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Articles 1 - 30 of 39
Full-Text Articles in Education
Cultivating Classroom Spaces As Homes For Learning, Laura Flynn, Sherri R. Colby
Cultivating Classroom Spaces As Homes For Learning, Laura Flynn, Sherri R. Colby
Middle Grades Review
Our action research ethnography explores sixth grade students’ perceptions of their classroom space as conducive or distracting to their learning experiences. Issues of physical environment, students’ self-governance, and disciplinary management are explored. We conclude by offering recommendations for other educators to consider.
The Impacts Of Explicit Systematic Phonics Instruction On The Areas Of Decoding And Fluency For Students With A Specific Learning Disability In Reading, Marina Hingston
The Impacts Of Explicit Systematic Phonics Instruction On The Areas Of Decoding And Fluency For Students With A Specific Learning Disability In Reading, Marina Hingston
Capstones, Research Projects, and Curricula
The purpose of this embedded, mixed methods action research study was to examine the impacts of explicit, systematic phonics instruction on students with a specific learning disability in reading. A phonics intervention program, S.P.I.R.E., was implemented over the course of four weeks. The participants were two 4th graders and one 6th grader, all who had an identified specific learning disability in the area of reading. Data was collected on decoding accuracy pre and post intervention, as well as on reading fluency using timed one minute fluency drills. In addition, student perceptions of the S.P.I.R.E. program were also gathered using a …
Re-Reading, Re-Writing, And Re-Imagining Texts: Critical Literacy In A Kindergarten Classroom, Meredith Labadie
Re-Reading, Re-Writing, And Re-Imagining Texts: Critical Literacy In A Kindergarten Classroom, Meredith Labadie
Dissertations
This qualitative action research study focuses on the integration of critical literacy practices in a kindergarten classroom. Critical literacy recognizes that no texts are neutral, and that authors position their readers in particular ways. Thus critical literacy practices are those concerned with positioning readers to inquire into issues of language and power, and to disrupt, critique, and challenge texts. In this study, critical literacy was brought to life through a curriculum of rereading and revisiting texts over time. The study took place in the researcher’s kindergarten classroom, and follows students’ discussion, written responses, and dramatizations around texts read aloud in …
The Impacts Of Preservice Action Research In A Rural Teaching Residency, Ann K. Schulte
The Impacts Of Preservice Action Research In A Rural Teaching Residency, Ann K. Schulte
Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education
Preliminary data was collected as part of the program assessment of a yearlong teaching residency program in rural California where preservice teachers conducted action research as the culminating activity for a Masters degree. Focus groups and survey data from program graduates were analyzed and compared to findings from the research literature. Themes from the data indicate that the residency program prepared graduates to feel confident about their ability to reflect on their teaching and to collaborate with other professionals. Graduates report that having conducted action research in their preservice program had many benefits to their experiences as a teacher of …
Attendance Of Detention In Junior High, Hilary Iehl
Attendance Of Detention In Junior High, Hilary Iehl
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if detention is better attended when students are assigned to serve with the person who doled out the punishment compared to a catchall detention location where the student may or may not know the adult(s) working the room. This action research looked at whether a personal relationship with a student had a greater effect on attendance than students having to find a room with a person they may or may not know. Detentions for 20 students were tracked for six weeks. Quantitative data was collected through the results of assigned …
Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger
Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose behind this action research was to determine the effect Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math, a web-based mathematics program, has on student achievement at a second grade level. The ST Math program was given to a small group of second grade students on top of the classroom mathematics curriculum while another group of students strictly used the classroom mathematics curriculum. A pre and post assessment were given to these students over an eight week period. This quantitative data was analyzed to determine the correlation between the students’ exposer to ST Math and their achievement on the assessments. After analyzing the data, …
Strengthening Collective Efficacy Through Meaningful Collaboration, Elizabeth Becker
Strengthening Collective Efficacy Through Meaningful Collaboration, Elizabeth Becker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of structures and processes for meaningful collaboration and the level of collective efficacy in a professional learning community. A combination of the level of trust among the team and the dedication and prioritization of time were critically considered over a period of nearly two months. Data was collected through quantitative surveys and qualitative observations. Analysis of the data collected suggests the fourth grade team's collective efficacy was strengthened as structures and processes for meaningful collaboration were implemented.
Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu
Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine if there is a connection between the implementation of choice in the classroom and students' motivation to read. Research-based literacy framework and a choice model were used over an eight week period of time. Qualitative data was collected at the beginning and the end of the study in the form of surveys. Analysis of the data concluded that kindergarten students when given opportunities for choice in the classroom their motivation to read increased.
Implementing The Stars Program To Improve Reading Comprehension, Nathan Fischer
Implementing The Stars Program To Improve Reading Comprehension, Nathan Fischer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of specific reading comprehension strategies and analysis and practice of specific aspects of reading passages with scores in reading comprehension. The curriculum Strategies To Achieve Reading Success (STARS) was Implemented over an eight week period. To gather baseline data and to assess student progress over the course of the study, the researcher used the Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies (CARS). Analysis of the data collected suggests that the students who were put through the STARS program showed greater gains in reading comprehension …
Flexible Seating Influencing Student Engagement, Samantha Burgeson
Flexible Seating Influencing Student Engagement, Samantha Burgeson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was conducted to determine how much seating options can affect the engagement of students in the classroom and if students are able to identify which seating options help them stay engaged. Students were exposed to a variety of different seating options and allowed to explore each one. Students took a survey to show which seating options they believed helped them stay engaged the most in the classroom. The data collected through the survey suggests that students are engaged in traditional and nontraditional seating options. The engagement levels depend upon the individual student.
The Effects Of Alternative Seating On Students With Adhd, Renae Remer
The Effects Of Alternative Seating On Students With Adhd, Renae Remer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or symptoms of ADHD are able to stay on task more often when they are using alternative seating. Data was taken on students prior to being given alternative seating choices, a data collector ticked every 15 seconds to determine if the student was on task or off task. Data was taken again after the student had used their alternative seating for over a week’s time. Analysis of the data suggests that alternative seating may increase on-task behavior in some children with …
Boosting Reading Scores By Adding In Technology Based Interventions, Kelsey A. Till
Boosting Reading Scores By Adding In Technology Based Interventions, Kelsey A. Till
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if adding a technology based literacy apps in a general education second grade classroom could increase the reading scores of the Informal Decoding Inventory that was given to second grade students, throughout a four month period to check personal growth. It will also look at other reading assessments in reading throughout the time frame, but for the purpose and time of this project the researcher will strictly be looking at growth through the inventory. Technology enriched phonemic awareness with a focus on decoding words, recognizing word patterns and fluency interventions …
Computer Math Games Vs. Paper-Based Intervention Games: Effects On Addition Fact Fluency For Second Grade Students, Amanda Woudstra
Computer Math Games Vs. Paper-Based Intervention Games: Effects On Addition Fact Fluency For Second Grade Students, Amanda Woudstra
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project is to investigate the ability of computer math games versus paper-based intervention games for improving addition fact fluency. Fact fluency is the ability to answer math facts quickly and accurately. The participants were twenty-one second grade students in a transitional kindergarten through eighth grade private school in a rural setting. Of the twenty-one students, two instructional groups were created through stratified sampling and random selection. One group used computer math games to improve addition fact fluency. The other group played paper-based intervention games to increase their addition fact fluency. The two groups participated …
The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow
The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine commonly reported barriers impacting inclusion in a child care setting. Data was collected through qualitative survey responses via an electronic survey and a small focus group of child care providers. Analysis of the data collected suggested that low wages in child care, home child care, and other community-based settings made it difficult to recruit qualified personnel to support quality inclusion in child care. Additionally, transportation and limited funding opportunities were challenges for inclusion in child care programs.
The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum
The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research was to determine by what method take home literacy bags have an impact on parents’ feelings towards school. Parents completed a short survey early in the school year, prior to literacy bags being sent home. Literacy bags were sent home weekly for six weeks before parents were asked to complete the same survey for a second time. Analysis of the collected data suggests take home literacy bags have a positive impact on families' feelings towards school.
Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland
Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Phonological awareness is a necessary component in order to learn how to read. These skills have to be taught to children. Children who have deficits in phonological awareness are at risk for a learning disability such as dyslexia. This is why explicit instruction in phonological awareness is crucial for development. Due to this, it is important to start assessing children on these skills in preschool and start interventions if they are needed. The purpose of this action research was to shed light on how crucial phonological awareness skills are for development and how if a child is deficient in this …
Leading Age-Appropriate Pedagogies In The Early Years Of School, Beverley R. Fluckiger, Julie Dunn, Madonna Stinson, Elizabeth Wheeley
Leading Age-Appropriate Pedagogies In The Early Years Of School, Beverley R. Fluckiger, Julie Dunn, Madonna Stinson, Elizabeth Wheeley
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
There is increasing pressure on leaders and teachers to improve the academic achievement of children in the early years of school. Alongside this is recognition that social and emotional development are the important drivers of children’s school and lifetime success. This paper reports on the design and leadership of the pilot phase of the Age Appropriate Pedagogies program commissioned by the Queensland Department of Education and Training to refocus pedagogical practices in the early years of school. This refocus was deemed to be necessary in order to achieve strong academic outcomes while ensuring that children’s holistic development remained a key …
Nourishing Teachers’ Leadership For Learning: Insights From Practitioner Research, Simon Clarke
Nourishing Teachers’ Leadership For Learning: Insights From Practitioner Research, Simon Clarke
2009 - 2019 ACER Research Conferences
This session contends that leadership and learning are mutually supporting and reinforcing. It is only recently that attempts have been made to describe in practice the complex connections existing between the two activities by drawing on empirical evidence. To this end, this session will depict ways in which leadership and learning are indispensable to each other in day-to-day teachers’ work, and the implications this symbiosis has for practice. Firstly, the session will consider the key foundations and principles of leadership for learning, especially as they relate to the Carpe Vitam international leadership for learning research project. Secondly, we will discuss …
The Implications Of Action Research For Literacy Instruction, Kathi Lippert, Cassie Bailey
The Implications Of Action Research For Literacy Instruction, Kathi Lippert, Cassie Bailey
Faculty Scholarship – Education
Action research is an ongoing, cyclical process in which the teacher has the autonomy and authority to make significant change in his or her classroom. The word research, however, may intimidate the novice researcher. It is important to remember that action research is not as formal as traditional research as it is conducted for a shorter duration, allows for more flexibility, and usually includes qualitative and quantitative data. This type of research enables the practitioner to make effective changes in literacy instruction. In action research, reflections drive inquiry, and the results of which, positive or negative, fosters insight into the …
Using Technology And Collaboration To Support Reading Comprehension, Jenna R. Helmers
Using Technology And Collaboration To Support Reading Comprehension, Jenna R. Helmers
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine if there is a connection between using technology and collaboration to help increase reading comprehension skills. A combination of research-based instructional strategies infused with technology was used over a ten-week period. Quantitative data was collected through weekly assessment scores. Analysis of the data concluded that students who were involved in an intervention program infused with technology and collaboration would have better knowledge of the story. After further analysis of the data it is concluded that students who were involved in this action research study improved their academic scores.
The Impact Of Critical Thinking Strategies On Curriculum And Instruction For Usaf Operations Intelligence, Jason R. Baker
The Impact Of Critical Thinking Strategies On Curriculum And Instruction For Usaf Operations Intelligence, Jason R. Baker
Theses and Dissertations
The goals of the present action research study were to understand intelligence analysts’ perceptions of weapon systems visual recognition (vis-recce) training and to determine the impact of a Critical Thinking Training (CTT) Seminar and Formative Assessments on unit-level intelligence analysts' vis-recce performance at a mid-western United States Air Force (USAF) base where the participant-researcher is the USAF unit’s senior intelligence officer which is congruent with action research methods. The identified problem of practice is based on the fact that after decades of viewing vis-recce training as a rote requirement and watching intelligence analysts struggle on the summative assessment, the USAF …
(Re)Storying Ferguson: Youth Voices And Literate Lives, Katherine O'Daniels
(Re)Storying Ferguson: Youth Voices And Literate Lives, Katherine O'Daniels
Dissertations
This dissertation reports on a collaborative action research study conducted with Sioux Roslawski, a third-grade teacher in a Ferguson, Missouri elementary school. Sioux and I wondered how students might use words, images, and actions to shape a vision of their community space and its future in the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting. Situated within a critical-spatial and sociocultural paradigm, placemaking stems from understandings of place as culturally produced and interpreted, and, thus, capable of being re-designed in the interest of equity and social justice. The research methodology was guided by a critical qualitative and ethnographic approach, coupled with critical …
Teacher Interventions Used To Reduce Test Anxiety: Does Free-Writing Before A Test Help Reduce Anxiety?, Kimberly E. Lentz
Teacher Interventions Used To Reduce Test Anxiety: Does Free-Writing Before A Test Help Reduce Anxiety?, Kimberly E. Lentz
Honors Projects
The focus of this study is to look at how common testing anxiety is among students and how teachers can work with their students to reduce this anxiety. The study examines and discusses past research to see what causes test anxiety and what methods have been effective in the past in reducing this anxiety. Then, based on past research, a similar study is completed in my high school honors geometry classroom to determine whether the suggestions given by past researchers will decrease reported test anxiety in my students.
Classroom-Based, Teacher-Led Action Research As A Process For Enhancing Teaching And Learning, Craig Mertler, Adam Hartley
Classroom-Based, Teacher-Led Action Research As A Process For Enhancing Teaching And Learning, Craig Mertler, Adam Hartley
Journal of Educational Leadership in Action
This paper examines the nature of classroom-based, teacher-led action research in schools. The process of action research is described, along with its potential applications and benefits—including, but not limited to, the empowerment of teachers and staff, and the support structure for a program of customizable professional development for educators. One school’s venture into school wide action research is presented and discussed, largely from the perspective of the building administrator. Both challenges and the successes are openly discussed. Finally, the authors make a case for the widespread and large-scale benefits associated with the implementation of an action research initiative in schools …
Turning Teachers Into Action Researchers In Their Classrooms, Dusty Columbia Embury, Laura S. Clarke
Turning Teachers Into Action Researchers In Their Classrooms, Dusty Columbia Embury, Laura S. Clarke
EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship
Action research is often called the teacher’s research and often feels like a common sense approach to solving problems, but not all pre-service teachers begin careers knowing how to use this methodology to improve their own practice. This article offers a rationale for teaching pre-service teachers the skills and action research methodology as a tool for professional improvement based on the experiences of the authors engaging in a reflective process for teaching. While not generalizable, it is hoped that lessons learned may be applied by other faculty in teacher education programs.
Professional Learning With Action Research In Innovative Middle Schools, Steven Netcoh, Mark William Olofson, John Matthew Downes, Penny Bishop
Professional Learning With Action Research In Innovative Middle Schools, Steven Netcoh, Mark William Olofson, John Matthew Downes, Penny Bishop
Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education Publications
This article illustrates how action research can be used as a model for professional development with middle grades educators in rapidly changing and technology-intensive schools. Drawing upon ten years of using this model, the authors present three examples of educator action research to highlight five characteristics of effective projects: (1) appropriate scope, (2) a collaborative approach, (3) accountability, (4) various data sources, and (5) a clear link to practice. Action research with these characteristics can help middle grades educators address emergent problems in 21st-century class- rooms and respond to the evolving needs of young adolescents.
Educating English As A New Language Students Using A Multimedia Based Approach: How Educators Can Assist Enl Students In The Mainstream Classroom, Ashley Marie Jones
Educating English As A New Language Students Using A Multimedia Based Approach: How Educators Can Assist Enl Students In The Mainstream Classroom, Ashley Marie Jones
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
This project will delve into the realm of English as a New Language (ENL) in the mainstream classroom. The main research will be conducted in a secondary school setting, specifically a freshman level English class. This research will be based on observation and interaction with both students and educators. The main topic being explored will be the theory that ENL learners can be educated successfully right alongside their peers through the use of multimedia platforms such as images to accompany lessons, and iPad apps. The research will investigate how students are currently learning in mainstream classrooms and how this can …
The Impact Of One-To-One Ipad Instruction On Student Engagement, Sherri Herbst
The Impact Of One-To-One Ipad Instruction On Student Engagement, Sherri Herbst
Theses and Dissertations
The action research study describes the experiences of 14 elementary students using one-to-one (1:1) iPad instruction to engage in learning Spanish as a second language (L2). The student-participants used 1:1 iPads to learn Spanish over an 8 week unit of study. Data was comprised of scores from a student-participant engagement rubric scored by the teacher-participant before and after the study as well as summative structured surveys with student-participants to determine their perceptions of the iPad unit. Data were also collected in participant-researcher’s daily field notes and journal entries. Formative self-reflective journals were also kept by student-participants. Summative artifacts were collected …
Social Justice Through Citizenship Education: A Collective Responsibility, Sara Winstead Fry, Jason O'Brien
Social Justice Through Citizenship Education: A Collective Responsibility, Sara Winstead Fry, Jason O'Brien
Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations
Existing research suggests that preservice elementary teachers tend to believe “good” citizens are people who follow laws and help others rather than people who embrace a more active model of citizenship that includes working to improve society. The authors propose that this trend results from a self-perpetuating cycle of passive citizenship that develops in part due to state curriculum standards and school experiences which focus on transmitting knowledge rather than preparing students to be active agents of change. The article presents the results of action research conducted in a teacher preparation course; the research was designed to investigate the impact …
Pedagogical Practices In Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Ability Grouped Classrooms, Theresa Marie Kinsey
Pedagogical Practices In Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Ability Grouped Classrooms, Theresa Marie Kinsey
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to describe one sixth grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher’s pedagogical practices in her heterogeneous grouped classroom and her homogeneous grouped classroom. The focus of this study was on instructional practices in two classes, one homogeneously grouped based on high English Language Arts ability; the other heterogeneously grouped. Through the data generated, the participant-researcher reflected upon the English Language Arts instruction in both classes and described the teacher’s instructional practices in this middle school. Semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire, field observations, videotapes and lesson plans provided the qualitative research data for this …