Education Commons^™

Autism : A Look Into Cause And Treatment, Sarah Chase Ferguson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the literature on the etiology and treatment of autism in an attempt to answer three questions. First, what are the main theories on the cause of autism? To answer this the theories of the psychoanalytic, behavioral, and biological perspectives are examined. Second, what treatment methods are available for children with autism? Ideas on treatment are discussed from each of. the three perspectives. In addition, UCLA's Young Autism Project and Project TEACCH are covered. Third, what is the nature of treatment? The importance of specific treatment in the areas of language, social skills and daily living skills is …

Asperger's Syndrome : A Review Of Literature, Tracy L. Gappa

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains a review of literature on Asperger's Syndrome (AS). This disorder is characterized by deficits in social interaction skills and communication skills (such as the absence of eye contact or facial expressions). Individuals with AS also insist on routines in behaviors, and pursue a relatively narrow range of interests and activities. Etiology is thought to be multifactoral. Studies have indicated that AS may be influenced by genetic factors as well as pre-, peri-, and postnatal trauma. The disorder is also more common among boys than girls.

In this paper, the general clinical features of AS are reviewed, with …

Emotional Quotient : Predicting And Teaching For Future Success Of Students, Denise A. Hale

Graduate Research Papers

Emotional Quotient (EQ) involves virtually every aspect of a person's life and plays a more important role in predicting success for students than the traditional Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Emotional intelligence involves recognizing one's emotions, thus having a sense of self-awareness, managing and controlling one's emotions, motivating oneself to achieve a set goal, responding with empathy, and handling interpersonal relationships with appropriate social responses.

Many children today are deprived of natural opportunities to develop a healthy EQ. Through modeling and continued reinforcement starting in the early elementary grades, EQ can be taught. Teachers can provide literature experiences as the basis of …

School-Based Primary Prevention Programs For Eating Disorders, Suzanne D. Holmes

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of the literature and research related to anorexia nervosa, and to emphasize the importance of prevention programs in school settings and the role of school psychologists in the prevention and intervention process. Chapter two of this paper covers anorexia nervosa and the theories regarding its etiology, complications, co-morbidities, risk factors, and treatment. Because anorexia nervosa is a disorder which most frequently begins during adolescence, chapter three addresses the specific factors of adolescence that can lead to eating disorders.

Throughout the paper, there is an emphasis on the lack …

Effects Of Extrinsic Reward Conditions On Students' Intrinsic Motivation : Implications For Teachers, Jennifer D. Jacobson

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a review of literature on the effects of rewards on intrinsic motivation. Two recent meta-analytic studies are reviewed and compared in terms of their conflicting findings. Studies that examine specific conditions in which rewards may enhance or undermine students' intrinsic motivation are reviewed. These selective studies include research on verbal rewards, noncontingent, tangible, expected rewards, and contingent, tangible, expected rewards. Suggestions for future research are made.

A Kindergarten Teacher's Growth : Creating An Authentic Writing Program, Deborah Reicks

Graduate Research Papers

In examining several elements of the kindergarten writing program I chose to focus on the importance of the connection between reading and writing and the role I, as a teacher, can play in encouraging children to grow and develop as young writers. By improving the process of discussing and recording a child's writing with each child we were able to focus on how reading and writing are connected and use the child's strengths and interests to foster growth.

Parent As Participant Or Outsider : Establishing Positive Relations Between Schools And All Families, Amy Keller Sandvold

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to help elementary school educators to gain important information which may help them build positive relations with all parents. This review will not address special education teachers and programs directly, because of the particular case of federally mandated roles for parents working with educators, for which preservice special education teachers receive training. Likewise, national standards for preparation of early childhood educators provide for training in working with families of young children. This review is designed for elementary educators who do not have backgrounds in early childhood nor special education, although information cited might apply …

Early Literacy Experiences And Their Affect On Children's Literacy Development, Jolene Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of early literacy experiences for children. The primary focus this paper was to look at the benefits of early experiences with literature on children's literacy development.

The primary early literary experience investigated was children being read to by adults, and the benefits of this activity related to literacy development. Other components· of a rich literacy environment and their potential benefits were discussed. All of the activities that were investigated were found to positively influence literacy development.

Potential problems parents may have when trying to provide literacy experiences for their …

Academic Acceleration Of Gifted Children, Lisa Moldenhauer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine academic acceleration. It looks at the rationale, different forms of acceleration, benefits, disadvantages, and guidelines that should be considered when accelerating. In addition, this paper examines teachers' beliefs and why they hold these beliefs concerning acceleration. Finally, the last chapter summarizes this study and draws conclusions from the literature and suggests recommendations for further study.

John Deere Worldwide Manufacturing Symposium, Elizabeth J. Neibauer

Graduate Research Papers

The John Deere Worldwide Manufacturing Symposium project included event coordination, print materials, computer presentations, 29 speakers, location and guest arrangements. Printed materials included a symposium introduction letter, brochure, manual for each participant, welcome card, and thank you letters for each speaker.

Powerpoint presentations were used by all 29 speakers at the event and made available through internet access for all participants at the conclusion of the event. All presentations were handled and designed by the John Deere Waterloo Works.

In addition, the coordination of this project involved handling all details large or small including: selecting the location, recruiting the speakers …

Underachievement In Gifted Students, Deborah Langenderfer Nagle

Graduate Research Papers

This study reflected on literature concerning gifted students who underachieve in school. Its purpose was to review the literature to examine the various definitions of underachievement, the characteristics of gifted underachievers, the risk factors for underachievement related to gifted students and the existence of promising interventions to ameliorate underachievement. The writer concluded that underachievement is a discrepancy related to performance behaviors that can be changed. She found that positive change can best be accomplished by the use of individualized interventions involving both the school and the family.

Computers And Young Children, Suzanne M. Parsons

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of using computers in early childhood classrooms. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with using computers with young children were discussed. Guidelines for choosing developmentally appropriate software were outlined and conclusions were drawn from literature. Recommendations were made for future computer studies.

Dress For Success: Can Uniforms Enhance Learning For The Middle School Child?, Steven E. Wymore

Graduate Research Papers

The hot topic of uniforms in public schools has been of great interest in recent years. Many believe uniforms can help the middle school child learn better. Some would use it to control violence and gang activities in schools. Others would use it to promote pride and academic achievement. Some say it would cut costs for needy families, and cut competition with clothing styles. Those who oppose school uniforms contend there is a lack of firm data to support a "fad" such as this with uniforms. Instead, dress codes should be enforced and maintained. Some people feel uniforms give a …

Instructional Technology In The School System, Sherri Sue Zanotti

Graduate Research Papers

Analyses of the deployment of technology in schools have tended to note its failure to affect the daily values and practices of teachers and students. This absence is generally regarded as an implementation failure, or as resulting from some temperamental shortcoming on the part of the teachers or technologists. Such a construction is predicated on the assumption that the technology is value free and its implementation a struggling playing field. This paper proposes that no instructional technology is ever neutral. Its value and practices must support the organization into which it is placed. The failures of technology to look and …

Classroom Discussion: A Journey To Decentralizing The Classroom, Mike Suther

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout history of the United States, teachers have instigated classroom discussion about text in hopes that talk enhanced understanding. More recently, Vygotsky (1978) produced evidence of the importance of social talk in learning. It is through this social interaction or discussion that students construct and negotiate meaning of text. What constitutes social interaction or discussion is what leads some teachers to disagree. The literature on discussion has classified it into two types: recitation and discussion.

The Use Of Conflict Resolution To Reduce School Violence, Sabrina L. Taylor

Graduate Research Papers

► A St. Louis student, 14, was stabbed at school.

► An Atlanta student 12 was shot at school by a friend showing off a stolen gun.

► A 5-year-old and two 7-year-old were suspended from school in Rockville, Maryland for bringing knives to school.

► Two Denver, Colorado high school students detonated a pipe bomb outside their school. 2

► A Maryland teacher caught a student with a pistol inside a school restroom. The student shot the teacher.

► A Massachusetts high school student was knifed and clubbed to death during a government class.

► An Atlanta student opened …

Creation Of A Web Site For The Cedar Falls Historical Society, William W. Kay

Graduate Research Papers

Web sites are a growing media application for conveying information to anyone with Internet access. The creation of a web site for the Cedar Falls Historical Society was designed to provide the community an opportunity to access the organization's activities, schedules, and special events and to become knowledgeable about museum facilities as well as the history and historical personalities of the local area. The site contained information on membership, donations, structure, and other useful information.

I met with the Historical Society Board of Directors and presented a description of the scope, benefits, logistics, time frame, and cost of the project. …

Calculators In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms, Debra Lynn Kuehne

Graduate Research Papers

Calculators can be a catalyst for all mathematical learning. Arithmetic skills are necessary life tools. Doing mental math requires basic facts mastery with estimation skills. Using a calculator successfully and evaluating the answer requires an understanding of the necessary arithmetic processes and the ability to identify a reasonable solution.

Like all technology available in the K-12 school setting, calculators should be viewed as tools to facilitate learning and logical reasoning. Students need to be prepared for the jobs of the future, many of which occupations have not yet even been created. The motivation for learning any skill in life is …

The Integration Of The Superhighway Into The Classroom : The Advantages And Disadvantages And Precautions That Need To Be Taken When Allowing The Internet Into The Classroom, Shawn Louise Maly

Graduate Research Papers

Today few educators go without using some kinds of computer technology. Every year the number of schools connected to the Internet grows, as does the number of teachers with their own e-mail accounts. Now we seem to be heading into the areas of virtual instruction and virtual classrooms. The growth of computers is going to continue; it is inevitable. As we continue moving forward in education and technology, what are the advantages, disadvantages and precautions that need to be taken to integrate the Superhighway into the everyday classroom?

Reading Recovery : The Teacher's Perspective, Nancy A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

READING RECOVERY: The Teacher's Perspective presents a report of research that looks at Reading Recovery, an early intervention reading program for low-performing students, with the primary focus on the role the teacher plays. Data used was compiled from journal articles and personal interviews with three teachers randomly chosen from a Midwest school district. The basic questions were directed toward the teacher training, lack of professional input from the teachers in training, and the extensive paperwork required of the Reading Recovery teachers.

Results of the study indicated that teachers that are actively involved in the Reading Recovery program accept the program …

Self-Monitoring With Preschoolers, Nicole Fay Kimball

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a review of the literature on self-monitoring as an intervention for the preschool population. Self-monitoring is defined, and its elements are described. The theoretical background of self-monitoring is provided. The development of preschoolers is discussed in the context of self-monitoring, and behaviors that may be appropriately self-monitored by preschoolers are considered. Studies of self-monitoring with these children are reviewed. Issues needing further study are presented, and recommendations concerning the need for additional research are made.

Interventions For Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Justin M. Larson

Graduate Research Papers

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continues to be widely studied within the literature and researchers continue to investigate interventions and environments which allow for success. Whalen and Renker (1991) argue that multiple intervention methods are needed for success of children and adolescents in social situations. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature, and review interventions used to facilitate appropriate behaviors in children, aged six to eleven, with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

John Deere Foundry, Waterloo, Melt Operations Department : Induction Furnace Safety Operational Procedures, Edwina J. Boston

Graduate Research Papers

The use of multimedia technologies as training tools. allows businesses to reduce training time, decrease costs, increase accessibility, provide active learning experiences, and increase safety. The Induction Furnace Operational Procedures Unit is a set of eight (8) instructional modules developed for the John Deere Waterloo Works Foundry, Melt Operations Department. These modules were developed for use in the training of employees on the safety and operational procedures for using an induction furnace.

The unit was developed in the format of eight (8) Web-based modules located on the John Deere Waterloo Works intranet, Melt Operations site. Each module is designed as …

Promotion Of Student Learning By Small, Rural School Districts As They Design And Integrate Technology Plans, Randall A. Bohman

Graduate Research Papers

How will small, rural school districts promote student learning by the design and integration of technology plans? In addition, other elements that affect the successful implementation of technology include time, money, and attitude. Realistic goals should be established based on these elements. Research included in this paper focuses on concepts and applications that could be implemented in a school with limited financial resources.

If technology is to have an impact on student learning, it must be used in ways that reflect a new understanding of learning. Technology not only may assist traditional instruction, but it may also aid in the …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David D. Fox

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership styles come in many different forms and are often difficult to separate and identify as they mix and entwine in their functions. In this paper I will discuss the characteristics of seven leadership styles or skills: autocratic, instructional, transactional, transformational, situational, expert thinking, and value-added leadership. For each style I will attempt to identify some administrative tasks that lend themselves to a particular style, or that I have seen approached using a specific style. I will conclude with how I foresee my leadership skills developing and how I plan to continue to improve.

Using Interactive Writing With Reluctant Writers, Candis Frieden

Graduate Research Papers

Interactive writing provides an authentic opportunity for children to learn the conventions of writing while constructing meaningful text. As the teacher and children compose a text together, children are active participants in analyzing sounds and constructing words. While writing, children develop strategies for spelling. Interactive writing gives children confidence to use invented spelling which increases children's independence in writing.

Multiage Education, Wendy Edwards

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the practice of multiage education. The introduction consists of the background of multiage grouping, and centers on the one-room school house from centuries ago. Also, the theoretical framework is investigated to further explain the background of muliage grouping. A broad explanation of multiage is given, along with characteristics of a multiage program.

Benefits and disadvantages of multiage grouping are discussed in later chapters. Suggestions for successful implementation of a multiage program are also shared. The conclusion of the paper consists of a summary of the research and recommendations for further research.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joseph M. Bearns

Graduate Research Papers

A principal has to be a facilitator more than a director. He or she has to work as part of a team and to face challenges with a "we" viewpoint rather than a "I say, you do." Not only does the principal of today have to collaborate with teachers, students and parents; they also need to be aware of the.larger community outside of the school. A child in the school may have needs that go beyond the classroom and the effective administrator will be able to call upon support services to meet the needs of that child as well as …

Aids Education On College Campuses, Lauretta A. Dienberg

Graduate Research Papers

Many researchers have examined the issue of college students and AIDS. Most have come to the same conclusion, that students know how to protect themselves but don't see AIDS as personal threat to their lives. As colleges become more diverse and more students are able to attend college, these issues probably will become more complex. Coupled with diversity issues, AIDS has now become known as a chronic rather than deadly disease, as a result of progress made toward treating AIDS and through early detection.

A Perspective On Leadership In Technology And Curriculum : A Reflective Essay, Lori J. Seawel

Graduate Research Papers

I believe my experiences with technology will play an equally important role as a principal or curriculum coordinator. In this paper, I focused on the role I feel technology must have in education. I addressed the following areas relative to administrative responsibilities concerning technology: school and community relations, school reform, technology's role in the restructuring process, strategic planning for technology infusion, curriculum as the driving force for technology integration, the technology coordinator, and professional development.