the areas of Upper Body Strength and Cardio- Respiratory Endurance. Utilizing the Chrysler/AAU Fitness Program (1989) to screen the students, the author developed a means to supplement physical education classes once or twice per week to improve fourth graders’ fitness levels. After developing and implementing a Runner’s Club and a Fitness Course that was supervised by the fourth grade classroom teachers on an every-other-day basis for 10 weeks, the author was able to significantly improve health related fitness test scores, Appendices include Turkey Trot Guidelines, Pre-Test Fitness …
Increasing Verbal Participation And Self-Concept Through Teaching Across The Curriculum, Linda A. Wolfe
Increasing Verbal Participation And Self-Concept Through Teaching Across The Curriculum, Linda A. Wolfe
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The high percentage of students lacking verbal participation in schools and experiencing a low self-concept in an above achieving third grade class was addressed by the implementation of teaching strategies across the curriculum. The target group of 25 students was involved in social studies, science, and expressive language activities that were designed to increase verbal participation and self-concept. In addition, the target group engaged in weekly self-concept activities with the school counselor. The comparison of The Student Tally of Participation prior to and after implementation showed the average verbal participation measuring at 60 percent which was four percent above the …
Improving Social Studies Achievement: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Lindalee Kaminski
Improving Social Studies Achievement: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Lindalee Kaminski
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A high percentage of students in a second grade class with low socio-economic characteristics demonstrated exceptionally low achievement in social studies. The problem was addressed by the implementation of an interdisciplinary program to increase basic skills in all areas of the curriculum. Activities designed to increase the target group's understanding of social studies concepts while practicing skills in reading, language arts, math, and science were incorporated into all subject areas utilizing a whole language approach. An emphasis on critical thinking and daily news events allowed for student growth in inferential comprehension and the formation of attitudes about the world. The …
Remediating Reading Skills - Utilizing Self-Awareness Through An Intensive Whole Language Approach, Gerardine K. Cochran
Remediating Reading Skills - Utilizing Self-Awareness Through An Intensive Whole Language Approach, Gerardine K. Cochran
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
Reading remediation needs of second graders were addressed through an intensive whole language approach with particular emphasis on self-awareness. Teacher recommendations and basal scores were used to identify seven at-risk second grade students. Students attended a class for an hour daily during which main idea, cause and effect, and drawing conclusions were the skills targeted. Over the ten week implementation period, students focused on themselves, peer relationships and various aspects of the school. The students' overall academic performances exceeded expectations. In the area of main idea, five of the seven students scored 80% and above. In cause and effect skills, …
Devising And Executing Training Sessions For Parents In Critical Thinking, Joyce V. Galgano
Devising And Executing Training Sessions For Parents In Critical Thinking, Joyce V. Galgano
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This project attempted to show the increased achievement of second grade students whose parents learned and applied critical thinking techniques. The implementation component encompassed a ten week segment: five training sessions and five written newsletters for parents. Without any changes in educational programs, teaching techniques or new materials in the classroom, students increased in achievement as measured and evaluated in three areas. Area I, content, was measured by the Cognitive Abilities Test (Riverside Publications), a professionally prepared test designed to assess the development of cognitive abilities related to verbal, non-verbal and quantitative reasoning and problem solving. Area II, strategy, was …
Peer Counseling In The Elementary School: Promoting Personal And Academic Growth Through Positive Relationships Thereby Increasing Self-Esteem And Self-Concept, Debra J. Lieberman
Peer Counseling In The Elementary School: Promoting Personal And Academic Growth Through Positive Relationships Thereby Increasing Self-Esteem And Self-Concept, Debra J. Lieberman
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The effects of a peer counseling program on the elementary school level was studied to determine if positive relationships would promote personal and academic growth thereby increasing self-esteem and self-concept. The project was implemented in three phases: selection and training of 15 fourth and fifth grade students, implementation of special projects (i.e., counseling, tutoring, meeters and greeters, big brother/big sister), and evaluation. The 15 students were trained in the areas of facilitative responding, effective listening skills, helping characteristics, problem solving techniques, maintaining positive relationships, awareness of feelings, scheduling, and maintenance of logs. Evaluation included pre and post attitude surveys of …
Identifying Risk Factors For Reading Failure As An Aid To Prediction And Prevention Of Retention In The Second Grade, Valerie G. Ballerini
Identifying Risk Factors For Reading Failure As An Aid To Prediction And Prevention Of Retention In The Second Grade, Valerie G. Ballerini
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
In order to identify students at risk of failure in reading, a list was compiled in the school of factors held in common by students who had previously been retained in second grade. Cumulative folders were examined in order to gather the necessary data. At least 80 percent of the students in this part of the study were male, did not live with both parents, had failed the reading comprehension section of a local first grade minimum level skills test, and had visual sequential memory deficits. Other contributing factors were also identified. Using these factors, the records of 60 students …
Improving Spelling Performance Of Sixth Grade Students Using Eclectic Spelling Strategies And A Cognitive-Based Approach, Marilyn L. Frieling
Improving Spelling Performance Of Sixth Grade Students Using Eclectic Spelling Strategies And A Cognitive-Based Approach, Marilyn L. Frieling
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The poor spelling performance of a group of sixth graders was addressed by utilizing the Informal Spelling Inventory suggested by Mann and Suiter (1974). This criterion – referenced test determined that nine members of the sixth grade class scored well below grade level expectations in spelling. A cognitive – based approach and eclectic spelling strategies were implemented with the target group in order to improve their spelling achievement. The results indicated a cognitive-based approach through phonetic instruction and rule generalizations increased levels of achievement in the target group. Students within the group demonstrated positive attitudinal changes. Purposeful writing became one …
Teaching Elementary School Teachers To Use Logo With Gifted Students, Jeanette Christie Lis
Teaching Elementary School Teachers To Use Logo With Gifted Students, Jeanette Christie Lis
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The author addressed the problem of meeting the needs of elementary school gifted students in the mainstream computer literacy instruction. The objectives of the practicum were to provide the teachers with a knowledge of Logo commands and concepts and to help the teachers develop a positive attitude toward the use of Logo. Twelve workshop sessions were held for the target group of eight teachers. The teachers received instruction in the computer programming language Logo. A study guide and sample programs, developed by this author, served as the basis for instruction. The guide contains theoretical background information about Logo plus related …
Oral Vocabulary Development Program For A Transitional First Grade Program, Jean A. Humlicek
Oral Vocabulary Development Program For A Transitional First Grade Program, Jean A. Humlicek
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The purpose of this project was to improve the academic performance of transitional first grade students by developing the students’ oral vocabularies. The researcher developed a 12 week vocabulary development curriculum; by using a natural language approach 104 words were introduced. The classroom teacher presented the daily 20 minute lessons. Pre- and post-implementation vocabulary ages were measured with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R). Pretest vocabulary ages ranged from two years and zero months to five years and four months. Final test results indicated the vocabulary ages of the 19 participating students increased and average of 11 months. Individual student …
An Affective Strategy To Teach Self-Monitoring Study Skills To Secondary Severely Emotionally Disturbed (Sed) Students., William T. Roach Jr.
An Affective Strategy To Teach Self-Monitoring Study Skills To Secondary Severely Emotionally Disturbed (Sed) Students., William T. Roach Jr.
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This author developed and implemented a self-monitoring study strategy with an affective focus. It was designed to address eight target behaviors that interfered with classroom performance. Based on a questionnaire and inventory administered to 34 students and eight teachers the problems identified were directly associated with the process of independent study. The targeted problems were demonstrating impatience, setting goals, allowing distractions to delay, reviewing paper before turning in, rushing through an assignment, expecting assignment to be difficult, requesting assistance appropriately and relying too much on others. The strategy was eventually used with 13 severely emotionally disturbed students at the secondary …
Achieving Student Mastery Learning Of Fifth Grade Minimal Standards For Computer Literacy Through The Development And Use Of A Computer Literacy Program, Cheryl Temple Dafeldecker
Achieving Student Mastery Learning Of Fifth Grade Minimal Standards For Computer Literacy Through The Development And Use Of A Computer Literacy Program, Cheryl Temple Dafeldecker
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
At the practicum site classroom teachers were not teaching nor were they prepared to teach, the State Computer Literacy Minimal Standard objectives. Teachers were not including computer curriculum in their lesson plans and cited the lack of structured curricular materials, experience, and training as their rationale. The practicum targeted fourth and fifth grade students, with an objective of 85 percent attaining mastery on the tested minimal standards and related objectives after completion of a Computer Literacy Program (CLP), and measured by an objective-based posttest. In order to accomplish this, teachers needed exposure to the field of compute education, particularly computer …
Children With Special Needs Can Succeed A Teacher Resource Guide For A College Preparatory Elementary School, Bonnie L. Miller
Children With Special Needs Can Succeed A Teacher Resource Guide For A College Preparatory Elementary School, Bonnie L. Miller
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This project demonstrated that children with special needs can succeed in a college preparatory school. Using a faculty and staff member questionnaire and a parent questionnaire, the writer identified the following special needs among the students at the practicum site. (a) learning disabilities, (b) speech and language disorders, ( c) hearing impairments, ( d) visual impairments, ( e) physical disability, and (t) behavior disorders. At the practicum site, when a parent was contacted concerning a child's identified special need that could be fully corrected at the school site, the parent was generally directed to seek out-of-school help. The school personnel …
Developing A Publication Containing Elementary Teachers' Successful Mathematics Instruction Strategies, Susan M. Syster
Developing A Publication Containing Elementary Teachers' Successful Mathematics Instruction Strategies, Susan M. Syster
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
Mathematics teachers are trained to assess students' abilities and instructional needs. Many teachers utilize creative teaching strategies, games, and various media to meet those needs. Surveys indicate that teachers are constantly searching for new skill instruction strategies, time savers, games, materials, and other ways to improve teaching in mathematics classrooms. In order to meet the needs expressed by educators concerning busy schedules and the lack of time to get together with fellow teachers to share ideas and visit each others' classrooms, a mathematics publication (to be distributed district-wide) was developed to address these needs. The publication was written by and …
Increasing Teacher Awareness Of Gifted Child Identification And Referral Criteria, Jacqueline Lea Terrell
Increasing Teacher Awareness Of Gifted Child Identification And Referral Criteria, Jacqueline Lea Terrell
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This practicum is concerned with increasing teacher awareness of the gifted child identification and referral criteria by utilizing the four following information dissemination techniques: (1) One-on-one contacts with each classroom teacher by researcher at practicum site (2) Distributing gifted child characteristics information cards with referral system flow chart created by author featuring an original comparison of gifted student traits to a modern ice cream parlor menu (3) Administering pre and post surveys (4) Arranging tours of local gifted resource center for classroom teachers from practicum site. The results of this practicum reflected an increase in the knowledge and interest of …
Developing Music History Knowledge Through Computer-Assisted Instruction, Elaine A. Meils
Developing Music History Knowledge Through Computer-Assisted Instruction, Elaine A. Meils
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A team effort led by the author developed and implemented a model program designed to improve fifth grade students’ knowledge of music history through computer- assisted instruction. The goals of the program were to have the student be able to identify the different periods of music history, music styles of those periods, composers and various writing styles of the composers. The program contained four basic components: pre-test, implementation, post-test and results. After the fifth grade students were randomly chosen, a pre-test was conducted and the implementation began. Following the implementation period the author conducted a post-test, the findings of the …
Reduction Of External Suspensions Through The Use Of An Effective Administrative Discipline Plan, Sharon Hill Shaulis
Reduction Of External Suspensions Through The Use Of An Effective Administrative Discipline Plan, Sharon Hill Shaulis
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The author developed and implemented a model program to reduce the number of external suspensions in a middle school. The program's aims were to make sure that disciplinary actions such as suspension did not interfere with a handicapped student's rights to an appropriate education, and to reduce the total number of external suspensions focusing on exceptional students. The program contained three basic components: a suspension module, suspension red,1ction techniques, and computerizing data base management of all suspension data. After school staff were inserviced on proper suspension procedures a consistent administrative discipline plan was implemented. This plan consisted of non-violent crisis …
Improving Instructional Efficiency Through The Implementation Of Computerized Management And Prescriptive Analysis, Thomas V. Pisano
Improving Instructional Efficiency Through The Implementation Of Computerized Management And Prescriptive Analysis, Thomas V. Pisano
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The author implemented a computerized management system to improve instructional efficiency within the classroom. A variety of computer application software were used for grading and prescriptive analysis in the fifth grade classroom. The teacher developed a data base of student information, and parental contact was conducted via grade sheet reports and word processed form letters. Keyboard skills were taught to the students during their Computer Science and Language arts lab periods so that word processing skills could be introduced. No textbook was used for language arts instruction. The teacher modeled the writing process on the word processors and the students …
Creative Writing: A Collection And Implementation Of Techniques To Motivate First Grade Writers, Dorothy J. Whittaker
Creative Writing: A Collection And Implementation Of Techniques To Motivate First Grade Writers, Dorothy J. Whittaker
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The author developed and implemented a writing program to aid first grade students in acquiring skills and confidence needed to perform as independent writers on a voluntary basis. The program's goals were to increase the frequency of independent writing behaviors, improve writing skills and develop a positive attitude toward the task of writing. The program centered around a collection of techniques and strategies used to motivate and instruct young children on writing skills. Students engaged in daily structured writing activities or independent writing endeavors over a ten-week period. At the end of the program, the frequency of independent writing behavior …
An Outdoor Environmental Education Center, Robert L. Booth
An Outdoor Environmental Education Center, Robert L. Booth
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A program introduced by the author was developed and implemented to provide the school and community with An Outdoor Environmental Education Center and supportive curriculum. This program was implemented to satisfy a recommendation in the Pinellas County Elementary Schools Educational Specifications manual which called for such a center in the construction of new schools. There was also a request from the faculty to enhance the environmentally rich campus of the school with this education center for the use of school and community. The program involved construction of an eight station nature trail and the design and development of curriculum enrichment …
A Gifted Education Inservice Program For Regular Classroom Teachers, Diane L. Lethbridge
A Gifted Education Inservice Program For Regular Classroom Teachers, Diane L. Lethbridge
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A ten week inservice training program in gifted education was developed and implemented for regular classroom teachers at the elementary school level. The goals were for the participants to show significant gains in identifying the gifted, in developing positive attitudes and in planning and utilizing appropriate methods and materials to meet their particular needs. A local survey indicated that the majority of regular education teachers were not able to identify gifted students or to provide for their affective and intellectual needs. A creative inservice training program was developed to demonstrate effective gifted education strategies. Multi-media workshops presented information on identification, …
Improving The Skill Of Analysis In Fifth And Sixth Grade Academic Excellence Students, Sandra Stein
Improving The Skill Of Analysis In Fifth And Sixth Grade Academic Excellence Students, Sandra Stein
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
The writer initiated and implemented a program designed to increase the higher cognitive skill of analysis in fifth and sixth grade Academic Excellence students. This was to be achieved by an eclectic approach involving language arts, mathematics, and social studies. The program employed daily and weekly lessons, as well as a three week research project. The primary objective was improvement of scores on the “Ross Test of Higher Cognitive Skills” as evidence by percentile upgrades on spring testing as compared to fall testing. Assessment was done on a weekly basis through oral and written evaluation in the form of anecdotal …
The Design And Implementation Of A Speech, Drama, And Communications Course For Junior High Students, Virginia H. Miller
The Design And Implementation Of A Speech, Drama, And Communications Course For Junior High Students, Virginia H. Miller
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A semester elective fine arts course for junior high students in speech, drama, and communications was designed and implemented by the author for a private Christian day school in a metropolitan Florida city. The school serves 630 students in grades kindergarten-four through nine. The project's goals were to expand the school's fine arts program, to address the personal needs of the adolescent, and to increase the interactions between the school's junior high and primary and elementary students. Following preliminary activities to assess and evaluate present skills, needs, and interests, students proceeded through sequence of activities to achieve objectives in four …
Creative Approaches To Vocabulary Enrichment In Fourth Grade Students Through Semantic Analysis, Jeannine G. Counts
Creative Approaches To Vocabulary Enrichment In Fourth Grade Students Through Semantic Analysis, Jeannine G. Counts
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
This practicum report focuses on an enrichment strategy designed and implemented by the author to increase the vocabulary of accelerated fourth grade students. There were two criteria to be met by members of the target selection. First, they had to excel in language arts as indicated by superior test scores on the county reading test. Secondly, each participant had language arts grades of excellent status as evaluated by the previous instructor. The aim of the strategy was to present similarities and dissimilarities of target words and affect positive changes in the students' performances and attitudes toward their creatively written expressions. …
Increasing The Mathematics Performance Of Learning Disabled Children Through Self-Monitoring Of Attention Span, Geraldine B. Newton
Increasing The Mathematics Performance Of Learning Disabled Children Through Self-Monitoring Of Attention Span, Geraldine B. Newton
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive
A program to self-monitor attention spans for learning disabled students in grades three through six was implemented to aid them in remaining on task while in math class. A recorded “beeper” was set up to remind students to stay on task. Students marked a checksheet to indicate whether or not they were on task when the “beep” went off. The program’s aims were to help the students increase his mathematics performance as demonstrated by an increase of achievement on the math section of the Wide Range Achievement Test. The Program consisted of a pretest, implementation of self-monitoring for 10 weeks …