Education Commons^™

Losing Faith : The Process Of Converting To Atheism, Jennifer J. Jacobi

Graduate Research Papers

The current study examines the process of converting to atheism and the counseling issues associated with it. It is argued that conversion to atheism can be conceptualized according to the model of religious conversion that Paloutzian, Richardson, and Rambo (1999) suggested. Research on atheism is reviewed in terms of how it fits into the stages of this model, and implications for counseling are discussed.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Barry Jones

Graduate Research Papers

A principal must be an effective communicator and a motivator of students and faculty. A school principal must be a creative and innovative thinker that embraces the challenges of complex school decisions. The principal serves multiple roles as an educator, manager, and leader of the learning community who builds a vision that all stakeholders work together in making possible.

Perhaps the most important characteristic of a principal is being flexible. An effective principal is never completely satisfied and always strives for making things better. Continually monitoring and assessing best instructional practices, school testing data, and educational research, helps a principal …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad Bridgewater

Graduate Research Papers

Caring is the first trait exhibited by almost every great leader. It may sound like a very soft touchy-feely thing, but it works.The second trait of great leaders, or those who get others to excel, is Integrity. In other words, they can be trusted to tell the truth. They tell the truth in good times and bad, and they tell the truth whether or not it makes them look good or bad.

Finally, great leaders who get others to excel have high expectations. They don't let people get by with mediocrity. No one can really feel good about themselves when …

Using Authentic Learning To Teach Basic Technology Skills, Steven Burken

Graduate Research Papers

During the past decade, most school districts have been required to write technology plans that have included the goal that students will become technologically literate. Teachers and administrators have been challenged to teach technology skills that will help student solve problems in the work place. What has been commonplace is for schools to offer courses or units in which students acquire skills without applying them to real world problems. This paper takes a look at the literature and research surrounding the use of technology, and the learning of technology skills, in the framework of authentic learning.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Andrew B. Ferguson

Graduate Research Papers

The task of an effective administrative leader is to be a visionary who will organize the school environment in order to maximize learning and success for all students. It is not an easy task to undertake, but success can be achieved when the school leader involves stakeholders in the decision making process and treats others fairly and with respect.

Above all, an effective school administrator recognizes that he or she is a role model and that everyone from students, staff, parents, and community members take the cue from the principal. It is a position that can be very influential and …

The Quality Of Child Care, Toranna Wermes

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of child care environments on children. Benefits, as well as problems, were discussed and were associated with how children are affected by the quality of child care environments. Guidelines were presented for establishing quality child care environments for children. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for the future of child care in our state and nation.

Experiential Learning In Webcasting For Peace Through Tourism, Courtlandt Butts

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to report on a project to develop cultural awareness and knowledge of the tourism profession; and to bring the team of students to Amman, Jordan to facilitate the first ever-global webcast of a conference. Within the international experience itself, the major components of the overall project involved grant writing, technological hands-on training, international student presentations, and the production of a professional videotape. The possibility of gaining such access had been made possible through the Undergraduate Research/ Experiential Learning Grant (UREL Grant) offered by the College of Education at UNI, which provided the ideal avenue …

Preventing Childhood Depression By Building Resiliency In Children, Sarah Carroll

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is a report of the success of programs designed to prevent childhood depression by building resiliency. Research results indicate that prevention programs focused on teaching children and parents coping skills, changing negative thought patterns, social problem solving, teaching the symptoms of childhood depression and how to discuss it with children, and fostering resiliency have reduced the incidence of depression in children (Comer, 1985; Gladstone & Beardslee, 2000; Seligman, 1995).

Additional research needs to address the following questions: a) How does building resilience differ for children from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds? b) . What are the …

Issues Impacting The Quality Of Mental Health In Older Adults, Rachel I. Pettit

Graduate Research Papers

Older adults are confronted with a variety of developmental and unexpected issues that can impair or strengthen their mental health. Affective and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicide are some of the mental health issues when older adults experience difficulty with the aging process. On the other hand, the quality of their physical and mental health, their support system, the resolution of grief and loss issues, and the strength of their spirituality assist older adults in recreating meaning. Thus, they are able to live their senior years with purpose. These issues will be addressed and recommendations will be described with …

A Review Of Online Career Services In The Twenty-First Century, Marsha Yvette Saddler

Graduate Research Papers

The need to examine and explore the status of career services online is not only timely, but necessary in the ever-changing technology movement that has affected the very culture of student affairs in American higher education. The purpose of this paper is to accomplish that task by providing a synopsis of research gathered from three main categories of online career services, and to discuss how using the Internet to deliver these services can enhance the career development of college students.

My Vision For Becoming A Secondary Level Educational Administrator : A Reflective Essay, Camelle C. Kinney

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss my beliefs about being a secondary administrator. The focus of this paper is to gain a personal understanding of what a secondary administrator is and does, based on various readings, discussions, practicum experiences as well as journaling activities.

The Effects Of Using Computer-Assisted Learning To Teach Multiplication, Brian Unruh

Graduate Research Papers

This case study investigated the effects of using computer-assisted learning (CAL) while teaching multiplication facts to 32 third-graders. This quasi-experimental study spanned a six-week period and was analyzed using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Among these qualitative techniques were participant observation and formal and informal interviews. The quantitative component included document analysis of three separate instruments. This study demonstrated a low correlation between the use of CAL and recall skills. However, students felt comfortable and enthusiastic working with the computer. In addition to the excitement, students felt significantly more confident and successful using the computer. There was evidence …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tami L. Mclean

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that the role of the principal is vital in creating the workplace and learning community necessary to prepare students for the future. The principal serves many roles including communicator and leader. I know that I possess the skills necessary to fulfill these roles and effectively move a district forward. My vision for the future is not to use a top-down approach in leading a school, but a broad-based participation approach. The school in which I work will strive to enhance leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and grow and reflect individually as professionals. I …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James D. Moeller

Graduate Research Papers

There was a time the school principal's job was clear and relatively simple - not easy, but simple. Everyone understood the role of the principal. That is no longer the case.

In today's society, the public education system in America is one that is fraught with dissension, politics and numerous other variables. Leaders and managers in the public sector are under far greater scrutiny than those in the public sector and the school principal is one position that is frequently caught in a maelstrom.

This essay will explore the literature to identify the numerous characteristics, knowledge and skills that are …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Greg Fisher

Graduate Research Papers

An effective administrator has a passion for assisting children in their educational growth. Administrators strive for a quality, equitable and applicable education for all children. Leadership is developed from the core values held by the individual. Values that are essential for a distinguished leader are integrity and honesty. Respected administrators have established positive working relationships with all members of the learning community, and they challenge each individual to achieve their fullest potential.

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.

Personal Growth Groups For Therapists, Vicky A. Knapp

Graduate Research Papers

Since the birth of psychotherapy, the need for therapists to attend to their own personal healing and growth has been recognized. This tradition of personal therapy has been incorporated into many current programs that train therapists/helpers in this country. Freud and a large number of subsequent practitioners have also advocated periodic or ongoing personal therapy throughout the therapist's career span. Self-exploration groups can be an excellent means to keep helpers in touch with their humanness, to further their personal and professional growth, and to reduce toxic consequences of practicing therapy.

A Social Studies/Science Technology Project Manual For Upper Elementary Educators In The Dubuque Community School District, Jenny M. Kress

Graduate Research Papers

In the last five years, the Dubuque Community School District's technology infrastructure has grown tenfold. With the implementation of a district-wide networked computer system also came growing expectations for classroom teachers to provide technological opportunities for students (Dubuque Community School District, 2001). With the administration's eagerness to bring Dubuque's students into the information world, teachers have not been provided with any technology curriculum or manuals on how to incorporate computer projects into their lessons. This graduate research project was developed to give the classroom teacher a means to provide these technological opportunities in a very systematic and step-by-step manner. The …

A Clear V.O.I.C.E. : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly S. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

A leader can be defined in numerous ways and have endless synonyms: head honcho, boss, chief, master, etc. "Critically, the leader has come to replace the hero, and leadership, heroism." (The Drucker Foundation [DF], 1996, p. 72) Similarly, a leader can affect people through a variety of methods and achieve immeasurable results. The evolution of a leader is an endless cycle, fulfilling the needs.of the situation or the fitting to developing relationships.

The ability to reflect is a daily, sometimes hourly task in order for growth to take place. Three major themes emanate including, (1) personal values, beliefs and philosophies, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tony R. Hiatt

Graduate Research Papers

Each day, various sources of input develop innovative ideas that could have a positive impact on education, and it is vital that all professional members of education listen to the ideas that are produced and reflect on them. Educators make these contributions by keeping an open mind and maximizing opportunities for children to grow socially and academically through positive experiences during their lives.

In education, we are preparing young people to practice life skills effectively in order to make a community a safe, pleasant place for everybody to live. As an administrator, I hope to serve as an educational leader …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rex C. Kozak

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers and principals need to work cooperatively to evaluate programs and make suggestions for the betterment of the students. The principal needs to involve the faculty, parents, community, and businesses to help develop a long-lasting relationship between the school and the outside world. Above all, it is the absolutely necessary for administrators to cultivate trust, confidence, integrity, and moral responsibility within the school. If I can create opportunities for educators to feel good about themselves, they will pass this feeling on to students and then into the community. By embracing these components of effective leadership, effective schools will result.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Pospisil

Graduate Research Papers

Successful leaders have three things in common. First and foremost is the ability to tum leadership upside down (Daft, 2001) and serve those whom are being led. Other styles may be effective at any given time, but the leaders that stick around are the ones that are able to serve. Second is the ability to make wise decisions based on experience and research, rather than wishy-washy decisions or passing the buck. Finally, a leader must have credibility. Credibility means that people know that the leader has principles and values that he/she really believes.

Ywca Family Literacy Program, Adam Severson

Graduate Research Papers

According to the federal government (2002), family literacy programs are defined as services provided to participants on a voluntary basis. The programs should be of sufficient energy in terms of hours and duration. Such programs should make lasting changes in a family that include the following activities: (a) interactive literacy activities between parents and children, (b) training for parents regarding how to teach their children and be a partner in education, (c) parent literacy training that leads to economic independence, and (d) an age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences.

The Family Literacy Program at …

School Readiness: Characteristics, Viewpoints, And Guidelines For Developing An Effective Kindergarten Program, Vicki A. Zweibohmer

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the recent literature on the subject of school readiness. Positive viewpoints, as well as negative viewpoints, associated with school readiness were discussed. Guidelines were presented for developing an effective kindergarten program with regard to school readiness. Also, conclusions were drawn from the current literature and recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs

Motivation And Mandatory Standardized Testing: Utilizing The School Counselor As Consultant, Liaison, Trainer, And Advocate, Trent Taylor

Graduate Research Papers

Since the publication of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983, the emphasis on using standardized testing has dramatically increased (Burke & Lombardi, 1998). Political candidates at all levels are using the issues of accountability and testing in campaign advertisements and as focal points to attack opponents. Today, hundreds of thousands of achievement and aptitude tests are administered each year in educational settings (Hood & Johnson, 1997).

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools, Corey Tafoya

Graduate Research Papers

Few people believe I grew up in Wyoming. It must seem far away, foreign and different from the Midwestern way of life. The rugged individualism that pervades Wyoming's culture is evident in the character of most Wyoming natives. We are raised to be independent and confident. Wyoming is a place where actions are valued above talking. People show their beliefs through their actions. When a neighbor needs help, help until the work is done, there is no need to form a "neighborhood association." Common social catch phrases and trendy social activities have a very short shelf life in Wyoming. What …

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 …

Fifth Grade Website: Improving Leaming Through The Use Of The Web, Brent Thiessen

Graduate Research Papers

The Internet has improved the way that information can be presented to students in an educational setting. Teachers have taken advantage of improving education through the Internet by creating their own websites. However, some of these websites are not created in a way that allows them to be used effectively by students .. The author of this paper has created a website that will be used with his fifth grade students entitled The Fifth Grade Website (http://homepage.mac.com/brthiessen). The goal of the website is to enhance the educational experience of the students who use it. The website was designed in a …

Play Therapy For Victims Of Abuse In The School Setting, Jennifer J. Turner-Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

As a form of therapy, play enhances the developmentally progressive and adaptive nature of children and adults. Play helps children who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse display and deal with traumatizing thoughts they may be experiencing. When used correctly, the play therapy process can be an excellent tool in helping children who may be suffering from abuse. This paper will describe how school counselors can effectively employ play therapy in a school setting with children who are victims of abuse. The author of this paper will address components of the play therapy process, play behaviors of abused children, …

Factors That Contribute To Increases In Human Performance And Employee Morale, Chandra Washington

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper focuses on training and other factors that increase employee morale and performance. In regards to training, this researcher focuses on its benefits and its place within the corporate organization, while offering suggestive methods such as motivation, employee recognition and succession planning, for increases in employee performance. The purpose of this paper is to show how organizations do not have to increase overhead in order to reach their goals with every employee. Employees do not always need to sit in a training class to correct a problem that can be resolved by motivating the employees, recognizing and rewarding …