Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Dominican University of California

Senior Theses

Articles 1 - 17 of 17

Full-Text Articles in Education

Balance, Inject, React: How High School U.S. History Teachers Adapt Under National Curriculum Standards, Andriana Stenros May 2019

Balance, Inject, React: How High School U.S. History Teachers Adapt Under National Curriculum Standards, Andriana Stenros

Senior Theses

History teachers across the United States are constantly shaping the minds of their students, yet the historical content they teach is based on broad, national standards. Since the establishment of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) in 1994, a dynamic process of adaptation to standards has been credited to high school history teachers across the nation. Each teacher has a unique relationship with their class, which generate signature teaching objectives and prompt teachers to reexamine and adapt what parts of curriculum they choose to share with their students. Expectations, context, and experience all play into the relationship between …


Removing Stigma Around Disabilities In The Classroom: The History And Benefits Of Inclusive Education, Kasandra Scourbys May 2019

Removing Stigma Around Disabilities In The Classroom: The History And Benefits Of Inclusive Education, Kasandra Scourbys

Senior Theses

The right to an equal education for students with disabilities is not something that has been available to all children until recently. In 1975, the passing of Public Law 94-142 started the movement of social justice and inclusion for all people with diverse learning abilities to receive equal access to an education. This law has been restructured and is currently known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004). Through this law, there are a growing number of students with disabilities (physical, learning, and intellectual) who are being placed in the least restrictive environment and spend most, if not all, …


The Arts And Technology: How Educational Technology Can Bring Humanities Further Into Elementary And Primary School Systems, Coleman D. Alameda May 2018

The Arts And Technology: How Educational Technology Can Bring Humanities Further Into Elementary And Primary School Systems, Coleman D. Alameda

Senior Theses

As the world becomes more inclined to implement technology in nearly every aspect of society, the United States Department of Education must find a way to incorporate new styles of modern and high-tech teaching without pushing out certain subjects from its curriculum. I believe technology can be used to bring the Humanities further into the classroom. In today’s society American education programs are desperately trying to make up for subpar primary school scores in mathematics and science. According to the government accredited international education forum (the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) the United States was found to be below …


Hiding In The Archives: The History Of The Art History Department At Dominican University Of California, Maura Wilson May 2018

Hiding In The Archives: The History Of The Art History Department At Dominican University Of California, Maura Wilson

Senior Theses

When students register for classes, they often take for granted the subjects that they register for. To these students their classes represent a means to an end. However, in the midst of the registration rush, when the registering student takes a moment to consider the time and work that had to be invested in to establishing these subjects, they might find a new appreciation for the classes that they are taking. This work is a tribute to the work of Dominican University faculty members who had to work hard to bring to fruition the Art History department as it exists …


The Importance Of Teaching Young Children Academics Through Multi-Sensory Activities, Tiffany Schardt May 2018

The Importance Of Teaching Young Children Academics Through Multi-Sensory Activities, Tiffany Schardt

Senior Theses

In this project, one will find information regarding the benefits of multi-sensory learning. Multi-sensory learning is a hands-on form of learning. One will find information on how technology is causing children to spend less time learning through their senses. The project is accompanied by information for parents and what they can do to promote multi-sensory learning at home. Along with this information, parents will find a guidebook that incorporates academic concepts with multi-sensory lessons. The project is organized so that one can find information on technology, importance of multi-sensory learning, proof, and guidebook contents. The project is easily laid out …


The Inclusion Of Students With Special Needs In The General Education Classroom, Megan Walsh May 2018

The Inclusion Of Students With Special Needs In The General Education Classroom, Megan Walsh

Senior Theses

The inclusion of students with special needs in the general education classroom has been a major topic of discussion for many years. Inclusion education means that all students are part of the school community, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses (“Sec. 300.8 Child With a Disability.” n.d.). These students deserve to have full access to all resources and social interactions that are present in the general education classroom. The ultimate goal of many schools is to create a classroom that has the least restrictive environment to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. However, many teachers …


The Effects Of Continuous Insulin Pump Therapy On Glycemic Control In Pregnant Type 1 Diabetics, Kimberly Kelsey Dec 2017

The Effects Of Continuous Insulin Pump Therapy On Glycemic Control In Pregnant Type 1 Diabetics, Kimberly Kelsey

Senior Theses

Type 1 Diabetics have various ways of managing their diabetes that have been studied for their effectiveness. Pregnancy in the Type 1 Diabetic has been understudied. It is known that Diabetics in general have poorer pregnancy outcomes because of poor glycemic control. This coupled with the fact that the body needs 3-4 times more insulin as pregnancy comes to an end makes managing blood glucose levels challenging for diabetics (Lowdermilk, 2016, p. 689). For the Type 1 Diabetic, there are two main ways to control diabetes: multiple daily injections using at least two type of insulin and continuous subcutaneous insulin …


Aquaponics: Redefining Education For Our Youth, Joshua Peal May 2017

Aquaponics: Redefining Education For Our Youth, Joshua Peal

Senior Theses

In America, we are seeing a lack of effectiveness with our K-12 schools. This costs the school districts and taxpayers money with very little return guaranteeing an ongoing investment into adulthood. Students finishing high school have very little if any applied learning and technical skills, and still need to accomplish at least four years of college or a trade school to be able to compete, even for a job not requiring a degree. Of those high school graduates, half and growing do not feel that they are prepared for college. Students also have little understanding of, or experience with, the …


21st Century Education: The Importance Of The Humanities In Primary Education In The Age Of Stem, Christine M. Reiter May 2017

21st Century Education: The Importance Of The Humanities In Primary Education In The Age Of Stem, Christine M. Reiter

Senior Theses

Taking into consideration the global shift towards innovation and technological development, the rapid changes in the global economy, and the United States Department of Education’s attempts to find a one-size-fits-all solution for America's education woes, our national focus has shifted towards the STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This shift to STEM-focused education has challenged the role of the Humanities in American education, introducing concerns that the overwhelming emphasis on STEM disciplines has pushed the arts, Humanities and human sciences off to the side or even completely out of the picture in American classrooms. In our everchanging technology-focused world, …


An Analysis Of Afterschool Programs In The United States, Caroline Jeter May 2015

An Analysis Of Afterschool Programs In The United States, Caroline Jeter

Senior Theses

This study shows the effectiveness of afterschool programs in the United States. The beginning of this paper shows why afterschool programs have not been effective in academic improvement. It then leads to the conclusion that now we know what our goals are to achieve better results in academics. This is proven through multiple specific examples of improving academic achievement, establishing positive relationships, and exploring individual goals. My project describes specific afterschool programs and how they may achieve these goals in an effective way. In addition, my research cites statistics and quotes from teachers and students who have been a part …


Building Academic Confidence In English Language Learners In Elementary School, Alejandra Vazquez May 2014

Building Academic Confidence In English Language Learners In Elementary School, Alejandra Vazquez

Senior Theses

Non-English speaking students lack the confidence and preparation to be verbally actively engaged in the classroom. Students may frequently display hesitation in learning to speak English, and may also lack a teacher’s guidance in becoming proficient English speakers. The purpose of this research is to examine how teachers build academic confidence in English language learners. This study also examines how teachers can develop active and confident English speaking students, and improve home-school communication. Research questions include the following: What are factors that contribute to confidence among ELL students in gaining English fluency? How can classroom teachers help develop selfconfidence in …


Understanding Social And Emotional Needs As An Approach In Developing A Positive Classroom Environment, Kristen Ozorio May 2014

Understanding Social And Emotional Needs As An Approach In Developing A Positive Classroom Environment, Kristen Ozorio

Senior Theses

The classroom environment is an important aspect of classroom management that concerns many teachers. Properly engaging students in the classroom can foster a positive environment. This study examines social and emotional needs of students and its implications in developing a positive classroom. How can meeting social and emotional needs of children help teachers create an engaging and productive learning environment? This study examines aspects of social and emotional needs as they are used in creating a positive classroom environment. The problem is that teachers have difficulty controlling student behavior in the classroom. While there are many approaches to behavioral management, …


Effects Of Resource Allocation On Student Academic Achievement And Self-Perceptions Of Success In An Urban Setting, Kimberly Ann Harris May 2014

Effects Of Resource Allocation On Student Academic Achievement And Self-Perceptions Of Success In An Urban Setting, Kimberly Ann Harris

Senior Theses

Civil Rights legislation, now 50 years old, de facto segregation based on socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and ethnicity in urban areas translates into the surrounding schools, with a legacy of limited funding, reduced services, and teachers with limited training to successfully engage students in high poverty areas. This study is an examination of teacher perceptions of the effect of resource allocation on student academic achievement ands student self-perceptions of success. Within urban settings, districts have changed little to reduce de facto segregation in schools as a whole, and create equal opportunities for all children. What are the effects limited …


Creating A Successful Educational Environment For The Latino/A Community: Building Home- School Communication, Talyha Romo May 2014

Creating A Successful Educational Environment For The Latino/A Community: Building Home- School Communication, Talyha Romo

Senior Theses

California has a large population of Latino/a students, and for most of them Spanish is their native language. The problem is the miscommunication between Latino/a families and educators in the school setting. Teachers often do not understand Spanish and are unable to communicate with parents or students. Latino/a families are not aware of the ways to support their children, given this lack of ability to communicate. A review of the literature reveals the cultural and language barriers that teachers face. Teachers also lack support within their school in providing appropriate instruction for Latino/a students and in communicating with Latino/a families. …


Heritage/ Culture Preservation Model Bilingual Instruction, Heidi Samayoa May 2014

Heritage/ Culture Preservation Model Bilingual Instruction, Heidi Samayoa

Senior Theses

Our first generation children face a loss of heritage in today’s public schools. Unfortunately, the assets that one’s bilingual ability brings into the classroom are difficult for educators to fully understand. Often this may happen because professionals in the field of education lack the knowledge about the need for children to maintain their culture heritage as a first generation or second generation child. This study addresses the benefits of the preservation of culture heritage in Latino/ Latina children. The problem is that there are very few opportunities for people to see strong bilingual education programs with culture heritage preservation as …


Enhancing Social Behavior Of Children With Autism In An Inclusive Classroom, Alexandra Akemi Rovira May 2014

Enhancing Social Behavior Of Children With Autism In An Inclusive Classroom, Alexandra Akemi Rovira

Senior Theses

Though laws relating to including children on the autism spectrum and general education in public school settings are in place, inclusion of students is still not a widespread practice in all elementary classrooms. This study examines the social needs of children with autism and in an inclusive classroom. Children with autism are often placed in separate classrooms in the elementary school. This study examines the positive social behaviors that come from having children with autism in an inclusive elementary classroom. Questions for this research are as follows: What are useful methods to enhance social behavior of autistic students in an …


Preventing Students Who Are At Risk From Dropping Out Of School, Agustin Joseph Gonzalez May 2014

Preventing Students Who Are At Risk From Dropping Out Of School, Agustin Joseph Gonzalez

Senior Theses

Over the course I have spent at Dominican, I have experienced a shift in the way I think. The academic journey I have traveled has brought me a point of rediscovery of who I am. With my degree I will obtain in the near future, I plan on teaching at-risk students, regardless of their age or placement in school. This paper allows me to explore the overall theme of students whom are at risk of dropping out of school. Various topics throughout my paper are discussed: the correlation between poverty and the impact it has on students’ performance in school, …