Education Commons^™

Experiential Learning Applied To A Residential Life Training Program, Bobbie J. Coons-Boettcher

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to describe and justify a course project for a resident assistant course. Specifically, the project addresses the important role Resident Assistants play in developing community. To develop a project that was both practical and intellectually stimulating to students, as well as beneficial to the department, Kolb's (1981, 1984) experiential learning model was used as a conceptual framework.

Kolb's theory proposes that students learn at their optimal level when they can experience learning in many different ways. Based on this theory, the project is designed to engage each student in active learning while developing the …

Oppositional Defiant Disorder And Conduct Disorder : Different Names For The Same Condition?, Daryl L. Hawkins

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature related to the proposition that oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are, in essence, the same disorder, with varying degrees of severity. The author of this paper believes that it would make more sense diagnostically to combine these two diagnoses into one category.

This paper will cover a variety of areas related to oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. First, a section on the formulation of the diagnostic criteria is presented. Brief definitions and descriptions of the two disorders follow the diagnostic criteria section. In addition to …

Gender Inclusive Learning Environments : A Theoretical Framework, Patricia Ann Noteboom

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework based upon gender inclusiveness within classroom environments. Particular focus is given to the literature on college classrooms, student learning, and gender. Respectively, insights gained through this literature review are used to create a theoretical framework through which inclusiveness may be examined or constructed within classroom and group settings. A review of the literature is presented and informs the development of A Gender Inclusive Model for Learning Environments. Discussion of the model follows, with limitations and recommendations noted.

Elements Of Reflection For Secondary Principals : A Reflective Essay, Brian R. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

Are future administrators ready to stand up for what they believe is right for kids? Most administrators would probably respond with a yes. Two central questions that all administrators must ask themselves before taking that first administrative job: Do I have a personal vision of educational beliefs that are important for all children? Secondly, to what extent am I able to stand by my beliefs for children, even if it means leaving a principalship position because of philosophical belief conflict with peers and/or superiors?

An Investigation Of Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions For The Treatment Of Bulimia Nervosa In Women, Adrienne E. Reed

Graduate Research Papers

The first and foremost aim of this investigation is to review the professional literature related to the successes of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN). The second purpose of the paper is to compare CBT treatments with other treatments which have also been shown to be successful. The third aim of this study is to determine whether CBT should be the treatment of choice for women with BN.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Catherine A. Timmerman

Graduate Research Papers

When I began my journey on the road to an administrative degree, I knew that being a principal would be a difficult one. I also knew it would be a job I could do and definitely wanted to try. Brubaker (1995) stated that, "Principals are "can do" people"(p. 92). This is a quote which has validated my beliefs that principals make things happen.

Counseling Groups For High School Students, Rachel E. Williams

Graduate Research Papers

Groups were first established in the public schools in the early 1900s. At this time, the group provided an environment in which to learn life skills and values rather than focusing on the group process (Gladding, 1995). There was a growth of groups in select schools during the 1910s, although the focus continued to be on individual counseling. In the 1930s, the focus of groups was on vocational and personal themes. They were often the responsibility of homeroom teachers. In these groups, the teacher was responsible for establishing friendly relationships and developing the right attitudes toward school, home, and the …

A Perspective Of The Position Of An Elementary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Ed Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

As I implement my leadership vision, I will become the keeper of the rules; the protector of broken hearts and disappointed dreams; the provider of unyielding encouragement and relentless motivator to help kids so they can reach beyond themselves; and the helper of people to develop friendships and respect for others, and to become responsible citizens. Most of all, I hope I will become the kind of role model which touches lives and helps lead them in a wonderful direction in life.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Julia Burton-Varn

Graduate Research Papers

Whole language; inclusion; acceleration; best practices; integrated curriculum; back-to basics; Education 2000; Carnegie Report; School-to-Work Initiative; technological course-ware; multiple intelligences; emotional intelligences; multicultural, non-sexist education; and strategic planning are all educational issues that have emerged, submerged, and in some cases re-emerged during the fifteen years that I have been teaching. As schools embrace or reject standards or movements, one can ask if the quality of education has actually changed. There are frequent reports and articles concerning the poor quality of the educational system within the United States. A continual debate surrounds the effectiveness of a system and the quality of …

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Models, Lauretta M. Cufr

Graduate Research Papers

The increase in the size of the identified Dual Diagnosis population and the increase in focus on cost effectiveness of treatment interventions and outcomes, has made clear the need for improvements in the knowledge base of treatment providers. Treatment models currently in use as partially developed approaches need to be studied in order to provide the DD population with the most effective treatment possible. (Minkoff, 1994).

This paper will examine literature pertaining to the three current treatment models: the serial, the parallel, and the integrated. It will also report findings regarding one innovative program currently under study for clients who …

A Case Study Of An Electively Mute Child, Robert Driscol

Graduate Research Papers

Selective mutism is characterized by the appropriate use of language in certain settings, with a consistent lack of language use elsewhere. The child is often viewed as shy, and it is assumed that the shyness is temporary and will be outgrown. The purpose of this paper is to explore the problem of selective mutism in school aged children for whom silence may extend for many months or even years. Selective mutism will be further defined, and frequency, duration, and a summary of treatment methods will be discussed. A case study that illustrates positive outcomes of a behavioral approach will also …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michelle Elam

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my experiences, beliefs and other influencing factors guiding me into an administrative career. I will share my personal characteristics including values, beliefs and philosophies and my own professional vision for quality education. I will close with my plan for assuring effective administrative practices.

A Vision Of A Successful Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Gregory P. Herbst

Graduate Research Papers

Being in education, whether it be as an administrator or a classroom teacher, is not about "us" and "them". It is about "we" -- and what can "we" do together to make every child learn as much as possible? What can "we" do together to make every child enjoy and at the same time be challenged by this educational experience? What can "we" do to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and caring, responsible citizen?

Throughout this reflective paper, I will outline what I feel are some of the important qualities of an effective secondary principal. These qualities …

Effective Treatment Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : A Multimodal Approach, Dave A. Lipinski

Graduate Research Papers

The beginning of the 1990's brought with it increased attention to what is becoming the most talked about disorder of childhood and adolescence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This disorder is estimated to afflict between 3% and 9% of the entire United States school-aged population. The most common treatment consist of behavior modification, cognitive therapy, diet restrictions and food supplements, cognitive and social skill training, psychosocial interventions, interpersonal problem solving and prescription medicine such as Ritalin.

The literature on stimulant medication and psychosocial treatments for children with ADHD suggest that no single method of treatment alone yields significant long-term therapeutic …

Adolescent Depression : A Review Of Theoretical Perspectives And Considerations For Assessment, Elizabeth Marie O'Neill

Graduate Research Papers

Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders shared by adolescents and adults. Thus, adolescent depression is an important area of investigation for researchers, parents, clinicians, and teachers. The purposes of this literature review are to (1) provide a critical overview of the major depressive disorder criteria for children and adolescents in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), (2) provide an overview of well-articulated major theories that have attempted to explain the cause(s) of depression in adolescents, and (3) evaluate the psychometric adequacy of those self-report measures of adolescent …

Promoting Inference-Making In A First Grade Classroom, Susan E. Flater

Graduate Research Papers

School-age children throughout their life experiences make inferences. Teachers can offer instruction and modeling in inference-making and opportunities for children to make inferences. As a result, children can become accustomed to bringing their prior knowledge to reading experiences, thus extending their thinking-language abilities.

Extrinsic Rewards And Their Subsequent Effects On Student Intrinsic Motivation, Anne-Grete Kaldahl Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the current literature on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of different extrinsic rewards and their impact on student intrinsic motivation. A review of literature will address three central questions: 1.What are the advantages of extrinsic rewards? 2.What are the disadvantages of extrinsic rewards? 3.What are the special conditions under which external rewards impact intrinsic motivation?

Barriers To Effective Programming Of Rural Gifted And Talented Students, Linda K. Moehring

Graduate Research Papers

Gifted and talented students in rural areas have barriers that are specific to them. Through a review of literature on gifted and talented students in rural schools this writer has determined five barriers to effective educational programming: (1) Anti-intellectualism as a societal attitude; (2) isolation of rural gifted students; (3) the all-encompassing role of the gifted and talented teacher; (4) inadequate curricular or programming opportunities; and (5) lack of funding.

The review and analysis of literature on the rural gifted and talented include the recommendation that much more research needs to be conducted in the area of service to rural …

What Do Young Children Know About Numerosity? : Implications For Teachers, Keely J. Beam

Graduate Research Papers

"Numerosity" is the ability to count a set of objects using the correct number names in the proper order. Fuson and Hall (1983) assert that the use of cardinal words is one measure of the development of number knowledge. Using words in a cardinal context indicates that children are beginning to understand the "manyiness" of objects. The use of cardinal words is one of the best indicators that a child is beginning to understand counting and the underlying principles involved.

Numerosity is a concept which children often, but not always, demonstrate with overt behaviors. Understanding cardinality and numerical order, develops …

Success At Last : One Teacher's Growth In Understanding Of Writer's Workshop, Cindy L. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

Writer's workshop is an approach to teaching writing that corresponds to the whole language philosophy. Much of the literature published on the topic of whole language, and specifically writer's workshop, describes the ideal classroom environment. However, "whole language in the intermediate classroom is often given less attention in professional books and journals than the primary classroom receives" (Gannon-Smith, 1991). As a reading and language arts teacher of sixth grade students, I have been interested in teaching writing through the use of writer's workshop. There are some general whole language themes which can be used to build a motivating writing environment …

Reading Workshop And Vocabulary Knowledge : Allies In Comprehension, Ellen Cutting

Graduate Research Papers

The Reading Workshop develops a purpose for reading, gives students a greater sense of their own efficacy, broadens understanding of reading strategies, provides a context that supports the student choice of what is read, and allows integration of prior knowledge in what is read (Kletzien & Hushion, 1992). Students are able to construct and direct their own learning in the Reading Workshop by reading books of their independent choice, respond to what is read, and receive mini-skill instruction on reading strategies. Students are invited to be actively involved in a process that is consistent with whole language philosophy (Atwell, 1987). …

Nurturing Reading Comprehension Of Attention Deficit Students By Improving Their Inferential Skills, Paula Decker

Graduate Research Papers

Inference-making is a necessary component of reading comprehension. Many attention deficit students have shown some degree of reading comprehension deficiencies. Due to the nature of their disability – staying focused, sticking to a task, and noticing details – inference-making may be difficult for them.

This article suggests that by modifying and enhancing existing teaching methods and strategies, the instructional needs of ADD/ADHD students would be met. It offers some lesson and teaching modifications that have shown to be helpful in this author's experience.

When teachers are aware of the characteristics and limitations of students with an attention deficiency, they can …

The Movement Toward Authentic Assessment And The Role Of Technology, Brenda L. Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Assessment can be defined as the process of collecting evidence of what a student knows and is able to do. There are several types of assessment available for use. The list includes, but is not limited to, standardized tests, performance based assessment and portfolios. All of these have both positive and negative aspects to evaluating student learning.

Technology In The Elementary Art Program, Michele Weisinger

Graduate Research Papers

The advancement of technology use in todays' schools has provided teachers with new teaching resources. This applies to all teachers in every curricular area at every grade level. One area of instruction in which technology has had an overwhelming effect is the visual arts. Technology has created a new art form with which artists young and old may express themselves visually. Technology has also provided art educators with a unique teaching tool to promote visual learning.

Characteristics And Treatment Of Conduct Disorders, Vicky Jo Kukral

Graduate Research Papers

Conduct Disorder is the most diagnosed condition in both outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities for children in the United States. Behavior problems such as aggression, destruction of property, theft and violation of basic rules are concerns for parents, teachers, peers and other adults. In an effort to help increase the reader's understanding of the Conduct Disorder population and their treatment, the author of this paper will describe and characteristics of this population. The author will also address specific mental health concerns as found in a review of the literature, and the status of mental health treatment.

Solution-Focused Approach To Therapy : An Overview Of The Literature, Gail L. Garwood

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Solution-Focused Therapy philosophy, including some of its basic assumptions and their application in therapy. In doing so, the history of the development of Solution-Focused Therapy will be examined. Covered in this review is a summary of some of the elements borrowed from Social Constructionism and traditional therapies. The underlying assumptions of Solution-Focused Therapy to be examined include its focus on strengths, its particular view of reality (especially in regard to how expectations and the use of language affect outcome), and understanding change.

The therapist's conceptualization of the client …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen J. Haberman

Graduate Research Papers

To be an effective administrator in the 21st century one will need to acquire help from the students, parents, community and governmental agencies. Children today are faced with so many complex issues and obstacles. As educators we need to take all of these issues into consideration when working with kids. We need to be thought of as the teachers of children, not a subject matter. Yes, it's important that kids learn the basics and that college bound kids are ready for there next educational experience, but we have an obligation to our community in helping in the development of their …

Developing A Community Service Program For High School Students, Ellen M. Hoefer

Graduate Research Papers

Youth leadership development within community service allows teenagers to serve others, to lead, and to contribute to society in ways that support positive roles, personal values, and communal beliefs in justice and equality. Ideally, community service learning builds supportive structures for youth leaders, encourages positive dialog around new relationships, and empowers others as competent and purposeful individuals.

Learning is not merely answering a teacher's questions to get a grade, but asking oneself questions to understand and to know what to do. When learning is from real life, and the consequences are real, one may have to question the surface appearance, …

Admissions Policies And Ethical Concerns Regarding Intercollegiate Athletics, W. Andrew Hlubek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine admissions practices and processes at Division I colleges and universities, especially as they relate to special considerations and related ethical issues. First, I will review the history of abuses in athletic recruiting and attempts at reform. Second, I will provide more recent examples of abuses and reform attempts. Finally, I will provide data from an interview I conducted at a relatively large Midwestern Division I-A public university.

Integrating Children's Literature And Mathematics In The Early Childhood Classroom, Jamie M. Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

"Historically there have been three reasons for groups to formally adopt a set of standards: (1) to ensure quality, (2) to indicate goals, and (3) to promote change. For NCTM, all three reasons are of equal importance" (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989, p. 2).

Now, more than any other time in history, mathematical reform is essential in our school systems. The traditional mathematics curriculum was designed to prepare shopkeepers, farmers, and factory workers for occupations in the early 1900s. Some of those skills are still useful in today's society. However, as the new millennium approaches, our future …