Education Commons^™

Problem Based Learning, Susan Tebbe

Graduate Research Papers

The No Child Left Behind legislation brought about a flurry of conversations regarding student achievement (McElroy, 2006). Increased use of standardized testing to measure student achievement has resulted in a discussion of teaching models. Is the transmission teaching model with its expository style the only mode to insure student success? Or is the constructivist teaching model with its inquiry style a mode that better leads to student success? This review of literature examines the instructional practices involved in problem based learning, a constructivist approach. The paper focuses on the components of problem-based learning, the benefits and challenges of using this.approach, …

Caught Or Taught : Development Of A Middle School Spelling Program, Jennie M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

In this literature review, the author explored research studies and literature about literacy to learn more about spelling instruction. Although much research has been done in the area of spelling instruction, little has changed in spelling instruction in the typical middle school classroom (Templeton, 2002a).

This review gives a brief overview of the basic composition of the English language and the history of the teaching of spelling in the United States. Research is reviewed that deals with the acquisition of spelling based on the developmental spelling continuum (Bear, Invemizzi, Templeton & Johnston, 1996). The author explored the connection between reading, …

An Investigation Of The General Population's Understanding Of Forgiveness, Wen-Chuan Rita Chang

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the general population's understanding and views of forgiveness and to examine if gender was a factor related to one's understanding of forgiveness and motivation to forgive. In this study, structured interviews were administered which allowed a focus on the personal views and experiences of forgiveness and descriptive statistics were used to explain the common patterns in responses among the participants. Forty-nine participants, ranging in ages from 15 to 54, were selected to be interviewed on their views and practice of forgiveness. Of the 49 participants, 15 were males and 34 were females.

Developing A Web-Based Video Tutorial On Using Hyperstudio, Sangsun Kim

Graduate Research Papers

The goal of this project was to provide an effective way for students to learn how to use an authoring language, HyperStudio, through an efficient interactive on-line environment. The author begins by identifying the necessary components for effective web-based tutorials and exploring video's impact on delivering web-based tutorials. The process used to plan, design, develop and implement this project was explained. This project demonstrates how a web-based tutorial can be created to assist the traditional classroom as a supplementary medium.

Sign To Learn : Sign Language As A Teaching Tool In Hearing Classrooms, Angela M. Schneden

Graduate Research Papers

This project examines using sign language as a multisensory learning tool in hearing classrooms. Included is a brief history of sign language in the United States as well as a review of different types of sign language. This project provides a rationale for incorporating sign language into the hearing classroom by examining the relationship between sign and gains in literacy achievement. The primary goal of using sign language in the classroom is for students to become better readers, writers, and spellers. This will be accomplished by teaching students to fingerspell and sign sight words. Research detailing use of sign in …

Children Of Alcoholics : A Struggle Through Childhood And Adulthood, Christina M. Mcgreevey

Graduate Research Papers

Children of alcoholics are those directly affected by familial alcoholism. Characteristics that are common in children of alcoholics in youth and in adulthood are isolation, approval seeking, fear of angry people, and addiction (Seixas & Youcha, 1985). Treatment for children of alcoholics is available through several forms of therapy including self-help groups and family therapy. The purpose of this paper is to address common characteristics of children of alcoholics, codependency, as well as treatment procedures for this population.

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …

Empowering Families From The Start: Kindergarten Family Nights, Melissa M. Teggatz

Graduate Research Papers

There are more two parent working families and single parent families in the 21st century than in any other time period in our history. With this increase in demands put on parents, their children's education is increasingly left to the teachers and faculty the children encounter at school. For children to receive the best education possible, families and educators must therefore work together. This research project examined ways to help families and kindergarten teachers meet the needs of children. One important way is through developing and implementing two developmentally appropriate, hands-on, family night events at a middle class school district …

Teacher Autonomy : A Review Of The Research Literature, Jaime A. Usma-Wilches

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews conceptual and empirical research on teacher autonomy in the context of school reform across countries. Research shows that teacher autonomy can be conceptualized as a personal sense of freedom from interference or in terms of teachers' exercise of control in four different school domains: Teaching and assessment, curriculum development, school functioning, and professional development. Research also confirms that teachers' autonomy for decision making is shaped by a number of personal and contextual factors, and that teachers' directed professional development experiences may enhance their autonomy. This review clarifies the meaning of teacher autonomy and other related terms, and …

Harry Potter: A Comparison Of The Characters, Themes, Setting And Plot With The Arthurian Legend, Diane L. Engbretson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to attempt to predict if Harry Potter is a re-creation of King Arthur and if the ending of the Potter stories will mirror that of King Arthur. This research focused on one series of King Arthur books written by Howard Pyle and the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. A content analysis chart was created and implemented to compare the two series of books. A content analysis chart was completed, first of the King Arthur series and then of the Harry Potter series. This archetypal chart was used to map the characters, themes, …

Strategies For Bridging The Gender Gap In Technology Use : From Education To The Workplace, Martha Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review is about strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology use in the classroom and the workplace. The research done on the subject indicates that a gender gap does exist in the classroom and the workplace. Women and girls have not been encouraged to participate in classes or training that will prepare them to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The conclusion of this review suggests several methods to aid instructors and employers in bringing about equity in the classroom and the workforce. The implementation of diversity training, mentoring, and role modeling are just …

Vocabulary Development Through Math Journaling Using Technology Resources In An Elementary Math Classroom, Debbie Hansel

Graduate Research Papers

An action research study was conducted in a second grade classroom in a nonpublic elementary school with student seven-to-eight years of age. The purpose of the research was to determine if the use of computer-based content journaling leads to a better understanding of the mathematical vocabulary being focused on and to establish if the use of computer-based reflective journal entries has a positive impact on the students' attitude toward mathematics.

The comparison of scores from the pre-assessment and post-assessment of vocabulary knowledge demonstrated an increase in accuracy. Journaling helped students arrive at the generalization relating the size of what is …

Constructivist Education : Exploring The Constructivist Theory And No Child Left Behind To Develop An Effective Kindergarten Program, Leigh M. Siegert

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a literature review of Constructivist Education Theories and how they can be incorporated into a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) classroom. The focal point of this paper will be the theories of Constructivist Education. In addition, will be discussed, the benefits of and problems concerning Constructivist Education. Also, guidelines for incorporating Constructivist Education into a NCLB classroom will be established. The conclusion of this paper will share which theories work and which do not. Also, recommendations for additional research are included.

The Effects Of Dietary Intervention, Specifically The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet, On The Behavior And The Learning Abilities Of Children Who Have Been Diagnosed With Autism., Amy Wallace

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of dietary intervention, specifically the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet, on the behavior and the learning abilities of children who have been diagnosed with autism. The benefits and limitations of this study were discussed as to how dietary interventions affect the behavior of children with autism. Guidelines were presented on how to implement a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet. Also, conclusions were drawn from the study and literature, and recommendations were made on how to select a dietary intervention.