Education Commons^™

Educational Leadership -- A Philosophy For An Effective Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Steven L. Gray

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a very recognizable characteristic, trait, or process in our society today. We know it when we see it, yet it remains very difficult to define. Leadership can be an organizational function, an individual function, or a process that may take on different characteristics depending on the setting.

There are literally hundreds of philosophies/definitions of leadership, and nearly as many on educational leadership. The goal of this paper is not to give an all encompassing definition or model for effective educational leadership, but rather to simplify the characteristics of an effective secondary principal into four categories: (1) manager, (2) …

The Effects Of Acceleration On The Attitudes Toward And Achievement In Mathematics, Nancy Preece Mcgill

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the affects of participation in accelerated mathematics classes on the attitudes toward and the achievement in mathematics of thirty-five seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students and their parents. The respondents, from a small rural school district, completed a survey consisting of an open-form question and ten statements designed to elicit perceptions regarding their attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics.

Results indicated that parental attitudes were significantly more positive than students as a result of participation. Results also showed that participation produced no harmful effects and, in fact, many respondents expressed a desire to continue taking accelerated classes. …

The Counselor's Role In The Peer Sexual Harassment Issue : Educating And Empowering Students Concerning Roles And Rights, Ann Marie Lentz

Graduate Research Papers

Peer sexual harassment creates and maintains a hostile classroom environment. Schools must offer an inclusive scope of alternative decisions for all students. Students are entitled to support from teachers and school counselors whenever they believe they have experienced such harassment. Student victims need to be advised by encouraging adults in the school system in order to reestablish themselves as active learners.

When adults facilitate student learning regarding the issue of sexual harassment, a safe environment replaces the hostile environment created by sexual bullying. When counselors, teachers, parents, and administrators send a message of support, underlining that sexual harassment is illegal …

Intergenerational Education, Alison Sherer

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of intergenerational education and its effects on children, the elderly and society in general. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with intergenerational programs were discussed. Guidelines for planning and implementing a successful intergenerational program were outlined and conclusions were drawn from the literature. Recommendations were made for future intergenerational programs.

Educational Resources On The Internet, Anna Sheets

Graduate Research Papers

The resources offered on the Internet are too numerous to be completely covered in one research paper. The focus of this research paper will be the educational resources that would be used by a business education student.

Does Technology Reform Education?, Connie Courbat

Graduate Research Papers

School reform initiatives have been part of public school change for some time. In the past two decades, this author has participated in implementing several educational changes within a public school classroom. Some of these changes have involved learning new teaching strategies, integrating technology into the curriculum, implementing new concepts such as whole language, and participating in workshops to learn about "new" educational topics.

Often these change efforts were embraced by educators as new and innovative ways to help students learn. However, many of these changes were tried and discarded because no ongoing effort was made to incorporate them systematically …

The Basics Of Teaching Media Literacy, Jill Wurzer

Graduate Research Papers

According to the Media Literacy Online Project (1998), American children and adolescents spend 22-28 hours a week viewing television. By the time today's children reach age 70, they will have spent 7-10 years watching television. Now, more than ever, schools are being called on to deal with the effects of the growing influence of the media in students' lives. Media literacy and media education are even getting attention in the English Language Arts Standards by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). So, what is media literacy? What materials are available to teach it, and how can teachers justify …

Educational Technology And Language Teaching: Research On The Application Of Videos And Computers, Lihua Zheng

Graduate Research Papers

One of the major problems with the use of educational technology in China is the lack of qualified teachers who know their academic field and the application of instructional technology as well. This problem inhibits the improvement of the Chinese instructional environment and the development of the Chinese educational cause. The purpose of this research paper is to present some of the most current research in the effective use of educational technology in foreign language teaching with the focus on two technologies: video and computer. Concerning video technology, different learning styles and the implications for language learning are analyzed; the …

The Role Of Prereading Instruction In Content Area Reading, Mary Carol Smith

Graduate Research Papers

The graduate project presented in this paper is a workshop for teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6. The workshop will consist of prereading strategies to use in the content areas. Participants will learn that prereading instruction is preparing the student to read content area material. Teachers involved in the workshop will also gain an understanding of the need for and importance of prereading preparation.

The Concept Of Self-Directed Learning In Adult Education, Ruth Mwangangi

Graduate Research Papers

The concept of self-directed learning in adult education is still not fully understood. As most scholars do not agree with the theory of andragogy, there is more confusion. However the concept of self-directed learning in adult education in the United States "contains an amazingly rich body of ideas, folk knowledge, bona fide theory and impeccable history" (Courtney, 1992, p. 158). The real question is to understand how self-directed learning motivates the adult learner to perform the various roles as demanded in the society.

Bibliotherapy : A Technique To Meet The Social And Emotional Needs Of Gifted Adolescents, Carlotta Paul

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of developmental bibliotherapy as an instructional technique for resolving social and emotional problems of gifted adolescents. By means of a review of educational and psychological literature, the writer gathered data about the effectiveness of developmental bibliotherapy in treating the social and emotional problems of the gifted described by Delisle and others.

The lack of bibliotherapeutic empirical studies using gifted adolescents as subjects and conflicting studies on the effectiveness of bibliotherapy to alter social and personality problems led the author to conclude that developmental bibliotherapy is still an experimental technique. However, …

The Adult Learner: Do Learning Models, Activities And Environment Impact Retention?, Mindy Westendorf

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a literature review of the impact the learning environment, learning activities, and adult learning models have on the learner and learner retention. Books, periodicals, and articles reviewed and selected for this paper were done with so with a corporate setting in mind. Several different theories are reviewed that all suggest that a positive environment that considers the unique learning needs of adults leads towards a overall positive learning experience. Activities and learning models are reviewed that support the positive learning environment.

Adolescent Depression : A School Perspective, Kayann Lilja

Graduate Research Papers

The path from adolescence to adulthood is ever-changing and often extremely challenging. There is growing consensus that today it is an even more difficult journey than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current knowledge regarding adolescent depression and its relationship to normal adolescent development. In addition, the origin, nature and characteristics of adolescent depression will be discussed. The paper will conclude with suggested interventions for educators to address the issue of adolescent depression in a preventative as well as treatment manner.

Technology And Its Impact On Language Arts, Tresa Ann Dietrich

Graduate Research Papers

Language arts is a field where technology can be worked into the writing and reading fields with word processors, CD-ROMs, and other multimedia materials that focus on communication. Learning to effectively communicate is one goal of language arts education. This encompasses speaking, listening, writing, and presentation – utilizing all the available technologies and incorporating them into highly motivating and innovative units or activities.

Design, Development And Delivery Of Web-Based Instruction, Isabelle Cowden

Graduate Research Papers

The World Wide Web is becoming an increasingly popular medium for instructional delivery of distance education. Many colleges and universities are offering courses and complete programs of study via the web.

This Graduate Project: "Design, Development and Delivery of Web-based Instruction" includes a brief review of the literature indicating the widespread use of the web in distance education in higher education. It reflects the current practice of web-based instruction in the UNI Educational Technology program. It documents the project including the process for establishing a new section of a currently developed course. It is the intention through this project report …

The Internet And Education : Uses And Issues, Ronald William Fitch

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to provide a short overview of how the Internet, especially e-mail and the World Wide Web (WWW), is used in education for all age groups, elementary school through university and corporate training. Second, to examine current issues surrounding the use of the Internet in education. This paper will answer the question "What is the current state of the Internet in education?" Educational uses of the Internet as supplemental tools to classroom learning will be defined and discussed.

Reflections Of Administration, Todd R. Hahlen

Graduate Research Papers

A principal as an instructional leader perceivably means providing the necessary knowledge so that the school's academic goals can be met. Information is a key factor in education leadership. Possessing expert knowledge and skill in curriculum so that teachers perceive that their interaction with the principal leads directly to the classroom practice. Communication skills in one-on-one, small group, large group, settings move the staff forward in creating a vision that is visible and real so that curriculum goals can be attained for the welfare of all students (Smith & Andrews, 1989). This reflective paper discusses a variety of issues facing …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Fredrick A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This reflective paper is my vision of the role of a forward looking Secondary Administrator who effectively uses educational research to impact school improvement in a positive fashion. It is, in effect, a snapshot that includes two sections. Some personal history, characteristics, and core values are in the first section. The final section is a composite reflection that synthesizes knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through coursework and from experience into my professional vision for administrative practice. I think brain compatible computer-assisted learning can be a component of effective education and the research cited reflects that.

Guiding Peer Conferences In The Process Of Writing, Cheryl Kremer

Graduate Research Papers

Children can only become experienced writers by learning to use the writing process through opportunities to write and through modeling of strategies by their teacher. Children will especially benefit from questions and comments that are appropriate to make during a writing conference. This instruction may first take place during all-class conferences and eventually move to conferences between students (Graves, 1983). Conferences may have many purposes, but according to Graves (1994), the most basic purpose for a conference is to give the students time to share where they are in the writing process and to figure out where they are headed.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Randall W. Strabala

Graduate Research Papers

Why is it that some people give up the relative security and comfort of working with children in the classroom to join the principalship? Why do these same people choose to leave an area where they are the perceived expert in their field for an area where one's decisions are constantly questioned and criticized by those he or she works for and with? These are difficult questions to answer and in a rational sense, there are not a lot of logical responses for why some individuals decide to devote the effort necessary to understand and achieve the position of the …

Historical Perspectives Of Male Same-Sex-Sexual-Orientation And The Division Into Contemporary Etiologies, Robert Emerson Willbee Iii

Graduate Research Papers

This is an introductory paper on the historical perspectives of the social acceptance of homosexual behavior, as well as contemporary views on the division of pro-gay and pro-development (growth out of homosexuality) groups. In conjunction with this, a discussion of the etiology of male-same-sex-sexual-attractions is proposed in accordance to genetic and environmental research. Difficulties in maintaining a pro-gay stance are proposed. Future research into the success of pro-development therapy, is suggested.

Issues In Distance Education, Cynthia Jo Warner

Graduate Research Papers

The world of education has undergone many changes in the past 100 years. Education was thought of as an orderly world where individual students learned discrete facts within separate courses that were organized into disciplines. One of the major changes that is currently taking place is one of physical space. In the past, students went to school. Today, school is coming to the students.

Copyright Issues For The Technological Classroom : What Is Permissible Under Current Copyright Law And Guidelines For Educators In The Design And Use Of Multimedia, Disance Learning, And Other Recent Technological Advances?, Anthony Kenneth Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Technologies, such as computers, Internet, electronic mail etc., offer educational institutions limitless opportunities for learning and teaching. While technological advancements encourage academia to boldly go where no one has gone before, there are legitimate copyright and intellectual property concerns that need to be addressed. The current copyright law passed in 1976, although it legally established the Fair Use principle, is inadequate given the age we live in.

To encourage dialogue, this review of the literature will explore the applicability of copyright law to educators in the electronic environment. Current law, established guidelines, and recent court decisions will be discussed in …

Technology And The Early Childhood Classroom, Donna Weinbrenner

Graduate Research Papers

As we close in on the 21st century, educators all over the nation are racing to meet the challenge to develop "technological literacy" in their students, students who are able to use computers and other technology to improve their learning and performance.

Acceleration Policies And Practices In Central Iowa, Patricia Ann Smith

Graduate Research Papers

This study explored acceleration practices throughout the country with a focus on the public and private schools of Area Education Agency (AEA) 11 in Central Iowa. Questions explored included the following: Do the school districts and private schools in AEA 11 allow for the academic acceleration of students in any form? Do they have written or implied unwritten policies for acceleration? What practices, if any, are currently employed by AEA 11 schools? What percentage of students in these schools engage in each type of acceleration? What criteria are used to select students for acceleration? How many acceleration experiences have had …

Looking Toward The Future For Suicide Prevention, Stacy L. Staton

Graduate Research Papers

Michael was the first born of two sons. His father expected great things from Michael, nothing short of perfection. Michael tried hard to please his father, but his father was never fully satisfied. His father thought if he yelled at Michael enough and was tough on him that Michael would eventually do things right and be molded into a "fine young man." Michael began to feel hopeless. He believed that he would never please his father. He started doing exactly the opposite of what his father told him to do because he knew he could not live up to his …

What Is Technology Planning?, Melva Ann Starr

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

The Power Of Discussion: One Teacher's Strategies With Children In Content Classes, Larry J. Wolfe

Graduate Research Papers

The use of discussion has been a practice commonly used by teachers. Over the years, how discussion is defined and used in the classroom has changed. These new definitions and rationales for discussion in classrooms creates new roles for the teacher. Once a teacher assumes these roles and is able to use discussion in the classroom effectively, students' understandings of meaning will begin to improve (Leal, 1993). It is through talk that students negotiate the meaning of text (Vygotsky, 1978) and review and master subject matter (Gall & Gall, 1976).

A Vision For Elementary Administration: A Reflective Essay, Beth Wright

Graduate Research Papers

As a high school student I would have never dreamt that I would be in a profession as an educator. I had my life mapped out, nursing school and then gaining specialized training in the area of pediatrics. l should have known that college would open doors. In my sophomore year of college, I stood in front of the mirror in my dorm room and asked myself, "What do you really want to do with your life?" It was then when my heart answered me, a teacher. From that point forward, education has been my passion and life blood. It …

Quality Schools For The Next Century: A Reflective Essay, Pam J. Zeigler

Graduate Research Papers

My formal education began in 1967 in a small school in north central Iowa. The world was a lot different then. There were 13 students in my kindergarten class. We all lived with our biological mother and father. Our fathers were the "breadwinners;" our mothers were the "bread makers." We read books about Dick, Jane, and Sally and completed thousands of worksheets. We memorized facts and sat quietly while the teacher did all the talking. We thought that once we graduated from high school we were finished with school forever. Words, such as drugs, computers, and AIDS, were not a …