Education Commons^™

Integrated Humanities: A Content Model For Senior High School Gifted, Jolene Kay Teske

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to develop an integrated humanities content model for senior high school gifted students. It began as a vision and has developed into a clear content model that will be piloted at the writer's school in the fall of 1999. Through the literature review and working revisions, the writer has become convinced that this type of model is one viable and defensible option for programming for intellectually gifted students at the senior high school level.

Quality Schools For The Next Century: A Reflective Essay, Pam J. Zeigler

Graduate Research Papers

My formal education began in 1967 in a small school in north central Iowa. The world was a lot different then. There were 13 students in my kindergarten class. We all lived with our biological mother and father. Our fathers were the "breadwinners;" our mothers were the "bread makers." We read books about Dick, Jane, and Sally and completed thousands of worksheets. We memorized facts and sat quietly while the teacher did all the talking. We thought that once we graduated from high school we were finished with school forever. Words, such as drugs, computers, and AIDS, were not a …

Breaking Tradition: One Special Educator's Journey Towards A Meaning-Based Instructional Program, Crystal L. Thurn

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes what one special educator has tried in teaching reading and found it to be successful for students with learning disabilities. It gives some helpful tips about making reading more meaningful by using authentic literature, addressing the higher order thinking skills, and letting go of time a barrier.

Collateral Positions In Student Affairs, Lisa L. Kidd

Graduate Research Papers

Staff members in student services argue that students have become their responsibility by the default of the faculty. Faculty members, insisting that they are the university, do not want budgets for student support to remain large or to continue growing. Students want both faculty members and support personnel to pay attention to them. Administrators, legislators, and the public want to see budgets cut. The tensions are palpable.

The constant tug of war between faculty and staff for larger budgets places more pressure on universities to allocate funds equitably. In doing so, the use of collaborative positions have increased. By increasing …

Home Response Journals : Parents As Informed Contributors In The Assessment Of Their Child's Reading Development, Julie Wilson Morningstar

Graduate Research Papers

When parents are welcomed as partners in their child's "educational team," a bridge connecting the child's home and school environments is created - empowering parents as active participants in their child's reading development.

The Internet And Education : Uses And Issues, Ronald William Fitch

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to provide a short overview of how the Internet, especially e-mail and the World Wide Web (WWW), is used in education for all age groups, elementary school through university and corporate training. Second, to examine current issues surrounding the use of the Internet in education. This paper will answer the question "What is the current state of the Internet in education?" Educational uses of the Internet as supplemental tools to classroom learning will be defined and discussed.

Asperger's Syndrome : A Review Of Literature, Tracy L. Gappa

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains a review of literature on Asperger's Syndrome (AS). This disorder is characterized by deficits in social interaction skills and communication skills (such as the absence of eye contact or facial expressions). Individuals with AS also insist on routines in behaviors, and pursue a relatively narrow range of interests and activities. Etiology is thought to be multifactoral. Studies have indicated that AS may be influenced by genetic factors as well as pre-, peri-, and postnatal trauma. The disorder is also more common among boys than girls.

In this paper, the general clinical features of AS are reviewed, with …

The Integration Of Call In Efl/Esl Learning Environment, Kuei-Chin Huang

Graduate Research Papers

A number of studies have shown that learning through the use of computers is more efficient than traditional methods and arouse students motivation (Johnson & Osguthorpe, 1986; Jung, 1992 ). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), to investigate the immense potential of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), and then to identify ways in which computers can be used to enhance foreign language learning.

A Project Approach Using Integration And Collaboration To Study Ancient Civilizatons In Sixth Grade, Kim Marie Nadermann Kerian

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to describe a 6th grade project intended to build responsibility in students for their own learning and develop an integration of curriculum areas through the study of Ancient Civilizations. Within this project, 6th grade students were involved in a research project with the final production of an ancient civilizations museum where they shared their knowledge and taught other students about their chosen civilization.

Extended Learning Program Evaluation, Linda S. Keegan

Graduate Research Papers

The rationale for the development of this project is to improve the quality of education for the gifted education program at the Marion Independent School District. The project was based upon the evaluation instruments employed to parents, students, and teachers effected by the ELP in the grades kindergarten through third grade. Parents were given a survey regarding the ELP program goals and objectives, communication, and satisfaction of the program. Students were given surveys regarding their learning and feelings about the program. Teachers were given surveys discussing a variety of topics dealing with parents, students, and services provided in the program.

Differentiated Educational Programming And Educational Strategies For The Highly Gifted In The Elementary Schools Of Malaysia, Norridah Katun

Graduate Research Papers

Highly gifted children, due.to their unique attributes, need a differentiated program and educational strategies that are commensurate with their abilities. As a part of the educational reform movement, the country of Malaysia has committed itself to the implementation of innovative strategies for developing the potential of its children and youth. This review of literature focused on that commitment.

First of all, the need for differentiated programming and educational strategies for the highly gifted was reaffirmed. Then, from the reviewed literature, the qualities of successful differentiated programming/strategies were established for highly gifted children in the elementary schools of Malaysia. Third, six …

Effective Uses Of Technology In The Classroom, Sherrie Kopecky

Graduate Research Papers

Research Questions: How is technology being effectively used in the elementary, middle, and high schools both by the teachers and the students? What are some effective pieces of software students are utilizing in their learning? What is the best way to integrate technology into the curriculum?

What Does Educational Technology Mean In The Promotion Of Student Achievement : A Literature Review, Fongching Lee

Graduate Research Papers

Research indicates that educational technology has a valued status, especially in the promotion of student learning. The theory behind the study of educational technology includes the four paradigms defined by Saettler (1990): the media view, the communications and systems view, the behavioral sciences view, and the cognitive science concept. This theory serves as the basis for the implementation of educational technology by the teachers.

Implementing educational technology, in special education and regular education (k-12), has indicated positive influences on student achievement. Greater student achievement would translate to better worker-citizens for the United States, thereby allowing the country to be competitive …

Childhood Sexual Abuse: Long Versus Short Term Effects, Joyce Skinner

Graduate Research Papers

Research over the past decade indicates that a wide range of psychological and interpersonal problems are more prevalent among those who have been sexually abused than among individuals with no such experiences. This paper summarizes what is currently known about these potential impacts of child sexual abuse. The various problems and symptoms described in the literature on child sexual abuse are reviewed in a series of broad categories including post-traumatic stress, emotional pain, avoidance, an impaired self, and interpersonal difficulties. Research has determined that the extent to which a given individual manifests abuse-related distress is a function of an undetermined …

Designing And Implementing Successful Staff Development, Peggy A. Sheetz

Graduate Research Papers

What staff development factors are vital to ensure successful staff training for the integration of technology into the curriculum? What variability factors must be taken into account when planning and implementing staff development?

In theory, staff development should not take very long, and educators should be able to ascertain the meaning and directions that are given related to technology quite easily. However, the staff development that is thought out and executed well is the staff development opportunity that is effective. Effective staff development requires five factors: time, access, collaboration, training and implementation. Without these factors being considered, success will be …

Androgogy And K-12 Technology Staff Development : Towards Effective Practice, Craig Barnum

Graduate Research Papers

Many K-12 technology staff development programs are based upon pedagogical models. Adult learners require a different set of design and facilitation skills referred to as andragogy. The primary goal of adult education in any arena is to produce independent life long learners. This is particularly valuable in the ever changing realm of technology. To engage this task Knowles and Brookfield each identify six guiding principles that construct a framework for designers and facilitators of adult education programs to follow. The process of meaningfully integrating technology into the schools requires substantial change to current instructional methods. K-12 technology staff development designers …

Portfolios : An Implementation Report, Anna Burnham

Graduate Research Papers

Today's educators are acquiring a clearer picture of student learning and growth. To achieve a more comprehensive assessment of student growth, teachers are turning to alternative assessment tools. One such tool is a portfolio. What is a portfolio? What is the purpose of a portfolio? How does one design and implement portfolios? The purpose of this article is to answer these questions and to study, first hand, how elementary teachers in Charles City, Iowa are designing and implementing portfolios.

After reviewing published literature and research, a survey instrument was created to answer questions concerning design, implementation, and other elements of …

Developing Industrial Suppliers In Mexico, Abe Camacho

Graduate Research Papers

Research Questions:

1. Will cultural differences influence the effectiveness of developing Mexican industrial suppliers for U.S. international companies? 2. Will understanding the Mexican culture reduce time developing industrial suppliers for U.S. international companies? 3. Will developing Mexican industrial suppliers increase markets for U.S. international companies?

A Review Of The Research On Social Withdrawal In Children And Adolescents, Ryan Lee Channel

Graduate Research Papers

Recent research on peer relations has differentiated two groups of socially isolated children, one due to social withdrawal and the other because of aggressive behavior. Aggression has seen more research and more conclusive evidence of the development of later problems while much of the peer relations literature has previously regarded the socially withdrawn child as questionable in terms of risk. Developmental theorists, however, maintain that interpersonal experiences enable children to gain a sense of other's perspective and relate to peers in social settings. Lack of, or continuously negative interactions will affect development of social cognition, limiting the learning gained through …

Literacy Tutoring: A Qualitative Study On Tutor And Tutee Interactions, Kimberly R. Staebell

Graduate Research Papers

One-to-one literacy tutoring has been promoted as a solution for an increasing number of children who are struggling with reading in the regular classroom. This tutoring refers to an individual tutor working with a single child on literacy activities (Wasik & Slavin, 1993). This type of tutoring is said to be effective (Wasik & Slavin, 1993). One-to-one tutoring, for example, allows for supplemental reading time and the chance for more reading to occur. Morris (1990), notes that "an opportunity to learn to read is of critical importance" (p. 134 ). This opportunity is reflected in an individual tutoring situation which …

Native American Indian Female Students In Higher Education, Becky Youngbear

Graduate Research Papers

Colleges and universities have witnessed a significant increase in the number of underrepresented student populations but are just beginning to become aware of their needs. These students encounter academic and social problems prior to and after entering colleges and universities. Institutional awareness and support are just a start in an effort to retain and assist underrepresented students in college. Among these underrepresented groups are Native American Indians who are challenged to succeed in a Eurocentric higher education setting.

Integration Of Technology Into Science Education, Paul Zahner

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the importance of integrating technology into science education is discussed. The correlation between technology and science is noted and national science standards are examined. The evolution of today's learners requires a change in science education, and technology can serve as a vehicle for meaningful reform. The starting point for any change in science education lies with the teacher, who must adopt new strategies to meet the needs of all types of learners. Various examples of these teaching plans are discussed within this paper. Other important components of the change process include school administration support, especially financial. These …

Experiencing Poetry Daily In The Classroom: Listening, Reading, And Writing, Carol Wenger

Graduate Research Papers

A second grade teacher provides students with daily poetry experiences based on research of the benefits of using poetry in the classroom. Poems were read for the enjoyment of the words, to further develop topics of study, to notice the use of writing conventions, to improve students' reading skills, and to improve the writing skills of students.

Cluster Grouping Elementary Gifted Students In The Regular Classroom: A Teacher's Perspective, Kevin Michael Teno

Graduate Research Papers

Cluster grouping is a programming option that is receiving increased attention as a method of serving gifted students in regular heterogeneously grouped classrooms. This article provides an overview of the literature on cluster grouping and also examines the advantages and disadvantages of clustering from the perspective of conclusions obtained through actual implementation in an elementary school district. The conclusions indicate that clustering, if carefully planned and implemented, provides a viable option in meeting the needs of gifted students and improves the education of all students in the regular classroom.

Computer-Based Training And Its Impact On Training And Education, Carla Gahwiler

Graduate Research Papers

Computer-based training is an area of training that is growing at a rapid pace. Although it is becoming more and more popular, we must determine the actual impact it has on training in order to assess its usefulness and relevance. This study was developed by researching and compiling available data on the subject of computer based training, and then forming an assessment of this type of training based on that information. It was found that computer based training offers many positive features as well as advantages and appropriate applications, but it does have its limitations, and is not the answer …

Class Size In The Primary School Years (Kindergarten - Grade Three), Tracy L. Goebel-Kelley

Graduate Research Papers

Studies of the effects of class size on children's learning have been conducted throughout the twentieth century involving nearly a million students. This article summarizes the professional literature on the effects of class size on primary grade children's learning and how it corresponds to the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate guidelines. Then, class size reduction policies such as hiring an additional teacher, implementing tutoring programs, or grouping students differently throughout the day to reduce class size during reading and math classes are presented. This article was written to help those who are involved in early childhood programs understand the many benefits that …

Developing More Efficient Readers : A Guided Reading, Making Words, And Sentence Writing Practice, Nancy Hohanshelt

Graduate Research Papers

Inefficient reading of text by poor readers has always been a concern of reading teachers. This paper demonstrates an approach that increases vocabulary, aids comprehension, and improves writing. It incorporates three processes: guided reading, making words, and sentence writing.

The guided reading segment is where the text is introduced and then read by the students. Difficult words are studied and mini-lessons may be initiated at this time or a later time. The second portion of the lesson is for making words. A word is chosen from the guided reading text and becomes the target word for this portion of the …

Electronic Job Searching : Suggestions For Educators, Jan Andreesen

Graduate Research Papers

The Internet offers an abundance of resources and information to the job seeker. Because of this great wealth of data, it is important educators are able to assist students in developing a path to take when utilizing the Internet as a job searching tool. When job searching using the Internet, students can go online to determine their interests, research various careers, research various companies, and research general and specific job listings using online job boards and online newspaper classifieds. The Internet also offers information on the various resume formats needed by today's job seeker. These resume formats include those that …

Looking At Children Looking At Art : Teacher Response To Aesthetic Journals In Art, Julie A. Alden

Graduate Research Papers

Although recent trends in art education emphasize a discipline based approach to instruction, the elementary art experience often focuses on the process components of art production, overlooking other significant areas of study (Adams, 1992; Garoian, 1988; Hickman, 1994 ). One way in which educators can help make art experiences more meaningful to students is to use response journals for viewing artwork. Educators have established the use of response journals as a worthy practice by providing students with opportunities to develop greater understanding of content material and by providing teachers with valuable insight into students thinking through shared dialogue (Hall, Crawford …

Ability Grouping In The Elementary School, Ellen M. Azinger

Graduate Research Papers

Ability grouping has been used in schools for many years in an attempt to meet children's instructional needs. Is this type of grouping nurturing for children? The purpose of this paper is to examine ability grouping and then to offer the alternative of flexible grouping to extend the instructional program at the elementary level. Flexible grouping allows students to more readily pursue meaningful learning, thus extending their abilities.