Education Commons^™

Picture Books About Korea And Korean Americans, Jongsun Wee

Graduate Research Papers

Multicultural literature is beneficial to children to understand different cultures diversity in the global world. Koreans started to immigrate to the United States beginning in 1902. In spite of a lengthy Korean American immigration history, few children· s books portray Korea and Korean Americans. This study overviewed picture books about Korea and Korean Americans available in local libraries and universities and identified cultural values and themes in the Korean American picture books. This study also examined authenticity and stereotyping in the Korean American picture books. Few pictures books about Korea and Korean American have been published over the past 40 …

Performance Improvement Or Training : What Is The Difference?, Travis Kramer

Graduate Research Papers

The issue of training or performance improvement in the corporate workplace is of vital importance to trainers, instructional designers, and human resource development specialists. Recent research indicates a need to reach beyond training to performance improvement.

This review provides insight into how training was conducted in the past, focusing on training that was specific to the task, compared to how training is conducted today. Today's organizations focus on improving the performance of the organization's employees. The use of knowledge management systems has emerged in initiatives that seek to improve an organizations performance.

In the future, it is recommended that training …

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy As An Intervention For Young Children, Lisa Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

Young children can benefit from therapy to deal with disabilities, abuse, normal developmental issues such as famiily problems, and social-emotional issues. One approach to helping children manage psychological issues is bibliotherapy. In its simplest form, bibliotherapy can be described as the practice of using books in treatment, or helping with books (Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993; Pardeck & Pardeck, 1987). The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on bibliotherapy and to examine its possible applications, its effectiveness, and best practices in carrying out the intervention.

Effective Bilingual Practices For Early Childhood Reading And Language Arts :/ A Professional Development Seminar And Model Thematic Unit For English-Spanish Bilingual Educators, Priscila Palomino De Piper

Graduate Research Papers

This project provides a workshop framework for the implementation of effective bilingual practices in early childhood reading and language arts. It is designed as a series of workshops for English-Spanish bilingual educators, with the purpose of providing ideas and strategies to support the development of reading and language arts programs in both languages. It is important to point out that the success of a language program relies not only on excellent research, but also on the support of parents, teachers, administrators and the whole community. It is important to believe that no language is superior to any other, that the …

Implementing Student-Led Conferences, Allyson Forney

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of conducting student-led conferences. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with conducting student-led conferences were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers to conduct effective student-led conferences. Conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made for the future implementation of student-led conferences.

School Climate : A Review Of Literature, Sarah Galloway

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature and research on school climate to determine how school climate affects achievement, social, emotional and behavioral development, school safety, and school attendance and completion. Reviewing these outcomes for students leads the author to address principles for school climate measurement and improvement, as presented in the school climate literature. The measurement and improvement programs are reviewed in the context of school psychologists contributing to climate interventions.

Adult Distance Learners In Distance Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education is a current reality creating new opportunities and challenges for educational institutions, offering students expanded choices in where, when, how and from whom they learn, and making education accessible to a large population, especially for adult learners. This paper intends to present and discuss some of the most current research on the issues which influence adult distance learners' learning process. And help the school administrators, distance course designers and distance instructors to truly understand adult distance learners and their learning needs; design an effective and efficient learning environment and experience; facilitate adult learners' learning, provide learners' support to …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Maria Trese Cashman

Graduate Research Papers

Monroe (1997) said, "School should not reflect what society is, but rather school should model what society should be" (p. 193). This statement summarizes my reasons for becoming an administrator. Iowa's public schools are some of the finest learning institutions in the nation. These same schools, however, frequently reflect the negative characteristics of society. Lack of respect, segregation of students, and elitist attitudes are prevalent characteristics of today's society and today's schools. I want to be a leader who will make the necessary changes to maintain our high academic standards for all students and make our schools a welcoming place …

What Parents And Teachers Want To Know About Schools And How Schools Can Advertise This Information Using Technology, Denise H. Krefting

Graduate Research Papers

Finding good teachers is becoming very competitive in our nation as a large number of teachers will be retiring and fewer people are entering the profession. Parents are now shopping for the school that they want their children to attend and then finding the home in that district. The possibility of school vouchers is encouraging this. Schools need to be able to advertise information to potential employees and parents of their school district.

The Waukee School district in Waukee, Iowa works to create an informational CD made available to parents and employees is used as an example of what information …

Using The Instructional Computing Design Process To Introduce And Incorporate The Boys Town Social Skills, Marcus R. Kurtz

Graduate Research Papers

The following paper takes an inside look on how to use the Instructional Computing Design process to create instructional software that focuses on the Boys Town Social Skills. Within the planning, designing, and development of this multimedia project, the paper will also concentrate on the projects standards, management of the project, and an ongoing evaluation of the project. A great amount of discussion in the paper focuses on how to develop software that is used to instruct and guide learners using the Boys Town Social Skills. Each step of the ICD process will be described to reveal how the Boys …

Integrating The Literature And Social Studies Curriculum, Christa S. Lynch

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the historical development of curriculum integration, examining the relationship between literature and social studies and offers an original instructional unit based on this research. The literature will illustrate how, throughout American history, Progressives argued for integration of subjects but under some opposition from their contemporaries. An examination of recent literature will then demonstrate how and why curriculum integration is currently used.

Phonemic Awareness: Its Impact On Beginning Reading, Deb Metcalf

Graduate Research Papers

Phonemic awareness plays a part in the reading acquisition process. Studies have found that language tasks that measure phonemic awareness are significantly related to success in the early stages of reading. This study examined the effects of phonemic awareness in relationship to beginning reading. Guidelines, skill levels, and assessment tools for teachers were presented. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for future research in this area.

Raising Cultural Awareness In The Elementary Classroom Through African-American Children's Literature, Kirsten Seebeck

Graduate Research Papers

This research project topic was selected because of the need for raised cultural awareness in elementary classrooms, as indicated in current research findings. I chose African-American literature because in this region of the United States, Iowa in particular, the classrooms tend to be largely homogenous. Children who are from African-American descent find themselves to be in the minority in their classroom settings.

These children are not seeing many other children like themselves in their school community. It is therefore important that they see themselves in the literature shared within this community, in order to help them to relate to their …

Parents In Education (Pie), Kathy L. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

"I want to be part of my child's life, all parts of it. I want to help decide things at school, not just be there to help with work that is sent home, but really involved in the school and the decisions about the education my child gets." (D. Schnuelle, personal communication, April 2000) This is the voice of just one parent, but these sentiments and concerns echo many parents. School involvement and making decisions with the administration and faculty is an important part of a parent's responsibility to the school and the children. How do we, as educators, allow …

Improving After-School Programs : A Literature Review, Harriet A. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

The desire and need for after-school programs in the United States is steadily increasing especially for low- to moderate-income children and adolescents. Studies show after-school program participants watch less television and spend more time in academic activities and enrichment lessons (Posner and Vandell 1994). As a result, these programs are extremely beneficial to children who participate in them. After-school programs also provide a safe haven for countless children who need adult supervision at the end of the regular school day.

The following analysis is a compilation of information derived from scholarly journals, books, organizations participating in after-school programs, Internet sources, …

The Role Of Invented Spelling In Early Literacy, Nancy Carper

Graduate Research Papers

An awareness and understanding of invented spelling in early literacy were presented in this research paper. The developmental stages and guidelines associated with invented spelling were discussed. Advantages and problems of invented spelling were examined. Conclusions were drawn from the literature review and recommendations were stated for future research concerning invented spelling.

Creating A User Friendly Website For The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Black Hawk County, Kimberly M. Carter

Graduate Research Papers

Website design can be overwhelming for many viewers. Many times viewers discontinue using sites, because it.is not easy to navigate through the site. In creating the website for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County, user-friendliness was the focal point of the project. The Chief Professional Officer along with the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs assisted with the development of a website by providing information that was to be included on the site. To ensure a professional look the designer relied on the four basic principles of design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. The design simplicity …

The Production Of A School District Video For Promotional Purposes, Rodney R. Zehr

Graduate Research Papers

Video production for educational purposes is becoming more popular in American schools today because of the advancement of technology. With the development of digital cameras, digital video, and various forms of digital-editing software for the computer, American schools can now tap into a new and growing form of media that will continue to grow in popularity as technology continues to advance in the future. 1 The video project for the Mason City Community School District in Mason City, Iowa was initiated as a graduate project through the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This project was started because …

Linking The Literacy Curriculum With Technology, Scot J. Surprenant

Graduate Research Papers

Evaluating the process and needs of linking literacy and technology in the educational setting. The technology is presented as the driving force of change in the literacy. Teachers, administrators, and parents need to formulate a plan for training sessions along with organizing supportive people around them to integrate technology into the curriculum. They need to design professional development to empower teachers to use technology, in the curriculum. Understanding that students are exposed to multimedia literacy, technology will be a medium to motivate and synthesize learning. Teachers facilitate students to be responsible and empowered learners for their own learning. There is …

Literature Review : Using Humor With Children, Carol J. Aswegen Thornhill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the literature on humor, particularly as it relates to interactions with children. Often adults, whether they are parents or teachers, devalue the use of humor in dealing with children. Research supports that humor is a beneficial component of social interactions, especially with children. Studies have shown that children are receptive to humor beginning at very young ages, and that their sense of humor is developed and finely tuned as they mature. Findings show that by using humor in social situations, stress levels can be de-escalated, defensive reactions are reduced--which in …

Second Language Learning With Computer Software, Sonia Uppal

Graduate Research Papers

This article addresses diversity in the classrooms and the need for technology for English language learners. Language acquisition and English language learning are overviewed with highlights of the different stages in language learning and various methods used for language. Integrating the role of technology in learning English as a second language is presented as a practical way in which to instruct English language learners. However, selection of software is seen as a critical aspect of effectively using technology for English language instruction. Various important aspects for evaluating a software program for English language learners are presented. A software evaluation form …

Family Literacy Programs, Julie Van Meeteren

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of family literacy programs on increasing literacy behaviors in young children and adults. Benefits and various approaches of effective family literacy programs were discussed, as well as concerns associated with implementation, funding, and cultural and linguistic differences concerning these programs. Guiding principles were presented for family literacy instructors to facilitate. literacy behaviors in young children and adults. Conclusions were drawn from reviewing the literature, and recommendations were made for the future implementation of family literacy programs.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Audrey Wallican-Green

Graduate Research Papers

All eyes are watching school leaders every day. According to Betty Hollas (2001) in Keeping Your StaffMotivated, administrators are the "CEO's (Chief Example for Others)" (p. 7). Staff, students, parents and the school community are examining and interpreting everything principals do and don't do, say, wear, and our overall behavior. Since administrators are under watchful eyes, we have to be positive, energetic, fair, and confident. My life experiences, including the education I received in the principalship program at the University of Northern Iowa and my goals as a future administrator based on the Iowa Standards for School Leaders have influenced …

Developing An E-Commerce Strategy For Beverage Industry Professionals, Keith D. Wendl

Graduate Research Papers

A 278% increase in Internet traffic has moved providing a permanent ecommerce presence from an option to an imperative (Molitor, 2001). The Internet can generate new business if an effective e-commerce plan is a keystone component of an organization's overall business plan. This paper examines four roles an Internet professional can employ to match up with the appropriate stages a buyer is at in the buying process. The four roles include a) student; b) architect; c) counselor; and d) negotiator. With the dynamic support of e-commerce tools, these roles are important because they define how the Internet professional will help …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven A. Winters

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine how the role of the administration, teachers, community, and students, communication, staff development, and safety all affect the school's climate and culture. As Lyman (2000) found, the "culture of a school has important and far-reaching effects on the thinking and actions of students and teachers" (p. 145).

The Constructivist-Based Approach : The Better Choice For Learning, Consuella Eugene

Graduate Research Papers

With the integration of technology in the classroom, the constructivist-based approach encourages students to utilize their minds in a scholastic and a creative manner. Students are encouraged to learn via creativity, experience, experimentation, and teamwork. Teachers are able to organize information around conceptual clusters of problems and questions as opposed to learning facts in isolation. This approach is based upon the idea that students construct their own knowledge, rather than reproducing someone else's knowledge.

The advantages of the constructivist-based approach will be clearly noted and described by this researcher exploring the learning environments for students, students learning, student involvement, evaluation …

Universal Design For Learning, Julie Hill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, diverse learning styles, assistive technology/ tools for learning in the regular education classroom. This paper will focus on teachers reevaluating their current curricula and how they should start looking at the presentation of materials within their curriculum and consider the barriers their students might have to each of these presentation types. This paper will go into depth about universal access and how important it is in the planning and purchasing of new curriculum materials. It will also discuss the importance of assistive …

The Importance Of Behavioral Interventions And Stimulant Medication Effects On Reducing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Elizabeth Alvarez

Graduate Research Papers

Overall, various avenues of research state that ADHD is a complex disorder that requires treatment by multiple modalities. Most research states that a combination of medication and behavior therapy is necessary to resolve the symptoms. It should be noted that the dose of stimulant medication prescribed to a child with ADHD should be adjusted based on the child's response to a behavioral intervention, as well as the combination of the behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Rapport et al. (1982), as well as others, have found that medication alone will not "cure" ADHD. But with multiple methods of treatment the symptoms will …

Helping Families To Capitalize On Literacy In Their Homes, Paula K. Azinger

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy events of some sort occur most everyday in every home. Most schools have not considered some children's homes to be a source of rich literacy experiences, yet literacy practices are embedded within the daily routines of almost every family (McCarthey, 1997). The opportunities provided for children's participation in literacy practices in the home environment are closely related to parents' own literacy use at home. This article presents case studies of four families that each had a child involved in America Reads, a federally funded after-school program. The case studies are the result of an ongoing investigation of families' perceptions …

Aggression In The Classroom, Heid Reaman

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined how aggression in the classroom influenced the learning climate. Types of aggression and causal factors were discussed. Guidelines for teachers on the successful management of student aggression were presented. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made to help teachers in the classroom by improving their skills concerning student aggression.