Education Commons^™

A Systematic Multisensory Phonics Intervention For Older Struggling Readers: Action Research Study, Elizabeth Henry

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Upper elementary readers who persist with reading difficulties face both academic and emotional challenges when they do not make reading gains equal to their peers. Decades of research has shown that persistent treatment resisters respond positively to a systematic multisensory phonics intervention. In my action research study, I examined how 5th and 6th grade struggling readers responded to a multisensory phonics intervention. Following the eight-week intervention, students made gains in word reading accuracy and demonstrated increased confidence in word reading skills. Implications of the study bolster the importance of providing phonics instruction to older struggling readers.

Real-Life Nature-Based Experiences As Keys To The Writing Workshop, Margot Kinberg

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

For many years, research has supported the value of using real-life experiences as teaching opportunities (e.g. Noobanjong & Louhapensang, 2017; Powell, 2015). This is just as true of teaching writing as of anything else. In fact, when learners use writing (such as journaling) to share their experiences, they benefit in several ways, including their communication skills (e.g. Khanmohammad & Eilaghi, 2017).

Writing workshops have been shown to be effective approaches to coaching writing at several different levels (Williams, 2014). Such workshops provide the opportunity to reflect on drafts, collaborate with peers and work through the writing process. They are, therefore, …

Inquiries Into The Cognitive And Affective Domains Of Learning, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

In this issue of Networks, we see educator-researchers inquire into the cognitive aspects of their students’ learning, but also explore the affective aspects of learning such as engagement, choice, and personal response.

Self-Acceptance Of Adolescent Latino Students With Disabilities, Diane Rodríguez, Kenneth J. Luterbach, Sara B. Woolf, Sabino Peralta Rivera

Educational Considerations

This study examines the relationship of 165 adolescent students who self-identity as Latino and have been identified as having a disability. The participants completed the Perceived Stigma in People with Disabilities (PSPID) and Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH) questionnaires to examine factors that may affect the academic engagement of adolescent Latino students with disabilities. The researchers investigated self-acceptance as a factor that may positively predict the academic engagement of adolescent Latino students with disabilities

'We’Re Like Family And Stuff Like That': Relationships In After-School Programs, Alan English

Educational Considerations

After-school programs have been demonstrated or theorized to be associated with a wide variety of positive youth outcomes and have become a more widely-accepted aspect of the greater educational system. One of the most commonly-cited vehicles for these positive outcomes is relationships developed within the after-school program. This paper investigated youth perception of after-school program relationships through a phenomenological case study. Analysis of interview, observation, and artifact data indicated the potential for the individual positionalities with which youth approach involvement in after-school program relationships to dramatically impact youth outcomes. Consequentially, these individual positionalities need to be considered when developing conceptualizations …

A Tale Of Two Systems: One Library’S Experience Migrating To A New System And Back, Art Gutierrez

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The decision to migrate to a new library system is generally a long-term decision. The integrated library system, which some now call library platforms, impact many if not all facets of the library experience. Making a transition to a new system impacts all staff and our patrons on some level. In addition to the traditional services included in a library system we are increasingly seeing new services pop-up including electronic resource management systems, discovery layers, and program management systems, as part of the new library platforms. According to Marshall Breeding’s, Library Perceptions 2017 Survey, a little more than 28% of …

Effect Of Virtual Reality On Learning Motivation And Academic Performance: What Value May Vr Have For Library Instruction?, Brady D. Lund, Ting Wang

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The research on whether Virtual Reality (VR) has a positive effect on student learning and engagement is limited. This study aims to examine what impact VR has on student learning motivation and performance. The study conducted by Wang (2017) revealed that VR had a marginally positive impact on student scores and a strong impact on students’ learning engagement. It indicates that VR provides a small improvement in academic performance and a large improvement in student engagement. The application of VR in libraries focuses on providing the VR tools to learn subjects in STEM and history fields. For one-off instructional settings, …

Adventures In Rightsizing : Enhancing Discovery And Research With Open Access Journals In The University Library, Barbara M. Pope

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Academic libraries have long had print journal collections to support the university’s discovery and research needs. However, they are also continually challenged with needs for relevant content, cost control, and space issues; some academic libraries have downsized their print journal collections as a result. Many academic libraries are replacing some print journal subscriptions with online subscriptions and supplementing with open access journals. Pittsburg State University’s (PSU) Axe Library faces the challenge of providing journal access in order to support the university’s needs and stay on budget. To that end, PSU drastically weeded its print journals in 2016 and later began …

The Impact Of Math Vocabulary On Conceptual Understanding For Ells, Vanessa Valley

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of teaching daily math word problems in a 3rd-6th grade ELL classroom on math vocabulary use and math word problem and place value comprehension. This teacher research study used a pre and post word problem test graded on a 16 point scale and a frequency tally to track math vocabulary use. The results showed a small increase in word problem comprehension and a large increase in math vocabulary frequency. While math problems help some students’ math comprehension, the written format in English combined with the students’ lower English reading ACCESS …

The Benefits Of Providing Choice In Pre Service Teacher Education, Tami B. Morton, Agnes Stryker

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Traditionally, teacher educators provide structured lectures for their pre service teachers to impart knowledge of what will be encountered in the field once they begin teaching in schools. However, in this paper, two reading professors who are proponents of constructivist teaching, decide to provide choice in their seminars. Allowing choices provided an opportunity for students to encourage motivation, maximize performance, help increase independence and self-management skills and provide a feeling of control with their learning situation. Choices are evident in both informal and formal assignments throughout the semester. Pre service teachers who were able to share new knowledge in their …

Facilitating Collaboration Through A Co-Teaching Field Experience, Mark S. Montgomery, Adam Akerson

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This article describes an action research project in which two teacher educators implemented a co-teaching field experience with pre-service teacher candidates acting as co-teachers to facilitate collaboration among peers. The goal of the action research was to better meet the needs of pre-service teacher candidates and continually develop their ability to grow as reflective and collaborative future teaching educators. To increase collaboration, co-teaching models were implemented in an early field experience. Teaching activities and assignments provided opportunities for collaboration as co-teachers and as members of a teaching community. Data collection and observations indicate peer-to-peer co-teaching helped create a collaborative atmosphere …

“I Notice My Feelings:” Exploring Mindfulness With 1st Graders And Their Families, Katie Schrodt, Zachary Barnes, Megan Devries, Jennifer Grow, Pauli Wear

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This paper explores a study completed with 1^st grade students while a five-week mindfulness unit was implemented in their classroom. The paper discusses tactics for teaching mindfulness strategies to students and results observed in the students over the course of the five-week study. It also contains journal entries completed by students and their families both in the classroom and at home.

Kristin Ziemke: Digital Learning Can Turn Students Into Agents Of Change Around The Globe, Lotta Larson, Lori Goodson

Educational Considerations

This Educational Considerationsissue, with its theme of “Teaching and Learning in a Global Community,” highlights education in an ever increasingly connected world—and how we get our students prepared to not only survive, but thrive in such an expanding environment. As we considered this topic, one of the individuals who came to mind almost instantly was Kristin Ziemke (https://www.kristinziemke.com/)—an educator who has done so much to create bridges in this global community and helped lead us all on our digital journey.

Editorial Introduction: Educator Inquiry Into Authentic Learning, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

As a term, authentic learning continues to permeate educational discussions. It is sometimes called real-world learning, project-based learning, or inquiry-based learning, but at its core, authentic learning experiences involves: 1) activities that reflect work done in the world; 2) inquiry of complex problems through critical thinking and reflection; 3) social discourse and collaboration; and 4) choice (Rule, 2006). This issue of Networks highlights the inquiries of educators across grade levels and subject areas as they implement authentic learning experiences for students.

Editorial Introduction: Taking Risks With New Forms Of Instruction, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Inferences On Turkish Education Policies In The Light Of International Education Policy Studies Following The Compulsory Education Reform, Betül Balkar, Rabia Öztuzcu, Şahabettin Akşab

Educational Considerations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the developments observed in the Turkish education policies in the light of international scientific studies on education policy following the 12 year compulsory education (4+4+4) reform that took place in 2012. Data for the study that was carried out as scoping review and intrinsic case study were acquired via document analysis. For this purpose, scientific studies published in the 9 international education policy journals and National Education Council Report and Development Plans encompassing the education policies of Turkey after the year 2012 were analyzed via content analysis. According to the results of …

Forgotten And Overlooked: A Personal Reflection Of Foster Parenting And School, Seth J. Lickteig, Amanda Lickteig

Educational Considerations

The number of children in foster care has risen markedly in recent years, namely because of the opioid crisis currently plaguing the United States. Students placed in foster care experience higher dropout and lower graduation rates compared to their peers. School mobility has caused many foster care students to fall through the cracks. However, despite these concerns, teachers and school administrators have received little training regarding this population of students. Schools are ill-prepared for the unique emotional and social needs of children in foster care, often labeling them under the larger umbrella term of at-risk—which focuses primarily on their …

Speaking Their Language: Developing A Bilingual Libguide For Chinese Students., Nathan Elwood, Maryalice Wade

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

This article documents the development of a bilingual English/Mandarin library guide for the Chinese student population of Fort Hays State University. Growing international student populations across the country mean that many university libraries need to customize services for unique student groups. At Forsyth Library of Fort Hays State University we serve over 3600 students from China. We sought to develop further services for this student group. Please note that throughout this paper, when referring to “Chinese language,” we are specifically referencing Standard Mandarin, which is predominant among our Chinese students.

Engaging Graduate Students In The Online Learning Environment: A Universal Design For Learning (Udl) Approach To Teacher Preparation, Marla J. Lohmann, Kathleen A. Boothe, Andrea R. Hathcote, Amy Turpin

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Today’s classroom is more diverse than ever; it is imperative that universities find solutions for meeting these diverse learning needs. One potential solution is Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a promising practice in the K-12 classroom. UDL is based on the idea that diversity among students is predictable and systematic adjustments to the curriculum should be made based on that predictability. While there is strong research supporting the use of UDL for traditional K-12 classrooms, there is little research regarding its implementation in the online university teacher preparation classroom. This study explores the use of UDL for increasing …

Shuffle Lit!: Using Ipod Shuffles To Encourage Literacy Experiences At Home, Ashlee B. Hover

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

A kindergarten teacher used action research to examine how literature, audio books, homework, and Apple iPod Shuffles can be combined to encourage and improve literacy at home. The research participants consisted of 16 kindergarten students in Middle Tennessee and their parents. The kindergarten students took home a tote bag with the following contents: an Apple iPod Shuffle loaded with many audio stories, six books, two types of headphones, and an iPod listening/reading log. The students took the project materials home for a week to enjoy with their parents and other family members. The parents or siblings recorded the students’ experiences …

A Scaffolding Approach Using Interviews And Narrative Inquiry, Sharon Heilmann

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This article examines how educational scaffolding was used in a graduate research methods course to encourage student mastery of two qualitative research concepts, interviews and narrative inquiry. Findings suggest that scaffolding resulted in students’ mastery of both concepts as well as students’ increased attention to quality of interview questions and outcomes. Further implications suggest scaffolding would be useful in combining other qualitative topics such as integrating content analysis skills with research designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, and case studies.

Revisiting A Classic: A Book Review Of Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis Of Reading And Learning, Chris Sclafani

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Often, the teaching profession spends a great deal of time looking towards the future, or considering what might be the next big trend that will help students. However, it is sometimes important to reflect back upon the texts and ideas that set the tone for the profession. Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning by Frank Smith is a classic text that laid the foundation for teachers of literacy to move from an existence of teaching rules and exceptions to becoming an actively involved participant in the process of building and facilitating comprehension in students of all ages. …

Editorial Introduction, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Laying The Groundwork: Implementing A New Personnel Evaluation System, Miloche Kottman, Marcella Huggard

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The University of Kansas has implemented a new performance management system for paraprofessional staff to satisfy, in part, the “Developing Excellence in People” goal of the University’s strategic plan. The new performance management system allows supervisors and staff to establish and comment on performance goals throughout the year and, at the end of the year, provide a rating for each goal. In addition, the system requires staff and supervisors to rate and comment on nine core competencies upon which the University’s leadership determined staff should be evaluated. Due to a one-size-fits-all implementation, the definitions and examples supplied by the University …

Making Room For New Spaces And Services: Engaging Your Community To Help During The Deselection Process, Robert M. Lindsey, Jorge A. Leon Jr., Lindsey Taggart

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Leonard H. Axe Library at Pittsburg State University (PSU) is undergoing a 5-year building renovation focused on creating new services and spaces, including technology rich spaces, media recording rooms, group study spaces, and more. As part of the renovation project, Library Services was tasked with reducing the circulating collection footprint by approximately fifty percent. One part of the challenge was to face the traditional campus and librarian perceptions of reducing the collection. If mishandled, perceptions of the process can turn into negative emotions or public outcry that can delay or shut down a project. Librarians at Axe Library set out …

We Did It! A Collaborative Collection Development Project At The Ku And Ksu Libraries, Lea H. Currie, Mira Greene

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

For many years, the KU and KSU Libraries have looked for a method of combining their resources to create a collaborative collection development project. When KSU joined YBP as their main book vendor, it became evident that such a project might get off the ground since KU Libraries were longtime customers of YBP. Since Proquest was the main vendor for e-books for both schools and YBP sold e-books from Proquest, KU and KSU decided to approach their e-book specialist with Proquest to find out if a collaborative demand-driven (DDA) e-book project was possible. Proquest negotiated with the publishers the two …

Making Room For Change: Rightsizing Psu’S Axe Library Serials Collection, Barbara M. Pope

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Print serials collection development has long been a traditional role of academic librarians. However, in the last 20 years, academic libraries’ print serials ownership has declined and online access has begun to take its place, both partially due to concerns with flat or declining budgets as well as lack of space and the need to repurpose this limited space. Pittsburg State University’s Axe Library faces the challenge of balancing its print and electronic serials collections at a university whose programs sometimes do not draw enough on library resources. In an effort to create a meaningful discovery experience for the university …

A Fireworks Display Of Library Instruction, Terri M. Rickel

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Instructing students on how to use the library and the databases in one setting, especially when there is only 50 minutes, can be extremely overwhelming for the students and instructor. This session covered tips that can be used in the interview process with the professor, creating a flipped classroom or blended instruction opportunities to enhance the learning process ( including pre or post-session), as well as demonstrating guides for assisting students in database searching techniques. Finally, the session ended with ways to get buy-in from professors about tutorials and guides used outside the lessons.

Juggling Collections And Connections To Community: Changing Role Of Libraries, Jorge A. Leon Jr, Barbara M. Pope

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The traditional role of the academic librarian has long been the support of the university’s needs through instruction, collection development, and research assistance. Over the decades, this role has evolved to match the needs of the 21^st century university. At Leonard H. Axe Library, the challenge has been to balance the print and electronic collections at a university whose programs do not draw enough on library resources while also creating meaningful connections with students and faculty. To increase collection relevancy and make meaningful connections, the library has been creating opportunities for patrons to be content-creators and to engage with …

Color Me Calm: Adult Coloring And The University Library, Heidi Blackburn, Claire E. Chamley

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

An activity often reserved for children, coloring books for adults rose from hipster trend to global phenomenon beginning in 2013. Adults flocked to the activity for a variety of reasons, including stress relief, socialization, a way to unplug from technology or even as a way to gain social status by appearing trendy. Participants reported enjoying the tactile, interactive nature of the books as a respite from constant screen time. Coloring books became big business for craft suppliers and bookstores by 2015. Coloring books shot to the top of the Best Sellers list on Amazon and were prominently displayed in book …