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Leisure Reading Habits: Students Attitudes Toward Their In School Reading Compared To Out Of School Reading., Jeffrey Early
Leisure Reading Habits: Students Attitudes Toward Their In School Reading Compared To Out Of School Reading., Jeffrey Early
Education Masters
The purpose of this study is to discover how students attitudes toward their in school reading compare to their out of school reading. It is my claim that students will have a much more positive attitude toward the reading that they do outside of school than they do of in school reading. Data was collected using students from three different ELA classrooms grades 10-12, including questionnaire data as well as interviews. The study reveals that a variety of different factors contribute to the difference in reading outside of school compared to the reading that takes place in school. If teachers …
Encouraging Students To Become Critical Thinkers: Using Critical Literacy And Young Adult Novels In The Social Studies Classroom, Jessica Stenshorn
Encouraging Students To Become Critical Thinkers: Using Critical Literacy And Young Adult Novels In The Social Studies Classroom, Jessica Stenshorn
Education Masters
This action research project looked at whether students could engage in critical talk utilizing young adult literature in the social studies classroom. Research indicated that students who were presented with multiple perspectives and documents in the social studies classroom did achieve critical talk. To examine this I utilized the four dimensions of critical literacy. I created my own lessons per each dimension. I analyzed the data based on the four dimensions framework for data analysis. It is evident that students who were exposed to critical literacy with a young adult novel in the social studies classroom did achieve and utilize …
Assessing The Authenticity Of The Document-Based Question Featured Within The New York State Global History And Geography Regents, Clinton Depew
Assessing The Authenticity Of The Document-Based Question Featured Within The New York State Global History And Geography Regents, Clinton Depew
Education Masters
This study questioned the validity of the Global History and Geography Regents exam DBQ as an authentic learning event and assessment. The previous five years of the Global History and Geography Regents DBQs administered in June were evaluated to assess the authenticity of the documents in regards to their context, the level of questioning featured in the task and constructed response questions, and the readability levels of the documents. Ultimately the analysis of the data disproved the validity of the DBQ as an authentic task as presented in the Global History and Geography Regents. In the end, teachers must infuse …
The Use Of Morning Meeting To Develop Social And Emotional Skills, Amanda Margaret Williams
The Use Of Morning Meeting To Develop Social And Emotional Skills, Amanda Margaret Williams
Education Masters
This action research project asks how the teaching of social and emotional skills supports early literacy development. The research claims that the activities embedded within Morning Meeting provide social and emotional support in a whole group setting. One student was chosen for observation of social, emotional, and academic behaviors within Morning Meeting as well as various activities throughout the day. It was found that the daily routine provided the sense of belonging and self-esteem that leads to engaged learning throughout the day. This project supports that Morning Meeting should be used in all classrooms to provide social and emotional support …
Phonics Strategies And Letter-Sound Acquisition Knowledge, Kristina Reeb
Phonics Strategies And Letter-Sound Acquisition Knowledge, Kristina Reeb
Education Masters
This study addressed the question of how phonics strategies contribute to letter-sound acquisition knowledge through the use of three different phonics strategies. I emphasized that the use of phonics strategies in support to instruction increased the students' identification knowledge of letters and sounds. Data was collected through using three phonics strategies, letter and sound assessments, interviews, questionnaires, and observations. Four out of the five students were able to increase their letter-sound acquisition knowledge by identifying more letters and sounds on the assessments following the initial. Educators should use phonics strategies as a tool to enhance their instruction since the students …
Retelling Using Different Methods, Sarah Stoutz
Retelling Using Different Methods, Sarah Stoutz
Education Masters
This study examines different methods of retelling and the effects of these methods on the quality of retelling produced. I claim that different methods of retelling will elicit varying quality of retellings. Data was collected through asking two first graders to retell stories that I had read to them using different methods. The study shows that confidence, memory, and cognitive demand of the retelling task, as well as visual cues and prompting play a role in retelling quality. Retelling is a strategy that is easy to use and can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different types of …
The Affects Of Manipulatives On Sight Word Recognition, Meghan Huver
The Affects Of Manipulatives On Sight Word Recognition, Meghan Huver
Education Masters
The following study examines the affect manipulatives have on sight word recognition. Data was collected in a variety of ways throughout this action research project, which include observations, interviews, audio recordings, questionnaires, as well as authentic work completed by the participant. This study reveals that the use of hands-on materials increase one’s sight word recognition, motivation, and engagement. As a result, teachers should incorporate manipulatives and educational games into their curriculum. These tools will motivate students and assist them in learning new sight words.
The Effects Of Electronic Books On The Reading Experience Of First Grade Students, Ashley Melinis
The Effects Of Electronic Books On The Reading Experience Of First Grade Students, Ashley Melinis
Education Masters
This study examines the effect of electronic books on the reading experience of first grade students. Data was collected through observations, audio recordings of student retellings, interviews, and questionnaires on the student‘s reading experiences on the computer and Nook. The study reveals that electronic books motivate and engage all students, help strengthen struggling readers‘ text comprehension, provide supportive features for word reading, but also have potentially distracting features. Therefore, teachers should use electronic books in the classroom to foster technology and literacy skills and motivate struggling and reluctant readers, but must carefully select texts and train students on their use.
Reforming Education Legislation, Angela Elizabeth Parkison
Reforming Education Legislation, Angela Elizabeth Parkison
Education Masters
For the purposes of my literature review, I chose to research current statutes pertaining to reforming education in the United States. Additional research and consideration on this topic is needed in the wake of severe budget cuts, in attempts to find solutions to prevent further decreases in funding which will likely exacerbate issues such as graduation rates, disparities in classification of minorities to increase funding through special education, and position cuts which increase classroom sizes. Throughout the research process, I analyzed the evolution and effectiveness of education legislation both historically and presently. In particular, I focused my research on the …
How Can Prewriting Strategies Benefit Students?, Shannon O'Mealia
How Can Prewriting Strategies Benefit Students?, Shannon O'Mealia
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of using strategy instruction during the prewriting stage of the writing process. Research was conducted in the home of 10 year old twin brothers as they were introduced to three types of prewriting strategies: brainstorming, graphical representations, and plan, organize, write. Data was collected through student questionnaires, student writing samples, and researcher observations. The findings showed that strategy instruction in the prewriting stage improves student writing in terms of content, organization, and voice, and also improves student’s motivation and creativity towards writing. In order to be beneficial to student writing, educators need to implement instruction …
Ipads In The Classroom For Literacy Instruction, Angie Selner
Ipads In The Classroom For Literacy Instruction, Angie Selner
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of using the iPad in the special education classroom for literacy instruction. Research was conducted in a self-contained special education classroom setting. Data was collected through formal and informal observations in the classroom as well as from teacher questionnaires. The findings showed that the students in the special education classroom benefited greatly from using the iPad to reinforce instruction. In order to determine the full potential of the iPad in the classroom for literacy instruction more research needs to be conducted.
Using Digital Novels To Enhance The Reading Experience, Kimberly Benway
Using Digital Novels To Enhance The Reading Experience, Kimberly Benway
Education Masters
This study examined how the use of digital novels or “vooks” enhances the reading experience. Research was conducted at the household of one of the participants. The study included three elementary level males, and they were informally observed as they participated in reading the digital novel, Skeleton Creek. Data was collected through informal observations, interviews, anonymous questionnaires, and samples of student work. These findings showed that using digital novels when accessible, promotes student interaction, student participation, motivation, and an enhanced reading experience.
Reading Assessments For Students With Autism, Cassie Pruitt
Reading Assessments For Students With Autism, Cassie Pruitt
Education Masters
This study aims to compare the use of standardized reading assessments and informal reading assessments in students with autism. I assert that informal reading assessments provide the most benefits for both the student with autism and the teacher, while aligning with the standardized Data was collected through the assessment and observation of a high school student with autism. The study reveals that both types of assessment evaluate reading level, structural elements, and cognitive components. assessment incorporates student interest. However, only the informal The use of the informal assessment allows for flexibility and more diagnostic data for the teacher to plan …
The Interconnectedness Between Adolescent Girls’ Home Literacy And Adolescent Girls’ School Literacy, Jody Flannery-Calder
The Interconnectedness Between Adolescent Girls’ Home Literacy And Adolescent Girls’ School Literacy, Jody Flannery-Calder
Education Masters
Extensive research has been done in the area of home literacy. The research has found many connections to student school performance. adolescent girls’ However, the connection between home literacy of and school literacy has yet to be explored. This action research project seeks to answer the question “How do adolescent girls’ home literacy practices connect to adolescent girls’ literacy practices at school?” This research focused on four adolescent girls from three different school districts. Methodology included the use of questionnaires delivered via Facebook Messaging and e-mail. Data analysis indicates that because adolescent students use a vast amount of technology outside …
Home Literacy Activities In The Preschool Classroom: Increasing Participation Among Male Students, Lucia Adams
Home Literacy Activities In The Preschool Classroom: Increasing Participation Among Male Students, Lucia Adams
Education Masters
Through the lens of sociocultural theory, this action research paper looks into the home literacy activities of a group of six three-year old males and explores how the students ’ home literacy activities can be integrated into the preschool classroom to increase their participation. Because students bring a wealth of literacy knowledge and experience to school with them, having already mastered their primary discourse, it is imperative that this knowledge is used in the classroom to engage students in learning. interviewing By collecting home literacy diaries, and observing and six male participants, this study supports the idea that students’ home …
Response To Intervention In The Middle School: Examining One Middle School’S Readiness To Implement An Rti Framework, Cindy Blair
Response To Intervention In The Middle School: Examining One Middle School’S Readiness To Implement An Rti Framework, Cindy Blair
Education Masters
This study was conducted to determine the readiness of one middle school to implement an RTI framework under the AIS provision of the state education regulations. The study took place amongst the ELA department of a suburban middle school and data collected included teacher questionnaires and interviews as well as an observation of a department meeting. The data showed that assets and barriers existed. The primary asset was the knowledge and expertise of the teaching staff and their willingness to make changes. The barriers included scheduling, communication, and lack of a clear vision for curriculum and pedagogical practices.
Representation Of Race In Children's Picture Books And How Students Respond To Them, Emily Conley
Representation Of Race In Children's Picture Books And How Students Respond To Them, Emily Conley
Education Masters
This study examined how race is represented in children's picture bokos and how students reacted to those representations. Research was conducted in a child care center. Data was collected through field observations, interviews, questionnaires, and audio recordings. The findings showed that the students are familiar with multicultural texts and are able to point out differences among characters and cultures. However, the students did not analyze the text from a critical standpoint. In order for students to use critical literacy, educators must understand it and incorporate it into their classrooms.
Benefits Of Blogging In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Laura Jones
Benefits Of Blogging In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Laura Jones
Education Masters
The current study examined the impact of using a blog in the classroom and how it affected the literacy skills of fourth grade students. I worked with 25 fourth grade students. The study consisted of observing the students using a blog, analyzing the blog responses the students typed, and using a questionnaire to find out how the students felt about the blog experience. The findings of this study were that blogs increase student motivation, blogs were a social, reflective tool for learning, and using a blog built s tudent familiarity with blogging and technology experience. This study has implications for …
It Is Not All Greek To Me: The Interconnectedness Of A First Grader’S Greek And English Reading Strategies, Maria Katsetos
It Is Not All Greek To Me: The Interconnectedness Of A First Grader’S Greek And English Reading Strategies, Maria Katsetos
Education Masters
The current study examined the literacy skills that a bilingual first grader uses when reading and discussing texts in Greek and English. I worked with a first grader, Lauren, and her mother. The study consisted of interviewing the participants, assessing Lauren’s literacy skills, and observing Lauren and her mother read together. The findings of this study were that Lauren uses the same literacy strategies when reading books in Greek and English (this finding is concurrent with other studies) Lauren’s reading skills in Greek are less advanced than her reading skills in English and that the student prefers reading in English, …
Critical Talk: How Urban 8th Grade Students Critically Talk About The Holocaust, Jessica Klee
Critical Talk: How Urban 8th Grade Students Critically Talk About The Holocaust, Jessica Klee
Education Masters
With in the confines of this action research project I answered my question about how urban 8 th graders talk critically, specifically about the Holocaust. Using the book Night by Elie Wiesel three students from an urban upstate New York school district met with me and discussed the Holocaust, particularly events around the novel. In addition to participating in two critical discussions, the students wrote in their journals, answered a questionnaire and responded to a picture. The journals, questionnaire, picture response and transcriptions were analyzed using the four dimensions model of critical literacy. The study showed that students were able …
Enhancing Reading Comprehension For Students With Autism, Cynthia Merrifield
Enhancing Reading Comprehension For Students With Autism, Cynthia Merrifield
Education Masters
This study examined the impact priming has on answering “right there” questions following the QAR frameworks for students with autism. Research was conducted in a 12:1:4 middle school classroom where the curriculum focuses on life skills instruction. Data was collected through a student questionnaire, parent conversation, classroom observations, and three individual work sessions with the student. The data shows priming to be a successful strategy to increase reading comprehension. A surprising discovery was when introducing new material to the student with autism, explicit/direct instruction across settings greatly impacted the student‟s performance. Through the review of theliterature and the findings of …
Elevating Student Comprehension Through Repeated Read-Alouds, Lisa Ventress
Elevating Student Comprehension Through Repeated Read-Alouds, Lisa Ventress
Education Masters
There has been a vast amount of research dedicated to the positive benefits of reading aloud to students. However, lacking in the current research is the effect of repeated read-alouds on student comprehension. This action research attempts to answer the question “How does the level of reading comprehension change with repeated read-alouds?” This research focused on three 3 rd grade students in a suburban school. Methodology included reading picture books multiple times and analyzing student’s oral and written responses. Data analysis indicates that as a student’s familiarity with the story increased, so does their level of understanding. This implies that …
Repeated Reading As A Fluency Intervention With A Struggling Intermediate Reader, Michelle Roberts
Repeated Reading As A Fluency Intervention With A Struggling Intermediate Reader, Michelle Roberts
Education Masters
Given the recent trends in education focusing on oral reading fluency, this action research is an attempt to determine strategies teachers can use with struggling intermediate readers. The research focused on a single participant in sixth grade, with identified special needs, in an urban elementary school. Methodology included using repeated readings and analyzing the video recordings to determine accuracy rates and increases in oral reading scores. Data analysis indicates that repeated reading was an effective strategy at increasing words correct per minute, words read per minute, accuracy rates, and oral reading scores while decreasing the amount and type of miscues. …
How Can Teachers Implement Multiple Modalities Into The Classroom To Assist Struggling Male Readers’?, Cristin A. Barnard
How Can Teachers Implement Multiple Modalities Into The Classroom To Assist Struggling Male Readers’?, Cristin A. Barnard
Education Masters
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effect of using Animoto software as an instructional tool to assist with the review and reinforcement of reading and writing skills. Specifically, the desire was to see if student engagement and motivation in the learning process is increased while using Animoto. The study consisted of one participant and four meetings. Data was collected in the form of field anecdotal notes, observations and video footage. The results indicate the positive effects of Animoto on reading and writing skills as well as, increased engagement and motivation. Results will be used to …
Using Web 2.0 Technology In The Classroom: Blogging For Motivation, Jennifer Jakubowicz
Using Web 2.0 Technology In The Classroom: Blogging For Motivation, Jennifer Jakubowicz
Education Masters
How can Web 2.0 technology be used in a classroom to help motivate children to read and write more? Using Web 2.0 technologies such as blogging, in the classroom students are motivated to write and read more. A study was conducted with three participants using a classroom blog to see if they were motivated to write and read more while completing various writing tasks on the blog. The study found the participants were motivated to read; and they wrote more. A few implications were found such as the participation gap, computer experience, and teacher experience with the computer.
The Purpose Of Assessment: Analyzing Alternative Assessments, Melanie Godown
The Purpose Of Assessment: Analyzing Alternative Assessments, Melanie Godown
Education Masters
Assessment is what drives instruction curriculum and is “essential to every instructional Metacognition is an essential process of learning and using one mode of evaluation does not provide evidence of this type of understanding. Using multiple assessments is key to discovering the different ways students understand material they have learned. Teachers have an immense impact of the formatting of a classroom. A survey was completed to discover if teachers have a tendency to format assessments based on their own preferences or the preferences of their students’ abilities and strengths. There were fifteen participants all who have a New York State …
Connecting Literacy And Popular Culture, Jamie Weld
Connecting Literacy And Popular Culture, Jamie Weld
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of using popular culture in the classroom to teach reading and writing strategies. The research was conducted in a one-to-one meeting with a fourth grade student. During the study, the participant read a chapter book Dramarama, based on Zoey 101, a popular television show for teenagers. Data was collected and analyzed through means of observation, student work samples, and personal interviews. The findings suggest that it is advantageous to incorporate popular culture into literacy instruction within the classroom. Knowledge of popular culture is not hindering on education, but is a large part of what students …
Culturally Relevant Literature How To Identify And Use Culturally Relevant Literature, Alysse Ouimet
Culturally Relevant Literature How To Identify And Use Culturally Relevant Literature, Alysse Ouimet
Education Masters
In order to empower students as readers, teachers need to provide them with culturally relevant literature that they can see themselves in. Educators first need to be made aware of culturally relevant literature, to make it available to their students. important, and ways to use it during instruction. This paper looks at the components of culturally relevant literature, why using it in the classroom is The action research that followed taught two classroom teachers how to identify culturally relevant literature, and it was brought to their attention that all students regardless of their culture need exposure to diversity. At the …
The Impact Of The Home Environment On Children’S Attitudes Towards Literacy, Kassandra Padlick-Field
The Impact Of The Home Environment On Children’S Attitudes Towards Literacy, Kassandra Padlick-Field
Education Masters
Based on the idea that literacy is a social practice and that literacy acquisition begins in the home, this study seeks to explore the question of how does the home literacy environment impact a child’s attitudes towards literacy? Two school -aged children and their parents were observed and interviewed in their home environments to better understand this question. The results of this study show that the structure of the home environment, along with parental attitudes and parental involvement, positively impact a child’s attitudes towards literacy. Implications include the importance of home-school relationships and the need for teachers to provide parents …
Strategies Teachers Can Use To Help Support Comprehension In Struggling Readers, Katie Steubing
Strategies Teachers Can Use To Help Support Comprehension In Struggling Readers, Katie Steubing
Education Masters
This study was completed to provide the benefits of using comprehension strategies for struggling readers. The strategy that was mainly focused on in this study was using predicting to help enhance the reader’s comprehension. The research was conducted by working with a student one-on-one, using questionnaires, direct instruction, modeling expected behaviors, and allowing the student to complete tasks independently. The finding suggest that using strategies, such as predicting, help students not only gain a better understanding of what they are reading, but help build confidence in their abilities to read.