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Full-Text Articles in Education

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Third Grade Classroom, Deanna J. Genesi Jan 2009

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Third Grade Classroom, Deanna J. Genesi

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative project presents students’ perceptions of interactive whiteboard (IWB) usage in a third grade elementary classroom. The use of the IWB was alternated with the overhead/chalkboard on an ABAB design. The study was based on semistructured interviews of 19 rural, elementary school students. The interview questions focused on the following constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. The results established that students found the IWB to be interesting, fun, and engaging because it involved multi-media aspects and improved visuals. The study also noted the students’ perceived limitations of the IWB and areas for improvement. The results of this study …

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A Historical Analysis Of Public School Sex Education In America Since 1900, Valerie Huber Jan 2009

A Historical Analysis Of Public School Sex Education In America Since 1900, Valerie Huber

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis explored the history of American public school sex education since 1900. It identified key points in sex education development. Six historical events were highlighted: (1) The social hygiene and the birth control movements, (2) research by Alfred Kinsey, (3) the sexual revolution, (4) creation of SIECUS, (5) the discovery of AIDS and, 6) the reform of the welfare system. An interpretation of these factors suggested: (1) countercultural voices of previous eras have become the dominant voices in current sex education, (2) the philosophical development of “comprehensive” sex education was linked to a personal justification of unconventional sexual behaviors, …

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Using Classroom Resources Wisely With Accelerated Reader, Carolyn Hohman Jan 2009

Using Classroom Resources Wisely With Accelerated Reader, Carolyn Hohman

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis project consists of locating and creating teacher-made Accelerated Reader quizzes from a collection of trade books in an elementary classroom library. This collection was not being well utilized by students because the school did not provide a computerized Accelerated Reader Reading Practice Quiz for these titles. The goal is for the students to enjoy this collection of various leveled trade books while at the same time reaping the classroom and school-wide benefits of reading and comprehending Accelerated Reader books.

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Student Perceptions Of Learning Disability Labels At The Junior High And High School Level, Ashley L. Matheson Jan 2009

Student Perceptions Of Learning Disability Labels At The Junior High And High School Level, Ashley L. Matheson

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative research study provides student perceptions of their own Learning Disability labels at the Junior High and High School level. All thirty-five students who were involved answered questions during in-depth interviews. The students represented a sample population of small, rural, and public junior high and high school students. Interview questions focused on the benefits and limitations of being labeled with a learning disability. Data analysis results showed that students preferred being in special education or being labeled as learning disabled because they are able to gain help in order to be successful in school. Limitations and negative aspects were …

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Vouchers: A Legitimate Tool For Immediate Improvement In Student Academic Achievement In Urban Schools?, Matthew A. Fansler May 2008

Vouchers: A Legitimate Tool For Immediate Improvement In Student Academic Achievement In Urban Schools?, Matthew A. Fansler

Master of Education Research Theses

Based on the growing debate surrounding vouchers, and the varying positions on the effect they may or may not have on student performance, this paper hopes to establish what immediate effects the use of a voucher system has on the academic performance of high school students in an urban setting. Does the use of a voucher offer a legitimate solution to raising student performance or does the voucher simply serve as a means of moving students from one school to another? In order to determine the legitimacy of a current voucher program, data will be collected that is directly linked …

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Teacher Training: Creative Writing Instruction, Elizabeth A. Rice Jan 2008

Teacher Training: Creative Writing Instruction, Elizabeth A. Rice

Master of Education Research Theses

This thesis project consists of my design of a four-session teacher training in creative writing instruction within the elementary classroom setting. Oftentimes, teachers struggle with the implementation of creative writing instruction, as it is usually a task required of them in addition to their already overwhelming curriculum. My goal is to present practical strategies, methods, and ideas which teachers will be able to implement as they seek to challenge their students in the realm of creative writing.

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Does Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation Improve Schools? An Investigation Of Teacher Perceptions Of Appraisal Systems, Joseph A. Batchelor Jan 2008

Does Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation Improve Schools? An Investigation Of Teacher Perceptions Of Appraisal Systems, Joseph A. Batchelor

Master of Education Research Theses

Three years after implementing a standards-based teacher evaluation system in a private K-12 school, research was conducted to determine what attitudes and perceptions teachers had on the effectiveness of the system. The survey includes questions about the teacher evaluation process and the goals of the test school in implementing the process. The goals for adopting the standards-based teacher evaluation system were (1) increased student learning, (2) improving instruction, (3) developing a mentoring program, (4) focusing professional development, and (5) facilitating collegiality. The sample for the survey included 87 teachers (group AB) from schools in the Southeast, of which 21 (group …

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Increasing Teacher Retention In Today's American Schools, Trevor M. Creeden Jan 2008

Increasing Teacher Retention In Today's American Schools, Trevor M. Creeden

Master of Education Research Theses

For schools in today's society to hold on to good teachers that the students learn well from and parents respect is becoming more and more difficult year after year. The students of today are very different than they were 15 to 20 years ago and there is too much pressure to perform from administrators today than in the past. This study is intended to inform and make both public and private schools aware of the factors that affect teacher retention and several ways schools can increase teacher retention at their own school. This qualitative study focuses more on finding out …

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Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Biology Classroom, Christina Schut Jan 2007

Student Perceptions Of Interactive Whiteboards In A Biology Classroom, Christina Schut

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study provides student perceptions of interactive whiteboard (IWB) use in a secondary biology classroom. The use of the IWB was alternated with the overhead on an ABAB and BABA design in two classrooms. The study was based on semi-structured interviews of thirty-six individuals, representing a sample of rural, high school students. Interview questions focused on three constructs: benefits, limitations, and suggestions for improvement. Analyzing the results ascertained that students found the IWB to be interesting because it was engaging and offered multimedia aspects. Students also reported the IWB to improve instruction through enhanced visuals and notes. Limitations and …

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Journaling As A Test Preparatory Measure In Secondary Mathematics: Successful Student Strategies, Lloyd E. Nickerson Ii Jan 2007

Journaling As A Test Preparatory Measure In Secondary Mathematics: Successful Student Strategies, Lloyd E. Nickerson Ii

Master of Education Research Theses

This study examines a math journal writing assignment comparing how high school (grades 10 through 12) algebra students who performed well and students who performed poorly on traditional mathematics tests constructed their corresponding journal entries. Statistically significant differences found indicated that students who performed well on the tests were more likely to have originally composed the text and examples in their journal entries, and students who performed poorly were more likely to have copied much of the mathematical language and examples in their journal entries from their textbooks. Students who performed well on the test were also more likely to …

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Perspectives Of School Nurse Vocational Satisfaction: A Qualitative Analysis, Shirley G. Smith Jan 2007

Perspectives Of School Nurse Vocational Satisfaction: A Qualitative Analysis, Shirley G. Smith

Master of Education Research Theses

This is a phenomenological, qualitative study of 25 school nurses employed in a large, urban school district in the Midwestern section of the United States. The study’s participants possess histories of professional work experiences in nursing specialties other than school nursing. Given the wide range of potential nursing opportunities currently available to registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees, participants’ responses regarding their selection of school nursing as a career, their past and present job satisfaction levels in school nursing, challenges, success definitions, and the integration of work with home life all bring clarity to the participants’ perspectives on this specialty of …

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A Best-Evidence Synthesis Of The Relationship Of Multiple Intelligence Instructional Approaches And Student Achievement Indicators In Secondary School Classrooms, Ethan E. Hodge Aug 2005

A Best-Evidence Synthesis Of The Relationship Of Multiple Intelligence Instructional Approaches And Student Achievement Indicators In Secondary School Classrooms, Ethan E. Hodge

Master of Education Research Theses

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the literature in order to assess and quantify (if possible) the relationship between MI instructional approaches and student achievement indicators in secondary school classrooms (grades 6-12). This study employed the best-evidence synthesis methodology devised by Robert Slavin. Criteria for study inclusio n included germaneness, minimization of bias, and validity. This study allows for several conclusions: (1) a very limited amount of research focusing on the relationship of MI instructional approaches and student achievement indicators in secondary school classrooms exists, (2) instances of MI instructional approaches vary widely in methodology and implementation but …

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A Qualitative Examination Of Middle Grade Practices In Christian Schools: Could They Become Models For Middle Level Reform?, Teresea Baumann May 2005

A Qualitative Examination Of Middle Grade Practices In Christian Schools: Could They Become Models For Middle Level Reform?, Teresea Baumann

Master of Education Research Theses

There has been much debate concerning the educational structures best suited for the teaching of students during the pivotal years from ages ten to fifteen. Many researchers and educators believe that the educational experiences for this age group need to be tailored to the unique qualities of this time in the life of a student. One purpose of this thesis is to examine the best practices for educating children during this time period. Another purpose of the study is to compare and contrast the practices in private Christian day schools to similar studies done of public school settings. The study …

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Improving Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (Calp) Of Low-Achieving Sixth Grade Students: A Catalyst For Improving Proficiency Scores?, Margaret Grigorenko May 2005

Improving Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (Calp) Of Low-Achieving Sixth Grade Students: A Catalyst For Improving Proficiency Scores?, Margaret Grigorenko

Master of Education Research Theses

Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is a construct developed by linguists that distinguishes everyday conversational language and language used in literature and on academic tests. The “No Child Left Behind Act” has created impetus for scientifically researched pedagogy that serves to increase academic achievement of groups who have been historically marginalized. Lack of CALP was identified as one factor that may prevent academic advancement among certain populations. An experiment was performed to demonstrate a causal relationship between increased CALP and improved Ohio Proficiency Test Scores. Twenty-three low-achieving sixth grade students, six of whom had IEPs, received an eight-week treatment program to …

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A Comparative-Qualitative Research Analysis Of Character Education In The Christian School And Home Education Milieu, Gretchen M. Wilhelm May 2005

A Comparative-Qualitative Research Analysis Of Character Education In The Christian School And Home Education Milieu, Gretchen M. Wilhelm

Master of Education Research Theses

This qualitative study provides a phenomenological perspective and comparative analysis of character education within the Christian school and home education milieu. The study is based on semi-structured interviews of fifty-two individuals (N = 52) representative of a sampling of Christian educators from four private, evangelical Christian Schools (n = 26) and area home educating families (n = 26). The intent of the researcher was to bring attention to the importance for Christian educators to come to terms with the worldview from which the desire to educate Christian youth in a separate moral community originates. Although the purpose and intent of …

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Identifying Effective Behavior Management In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kelly R. Victor Jan 2005

Identifying Effective Behavior Management In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kelly R. Victor

Master of Education Research Theses

Every educator has a dream to maintain a classroom free from disruptions; one in which each child is being molded, shaped, and corrected in a loving and caring environment that inspires appropriate behavior. The purpose of this research project was to determine how to create an effective behavior management plan and effectively teach classroom management techniques. Students involved in this project were preschoolers age three and four from a local Young Men Christian Association in Akron, OH.

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A Project Designed To Examine The Effects That Collaborative Peer Interactions Have On The Professional Development Of Teachers, Van Holloway May 2004

A Project Designed To Examine The Effects That Collaborative Peer Interactions Have On The Professional Development Of Teachers, Van Holloway

Master of Education Research Theses

Much research links collaborative experiences to the professional development of teachers. The author of this study designed a project, called the Buddy System, which provided opportunities for teachers to observe one another in the classroom and to interact with one another collaboratively. The goal was to determine if these activities provided a means of professional development. After the implementation of this sixteen-week project, the author collected data from a variety of sources which indicated that professional development had taken place.

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A Teacher's Approach: Integrating Technology Appropriately Into A First Grade Classroom, Loretta J. Phalen May 2004

A Teacher's Approach: Integrating Technology Appropriately Into A First Grade Classroom, Loretta J. Phalen

Master of Education Research Theses

How are first grade classrooms using technology? How are children using technology at home? Does the use of technology really improve academic achievement? An experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using technology to teach a unit in Social Studies to first grade students. The study occurred in a Christian school in Lancaster, Ohio using thirty-seven first grade students. One class comprised the control group with Social Studies instruction taught in a traditional manner. The other class was the experimental group, which used technology such as the Internet, PowerPoint Presentations, and video and audio recordings to provide the instruction. …

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An Analysis And Synthesis Of Research On Classroom Peer Tutoring Methods That Benefit Intermediate Math Students, Shelley R. Grimm May 2004

An Analysis And Synthesis Of Research On Classroom Peer Tutoring Methods That Benefit Intermediate Math Students, Shelley R. Grimm

Master of Education Research Theses

What are the benefits of peer tutoring? What do productive peer tutoring sessions include? This study occurred in fourth and fifth grade classrooms at a private school in a rural community. The researcher conducted an experiment to determine if students benefited from the opportunity to have their fellow students tutor them and elaborate on their method of problems solving during math class. In light of the inconsistent results, the author believes no assumptions can be made based on the data from this research. The fourth grade results showed definite progress according to the standardized test, but there was some inconsistency …

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Effects Of Divorce On Children And Ways Schools Can Offer Support, Cheryl Ellington May 2003

Effects Of Divorce On Children And Ways Schools Can Offer Support, Cheryl Ellington

Master of Education Research Theses

From 1990 to 1999, almost 15 million children in the United States experienced the divorce of their parents. Children experience varied effects from the divorce process, and they carry these effects with them into the classroom. By knowing what possible effects may occur, educators can be better equipped to effectively teach the children from divorced families who are in their care. It is the purpose of this thesis to explore both the possible effects of parental separation and divorce on children and to discover ways schools can provide support to help the children thrive. A unique characteristic of this study …

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A Best Evidence Analysis And Synthesis Of Research On Teacher Mentoring Programs For The Entry Year Teacher In The Public Elementary And Secondary Schools, Linda Cernetic May 2003

A Best Evidence Analysis And Synthesis Of Research On Teacher Mentoring Programs For The Entry Year Teacher In The Public Elementary And Secondary Schools, Linda Cernetic

Master of Education Research Theses

A best evidence analysis and synthesis of research on teacher mentoring programs culminating in an open ended survey to teachers that have received Pathwise training in preparation for mentoring of entry year teachers in a large city school in Ohio. The surveys asked whether the mentors felt that formal mentor training improved their skills as a mentor. The outcome determined by this research is that it is beneficial.

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Effects Of Student Ontological Position On Cognition Of Human Origins, Jeremy Ervin Jan 2003

Effects Of Student Ontological Position On Cognition Of Human Origins, Jeremy Ervin

Faculty Dissertations

In this study, the narratives from a hermeneutical dialectic cycle of three high school students were analyzed to understand the influences of ontological position on the learning of human origins. The interpretation of the narratives provides the reader an opportunity to consider the learning process from the perspective of worldview and conceptual change theories. Questions guiding this research include: Within a context of a worldview, what is the range of ontological positions among a high school AP biology class? To what extent does ontological position influence the learning of scientific concepts about human origins? If a student’s ontological position is …

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An Examination Of Gender Differences In Today's Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Single-Gender Mathematics Classrooms, Celeste E. Dunlap Jun 2002

An Examination Of Gender Differences In Today's Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Single-Gender Mathematics Classrooms, Celeste E. Dunlap

Master of Education Research Theses

Much research identifies a gender gap in mathematics, and some research points to single-gender math classrooms as a solution to the math gender divide. The author conducted a seven week study in which she divided fifty fifth grade students into singlegender mathematics classes. She wanted to examine if single-gender math classes affected the math achievement and attitudes of her female students. Upon completion of the study the author found there was no statistical significance in the girls’ achievement between a single-gender classroom and a coeducational classroom. There was a significant difference in the girls’ perceptions as to how they best …

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Effective Technology Integration: A Plan For Professional Development, Craig G. Dunlap Jun 2002

Effective Technology Integration: A Plan For Professional Development, Craig G. Dunlap

Master of Education Research Theses

Is educational technology effective in increasing student learning? If technology is an effective tool in the classroom, how can teachers best be trained to use it appropriately? An experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a constructivist math class utilizing computer technology as well as other tools. The study occurred in a Christian school in Northern Kentucky using fifty-one sixth grade students. One class comprised the control group, with math instruction that differed little from the traditional background of the school. The other class was the experimental group, which used the Internet, spread sheets, word processors, and measuring devices …

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Persistence Differences In Community College Courses Taught In Classrooms And Through Alternative Formats, Andrew A. Runyan Dec 2000

Persistence Differences In Community College Courses Taught In Classrooms And Through Alternative Formats, Andrew A. Runyan

Faculty Dissertations

While distance education programs continue to expand, the occurrence of higher dropout rates in those programs as compared to the same courses offered in lecture/lab settings remains a point of contention between supporters and detractors of non-traditional forms of education. This study used a foundation of research on dropout in higher education as the basis for an investigation of dropout rates in non-traditional forms of instruction in a community college setting. Course delivery formats studied included videotape-based courses, Internet-based courses, and courses offered in a self-paced laboratory environment. For each of these formats, the same course, offered in a lecture/lab …

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